ellesse collaborates with top creatives to promote design competition

ellesse is celebrating its 50th anniversary with the design competition CREATE TENNIS ART and with uber cool illustrator and typographer Si Scott as part of the jury. The iconic Italian sportswear brand is now unveiling 2 new collaborations, with textile print superstar Kate Gibb and Greek animation genius Babis Alexiadis. Two great inspirations to enter the competition!

Kate is an internationally renowned silk screen artist having worked for the likes of Dries Van Noten, Stussy, Adidas, Virgin Records and EMI Recordings. You might recognise her signature style from her ongoing collaboration with ‘The Chemical Brothers’ which started with the cover of the album “Surrender” (remember “hey boy, hey girl….”?).

Kate was influenced by vintage images of tennis players for the silk screen print she created for ellesse (see attachment). Applying layer upon layer of colour to these original images, she developed a unique print that captures the innovative qualities of the ellesse brand and the sense of tradition in her work as a silk screen artist.

Babis’ work focuses mostly on short animations and video art productions; it is recognised for being predominantly hand-drawn with a limited digital input. Babis has created pieces for the likes of BBC Big Screen West Midlands, the Midlands Arts Centre and Friction Arts and directed two music videos. In 2008, he won the first prize in the “Your Point of View” competition run by fashion brand BSB. He has also won the public choice award in the Micropolis international film festival in Athens, Greece.

The piece he created for the ellesse 50th anniversary consists of a quirky animation featuring hand-stitched characters which took over 100 hundred hours to create. Babis used a new technique and adopted a unique palette of water colours to illustrate the brand’s colourful history.

the deadline to enter the competition has been pushed to May 10th’; all you have to do is create a piece of art or design to commemorate the ellesse 50th anniversary inspired by the brand’s Italian heritage and sporting roots in tennis.

You could win €4,500 and be sent to the ellesse 50th anniversary event this summer in Rome where your work will be on display. An opportunity you shouldn’t miss… The categories for the competition range from fashion and textiles, right through to fine art, sculpture, street art, graphics and digital. Visit http://www.ellesse.com/50thAnniversary/ for more details and to enter the competition.

Burberry Creative Director Christopher Bailey will host a cocktail party to celebrate the opening of Burberry flagship store in Beijing.

The event, which will be co-hosted by actress Maggie Cheung, will take place on 30 April 2009 at the Jinbao Place Burberry store in Beijing.

Over 300 guests are expected to attend including Burberry Chief Executive Angela Ahrendts.

The event will mark Christopher Bailey’s second trip to China following a visit in April 2008 where he was honoured at a private dinner hosted by Editorial Director of Vogue China, Angelica Cheung, at private members club The China Club.

The 4,968 square foot Jinbao store which showcases ready-to-wear for men and women from the Burberry Prorsum and Burberry London collections as well as a full assortment of accessories, opened in February 2009.

The new store reflects the new global Burberry store design concept designed and developed by Christopher Bailey.

Burberry, which is headquartered in London and listed on the London Stock Exchange, was founded in 1856.

The New Perfectionists is the name of the game for the BOSS Black Spring/Summer 2009 Collection, in which clean lines, unusual details and slim silhouettes dominate.

Among the “must haves” are cropped, body conscious two button jackets and close-fitting double-breasted suits.

In the leisurewear, cardigans in bulky-knit cotton with shawl collars join jackets and parkas in ultra-light nylon fabrics to consummate a look of elegant summery ease.

Following a thread on the Kitmeout Forum and the following post by Dumb5, it would be interesting to hear other people’s definition of Fashion:

“true fashion is ecletic and all-embracing, it is devoid of snobbery and discrimination, it is an expressing of humanity’s desire to simply be free and individual but at the same time grounded in existence. simply put, fashion is freedom!”

Burberry is offering Kitmeout Users the chance to win a bottle of their new fragrance Burberry, The Beat for Men. To WIN a bottle email your name and address to burberrythebeat@kitmeout.com

Burberry The Beat for Men is the scent of an effortless British style, heavily influenced by music – the fragrance was inspired by a soundtrack of bands such as The Arctic Monkeys, Razorlight and Kings of Leon.

“We wanted to create a fragrance that expressed disheveled elegance - an unforced look, style and attitude that is young, modern, masculine and dynamic. Articulating the creativity, positivity, energy and open-minded, individualistic, effortless approach of The Beat man.”
Christopher Bailey

The campaign, shot by photographer David Sims, features a handful of some of Britain’s brightest new talent. Actor Alex Pettyfer, vocalist George Craig, musician and model Will Cameron, vocalist/ guitarist Kristian Walker and creative talent manager Jonny Epstein.

For more information click here

Paul Smith was delighted to be celebrating British design with The British Design Embassy who, for the first time, opened overseas at this year’s Salone del Mobile Milano.

Paul was honored to be invited to curate the space at the Villa Reale,

“The Salone Del Mobile Milano is the most important design week throughout the world and I am really pleased to be representing the UK”. Paul Smith

The opulent and magnificent space at the Villa Reale has been thoughtfully re-invented by Paul Smith – it will be a place to relax, stop for a break, browse the internet and use as a meeting place during the fair. Elaborate floral curtains will be suspended for maximum impact. In addition, furniture chosen by Paul from his antique furniture collection as well as from Moroso’s collection designed by British designers will be on display in the room, inviting visitors to see and enjoy the Villa Reale in a new light.

Aitor Throup has designed the 20th Anniversary Edition of C.P. Company’s most iconic piece - the Goggle or Mille Miglia Jacket. To celebrate both the past and future of this jacket the company is hosting a special exhibition at their showroom in Milan during the 2009 International Furniture Fair. The exhibition, which has been curated by Aitor Throup, features the new design as well as 20 Mille Miglia jackets selected from the C.P. Company archive.

From the very first jacket made for the sponsoring of the Mille Miglia car race to the special edition created in collaboration with Aitor Throup to celebrate its twenty years, C.P. Company’s journey is told through the different steps of its iconic item which, season after season, has been subject to continuous transformations and experimentations. A story of materials, special treatments and shape research.

On the following pages we will provide you with a tour through this exhibition as well as show you some of Aitor’s concept sketches for this project. If you are fortunate to be in Milan during the next few days, the show is running from April 22nd until the 27th so you can see the installation in real life at Via Savona 54.

As an added highlight, C.P. Company has invited Fiat to preview its brand new convertible - the 500C - during the exhibition. Visitors are given the opportunity to field test the 1000m Goggle Jacket in a real-life situation.

“In his role as Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon, Tom Hanks stars in the second theological thriller by Dan Brown, ‘Angels & Demons’ wherein the Catholic Church is being besieged by the Illuminati, the most powerful underground organization in history.

Non-stop action both physical and cerebral, Tom Hanks’ Robert Langdon cross Rome and the Vatican wearing Brioni suits as he follows the clues and solves them through sealed crypts, dangerous catacombs, deserted cathedrals and even to the heart of the most secretive vault on earth, Langdon follows the 400-year-old Path of Illumination that marks the Vatican’s only hope for survival.

Set for release everywhere on May 15, ‘Angels & Demons’ is one of the most highly anticipated movies of the summer.

The team behind the global phenomenon The Da Vinci Code returns for the Angels & Demons, based upon the bestselling novel by Dan Brown. Ron Howard returns to direct the film, which is produced by Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, and John Calley. The screenplay is by David Koepp and Akiva Goldsman. And, the film’s costume designer, Daniel Orlandi, chose suits cut by the master tailors of Brioni for Robert Langdon being played by Tom Hanks.

Commenting on the announcement, Antonella De Simone, co-CEO of Brioni, said, “We’re thrilled that Daniel Orlandi, the costume designer for Angels & Demons, has chosen to dress Robert Langdon in suits tailored by Brioni. As Robert Langdon follows the Path of Illumination, he will look his best.”

Brioni has always been linked to the cinema. From the Fifties at Cinecittà to Hollywood, many distinctively stylish characters have displayed Brioni’s exceptional sartorial quality on the silver screen.”

Juicy Couture is winding down its men’s business, Dirty English, and the last shipment will be for fall. Does the demise of Dirty English substantiate the view that a brand cannot genuinely embrace both genders once they’ve established a reputation for being gender specific? Many men simply refuse to buy Juicy Couture/Dirty English and not because the quality of the garments but because of the overt feminine association. Perhaps there’s a lesson here for the whole fashion industry.

Stella McCartney has teamed up with shopping charity Buy Once Give Twice. McCartney has donated A Whatever It Takes Book Tote featuring artwork that represents a ‘Symbol of Hope’ with her signature on the bag. This bag is exclusive in the UK to BuyOnceGiveTwice and comes with a letter of authenticity.

BuyOnceGiveTwice is a network through which people can buy lovely things and benefit charity at the same time. It’s a win-win situation. Charities and bona fide good causes can auction lots on the site that you can upload yourself. Charity supporters (individual people or companies) can auction items through the company - it’s a great way of donating to charity without actually writing a cheque. Buyers can bag themselves items which range from the everyday to the once-in-a-lifetime experiences. And it feels good to be giving, by buying.

The original award winning trail shoe from 1979 gets updated. Re-launched for the first time in more than 30 years is the 455, an original 1979 trail shoe that has been updated with modern materials and sophisticated color blocking for spring/summer 2009.

Designed and manufactured in New Balance’s factory in Flimby, England, the 455 has a three layer lugged outsole capable of dispersing shock and offering excellent traction-a lot of bells and whistles that stem from the fact that this was an actual award-winning trail shoe more than 30 years ago. The 455 was the trail shoe of its day and today remains a classic.

Wednesday is Earth Day, and to mark the occasion, Louis Vuitton decided to donate 15 percent of all sales from its U.S. Web site that day to The Climate Project, the non-profit organization founded by Al Gore.

The one-day initiative continues the leather goods house’s commitment to the environment and the organization — it first partnered with The Climate Project in 2007, when it started making donations on behalf of some of the personalities in Vuitton’s Core Values advertising campaign.

The campaign has featured the likes of Catherine Deneuve, Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi, Sean Connery, Keith Richards and Francis Ford and Sofia Coppola.

“Over the past few years Louis Vuitton has voluntarily made efforts to reduce the impact of its activities on the environment,” Daniel Lalonde, president and chief executive officer of Louis Vuitton North America said. “In addition we are proud to be able to support The Climate Project.”

The next step for the mighty Vuitton is to reduce its use of leather. In a groundbreaking 2006 report, the United Nations (U.N.) said that raising animals for food and leather generates more greenhouse gases than all the cars and trucks in the world combined. Senior U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization official Henning Steinfeld reported that the meat industry is “one of the most significant contributors to today’s most serious environmental problems.”

Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide together cause the vast majority of global warming. Raising animals for food is one of the largest sources of carbon dioxide and the single largest source of both methane and nitrous oxide emissions.

Hot off the steam press are the latest limited edition irregular indigos presented by Ijin Material : ” Minijins”

A perfect replica of the original Foldedge ( tm ) cut Classic Backstrap in all its specialist glory , but only 22 inches tall.

Complete with shaved leather backstrap & standard Kuroki cloth base, these glass cabinet items are already a classified collectors item.

YSL is another brand following the lead set by NOHARM. At this rate every major brand will be offering environmentally-friendly clothing.

What’s a major film launch without any merch? In tandem with the release of the PPR-sponsored film “Home,” designed to raise environmental consciousness, Yves Saint Laurent has created a limited-edition range of T-shirts, tank tops and tote bags in exclusive prints on organic cotton. They’ll be sold in select YSL boutiques in early June in tandem with the June 5 worldwide release of the film, which is directed by Yann Arthus-Bertrand and produced by Luc Besson. Like YSL, other Gucci Group and PPR brands are also cooking up special products and events linked to “Home,” which can be seen in cinemas, on television, DVD and the Internet.

Burberry Eyewear collection Summer 2009

Referencing iconic details from the Burberry archive, the Burberry eyewear collection draws inspiration from the season’s quiet, modern and elegant ready-to-wear collections.

New acetate square styles for women include modern oversized sunglasses available in black with an engraved trademark check cube at the temple developed for the Spring Summer season.

For men, new modern styles include acetate double bridge wrapped sunglasses with an engraved check plaque across the bridge and temple.

The collection is rich in colour and texture.

The colour palette for the eyewear includes degradé neutral earth tones mirroring pieces in the ready-to-wear collections as well as black, brown and bark.

Red Monkey jeans support the fight against Aids!

A unique Limited Edition RMC Martin Ksohoh Red Monkey jean is being launched in Hong Kong next week and then released in United Kingdon shortly after in aid of the 4A charity Hong Kong. The design includes a red, green and blue AIDS ribbon and three lines of Asia Art Against Aids all set against the RMC Martin Ksohoh Red Monkey Trademark waves. Exact figures on the limited supply are not available as yet.

Rick Owens chose a former antiques shop in Mayfair for his London pitch. To spice things up Owens has added a life-size wax copy of his head between his gear. Incidentally, a selection of the mighty Gareth Pugh’s offerings are available in the shop too. About the wax head, Owens’ explained: “My little ode to Salomé”. The shop is definitely worth a butchers: 64 S. Audley St., London, 011-44-20-7493-7145.

Legendary Van Halen guitarist Eddie Van Halen has put his name on a new line of Trainers.

In partnership with New Jersey-based FEA Merchandising, a company specializing in recording-artist merchandise, Van Halen is releasing both high- and low-top canvas sneakers with red, white and black stripes, similar to those the guitarist wears onstage. Like those, the new EVH brand shoes mimic the design of his Frankenstein guitar.

The men’s shoes, which are available for $54 (for low tops) and $59 (for high tops), are also available in black and white as well as black and yellow. The shoes will be sold at EVHgear.com, as well as select department and specialty stores.

“So many people would ask me, ‘Where can I get a pair of those?’” Van Halen said in a statement about the style he’s been wearing onstage. “After hearing that for about 15 years, I figured they were something that people obviously wanted, so making them available and official seemed like a natural progression.”

Yves Saint Laurent has joined forces with sister company Puma to create a high-top sneaker melding Stefano Pilati’s design prowess and the activewear firm’s technical expertise. The men’s style, available in black leather or gray suede, just arrived in YSL boutiques, however, in the U.S. it will be sold exclusively on the brand’s e-commerce site. Puma has already collaborated with other Gucci Group brands, including Sergio Rossi and Alexander McQueen. Source: WWD

Perhaps the ultimate boyfriend jeans, the classic gold RMC Martin Ksohoh Red Monkey jean is apparently being usurped by the fairer sex. Women are swiping their boyfriend’s expensive denim and hitting the town. The question is how will the denim wear and fade to the female form?

Cheryl Cole was crowned the world’s best dressed woman by Glamour magazine this week, beating last year’s winner Kate moss into second place.

“In the past year, Cheryl Cole has become everyone’s style crush,” Glamour editor Jo Elvin wrote in the latest edition of the magazine which hits British stores on Thursday.

“She’s ridiculously gorgeous, beautifully groomed and always glossy, glossy, glossy,” she added of Cole, a member of Girls Aloud who has appeared as a judge on TV talent show “The X Factor” and is married to England soccer star Ashley Cole.

The 25-year-old knocked supermodel Moss from her perch, while Victoria Beckham moved up to third in 2009 from 10th in 2008. Rounding off the top five were TV presenter Alexa Chung and U.S. actress Blake Lively.

Following is a list of the top 10 in Glamour’s best dressed list:

1. Cheryl Cole
2. Kate Moss
3. Victoria Beckham
4. Alexa Chung
5. Blake Lively
6. Katy Perry
7. Agyness Deyn
8. Katie Holmes
9. Rihanna
10. Rachel Bilson

A few reasons to admire and adore the John Smedley:

Working with the Environment

They have been ecologically friendly for over 200 years. John Smedley is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty. This means they have always had a responsibility to the local environment. As washing is a crucial aspect of what they do, they draw unique water, not from dwindling resources, but from their own three underground springs, rising from the millstone grit of the Derbyshire Peak District National Park. The softness and purity of their water translates into the luxurious touch of their garments, as well as their shrink-resistance.

But, for future generations, they also want to keep that water pure. The water we put back undergoes stringent cleaning processes. They do use synthetic dyes – but only because the chemicals required to make natural dyes washable can be more damaging still. Rest assured that they won’t cut corners if it means cutting back on good ecological practice.

Made In England

It could be easy for John Smedley to manufacture abroad. In a globalised economy, it may even make sound financial sense. But they think that something special would be lost - that indefinable character that makes something exceptional.

John Smedley has been making fine knitwear in Derbyshire for over 200 years. Their family business was there at the birth of the industrial revolution, back when the first factories and looms were being built. That is a heritage to be proud of. And not one to be dismissed lightly.

Of course, looking back should not stop them moving forward. But they stay dynamic by staying put - because it is in England’s traditional knitting heartlands that are found generations of experience and skills in knitting and hand-finishing world-class knitwear. Those unique skills may come at a price. But, carefully nurtured, they ensure the highest quallity and innovation. It is they that allow John Smedley to be acknowledged as the best in its class.

The first ever Oxford Fashion Week (OFW) is divided into six segments, Launch Show, The Exhibition, Concept Show, Swimwear and Lingerie, The Debate and Couture Show, 77 designers are expected to present their collections at OFW.

The Launch Show - Sunday 3rd May

The week kicks off with the Launch Show, a huge party at one of Oxford’s largest clubs, The Bridge.

Showing on the catwalk are: Aspire, Cult, French Connection, Gaff, Kaliko, L.K. Bennett, Superdry, Whittawer, Zara

The Exhibition - Monday 4th May

The Exhibition will include art, illustration and photography contributions exploring organic themes in fashion.

Showing are: Adam Parker, Eleanor Hardwick, Eliza Faulkner, Emma Tempest, Erin Petson, Trading for Development, Donald McPherson

The Concept Show - Tuesday 5th May

The Concept show features a line-up of the hottest new names to watch - spanning students, fashion mavericks and established names.

Showing are: Aimee Betts, Carmen Secareanu, Cecilia Mary Robson, Circuit Bored , Edward Delacy, Emma Bell, Eva Nip, Fannie Schiavoni, Grace du Prez, Hass Idriss, Henrietta Ludgate, Hermione O’Hea, Jane Bowler, Kapowow, Marithé et Francois Girbaud, Nabil El-Nayal, Piers Atkinson, Rachel Freire, Rosie Dennington, Topshop Unique

Swimwear & Lingerie - Wednesday 6th May

The Swimwear and Lingerie show will celebrate the human form featuring models casted directly by the OFW Modelling Director, Anthony Parham.

Showing are: Bajan Blue, Enamore, Fantasie, Fauve, Freya, Joy Lingerie, Kanibal UK, Lally Lingerie, Miraclesuit, Panache, Rosy Lingerie, So Shei, Twin Cheeks Corsets, Wolford

The Debate - Thursday 7th May

The Speaker Event, to be held in conjunction with the Oxford Union, will feature Dolly Jones, editor of Vogue.co.uk, Prof. Andrew Ramroop, Saville Row Taylor, Claire Pajaczkowska, Senior Tutor in Fashion and Design at the RCA and Sebastian Horsley, author and journalist, debating the question “Is Fashion Necessary?”

The Couture show - Friday 8th May

The climax of the week, the Couture Show, widely anticipated to be the most high-profile exhibition of the week.

Showing are: Ada Zanditon, Ana Sekularac, Antoni & Alison, BagTV, BasBousa, Catherine Deane, Claire Mischevani, Destiny, Iona Crawford, Jessica Au, Kalikas Armour, Karen Karam, Laura Fauvel, Libas, Lillia Yip, Maria Grachvogel, Massuniq, Minne Muztucarri, Pav Wileman, Pia Stanchina, Rach Heuston, Satoshi Date, Siobhan Ramswell, Zsofia Weber

In selecting contributors for the events, running from 3rd-8th May 2009, the OFW team has relied heavily on raw creativity as a judge of whether a designer should be included. This has meant that stunning new designs from first time exhibitors such as Circuit Bored from Romania will be featured alongside the surreal and experimental such as Piers Atkinson and Cecilia Mary Robson.

Tickets for each event can be bought online at www.oxfordfashionweek.org

Pamela Anderson decides to follow the NOHARM lead too….

Pamela Anderson joins the ranks of celebrities-turned-fashion designers. The Baywatch actress is teaming up with Richie Rich to design environmentally-friendly apparel, after having recently been seen modeling on the Richie Rich catwalk during New York Fashion Week.

Anderson is also well-known as a PETA supporter and animal rights activist. It should then come as no surprise that her eco-friendly clothing line with fashion designer Rich will feature such items as leather-free shows. The new brand will be called Muse with the line will otherwise consist mostly of casual, ready-to-wear apparel made from environmentally friendly materials. The first Muse fashion collection will debut this summer 2009.

Anderson said, “I really don’t like to wear clothes. I would rather go naked. But I love Richie’s designs, so I agreed to be part of Muse.”

Rich said, “Pamela is an outdoorsy and summer kind of girl who I have been friends with forever. We share the same wild and crazy aesthetic. And she has long been my inspiration. Even though Pam prefers not to wear clothes, she looks great in sexy dresses. She reminds me of Marilyn Monroe and Bridget Bardot.”

The former Heatherette designer isn’t the only one finding inspiration in Pamela Anderson: fashion designer Vivienne Westwood asked the actress to be the face of her Spring/Summer 2009 ad campaign and included Anderson in her Paris Fashion Week catwalk show for her Vivienne Westwood Red Label collection in early March.

Pringle of Scotland collection - Menswear autumn/winter 2009

Pringle of Scotland’s autumn/winter 2009 menswear collection is inspired by the iconic street style of the 60s. Our British attitude has been brought into a modern context, giving Pringle’s code a contemporary hue with the use of iconic knitwear elements crossing over to wovens and jersey.

Tailoring remains slim and refined using an array of fabrics from flannel to jacquard silk, which provides a nice contrast between shine and matte effect, to herringbone, velvet, corduroy, and melton wool for more consistent and structured shapes. In contrast, jersey plays a more prominent role in the form of inserts in a biker jacket, as well as comprising a slim fit tailored jacket. This season’s knits also experiment with the playful and unexpected relationship with wovens and jersey. The use of leather, cashmere, and light jersey trim in unison bring the twinset into a masculine context, while the layering technique, agugliato, is used to renew the iconic argyle; the faded, water colour effect of the process enhances its texture and warm touch. As to be expected, the fabric mixes are the ultimate in luxury, from chunky hand knits of pure cashmere to 18-guage merino knits that are perfect for layering over the cotton battista shirts printed in 60s patterns exclusive to Pringle.

The refined tailoring of the outerwear range, from a luxurious shearling coat and edgy bomber to the more traditional peacoat and duffle coat, is complimented by soft knitted inserts. A taffetta nylon coat with cashmere collar has the additional detail of a knitted organic cashmere lining. This coat can be easily layered under a soft leather parka. The fashioning details associated with Pringle’s knitwear have also been applied to the wovens, giving the seams a twisted and modern effect.

For evening, a streamlined velvet dinner jacket is given a youthful injection with a wide lapel. Playing with unpredictable details but using iconic masculine elements, Pringle also experiments with a new casual take on the tuxedo shirt using ombre dye; it can stand on its own with tuxedo trousers or a pair of jeans. Regardless, the emphasis is still one of luxury and impeccable fit an array of colour provides an added dimension to the collection. Light vicuna, slate and flannel grey, dark zinc, and city white provide the tonal palette, while tank green, cognac, tobasco, and molasses provide richer accents.