Knit Chic. Bottega Veneta AW16

February 29, 2016February 29, 2016 | Design & Culture by Ed

Tomas Maier knows how to make the audience love his discreet, calm Bottega Veneta collections – sending out Jamie Bochert in a total-black look made up of a coat, fringed scarf, sleek flares and silver-polished pumps effortlessly becomes one of the season’s best looks. The next looks were nearly as good as the opening – new Italian machinery industry has brought a revolution in knitting, and that’s visible in these lady-like skirts, pants and coats. The collection had a bit of non-chalance, too – the masculine smoking was unbuttoned, to expose a black bra which conveyed the good, clubbing 70’s. Refined chic, based on your grandma’s tweed coat, necklaces and knitted tops, has never felt so up to date as now, at Bottega.

Knits Please. Ryan Roche AW16

February 17, 2016 | Design & Culture by Ed

With her autumn-winter 2016, Ryan Roche proves that her label is not only about the best quality knitwear – it also thinks about other wardrobe essentials. But still, the quintessence of the brand is the signature, cable knit cardigan in pale pink colour. It’s here, as every season, and it doesn’t stop to look like the best sweater in the entire world. Although I haven’t seen any of Roche’s designs in life, I bet their woolly texture should be super soft. With a soft spot for cashmere, specifically, the designer delivered a look-book filled with cozy, knitted (of course) maxi-skirts. Moreover, the collection featured a burgundy dress – smells with Victorian era in here – made entirely thanks to the old-school, granny crotchet technique. It’s a smart, yet short escape from Roche’s minimal aesthetics. It’s distinctly visible that the New York-based designer does her best to move away from her knitted comfort zone, by introducing some graceful, lace pants and peach-pink fur jackets. Concluding, your next winter wardrobe is sincerely supplied with Ryan Roche’s AW16 collection, I guess.

Self Management. A Détacher AW16

February 13, 2016February 13, 2016 | Design & Culture by Ed

Mona Kowalska, the Polish-born designer behind New York’s obsession-casuing label, A Détacher, envisions her woman in her signature, hearty way. Sometimes, the idea behind Kowalska’ collections are deeply rooted in the designer’s mind and seem to be hard to decode. However, A Détacher never disappoints to deliver a great outing of simple, yet beautiful clothes which are made with heart. When I saw the first looks of the collection, I was instantly in an autumnal forest with my head – blame the over-sized knits for that, which look so warm and down-to-earth. Moreover, note the inspiring silhouettes Mona presents for autumn-winter 2016 – the white tops are voluminous in the shoulders, while the cardigans are so XXL that they nearly cover the length of the pants, creating an optical illusion of long, long legs. From one side, the collection plays with effortless, everyday essentials – but from the other side, the result is mind-blowing due to the cool tricks Kowalska shares with her fashion-lovers. Such a pity that she sells only in New York…

Detachment. A Détacher SS16

September 15, 2015 | Design & Culture by Ed

The collection opened with a pair of midi dresses in an Indonesian-inspired floral print. Polka-dots covered the dresses. Pastel-shaded knitwear was worn in a playful way. I am talking about A Détacher, the label founded and designed by Mona Kowalska. The brand’s clients and buyers understand Kowalska’s specific, edgy concept – it is not about a trend. It is all about the piece of clothing. And her current mood for dressing. Notice all those interesting, but well hidden “reconstructions”! The softness of these long pullovers. And the totes which were carried in an effortless way. True, this collection is not shouting “FASHION” across the room – but many of these hearty clothes will find their space in the wardrobe’s of women who adore A Détacher!

Ryan Roche

May 29, 2015 | Design & Culture by Ed

Ryan Roche is the go-to label if speaking of luxe knitwear. Her fabulous AW15 look-book is filled with a perfect amount of fleecy cardigans, fluffy dresses, warm socks and cloudy v-cut sweaters. Roche works predominantly in a palette of pinks lovely enough to seduce even the most pink-resistant people, with an eye for wearable, tonal dressing. The New York-based designer perfectly masters the “chic-everywhere-I-am” look – Ryan’s knitted piece could be worn with grace by a fashion journalist just like by a rural loving woman. Ryan Roche is the name, which should rather be added to the list of new favourites!