Ramp1885.com2013-05-18T16:38:29-04:00Ramp1885.comhttp://www.huffingtonpost.ca/author/index.php?author=rampCopyright 2008, HuffingtonPost.com, Inc.HuffingtonPost Blogger Feed for Ramp1885.comGood old fashioned elbow grease.Couture in Johannesburg, South Africatag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.29456072013-03-25T17:49:57-04:002013-03-25T17:43:23-04:00Ramp1885.comhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/ramp/Tenacious Soul, who expresses passion through creating garments for women in all sizes who aren't afraid to enhance their individual style. Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, she infuses African prints with vintage glam is breathtakingly genius!
Who is Tshegofatso and how did she come to marry Tenacious Soul, the brand?
I'm a 25-year-old creative girl from Mabopane in Pretoria. I'm a fashion lover and designer, I think of myself as a hungry entrepreneur and an aspiring business woman. Tenacious Soul was born three years ago in 2010, in my residence room at the University of Johannesburg. She's my first love. I started with making matric dance gowns as well as end-year function dresses. The demand grew by the day until I decided to build a brand out this passion for fashion. That's when Tenacious Soul emerged.
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Please describe your brand in a few words.
It is a brand that seeks to bring out the beauty out of what is seen as ugly or inadequate.
Why do you what you do?
Fashion is often seen as a shallow industry, but to me its more than that. I do it to brand and build an individual. To give them a platform for expression. I also believe that Fashion is the biggest strategy to improve and represent Africa globally, I'm a contributor to that.
Tenacious Soul creates chic and vintage inspired pieces with a pungent affection for African prints. What inspired this move?
In my observation, vintage lives to tell a story, there's a certain depth and art to it, it's a classical trend that never dies and the African print is a trademark for identity. Most South African designers have lost that mark -- they draw from the wells of other nations and that's not wrong but what happened celebrating us. So we as a brand have decided to be 'On Trend and African'.
As a fairly young label, what marketing strategies do you have in place for your brand?
Social media. We have a website, Facebook page, Twitter and a blog. We also have a face (spokesperson), she will be wearing and marketing our designs at various events she attends. For the future, we are currently working on getting a celebrity ambassador who fits the brand by the end of 2013. We are also looking at catering for plus-sized models, there's a huge gap in the market. We believe by filling this gap we will be changing lives and being different from the route other designers are taking.
What are your views on the African Fashion landscape?
Africa has so much to draw from, what we need is the confidence to enhance and build on what we have. There's a movement at the moment called 'Re-Branding Africa'. And as I said I believe that Fashion is the biggest bait for that, if platforms like AFI (Africa Fashion International) by Precious Motsepe are used to the fullest we could have luxurious fashion brands that qualify to compete on a global scale. Fashion will package Africa in a proper manner. Not only will we young designers be growing but we will also be attracting investors into Africa which will eventually improve economical issues.
You're currently working on a plus-size collection. Why is it important for the brand to cater to a luscious woman?
Our brand breaks "society's law of beauty." We said we bring out the beauty out of what is seen as inadequate and that is exactly what we doing through this range. Everybody is beautiful.
If I had a magic wand to bring a dream fashion collaboration to manifestation, who would it be with?
I think the late Alexander McQueen. Our style are completely different but what I loved about him is that he broke the rules. He experimented and took the biggest risks in fashion. He proved that fashion is art. And yes we shared the same principle of bringing the beauty out of the ugly.
Is there any cause that is dear to your heart?
Right now, I'd say empowering the woman of Africa, encouraging them to stand up and open that business,stand up and apply for that job,stand up and learn those craft skills. They are the doorway to the wealth of this continent.
Not to sound like Steve Harvey but what are your short and long term goals for the business?
There's a lot but I'll give you one of each:
Short term: I'd say to showcase at Joburg Fashion Week (Part of Africa Fashion International) in 2014.
Long term: To be one of the young business women who helped solve the unemployment issues of South Africa and Africa as a whole, by doing what I love.
How do you market your brand and make sure its accessible to a global market?
Website, twitter, Facebook and through bloggers.
Where can we find your designs?
Our website: www.tenacioussoul.co.za and Facebook: Tenacious Soul, and at Twitter: @TenaciousFash
Please share with us anything you might want to add that I haven't touched on.
Anyone can start a clothing line but not everyone is a fashion designer.
By: Jesica Colbyn
Photography courtesy of Clivert Qoolerbox Thibela]]>High-End Lingerie from Latviatag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.28963232013-03-18T17:04:26-04:002013-05-18T05:12:01-04:00Ramp1885.comhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/ramp/
Where morality ends, immorality begins; spring/summer 2013 collection "Jeweler" erases the borders of both.
Tight pattern corsets and glossy bodysuits in combination with delicate stockings (evidently a combination of success) bring majestic splendour in your bedroom boudoir.
"Jeweler" reconfirms the irresistible attraction the majority of women feel equally for their diamonds and lingerie -- caramel shade Amoralle nightgown with smoky blue panelling at the hem can be that precious!
If you haven't got a post-holiday tan, ain't no big deal, maintaining pale skin will definitely benefit your blue blooded Amoralle look.
New collection is dominated by super slimming silhouettes, and illusive mini dresses, all-natural silk, lace and transparent chiffon with quality velvet buttons, crystal embroidery, and even luxurious fur finishing. Seems House of Amoralle hasn't lost its elegance and charm.
Here are the best bits...
By Deniss Zelenkov
Photography by Kaspars Rocis]]>Menswear Shone at South Africa Fashion Weektag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.20476122012-10-31T17:45:37-04:002012-12-31T05:12:01-05:00Ramp1885.comhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/ramp/ Palse Homme
Third time's a charm for designer Paledi Segapo with his third appearance at South Africa Fashion Week. Segapo's collection this season brings forth a vibrant colour palette allowing his fashion-ister to experiment with various shades of eye-catching pinks and stunning realms of blues -- shades that you wouldn't normally associate with the man's suit. The detailing in the jackets include satin piping on lapels and inverted colour blocked cuffs which gives it the extra edge that it deserves. And let us not forget the hot pink gloves! Segapo understands that the brilliance lies in the details and that the Palse Homme gent is one whose confidence is inimitable.
House of Olé
The collection is inspired by -- in the designer Olé's own words-- "God's handwork, seen in the stripe on the back of the zebra, in the petal of a flower, on the scales of a fish and in a pomegranate." And it shows. This collection can be seen as an homage to Africa's people, style and culture. From the Maasai Mara, the brightly coloured beads and the exotic tropical backdrop this collection captures that essence whole heartedly. The gold detailing in the bomber jacket, the jodhpur-esque cut of the pants and the embracing of various lines and prints shows and of course, the fantastic red which threads itself through various forms creates that level of excitement often not seen in menswear.
Skorzch
Judging by his impeccable collection you wouldn't know that designer, Zano Sithetho is the new kid on the design block. The winner of South Africa Fashion Week Renault Talent Search with his line Skorzch, Sithetho who hails from the East Cape and draws his inspiration from Ozwald boating, definitely proved that menswear can pretty much leave women breathless. Strong colours buoyed by the impeccable skinny silhouette, the fabulous tailored blazers and his double breasted approach, he marries British design with the modernity of the au courant man. This collection energizes what could have been a cartoonish take on the Dandy look, but instead gave it a breath of much needed fresh air.
By: Hina P. Ansari Photography courtesy of South Africa Fashion Week
We are witnessing a unique post-Communist fashion awakening.
What's going on with Prague fashion? Half the year hidden away in winter coats ("Prague Spring" might have been a misnomer), the other half enduring jeers from their western neighbors for pairing sandals with socks, Czechs continue to negotiate their relationship with fashion -- from the west, from the east, and from within. And it's no surprise: for 40 very recent years (and in the west, a very fashion-formative 40 at that), dress in Czechoslovakia was, like just about everything else, a matter of strict regulation and restriction.
Now, however, the Czech Republic boasts one of the biggest-booming economies of the post-Communist states of Central and Eastern Europe, consumerism is on the up-and-up (and up), and Prague shopping centres crop up like mushrooms after a rain.
But Czech fashion can't be bought at H&M. What has emerged out of the most recent 20 years of Prague fashion history is a climate of ingenuity. An active, diverse blogosphere provides a hub for debate among critics and consumers. DIY culture -- a holdover, perhaps of the homemade fashion that characterized the Communist era -- impels an army of citizen-stylists to do their own taste making.
With a population just below 1.3 million, the city is large enough to have its own homespun celebrities but small enough to feel cozily, democratically, accessible. Winter may be long, but when in Paris and New York the window displays fade to brown and grey, the bright colors of a Praguer's wardrobe rival only the city's candy-heart façades.
What's going on in Prague fashion is not what's going on in French Elle or U.K. Marie Claire -- so the Czech Republic has its own editions of both. An unconventional history does not a conventional style make. Regarding the socks-with-sandals thing, chastising the fashion "rulebreakers" just seems a little petty.
By: Morgan Childs
Photography by Morgan Childs]]>Jakarta Fashion & Food Festival 2012tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.17009562012-09-19T08:12:22-04:002012-11-19T05:12:02-05:00Ramp1885.comhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/ramp/ Denny Wirawan
"Kilimology"
Taking the iconic tribal prints often found in Kilim rugs of Turkey, Persia, Denny wanted to use the various tribal motifs to create his entire collection. The colours are devine as the way he has used various prints to create their own thread of connectivity from one outfit to the next.
Ghea Panggabean
"Ethnicentrique"
The cultures of East Nusa Tenggara presents bountiful inspirations for this designer who took liberal heaps of such creativity for her collection. Sumba woven fabrics which have been morphed into a modern interpretation with such monochromatic colours such as white and black. Fabulous Batik inspired pieces with interesting uses of fabric (batik leggings!) gives this worldly collection an out of this world stature.
Priyo Oktaviano
"Palais Royale"
For someone who started his career at the House of Balenciaga in Paris, you know there is something to look forward to as this designer presented his collection "Palais Royal" as part of the closing night festivities of Jakarta Fashion & Food 2012.
Oktaviano seamlessly blended both Chinese and Javanese culture with riveting tones of orange, gold and brown displayed in unique Bali woven fabric. Buoyed by tassel detail this collection was inspired by the vintage flavour of the Chinese "Shanghai Tang" movies which also adds another fun alluring element to the entire collection.
By: Hina P. Ansari Photography courtesy of Jakarta Fashion & Food Festival 2012
]]>Sao Paolo Fashion Week's Sizzling Spring/Summer 2013tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.17009852012-08-07T16:25:29-04:002012-10-07T05:12:03-04:00Ramp1885.comhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/ramp/By: Hina P. Ansari
Sao Paolo Fashion Week displayed curves, lines and plenty of steamy silhouettes as part of their Spring/Summer 2013 presentation. Here are our highlights!
Founded in 1995 by Alberto Hiar and Iggor Cavalera the former drummer one of Brazil's famous heavy metal bands, Sepultura. This year they have used a visual feast of various proportions to describe their creative story for this season. With the backdrop of a junkyard in Bristol, poetic images of angels on wagons and of course ending the show with a protest asking for more attention to the Brazilian fashion industry it was sheer inspiration on all sorts of levels. Urban pieces, motorcross, and of course a hardcore declaration of love for the city life were all solid points creativity. Using materials including resin, denim, gauze and silk macramé, this season's showing is buoyed by an impressive arrange of interesting silhouettes, luscious layers and an undeniable hard lesson in fearless fashion.
Sunshine proved plenty with Ronaldo Fraga's collection. A pioneer at Sao Paolo Fashion Week his return this season was trumpeted as a much-needed boost to the entire week as fashion fans were hoping he would show (as he's skipped seasons in the past). This time he did not disappoint. With a delicious use of tribal prints, fantastic collection of maxi dresses, overlapping cut tops and layers and layers of easy breezy nature-inspired motifs, it's no wonder that piling it on -- is to say the least -- is this designer's fashion mantra. I'm already loving the print-on-print-on-print take with accessories (love the endless stacks of beads) and fantastic head pieces serving as the cherry on top.
Elegance is the word. This collection -- which deliberately did not have a theme -- was no problem with the fashionistas lining the rows. The clothes spoke for themselves and they spoke in volumes. With fantastically cut evening gowns, mesh shirts for men and, of course, the playful use of masks allowing the models to really shine with their sultry struts down the catwalk. Villaventura let the models and the clothes tell their own story. Leave it up to the imagination of the viewers. The use of a strong metallic colour theme mixed with jewel tones provided the substance that one requires when making an entrance in the grand ballrooms of the summer soirees of this world.
Oskar Metsavaht's collection is a love story for the surf. With this super cool presentation of surfer wear all in sun-kissed shades including bronze, white, sand and in the seductive hue of the Brazilian sunset. With the uses of such a variety of fabrics including linen, neoprene, silk knit terrycloth, this collection shows off the beauty that can be derived by staying true to nature's gifts. Most notably the sand and surf.
]]>Fashion has No Borders in Shanghai [Photo Feature]tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.17009672012-07-25T15:34:24-04:002012-09-24T05:12:25-04:00Ramp1885.comhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/ramp/EuroCup 2012 in the history books, the world is now prepping for more sporting love with the upcoming London 2012 Summer Olympics.
In that spirit, we thought what better way to show our love than with this photo feature by Shanghai-based fashion photographer Yocky Zhang. Shot in Shanghai, Zhang takes us on a global excursion filled with flags, colour and international models.
The story as told by Yocky:
"We have titled this shoot "No Border". We combined flags, colours, movements with international models. The message is to deliver hope. There is No Border for life. People are always defined by nations and race, here through this story, we are trying to say that the difference only lies in just the flags which all have different colours and patterns."
WARNING: Slideshow is NSFW
Crew:
Photographer: Yocky Zhang
Stylist: Baiba Ladiga
Makeup & Hair: Mandy Wong
Models: Alicia Komodromos, Ashlee Decristoforo, Theresia Windberg, Bartha Petra, Laszlo Goll
Location: Shanghai, China]]>Global Designer Spotlight: SockBox from Riga, Latviatag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.15777712012-06-13T14:35:05-04:002012-08-13T05:12:05-04:00Ramp1885.comhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/ramp/ SockBox is a true Latvian original. Back in 2008, SockBox was creating several fashionable legwear collections a year including socks, stockings, garter belts and leggings.
SockBox positions itself as a "sensual provocateur" and this April, the label officially pushes the boundaries of activities, by creating nightgowns and underwear. It's not just about socks and stockings anymore!
After the cheeky and notorious 2011 "Film Noir" legwear "all in black" collection, which was inspired by the gangster movies of Hollywood's Golden Age and the Burlesque era, the brand new "Tete-A-Tete" is purely romantic, fragile and feminine.
"Tete-A-Tete," Fall/Winter 2012/2013, debuted during at Riga Fashion Week and it was probably the most "erotogenic" show during the whole event. The 20th century look-alike collection was dominated by exquisite garter belts, luxurious stockings with refined ribbons and sensuous monochrome silk robes in light pastel tones.
Sophisticated, yet provocative, each SockBox piece is a masterpiece, hand-made from the highest quality fabric and lace, emphasizing a woman's figure in order to highlight the beauty of her body.
"The Tete-A-Tete woman is free, living the moment and its charm. Undoubtedly, diva -- mega independent and absolutely uncompromising! She is looking for her own, unique style; why should she follow fashion trends?!" said the designer of SockBox, Inese Krumina.
Earlier, SockBox production was sold exclusively in Latvia, but after the expansion, it can now be purchased in Great Britain, the Netherlands, Russia and the USA.
By the end of RFW 2012 catwalk night, "Tete-A-Tete" received a standing ovation.
Well, there's nothing more pleasing and rewarding than the feeling of appreciation, especially in the native country!
Photography by courtesy of www.sockbox.net, design42day.com, bnn-news.com/riga-fashion-week]]>A Buenos Aires Boutique That's Home Sweet Hometag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.15777122012-06-11T16:27:21-04:002012-08-11T05:12:07-04:00Ramp1885.comhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/ramp/
Today's discerning shopper looks for a unique shopping experience, a space that offers something more than the crème de la crème of fashion and design. And Buenos Aires-based concept store Pehache delivers just that. It's a multi-designer boutique, gallery and café in one that invites you in to browse every nook and cranny and makes you feel at home.
Argentine sisters Mariana and Carolina Media conceived Pehache back in 2010 out of a desire to do their own thing and add something new to the Buenos Aires shopping scene. They remodelled a traditional PH-style house in Palermo (PH translates as propiedad horizontal, a house that extends horizontally back from the street) outfitting each room with funky, eclectic furnishings as if it were the room of a house (from the sunlit indoor patio to the living room, kitchen, bedroom and study). But unlike an ordinary house, everything in it is for sale, right down to the coat hangers exclusively designed by Patricio Lix de La Feliz.
The experience starts with the creative window display that rivals that of Bloomingdale's and Harvey Nichols. The quirky artistic installations tell a story and draw you in to further explore the house.
The space represents some of the best Argentine designers in the fields of furniture design, housewares, art and fashion, including collections of funky kitchen accessories, limited edition clothing from the label Paris by Flor Monis and covetable leather purses.
And every season ushers in new lines of products and a fresh, new layout for each room. More recently, Pehache has released its own line of furnishings and branched out into furniture restoration, wedding lists and interior design.
Once you've worked your way around every room of the house, you can take a breather in the idyllic garden enshrouded in colourful plants and enjoy a coffee and a healthy home-cooked snack while you relish in the joy of all your new purchases.
Photography courtesy of Pehache]]>There Are a Lot More than Tunics at this Tunisian Fashion Show!tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.15778392012-06-08T11:33:34-04:002012-08-08T05:12:10-04:00Ramp1885.comhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/ramp/
For the second consecutive year, Tunis's historic Acropolium de Carthage has been the theatre of a week's worth of fashion extravaganza and talent. Attracting style aficionados of all ages, sexes and fashion orientations as well as local and international press, the 4th edition of Fashion Week Tunis 2012 (FWT) is still the talk of the town in now-oh-so-famous Tunisia.
As well as showcasing the works of students from local schools, accessories and prêt-à-porter, and haute couture designers, this year's shows included Salah Barka (Tunisia), Laurence André (France), Safi Rebah (Tunisia), Leila Dali Bouricha (Tunisia), As de Trèfle (Tunisia), Ali Karoui (Tunisia), Rayhana (Tunisia), Arrey Kono (Camero0n - Germany), Seyf Dean Laouiti (Tunisia), Amine Bendriouich (Morocco), Ahmed Talfit (Tunisia), Laure Kczekotowska (France), Chouchic Design (Syria), and Soucha Mlihigue (Tunisia).
I wasn't lucky enough to be able to attend all the shows, but let me introduce you to at least three of my all-time favourites: Salah Barka, whose brand Oshy we already told you about here, Amine Bendriouich, who I met a few years ago in Morocco, and Ahmed Talfit, Lancôme face Hanaa Ben Abdesslem's protégé.
It's funny; when I think about it, these three actually constitute a bunch apart from the other designers present at the 2012 FWT. Their pieces distinctly stood out from the nonetheless interesting crowd of designers showcased, and seemed to be echoing one another.
Indeed, if I were to pin-point a distinct theme after seeing the works of Salah, Amine and Ahmed, it would have to be identity and gender equality. Hmmm. Sounds like the beginning of the title of an essay an arts student might envisage to write about 19th century visual arts. Still, even though explored in very different creative ways by our three young artists, gender considerations and that of nudity and religion definitely stole the show at the FWT.
While Amine Bendriouich imagines clothes fitted for both men and women, both he and Salah Barka pick up on the traditional Maghrebian "saroual" and spank it up with a sleek city (rather than urban) edge.
Salah had a spartan twist (naked male chests dressed with copper bulk jewellery makes it all the more interesting). As for Amine, his refreshingly enthusiastic proposition of comfortable city-style (cotton shorts and jackets, pastel colours, cheeky cuffs, airy dresses) is here positively challenged by a redefinition of gender-forced sartorial habits and dictates (who said men don't wear dresses?).
Meanwhile, Ahmed Talfit's very chic evening dresses elegantly rubbed along with glass-encrusted and sharply-cut leather pieces, worn by half-naked models wearing the veil -- or a glamorously jewelled-up version of the niqab. Clearly a statement.
Great stuff overall.
And guess what? Elle Magazine and NowFashion were here, as well as Sofia Guellaty, the Editor-In-Chief of Masquerade Magazine (MSQRD), and co-founder of Unfair Magazine. Pssst...rumor has it she was the first Arab The Sartorialist actually snapped. Yep. And she's Tunisian.
]]>Bold Colours, Fresh Prints: Kazakhstan Fashion Week 2012tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.15776702012-06-07T15:57:06-04:002012-08-07T05:12:03-04:00Ramp1885.comhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/ramp/
At Kazakhstan Fashion Week, tradition, modernity and global essence are combined to create a visually stunning Fall/Winter 2012 season.
Held in Almaty, Kazakhstan we have honed on key designers who we feel really made a unique fashion statement.
Svetlana Kushnerova presents a collection that's full of whimsy. With an array of eye-catching colour combinations -- most notably gray and sharp yellow and eye-popping red with deep blue -- Sweet Dream is a dreamy fashionable journey which possesses an interesting play on colour, texture and cool cuts which are strategically placed. An interesting mix of fabrics, from cool cottons to seductive silks, buoys the slightly sporty-esque silhouette.
INSIDEOUT
Alexey Chzhen, who is a noted designer and stylist, brings forth his collection, which includes hard-to-miss blasts of orange, yellow with sharp angles and alluring fabrics. The modernity of this collection is punctuated by noteworthy combinations of leather-esque kimono belted tops and flowy skirts. With interesting detailed touches throughout, including exposed zippers which creates another fabulous angle, Insideout gives the fashion runways of Almaty the much-needed edge that it deserves.
This Georgian designer who also shows in Paris presents a cool flirty style. With a cool gold maple leaf motif glittering on a unique black canvas, this collection shows that there is no limit to prints on prints on prints. Embracing a leopard/cheetah motif doubled with various fur pieces, the Keti Chhkikvadze collection mixes heritage with contemporary and adds a sense of mystery in various ways on the runway. The eye-catching yellow and black houndstooth inspired maxi-dress needs to be part of my own wardrobe!
YERLAN ZHOLDASBEK
This designer took us on a voyage with a "Bombay-Paris 1930s" inspired collection. With a backdrop of oriental music and motifs from Uzbekistan, Zholdasbek proudly displayed an array of gold and silver sequined treatments of tank dresses and cute bomber jackets. It's fun and flirty combined with an unexpected mix of fabric and silhouettes, which unreservedly brings forth a touch of glam and shine, gently and forcefully alluding to a hint of a rock n' roll aura.
This local designer, hailing from Almaty itself, has been designing for the past five years and represents the new guard of Kazakhstan's fashion scene. Also inspired by the east, this collection has an incredible array of prints coupled with billowing silhouettes both calling to the Maharaja days of royalty. The combination of flowy fabrics and printed overlays both mixed with unique neckpieces and jeweled head pieces clearly evoke a majestic feel, a look that would be heartily embraced by the regal players of India's palatial grounds. Of course, not missing the urban-beat, Kaumenova also presents a playful print palette, which can be coupled with a sharp blazer as seen in the gorgeous purple number satisfying the cosmopolitan chic in today's urban fashion dweller.
Only 22 years of age, this London-based ex-pat returned home to showcase his Fall/Winter 2012 collection. Gusarov whose main design expertise is firmly grounded with his menswear collection which is often hailed by international power players and politicos who revere him to be one of the best. His take on the female form gives off an aristocratic vibe, something that can easily be pictured at country club soirees across Europe and beyond. In varying degrees of soft pink and beige, this collection shows off a chic posh flavour which can easily be seen on the racks of the savvy fashionista of Kazakhstan or on fifth Avenue in New York for that matter.
AYA BAPANI
She debuted her first collection six months ago and now is back and relishing in the theatre of the runway. Combining Kazakhstan motifs including the riveting horned masks with intricate collection of amazing embroidered work she gently balances between the worlds of heritage and haute couture. Also similar to those found in India, another east meets east mindset takes hold. Stunners in her technique include the incredible batik approach to her gowns which also carefully utilizes felt, another traditional element to her designs. Coupled with various layering of chiffon and tulle, finessed by the elbow length fingerless leather gloves, Bapani clearly can give any global red carpet a touch of Kazakhstan glory.
For designer Mikhail Kravets who was schooled in Almaty, designing was in his destiny. With his last name being Polish for "tailor" it's no wonder that Mikhail's collection showcases impressive talent for the cut and drape. Inspired by the opera "Madama Butterfly," his collection paraded down the runway with various arias, including a live performance from Russian opera singer Renata Talypovoy, creating the unmistakable ambience of operatic proportions. Various traditional Japanese motifs graced one piece after another. One can't even help but notice the incredible silhouettes which came to fruition from under multiple voluminous layers which proved to be showstoppers in their own right. This is definitely not for the fashionably faint of heart. Only the fearless can truly appreciate this work which includes origami treatment of the fabrics all in all proving that Mikhail could easily be spotted on the runways of Paris.
LA RIYA
Equestrian-chic takes hold in this fun and playful collection. With liberal use of shots of shades of red and yellow, designer Sherniyazov brings forth an urban cool collection which gives a polo-esque prim and proper shout out. With interesting jumper silhouettes, the use of prints in this collection can easily be seen as a day into night transition. Once the equestrian in all of us leaves the polo match, the evening can be seen in a glimmering array of fabulous off the shoulder cuts and sexy draping.
From model and designer Saltanat Baymukhamedova, this collection to me, harkens to the thickest of vintage James Bond plots, or even a very chic "Lara" from Dr. Zhivago. This presentation could easily give any Bond Girl a run for her money, with this super-cool avant-garde approach to the 1960s silhouette. Fantastical treatment of puffy vests, solid colours, super cool shades, makes me yearn for multiple pieces for my wardrobe. Of course, I must mention the heritage hauteness of the "babushka" style headscarves which adorned the fabulous wigs, adding just another Zhivago-esque level of fabulousness. And the shoes? Why, Salta of course!
Photography by Tolegen Bekmuhamedov courtesy of TheLook.ru
]]>NYLON Magazine Goes Global: Singaporetag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.15006062012-05-08T15:50:22-04:002012-07-08T05:12:08-04:00Ramp1885.comhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/ramp/
Nylon -- a tough and durable synthetic material.
Well, tough and durable certainly fits Nylon Singapore's description to a T! As Adele Chan -- the reigning editor-in-chief for Nylon Singapore. -- said about their latest global edition, it "is going to be...wait for it... legendary."
The famed Nylon magazine has skyrocketed in popularity since its humble beginnings with the American inaugural issue in April 1999. Now, the magazine has taken the world by storm, spreading its reach from New York, to Mexico and finally, here in the sunny island of Singapore.
Nylon Singapore is releasing its very first issue this April, and the good people at this mag, threw a bash to celebrate their launch in this metropolitan island state. Held at Zouk's, the oldest and most popular nightclub in Singapore, the party seemed to bode well for the magazine.
With a packed house of 300 VIPs in attendance, and 800 lucky guests from the public, the Nylon Singapore Launch Party kicked off with MTV VJ Rich (Richard Herrera) who joined Chan in unveiling the cover-girl of their premiere issue -- home-grown international Mandarin pop sensation, Stefanie Sun.
People always say "a good start is half the battle," and the party definitely started off great, with an amazing rock instrumental performance by local band, In Each Hand A Cutlass. The band certainly didn't fail to impress; their skill and enthusiasm was apparent as they played throughout the entire fashion show, courtesy of Topshop and Topman. Gorgeous ladies and hot hunks strutted down the runway, showcasing both Topshop and Topman's Spring/Summer 2012 collections with layers and prints rocking the show.
Everyone was a winner for sure at this bash but the biggest winners were the two Best Dressed guests, male and female (and best catwalk!) who walked away with an LG Prada phone worth S$1,000 each, courtesy of SingTel. The first and second runners-up for each category won a S$300 Shiseido hamper and S$200 Topshop voucher respectively.
And that's not all. Every guest then waited with bated breath for Chan to announce the winner of the lucky draw that will take home an Epiphone guitar! The night ended with a bang as local rock band, Caracal, put up a heart-stopping, ear-throbbing performance.
Nylon Singapore prides itself on being a magazine that celebrates fashion, music, beauty and street style, and that was in full effect that night. With express makeovers courtesy of Shiseido, live acts by up-and-coming local talents and street style photography throughout the night, it was clear that they weren't just talking the talk.
One thing is for sure -- Nylon Singapore will indeed be as tough and long-lasting as its name suggests.
Oh, and one more tidbit -- did you guys know "nylon" was actually a play on two of the most fashion forward cities in the world: New York and London? Exactly!
]]>TeamIMANI Combines Faith With Fashiontag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.13839022012-04-04T16:00:57-04:002012-06-04T05:12:02-04:00Ramp1885.comhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/ramp/
With a mission statement upholding the label's intention of celebrating faith in our diverse world, TeamIMANI is a refreshing concept brand that is fast taking over the fashion world by storm.
Established in July 2011 by pro footballer, Papa Agyemang, and backed by an enthusiastic team of young talents, the London-based brand is already gaining international recognition across Europe, the U.S., Africa and the East Asia.
IMANI, meaning faith in Swahili, is an aspiring global apparel brand that seeks to "bring the idea of faith as a desirable product in multi-faith, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-national ways."
TeamIMANI currently features apparel for men and women, as well as a junior line, a sports collection, and accessories. The spring/summer 2012 line, in particular, consists of casual attire including tracksuits, as well as an array of T-shirts.
With the TeamIMANI logo emblazoned across each and every one of the pieces, they also feature a variety of such innovative slogans as Keep the Imani, Let Them Talk, and I Belong to Jesus, to name a few.
The casual aesthetic of the TeamIMANI brand has proved to be a hit with such prominent sporting figures as former Sunderland star Asamoah Gyan, who is currently enjoying a luxurious loan spell in the UEA playing for Al Ain, as well as his Ghanaian compatriot Rabiu Mohammed, who plays for Evian Thonon Gaillard in France.
Meanwhile, Japanese rising football star Ryo Miyachi, who is currently on loan to the Bolton Wanderers from Arsenal, has also been spotted with a "Keep the Imani" T-shirt.
With a team of talented designers fronting their campaigns and having already created a buzz through extensive promoting in social media, TeamIMANI is definitely the next big thing to look out for.
Photography courtesy of Papa Agyemang and TeamIMANI.co.uk
]]>Playful Style at Tramando Casa Matriztag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.13839382012-04-03T15:14:58-04:002012-06-03T05:12:01-04:00Ramp1885.comhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/ramp/
Buenos Aires is home to a bevy of unique boutiques, but if there's one that stands apart from the fashion pack, it's Tramando Casa Matriz.
The best way to describe luxury Argentine brand Tramando would be, in designer Martín Churba's own words, "ludic chic." And Tramando's flagship boutique or "Casa Matriz" is as playfully stylish as the clothing itself. Sitting on a leafy street in Buenos Aires's ritzy Recoleta neighbourhood, the modern, spacious boutique resides in an old French mansion complete with a secret garden out the back. The converted space combines art with fashion and features the label's much sought after ready-to-wear collections alongside cutting-edge art installations.
Buenos Aires-based designer and founder Martín Churba first discovered his passion for textiles in 1993 at an experimental textiles studio in Buenos Aires. He started out working with famed Argentine designer Jessica Trosman on the namesake label Trosman Churba before launching his own brand Tramando in 2003.
The name Tramando translates as "weaving" and Churba likes to play around with textiles, colours and prints in his womenswear collections, pushing the boundaries with experimental weaving, futuristic prints and complex fabric treatments for a look that is avant garde chic. Think statement pieces with a rock chic edge.
Photography courtesy of Tramando Casa Matriz]]>A Chat With Tunisian Fashion Designer Salah Barkatag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.13839202012-04-03T14:52:41-04:002012-06-03T05:12:01-04:00Ramp1885.comhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/ramp/By Amel Gaaloul and Moez Achour
Moez and I didn't personally know Salah until recently, but we had caught sight of him many times, whether on advertising film sets or while exploring Tunis's night life. Because Tunis is so small, as are the worlds of fashion, film, advertising, and TV production here, you always seem to come across familiar faces and find links with people you had never met before. This very peculiar, microcosm-like environment makes networking easier than in other capital cities.
Fashion designer Salah Barka is one of those people who, when you first meet them, strikes you with their genuine kindness and attention. His elegant and colourful allure, and the ease with which he seems to fit into any crowd tend to mislead those who don't know him. The aura he gives off confers the impression that he is inaccessible, when in fact his generosity and delicacy quickly become clear once you've gotten a chance to speak with him.
We had agreed to meet in his favorite café, the Maxim's, in one of Tunis's residential districts. Despite the rainy weather, his dark skin, dressed in vibrant shades of green and orange, combined with his huge white smile enlightened mine and Moez's afternoon.
We spoke about street-fashion in Tunisia, and all agreed on the impression that people here tend to take few risks as far as their clothing and style habits are concerned. Tunisians are perceived as being conformist, and mainstream fashion and tastes are largely influenced by the West. International brands and retailers have in fact met great success on the local market so far.
It is difficult for young fashion designers, such as Salah, to exist in such an environment. And very few opportunities offer themselves to truly emerge, whether locally or internationally.
Salah, who started his career in fashion as a model, works in cinema and advertising as a costume designer, and has recently created his own prêt-à-porter brand: Oshy by Salah Barka. The self-taught designer was happy to announce to Moez and I that he was in the middle of creating his own studio, where he was hoping to fully immerse himself in the preparation of his next collection. He hopes the collection will be exposed at Tunisia's unique outlet for young fashion designers: Sisi Store in Carthage.
Very attentive to international but also local trends in clothing and style, Salah draws his inspiration from the streets and everyday life in Tunisia. Although he specializes in men's wear, he likes to think of his pieces as being unisex, and free of gender considerations, just like the work of his favourite designer, Jean-Paul Gaultier. What mostly distinguishes Salah's work is its narrative dimension, with a harmonious mix of ethnic looks combined with discreet references to the '40s, '50s, and the beginning of the 20th century -- a very unique and enthusiastic vision that celebrates Tunisia's cultural heritage and diversity.
