Gimaguas – Ethical Fashion That’s Affordable (and Beautiful!).

November 12, 2019 | Design & Culture by Ed

‘Jimaguas’ means twins in Cuba. Sayana and Claudia, Spain-based twin sisters who happen to be designers, define Gimaguas not just a clothing brand, but as their personal story. Both of them love to travel the world in search of unique, well-made handcraft. The label was born in 2016, while studying fashion (Sayana) and finance (Claudia) in London (this way, a perfect bounding of experiences took place). Every capsule collection is created in close co-operation with artisans from around the globe: Jaipur, Madagascar, Laos and Mexico, just some examples. Despite the fact that Gimaguas is an online retailer, Sayana and Claudia like to give a more personal approach to every collection through pop-ups in Barcelona, Madrid, London or New York. This way the designers can present one-of-a-kind products and all the stories behind them in the most intimate of ways. What Gimaguas feels like? A continuous selection of unique goods that evoke the twins’ love for summer, travelling, walking barefoot and collecting treasures from hidden paradises. At the moment, the label sells wool crossbody bags with floral embroideries, wool ponchos and cardigans (all hand-made in Mexico), duvet jackets made by women in Karuna Social Programme in Nepal and easy, vintage-y jewellery that will bright up any look. Nearly every piece is low in stock, if not already sold out (and they were “dropped” just a few days ago!). Gimaguas proves that ethical fashion can be both affordable and beautiful. Discover more right here.

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.

Aztec Opulence. Valentino SS14

October 2, 2013 | Design & Culture by Ed

Valentino was definitely one of the most beautiful collections of the season. With the SS14’s tribal influence, Valentino took us to South America, where Aztecs and Mayas decorated their temples in opulent and splendour way. The craftsmanship of the collection is impressive- all the couture embroideries on dresses looked like if were made by one of the local Mexican women, dying and threading each flower and shape into silk. There were also some inspirations with Latin explorer-chic- suede capes with frenzies, sandals, jewellery with zodiac amazing use of denim with Guatemalan skirts and tops. However, there was something about sexy 70’s of Hollywood and Byzantine luxury hidden in the looks- crowns, rich colours, sensual lace, ribboned shirts… Valentino not only took as into the beautiful journey to South America and it’s secrets, but also made it in surrounded with European qualities and chic!

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!

Simbolismo Religioso in Fashion

August 1, 2013January 5, 2024 | Design & Culture by Ed

Very soon I am going to visit Florence, the magical capital city of beautiful Tuscany! As I am now in a Dolce Vita mood, so a bit inspired with Dolce & Gabbana that may not feel so sweet life for a moment, I thought of the religious symbolism in fashion- not of this season, but from 1960 year when Cristobal Balencaiga designed his bridal dress with nuns head dressing inspired hat to Les Novices where Brigitte Bardot stars as a newcoming female nun that just don’t real know what to do and sins a lot there and there… I thought of Sevillas Santa Semanas holiday and the splendor of Vatican church that I truly love! And if Church women would wear Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2013, then it would perfectly match at Brugges nunnery. Although it all sounds very good, Kate Moss at W Magazine showed herself as a satan or a witch with sharp claws and vampire teeth… this editorial is very spooky! Just as Kristen McMenamy at opening and closing the Giles AW13 show, wearing a super scary make-up and anglican inspired gowns. As I am not really a religious person, I hope this post won’t make anybody offended. Well, it’s fashion!

Belles du Mexique

June 23, 2013April 6, 2014 | Design & Culture by Ed

While packing, Lena found her beautiful, archival Hermes scarf that is stunning! The Belles du Mexique scarf made of silk with Mexican women dancing in their traditional dresses, is like a huge splash of colours, full of details and fun. Perfect for beach parties and a city escape during summer vacations. And it is so chic! I feel now so “these” times, after seeing this cool piece and the Yves Saint Laurent Style book, full of prints, sexuality and colours! Laisse aller à la plage!