SheBreathes™ | Fashion + Culture

Discover | Roberta Einer's AW17 Collection

I'm always in awe of fashion that feels progressive and individual. It's extremely hard to do this nowadays with fashion in a state of cyclical flux. So, when I find a designer who manages to be progressive while making me feel like the stylish rebel I am – I champion them. One such designer is Estonia-born, Roberta Einer. Her AW17 collection is filled with individual pieces that can be dressed up or down, and standing out won't be a problem. I digress often about not being able to keep such a designer to myself, but the fact that no two women will rock her collection the same keeps me sharing. Not to mention Einer's love of pleats and bold yet intricate designs is what drew me to her designs. Her AW17 collection is loud and subtle all at the same time. It's strikes a nice balance between cheeky and subdued.  Below is a sampling of the pieces I adore. I encourage your to click here for more.

Fotos © Roberta Eisner

Step Into Judari

I'm lowkey a sneaker head. I rock Adidas mostly, but I live for discovering sneakers no one else is rocking yet. Last year I found comfort and style in Italian-made brand, Judari. Their couture sneakers with silk orchid broaches stole my heart. The marrying of art, fashion, and cheekiness is what sets this shoe brand apart. You can keep their silk brooches on or remove them. It's all up to you. I can't wait to see what they do next. Looks below from their past collection. Click here to discover more.

Fotos  © Judari

 

Discover | DEEFINE

There is nothing more satisfying than discovering jewelry that pushes the boundaries of functional and mind-boggling beautiful. I've found that in the jewelry brand, DEEFINE with their strikingly original designs. DEEFINE is created by a diverse trio, which includes: Deepa Lakani, Marco Mancagli, and Jay Lakhani. The brand prides itself on being conscientious of the environment with sustainability at it's forefront. Their latest collection  encompasses structural designs that will satisfy even the most discerning of jewelry aficionados.

The Devi (Sanskrit for Goddess) collection includes diamond, ruby, and emerald encrusted earrings and rings.

 

 

Fotos © DEEFINE

 

The Accessorizer | Coliac by Martina Grasselli

Italian accessories designer, Martin Garsselli's line, Coliac,was discovered a few months back in London. Coliac features an alluring mix of gold cuffs in geometric shapes, soft-leather fringed-topped wallets, leather belts adorned with animal motifs, bold chunky necklaces, and butter-soft leather gloves — all of which I want to own. The quirky-cool vintage-like energy each piece excudes, is what makes them so special.

Explore the pieces above and below from the "Africans SS12" collection and be sure to visit Coliac to discover the entire collection and where to buy.

Fotos © SheBreathes.com

Discover | Holly Fulton's S/S 2012

London-based designer, Holly Fulton's S/S '12 collection is probably one of my favourite collections of the season. It's filled with art-deco inspired looks and a bevy of prints mixed with wild patterns and textures that make great separates. From the fun accessories in punchy colours, bikinis in funky patterns, to Holly's signature patterns paired with zebra prints — this is over-the-top goodness that you can get miles from. It's all about mixing and matching the separates to make looks wholly your own. It's a tongue-and-cheek collection that doesn't take fashion to seriously, but that doesn't mean that every piece isn't perfectly made, because it is. I know because I own 3 pieces from this collection, and trust me when I tell you there is never a shortage of questions about who made them.

The SS '12 collection is currently on sale, so visit, click around, and order-up something that you won't regret.

Fotos © SheBreathes.com

The Futurist | Victoria Spruce

It's Friday and I couldn't think of a better collection to leave you with, than that of emerging London-based shoe designer, Victoria Spruce. Lately, Ms. Spruce has has been on the lips of plenty in the fashion world. So, when I was invited to see the LFW Graduate Collections up close. I couldn't resist seeing hers.

While, some are screaming that platforms are out, that towering shoes with architectural leanings are "monstrous". This doesn't seem to faze Ms. Spruce and her design process — she believes that the upper and heel should be one — (designer quote to NJAL). And, while I've been a critic of said designs. I've never been a critic of innovation. I know it's hard to come-up with new shoe designs — especially those that don't borrow heavily from Muicca Prada or Pierre Hardy . It's one of the last places in fashion that sees any real progression. But, Ms. Spruce offers her take on what the future of footwear can be.

The Royal College of Art MA graduate's slickly designed shoes — with their smooth surface and sculptural shapes are fantastical and should be celebrated. They look like nothing out there and that is no small feat.

I will be keeping a close eye on Ms. Spruce, because her vision of what we should be rocking is something I can get behind. Above and below is a glimpse of what was on display, do visit her space to see the same styles unencumbered.

The designer, Victoria Spruce, in front of her graduate collection.

Fotos © SheBreathes.

The Colourful World of Vanessa Baroni

Croatian-German jewelry designer, Vanessa Baroni is truly one to watch. Her S/S '11 collection is full of beautiful pieces that have been created with knotted suede strings, twisted silk cord, satin, and smooth sufaced multicoloured plexiglass, with many wrapped in gold rings and chains, with her brand's circular signature to top them off.

Her A/W '11 collection is equally delectable, but it's the lush orange, reds, greens, yellows, and deep blues of the spring collection that have me enamored. I'm so inspired that I plan to break a few so called rules, and bring them into my fall wardrobe. I never say never where colour is concerned, and I rarely follow whatever trend is going on. So break some rules with me and visit to see more from both collections. And while you're there don't forget to indulge, because Ms. Baroni's creations are sure-fire goodies that deserve a global audience.

Fotos Courtesy of Vanessa Baroni | Edited for SheBreathes.com

Layer-up with Vladimir Karaleev

Berlin-based Bulgarian designer, Vladimir Karaleev's S/S '12 collection was one of our favourites during Berlin Fashion Week. There was a conceptual ease to the entire presentation, which was suited for his expertly cut skirts and cut-out dresses, which were paired with breezy blouses, vests, and cropped blazers. The colour palette moved from lush mustards and yellows, soft greys and purples, to electric blues and blacks with a dash of burgundy. All which added to the beauty of the angled pieces. This is the type of collection that I can get lost in, because the styling options are plentiful.

Above and below is a glimpse into what you can expect in stores next spring, and as always peruse Karaleev's website to see more of his designs.

Fotos © SheBreathes.com

Soft Elegance with Isabell de Hillerin

During the spring and summer months one of the hardest things about fashion is finding pieces that keep you cool, stylish, and are great for running from meetings to evening events. If the clothes we love can't do double duty in this fast paced world we live in, then don't bother with them.

A designer who creates the epitome of what double duty fashion is all about is Berlin-based Isabell de Hillerin. Her S/S 2011 collection has the essentials that are warm weather apropos. From the pretty palette; that goes from washed-out whites to soft mints, and burnt oranges; to the fabrics used to make silk knee-length skirts look sexy, and slouchy trousers with relaxed creases look rockable. Add the fact that Hillerin works closely with local Romanian manufacturers to ensure that her fabrics are handmade, and you have a nicely edited collection that I can't get enough of.

Fotos Courtesy of Isabell de Hillerin | Photographer Jonas Lindström

Sophisticated Lady | Catherine Malandrino Resort/Holiday 2012

There are some collections that I take my time with. Preferring to slowly mull over the details, shapes, and inspiration before sharing it on here. One such collection is by a favourite of mines, Catherine Malandrino.

You see, Ms. Malandrino has always been the epitome of elegance, and her collections always exude a certain je ne sais quoi — like most Parisian women do. And, I knew I was in for a treat when I visited her showroom to see the Resort/Holiday 2012 collection. While I was in her creative space, I literally ran into the designer, as she was going through the collection with some buyers — a point I loved, because very few designers are this hands on, not to mention she was donned in one of the pieces from this collection, which was a strong selling point.

Her staff lead me through all the collections, giving me inspiration details, materials used, all while holding-up the pieces so I could see how they flowed. I was in my element, as I like to say, which is always getting a closer look at the actual garments, and Maladrino's Resort/Holiday collection didn't disappoint. The pieces are as elaborate as they appear, and the details are immaculate.

There is an array of richness throughout the collection, which can be seen in the lush palette — that went from light to dark. To the combining of glimmer and gold embroidery on a black dress, or ruffles on the bodice of silk and chiffon, that came in an sumptuous colours like; lime, fuschia, emerald green, deep blues, and fire-engine red. Throw in some romanticism that plays-out in the shapes of each piece — which embrace the curves of any woman, and you have a collection that goes beyond the season it was made for. The pleated bodice on a brocade dress with slightly sculptured shoulders, to the jacquard pieces that screamed 40's sophistication, combined with focused feminine lines that create sublime silhouettes — this is a collection worthy of being worn by women who appreciate the well made.

Above and below are some of the pieces I adored. I've added more fotos here, but do visit Ms. Malandrino's world to explore all collections.

Showroom Fotos © SheBreathes | Lookbook Fotos Courtesy of Catherine Malandrino.

Wrap Yourself in Jasmin Giles Jewelry

London-based jewelry designer, Jasmin Giles has been on my radar ever since I was introduced to her work by my friend, Rhonda. The graduate of Chelsea's College of Art and Design sent over some photos of her S/S 2012 collection, and I couldn't resist sharing. I love the clusters of lush natural yarns mixed with non-precious materials, that wrap and layer around eachother to form pieces that are begging to be worn. And, while many would dub these bold and statement making, it's the softness of each piece that drew me in, and turned me into an instant fan.

Stay tuned because this won't be the last time you see Ms. Gile's work featured here. For now, above and below is a peek into her beautifully designed world.

Fotos Courtesy of Jasmin Giles.

Playing with Prints | MSGM Resort 2012

I'm not going to cover a lot of resort collections, since they've come and gone, and I honestly think fashion can stand to rest just a bit. Although, there are a few collections that I dig. That the entire world isn't covering. One of those is Italian brand MSGM, by designer Massimo Giorgetti.

The MSGM Resort S/S 2012 collection is a haven for geometric shapes, and beautiful kaleidoscope graphics that are inspired by American artist, Barry McGhee's work. The mixing of prints is really what sets this collection apart, although there are plenty of solid hued pieces to balance things out. You'll find herringbone, polka dots, and striped foulards, that come in pretty colours like; yellow, green, orange, electric blue, pink, and green, that will bring a bit of coolness to any setting. And let's not forget the materials the pieces are rendered in; crepe-de-chine, pleated Georgette silk, knits, and Chantilly lace. Swirl all of this around and you have a collection that those who don't go on holiday can rock during a staycation. Above and below are some pieces I wouldn't mind owning. Be sure to visit MSGM to discover your own.

Fotos Courtesy of MSGM.