Beyond Fabric

With the first batch of bows finally ready for delivery, I decided it was time to put them to the test. Focusing on embracing new projects, it seemed appropriate to shoot a small editorial to properly support my first brand collaboration. Shot by Rita Lino, I’m proud to share with you the first ever Beyond Fabric Lookbook. 

Models: Miguel Vieira and Rita Lino

Photographer: Rita Lino

Special thanks to: Coisas d’Homem and Pedro Maia

I can’t help to be amazed by the sheer amount of inspirational sources we bump into on our daily routines, even if, at times, we pass them by completely unaware. To be able to focus on little details of the surrounding mundane envelope and absorb their essence, definitely requires highly developed senses of observation and sensitivity. 

When designers present their creations on the runway, one of the inevitable questions that follows is - “where did you get your inspiration from?” The wide span of answers usually contains a few that catch us by surprise and leave us wondering how on earth did they come up with that… Although I’m nowhere near the genius minds behind some of these collections, I too am inspired by numerous sources, some of which share no direct connection to fashion. 

One I’ve been dwelling on about, is the handcrafted façade tiles on century old buildings in downtown Porto. It’s impossible not to stare when faced with the astonishing artwork on these pieces, perfectly combining elements such as color, pattern and texture, all common to the clothing universe. I’ve incorporated several of those references in my own attire but when I came across this picture, I just knew I had to write about it.

The thing is, the pattern on this case is exactly the same that can be found on the house my family’s currently refurbishing, albeit in a different color scheme. 

As Sir Paul Smith so eloquently put it: “Inspiration can be found everywhere; if you can’t, you’re not looking properly”. If carefully curated, some of these patterns could result in potentially appealing garments or accessories, bringing to life a rich cultural heritage. 

A small sample of other traditional tile motifs

Source: Viuva Lamego

Shot by Steven Meisel, brilliant can’t describe Lanvin’s latest campaign. Be sure to watch the video to fully experience it… 

Sources: Lanvin, Inside of Me

Perfect example of the Camel x Burgundy combo..

There’s not much more you can ask of a coat: Peak Lapel, double breasted, belted, elbow patched and snug fitting.

Although I’ve mentioned florals before, I still hadn’t had the chance to fully address this much hyped pattern. Every other day, some new garment or accessory makes its way into the spotlight simply by sporting this nature inspired print. The sheer fact that its popularity is growing, while struggling with social, cultural and gender-based ill-formed preconceptions, is not only proof that men are more conscious about their style but that this pattern is a resilient one. As with all bold prints, the chances of getting it wrong are proportional to the risks you’re willing to take.

Whereas concepts such as scale, fit, proportion and color matching should be ever present on your attire, when going for more ambitious combinations they become a necessity. For me, the most crucial aspect to successfully pull it off is coordinating the scale of the pattern with that of the item itself, bearing in mind that larger items are harder to work with. When in doubt start by incorporating small notes such as scarves, pocket squares or ties and slowly work your way up the chain.

This shirt by Paul Smith was the result of an impulsive purchase a few years back, which remained stored away in my wardrobe for quite a while…now, it’s one of my Summer statement pieces. Besides the outstanding color scheme, I love its versatility which allows for interesting casual looks as well as adding a twist to more classic ones. Here I went for a relaxed, put together look aimed at toning things down by making use of pieces in complementing solid colors. 

Organic cotton floral print dress shirt by Paul Smith, purple organic cotton crewneck tee by H&M, slate creased trousers by Boglioli, brown crepe sole boat shoes by Buttero, watch by Gucci, silver string by Goti (hidden).

My take on Camel for the upcoming season made it to this week’s Links à La Mode from the Independent Fashion Bloggers website! Be sure to check it along with the other selected posts. 

The seasons are changing and as fashion and or style bloggers, you know what that means? Time to switch stuff up! Whether it be your content or your wardrobe, I always look at the seasons as a time for change— a time to gather inspiration from the streets or from your heart and just run with it. This week’s roundup talks about issues such as “The issue fashion blogs may be facing” to “Finding the perfect fall color palette.”  All important topics, right?  Needless to say they’re interesting reads and certainly make the mind wander. Enjoy!

• Angela Osborn: Guide to DIY- 7 spendid tips
• Beauty.Fashion.Inner Fierceness: It’s okay to take a break (Your blog will thank you)
• Bella Busta: Knock out color combos for Fall (+ styling tips)
• Beyond Fabric: Give it up for…Camel
• Can ya heel me: The voice of fashion bloggers
• Chic n Cheap Living: {Shopping} Guide: How to shop on Ebay
• Fashables: The search for a great bag
• Fashioned by love: Green inspirations
• Fashion Moriarty: Peaceful Protest
• Forever Amber: Often Imitated: Half assed hair tutorial: Gigantic messy bun head
• Independent Fashion Bloggers: Do you need press credentials to cover NYFW?
• J.Rose Style: Outfit Chronicles: Daytime Sparkle
• January Sublime: Boohoo AW Press Day!
• Kyoto Maiko: The proper care and feeding of a boat shoe
• Leia’s Delights: Has Fashion Blogging Made you more body-conscious?
• Simply Frabulous: Stockholm Fashion Week Day 2: Rützou
• Tea for Two: Their brand, your blog and how to respect yourself
• The Loudmouth Lifestyle: How to pack light… with heavy clothing!
• The Simply Luxurious Life: Kate-Moss-Vogue US- September 2011
• The Taxonomy Of My Wardrobe: What is Precious?

SPONSOR:

Fashion’s Night Out at Shopbop: Antipodium, Holy Tee, Obakki, DKNY Intimates, Daftbird, C&C California, Pamela Love, Thakoon dresses, & Rachel Zoe collection.

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE

If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine

As AW offerings begin populating stores, both online and off, the time has come to focus on the upcoming season. As one delves into new collections and begins defining his wishlist and essentials, one key aspect to bear in mind other than style and function, is definitely the color palette. This year’s been all about bold, eye popping colors making their way into all sorts of garments… and Winter is no exception. Although in a toned down version of current pieces, one that accurately reflects and adapts to the wintery atmosphere, color is ever present on AW creations. 

Apart from the traditional all-rounders shades of navy, grey and black, there seems to be an overall bet on deep, rich colors such as green, burgundy and camel. For me, the latter will be one of the season’s staples. This lighter shade, as counterintuitive as it may seem for rainy, gloomy days, is the perfect way to brighten and liven up not only your outfit, but mood as well. There’s something luxurious about it, almost royal, that immediately carries on to you the moment you put it on.

I favour its use on all sorts of coats (sports, toggle, top) as these are the items that really make it shine, but do consider knits or cardigans as they work wonders as layering pieces. The perfect match for raw denim or charcoal slacks, camel seamlessly adapts to the outfit’s degree of formality. I’m really excited to see it at its peak, paired with burgundy, another of the season’s must haves (as Derek covered earlier)… such a killer combo. 

Paul Smith and Etro

Brooks Brothers and Paul Smith

Ralph Lauren and Martin Margiela