Author: Design & Culture by Ed

Pertinent. Givenchy Pre-Fall 2019

| Design & Culture by Ed

Clare Waight Keller continues to thrive at helm of Givenchy, and the pre-fall 2019 collection of hers proves that very, very well. For the collection, Clare chose the myth of Icarus as her message and included various allusions to deities, minotaurs, the sky, and the sea. “Mythology always seems to capture people’s imagination. There’s a dreamlike element, but it’s also grounded in something pertinent,” she explained. However, the designer didn’t go too literal with it.  The ostrich-feathered tunic and the wing-like protrusions of a yellow minidress might have nodded to the mythological fallen hero. But then, you can equally treat them as some very, very chic eveningwear. The line-up, featuring Waight Keller’s favourite model, Veronka Kunz, and other Givenchy muses, was all about simple cuts that brought a sharp, distinct look. The exaggerated, short blazers or voluminous faux fur coats are my highlights.

Collages by Edward Kanarecki.

American Hustle. Alexander Wang AW19

| Design & Culture by Ed

Alexander Wang presented his autumn-winter 2019 collection months ahead of the rest, just like last season, and here we are – already thinking about outerwear and knits we would love to wear this winter, but which we will get sometime in 2019. Wang’s newest outing is his best to date – it’s badass, it’s cool, it’s New York. It’s Alexander Wang we know, and have missed for a while. This one, the designer said, was a “celebration of the American hustle. We’re taking stereotypes of class and wealth and trying to remix them, giving status symbols a new sensibility.” There was something downtown (safety pins, lots of leather and leopard print) and uptown (tweed suits, tennis sweaters, evening gowns, crisp shirting), clashed and collage-ed. The leather garment bags, carried by models (see Malgosia Bela and Kiki de Willems), were inspired by images of the 80s career types toggling between the office and the health club. I’m not entirely sure of the clothes when put seperately, but the show’s styling was on point – take the towel turbans or the boys’ take on suiting.

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.

#InstaLOVE – November 2018

| Design & Culture by Ed

@johnnydufort

I’m an Instagram maniac and I openly confess that I spend too much time on filtering my feed. But it’s irresistible, when you have so many great accounts to follow! If you are ready for a dose of beautifully curated walls, inspiring photos and delightful shots – see my November recommendations!

@raquelcayre / Raquel Cayre is a furniture advisor, collector and curator based in New York. Her work has been featured in Vogue, Architectural Digest and others. If you love very, very good design, make sure to follow her. I can’t thank her enough for posting pics from Paul Rudolph’s Heritage Foundation – the multi-storey townhouse filled with plants, glass and art. Also, those captured moments from Azzedine Alaïa’s Apartment! OH MY!

@johnnydufort / Raw, subversive, disturbing, strange – this is how you can describe Johnny Dufort’s photography. Especially, when his editorials feature styling from Lotta Volkova. That’s a match made in (an upside down) heaven. Big love.

@mondomondoshop / Mondo Mondo (which I wrote about right here) has just opened its store in Los Angeles. Those who might find the distance quite a barrier to visit Natasha Ghosn’s spot should click the blue button of her store-dedicate account. The way she displays her goods is so, so fresh.

@cixous72 / Cixous72 is a curated boutique and arts collective providing a platform for creators to market and exhibit their work. They offer jewelry, accessories, garments, and limited-run prints and publications through their subsidiary press, 72 Press. A place to visit when in Brooklyn (by appointment!). Obsessed with their gram, which is an endless inspiration scroll.

@seanewyork / Another brand-slash-store! Sea can be shortly described as the New York-based A.P.C. – but then, it’s different. Gorgeous knits, chic pencil skirts, even more great sweaters. Adore their Christmas decor at their flagship boutique.

AND, if you want to follow one more account on Instagram… why don’t you follow, ta-da, @designandculturebyed?

 SSENSE