Frida Kahlo in Poznan

October 14, 2017October 14, 2017 | Design & Culture by Ed

There’s no need to introduce Frida Kahlo. The Mexican artist is one of the most important artists of the 20th century and up to now, her paintings spark controversy and debates. Her world, which was filled with both passion and pain, was reflected in her portraits, illustrations and collages. Whether affected by her suffer (caused by countless illnesses) or being under the impulse of love, each work by Kahlo paralyses the viewer with its elusive, reality-subverting power.

You can’t imagine how happy and proud I was when I discovered last year that an exhibition devoted to Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera (her husband, with whom she shared a very, very intense relationship) is arriving to Poznań, my hometown. The exhibition, Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera. Polish Context also considers a quite unknown, yet close relation between the couple and Polish -born artists (photographer Bernice Kolko and painter Fanny Rebel). There’s a section of Nickolas Muray’s incredible photographs of Frida during her trip to New York; an entire display dedicated to the artist’s personal diary. If you’re planning a trip to Poznań, make sure to see mark the exhibition as a MUST – it would be a shame to miss this one-of-a-kind event.

CK Zamek in Poznań / 28.09.2017 – 21.01.2018

Photos by Edward Kanarecki

Unexpected Muses

November 13, 2015November 15, 2015 | Design & Culture by Ed

It’s clear that fashion has always had its muses. This season, the designers looked forward to all decades – and all of them had their unexpected muse that influenced the whole collection, even though she wasn’t pinned to the moodboard… here is a break-down of spring-summer 2016’s eight unconventional women who left their style DNA forever in fashion!

Kim Gordon x Marc Jacobs

Kim Gordon, the vocalist and guitarist of 80’s/90’s top grunge band, Sonic Youth, seemed to be present with her spirit in Marc Jacobs’ spring collection. Kim is in Marc’s fashion story from the very beginning – when he was at Perry Ellis, she performed at his debut show. Then, Gordon appeared to be in Jacobs’ first ever advertising campaign in 1998, photographed by Juergen Teller. The recent collection of the American designer focused on the Old Hollywood glamour, however the off-duty, grungy twist was visible in the way the models wore their dresses. They really didn’t care about them, and this was very her.

Doona Bae x Louis Vuitton by Nicolas Ghesquiere

Doona Bae, the actress of the iconic science-fiction film, Cloud Atlas, became an instant, yet very unexpected muse of Nicolas Ghesquiere. Her home-cut bob and manga inspired way of dressing reflects one of the top looks from Louis Vuitton’s collection. The cyberpunk, sci-fi aesthetic is Nicolas’ current obsession – so no wonder why Doona’s film character excites him so much. Just check out his Instagram account.

Madonna x Miu Miu

Miuccia Prada conveys, as she likes to describe, something “perverse and girlie” to Miu Miu. The recent collection, filled with sheer apron dresses, felt seductive and elusive at the same time. Just like Madonna’s style from Erotica and Human Nature period – a lot of flesh exposure, satin underwear and transparent mini dresses, as everyone can distinctly remember. Erotica, romance. I’d like to put you in a trance.

Courtney Love x Chloe

Chloe is all about freedom and care-free attitude this season. And this attitude is something you can consider as Courtney Love’s way of being – concerts, parties and fun. Take a note at the photograph above.

Meryl Streep x Celine

Lately, I have watched Woody Allen’s Manhattan film, and I am surprised to admit that whole New York used to wear Celine dresses! Just look at Meryl Streep, who played Jill – the minimal, light dresses she wore made me think of Phoebe Philo and her feminine, creative direction at the coveted Parisian brand. And, I must say – Meryl looks flawless in this film.

Sade x Anthony Vaccarello

Sade’s Soldier of Love is as timeless, as denim, which was seen in Anthony Vaccarello spring show. A simple, well-fit pair of jeans can make every outfit look effortless, and Sade has proved that throughout her career.

Diana Ross x Vetements

Demna Gvasalia would have never considered Diana Ross as his SS16 muse publicly. But the sparkling, sequin dress from the most anti-fashion and anti-corporate brand, Vetements, just screams Chain Reaction. Disco vibes alert is turnt on!

Frida Kahlo x Gucci

When I saw this dress designed by Alessandro Michele, my first thought was “Frida Kahlo would nail this one”. The meticulously embroidered tehuana dress is such a bold nod to this eccentric, Mexican artist, who totally changed the female art scene. I am in awe – if you ask me, this is the most beautiful dress of the season.

Modern Frida. Celine SS15

October 3, 2014December 23, 2014 | Design & Culture by Ed

Phoebe Philo of Celine always does unexpected. After furry birkenstocks, orange muffs and Brassai inspired silhouettes, now it’s the time for… the modern woman. Celine’s modern woman reminds Frida Kahlo- strong, brave, provocative. She feminine, but wears masculine trousers and coats. She likes fringes, but without madness. She thinks colours, but tones them with black and white. She knows herself well, and knows what to cover and what to uncover. In other words, the SS15 collection is mix of everything Philo achieved up to now. We had some 60’s floras, we had long dress, we had trousers that in reality became skirts. And the new IT bag- the Curve. It’s sharp and architectural. Just like the cut-out tops with circle that exposed shoulders. But also, there was one thing I totally didn’t understand- the swiss cow bells worn as necklaces. I seriously don’t get it. But well, some things are getting more clear after sometime. That was surely one of the most experimental collection by Celine. But it truly explained the Celine woman.

LFW: Get The London Look

September 15, 2013 | Design & Culture by Ed

Slide1-kopia Sister by Sibling- this youthful and cool collection by London based Sibling for women is just right for Summer- lots of exposed body, swimming wear and colours were seen in this great collection. I really loved this shade of violet that was present her- so refreshing! Blooming flowers for sure inspired the designers of this label- the last looks looked like flower bombs. There is also this part about transparent nets… perfect for a beach party spent in a sexy way! Preen- I really liked this fluo-scentic collection- the flower prints, geometric cuts on dresses and the cool, flowless vibe is simply very Preen. Well, this dress with collar and flowers feels a bit deja vu from last Summer, but who cares- these are the flowers of the season. This plastic-like neon pink dress is fabulous- and these skirts are lovely. It’s all cute but with distance!
Richard Nicoll- Richard’s SS14 collection felt a bit too last season- stripes and geometry aren’t on A list. I expected something better from Nicoll- his last collections were reallu cool with their minimalistic vibes. Well, I can’t say the collection is bad. No it is not, but could be a bit more different. It’s chic, but not for London’s creativity. However, it’s for sure very comfortable and practical… House of Holland- I love this! It is so Frida Kahlo! The collection from Henry Holland is inpired with Mexico- that’s visible- all these colours, prints, again colours- are really cool. I am certainly in love with the religious t-shirt and purple dresses with heart prints- so romantic. The tank tops and blouses from the collection would be perfect for a small Mexican trip… thumbs up for this fantastic collection!