Wednesday, 23 October 2013

Olivier Theyskens and Martin Margiela.

Olivier Theyskens
OT
When looking through the book 'Skin and Bones', a book linking fashion and architecture, I came across Olivier Theyskens, and a beautiful dress he created for the House of Rochas. It caught my eye because of its focus on structure - it reminded me of a few things: bone structure, architectural structures and old fashioned lingerie. The use of the bold white lines are very much like the bones in corsets, and could represent human bones. I think that Theyskens has looked closely at the basic shapes that make up the models torso, and I think it looks very precise - he has almost straightened out some of the curves into simpler contours.
Theyskens









Also, I think the use of just white fabric works really well, and gives the dress a very basic, new, pure feel. It also adds to how it is reminiscent of underwear, in that it is plain and not embellished.

It also made me think of a dress by Isabel Toledo - made up with triangular panels and simple shapes and lines based on the human figure - both are absolutely beautiful, but I think Toledo's looks softer and more feminine - perhaps because the fabric is thicker, which smooths out the rigid contours and hard edges.
Toledo

MM
I am interested in Martin Margiela for his theme of deconstruction. I came across this belgian designer in the 'Skin and Bones' book also. In the 1980's, he rebelled against the new luxury fashions, with other belgian designers and their concept of deconstruction - seams, hems, linings and shoulder pads were shown on the outside of the garments he created, and gloves and belts were used and recycled into new garments. This is how I think he and Theyskens are similar in concept; they both turn things inside out - Theyskens by putting skeletal like structures on the outside, and Margiela by litterally creating the garment inside out. Although, they differ in that Theysken's creations are crisp and well finished, whereas Margeila's rough seams and dark colours have a more raw feel.

Sunday, 13 October 2013

Photography Part 1.

Paulo Roversi
I adore this photo by Roversi. The selective colour palette, mostly made up by skin tones, I think is very earthy and warm. Which, when combined with the soft focus and gentle light, creates a very elegant mood. I think the composition and the modest pose work really well in adding to the mood, it is simplistic and natural.
Sarah Moon

Sarah Moon captures a similar mood to Roversi, and also uses the same earthy colours and soft focus (that I love). The piece is very feminine, and the look of the model is quite classic - the red lips, and softly curled hair. 

This is another Sarah Moon that has similar traits. They both have very dream like atmospheres, and I find the compositions of each interesting and well thought out. 
Doisneau
Robert Doisneau worked from the 1930's on the streets of Paris. In this photo I utterly love the graphic composition, and the black and white palette which allows us to focus more on the bold shapes like the umbrella, cello case and the beautiful lamppost that contrast with the soft grey background and the hazy reflections in the puddles. There is a strong meaning of the arts in this piece - the two subjects with their passions, music and painting - the man to the left is painting even as it rains, and the other obviously loves his cello.