TRENDING: All Black

We’re in the midst of yet another Australian summer - where the sun’s rays have tinged our skin golden, where the beach serves as the ultimate day-off retreat, and where matte black shades and SPF 50+ are absolute must-haves. For many mere mortals, summer bares images of bikinis and board shorts, crystal blue waters and sweet tropical fruit.

But as I’ve come to notice, from those cool kids walking down Bondi promenade, to my very own go-to summer outfits, all black looks - or anti-summer dressing (as I love to call it) - is a growing trend. One must simply look at Solestruck’s Summer Lookbook to see that this trend is all the rebelliousness rage it claims to be. And boy does it look good, almost Tim Burton-esque.

Titled ‘Goths in Hot Weather’, I found the lookbook possesses an enigmatic beauty about this nonconformist way of summer dressing. Maybe it’s the ‘stick it to the man/I couldn't care less’ attitude you seemingly adopt wearing something all black. Or perhaps the timelessness of the outfit by this simple choice in colour. Regardless of what it is, anti-summer outfits have already, and will continue, to dictate how I dress this summer.

PS. Sharon and I have recently started our very own YouTube channel, at Primped and Primed, and we would really love it if you could have a look around and let us know what you think. It even features anti-summer looks. 

 

[YouTube Video Here]

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Three Floor AW14/15

Left to Right Clockwise: ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, FIVE

 Picture Source: http://www.threefloorfashion.com

Although I'm not one who aches for winter during Australia's balmy summers, this Three Floor campaign is an exception. Think of it as edgy and futuristic party separates that's a little different to the usual crop top, tight skirt combo (Kardashian much?).

Metallic against sequins, sheer opposed to gauze mesh, delicate lace with brocade: this contrast in textures is what Three Floor does so well. Keeping this drop mysterious yet fresh are the aquatic hues and rich jewel tones to complement the mishmash of materials.

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INTERVIEW: Gypsea Paradise 14/15

'Mayan': Mayan feathers from the rain-forests of Mexico & the Mayan Ruins

'Dino': The minerals 

'Zeepop': double exposed zebras and poppies 

'Nicobar': Nicobar Pigeon from the Andomon Island & Malaysia 

Known for their original and vibrant prints, Gypsea Swimwear's newest 2014/15 collection 'Paradise' showcases the brand's love of nature and design. This Western Australian label has come a long way since their runway debut at 2013 Australian Fashion Week by designing swimwear that's unique in print and cut yet flattering to the female form.

Zebra & Poppies Double Exposure by Misha Ashton Moore

But even after finding success designer Emma Jones and surf photographer Scott Bauer, who run this business together, has not strayed from their design DNA. Gypsea is still that label which merges swimwear with exquisite photography shot by Bauer and other talented photographers and artists.



Such is the importance of original photography that Gypsea has an artist program to support local and international talent. The idea is to accept artists to 'collaborate with Gypsea ... creating a unique piece of wearable art'. This collection features the work of Misha Ashton Moore, Darrell Gulin and Stan and Kaisa Breeden.

Previously I had the pleasure to interview Bauer after the label's debut. This time I catch up with him to talk about the new collection.
These are his thoughts:

On inspiration: "I'm very much an outdoors person, so nature is a big inspiration. This particular collection is very much inspired by my upbringing, from North Western Australia with the Karijini and Ningalo prints." 

On the prints: "The minerals, I've always been amazed by at a young age, the textures and colours are so unique. The feather prints are inspired by amazing Rainforests; Paradise Lost is from the Amazon, Bird of Paradise is from Papua New Guinea, Nicobar is from around the Andamon Islands and Malaysia and Mayan is from the rainforests of Mexico where the Mayan Ruins are." (see photo captions for print information)

Mayan feather by Darrell Gulin 

On designing new cuts: "We're constantly evolving and the ultimate goal is to produce new, contemporary swimwear that is very flattering but also have those staples that we are known for." 

On challenges: "I think sometimes the biggest challenge is to narrow the range down enough so the collections aren't so big. We get so excited it's easy to get out of hand." 

On partnership: "Emma and I work so well now and the design process we have so much fun with." 

'Mayan': Mayan feathers from rain forests of Mexico and the Mayan Ruins 

'Paradise Lost': Macaw Feathers from the Amazon  

'Nicobar': Nicobar Pigeon from the Andomon Islands & Malaysia 

Picture Source: http://www.gypsea.com.au

By Sharon Jiang 

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MBFFS: Fashion Bloggers on Style

 

 

Pictures belong to Primped and Primed 

Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival Sydney included big successful names into their runway shows making more room for independent bloggers in the fashion industry. Not only does this give us something to look up to but also reinforces how bloggers are now taken more seriously (remember THIS article that caused a massive stir in the blogosphere?). That's gotta be good news for the rest of us small scale 'citizen journalists'.

Last year saw five local bloggers making their runway debut as part of Market HQ's spectacle 'Salute the Sun.' This year they upped the ante; an entire show revolved around five of Australia's most recognizable blogger names. They were Margaret Zhang from Shine By Three, Kate Waterhouse from KateWaterhouse.com, Amanda Shadforth from Oracle Fox, Sara Donaldson from Harper & Harley and Zanita Whittington from Zanita. Not to mention they have a reality TV show on The Style Channel called Fashion Bloggers. *cue the envy*

Marvic and I attended MBFFS with a stylish little lanyard hooked around our necks. Although a media pass is not a glittering and exciting piece of plastic that it was two years ago, I still appreciate taking a seat once again in the media riser. While the guests were sitting on comfy chairs, we were fighting for the best spots on the oh-so-coveted stairs. Working as media also gave us incredible insight to the blood and sweat that goes into producing a fifteen minute runway show. A behind-the-scenes post will be uploaded later during the week.

From Camilla and Marc, to Alice McCall and Michel Lo Sordo, the clothes were a beautiful reminder of the Australian design talent as well as the styling flair of the said bloggers. Although these pieces have already been unveiled at Australian Fashion Week earlier in the year, this was the perfect opportunity for the layperson, like you and I, to cast your sights upon exquisite fashion items. These are some of our favourite picks of the night.

By Sharon Jiang & Marvic Casingal

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White for Spring

Picture Source: http://www.style.com

It seems like every season white doesn't go out of style. White in winter, white in summer; designers will find any excuse to incorporate this shade into their collection. Having white as a trend is almost mandatory. Lets be honest, we can all see it coming.

On par with florals (always 'in') and nautical stripes (just doesn't quit), it was unsurprising to see white on the Spring Summer 2015 runways. What is interesting is how each individual label interprets it, bringing something fresh to the table through texture, shape, cut and styling.

Above are my top picks from NYFW S/S 2015.

By Sharon Jiang 

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Alexander Wang x H&M

Circle November 6^th 2014 in a bright red marker because that’s the day Alexander Wang x H&M’s collection will drop into stores. Designer collaborations are usually welcomed by a hyperventilating pack of fashion ‘freaks’ just like the throng of screaming girls for One Direction. Such is the niche market of Wang’s eponymous label and Balenciaga – in which he was appointed Creative Director in 2012 – that this partnership will expose his creative talent to a broader audience.

Alexander Wang said the collaboration “will be a great way for a wider audience to experience elements of the Alexander Wang brand and lifestyle.”

Since Fall 2007, Alexander Wang has reinvented and deconstructed the modern urban uniform, designing clothing that captures the energy of theCity. Using black as the predominant colour in his designs Wang is also known for his great tailoring skills in creating crisp shirts as seen in the latest Alexander Wang S/S 2014 collection. His cuts and shapes exude an effortless vibe fuelling the model off-duty look captured in street style shots around the world. The youthful goal Wang wants to deliver is “clothes that girls want to wear.” His diffusion line T by Alexander Wang introduced in 2009 and Men’s T by Alexander Wang in 2010 both reflect such a mission.

For people like me who only dream about owning a garment from his main line, this upcoming collaboration is a great opportunity to own a piece of this iconic American fashion designer. The collection will include men and women’s clothing as well as an array of his most popular accessories. 

Alexander Wang x H&M is the perfect blend of high street prices and designer creativity. 

Picture Source: http://www.vogue.com/
http://art8amby.wordpress.com/2011/02/02/t-by-alexander-wang-spring-summer-2011-ad-campaign/

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