Barbie - The Icon Reborn

Margaux Lange’s recent jewelry collection features repurposed dolls, specifically Barbie. She addresses (some would say celebrates) our relationship with one of pop culture’s most prominent icons. The infamous anatomically unrealistic proportions of the much chastised doll is legend. Over time Matel’s depiction of the modern woman in the form of this doll has been accused of contributing to bulimia, anorexia nervosa, teen suicide, low self image and many other complaints of the modern teenage girl. One might argue that today’s Barbie in a more modern role of “career woman” is still required to return home to Barbie’s designer kitchen. Hmmm...

Artist Hans Bellmer (1902-1975) photographed brutally dismembered, recombined and violently sexualized manikins. He explained his misogynistic approach by saying his work was meant to challenge the fascist ideal Hitler was promoting at that time. Lange also dismantles dolls but to an entirely different affect. Her work both mocks and celebrates those overly pert breasts and impossibly perfect lips. Her treatment of the doll and its overtly idealized form confuses our idea of the fetish while challenging societies seemingly endless need for and display of trophies.

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Hans Belmer Photography

Inspiration - Hat, Bonnet, Wig, Horse?

Mammals have hair, the function of which is protection and regulation of body temperature. Hair also acts as tiny sensory organs. It's safe to say that most people admit to the psychological and physical importance hair as it relates to self image and an overall sense of health and wellbeing. 

Culdesac and Studio Marisol explore human hair in the 2010 Boisbuchet Workshops, in cooperation with the Centre Georges Pompidou and the Vitra Design Museum. These two studios challenge us to reconsider hair and it's role in fashion and theater as well as everyday life. 

Pantone Color Forecast - Spring 2012

Once again we rely on our color professionals to supply us with the forecast for the year to come. Designer Elie Tahari is inspired by the combination of Egypt's sun bleached colors and bright saturated colors. This spring he is inspired by Pantones Tangerine Tango and Statfish. He recommends...

Two photographs above by Cathy Nelson Arkle. Check out her other photographs of Egypt.
http://web.me.com/spark1111/Cathy/Egypt.html

prominent colors Bright and Sun Bleached Yellow paired with Dusty Oceanic Blue, and Rich Purple that pops against Warm Terracotta and Citrus Orange: Cairo Yellow, Crescent Moon, Mountain Stream, Prism Lilac, Terra Cotta and Harem Orange signature color Cairo Yellow because, like the sun, it integrates all aspects of nature, from the sand to the water, while paving the way for color, inspiration and styling in our spring 2012 collection

For more on color...
http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/index.aspx

Brain Hat

Creative knitting by Alana Noritake.

Creative Bridal Fashions from India

Inspiration is everywhere, in this case India, featuring contemporary designs for the winter bride.

Designer: Mamta Rawal

Designer: Maria B

Designer: Neeta Lulla

Designer: Deepika Govind

Designer: Label Rouge

Blow it up! Wear it out!

Balloon fashion is created by twisting latex and trapping air in much the same way that carnival toys are made. In the hands of some this technique results in (albeit short-lived) wearable art. Rie Hosokai has made many one of a kind costumes winning the “Millennium Jam Fashion Award” for several years in a row.

http:www.riehosokai.com/