First, I have to rave over these beautiful images from design house commuun’s A/W 2007 collection.

Look at those colors!

Look at those shapes!

Little pieces of art. It feels like an experiment in photo lab work and color. The blues are my favorite.

Everything about this image is wonderful! I love the draping of this dress.

Designers Kaito Hori and Iku Furudate debuted in 2005 at the Paris ready-to-wear shows with their S/S 2006 collection. Commuun’s basic philosophy:

“The core idea of all collections is drawn from the structural aspect of nature,
with its balance and tensions. Commuun’s work aims at reconstructing these
features through simple but strong shapes and fine detailing. This fundamental
approach is also reflected in the exclusive use of natural and organic fabrics for
the collection. Before each collection, a detailed research is undertaken in order
to determine the most adequate fabrics to work with. Once carefully chosen,
the materials are further refined through the use of the traditional French pattern
cutting technique to create clothes of long-lasting quality, balance and functionality.
Commuun’s garments are best-known for their simple and well-tailored patterns
reinforced by futuristic details.” 

♥ the alchemist

If you’re currently drawn to moody looks and an all black color palette, then the latest collection from Chronicles of Never is right up your alley. Personally, I have always wanted to stand in the middle of a forest with a billowing flag so imagine my delight upon seeing these images. Seriously, I really like the vibe from designer Gareth Moody. (how ironic)  Chronicles of Never features clothing, shoes and jewelry for both men and women.

Also, in a perfect nod to my slight macabre sensibility, I am loving this skull necklace draped with other chains. I mean you can have a cross and skull-bones printed on your scarf, etc but this feels like an acutal outsider-art piece around your neck.

♥ the alchemist

What I really like about Ulrika Sandstrom’s A/W 2007 collection is the unexpected color combinations of bright shoes, interesting tights and dresses. Which is reflected in her online profile:

She enjoys working with contradictions, whether in influences, colours, shapes, or structures, to create a dynamic look. Her love of music is always present within her work, and through her collections, Ulrika aspires to create an atmosphere, communicate a feeling, and/or raise a thought. Her conviction is that fashion should be not only visually beautiful but also intelligent.

Here are some images.

I love the shape of this coat, the tights and the burst of color in the shoes.

♥ the alchemist

Lamilla is a Swedish design house which tends to stick to a basic color palette: black and white. Designers Lamija Suljevic and Gambomilla Nielsen created the Lamilla brand which debuted in 2006.

Here are some images from their S/S 08 collection. Which is very artistically styled, which means I love it.

♥ the alchemist

**This is the first in a new series on stylealchemy, titled Cinema Aesthetic, which explores the importance of wardrobe and set design within film (mostly) but may include music video and television**

There was a time, when I was a stylist’s assistant that I really considered getting into costume design for movies. Great acting is important but equally so are the sets, props and wardrobe. There have been many movies that I have sat watching in awe because the costumes felt so authentic, that I just wanted to reach out and touch them. Colleen Atwood is one of the best in my opinion and has designed for some of my favorite fashion movies, including Edward Scissorhands, Sleepy Hollow, Chicago, Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events and most recently Sweeney Todd (though I have not seen it yet).

What I love about the bits and pieces I’ve seen of Sweeney Todd is how wonderfully luscious Mrs. Lovett’s (Helena Bonham Carter) wardrobe is considering how dark the theme of the movie is.

I’m a sucker for a parasol!

Here is a wonderful behind-the-scenes look at Colleen Atwood’s ideas and the evolution of the design in the movie. What I would give to be allowed in that wardrobe area!!

♥ the alchemist

I know we just celebrated the New Year but I’m already thinking that designer Valentine Gauthier’s clothes are in the running for a special design hold on my heart. I stumbled onto her work and I love the saucy, feminine aesthetic that she projects. This graduate of Atelier Chardorn Savard Paris also won first prize at the the International  Festival of Young Designers Dinard Awards in 2006. Here are some images from A/W 07-08 titled “haut perche” (which I believe translates to high perches)

I need an aviator hat complete with goggles…stat!!

buttons and bows…oh, my!

Here are a couple of looks from S/S 08 collection, titled “assiette anglaise” (once again, I believe this means english plate)

Yes, that is a starfish in her hair and I love it…

Yes, those are pieces of asparagus in her hair and well…I can’t help but think that smells rather asparagusy (of course, this is my own word but you know exactly what I mean)

♥ the alchemist

Okay, I admit it. I love seeing the actual prepartion that goes into a collection, where the designers find inspiration, the backstage photos. To me, this makes the actual designs more interesting. Sisters, Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte are designers that consistently let me take a peek into their world and I devour the photos.

Back in July, I posted some images from their Fall 2007 show. Here are some behind-the-scenes images including fittings from the Spring 2008 collection.

Rodarte allows me to be a part of their fantastical vision and I’m happier for it.

♥ the alchemist

When I first heard about Poltock & Walsh and saw pieces of the collection, I got really excited. That is until I tried to access their website which was under construction. After checking several times and getting the same message, I finally gave up, relunctantly content to accept the three images I had seen. That is until I got the urge to check the website on a whim and it is finally up. Maybe the website has been functional for awhile but indulge me in showing some images from their fabulous A/W 2007 collection.

this last one is entirely for WendyB: who I feel is on a mission to bring back the boob-bow and has successfully reintroduced the butt-bow. May I present the back-bow:

♥ the alchemist

Wow, Nikoline Liv Andersen is a Danish fashion designer whose 2007-2008 collection is theatrical and intricately over-the-top.

Here are some images from her myspace page:

Everything in this picture is sublimely grotesteque but wonderfully modern. The jacket, the styling with the mask.

Ruffs are popping up everywhere! How 16th century.

The texture of this dress is insane. I just want to reach out and touch it. It reminds me of a wood grain pattern.

♥ the alchemist

I stumbled onto Japanese designer Hidenobu Yasui’s website and what I found interesting is the self-description of the word ‘Shokunin’ which translates to “specialist”.

“When I produce my work, as a Japanese ‘shokunin’, I am passionate about opening up new ways to perceive the world with sense of Japanese beauty, honor, and sensitivity that are passed on from the past.” To read more, go here.

Here are some images from the 2008 collection, titled A Woman in the Wind

Here are some images from the 2007-8 collection, titled Body Movement.

♥ the alchemist

I’ve seen a few other Thin Man movies with William Powell and Myrna Loy but for some reason had never actually seen the original 1934 The Thin Man film. This past Sunday while the snow fell outside and I tried not to think about html codes, I finally caught the classic. While I always enjoy the chemistry between the leading characters Nick and Nora, this time I was swept away with the clothing and the style of the 1930′s, especially this particular dress worn by Nora (Myrna Loy).

Look how beautiful the back is!

This striped, bias-cut dress with layers moved so wonderfully and looked so well-made that I couldn’t keep my eyes off of it. I missed some of the movie thinking about where to find a dress like that. This is the stuff my vintage-inspired dreams are made of. There’s something about this time period that I just love and am completely drawn to.

♥ the alchemist

Hey guys! Sorry about the lack of posts but things have been hectic here with the unveiling of stylealchemy.com. Well, the title of this post is a bit melodramatic as it has not been that bad. It’s all a learning process as the world of codes, html and css are very complicated. Luckily, I have the help of a very talented webdesigner to help everything make sense. Even though some things tested well, when it was time to flip the switch, some problems occurred. Of course… Well, I am pleased with the pages that are up and as this is an ongoing process, I will be sure to keep everyone updated. Once again, thanks for the support and I’ll be back later with a fashion post! 

♥ the alchemist