Trend Report SS2018: Effortless & Eclectic

Leopard has almost become a neutral and mixing prints is getting more casual by the day. And so this season’s most eclectic looks don’t even seem that extraordinary. They’re out there for sure, but they have a certain effortless to them. Like you’d want to wear florals, checks and animals prints in the brightest colors all together any regular business day. Like a veggies printed dress, a flower embroidered jacket, flower shaped sunnies and green glitter socks (Dolce  & Gabbana) make up for the perfect grocery shopping attire. Like an oversized kimono over a Manga printed dress combined with the frizziest coupe (Vivienne Westwood) work perfectly for a dinner date. No holding back; it’s prints and colors in the mix! Eclectic and easy.

 

M-ODE AMSTERDAM: Saturday Recap – Bas Kosters

The United States of HOPE was our Saturday evening stop this week. It was Bas Kosters who invited us all to check out his brand new collection –  named “Hope” – for the first time. The biggest show of this (M-ODE) week.

“Hope originates from a strong desire to produce a graphic collection with a clear message. I started off with a kind of supermarket esthetic”, the designer stated. What we witnessed was a true Bas Kosters spectacle with different clips portraying “Hope” (produced in collaboration with artist Iztok Klančar) projected on the both sides of the show venue.

After Bas himself introduced the theme of his collection and spoke of what Hope stands for (cherishing your dreams, light at the end of the tunnel, a fresh start, ideals to live by and so on) the first model strutted the runway in a sequin bikini carrying an installation to which countless eggs (sunny side up! –  which also stands for hope) were attached. The diverse models (even a pregnant lady walked the runway) all looked extra extravagant with their rainbow colored make-up, teased hair and funky attitude. With expressive prints, exciting fabric decorations, show stopping masks (made out of huge boxes) and robot-shaped bags (made out of life vests or refugees) their was almost too much to take in at a first glance.

Recycling formed a big theme for this Bas Kosters collection too. A large selection of overalls formed the starting point of many of the designs. In the designers pop up atelier Waste to Want additional looks, accessories and signature Bas Kosters details were added. A super sustainable collection – even the make-up glitters (by Bioglitz) were eco proof – that formed a perfect fit with We Make M-ODE and absolutely gave us hope for the fashion industry.

Trend Report SS2018: Bits ‘n Pieces

Tattered, fringed, cut out, destroyed and deconstructed; this summer’s dress code requires outfits made out of bits and pieces. Like Ann Demeulemeester’s trenchcoat with midriff and shoulder baring parts (worn with half a hat!). Or Helmut Lang’s collection filled with asymmetrical cut ‘n paste styles. And then we have Margiela who created several types of garments out of cut out coats and pieces of decorative fur. Especially lingerie/swimwear looks seemed to exist of leftover fabrics. To keep everything together as one outfit the designer’s go to shade was black. Fringed black fabrics with a touch of tattered; are you in?

M-ODE AMSTERDAM: Friday Recap

Another fashion filled M-ODE day on Friday! During the three catwalk shows at the Zuiveringshal and an exclusive collection presentation we got inspired by new fashion designs by upcoming Dutch design talents and their interesting sustainability ideas. Click through our galleries below to see their collections.

Tableau Vivant at the presentation of Amber Ambrose Aurelie & Judith v Vliet’s collection “Van Hollandse bodem” with asymmetric clothes and high heeled, chunky shoes made out of recycled jeans. Primary colors and Mondriaan prints turned the designs into eye catching looks. Combined with fluffy white fur denim was given an angelic twist as chunky knits, pleated details and structured bodies gave the collection a textured appearance.

Sophie Roumans presented her sustainable and comfy menswear collection “Omerta”. Sophie designs without a certain season in mind aiming at a global identity using eco friendly fabrics and rest materials. Her models looked relaxed in their casual yet perfectly tailored clothes. A pair of high waisted pants, airy knits, a corduroy suit and asymmetric cross over jackets were Omerta’s true show stoppers. Impressive items any fashionable guy would want to put up on his wishlist. Keepers, ever greeners, solid pieces to hold on to for ages and combine differently every single season.

INEEN by LEBL & Lhana Marlet presented a wearable collection (print design and denim being the main ingredients) based on style and personality, made out of left over materials with a zero waste mindset. Silk and shiny fabrics with the most vibrant prints caught our eye during this show. They were alternated with full on denim looks. Models looked both streetwise and tough and didn’t seem to be bothered by their crazy wigs and high fisher hats.

An intimate presentation for Anne De Grijff’s womenswear label presented from “De werkkamer” In line with the international neon (menswear) fashion trend Anne de Grijff’s collection was spot on. Her looks were loose, airy, feminine and despite their refreshing touches and details had a classic feeling to them. Co-ords for the office as well as dinner dates. This was formal with a twist. Lots to like for women in their thirties as well as their sixties.

M-ODE Amsterdam: Thursday Recap

After M-ODE kicked off on Wednesday we had a busy fashion filled day ahead on Thursday. At one o’clock in the afternoon it was Merel van Glabbeek (an her namesake womenswear label founded in 2015) who held the first fashion show as part of the many M-ODE fashion events this week. She presented her collection “Plan-B”. What happens when our world becomes inhabitable? Then there’s a plan B. Humanity will colonize mars. And so plan B was a collection full of experiment, opportunities and dreams. With reused materials (that make Merel such a good match for M-ODE), digital prints, striped and a padded fabric. Merel combined heavy and light materials in a colour palette of blacks, (midnight) blues and orange. See the gallery below.

After Merel van Glabbeek we paid a visit to Bas Kosters “Waste to Want” pop up atelier a few doors further. Here Bas and his team are holding their office for a few days to finish his new collection. For this collection Bas is re-using second hand clothes (collected after Kingsday’s flea markets) and turning them into his signature designs. Designs he’ll be showing on Saturday night during his big catwalk show at the Zuiveringshal. Expect a lot of color, costumes and craziness! Bas as we know him, but even more sustainable this time around.

Ajbilou Rosdorff surprised us later that afternoon when she had a group of Vogue dancers presenting her latest collection. Their moves, their looks and the loud music made everyone in the audience go wild. And although we might have been a little distracted by the crazy dancing the clothes sure looked bad-ass too.

A intimate presentation by HACKED by_ (founded as an answer to the constant overproduction in fashion) was our final stop for the day. Even before their international launch in Paris (the next day) designers Alexander van Slobbe en Francisco van Benthum presented their vision, way of working and their latest collaborations with ASN Bank and H&M at M-ODE. They showed their latest designs and spoke of their way of upcycling; showing their ideas on how the lavish fashion system can be changed from the inside.

An inspiring day it was. In terms of fashion as well as sustainability. Such great, green ideas, so much creativity. It’s hard to even imagine fashion (shows, week) without the sustainability mindset. This should (could?) be the standard. We’re excited to see what M-ODE and their designers/initiatives have in stores for us the next few days. Stay tuned!

M-ODE Amsterdam: An Introduction

Like any other year this week the Westergasterrein is (more or less) our temporary office. Yet this time around we’re based here for something other than Amsterdam Fashion Week. It’s M-ODE and it’s first edition of We Make M-ODE (part of We Make the City) that has us and other fashion professionals and fanatics gathered at the Westergasfabriek the upcoming days.

M-ODE is a completely new fashion initiative by fashion teacher Peter Leferink (48) and former Amsterdam Fashion Week director Iris Ruisch (43). It is a foundation which focuses on sustainability and therefore each and every fashion show, presentation or event this week is sustainable in a way. Whether it is a designer who chooses not to produce new collections every other season, a design collective producing eco-fabrics or someone like Bas Kosters who produces his new collection out of old (not sold Kingsday) clothes.

A fashion event with a 5 day programme like M-ODE turned out to be wasn’t even what Iris and Peter had in mind when they first decided to join forces. But as they spoke to the first designers interested (a few of whom were planning on showing during Amsterdam Fashion Week in January anyway) more people become enthusiastic and new ideas kept coming. And so for four months straight it was like a M-ODE roller coaster for Iris and Peter. Apart from fashion shows at the Westergasfabriek – with Bas Kosters’ show on Saturday evening being the biggest spectacle – there are lots of sustainable activities organized. Like workshops, a clothing exchange market, readings and a sustainable fashion route leading consumers to workspaces and (pop-up) shops. Not just the Westergasfabriek, but VondelCS and het Bos en Lommerplein have their own activities organized as well.

If you’d look at the schedule you’d hardly believe that M-ODE didn’t even start as an event hosting initiative. Supporting/coaching young fashion entrepreneurs for at least one and a maximum of three years, teaching them about the right balance between creativity, finance and the importance of collaborating, that is what Iris and Peter had in mind in the first place. A wonderful initiative that is off to a good start with a great first week filled with events . Stay tuned for more M-ODE updates on our Instagram, Facebook and blog.

We Make M-ODE, 20 t/m 24 juni, Amsterdam

 

 

Trend Report SS2018: Sorbet Shades

No doubt sorbet shades are the ultimate match to your summer tan. And not just as a boll in an icecream cup. A solid SS2018 wardrobe should definitely include some pastel pieces. To get your inspired we’ve selected some runway looks in every shade or the sorbet rainbow. From Hermes and Valentino to Dries van Noten and Galliano. And there’s even a trend within this trend; combining pastels! Like we saw at Céline and Delpozo. Light, fresh and high season ready; what flavours will you choose?

Menswear Trends Spring/Summer 2019 – Milan Recap

Summer 2018 is around the corner, but we’re already way to excited for next year’s styles. Milan’s menswear fashion week has just finished and we cain’t wait to share some of the hottest new trends with you. So that you’re fully prepared for what next year has to offer or so that you can really be one of the first to rock some of the ’19 trends this very summer. So read carefully…

There was a big focus on prints. Vibrant floral prints (Versace, Dsquared, Marni), cactus, pasta and fruit (Dolce & Gabbana, MSGM) prints, but also some very abstract printed photo images (Marni, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada). The man purse (cross body that is) found it’s way onto the runway at Versace. Prada introduced some super short shorts (if you dare!). And after the Yeezy shock earlier this month Versace, MSGM and Dsquared worked their neon magic too.

Other SS2019 necessities are matrix style trench coats, socks in sandals, parkas, wide pleated pants and anything logomania (yes, it’s still a thing).

In other (non menswear fashion trend) news: Kendall Jenner returned to the runway after five months and Naomi Campbell closed the Dolce & Gabbana show (also walked by twin models and the coolest couples).

See how Summer 2019 is going to look like according to the biggest Italian labels? Check out our galleries below.

Vibrant florals

Abstract prints

Logomania (another round)

 

Crossy body bags

 

Neon now

Camo cool

Sandals & slippers

Graduation Collections AMFI 2018

It was a show filled with contradictions. From Els Veldman’s vibrant and extremely colorful collection (and her models with painted faces and colored hair) and Kelly Geurden’s completely yellow colored line up to the grungy and moody looks at Charlotte Bakkenes, Stefan Vella and Jamie Teunissen. Not to mention Ferry Schiffelers dramatic but truly showstopping collection of black 3D looks that immediately deserve a spot in SIA or Gaga’s wardrobes (same goes for Sophie Mellors’ stage worthy looks, wow!). From Juliet Kok’s simple and savag-y designs to Marlies Reukers professional and perfectly fitted sportswear looks. And from Myrna Reukers li la lingerie looks to Nikita Domping’s streetwise and tough denim creations. From perfect patchwork at Julie Evers to dreamy powder hues at Kim Domburg. This was yet another inspiring and entertaining AMFI graduation show. We’re curious to see where all these 22 fashion talents will eventually end up working, but we’re sure they all have amazing careers ahead of them. Thanks for an amazing show and the best of luck to ya!

 

Graduation Collections ARTEZ 2018

The Artez graduation show reminded us why we love graduation collections so much. It had all the right ingredients. It was vibrant, experimental yet professional, versatile, exciting, promising, futuristic as well as retrospectic, simplistic as well as theatrical, refreshing, crazy, fun, cool, tough and what not. From Emma Wessel’s larger than life images walking down the runway to Mehdi Mashayekhi’s menswear collection with the perfect fit; the Artez graduates sure kept us interested troughout the whole show. We loved the sporty vibes Henriette Zimmerman sent out. Iris Bambacht’s prints looked insane on her menswear pieces. Nina Pin’s cheerful models made us smile instantly and we could not stop staring at Dennis Schreuder’s masqueraded looks. That bright pink patent coat in Douwe de Boer’s collection was an absolute show stopper and Amarens Joustra’s eclectic prints lit up the runway. There is no Amsterdam Fashion Week this summer, but these ARTEZ talents sure have us inspired for the upcoming weeks.

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