Amplified Refinement. Loro Piana SS25

November 9, 2024 | Design & Culture by Ed

The anonymous creative team behind Loro Piana doesn’t only deliver some of the most exquisitely made tailoring and cashmeres (this spring, blended with linen for extra-lightness and fluidity), but also challenge themselves – and their customers – with dandy-ish, subtly off-kilter styling. Wonderfully simple, silk pleated mini-dress is worn with a chic-looking milk-maid bonnet. An aristocratic cape dress is styled with ribbed socks and suede slippers. Silk scarves are fashioned into ad hoc handbags. Then, a highly impressive embroidered and shaved cashmere jacket in cocoon-shape looks like a very price-y vintage piece. Suede-collared country jacket and a linen-silk herringbone suit were amongst the many fine, equally eclectic and sophisticated items for men. There’s certainly something absolutely dignified about Loro Piana’s take on minimalism, making it stand out in this highly-saturated niche.

Here are some of my favorite Loro Piana pieces, just in time for your festive shopping!

ED’s DISPATCH:

Loro Piana Alpe Di Mera Ripstop-trimmed Cashmere Sweater

Loro Piana Ikeda Ribbed Silk And Cotton-blend Midi Skirt

Loro Piana Spagna Flax Jacket

Loro Piana Calza Noel Jacquard-knit Cashmere Socks

Loro Piana Engadin Hooded Crochet-knit Cashmere Scarf

Loro Piana Floaty Leather-trimmed Macramé Lace Flats

Loro Piana Holiday Noel Fair Isle Cashmere-jacquard Turtleneck Sweater

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.
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Handpicking Dressing. Maryam Nassir Zadeh AW18

March 20, 2018March 20, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

It’s the post-fashion-month marathon chill that really lets you look back at some of the season’s best, yet off the radar, collections. I’m always impressed with Maryam Nassir Zadeh‘s work, whether we’re speaking of her New York boutique that sells a well-curated bunch of favourite designers, or the ready-to-wear brand she designs herself. This season, Maryam introduces ‘handpicking dressing’ – so a very spontaneous, artistically oriented, but laid-back way of wearing clothes. Brief examples: a sari top over a sweater dress, acid-green pants and Western boots, shiny prairie dress topped with glass heart necklace. But for Nassir Zadeh, not only the clothes matter – it’s also the authenticity. “There’s so much minimalism out there, and I’m such a fan of minimalism, but people copy each other so much. So to make something your own and make it personal with something from the heart, with a unique touch, that’s authentic. It tells a story.” Here, she points out the usage of the most contrasting textiles, wearing the quirkiest jewellery and the cutest mini-bags. It might all sound like a description of a desperate identity seeker. But no – Maryam Nassir Zadeh actually does the most elusive, sensual and wearable fashion in New York. With love and passion.

Can’t wait for the autumn-winter 2018 to hit the stores? You better get hold of those candy pink Agnes boots or spring-ready Sophie sandals in lemon by the designer.

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.

Her World. Céline Pre-Fall 2017

May 31, 2017 | Design & Culture by Ed

To be honest, it’s hard to flip from Gucci’s resort 2018 Italian glamo-mania to Céline‘s world of minimal silhouettes and modern woman-dressing. But I feel much more comfortable in case of the latter – in Phoebe Philo‘s world. For her pre-fall 2017 collection (presented as usual, just before the clothes hit the stores), the brand’s creative director does what she does best. Empowering shirts and all-day dresses; incredible, probably the most perfectly tailored coats in fur and leather; pleated midi-skirts with feminine, leg-exposing cuts. Thick, plaid shirt appeared to be the most unexpected piece in the entire collection – somehow, though checks became forgotten, they will surely comeback for autumn in not so average, laid-back version. Although the colour palette is quite earthy, Philo splashed some colour through geometric patterns on the knits and blouson. It all looks like made in heaven. In Céline heaven!

All collages by Edward Kanarecki.

Tuscany: Forte dei Marmi

August 18, 2013 | Design & Culture by Ed

Forte dei Marmi is the most luxurious sea resort city in Tuscany. With it’s sandy beaches, warm water full of jellyfish and Prada/Dolce & Gabbana stores on every street, it’s like the Italian Florida, but much smaller and warmer! You shall find here lots of restaurants that are good, lots of artistic performances and craziest night clubs that can even be cooler than on Ibiza island… A night here in peace would be a nightmare, but a great shopping rush and sunbathe is totally alright in that place! And never speak of Portofino with the locals…

Tuscany: Siena

August 16, 2013August 30, 2014 | Design & Culture by Ed

Siena, the charming town located around a hour from Florence, is the most beautiful place in Tuscany. Not because of only architecture. Also because of the people, the way they celebrate, live! And they really do their traditional holidays in an amazing way. La Contrada, that happened yesterday (when I was present in Siena) is for example the biggest celebration of the year in Siena, when 17 districts with different name meanings, conquer by the traditional games like throwing with a flag or horse-riding. Whoever wins, later the big feast is always the happiest moment in the town, when all locals feel like family! And no tourists are here then…
The most important building is the Duomo, the church that is an art masterpiece. Decorated with thousands of small detailed sculptures on the facade, the frescos inside and the domes are just breath taking. The Duomo has different parts- in the crypt you shall see a beautiful painting of Caravaggio, and in the library the first real developed books in the world. This place is amazing, and you know what- it is not so tapping in religious way. When the priest was telling the locals the prayer, for me in Italian, it all sound like if he talked with his buddies in a Trattoria and not doing a big thing from that! That’s a real Italian way of life! Love it!

But while you are in Siena, it’s best to forget about your problems, and simply get lost in one of the streets! Buy some cool souvenirs, fruits and just wander around the city. I simply fell in love with all these hand made plates with fruit patterns on it… This town in other words is not on the city of art, but the city of juicy life!