Video: Dries Van Noten Spring/Summer 2010 Show

Hands down Dries Van Noten is my favourite designer.  The love affair started late 07' when his Spring/Summer 08 collection came out.  Around this time I was thinking about taking my hobby of customising and reworking old Filipino printed clothes that I had and maybe start working on it as an actual project, even a business.  With this collection coming out for the following season I was encouraged to persue this, as trend wise I would be relevant to what was going on in the 'Fashion World'.  Though I am aware of trends, personally my style wasn't a constant reflection of what the Catwalk was presenting.  I have this old copy of the UK Elle Style edits for Spring/Summer 08 and it went EVERYWHERE with me.  Is still have it.

What I LOVE about Anwerp's Mr Van Noten is his use of Colour, Prints and shape.  Colour wise, over his past 4 or 5 seasons there is a strong use of colour.  SS08 showed an amazing mix of lilac, turquois, pale orange and yellow, SS09 had base of Black and White with gorgeous accents of Rich Orange and Golden Yellow dipped to show off mulitple shades.  What we can see in SS10 is a wide palette of rich metallic greens, aubrgine and deep blue.  The use of print is something that defines Dries Van Noten, using digial photographs to produce amazing floral and animal prints (which can be seen in his AW09 collection), or using his extensive research to find global wide fabrics naive to Malaysia, Calcutta and Tokyo.  The styling of his collection shows that there is wearability in clashing contrasting colours and prints, all diffused by the shape of his garments.  Wide boy shorts, flat fronted loose or cigarette leg pants, slouchy sweaters, oversized blazers and beautifully draped dresses all exude a carefree, sophisticated and feminine feel.  This talent that this designer possesses means that each time, he creates clothes that can be worn by women in any continent and in any decade.  Timeless.

Here are some picks from his previous collections (all images from STYLE.COM)

I think I am over not feeling my toes, wearing 2 pairs of leggings under my jeans and the multiple layers of Heat Tech under my jumpers.  This past week has been pretty hectic but I have had time to work on a prototype for a Bamboo District sweater.   So far it will be more of the Bamboo logo as a patch on the jumper, and with elbow patches in matching fabric.  Still needs a lot of work before I even think of public selling, but here is a quick pic of it so far.

I usually find it hard to translate the essence of TBD into winter wear.  With more time and resources hopefully I will be able to start working on some really nice hoodie and tshirt printed designs, and get some prototypes of those out there too.  I was to release a series of Tees this year at some point so if you are a graphic designer interested in working with me, hit me up!!  All welcome.

On th way to the airport now, and guess what the weather forecast is: COLD.

Love you all, big not small,
Nat x

I had such a great day today.  I decided to brave the rain, jump on the bus with my trusty camera and just enjoy London.  I got my haircut in Covent Garden (where BEYONCE and JAY-Z were in the next buiding!!), had lunch in my favourite spot with some funny Americans, and then just walked around, taking photos and going to Galleries.  As it was raining I pretty much stuck to Trafalgar Sq and the National Portrait and National Gallery.  It's good to get out, get inspired and look at beautiful things.  London is beautiful, in 100 square metres alone you can see so much beauty.  I walked passed one of the main Churches and popped in.  There was a Orchestral rehearsal and it was magnificent,  Pretty sounds in such a great building, beautifully designed, and you can just come and go as you please! 

Free music, yipee.

This is my favourite painting which I went to see today.  Monet's Bathers at la Grenouillere.  I was first drawn to it when I was about 15, I started going in to the City on my own just exploring, and now over the years you can find me in room 43 at the National Gallery in London, standing in front of this painting.  Just staring.  I am not sure what it is about this painting, maybe the fact that it is colourful without it being so brash, the inclusive aspect of water or maybe the fun that I believe was being had when Monet sat infront of the Riverside Cafe he was working at, and painted the frolics infront of him.  I used to always judge how much I loved a painting with how much I wanted to be IN the painting.  I REALLY want to be in this one.  One of my dreams is to go somewhere like here, a riverbank with trees lining the edges, and decking stretching into the water.  (Now for daydream sequence.)

My dream is to recreate this picture as a Bamboo shoot, imagine it.  The characters in the scene wearing colourful, fun and nature print inspired clothing to match the beautiful scenery.  Indescribable.

After feeling all artsy and inspired I passed the CASS Arts Store which was having a huge sale so I bought a new sketchbook.  Hopped on the bus, and headed to my new, frequently attended Coffee spot, sat down and sketched.  It was so nice to relax and just scratch out any old randomness that popped into my head.  To make the day better my lovely boy came to meet and sit with me between work and another appointment.  He is off to Haiti to film some of the relief efforts out there so keep him in your prayers!  And if you aren't the praying type, then just wish him well. Hehehe.

Here are a few shots from my day, enjoy!

I came across this brand Kuyichi while I as researching Sustainable Fashion, and labels that not only produced and traded fairly but did not compromise the fashion and style aspect that a lots of these types of labels neglect.

Kuyichi is a Danish Demin brand, that have now also included other wearable cotton products to their collections.  They first started out from the frustration of their original business of solely manufacturing Organic Cotton, however many of the top Demin producers did not want to take on Organic Cotton, due to the comparative costs against cotton manufactured cheaply.  Though there are environmental pro's such as running of ethically managed factories and the reduction and lack of use of pesticide (25% of all the world use of pesticide is used in the growing of cotton) money enevitably ruled.

If you check their site www.kiyuchi.com, it has such great easy to navigate design features, and all the content is so comprehensive.  They at the forefront of sustainable fashion and are continually seeking out other fabric bases that will too contribute to future sustainability.  Check out their A/W 09 campaign, which I love.  I love the concept, the photography and the inbuilt movies too.  This brand and their site is such an inspiration to how I would like to run Bamboo in the future if it ever gets to that stage.

Check the stores section to see where near you stocks Kuyichi.  Obviously there will be price differences then grabbing a pair of jeans from Primark, but see these as an investment.  I am saving now so in 2011, when I can buy some, I will. haha.

Click on pic to enlarge.

CLOTHES CHALLENGE 2010

For the year of 2010 I will be setting myself the challenge of NOT buying any NEW items of clothing.  The reasons being that personally I actually do not need any more clothes, but I also want to train myself to not see my clothes as disposable and not really wearable only after a few wears.  I read somewhere once that if we really save for something, then we put more value on it.  I am guilty of buying on impulse, buying things just to make ONE outfit which will probably never been worn again and then chucked out.

Knowing me however, 365 days of no shopping will probably drive me crazy so I am limiting any RARE purchases to Charity shops and Vintage stores.  Not only does this have financial benefits to me personally but after looking it up other benefits are:
Supporting Charities, reducing additons to landfil sites, environmental pros as it doesn’t help contribute to cheap production of materials which uses a high concentration of pesticide, as well as reduction of business to clothing factories with unethical management practices.  It will also aid in creativity due to more customizing and more chances of finding something beautiful and unique!

I would love if you would send me some places where you have been able to find some really great re-used clothes, whether general thrift or vintage (in London). 
My FAVOURITE PLACE for thrift in the world is Beacons CLoset, in Brooklyn NY.  I always hit it up when I’m in NY and my last visit I was able to buy my current winter wardrobe for cheap.

I am looking forward to discovering some great places...so start sending them my way!

As most of you hopefully know by now the Nation of Haiti was devestated by an Earthquake leaving tens of thousand dead and even more injured and without homes.  As we live and enjoy our lives in comfort lets spare some time and resource in ways in how we can help.

In addition to independent pledges The Bamboo District will give 50% of all earnings of any products bought in the Months of Jan-Feb 2010, to the British Red Cross (www.redcross.org.uk/).  If you want to donate personally you will be able to through so many other avenues, including The Red Cross, Compassion and Haiti Children.com.

I have a friend who is organising an Auction where she is collecting people's skills to offer to people at a price, for instance, a free dental check up, baby sitting etc.  All the proceeds will be to aid the people of Haiti.  I will keep you updated in how you can help, this is will be based in London.  Also if you have something to offer, whether your skill or a cool item please contact me through the Contacts us section and I will pass on your details.

In times of Natural Disaster our attentions are momentarily turned to these poor nations but maybe consider implementing some sort of sustained giving as there is always need, everywhere.  Also, giving doesn't alway have to be financial, we can always help in sharing our time and skills.