You know those girls that just seem to have it all together? Their hair, although they would probably detest it, is always perfect. Their locks blow backwards as they speed by on their vintage bike. They’re the type of girl who loves cooking and picnics and reading and long walks in the park with their dog that looks just like them. Their whole image is further strengthened by their carefully-selected outfits, which usually include simple pieces like jeans and a tee. However, it is their attention to detail that puts them above the rest. Asymmetrical cuts, luscious fabrics or a fantastic pair of shoes usually does the trick for these gals, which is why Rag & Bone’s new Fall 2010 shoe collection, might just be their perfect fit…no pun intended.
The quirk: these shoes are actually designed for men, though it wouldn’t stop these fashion-forward females from donning a pair or two. The trick is in the classic shape and simple styling of the shoes. Rag & Bone has taken their characteristic tailored look and united it with everyone’s friend, functionality. The footwear was inspired by mountaineers’ outfits, which included heavy wool tweeds and quilted cotton. The collection is comprised of three categories: dress shoes, sneakers and hand-crafted welt and wedge shoes, making the series a well-rounded contemporary footwear line. The two-tone brogues feature a mix of English waxed suede and Italian vegetable leather — beautiful. They are perfect for fall excursions and nights out at the pub… or for the aforementioned girl to just waltz into a room with, sure to capture everyone’s attention. Visit your local Rag & Bone retailer to view the collection or check out their website www.rag-bone.com for more details.
Obakki is an international design house whose men’s and women’s wear collections are distinguished by their polished look, refined details and originality. Recently, the company started a foundation that supports humanitarian causes by giving children in Africa a voice. The Obakki Foundation went to Cameroon, Africa and gave 150 children living in orphanages, paper and a pen, and asked them to express their thoughts and feelings. They were asked three questions: What makes you happy? What makes you sad? What makes you afraid?
The children’s answers and messages were then used in Obakki’s newest collection of clothing and accessories. Each piece showcases a different series of words and phrases written by the kids. These are limited-edition pieces, which include t-shirts, scarves and tote bags. And all proceeds go directly towards Obakki’s projects, meaning every cent goes back to the community and the orphanage.
The Obakki Foundation allows children in need a chance to use their voices to improve their own lives and the lives of others. It offers people hope, empowerment and the chance to learn and grow. The collection is available now online at www.obakkifoundation.org and in select boutiques across North America. See and wear it as a tangible — and simple — way to show your support for the children, and to help spread awareness. The website also allows you to make a donation to the Foundation by purchasing first-aid kits and school supplies that will be shipped to Africa and hand-delivered by Treana Peake, founder of Obakki, upon her return to Cameroon.
Although summer is just around the corner, the fashion world is already into fall. Always one step ahead. The world fashion weeks have passed and videos, photos and media have communicated what we have to look forward to for the upcoming fall season. I know we should always live in the present, but when a collection comes out that is as good as Elise Øverland’s, it is hard to keep from longing for the future. The New York-based Øverland uses raw materials such as leather and silk in rich colours to produce structured, sophisticated and feminine designs. Inspired by rock and roll and performance art, the pieces are edgy and passionate and in a word, stunning.
The clothes inspire some imagination and creativity too. I would love to hang out with a wolf under the moonlight wearing pieces from Øverland’s new collection. Dramatic? Perhaps. But the pieces just seems to call for that sort of dramatic storyline. Check out a clip of Elise Øverland’s fall/winter 2010 runway show below:
As signs of spring begin to show, thoughts of sunshine, bike-riding and short sleeves start to take over. And let’s be honest: getting that new “spring” ensemble feels pretty amazing. There’s lots of variations on the warm-weather outfit. But a great pair of sneakers will always be a constant. Lucky for the discerning sneaker-wearer, Converse has teamed up with one of the most iconic music acts in Rock & Roll history: Blondie.
Debbie Harry, the band’s infamous bombshell singer, has lent her image to the new Spring 2010 collection of Chuck Taylor All Star shoes (in stores now). Think classic “Chucks” with an 80s rock and roll twist. The sneakers come in both hi-tops and low-tops and are adorned with animal prints and the band’s album art, among other recognizable designs. Picture a little piece of pop culture history mounted to a rubber sole. It’s musical icon meets footwear icon, wrapped up in this perfect warm weather shoe. For availability and sizes visit converse.com and your local Converse retailers.
Who doesn’t like miniatures? Miniature ponies, miniature teacups, miniature trains and maybe even miniature golf. There is something about tiny things that makes one wiggle with admiration. So when Montreal-based Bruxe Design decided to make a new line of pendants that featured collectible (mini) chairs, they were definitely on to something. The “Tiny Little Chairs” series of pendants and necklaces are handmade in Montreal and feature precious metal charms that pay homage to mid-century furniture designers who forever changed the design world. Modern icons from the 20th century such as the LCW Plywood Chair by Charles and Ray Eames and the Barcelona Chair designed by Mies van der Rohe are honoured in Bruxe’s collection. The first series of pendants is on sale now and features five chairs available in solid gold, silver and bronze.
The best part is, a portion of the sales from Tiny Little Chairs will be donated to Yele Haiti, in the hopes of contributing to the aid of those who need help during this critical rebuilding period for the devastated country. You can purchase the pendants on both the Bruxe Design and Tiny Little Chairs websites or in store at Colette Paris, Commissaires Montreal, and Trolley Singapore within the next couple weeks. A fashionable accessory that also helps those in Haiti? Just another example of how something small and miniature can sometimes make a big difference.
