Heavy Cross

August 24, 2016August 24, 2016 | Design & Culture by Ed

I’m in love with Frank Ocean’s latest drop, ‘Blond‘, and anything else that has something to do with his newest album. From Tyrone Lebon’s video for ‘Nikes‘ to Wolfgang Tillmans’ über-cool visuals, Ocean is on everyone’s lips this month. Also, is he just about to relaunch the trend for motocross gear? Posing in a pink hoodie and a matching racing helmet, he makes me want to wear a motocross t-shirt so badly. But Frank isn’t the only person who revives racing style. Fashion has always been in love with the biker jacket – Vetements‘ over-sized version, and its success is a proof. Also, take under consideration Louis Vuitton‘s biker-girl dresses and Alexander Wang‘s customised helmet from 2012.

Louis Vuitton Resort’17

Vetements SS16

Alexander Wang SS12

AND, have you heard of Anne-France Dautheville? She’s Chloé‘s autumn-winter 2016 muse, who back in the 70s travelled the world on her motorcycle. Her on-the-go wardrobe, so a maxi floral dress and a leather total-look, was reintepreted in a chic, girlie way by Clare Waight Keller, who is Anne-France’s biggest fan. Although Dautheville doesn’t like to be called a fashion person or anything alike, she’s a true style inspiration. Above all, her look was quite shocking in the past. On the way to Tehran, Anne-France was travelling cross-continent, and a group of men started to drive faster than her. “Ten kilometers later, they stop on the side of the road, and they stop me again. I ask, ‘Is there something you forgot?’ And they say, ‘Well, we were wondering, are you a girl or are you a boy?’” Dautheville tells T Magazine.

In other words – full throttle!

Motorcycle Trip. AF Vandevorst SS16

October 5, 2015 | Design & Culture by Ed

A lineup of 25-strong muscle bikes appeared backstage – Harleys and Triumphs surrounded the Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes a few days ago in Paris. One thing was sure before the show started – this collection will be a fast ride. A.F. Vandevorst and their spring-summer 2016 attitude is literally about the biker girl, her wardrobe and her gang. An Vandevorst and Filip Arickx explained pre-show: “It’s a road trip by a woman who lives in the East and has traveled to the West.” Hence the beautifully embroidered dresses and embellished details, that give an orient-spirited impression. The idea of mixing the hand-made craftsmanship with leather biker jackets and heavy textiles is not only deeply rooted in A.F. Vandevorst’s inspirations, that are brought from their exotic trips – also, it’s their deep love for rock & roll. By looking at this great collection, you have a feeling that the Vandevorst woman is not the one to mess with – however, she is ready for adventures that await her in the future.

Motor Babe. Sonia Rykiel Resort’15

June 17, 2014June 18, 2014 | Design & Culture by Ed

Change is in the air with Julie de Libran on the horizon as the new creative director at Sonia Rykiel. But for now, for the last collection, Geraldo da Conceicao did a pretty good job. This not-so-famous designer worked two years at this Parisian label and for his Resort 2015 he really rocked. As the line-up progressed, the silhouettes progressed softened significantly- and to winning effect. Updating house signatures, Geraldo put a modern twist on sparkly lurex seperates and gauzy shirtdresses. Also we had these beautiful V-neck tennis blouses and bourgeois brocade trousers. It’s worth to mention about the motorcycles… that did’t have anything really to do with the house legacy. They were just there (like the car themed styling and helmets). As Conceicao said, Madama Rykiel wasn’t a motor babe, but he imagined her riding a motorcycle, smoking a cigarette and having lots of fun! Yes, maybe Geraldo didn’t do anything amazing at Rykiel, but surely he made the house shine again. And hopefully Julie de Libran will continue his bright vision for this sensual, soft St. Germain-based brand!