[ ALOHA SS13! ] Mara Hoffman: Polynesia-Fever SS2013

All images: style.com

It probably won't come as much of a surprise that I'm a little overly obsessed with Mara Hoffman, after all she embodies pretty much every aspect of design I love - ethnic inspirations, eye-popping colour, youthful shapes and easy wearing fabrics. Each season I wait with little bubbles of excitement brewing in anticipation of the next collection - which culture will the inspiration come from, how will she interpret the use of pattern and design? I may sound like a cross between an obsessive stalker and a ethnic design geek but, come on, when you find a designer, artist or general creative that embodies everything you like about design, you can't help but get a little obsessed. Right...?

Mara Hoffman's Spring/Summer 13 collection, which has just hit stores worldwide, is inspired by the sunny styles of the Polynesians. Complete with signature bold, tribalesque prints in a medley of both soft pastels and bold brights set against dark backdrops of black or navy, the collection sees the usual maxi print dresses, cute cut-out mini's, billowing chiffon gowns and of course those best-selling bralet and high waist pant combo bikinis. And in true Mara tradition, back at the NY runway show in September, she kept the tribal theme going strong by sending her models down the runway donning palm headpieces and leaf-like wrist cuffs (which I have yet to figure out how to get hold of).

Equally as obsessed? Here's a few pieces you can shop online....right now!

1. Cut-out Day Dress, £171.62  2. Electric Casino Printed Beach Bag, £340  3. Pow Wow Printed Bikini Top, £105  4. Pow Wow Printed Bikini Briefs, £78  5. Frida Printed Bikini Top, £90  6. Frida Printed Bikini Briefs, £90  7. Sleeveless Print Shirt, £142.68  8. Electric Casino Print Maxi Dress, £218 

[ TRENDING TAPESTRY ] Harper's Bazaar USA October 2012

Hugely popular this season, the tapestry aesthetic has graced runways and high streets alike, and when I stumbled across this richly ornate and luxuriantly feminine shoot by Photographer Richard Burbridge and Stylist Tony Irvine for Harper's USA my fingers began twitching, and alas to Wandering Threads it came.

One of this seasons best use of the trend (and one of my lifelong designer lustings) is Dolce & Gabbana, whose AW12 collection was positively bursting with baroque decadence. Synonymous with luxe fabrics and exquisite detailing, unsurprisingly the label is leading the trend with its rose motif body-con dresses and embroidered tapestry effect peplum corset tops, while others such as Balmain take brocade embellishment to a baroque extreme with gold threaded embroidery edged with thousands of light-catching pearls and crystals.

Of all the seasons to stop travelling and dedicate those extra funds to sprucing up a long-forlorn winter wardrobe, I couldn't have picked a time more apt!

I'm in love with all things tapestry. Perhaps it's that vintage (and at times rather kitsch) appeal) that sends my mind tumbling into visions of 17th century court ladies surrounded by Caravaggio paintings, just delicately stitching away...Whatever century it sends your mind to, the true beginnings of needlepoint tapestry (or tapestry embroidery as it's more accurately referred) actually stem back to Hellenistic times. However, we associate them (rightly so) with the baroque period due to it's rising popularity as a domestic craft during the 16th & 17th centuries. Apparently some rather famous figures were keen hobbyists, with Mary Queen of Scots (she had a lot of time on her hands...), Marie Antoinette and Queen Elizabeth I all being listed. 

As always, a little history lesson for thread fans.

So, be it fashion, art or craft, for me tapestry will always signify a heritage fabric that exudes that wonderful sense of nostalgic craftsmanship, of cherished artistry and of time-honoured tradition.  

Images: Visual Optimism

[ TOMMY TON DOES NYFW, AGAIN ] SS'13 Street Style at NYFW

 

 

 

The weather may be cooling over here, but across the pond in New York it seems the fashion pack are still very much in summer mode. That, and the fact this past week the city has been host to the SS'13 runway shows. Once again, superstar street style hound Tommy Ton has captured the style crowd at their best, snapping models, editors and bloggers in all their printastic, texture-loving summer outfit glory as they cavorted around the innumerable fashion week venues, during one half of New York's most exciting events of the year. 

Want to see more of Tommy Ton? See his SS'12 NYFW shots here, or visit his super duper blog at jackandjll.com

All photos: style.com

[ FABULOUS FINDS ] Hand Painted Ethnic Home Decor from Fabulloso!

1. Pottery Hookah I by Mudcafe 2. Bye Bye Birdie Kettle by Mudcafe 3. Ganesh Madhubani Kettle Blue by The Colour Caravan 4. Bird Ochard Box Mudcafe 5. Bird Sanctuary Canister in Cream by Mudcafe 6. Antique Iron by Mudcafe 7. Pattachitra Tissue Box by The Colour Caravan 8. Artistic Florals Tiffin Carrier 9. Storyteller Kettle by Mudcafe

If you've been following Wandering Threads on Twitter or Facebook, you've probably already read me rave about Delhi based digital bazaar, Fabulloso. With a self-proclaimed selection of beautiful, whimsical, witty and quirky designer products, ranging from clothing, shoes and accessories to home decor and furniture, you're at risk of getting well and truly lost as your eyes wander this digital market space. I, for one, am head over heels with those ornately pretty, hand-painted teapots and totally obsessed with that beautifully unique antique Iron (swoon!). And as I'm currently in the process of flat hunting, I can't think of a better way to envision my future living space than with Indian inspired, patterned home decor resting on my virtual shelves. Which ones your favourite?

Thinking that pottery hookah looks familiar? Probably because it is. I also featured it here.

[ CIO CIO SAN ] Vogue Russia August 2012

 

 

It saddens me that may days of perpetual summer are, for the meantime, over. I've been back from my Slovenian sojourn for but a week and the shops are already full of darker tones and chunky knits. I've not seen a proper English winter for over a year since I've been wandering the globe, sunning myself in the likes of India, Laos, Malaysia....the list goes on, and as you may have guessed, I am somewhat reluctant to embrace the cold. That and the fact that I think I may have actually forgotten how to dress for Autumn/Winter. Nevertheless I find solace in the idea that even though the days may be shorter and the nights colder, there will always be inspiration from afar to send my mind spiralling back into my days of wandering. 

Thus, in true cross-season spirit, I spent ages trawling the web for recent editorials that don't leave me thinking that summer's actually, official over and I found this very on trend Geisha inspired shoot by Sebastian Mader for Vogue Russia, August (because we still have one day left...).

Covering almost all of AW 2012's biggest trends from print on print and convex curves to gothic grunge and my favourite, brocade, stylist Natasha Royt rocks the Geisha vibe with an accessory rich oriental opulence meets all-Russian ritz. 

A polar opposite to Marie Claire Australia's interpretation in The Flower & The Willow back in July, no?

Images: Visual Optimism

[ LAKMÈ LOWDOWN ] Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2012

Whilst I was (reluctantly) climbing the mountains of Slovenia (pictures to come soon - promise!), this lot were happy mingling in the comfort of Mumbai's Grand Hyatt Hotel, busying themselves with chatter of the latest unveilings from the Winter/Festive 2012 collections. Lucky them. Taking place twice a year since 1999, Lakmé Fashion Week  is India's most prestigious Fashion and trade event, acting as a platform for the launch of many of India's most talented designers. So that's the intro done, now for the Lakmé Lowdown...take a look at some of the 'best in show' according to the humble opinion of Wandering Threads:

Yogesh Chaudhary

(As above) Definitely one to watch: an unquestionable mastery of print-on-print styling that is synonymously Indian, but what's that? It's inspired by Pac Man?! Yup, Chaudhary's inspiration went on a whirlwind ride back to the 1960's American Retro Era, where he picked up a sunny colour palette of canary yellow, cherry red and electric blue before propelling himself 20 years into the future to play a bit of our favourite 80's childhood arcade game, then hurling himself back to the present day ready with the one and only 'Miss Pac-in District'. Despite the somewhat nerdy inspiration, this collection's got definite sex appeal: a predominantly lean, body snug silhouette in super-modern block vs digital print-colour fusion's gave a new twist to the sari-choli combo, whilst full skirts paired with traditionally cut choli's created a look which would easily find its place on the runways of western fashion weeks. Enough photo's I need to see this in person Chaudhary! Get thee to London Fashion Week! 

Nitya Arora

Winner of the Grazia Young Designers Award: Best Jewellery Designer 2012, Arora's career seems to be skyrocketing to success at only 24. A graduate of Parsons School of Design in New York, Arora launched her accessory line upon completing her studies in 2011 and has already held trunk shows in Dubai, Egypt and New York. Her LFW W/F 2012 'Nouveau Gypsy' collection saw her trademark oversized statement necklaces embellished with a mishmash of mesh and chain, set with gemstones and enamel in geometric forms on beds of tassel's, while spiked chokers kicked up a 'dare to touch' rock'n'roll edge.

Pinnacle by Shruti Sancheti

Synonymous with the combo of indigenous design and contemporary styling, Sancheti's Pinnacle brand combines traditional craftsmanship with a look desirable of modern day India. With a collection entitled 'Thar', this seasons look was very much a contemporary fashion take on the time-honored textiles of the Kutch region. Combining traditional techniques of Shibori (a unique stitch resistant technique of the Nebsarai Village), Sindhi Tanka or Kutch stitch with negative appliqué, herringbone, chain and buttonhole stitches in a colour palette of richly hued fuschia, sunset orange, mango, indigo and royal blue, Sancheti's seamlessly layered and meticulously crafted ensembles made more than an impact on Indian Textile Day. 

Bodice by Ruchika Sachdeva 

Infamous for her penchant for 'androgyny, structure and  contrast', Sachdeva sure didn't fail on any mark this season with her fluid collection inspired by the Indian Maharaja and the Sadhu. Elegant, sheer and floaty blouses, feminine pleated skirts and billowing harem pants were neatly nipped with sharply cut blazers whilst pretty pastels and feminine, soft shades of berry and apricot where starkly bordered with black belts and collars. Picking up on that distinctly tailored western edge? No doubt a by-product of days spent studying at London College of Fashion and stemming from an impressive resume of experience working with both Vivienne Westwood and Giles Deacon.

Pia Pauro

Mara Hoffman eat your heart out! There's a new kid on the block and she certainly stole the show this season at Lakmé with her Mexican Folk Art and Aboriginal inspired prints. Aptly named "Espiritu de Mexico", Pauro's collection IS the perfect holiday wardrobe (NB for those of you yet to leave for your summer vacations). Brightly hued beach shorts were paired with printed cami's, easy-wear patterned jersey dresses featured appliqued Mexican motifs and for that evening transition Pauro provided bead encrusted, heavily embroidered mini tube dresses. Oh and she's a graduate of London College of Fashion, can you tell? 

For more information on Lakmé Fashion Week, click here.  

[ MR DANNIJO ] Eye Spy Man Repelling Arm Parties

 

 

Like thousands of other women here and across the Atlantic, I have a bit of a girl crush on Leandra Medine, aka The Man Repeller. But now there's but another justification for such crushing in the shape of ethnic style eyes. Confused? Yes, thought you might be. Well, to better explain, The Man Repeller teamed up for a second time earlier this year with New York based design duo, sisters Danielle and Jodie Snyder, Aka Dannijo. Their collaborative 'eyes' for fashion culminated in, well, just that actually. A line of super summery, neon crystal and beaded rings, necklaces, earrings and of course, the coveted arm parties (that's a load of bracelets for those unbeknownst). Totally in tune with this seasons ethnic/tribal trends, they paraded their Mr Dannijo 'Eye Spy' collection round New York posing for the above featured lookbook, shot by Naomi Shon. And to tip it all off, Dannijo has partnered with a Rwandan women’s cooperative who hand-make all of the labels packaging under ethical conditions whilst being paid a fair wage. Eye say!

Enough of the puns. Go visit DANNIJO to eye up afforementioned arm parties et al. 

All images by Naomi Shon 

[ WINNING SPIRIT STYLE ] Get The London - 2012 Olympic Games - Look

1.Vivienne Westwood Gold Label Tuck Union Jack-print silk-chiffon dress 2. London Sole Henrietta UK Flag Design 3. Monica VinaderJubilee Fiji sterling silver bracelet 4. Topshop Moto Floral Union Jack Bralet 5. Cath Kidston Antique Brass Tiny Union Jack Heart Pendant Necklace 6.Large Liberty London Liberty Print Union Jack Scarf 7. Union Jack Snakeskin Lips Clutch 8. Emma Cook Printed silk crepe de chine tunic 9. Cath Kidston Be A Good Sport iPhone 4/S Case, Multi 10. Mulberry Union Jack Lock Lily Bag 11. London 2012 Olympic Games 1948 Medium Shopper Bag 12. 2012 Team GB Woven Bracelet, Red

Well, it's about that time again, yes it's TEAM GB time! First we had the Diamond Jubilee, when I gave you all a great deal of red white and blue Barbour Heritage to get you and your patriotic wardrobe through that long weekend. And now the time has come to dig out those colours once again, this time not for Queen Liz (GSTQ!), but to support the whole of beautiful Blighty! It may not be ethnic inspired, and, no, if you aren't British you'll be clicking right off this here page and on to some more country specific colours, but for all of you Brits out there, here's some inspiration to get you pumped with some TEAM GB winning spirit style, ready for this Friday's Opening Ceremony. Let the games begin!

[ NOVELLA ROYALE ] Sun-Basking Boho Wear

 

The sun is shining, I'm sun basking in my garden, and with my current ethno-bo style spirit still in full swing I couldn't think of a better piece of style inspiration for the coming weekend spent lounging lazily in the country, sipping Pims in the long grass and cooling feet in crystal streams. I love this new lookbook by Californian boho rock chick brand Novella Royale. One time accessory designer turned full-scale fashion star Mary Meyers' has ticked off the top 3 boho must haves: super pretty Indian paisley prints, my recent re-lust obsession: crochet, and to vamp it up whilst still keeping that soft focus hippie vibe: lace-up suede. Here's to a dreamy bohemian English summer (lets just hope it holds out)!


If you've also just fallen head over heels for Novella Royale, you can shop the collection here or view their blog here.