Oh, I forgot to mention Italian Vogue

I spotted myself on the website at a book launching/exhibition, caught in the act in an epitome of Leuty-ness, nibbling on a cucumber slice from a friend's Hendricks and tonic...

So, where have I been for so long?!

Hello all. For the few people who may actually read my Blog, or others who don't, but have noticed the huge gap in posts from the start of the year, until now, I have to explain myself. I have been neglecting you, poor Blog, and for that, I am sorry. The new year has brought on new uni projects, and although that is no excuse, from deadline to new brief in a matter of a couple of days, it's been a hectic time. However, it's not all doom and gloom, because this gives me an opportunity to post some pictures of the garments I've been making. In later Blogs I'll probably post some little synopsis or weird conceptual story about the design process, when I'm feeling a little more insightful. But for now, here are some visual goodies to feast your eyes on;

So, these are some pictures of my project for Fashioning the Futures- the project was to design for a scenario in 2025, and the main focus was on sustainability. I designed the jacket in the photographs; the outer is cashmere/wool, the lining is cupro and it has a fur collar. I made it so that the jacket could be worn in a number of weather types, and the user could adapt their own style with the look; the sleeves were detachable (on zips), the fur collar was also detachable, along with poppers to attach a hood, and poppers on the hips for attachable pockets. It also little clips on the hems of the sleeves to attach gloves on. Inspiration came from Maison Martin Margeila's SS/12 range of adaptable collars, Benjamin Shine's "Infinity" project, and a number of various other source, which I'll go into more detail in later posts.

And here are some pictures from my latest project (Photography by the brilliant LaRoache brothers- www.laroachebrothers.com):

The project was designing for Bora Aksu, using lace from Sophie Hallette.

www.boraaksu.com

www.sophiehallette.com

Once again, apologies for the lack of posts. I promise to post with some more interesting findings and not cop out with pictures of my work. As it has once been said, "I'm Leuty Parker, I'm a good ideas machine!"... so let the posting of good ideas commence....

Aoi Kotsuhiroi and other weird stuff

Sitting in my kitchen, discussing various fashion-y things with my flatmate, he mentioned this website www.notjustalabel.com. For those of you who have not heard of this website, you need to check it out; it's brilliant if you're into contemporary fashion, and some of the stuff on the online shop will blow your mind. Example number one; Aoi Kotsuhiroi. As soon as the home page had loaded, my flatmate insisted I go straight to her page; I can understand why. Her range of accessories marries the beauty of natural form with the rawness of fetish. She incorporates fine materials and completely outlandish ones; from horn, fur and leather, to matted human hair! Each piece just looks like some relic found from far away in the space/time continuum; I could go on about how much I desire one, but I think I'll leave you with these visual gems to speak for themselves, and her website if you want to read more. www.aoikotsuhiroi.com

And if that isn't enough, the way she describes her items is so beautiful and melodic; I'm sold.
 http://www.notjustalabel.com/aoi_kotsuhiroi

So keeping in mind the use of, 'organic' materials, that got me thinking about a discovery I made a few months back. I was on the tube when I noticed this utterly fantastic lobster brooch (following an obsession with lobsters after meticulously studying Salvador Dali) on the lapel of a very dapperly dressed woman. After a brief discussion with her, interrogating her where she found said trinket, she told me about Grays Mews antique market, located just behind Bond Street station. Many a visit later, on the search for something special and unique for my birthday, I came across an abundance of these rings which had a pretty peculiar appearance; having a sort of weird weave-like aesthetic.

Yep, you guessed it; human hair. They're called 'mourning' or 'memorial' rings, and belonged to a genre known as, "hair jewellery", popular in the late 19th century. Now I know what you're thinking; "how gruesome!", but I think there is definitely something enticingly sexy about it. You say gruesome, I say macabre. Plus, there are several other reasons why I wanted to feature them in a post; I mean, there must have been some reason why hair was so massively popular as a material used in jewellery at this time. For one, hair is extremely durable and can last as a material over hundreds of years without decay. It is often featured in ancient myths and biblical tales. Another association hair in jewellery, especially memorial jewellery, was so popular, is that it retains a certain amount of sentiment. Anyway, I'm rambling. So if you want something completely macabre, with a less "contemporary design" take on jewellery, see these rings at Grays and Grays Mews market; 

58 Davies Street, & 1-7 Davies Mews

London, w1K 5AB

Rosamosario

So whilst out shopping, wearing my brand new Rick Owens jersey dress I noticed that it was quite a bit more transparent than socially acceptable, but for those who know me personally, I'm always one for pushing the social boundaries of fashion. With this in mind, I came across this incredible designer Rosamosario. This Venice based lingerie label provides haute couture sexiness in silk and lace form. Beautifully designed and made corsets and chemises are featured in luxurious materials. However, I'm pretty sure you could get away with wearing the longer pieces as daywear. Hell, I would! Case in point; this beautiful scarlet chemise made from silk-crepe. The subtle sheerness on the skirt is sexy and seductive, yet not so slutty as the hem is floor length, yet the slits in the side seams show a flash of leg when you walk; one of my favourite features that inject a amount of sex appeal to more conventional pieces.

Cheryl Cole in a tulle and lace eternal long skirt by Rosamosario. The tulle is so delicate; it reminds me of delicately painted Renaissance nymphs, like the ones in Boticelli's Primavera

Rosamosario runway shot

And this one is what I'm lusting after. A hand painted lace corset that, in my opinion, should definitely not be worn under anything.

General Eyewear

Charlie and the Chocolate factory goggles; prototypes
provided by General Eyewear

Following Prada's quirky-genius baroque themed shades last year, I thought I'd show my appreciation for General Eyewear. On one of many trips exploring the stables around Camden Lock, I fell through the rabbit hole into the wonderland of General Eyewear; located at Arch 67 of the Stables Market, General Eyewear is home to a huge range of completely unique adornments for the eyes. Quality shades and spectacles second to none, and designs as weird as a fluid bloom, what more could you ask for? These guys have featured in publications like,"Pop" and,"Dazed and Confused", cater for cliental including the likes of Beyoncé, Beckham and our lovely Lady Gaga, not to mention they also provided the prototypes for the glasses in the TV room scene of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Come on, how peculiarly remarkable are these?
They also make eyewear bespoke for the cliental; so you can go along with design ideas, and they'll probably be able to come up with something for you.
So, if you want a pair of dashing, high quality specs, or some totally outlandish eye-goggles, check these guys out.
General Eyewear: Arch 67, Stables Market
Chalk Farm Road, London, Nw1 8AH

General Eyewear's collaboration with Viktor and Rolf

Beyonce wearing a pair of snazzy General Eyewear shades in a Dazed and Confused shoot

Good ol' Gaga in some superb spectacles by General Eyewear

... And I want these ones!

For more pictures, check out General Eyewear's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/GeneralEyewear