En Vie - February 2011

8/6/2019 En Vie - February 2011

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3The Italian

Connection

DESIGNVIEWS

www.en-vie- fashion.com

TM

FEBRUARY

2 0 1 1

vol.5

Eurasian Seams

Choichangho

FEATURING

The BestConceptual

Fashion

Get your Fix

SweetheartLook

...and More

The

Sexy2

2011 FashionResolutions


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EDITOR IN CHIEFGerd Kramer

EDITORTrevor Fradgley

SUB EDITORMichael Hobbs

JAPANESE EDITORShoko Namba

GRAPHIC DESIGNERAnna Hardwick

DESIGNERDaria Miura

ILLUSTRATORSWarren PopelierZandra Koe

STYLISTSEwa FiutakJustyna Korusiewicz

Tomoko Fujii

ASSISTANTYuko Morimoto

FRONT AND BACK COVERPhotographer: Giuseppe [email protected]

Contents7

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NEWS International Fashion News

FEATURE DESIGNER Luming Xu; Sexy EurasianSeams

HAIR AND MAKEUP The Sweetheart Look by LUZ

FEATURE DESIGNER IDEM; The Italian Collection

SHOPPING Downtown or LakeTown?

FEATURE DESIGNER Choichangho; A Life of Fashion

FASHION RESOLUTIONS How to Build a CompleteWardrobe, Part 2

CONCEPTUAL FASHION The Best ConceptualFashion, 2

HEALTH AND BEAUTY 6 Steps to Shut Eye

ACCESSORIES Transxed

HOROSCOPE February 2011Chinese Lunar New Year

OSAKA Phantasmagoria

Disclaimer: Every effort is made to ensure all En Vie media is up-to-date. Please note that opinions expressed herein are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher.

The publisher cannot be held liable for any loss, damage or distress resulting in errors, omissions or from adherence to any advice in this magazine. The publisher

takes no responsibility for the quality or content of advertisements. All rights reserved by the copyright holder.

To see the full disclaimer please go to http://www.en-vie-fashion.com/disc_engl.htm

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Red Rage

Photographer:Giuseppe Ciaola

[email protected]

A great connection for professional

work; En Vies cover photographer

for the February issue.

1. Blake Lively to RepresentChanels Handbags

The Channel head designer, KarlLagerfeld, has chosen the gorgeous

Gossip Girl TV Star Cast Blake Lively torepresent Chanels iconic Mademoiselle

handbags. The 23 year old Gossip Girl says,Its an understatement to say its a dream

come true. Though I am the face of it, I willcarry it like every girl.

2.Oprah in Her New Bootights

Oprah Winfrey made a style statement by wearingBootights in her latest show last month. Bootights

is a combination of regular tights with socks, an all inone wear that gives you no sweatiness or discomfort

while wearing boots in winter. These tights look exactly

the same from the top of your boot up, but when you unzip,they actually have a reinforced bottom section that look andfeel like socks built right in. The trendy socks start from$30 and come in various designs and materials.

3.Lohan Launches Her Own Shoe Line

If you think the Hollywood actress Lindsay Lohan is all aboutpartying, you have been mistaken. Just weeks after herrelease from rehab, the actress has already started workingon her new shoe line which will hit the stores this fall. Hercollection has been inspired by the old Hollywood glamourwith a modern edge. The designs are sketched by Lohanherself and the expected price range is somewhere from$100-$450.

4.Black Swan Inspired

Natalie Portman, wearing a black tutu on-screen has drawnattention to chic ballerina style. Chanel and Alexander

NEWS

McQueen have both infused a feather-edge into their Spring2011 collection and Asos and Forever21 have introduced afew feather and tulle-related pieces. So get ready to take aswan-ride this spring.

5.Levis Waterless Denim

Thinking of going Eco-friendly? The trendy denim companyLevi Strauss has come up with a new denim collection whichcuts the water usage by an average of 11 gallons per pair.

The manufacturer claims that by combining the wet-washingcycles the percentage of water has been reduced, while thefinal product remains the same. In fact, what you get aftereach wash is a softer touch. The new collection is set to beout by Spring.

6.Fashion Visionary in Sydney

SYDNEY, January 12 /Fashion News/ 2011The day of

Australian-Korean relations (organized by JK entertainment)arrived and fans of the Korean band SHINee gathered in theirthrongs. This group is known among young people, but youmay be surprised to know they are an inspiration for designersand artists from all around the world. As usual the boys didntlet us down donning high style, cutting edge fashions theyshowed us they are a couple of steps ahead of the wholefashion world.

7.Rumer Willis Represents Brand Badgley Mischka

Fashion House, Badgley Mischika, has picked Rumer Willisas her spokes model for the coming Spring collection offootwear, handbags, and swimwear. The 22 year old daughterof Demi Moore and Bruce Willis has finally stepped in frontof the camera to make her first career experience. Thefashionistas Mark Badgley and James Mischka see Rumeras glamorous, youthful and fun. In the past, models likeMary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Sharon Stone and Eva Longoriarepresented the heavily endorsed fashion brand.

The best of Berlin and international fashion ison show at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

in Germany from the 19th to the 22nd ofJanuary. As promised En Vie will be coveringall the style, innovation and eccentricity from

the German capital in next months issue.

http://www.mercedes-benzfashionweek.com/

+PLUS NEWS

KeyVisual Captivated


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En Vie: Youre Chinese, but after

so many years working in Europe,

what is beauty for you?Luming: Beauty for me is an air, an airof self-condence, even a little bit overto be somehow arrogance. I believethe real beauty is a kind of respect andacceptance which is beyond space,time and culture. European sense ofbeauty and Oriental sense of beautyis incomparable but the essence isalways nice stuff.

En Vie: What is the Asian sense of

beauty, and the European?

Luming: The oriental beauty is introvert,controlled. It is like wine, taste it bit bybit. While, the European one is extrovert

Luming Xu, gives En Vie access to his future designs and tells us about the distinctive

sense of beauty between the East and the West, trends for the future and how it all

comes down to sex.

Having spent a large part of his career designing in Europe and now working for BXN,

a Chinese luxury brand, Luming has an unparalleled overview of the different ways

beauty is beheld across the two continents. On the verge of launching his own pret-

a-porter label, Roon, he delves into how fashion can have intercontinental appeal.

Something, En Vie knows all about.

The oriental beauty is

introvert, controlled. It is

like wine, taste it bit by bit.While, the European one is

extrovert and expressive.

It is like liquor, exciting, you

get into re immediately.

The difference lies in the

understanding of Sex.

Words by Wesley WangPhotos courtesy of Luming Xu

and expressive. It is like liquor, exciting,you get into re immediately. The differ-

ence lies in the understanding of Sex.Lanvin and Balenciaga did a fantasticjob in this area.

En Vie: Beauty is the goal, but how

do you reach this goal in a way

that appeals to both European and

Asian tastes?

Luming: Well, this is a pretty difficultquestion. To create a design whichcaters both to Asia and Europe, this isthe goal for every designer nowadays.

To start only from a good-looking outtis simply biased. Instead, its easier tostart from something common amongthe people, what is it that everyone

The Sexy Eurasian Seam

FEATUREDESIGNER


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would accept, like and not refuse? Forme, everything which associates withsex is accepted worldwide. However,the final design comes from how tobalance both cultures on the same topic.

En Vie: What do you think of

Japanese design?

Luming: I personally, like very muchJapanese and Japanese culture. I think,the Zen culture and Japanese spiritof research and their determinationare, in particular, inspiring all over theworld. My favorite Japanese designers COMME des GARONS.

En Vie: Japan is 10 years earlier

than China to accept and welcome

the western fashion system. What

do you think Japans contribution

to fashions journey to the east?

Luming: Japanese design has greatachievement in Europe. Their contri-

bution, for me, is that they arouse greatinterest in Asian culture therefore in-creased the cultural exchange between

Asia and Europe.

En Vie: Do you think that China

should follow in Japans footsteps?

Luming: We have learnt a lot fromJapan, but time is different, to copyJapan wouldnt work for China now.China needs to nd its own particularityand must stick to it.

En Vie: Coming back to the current

collection, what is the trend for the

next season?

Luming: 3D and voyage. In terms ofcolour, I see lots of earth and primitiveculture, plus lots of 3D colors and print.

Again, oversize. Pants gets more andmore aggy. My suggestion is to mix-and-match more outside performancewear with casual wear. Flaggy jacket

and T-shirt in, Jeans out.

En Vie: You have your own collection

and brand, what is it? what`s the

difference? When will it launch?

Luming: My own brand is called Roon.My idea is to amplify and manifest the

wearers identity. In terms of style, it isunisex, simple, sober and clean, butsheer sexy. When it will be launchedofcially? Im still planning.

En Vie: What is your current

inspiration?

Luming: My inspiration currently is frommyth, ancient myth. Basically it is aboutsupernatural power.


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Photographer:Giuseppe Ciaola

[email protected]


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HAIR ANDMAKEUP

A Medium to long style

Cut: Style your hair and fringe based on yourface line. Mirroring the shape of your head

makes your face look smaller.

Perm: Add big and curly waves around yourfaceadorable.

Colour: Colour with ash-beige and add hi-lightsto bring everything together.

Make up: Put on lots of liner and gradually adda pastel eye shadow. Use a hi-light colour forthe centre of your lips and fill in your lips witha nude colour then add some lip gloss to nish.

A Light and relaxed hair style for Spring

Cut: A roundish cut based on a Mushroomshaped-bobbed hair style will make you look

feminine.

Perm: Mixed strong waves and soft waves willmake you look gorgeous.

Colour: Colour with ash-beige and add hi-lightsto bring everything together.

Make up: Use a soft colour eye shadow and apearl line under the lash line. Use non-pearl lipcream rst, then put on some lip gloss to makeyour lips nice and cute.

Luz Hair Studio gives us some tips on how

to get that perfect look for your darling

this Valentines Day.

SweetheartTheLook


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Mix it all up

Cut: Mix a mushroom shaped bob with lotsof layers.

Perm: Get your hair to follow your face linebut add some random waves - sexy.

Colour: Using two different colours, like brownand beige, makes your hair style f resh andrelaxed.

Make up: This time go for relaxed and freshmake-up. Use a cream based foundation rstand then blush a powder type on. It will lastlonger. Fill in your lips with a nude colour thenput on some lip gloss to make your lips naturaland solid. Simply divine.

Nice and Simple

Cut: A curve in a thick fringe will soften abobbed hair style. Cut and separate intotwo parts to make your hair style look heavy.

Perm: Curl your hair ends inwards cute.

Colour: Add a calm pink-beige to make y ourhair shine.

Make up: Add a natural-brownish eye shadowand a natural colour lip gloss. Using hi-lightsto make your eyes and cheeks a little widerwill make you look mature.

Luz Hair Studio in Osaka is happyto take care of all you style needs.Check out www.hairstudio-luz.com


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En Vie: How did the concept for this Italian/

Chinese collaboration come to be?

IDEM: I came to China for the rst time in 2004aware of the great excitement that there wasalready here. I found a country full of energy andcharm gifted with a contrast between modernityand tradition. I immediately began consultingwith Chinese fashion brands. Thanks to the goodexperience we had in Italy and now China, Ivecome to know both cultures, and realize my dreama workshop of clothing that bears my name.

FEATUREDESIGNER

IDEM is a unique Italian Design group that brings fashion expertise

and design sophistication to emerging f ashions, brands and products

in China. Their innovative design talent is what literally drew En Vie

into contact with them. We were struck by a shopfront with chic dressessurrounded by scissors plunging from the ceiling so we took a peek

inside and found out more.

Words by Michael HobbsPhotos courtesy of IDEM

The Italian ConnectionIDEM


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En Vie: What are some of the top exciting

Chinese labels we should be watching out for?

IDEM: As for marketing, certainly Ellassay. Forimage and style, Marisfrolg. In youth clothing, Mo&co

is very modern and maintains a good image.

En Vie: So Italy and then China. Can you see your

IDEMs inuence spreading to other countries?

IDEM: I hope so, but I think for many years I willbe dedicated to China only, my rst love.

Want to know more?http://www.idemsrl.it/index.php/azienda/?lang=en

En Vie: Where does IDEMs expertise come

from and where do you excel?

IDEM: What makes IDEM special is first the factthat we started in innovative projects. We offered

advice rst, when it was not yet so widespread inthe mentality of the companies that sell their brandsin China. Now we work in a studio with exclusiveclothes that use Italian design, materials and labor.We are the only Italians in China to offer this serviceexcept for luxury brands like Chanel.

En Vie: What are some of the success stories

since your conception?

IDEM: Becoming knowledgable of the Chinesemarket, having expertise in refined Italian taste,working with passion, dedication and determination.


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Come on, it opens at 10am! Yells Minako Itaya, an administrativeassistant from Saitama, Yeah, we dont want to miss the bargains, addsLiz Chang, a 3D animator from Malaysia.

Promising the girls a days shopping is one thing, but does it have to beso early? The answer is an emphatic yes.

As we shuffle off the train the girls eyes light up like Christmas treesstanding before us is the huge, almost daunting, super mall.

Immediately we see the rows of solar panels which stretch the length of thedog-leg shaped building. Its nice to shop in a place that is so eco-friendly,it makes you feel that little bit better about everything you buy, commentsMinako.

The morning is spent itting from store to store like kingshers with designerhandbags. LakeTown makes me feel like Im in shopping heaven, giggles Liz.

The complex promises shoppers a unique blend of brand shops, boutiquesand specialist shops. I love the fac t that whether I have something in mind

or Im just browsing, I can always nd something I likethe variety of styleand price is amazing, says Minako.

Its so convenient, adds Liz, I dont have to walk around in the cold allover Tokyo to nd a brand I likeI can shop at places like Emporium andZara within minutes of each other.

Soon enough, tired legs and rumbling tummies mean we break for lunch.The girls kindly allow the boys to make one decisionthe restaurant.

There is a great selection of restaurants here, remarks Liz, which makesit a great place for a girls day out. We nally decide on an all-you-can-eatbuffet place.

With rested limbs and full bellies the girls set out with renewed purpose,determined to cover as much of the three one-kilometre long oors as ishumanly possible.

As an exhausting days shopping comes to an end we review the numerouspurchases. I got a light-weight woollen poncho, some skirts for work fromNext and a pair of brown boots to keep my legs warm this winter, smilesMinako.

And I bought a pair of shoes, a bag from Mango and some accessoriesfrom a cute, little boutique, adds Liz, Oh yeah, and a hairdryer.

So, Downtown or LakeTown?

Its a lot less stressful than battling through the crowded streets of Shinjuku,Harajuku or Omotesando.

And I denitely feel as connected to fashion as I would if I were in Tokyo,perhaps more so because I can stumble upon a new brand or style I wouldnormally miss, reects Liz.

LakeTown is Japans largest Eco-friendly shopping centre boasting 568stores. A must see shopping destination for anyone in or visiting Tokyo.

SHOPPING

Saitama used to be regarded by Tokyoites as the suburbs, a placewhere the unfashionable go to livethat is until the opening of

Japans largest eco-friendly shopping centre in 2008. Aeon

LakeTown boasts 224,000 square metres of shopping and

entertainment space which holds no less than 568 different stores

enough to satisfy even the most experienced shoppers, but how

does it compare to shopping Meccas like Ginza and Harajuku?

Words by Ben SteinsonPictures by Adam McCann

Downtown or LakeTown?


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En Vie: How did you start your label?

Choichangho: My family is not from fashionand I wanted to be a painter until I saw afashion show by Japanese designer, Michiko

Koshino, in 89 in Seoul, Korea. Everythingchanged for me after that fashion show.

I showed my rst collection in Seoul 98.I later rolled out collections in Osaka, Beijing,

Tokyo and Shanghai between 2000 and 2010,the Tokyo Collection a highlight. Throughoutthat entire decade I also worked on the Puma

Tiger shoes Seoul Collection. I have fondmemories of standing next to Ms Koshino inSeoul,2007 whose collection followed mine.

En Vie: Whats most inspiring for you?

Choichangho: Ms. Koshino, singers, artists,architecture and illustrations.

En Vie: What other labels do you like?

Choichangho: I really like Ann Demeulemeester

En Vie: What do you wish for the future?

Choichangho: To bring the lab to Paris, haveboutiques in Paris and own my own shoe line.I would especially love to design all my ownlabels, not just garments also the shoes. Itsnot an easy thing to achieve.

En Vie: What do you think of fashion in Asia?

Choichangho: I think fashion is from the worldand its difcult to connect a region to peoplesfashion these days.

En Vie: What you think of Pet fashion?

Choichangho: Its fun to see and if my kids (a 3year old girl and 5 year old boy) got into it oneday, then Id make clothes for my pets. I couldturn it into a business one day, who knows?!

Words by Michael HobbsPhotos courtesy of Choichangho

Korean born designer, Choichangho has spent his life in

fashion and made big waves in Asia. En Vie caught up

with him for a quick chat about his lovefashion...

A Life ofFashion

FEATUREDESIGNER


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Lesley Scott looks at how to build a wardrobe for every occasion and how to

put these pieces together. In the last issue we looked at ve Cant-Fail tips. In

this issue we will show you the rst 10 key must have basics for your wardrobe.

Part three will complete the collection with the nal 10 pieces.

Now that you know the recipe, here are the 20 key ingredients to have on hand:

Get a Wardrobe That Matches Your Life & Ups Your Style Game

New YearsFashion Resolution:

FASHIONSOLUTIONS

TRENCHCOAT Few items deliver such astylish punch for so little effort. Choose aclassic cut in your foundation color(s) first;later, expand your collection to include one ina bright color and either a happy oral or ananimal print (we love leopard and python).

Lanvin python-print silk-taffeta trench coat$4580

SUIT If possible, a jacket, pant & skirt. This isthe place to s-p-e-n-d to get the best fabricyou can afford & make sure the fit is nothingshort of fabulous; budget in a trip to the tailor.When you wear the various pieces separately,they really give everything else you own morestyle mileage.

Stella McCartney Iris Wool Blazer $1295 &Jasmine tailored straight-leg pants $525

JEANS The Bootcut is never not in style, andthe darker the wash, the more attering. Buyone pair to wear with your heels & one pairfor flats. (Trust us, there isnt some magicalin-between length that looks right with both.)If you nd a pair that makes your booty lookgreat but gaps at the waist, its an easy alter-ationand when you do visit the tailor, be sureto bring along the correct height of heel to getthe hem length perfect for you.

7 For All Mankind low-rise bootcut jeans $165

PENCIL SKIRT No chic French femme wouldbe without her black or navy pencil skirtmondieu, the very thought! Advanced-level fashion-istas also have one in their light foundation color,plus an animal print (like leopard) and a funbright color.

Antonio Berardi zip-embellished crepe pencilskirt $1115

LE SMOKING Think that classic black YvesSaint Laurent tuxedo jacket & loose-drape tuxpant. Such a fabulous evening option! Andthe jacket will easily dress up everything from

jeans to the trendiest jumpsuit. Feeling daring& glamorous? Pick up a le Smoking in ivoryor white to get your Bianca-Jagger-marrying-Mick-in-Saint-Tropez on.

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Bountydouble-breasted twill jacket $625 & Yves SaintLauren high-waisted wide-leg crepe pants $975

CASUAL, YET FIERCE, JACKETS One inwell-worn denim & one in leathermodernclassics include a motocross style, or youcould rebel in something vintage and studdedto channel your inner Iggy Pop or Debbie Harry.

Current/Elliott The Snap denim jacket $275 &Isabel Marant Keni leather biker jacket $2395

Words by Lesley Scott, Editor in Chief of Fashiontribes.com

Photos courtesy of net-a-porter.com

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NET-A-PORTER.COMis the worlds premier online

luxury fashion retailer. With ahuge range of designer labels,

its never been so easy to indulgeall your fashion fantasies. Go to

www.net-a-porter.comand enjoy.


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TEES Go body-con but not too snug in yourdark & light foundation hues. Having a 60sBardot moment or playing the gamine a la JeanSeberg in Godards Breathless? The Bretonstripe top is always, always freshwhich isprobably why Chanel & Balmain continue tosend them down the runway.

Day Birger et Mikkelsen striped jersey top $100& T by Alexander Wang classic-pocketed jersey

T-shirt $76

FLATS Feminine, ballet-style look as cutewith skirts & dresses as they do with pants &

jeans. Get one pair each in your dark & lightfoundation colors, plus a zippy just-for-fun pairin a bright color, metallic or bold animal print.During fall/winter months, reach for stylish atboots in the same colorways.

Alexandre Birman python ballerina ats $495

HEELS Timeless pumps, both in dark & nude,are an absolute must-have; an almond-toe ormoderately rounded-toe is probably the mosttrendproof, but vintage kittens are encouragedto rock as pointy a pump as possible. Duringthe colder months, calf- or knee-high bootsin the same colors make winter your very ownStyle Wonderland. Also worth putting on yourlist is the newest classic: booties or shooties,plus a strappy metallic sandal for any weddingsor dressy events that always seem to have away of popping up.

Christian Louboutin Simple 70 leather pumps$595

BAG WARDROBE A roomy everyday bag inboth of your foundation colors. Great optionsinclude a menswear-inspired messenger, ahobo (like Jackie Os beloved one from Gucci),top-handled doctor-style satchel (eg. theLouis Vuitton Speedy), and a chain-handlednumber (Chanel 2.55). For evening, a clutch isnever out of place, but the cool kids are nowopting to go hands-free with a petite cross-body bagmeaning no more juggling yourcocktail, plate of canaps, shaking someoneshand, and trying to keep track of your bag

Gucci vintage web medium canvas bag $1160& BOTTEGA VENETA Knot sfrangiato leatherclutch $1980 & Mulberry oversized Alexaleather bag $1250

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Next issue we reveal the final 10 keypieces. To read more from Lesley checkout www.fashiontribes.com

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Iris Van Herpen, a brand new blood in the fashion industry,graduated in 2006 from the ArtEZ Institute of Arts in Arnhem,the Netherlands. Like what her world-renowned peers, Dutchdesigners Viktor & Rolf contributed to international fashionstage with their extraordinarily theatrical fashion shows, Iris

Van Herpens edgy and futuristic designs also maintain the

modernist idea of conceptuality and abstraction, which areproof that the Dutch are not only good at pushing backboundaries but also keep providing a source of inspirationfor stylists and designers all over the world.

On November 6, 2010, she won The Mercedes-Benz DutchFashion Award for her collection that embodied moderncreativity in couture, People are respectfully being patientwhen it comes to her becoming big international success,but personally I hope she gets bored, soon. Luckily, whenI asked her a few questions she was very forthcoming.

The BestConceptual

Fashion:2

2011

Words by Lei ZhangPhotos by Rollan Didier

Runway Photo source: http://www.irisvanherpen.com/

Iris Van Herpen

and Ron Arad, one of the w orlds most successful

contemporary designers, agrees with the notion.

Perhaps this is what so easily explains the young, avant-

garde fashion designer, Iris Van Herpen, who holds

such rare power as to make each of her live shows jaw-dropping and brimming with the unexpected.

What makes Iriss design truly stand out is

how she interprets her design philosophy

re-evaluating reality, through each hand-

made piece.

Modern Creativity in Couture.Boredom is

the mother of creativity


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For the Synesthesia collection, where did you draw

inspiration from?

For my Synesthesia collection I was inspired by the extremesensitivity some people experience because their sensesare linked to each other- Synesthesia. This results in thembeing able to feel colours, see music and taste somethingvisual. I have it a little bit, music gets visualized automaticallysometimes with me, which is really fascinating. It is a way toexperience things differently, more sensitive. And I wish I couldhave it more, then I could taste my designs for example.

In the collection I have approached the body as a manipulative,sensitive and fragile object by enlarging body parts through

transparency, movement and extreme repetition so as toemphasize extremely refined craftsmanship. I also workedwith different reective glossy foil to confuse the eyes and togive clothing an extra dimension by combining movement withliveliness. I wonder if in the future clothing will support someof our senses or even take over.

We also found you have been experimenting with

different techniques in the designing process, can you

tell us a little bit about it?

I like to work with new techniques to increase and challengemyself. For example; for my Chemical Crows collection I madebrass sculptures (huge jewellery in dress forms) to turn mycrows visually into gold. That was something very difcult tomake, no sewing machine or patterns could be used. For myCrystallization collection I worked with the transparent materialPET-G, that I turned into a totally transparent water-dresswithout any seams. I did that with a big heat-blower. That tooka lot of experimenting to make it like I wanted, and the rapidprototyping, the technique that I am extending for my comingcollection. I collaborate with the architect Daniel W idrig andthe 3D print company MGX by Materialise.

This technique took a long time to research and to be able towork with it well. I still nd it difcult because it is so technicaland so different from what I am used to doing but I like thechallenge very much. I would get bored if I kept on using thematerials and techniques I already knew.

Any plan, hopes or projects for 2011?

To start with, I will show my couture collection in Paris inJanuary. In February Ill exhibit at NY Fashion Week. Im alsodoing a chocolate project for Hong Kong.

I was inspired by the extreme sensitivity

some people experience because their

senses are linked to each other

Synesthesia. This results in them being

able to feel colours, see music and taste

something visual.

For my Crystallization collection I worked

with the transparent material PET-G, thatI turned into a totally transparent water-

dress without any seams.


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From Iris Van HerpensCrystallization collection


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Amid the grey of winter, the sight of a pastelframe xie, weaving through trafc sparks acuriosity thats quicklyfol lowed by a warmenvy at the fashionable,fluidity of it all. This isso because fixed-gearbikes, commonly knowas xies are minus theunsightly gears and gad-getry. Theyre stripped down to a slender, robustframe that leaves everything else to the indivi-dual style of the rider. A funky accessory fusingfashion and well, yes a little engineering thatsright at home with even the most delicate ofJapanese fashionistas.

Fixie fashion of today often plays with vintage,urban chic/preppy looks but really is just what-ever the rider digs at that moment. Sports wearhowever, seems largely confined to the velo-drome, in Osaka anyway. Original xie fashionsemerged from West Indian immigrant courierriders in New York who slung a messenger bag

over their shoulder and darted all over the cityagainst the clock. Many modern day riders likefashion store owner, Takatomi Sasaki, borrowdirectly from this look. Funnily enough, he slingsa Manhattan Portage bag (a brand promotedas The Original New York Messenger Bag)over his shoulder and whips around town,only with a little less ernest and a little morepanache. He chooses to ride a xie becausehe feels more connected to it than any otherbike and shares a one-to-one relationshipwith it. He says he cant be seen riding anyother piece of junk because it wouldnt t hisfashion and thus his look would be incomplete.

Fittingly, Sasakisboutique, Querious, isnestled in the fashionand design hub of

Minami Horie. Likebastions of cool, xesline the outside of funky

cafes and hang from the ceilings of fashionboutiques, as if to say without one, youre notreally in the club.

I thought it best then to speak to a large sup-plier of keys to this cool club, Yoh, owner ofOcean Cycle Factory. With a long personalhistory of racing xes and a bike end foremost,

Yoh was initially keen to talk cycling, modelsand aerodynamics before I simply asked himWhos your typical customer? He smiledand said well many are fashionable types likeboutique owners or design students who arentinterested in cycling but love the style of them.

In a fashionable city where bikes form a

staple part of the urban landscape, its

no surprise Osakas fixed-gear scene

is a thriving sub-culture. While these

slick machines have a strong following

around the world for their light-weight,

no-fuss and speedy attributes, i suspect

Osakans are pedaling a fashion

statement foremost.

Words by Michael HobbsPhotos by Rob Walbers,

www.robwalbers.com

Fixie fashion of today often

plays with vintage, urban

chic/preppy looks but really

is just whatever the rider digsat that moment.

Transfixed

ACCESSORIES

6Secrets to Shut-eye

The night before

1: Do not eat a full meal 2 hours beforefall ing asleep. This leads to packingon some serious pounds and to your

digestive system operating at the sametime as your sleep system. Ultimatelyyoull arise with bags under your eyes.Follow the 2 hour rule and only snackf youre simply starving.

2: Drink fewer fluids before bed.Although its important to keep hydrated,drinking too much before sleep can leadto 3am bathroom trips. This in turnaffects the amount of REM (deep) sleepyou get.

3: Most importantly, set a BEDTIMEALARM! This is the single most importantace up your sleeve. Usually at nightwe kill precious moments of sleep bydoing things such as checking Mixi,Facebook, or watching TV. As we allknow, 11pm turns in to 1am very quickly.Reinvest these wasted moments in tosleeping more and your smile will bebigger and brighter.

The morning after

4: Have a tall 8oz glass of water nextto your bedside. Immediately stand upand down the glass. This will bang youinto the day like a bolt of lightning. Atall drink of water will alleviate up to 80%of your grogginess after rising. Its a farbetter kick than coffee or tea provides.

5: Smile. So simple and yet so important.

How can you positively affect thosearound you and project your innerelegance by starting your day with ascowl? Knock back that water thensmile. It starts your day off on a positivenote and will carry through your entire day.

6: For those of us which have a superhard time waking up, he res one last tipfor success. Print off a calendar pageof the current month and tack it up onyour wall. Have a marker nearby. Whenyou wake up on timeready to gomark a big sunshine or check mark onthe specic day. Over the course of themonth you will be able to see andreect upon all of the progress youvebeen making.

Taken together, these 6 steps will ulti-mately lead to you waking up on time,properly rested, with a big smile and apositive warmth that you can carry allday with you and pass on to others.

Words by Jesse Reidak

llustrations by Zandra Koe

Everyone wants to wake up feeling

refreshed and beautiful in the morn-

ng. The hard truth is that all of the

creams, oils, and new age music

simply wont make a shed of differ-

ence to your overall appearance.

The cornerstone of true beauty

comes from inner strength and

condence which is then projected

outwardly. By laying down some

simple rules to live (and sleep) by, we

can all proceed in to our days simply

radiating with warmth and positivity.

Heres how to get a proper nights rest:

HEALTHND BEAUTY


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These customers tell me what colours, designsthey like and I even take into account whattheyre wearing. I think theres a frame for everytaste. When working with such fashionablepieces, its evident in-store workers inevitablyhave to put on both cyclist and stylist hats whensatisfying customer needs.

So in future, theres no need to wonder whysome people on bikes are suddenly oozingstyle. Its not just their clothes nor just theirbike, its a head-to-toe look thats got youtransxed.

Want to get the fxie look?

For bikes check out: Ocean Cycle FactoryBlog, http://ocf-blog.blogspot.com/Email Yoh, [email protected]

For bags check out: QueriousTel/Fax, +81 6 6532 1799


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Rat 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008

You appear to have normal intelligence butactually your mind is sharp, logical and attentiveto details. Your character is slightly introvertedbut you are good at making friends. Yourdeciencies are conservatism and a consider-ation for others that isnt far reaching enough.

You also can be overconfident and oftenencounter regretful situations.Ox 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009

You have a lot of good qualities; diligence,pragmatism, patience Males keep promises

and females are single-minded. Sometimesfemales are too stubborn, reaching a dead-endand possibly lose friends because of it. You canexperience great success after middle-age.Tiger 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010

You have a strong career focus, with greataims and can expand into new fields. Yourepassionate, generous and like to help others.however, you need to overcome an impatientmental state and listen to the opinions of others.Luck is your gift. You are indeed the luckieststar in the Chinese zodiac. You are the symbolof success and luck.Rabbit 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011

You have great compassion and kindness. Youresensitive and dont like disputes. Due to yourpatience and self-effacing nature, people cantknow your true mind. Use your talent well andif you can be magnanimous then you will ndyour true love.Dragon 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012

You are talented, aggressive, straightforward

with a strong self-respect. You are good atnancing and dont bother with tries. You areattractive and charming in romantic relationshipsbut you dont like being restrained by love. Youwill reach a kind fate but with twists and turnsalong the way.Snake 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013

You are responsible at work, ingenious, quick-thinking, and have foresight. Youre alsointelligent, have good taste and have someartistic talent. But in romantic relationships youare suspicious and easily jealous.

The Lunar New year i s borderline between 2 years.

Horse 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014

You have a warm heart and a cheerful mind.Youre romantic but sometimes irritable. Itseasy for you to go to extremes and show impa-tience towards people. You can lack enduranceand easily give up on things. However withsome training you can become more patient.

You fall in love easily, at rst sight even.

Goat 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015

Your basic characteristics are docility, gentlenessand steadiness. You are friendly to people, mildmannered and have good adaptability. You

present people with a soft image but insideyour mind is strong. Youre emotional in loveand expect partners to make you feel secureand cared for.

Monkey 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016

You were born intelligent, are versatile, humorousand easily attract romantic partners. You areunsatised with a mundane life. Youre temper-amental and feel the need for change often.

You are also afraid of being tied down, makingyou easily attracted to new loves and easilyloathing of old loves. Nonetheless, upon meetingyour true love you will devote yourself to them.Rooster 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017

Youre energetic, efficient, competitive andseek romance and a freshness in life. Whetherits work, love or relationships, you show greatpositivity. However, youre short-tongued andstubborn. Being less chatty can avoid troublesand make you become popular.Dog 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018

You are smart and organized with a good sense

of justice. You are loyal and honest with people.Choosing the right job and having someonewho really loves you is very important. Youresometimes irritable, dont see all thats aroundyou and are stubborn. Its best that you exercisemore self-control.Pig 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019

You are compassionate, honest and friendly.Your sincerity allows you to easily gain the trustof your friends. You are optimistic, with a pureidea of romantic relationships. However, you donot love others easily, keeping the truth hiddeninside. At times you dont consider the feelingsof others. Your temper can be unstable andyou may be impatient towards work and study.

Chinese Lunar New Year Horoscope

Virgo

21st Mar20th Apr

This month brings good luck for love. Go on a shorttrip with your lover to build a sweet atmosphere.Singles can take this opportunity to attend manyparties. However strictly budget your money.Lucky Colour: Bright Red

21st Apr21st May

Resolute is a suggestion for you. Buy the thingswhich you want to buy and dont hesitate when

needed to make a decision. Valentines day is agood chance for singles. Bye a lottery ticket. tryyour luck!Lucky Colour: Blue, Green

22nd May21st Jun

This month youll spend a lot on entertainment.Be careful of going into deficit. Why not go totemples or have a walk in park and enjoy nature.

At work, be a good listener.Lucky Colour: Stripes, Multicolour, Gray

22nd Jun22nd Jul

Busy times are almost passed because youarranged your work so well. Now, enjoy leisuretime. Singles should make a new image for yourselfand give a nice impression to the person you like.Lucky Colour: White, Pearl

23rd Jul23rd Aug

Because you prefer to do things which you like,its easy to ignore other things. Arrange work inorder of priority and then you can handle a difculttask with great ease. Be careful of relationshipproblems. Deep breathing will soothe anger.

Lucky Colour: Brilliant Yellow, Light Yellow, Brown

24th Aug23rd Sep

Couples are busy with gifts and dating for ValentinesDay and singles are easily upset and tired. Whynot spend time with family? When youre annoyedor dont want to talk, please be mindful of othersfeelings. Family and friends only care about you.Lucky Colour: Gray

Words by Izumi

Words by Izumi

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancer

Leo

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

24th Sep23rd Oct

All of your work comes crashing together, yourboth hands full, youll want help from others. Youreally need sleep to solve the bags under youreyes. Enjoy yourself at the end of month. Givea surprise to your love.Lucky Colour: Blue, Woad ?


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Day

Two steps out of the subway exit and youre hit with a brillianceof colors. 3-D adverts spring to life and seem to pop outfrom every building. You cant keep your eyes off all of thebeautifully dolled up people whisking by. First and foremostgo shopping! The possibilities are limitless. Walking in

Ame-muras streets you wont be able to avoid dipping in tocheck out some of Osakas latest fashion trends. Once yourfeet get tired, why not cool your heels at a caf in and around

Triangle Park? This triangular concrete juncture truly sparksto life when the sun sets, but taking a pea k during daylighthours is also very rewarding. Reach in to your pockets anddig up some change for the coin lockers. Next, youre lockingup your new purchases near the station and waiting for thesun to set in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Words by Jesse Reidak, [email protected] by Frostdigital

Phantasmagorical Radiance. Rays of life, fashion, feast,

and adventure all co-exist in an ozone of uniqueness

within Ame-mura (American Village). This

distinct concrete quarter sandwiched between Osakas

Northern business district, and its more unkempt

southerly region can be easily accessed by taking the

Subway line to Shinsaibashi. The area certainly requires

compartmentalization. Day, and night:

Night

Techno thuds, hip-hop pumps, and every street corner sparksto life. Some Japanese like to go site-seeing in Ame-mura ona Saturday night. Hordes of fashionably equipped Japanesestroll the streets searching for the newest hot-spots amidst all

of the old favorites. And if youre interested in interacting withexpatriates, Ame-mura promises many Canadian, Americans,

Australians, and Englanders (among expats from many othercountries). Ame-mura is a melting pot of culture; an area whereeveryone can let their predispositions melt away and embracethe uncanny. So what are you waiting for? Put on your mostexperimental threads, slap on your disco kicks and get readyto rock the night away. Taxis are of course optional if you missthe last train at midnight. Enjoy!

COMIC

Phantasmagoria

IN OSAKA

Miki & Gallio


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Documents

En Vie - February 2011