Phillip Lim Transformable Vest

Most children and the men young at heart, are captivated by the cars that transform themselves into life size robots, like transformers. You can see why they're so captivating. So it's not a shot in the dark to suggest these Phillip Lim transformable multifunctional vest's are ab-so-lute-ly the bee's knees .. Phillip Lim signature style has already won him cult status in the world of contemporary fashion, the drawstring neck alone is genius! I will have to file these under 'things I want but will never have', but it doesn't matter because it always feels cathartic sharing it here. 

Play between form and function. Sleeveless jacket that transforms into a backpack. Drawstring neck, Flap pockets, and zip-front detailing.

Images courtesy of Lane Crawford & 31PhillipLim  

H & H Nail adornments

Holly & Hannah Metal Nails
I have never worn fake nails, my many friends are fake nail aholics, and spend an awful lot of money, but I would make the exception for these beautiful and extreme pieces of metal art... of course only for a occasion that warrants for it. I couldn't use these nails on my cell phone or run these nails through my hair Ouch !! 

The nails have a very raw, organic feel using elements such as thorns, leaves, thistle, wood and stems in their designs. Some designs feature intricate designs of spider webs and animal skulls, which have been hand carved in wax. These designs are daring statement pieces appealing to performance artists and fashionistas and have a creative feel.

Holly & Hannah is a collaboration of jewellery and make-up for the avant garde performance artist. But artists are no longer the only people that are sporting these amazing looks, taking nail art to the next level. These would also stop you biting your fingernails. Also, launching later this year are bejewelled bindis and face pieces. 

Thierry Mugler Runway
Behind the scenes of Thierry Mugler in Paris creating a buzz at the show. A set of stunning, to die for nails is going to set you back between £250 and £500. They really do look all sorts of amazing on the models against the make up and collection.

I think we'll be seeing a lot more of them, but I also think now the concept is out there, we'll see affordable versions coming too. 

Moodboard 01 B&W

Today I feel the simplicity of black and white and grey, feeling a little minimalism-inspired this week. I spotted these graphic black and white prints today by Swedish designer Therese Sennerholt and thought you may really enjoy them. BE&D has found a way to merge the stiletto and the high top sneaker you, thanks to them now you can dress up your feet without sacrificing comfort. 

Color Harvest : Anat Martkovich

Sometimes colors will just pop out at me, this is Anat Martkovich an Israeli designer with Latvian lineage and the image above is from her new Cut & Paste collection reflecting her vision of the world: an endless flow of information that people select, believe or discard. Anat was picked to be part of MUUSE's most promising designer by VOGUE Talents. 

Wednesday Playlist - Coachella 2012

So who is going to the musical smorgasbord of the year?... My sister Ju Ju left for L.A today and will also make voyage to Palm Springs for the Coachella festival. I couldn't go but I created a mini playlist of the amazing artists in this years line-up for Ju Ju - enjoy. If you're not headed to coachella, are you planning on attending any other music festivals this summer or year?

TRACKLIST

01 Modern Art - Black Lips 
02 Paris (Ooh La La) - Grace Potter and the Nocturnals 
03 Bonfire - Childish Gambino 
04 Dominos - The Big Pink
05 AKA What A Life! - Noel Gallagher
06 L.E.S Artistes - Santigold 
07 Levels Original Mix - Avicii
08 Midnight City - M83
09 The Next Episode - Dr. Dre Snoop Dogg
10 I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor - Arctic Monkeys
11 Gold On The Ceiling - The Black Keys
12 Shake It Out - Florence + The Machine 
13 Never Be Alone - Justice
14 Mushaboom - Feist 
15 Fire - Kasabian 

Listen - Download 

{Label} K.Brat - The Sinister Crawl AW 12/13

I wont pass up the opportunity of sharing this collection on this good Friday, where every piece looks to have been sublimely crafted and devised together with a contemporary but also complimentary silhouette with an edgy twist, evoking the cosmopolitan women in you. I was compelled to create a colour pallette for the first couple of images and the last. 

Crepe De Chine Silk blouse with a Dark Grey and Yellow print, Black sleeves and back panels. Large cuffs with stands. Front cut-out detail Black leather shorts with different angled pleats at front. Multi pockets detail at back. 

Sculpted Merino Wool dress in Black and Off White with Indian Yellow inserts. Layers detail on sleeves and a cut-out detail from front to back. [Right] Off White Bouclé top with Black leather Raglan sleeves and back yoke. Hidden pockets on front and exposed zippers on sleeve’s lines. Cropped at back, curved hem Black leather shorts with different angled pleats at front. Multi pockets detail at back.

Sculpted Black Wool blend dress with quilted Leatherpanels on sleeves and an exposed front zipper. Black Bouclé skirt with asymmetric pockets detail. [Right] Structured biker Jacket in Black Leather and Merino Wool under sleeves. Quilted sleeve panels and an asymmetric closure at front with brass buckle and strap Sculpted Off White Bouclé skirt with different angled pleats at front. Two pockets at back, thick leather waistband and an exposed zipper at back

Sculpted dress with a deep V-neckline and extended sleeves. Printed Silk Twill top in Grey and Cream and a Cream Sandwashed Polyester skirt. Exposed front zipper. Pencil skirt with side frills and a back vent [Right] Structured coat in Cream Wool and Black Leather raglan sleeves. Asymmetric front closure with brass buckle and strap. Side flaps and angled pockets.

Sculpted multi panelled dress in Light Grey Merino Wool. Deep V-neckline, fitted short sleeves and Indian Yellow shoulder inserts. Skirt with dramatic side flaps constructed detail [Right] Two-toned long sleeved dress with a sculpted bodice in Black and Light Grey Merino Wool. Black Silk Georgette sheer top panels and sleeves. Dramatic full skirt in Black leather. Leather neck-strap and cuffs with exposed zippers. 

Maxi dress in Black Leather and Wool blend top with Sandwashed Polyester skirt. Multi panelling detail on bodice. Front asymmetric cut-out detail with buckle and strap fastening. [Right] Black Sandwashed Silk Maxi dress with a deep V-neckline and extended sleeves. Exposed front zipper and a draped wrap panel at front skirt. 

Sculpted dress with a draped printed Crepe De Chine Silk blouse in Black and White and a structured skirt in Black Sandwashed Polyester. Blouse with a front cut-out detail. Skirt with side overlapping flaps and pockets at front. [Right] Printed Crepe De Chine Silk vest in Black and Grey. Racer back with an opening detail.Tailored trousers in Black Venetian Wool with different angled pleats at front and multi pockets detail at back.

The Sinister Crawl, was inspired by Entomology, the study of insects. The collection silhouettes, structures, pattern lines, volume and fine details reference the striking world of bugs and beetles. The beauty of these creatures and their unique colors and forms initiated a journey of research into their delicate and rich forms, which often combine elegance with crudeness, softness with roughness, and perfect symmetry with asymmetry. This fascinating divergence forms the backdrop for the collection.

Happy Easter & Good Friday !!

A sprinkling of ideas for evening dresses this winter

Coast: Adding a sparkle and inspiration without the strain

When it comes to evening dresses UK women are often the first to admit that picking outfits to suit the occasion, look fabulous and stay comfortable, can be quite a struggle. The pressure to find that perfect outfit can mean that party seasons and special occasions can be more of an occasion for stress than celebration!

When outfit hunting for that up and coming date in your diary, we recommend you focus on picking a colour to suit your skin tone and high-quality fabric rather than looking for elaborate craftwork or difficult-to-wear shapes.

At Coast stores, there is a gorgeous selection of maxi-length dresses which are perfect for more formal occasions – and can even double for winter weddings, receptions, and larger family events.

Jewel tones were a huge trend in autumn/winter 2011 and continue to be a hot look into 2012 as showcased by Lanvin and Versace. The Allure Maxi Dress in the rich crimson hue is a romantic example of this luxurious aesthetic. Strapless, with an empire-line bust the Allure Maxi Dress is a flattering and feminine design that is ideal for more formal occasions.

Colour blocking remains a strong look on the catwalks this season with designer Jil Sander and Danish brand Acne, whose tonal panels and monochrome outfits have been the talk of the town.

Be confident and be bold –look for simplistic shapes which do not detract from the colour blocks; classic shift styles in particular lend themselves well to this trend.

For a dramatic and refreshing look, opt for pieces with Prada-esque black lines struck through vibrant bright colours and work high fashion trends into your wardrobe with ease and sophistication.

Debating over tights? Opaques, sheer? Ultimately during the winter months up to April, comfort and warmth should ultimately influence your decision. A high denier and dark, subtle colour will ensure that you and your dress take centre stage.

 

Ciaté introduces Caviar Manicure

I remember my first experience with caviar was much like Tom Hanks in the movie Big, I was really appalled the first time I tasted it. Though I like to think of myself as quite adventurous when it comes to trying new foods and discovering a new favourite... so consequently caviar doesn't tickle my taste-buds but would Ciaté caviar tantalize my lips and nails!?  I'm sure they look stellar on the cover of a magazine shoot but gotta feeling those tiny beads are going to start shedding pretty fast .. but looks good fun.

There's a waiting list if you want to create these 3-dimensional nails at £18 a pop. Or you could try the same look for less D.I.Y alternative at thepolishaholic .