“Fashions fade, style is eternal.” —Yves Saint Laurent
There is a difference between fashion and style. An earlier conversation I had involved explaining even if a person has a closet full of name brand clothing, a person can have no style.
Valentino Who? The Royal Chambers fashion pieces in Dresden would inspire any fashionista. Intricate couture looks fashioned for royalty displayed are an eye full of rich materials and details. The Schloss museum located in the historic center of the Baroque city is worth a style visit.
It had to happen sooner or later. Trying to be relevant at the time being edgy, the silk threads will hit the fan. Balenciaga, the French Fashion House learned the hard way. The Bondage Teddy Doll Toddler campaign crashed the same as if a German Leader singing Beyonce at a karaoke bar. The fall out continues, at present everyone is “reevaluating” their relationship with the brand.
Looking over the images, I wonder what happened to the filters. Certainly one person at the multi billion luxury clothier could see a yellow light. Yet, for some reason I have a feeling they coward, preferring to be another deaf person in the room of blind people. You have to understand, the fashion business is allergic to the truth. One contrary word to group think, banishment!
Gemma Gvasalia has a done a seven year job of transitioning the fabled label to the top of fashion league. Making collections tailored fit for Instagram. Getting big names not only sitting front row but also in the runway shows. Coveted $750 worn High Tops trainers fly out the store. The $1,300 mini bag has become a must have. Any wonder why no one challenges his opinions? Yet, even the Georgian born designer learned, “live by the Gram, you can die on the Gram.”
Eating a slice of Humble Pie never killed anyone. The statements coming from Balenciaga have been the same as a screeching bird with two broken wings. First, scrubbing its Instagram account with the exception of a statement posting. Then saying the production company was responsible for the content. Launching a million dollar lawsuit against the creative team. Throwing a borrowed bucket of gasoline on a fire does not extinguish the flame. Owe up the mistake. In a few days the world will move on to the next social media outrage.
As far as I am concerned, “yes” the pictures are in poor taste. But then again, I would never pay $750 for a pair of worn High Tops.
A designer inspired by school uniforms. Look out for the interview with Ko Tae Yong.
Coming up on Before Tacky Podcast a discussion about the state of retail in the fashion world. With store closes how will chains survive?
The Christopher Street Day Berlin celebration came roaring back in 2022. After two years in a moribund state, Gay Pride hit the streets of the capital city for a 7k walk of fun and pride. Walking around I witnessed everyone celebrating having a good time. In the words of George Clinton, “Free Your Mind and Your Ass will follow”.
From the Milan Fashion Week, Cristiano Burani gave me a personal fashion tour of his latest collection during his presentation. What struck me, the technical materials. The distinctive pieces made use of specialised fabrics, while remaining fitted for the figure.
I met fashion designer Chet Lo in Milan at the White Trade show. His futuristic eye catching textile designs got my immediate attention. In a white chromatic room, how could the polychromas pastels and fuchsia pieces not grab attention? I chatted with Chet about his unique looks.
The London based designer is now involved in a copycat scandal with a global fashion chain. H&M has been accused of intellectual property impropriety. Diet Prada and Daily Mail reported the Swedish chain’s new “conscious” Innovation Cherish Waste Collection is an imitation of the Asian American’s pieces. The similarities are quite noticeable. What should we think? After looking over the pieces from both sides, well,,, the finger pointers have a valid argument. H&M denies the plagiarism allegations.
I have a feeling this fashion drama is not over.
Hidetoshi Nishijima stars in the four time nominated film DRIVE MY CAR. The Japanese actor won acclaim for role as an actor on a journey. Hidetoshi stood for our camera in 2017 wearing a Brioni suit. The man is a master of style.
Milan Fashion Week was physical this past February. What did we think?
