SheBreathes™ | Life. Fashion. Culture

Discover | Arrondissement AQ1

Fotos Courtesy Arrondissement AQ1

Emerging German-based label Arrondissement AQ1 by designer Christina Arend, immediately caught my attention with their first collection of goodies. The S/S 2010 collection is filled with swaths of prettiness that's not only contemporary but can be dressed-up in the labels amazing accessories. I love the casual factor of each piece and the small detailing on several of the pieces. And since I didn't want to jam-pack this particular feature with images, part two of just their accessories is coming up next! Do visit and explore more from this emerging brand, because there is plenty more to see that's not shared here.

Rebirth of Worth | CourtWorth

Fotos via Style.it

I'm extremely intrigued by the rebirth of the House of Worth {Charles Frederick Worth} via CourtWorth — their Haute Couture lingerie collection, designed by Giovanni Bedin. The corsets and intricate detailing on the bodice must have taken hours to create, not to mention most of the piece blur the line between lingerie and wearable pieces with the added tulle and lace. I had no idea that they've been creating couture lingerie pieces since 2003, but so glad I discovered this collection, because it's all very inspiring. Soak-up the history of the House of Worth here, and view their couture lingerie collections here.

Basic Systems | Szidónia Szép

Budapest-based label Szidónia Szép is all about creating collections that are not only wearable but also pieces that relate to each other. They believe in connecting each piece and exploring structural principles. It's why I'm smitten with their deceptively simple A/W 09-10 collection. I love that I could wear the pieces below with anything and that styling is pretty spot-on. I can't wait to see what they explore, connect, and create next.

Fotos Courtesy of Szidónia Szép, Photographer | Perjko Gerko

Craft + Theory | Hartmann Nordenholz

Fotos Courtesy of Hartmann Nordenholz

German-Austrian label Hartmann Nordenholz by design duo Filip Fiska and Agnes Schorer has been on my radar for some time now. I found myself intrigued by with their A/W 08-09 and S/S 09 collections, which went from soft patchwork-like details, to sharp silhouettes. Above are my favourite looks from their A/W 09-10 collection. The lightly-paint splashed shapes on some of the over-sized shirts that include soft pleats, to the the sharp silhouettes sprinkled throughout. Visit and explore all their collections because there is plenty to discover.

Hippies + Gypsies | Isabela Capeto Winter 2010

While, I wasn't completely smitten with Brasilian designer Isabela Capeto's entire Winter 2010 collection, that she recently presented at SPFW. I did love a few pieces and many of the details —  if you remember she's known for her details. The hippies and gypsies have taken over Brasil in her world and they come bearing feathers, silk ribbon/scarves in the hair, and coral and gold jewelry details.

I also liked these pieces from the collection, which I think captured the overall spirit of what she presented.

Fotos via FFW

Beach to Bedroom | Rosa Chá Winter 2010

I haven't featured Brasilian brand Rosa Chá since 2007, because it was the very last collection that I adored from them. But move over darlings because Alexandre Herchcovitch is at the helms and his pushed-out a collection of goodies that go beyond the regular 'ole bikini! Herchcovitch has created a collection that mixes beachwear with lingerie, giving you ample choices for separates. Filled with lace details throughout, Rosa Chá is snatching it's crown back from all imitators, and by intertwining a bit of couture details in each piece is putting itself back on the maps of many. This was indeed one of the best shows out of SPFW thus far, because it featured a very diverse cast of models and the clothes offered the unexpected. I can't wait to see what actually hits the boutiques.

More fotos I love, with some detailing to show just how intricate they are.

Fotos via FFW.

Drenched in Prints | Ostwald Helgason

London-based label Ostwald Helgason by design duo Susanne Ostwald and Ingvar Helgason, is one of my favourite new discoveries. Their S/S 2010 collection is drenched in a beautiful array of prints shaped into sharp silhouettes that hug the body in all the right ways. While, the collection is on-trend there is still a strong point-of-view that's decidedly theirs. Fun and flirty without being girly, with plenty of pieces that translate well off the runway. Just the kind of collection I can see myself rocking. Visit, explore, and support this emerging brand of goodness.

Fotos Courtesy of Ostwald Helgason | Photographer Alastair Strong

Punch Drunk | Trosman S/S 2010

I revisted Buenos Aires-based Trosman, who I featured back in December '08. Their S/S 2010 collection is keeping in theme with my love for all things wearable and colourful. There is plenty of punchy colours  that have been sequined, cinched, draped, and cut into perfection. Do visit and explore more from this collection.

Fotos Courtesty of Trosman

Boutique Love | Maryam Nassir Zadeh

Maryam Nassir Zadeh is arguably one the best boutiques in NYC, especially for someone like me who prefers the obscure to the famous. I visit them every chance I get, because there is always a plethora of discoveries. Their jewelry selections is one of the best around, like their offering of statement pieces below by designer Marion Vidal.

The loops, curves, and geometric shapes of SAMMA.

And these cuties by Lauren Manoogian would brighten-up any monochromatic ensemble.

Fotos Courtesy of Maryam Nassir Zadeh.

Do visit and explore more because this is only a snippet of what they offer.

Shapes of Pretty | Acquastudio Winter 2010

It's Rio Fashion Week and I'm keeping a close eye on the shows from afar, despite a few invites this season, I often miss the event in person, because it's to close to my trip back for carnaval. Thus far it's been Acquastudio {they've been featured two times before} and one other designer that have consistently tried to raise the bar each season. Below are my picks from their Winter 2010 collection. There are some long dresses in this collection, which could have been edited-out, because the shorter ones showcase their skills better. There are pops of rose and purple {not shown} amongst a sea of black and white. And as always it's in the details with Acquastudio, which is why the amazing craftsmanship on the rose-detailed pieces is pure art.

Fotos via FFW.

More details, like platform heel booties and a closer look at roses and sparkly goodness.

Beijos.

Detailing | Juliana Jabour Winter 2010

Brasilian Designer Juliana Jabour was last featured in 2008. Since then none of her collections have really captured me. I do however like these neon-hued Lycra/PVC looking tights she sent down the runway for her Winter 2010 collection during Rio Fashion Week. I'm not in love with the entire collection but there are certain elements I dig, like the clashing of prints, the military style jackets with stud detailing {although studs are on their last leg} and her take on the 80's without the sharp shoulders and big hair. I also think the tiny hats turn the collection upside down in a good way. If there were more military style pieces with the hats I would be completely smitten. The suede bags with gold piping and chain details, tiny hats, and tights are the toppers for me.

Fotos via FFW.

Beijinhos.

Sweet Frills | Fay Alice

I adore Berlin-based label Fay Alice by Fay Smith cute dresses and frilly skirts, in their S/S 2010 collection. They scream spring/summer without the colour-drenched or patterned heavy collections we're use to seeing. I also like that they pair the same skirt with different tops to prove that dressed-up or down, they'll still leave you looking like the prettiest girl at the tea party. Visit and explore all their collections.

Fotos Courtesy of Fay Alice/PR.

Beijinhos.