Rag And Bone 13 S/S Mens.

Rag and Bone S/S 13 Mens

Rag and Bone are well known for their alternative spin on high fashion. Their break through into high fashion has pushed this alt appeal into the public demand, making that lifestyle more attainable and acceptable within current society. The Spring/Summer men's collection showcases smart suits, patterned jumpers and casual clothing that has been glamorised to seem fashionable.

The designer brand like to layer as a way of shaping the masculine form- many of the designs demonstrate pattern upon pattern, making a contrasting look but one that works.

One simplistic suit in navy with a simplistic orange tank top underneath it, breaks up a mixture of patterned and bold designs. Then R & B demonstrate a more preppy but alternative attire with the orange anorak style orange jacket- layered above a tonal black and white top and white shorts. Black socks and shoes finish the outfit. This styling is reflective of current trending, the shorts and long socks are very much a spring/summer look that men should appreciate. Combining the white shorts with the black and white top helps to merge the  outfit and make it appeal as one design (the lower base of the top is white which elaborates design and keeps a continuous flow of design).

The use of tone is apparent within many of their designs- this is their signature stamp- shaping tone in a bold manner to compliment bright colours or a similar neutral palette of shades.

Calvin Klein S/S 13

Calvin Klein S/S 13

CK has taken a very retrospective and neutral approach to appropriating denim and 90s elements within their LCM collection. Although the palette is fairly neutral/tonal throughout, pattern is introduced within the second half of the collection- contributing notions of femininity to previously masculine and perhaps 'lifeless' clothing.

Calvin Klein cleverly uses one bold and significant pattern and fabric to design many of the garments- this creates a flow and marks relevance from one outfit to another- it forms the link between garments that was previously missing. The flowery pattern could be identified as smart/casual and the use of denim has quite apparently been used in a casual manner, therefore the only thing missing from this collection is a smart element.

Oh wait, there are smart garments also. The collection includes the well known Klein signature tailored suit, always manipulating the tailoring and colouring used within each individual suit, to create an exclusivity and represent the brand in a positive and prestigious manner.

Where I have been!

So, I suppose you're wondering where I have disappeared to... or maybe you just hadn't noticed. Nonetheless. I have recently become writers for Chasseur and TrendLife magazines. Although I am still to publish work for TrendLife, I have provided numerous amounts of editorial content for Chasseur and have been appointed fashion writer. See my Chasseur portfolio below-

http://chasseurmagazine.com/category/kim-dibble/

Another opportunity I am in the midst of achieving is becoming a contributor for the up and coming- Venture magazine, a music publication (in online process at the moment). Whilst writing for all of these publications, trying to find a dull everyday job for summer (boohoo), finishing university deadlines, blogging on my Tumblr and actually having a social life... I have regrettably neglected my Blogspot... but not to worry, I am back. And I will be writing at least 5 features a week- this is the summer goal.

I have also been trying to organise work experiences and internships for the next year, my CV needs to look as impressive as possible for when I delve into the harsh and sometimes cruel world of journalism. I am very excited to announce I will be going to NME in November for work experience... and that I will hopefully have other work placements planned throughout the next year (fingers crossed).

So enough about me.... and commence my blogging spree.

Valentino Pre A/W 13

Valentino Pre Autumn/Winter 2013

Valentino never fails to shock with sharp and sleek designs that so seamlessly clingy but drape over the human body. The Valentino A/W '13 collection combines a mixture of sharp black and white tonal outfits and also additional pink and red blends to add an obviously dark suggestion to the collection.

Outfits are more often than not one shade throughout, to create a feel of serenity and order but in a supernatural way, the design is what makes the garments stand out as opposed to the shocking use of colour and pattern. Delicate outfits are often elaborated by adding a draping shawl or jacket over the original outfit, this adds elements of layering to the garments, more is not less in this case.

Grungey, yet feminine- the collection suggests female empowerment and opposing the norms of a society so obsessed by stripping females of as much clothing as possible. Valentino promotes the idea that females can be sexy hidden under such large clothing. The oversized tailoring of the collection adds notions of masculinity but female hints will be added to create a unisex feel- e.g. tailored trousers will showcase the narrow legs that and figure that is hidden under a quilted 'cardigan styled' draping jacket. A clutch bag finalises the outfit.

Etsy- CREEPYYEHA

Etsy have teamed up with designer CREEPYYEHA, to sell these beautifully grungey garters which range from delicately feminine- dark designs.

CREEPYYEHA is an American brand formed by designer Lisa Leung "Yeha", which considers the recent revival of grunge and romanticises it in a feminine and sexual manner. The garters are both metallic and structured to suggest obscure designs but beautifully adorn the thigh. 

The American heart garters have caused quite an uproar and have become a huge part of popular fashion culture on websites like Tumblr and even Instagram famous individuals have been seen wearing these designs. 

The only downfall, if living in the UK, is the price tag- not so much the price tag but the shipping fee. I can only hope that some day very soon I will be delving into the piggy bank to buy one for myself... The handmade designer is clearly one to keep an eye on, as her designs can only improve and become more popular as time passes us by.

 

Thunder Apparel

I'm all about the independent clothing lines at the moment because, if bloggers don't spread the word about them, then how can they get the word out there. That is why I love social networking so much. The fact that it has the power to establish underground clothing ranges. A saint and a curse in it's own right.

Anyway, I'm here to talk about Thunder Apparel- a diverse and unisex clothing range that hosts some great colours and designs that are both simplistic and intricate at the same time. As the range becomes more popular, the team have advanced and made the collection larger and as it currently stands, it features a selection of t-shirts, longsleeves, tanks, accessories, outerwear, headwear and sweaters.

Thunder Apparel use both their TA logo and their scrawled thundr logo to accentuate their established edgy style, using burgundy, blue, grey, yellow, black and many other colours to offer a little versatility to it's audience. The clothing is high quality and it is obvious that the fabric is authentic, and quite apparently not cheap and tacky, which makes the average t-shirt price of £19.99 very reasonable.

The designs vary from cartoonised and large, in your face designs, to tiny almost unnoticeable prints, which is why the collection targets such a wide audience of fashion consumers. It maintains a cool street edgy but is quite apparently targeted at unique and quirky individuals.

All Round Clothing

All Round Clothing

All Round Clothing are an independent clothing line who produce alternative designs for an audience of  quirky individuals. Their trademark squirrel logo runs throughout the range and compliments the 'nut' designs that are featured frequently (see blue t-shirt above). Of course, they avoid using just one design concept within their lookbook, so they frequently mix up their prints, changing colours and patterns. 

They try to veer away from the 'hipster norm' that we see within many independent clothing lines, which can be seen through their ironic interpretation of the 'hipster triangle' t-shirt. The t-shirt says 'Fuck triangles, be all round', which cleverly shuns the hipster love for triangles and helps to promote their clothing range in a non obvious manner.

  

 A variety of t-shirts, bags, vests and jumpers can be purchased from their store, varying from £4-£40.

http://shop.allroundartiste.com/400-all-products