Elana Herzog

 Detail of above

As some of you may know I originally trained as a textile designer

It was later that I moved into Accessories and clothing

These pieces spoke to the textile corner of me

Old bedspreads transformed  into works of Art

Here are the words of the Artist

For the past ten years I’ve made most of my work by stapling found textiles—often bedspreads and carpets—to the walls using thousands of metal staples. Parts of the fabric and the staples are then removed and sometimes reapplied, leaving a residue of shredded fabric and perforated wall surface in some areas, and densely stapled and built-up areas elsewhere.

I recommend you scroll back up and study them again
they are better on second or third viewing

To see more go to her website

Rei Kawakubo

"The main pillar of my activity is making clothes, but this can never be the perfect and only vehicle of expression. I am always thinking of the total idea, and the context of everything. Fashion alone is so far from being the whole story" Rei Kawakubo

image and quote from AnOther Magazine

Abelardo Morell

 Camera Obscura

by

Abelardo Morell

Hats

 photo by Helen James

 "Life is like a new hat. 

You don't know if it suits you

if you keep trying it on

in front of your own mirror."  

Shirley McLaine.

If you missed it yesterday you must head over to Showstudio to watch Philip Treacy create a unique Hat which was live-streamed.
Watchers were invited to submit questions. 

Philip's candour and generosity are astounding. 

Have a great weekend and don't forget to wear your hat.

Henry Varnum Poor

I would like to forget about the world of Fashion, live here, paint and drink coffee all summer. 

House of the late Artist Henry Varnum Poor

New Growth, New Talent

The dawning of the new season is always one of my favourite times of year. Winter was long and very very cold this year. Spring is making it's entrance a little late, but we wait with much anticipation. Daffodils are in bud, soon a golden sea will sway on my front lawn.

Packets of seeds lie patiently with pledges of staggered planting, crop rotation and  bountiful harvest ringing in my ear.

all above images by Helen James

The delicate primroses surprise with their strength and push through the debris of last years growth.
There is a lot of work to be done and I look forward to it.

All of this advancement in the garden has me thinking about growth in other areas and last week I had the opportunity to encounter some, which is the growth of talent in Ireland. 

I was impressed by the collections of the 3 newcomers who showed at The Golden egg Innovation Awards. 

Mia Oconnell

Heidi Higgins

Ruth Duignan

Image of Ruth via The Irish Times

Not only were all three collections beautiful but the three designers showed professionalism and maturity that will stand to them in this difficult business.

I believe as a country we really need to nuture all this talent. We are in danger of witnessing another "brain drain" of the 1980's where all of our Talent left our shores in search of opportunity. We cannot let this happen again. Talent and creativity are at the core of a vital and thriving country, without this we are a vacum.

One way this nurturing is already happening is through The Nokia Young Fashion Designer Award, now in its seventh year.

If you are near Dublin head along today to Powerscourt Townhouse in Dublin 2  where you can view the creations of 20 finalist students from around the country who are all vying for the Title.
This is the first year that the pieces have been on view to the public, so take the opportunity to check out emerging creativity.

The show will run through until Sunday March 28th

The Winner will be announced this evening.

Le bel ete by Vanessa Bruno and a winner

Le Bel Ete

A Film for Vanessa Bruno featuring Lou Doillon

I have seen some really inspirational "fashion films' recently.

Boudicca again showed a film during London Fashion Week

Lula magazine has a beautiful short on their site

The Zena Holloway piece I posted Here

It is very interesting to see this new development in Fashion promotion, 

I know fashion has used film before but there does seem to be a flourish at the moment. 

No doubt it is influenced by the overwhelming popularity of sites like Youtube 

and the ever increasing importance of online promotion

I am waiting for the day to premiere the Helen James short film. 

I am itching to do one

On another note The Winner of the Reebok easytone trainers is

Comment no 10 was left by Rose so congratulations Rose, drop me an email and we'll get you kitted out and Thank you to everyone who entered.