Creature Couture

The ways in which big fashion names draw influence from the natural world are diverse and relentless. On Trend de la Creme the curator has made numerous keen eyed comparisons between a seasonal catwalk collection with certain branches of Kingdom Animalia. I selected some of the more striking or unusual similarities below but there are many more on the previously mentioned blog.

Alexander McQueen - Moth

Alexis Mabille - Parchment Worm

André Lima - Origami Penguin

Ding Yong - Cocoon

Jean Paul Gaultier - Cicada

Nicole Firetto - Bird

Oscar de la Renta - Octopus

Rodarte - Fighting Fish

Valentino - Jellyfish

Zac Posen - Moth

Hairbands: Verdant, Fuchsia, Citrine & Argent

These first two hairbands are based around the favourite colours of their respective owners and though normally I wouldn't use such bright colours, the magentas and greens were certainly appropriate this time around. Below 'Verdant' and 'Fuchsia' are two other hairbands I've recently made, the first 'Citrine' was a birthday present for my flatmate and 'Argent' a commission. 

Verdant

Fuchsia

 Citrine

Argent

Hairbands and images by KLV

Hairbands: Ignite, Allure, Mesozoica

Ignite

Allure

Mesozoica

Ignite: A commission

Allure: A present

Mesozoica: Just because I wanted to include plastic dinosaurs

Below are a couple of gifts I recently received. Firstly a wallet (interior and exterior photographed) from my mum via her Japanese friend, some silks from a friend and below that is the very beginnings of a hat with the working title of Avis.

Images by KLV

Ara - The Parrot

Having bought my ticket for the Hollywood themed party at the Cygnet Hotel, post to follow, I decided to assemble a statement piece for the occasion. Months ago I received bunches of feathers from a friend via Sea View Wildlife Experience (formerly Flamingo Park) and these included about six macaw feathers. I can't be certain but my best guess is that they belonged to a scarlet macaw (amongst the more well known), as depending on lighting all the primary colours can be seen much like in this particular bird. Anyway when it came to constructing a headpiece with these beautiful feathers I began with the standard hairband style using millinery wire much like I've posted previously and the gold stag detail is present thanks to Katie, which I think finished off the piece nicely and also helped me decide the wearing gold or silver jewellery dilemma! The name 'Ara' is also the genus of macaws to which the most famous belong. It is also a constellation, Latin for Altar and specifically that used by Zeus.

I love the effect my camera flash has on the feathers!

 

 

Images by KLV

The Halloween Post

So on Saturday I celebrated Halloween in my regular weekend style by getting drunk at the Dungeon, which by the way is an alternative club in Southampton. Originally the only thing about the outfit I'd decided on was wearing my ostrich feather headdress, though I quickly thought to add facepaints and my trusted roll of black faux fur which I trimmed down for a cloak. I also helped out a bit with my flatmate's outfit by sewing feathers and Christmas decorations to a headband to enhance a snow princess look. 

Above is my make up for the evening and below my inspiration and though I didn't create my design with these images firmly in mind, there was definitely some subconscious influence to say the least. Obviously mine isn't as elaborate or of cultural significance but you get the idea with the quite similar colour palettes.

Images (except 2nd/3rd) by KLV

Of Hair and Mirror

The following images are the result of playing around with my webcam whilst wearing my various headdress creations, though the only effect worth experimenting with in this way was the mirror image. The low quality images do actually depict interesting shapes and possible ideas considering future headdresses as well as breathing new form into the pieces!

On a different note, though still relevant to the head, I had a friend over at the weekend for dinner and seeing as I quite like ruining people's hair I decided to create a few masterpieces.. Honestly though I was quite happy with how the styles looked, especially the hair turban. It was fun!

 Goodnight!

Images by KLV

Maynard Switzer

Amongst the large portfolio of photographer Maynard Switzer, I found imagery that documents the vibrant and diverse looks of worldwide cultures. From China to Morocco, Bolivia to India and everywhere in between, colour is vital for the independent expression of ceremonial, national and day to day attire.