SPFW: Blue beauty

Image credits: Alexandre Herchcovitch, Tufi Duek, NEON beauty

As we continue to track down the latest beauty trends and looks, I can't help but mention all the blue make-up, hair coloring and nail polish that I witnessed during the spring/summer 2011 edition of SPFW.

What I find most interesting is the innovative ways make-up artists are approaching the color and the different shades of blue used on the same look.

Three cheers for the red, white and blue

As 4th of July weekend approaches, it's all about nautical stripes in red, white and blue. Though the classic striped T-shirt is the essential interpretation for men and children, seen here at Zara Men and Crewcuts, retailers are also creating trendier pieces for women and juniors, like Urban Outfitters' cropped, longer sleeve tee and Gap's belted tankdress.

Mysticism at Whole Foods

The fashion world has embraced a 'new age' sensibility for the past few years, which is especially visible in the accessories market; think of astrological signs, pentagrams and the endless variety of bird pendants. Likewise, we've seen mystical, haunted and psychedelic themes come up again and again in art and music.

This crossed my mind at Whole Foods yesterday, when I noticed a brand of bottled water that has - I learned later - been stocked there since 2007. "Claire Brightwater" promises natural, healthy spring water that comes pre-"programmed." That is, its molecules have been warped with spiritual bliss through the use of music, crystals and prayers. The concept, according to its founder, was born of a prophecy, as told by her grandfather in 1971.


Prophesied water from a US supermarket chain? My first instict is that it's totally nutty. But for all of those seeking 'balance' (I suspect that's everyone), would you rather have the generic brand or the psychically charged? And then there's just the fact that it's a little more fun.

So here's my thought: will the branding of natural products - with their focus on organic processes and environmental/bodily health - take on more of a spiritual dimension in the future? Will my organic jeans be more breathable because that makes it easier to commune with nature? Will I start my smart car with a voice-recognized chant?

Nothing so drastic, perhpas, but I'd love to see more imaginative approaches to products and product interaction, and in particular those that embrace the mystic in all of us.

Forever 21's ice cream shop

I absolutely love Forever 21's summertime visual merchandising. The retailer used cardboard cutouts to create faux ice cream trucks and candy stands, along with giant melted ice cream pops. The display matches the brand's neon colour palette for summer and looks great with the ditzy florals, tribal and ikat prints, polka dots and nautical stripes that are hot for summer. It's a shame those adorable paper hats are not for sale!

Prize ribbons by Leilani Arita and Jessica Grindstaff

Last weekend I went to the yearly open studios weekend in Bushwick, Brooklyn. The old warehouse area where young creatives now live and work was crowded with people walking up and down the many stairs of the tall buildings filled with works from painters, illustrators, and designers.

All images above from www.jessicagrindstaff.com

Among the many creations, the pins of Leilani Arita and Jessica Grindstaff stood out. The prize ribbons and medals are all handmade in their studio. I love the contrast between the silk ribbons and the metal centerpieces; the soft texture of the fabrics with the contrasting ruggedness of the metal and how some have a nostalgic romance sensibility to them, while others flirt with the macabre.

For more equestrian influences, have a look at my Equestrian: youth trend analysis on the wgsn.com.

SPFW: We love NEON

WGSN shots: Designer Dudo Bertholini, NEON catwalk

One of the most impressive shows during the summer 2011 edition of SPFW was definitely NEON´s. The designers of the hip brand had chosen one of Sao Paulo´s athletic centers as the main stage for their collection and the models walked around the pool wearing neoprene swim and wetsuits and dresses made entirely out of the surfing fabric.

NEON, summer 2011, image credit: www.ffw.com.br

Bold color blocking and loud prints were the main focus of NEON designer Dudu Bertholini´s line. Heavy 90s influence was evident and offered elongated torsos, high-waisted silhouettes and attention to feminine curves.

SPFW: Fashion's darlings

Image credits: Adriana Degreas and Eva Herzigova, Gisele for Colcci, Paris Hilton for Triton

As SPFW grows so does the line-up of big names on the catwalks. To everyone's surprise, one of the 90s golden girls Eva Herzigova walked for Adriana Degreas' debut at SPFW.

After her maternity leave, Gisele got back on the catwalk to promote Collci and Paris Hilton created quite a spectacle as the new Triton face.

Raquel Zimmerman appeared exclusively for Animale and during the first few days we had the pleasure of seeing Isabeli Fonata in a number of shows.

SPFW: boys and flowers

Image credits: Colcci, Ellus, Reserva

The flower trend continues to be present in the collections of a number of womenswear lines that designers exhibited at SPFW and we also noticed a number of menswear Brazilian lines that focused on the look.

From a casual, preppy styling as seen at Ellus, to a more surf-inspired approach at Reserva, it seems like more Brazilian boys will be wearing flowers next summer.

The Future of Denim

I'm sitting down tomorrow night with four denim industry experts to talk about the future of denim at Parsons The New School for Design.

Our guests are the stylists behind Current/Elliott, Emily Current and Meritt Elliott, Barneys CO-OP denim buyer Meisha Jones and Parsons professor and designer Johnny Diamandis (formerly the global design director at Evisu).

Join us - it's free - at 6.30pm on Thursday, June 17 at 66 West 12th Street. RSVP required.

http://fashion.parsons.edu

Hot swim prints

Forget the basic black bikini, this summer it’s all about splashy graphics and unforgettable color.

And although floral is a big trend, look out for some of this year’s other hot print trends including tie dye and tribal inspiration.

My full-length graphic swim report, featuring the most essential swimwear print trends of the season will be live on WGSN.com soon.

SPFW: C&A and Isabeli Fontana

Brazilian top model Isabeli Fontana previewed her debut design collection for superbrand C&A during the summer 2011 edition of SPFW. The model is designing a wide range of pieces for the company, mainly focusing on lingerie, denim and tops.

What's new in the Hamptons

So much is new in the Hamptons since '08, when I last explored away from the beach. You'll soon find a whole new guide to the Hamptons - telling you where to shop, eat and stay - on WGSN.com. But in the meantime, here are a few of my new favorite things:

Whitewash Studio (left) and Jarlath Mellett

Edition No. 2: Southampton's latest menswear store stocks smart button-down shirts, soft tees and quality denim from brands like Unis, Band of Outsiders and Our Legacy. The owner plans to open a like-minded shop at Montauk's trendy Sole East hotel.
38A Jobs Lane, Southampton

Cynthia Rowley summer pop up: This summer only, browse Cynthia Rowley's nicely priced capsule collection with surf lifestyle brand Roxy - which includes footwear and accessories - next to her designer line at this beachy pop-up.
696 Montauk Highway, Montauk

Cynthia Rowley summer pop-up

Jarlath Mellett: This striking boutique and interior design agency stocks its own womenswear label JM93. It evokes the same modern rustic sensibility defining the store, which blends elegant tabletop items with unusual antiques. Find fine French pillows and German ceramics next to delicate t-shirts and cotton bikinis.

255 Main Street, Amagansett

Surf Lodge Bazaar: Montauk's still-hip Surf Lodge hotel has a colorful boutique for board shorts and beach dresses, and the selection is first-rate.

183 Edgemere Street, Montauk

Whitewash Studio: Owner Jesse Elliott opened this quaint, timber-beamed gallery to show the work of emerging artists and designers, and paintings currently take up a good deal of the space. But it also includes his exquisite womenswear and accessories one-offs, marked by fine fabrics and hand-worked detail.

249 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Bridgehampton

SPFW, Summer 2011

Image credits: Alexandre Herchovitch backstage, Ellus, SPFW shot

I'm at Sao Paulo fashion Week this week and can't help but admire the awareness that Brazilian designers are displaying of global trends. Smart, preppy styling for men includes chinos, cropped shorts and chambray shirts while women's collection favor mesh panels, draped fabrics and heavy 90s aesthetics.

Strong fabric developments are present in every collection, with emphasis on wire meshes, sheer tulles and silks. Lightweight leathers and suedes are making a statement as both the primary fabric choice and as detailing.

As Brazil's economy grows, so does its fashion industry. Designers display optimistic color palettes and adventurous designs that could appeal to both Brazilian and global markets.

Among the high number of local celebrities attending the shows, Gisele, Isabeli Fontata and Paris Hilton are some of the big names walking the runway.

Make sure to check in daily for further coverage and emerging trends as we track them. Also, for full coverage, log in to the wgsn.com on Monday, June 21st.

Cobrasnake Pawn Shop

Last night, I checked out the opening party for the Cobrasnake Pawn Shop in Hollywood. Hosted by Jeremy Scott, the party also featured an exclusive LA book signing for photographer and artist Todd Selby, for his new book The Selby Is In Your Place, along with performances by Beardo and DJ sets by Shepard Fairey. Packed with cool kids and fashionistas showing off their personal style, the party was a great place for people watching.

Located on the 4th floor of the Hollywood and Highland mall, the store houses Jeremy Scott archive pieces, Steve Aoki's favorite shoes, and a selection of unique items personally selected by the Cobrasnake. Check it out when it opens to the public on June 16th.

Craft and the City

l-r: Liberty Jack, Jane Forgan, 2008; Bishops Court quilt, Unknown, 1690-1700

I was in London for the last couple of weeks working on our seasonal macro trends with the rest of the WGSN Think Tank team. It's been an intense series of workshops and presentations, bringing together staff from our creative hubs around the world - from London and other European capitals, to New York and LA in the US, China, Japan and beyond. All here to work on our thoughts for Spring/ Summer 2012.

I also used my time in the capital to take a look at what's going on at retail, as well as attending some of the exhibitions currently on show.

The huge number of visitors attending the excellent V&A's Quilts 1700-2010 exhibition, as well as the packed out haberdashery floors in Liberty and other fabric stores on Soho's Berwick Street are evidence of the strong craft revival gripping the city. It's something we've been talking about at WGSN for a number of seasons, but it's great to see this return to making things by hand really hitting mainstream.