The Velvet Scientist (currently under construction)

BOTTLE BY BOTTLE, PAGE BY PAGE

2011-09-30T02:42:00.000-04:00

Bottles and books. My current favourites. x

THE WANDERER

2011-09-14T07:05:00.000-04:00

Perfect beyond words campaign and film entitled The Wanderer for Dior Homme's Fall/Winter collection (it was love at first sight) featuring Viktor Nylander. I've got such a crush on Willy Vanderperre so thank you Kris Van Assche for your choice in photographer. You're doing it right, Willy.

LA BELLE PERSONNE

2011-09-04T21:30:00.000-04:00

MOBILE NEW YORK

2011-08-22T05:07:00.006-04:00

New York as seen by my blackberry.
The view from my roof, smoke on 1st, new shoes on the subway, Hummus Place, Lykke Li, lychee ice cream, the Met, the mirror, breakfast at Balthazar, Manhattan via Brooklyn.

x

MAD ABOUT THE BOY

2011-08-20T06:31:00.008-04:00

Brooklyn. Portrait by Joseph Gray.

Simple

2011-08-15T05:19:00.004-04:00

I'm in a minimal mood today. Dressing fresh, clean and simple. Here's a tune I'm listening to a lot lately:

x

Personal Silhouette

2011-08-13T04:42:00.005-04:00

Wide-legged.
via The Sartorialist

BITE Magazine

2011-08-11T01:36:00.017-04:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More art

The final product of a wonderful project my friends and I have been working on for several months! BITE Magazine features creative work from youths around the world, executed and collated virtually. Tapping on available mediums of communication online, we hope to highlight the importance of technology and new media in the day to day interactions of today's youth. BITE brings forth the idea that creativity transcends all boundaries, and all of these innovative minds are brought together in this magazine that will be promoted as well as published online. Purchase a digital or printed copy here. Our lovely friend and model Simon Nygård features in a cover story photographed by Syed Munawir.

We are currently accepting submissions for our Fall/Winter issue involving the theme of Power. Submit your ideas to us at bitezine@gmail.com along with samples of your work in the form of writing, photography, art or design by 31 August.

Email | Facebook | Twitter | Blog

Meeting In The Moors

2011-07-12T06:05:00.003-04:00

Too impatient to wait until winter to wear new velvet jackets.

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inspiration today

2011-07-07T20:05:00.008-04:00

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COMING SOON

2011-05-25T23:59:00.001-04:00

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lately

2011-05-12T06:08:00.000-04:00

A few things on my mind...

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Utopia

2011-04-23T09:00:00.003-04:00

Incredibly inspired by this beautiful imagery of Islamic Indian architecture.
From the 1970 book Living Architecture: Islamic Indian by Andreas Volwahsen.

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weekend

2011-04-12T08:28:00.001-04:00

my weekend represented in pictures.
trying new outfits, re-imagining my ideal flat, rereading an old favourite, contemplating a haircut, lusting after ann demeulemeester, and missing the city.

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Autour de Paris

2011-03-31T23:59:00.005-04:00

Another set of photographs from a busy day in Paris, freshly developed from my new film camera.

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The Velvet Whisper

2011-03-30T23:11:00.008-04:00

I've started another blog on the side in collaboration with my friend Olive from Fashion Whisper, mainly for outfit inspirations and the like. Click here to take a look, and be sure to check out Olive's lovely blog as well.

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Nuit blanche

2011-03-24T03:55:00.002-04:00

Clément Chabernaud photographed by Glen Luchford for Vogue Hommes International.

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Dior Homme Inspiration

2011-03-22T15:22:00.003-04:00

Dior Homme, Fall/Winter 2011

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Générique

2011-03-15T23:11:00.006-04:00

Self portrait.

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california dreaming

2011-03-01T23:59:00.008-05:00

photos by my friend Pete Voelker featuring Marcel Castenmiller, (via Contributing Editor)

"These photos are from a trip I took to Los Angeles in October of 2010. I was in need of an escape from New York City and was given the opportunity to go to L.A. One of my best friends would also be in L.A. so it was destined to be a good trip. Marcel was there for work and when he wasn't busy we were together most of the time. Going to shows, parties, the beach, and hanging out with friends."

A west coast getaway sounds a bit nice right about now.
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06.08.28 - 22.02.87

2011-02-22T06:32:00.000-05:00

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New In

2011-02-19T23:18:00.008-05:00

Perhaps I should be continuing my scrimping and saving of the past few months (multiple trips to new york excluded), but lately I've repeatedly reached into my pockets and splurged on gifts for myself and for friends. Here are a few of my purchases: a vintage burgundy leather cigarette case from Etsy, a camel coloured slouchy turtleneck from American Apparel (reminded me of a similar Rick Owens F/W 10 top), a vintage gentlemen's grooming case- also from Etsy, and a pair of harem pants. Along with this and a slew of vinatge copies of Sylvia Plath (in hopes of borrowing) for my sister, I'm now back to closely watching my spending, sans necessities.

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Streetstyle Selections, Part 2

2011-02-09T23:11:00.019-05:00

ph. Copenhagen Streetstyle, STREETFSN, Lelook.eu, The Sartorialist, Stockholm Streetstyle

Lately I’ve become increasingly bored with the contents of my closet, so I’ve sifted through my folders of photos from the last few months in hopes of curing my lack of wardrobe inspiration. I wanted to share some of my finds with you.
To view previous Streetstyle Selections, click here.

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Colossus

2011-02-07T22:54:00.003-05:00

Marcel Castenmiller photographed by Kiyotaka Hatanaka.

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Lundi de congé

2011-01-31T23:53:00.003-05:00

cigarettes, long hair, Au Revoir Les Enfants, writing, turtlenecks, Virginia Woolf
A few things on my mind.

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Keep The Streets Empty

2011-01-27T03:59:00.001-05:00

trenchcoat / vintage
striped pullover / american apparel
polka dot shirt / vintage
leggings / topman
combat boots / vintage
evil eye ring / ebay
lion ring / vintage
other rings / thrifted
bag / beyond retro, london

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Paris

2011-01-16T09:16:00.005-05:00

ph. by me

Last autumn I spent some time in Paris. To quote Sébastien-Roch Nicolas De Chamfort: "Paris, a city of pleasures and amusements, where four-fifths of the people die of grief." I arrived in Paris by train on a Wednesday afternoon, stepping onto the platform at Gare du Nord and hurriedly searching with cash in hand for a replacement to my empty pack of cigarettes. I stayed in Montmartre along Rue des Abbesses, near the Sacré-Coeur. The photo looking onto the apartments across the street was taken from my window. Firstly, I have to share credit for all of these photos with Paris itself. I feel as if I could photograph almost anything in Paris, and it would be considered beautiful in some aspect. You're constantly provided with an infinite source of inspiration. It's somehow easier to notice little details, almost as if you're seeing everything in slow motion and are therefore given the opportunity to dissect every aspect of your surroundings voyeuristically - the slight crunch of gravel underfoot during a stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries, the hurried coffees and walks to the Métro, afternoon tea at Ladurée, La Bastille, street parties in Montmartre, late dinners with friends in the 11th, and eventually finding yourself at the same place each late night - in an empty station, waiting for the oncoming train. In a place like Paris, expectations are rarely matched, but instead are completely surpassed. Here's hoping that my Paris abstinence won't have to last much longer.

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Hannes Hetta

2011-01-11T16:34:00.007-05:00

ph. Vogue Hommes International, The Sartorialist

With his short-cut, slicked to the side hair, Hannes Hetta is a stylish Swede who, like the recondite musician, makes his own music in the form of his work as the editor of Vogue Hommes International, also working for some of my favourite publications such as i-D and Acne Paper. My adoration for him comes mostly from his personal style, a striking mélange of classic pieces with highly modern components and attributes. I love his method of layering and his accessorizing with scarves, which seems to be somewhat of a signature look for him. Although I do love the dark, gothic, Ann Demeulemeester-type breed of fashion (and also in some way eclectically mixed with this more traditional conception, not the over the top 'bad' gothic look that is currently so popular among the mainstream), this realm of fashion is one that I really look at as a culmination of something true that will last and still be relevant in much time to come. Hannes is clearly a current style icon for me.

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The Beautiful Room

2011-01-09T04:47:00.004-05:00

Andrej Pejic photographed by Michael Berthemy and Paul Kemler for Oyster magazine.

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La frontière de l'aube

2010-12-30T22:22:00.000-05:00

Stills from the film La frontière de l'aube, directed by Philippe Garrel.

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christmas wishlist

2010-12-23T00:23:00.003-05:00

A few things that would be lovely to find wrapped up under my tree or slipped into a stocking this holiday...

Portraits de villes: Paris / Opening Ceremony
The Autobiography and Sex Life of Andy Warhol / Opening Ceremony
viscose shirt / Ann Demeulemeester
Voila! lighter / Colette
Les amours imaginaires / amazon
black shredded leggings / Topman
Doc Martens 1460s / Doc Martens

happy christmas,
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monday

2010-12-20T23:59:00.003-05:00

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Never Follow Suit

2010-12-14T07:44:00.001-05:00

coat / vintage
pullover / american apparel
velvet trousers / H&M
combat boots / vintage
rosary / topman

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Nosferatu

2010-12-10T00:10:00.004-05:00

Paul Boche photographed by Tanya Kechician and brilliantly styled by David Carrasquillo for Kurv magazine, inspired by the iconic 1920s vampire film Nosferatu.

Watch the film in its entirety here.
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thursday

2010-12-09T00:02:00.002-05:00

Last Thursday is still on my mind.

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This Past Week

2010-12-05T00:05:00.003-05:00

1. To New York. 2. NoHo. 3. Roebling Tea Room. 4. Yaffa. 5. Sidewalk in Williamsburg. 6. En route to Beacon's Closet. 7. The Knitting Factory. 8. The Radio Dept. 9, 10. Johan.

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endymion

2010-12-01T00:01:00.002-05:00

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unrequited

2010-11-29T22:15:00.004-05:00

Going back to New York in the morning, a trip that could not come sooner. I find myself desperately needing an escape from everything else. Lately my thoughts are constantly focused on one individual and I fear that these thoughts blind me and are deeply rooted in fantasy.

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C&C

2010-11-27T23:11:00.007-05:00

Philip Bierbaum styled by Charles Guislain and photographed by Clément Louis.
A selection of photos from a stunning editorial by two of my favourite frenchies. I love that these look as if they could be 10+ years old, but are also very current at the same time. Well done Charles, somehow Burberry + Ann Demeulemeester works. (and I'm such a sucker for Ann D)

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ph. via The Fashionisto

weekend

2010-11-24T03:11:00.001-05:00

A representation of my weekend in pictures.

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Louis

2010-11-23T23:23:00.000-05:00

Louis Garrel photographed by Alessio Bolzoni

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NY

2010-11-19T01:00:00.002-05:00

Lyle Lodwick photographed by Adrian Nina

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Being Human

2010-09-09T02:30:00.003-04:00

"For so long now I've been tired, and frightened.
The prospect of this scream of time in front of me is terrifying."

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deux semaines.

2010-09-01T01:15:00.001-04:00

I arrive in Paris two weeks from today.

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andy

2010-05-09T07:12:00.000-04:00

Champions of Europe

2010-03-12T23:21:00.003-05:00

Sylvester photographed by Henrik Bülow for CPH Vision.

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secret garden

2010-03-10T22:39:00.000-05:00

ph. Jonas Kesseler

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Streetstyle Selections

2010-03-03T09:34:00.020-05:00

ph. The Sartorialist (1-3), Stockholm Streetstyle (4-7), Face Hunter (8-10), Mr. Newton (11), Stil In Berlin (12-18), Styleclicker (19)

/ high waisted trousers / matching burgundy outerwear /
/ over-sized knitwear / fur hats / chunky scarves / James
Dean influences / womenswear channeling menswear /

A selection of recent streetstyle to hopefully add some inspiration to your midweek.

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The Dreamers.

2009-10-09T23:11:00.005-04:00

Always summer.

2009-09-21T23:11:00.016-04:00

The dog days are over. Running around, running away, running from running. All day in a heat wave, we'll read poetry to the stars in a field of grassy green, night as a vice and soil as sheets. Dazed by the moon, forgetting our dried up hearts and swollen eyes. Find a new love, if just for now. Chasing colours in our fears. Sinking bubbles in our drinks. Going to the woods just to be feral, and pretending we’re characters in a film. We'll make new sins like it's craft, and the center star will burn our skin. Staining our whites with stalky blades, our selfish secrets to be kept in the haze. The last day of summer.

ph. Ryan McGinley
- The Velvet Scientist

With heavy eyes, and lips that taste of poisoned grapes.

2009-09-20T23:11:00.010-04:00

Another favourite, this time from 5th Avenue Shoe Repair at Copenhagen Fashion Week. Astrid Olsson and Lee Cotter have utterly charmed me with their lush floral and paisley prints, bowties, and bright pink and yellow socks. A happier mood than that of previous collections, but not straying far from the darker side of humour that the brand is known for; with its unorthodox asymmetrical cuts, excessive amounts of black, and avant garde styling. It is this quirky unpredictability that is responsible for my adoration for the collection and 5th Avenue Shoe Repair's ever-present, unmistakable charm.
Photos © Sacha Maric/Copenhagen Fashion Week

- The Velvet Scientist

Marc Jacobs S/S 2010.

2009-09-19T23:11:00.013-04:00

Although as a blogger I should be, I won't devote too many posts this time round (maybe just this one) to the recent runway shows of Fashion Week. To be honest, I haven't been keeping up, and what I have seen hasn't left me breathless to say the least. I find Autumn/Winter fashion weeks much more enjoyable to follow than Spring/Summer; it's inevitable that with layering and the actual quantity of clothing produced that the styling becomes more elaborate, which makes for an altogether more interesting collection. This brings me to Marc Jacobs S/S 10. Nothing groundbreaking, but lately I've been wearing lots of black, and for this reason the colours particularly stood out for me. It's quite bright, optimistic and fun, but not over the top. For now, this colourful mood is so appealing to me; greens, ochres, pinks and blues are gradually popping into my wardrobe. And although it's just now turning to Autumn, seeing Marc Jacobs' collection for next Spring has turned me on to colour even more.

- The Velvet Scientist
CURRENTLY LISTENING
Drumming Song
Florence and the Machine
Lungs

Karl who?

2009-08-17T11:11:00.008-04:00

ph. colette.fr, Fashion Bits and Bobs
The 'Karl Who?' bag designed by Naco Paris, available at Colette. A little DIY, I'm thinking? Pascal from Fashion Bits and Bobs has inspired me to pull out a tube of black acrylic and a fat brush and create my own 'Karl Who?' bag, using a much cheaper cotton tote from American Apparel. Wish me luck.

- The Velvet Scientist

L’amour et la violence.

2009-07-27T23:11:00.003-04:00

via August's Dazed & Confused
Photography KARIM SADLI
STYLING Robbie Spencer

- The Velvet Scientist

Sunday morning.

2009-07-19T11:11:00.012-04:00

Petey Wright photographed by Yu Tsai for Flaunt Magazine.
My Sunday morning: coffee, cigarette, packages for faraway friends, tea, more tea, Sebastien Tellier, and crêpes au chocolat.

- The Velvet Scientist
CURRENTLY LISTENING
Look
Sebastien Tellier
Sexuality

We move towards the stars, and all that we touch becomes ours.

2009-07-16T23:11:00.008-04:00

A certain bleached-blonde could be seen swanning through Paris Fashion Week, donned in designer clothes and that perfect pair of Rick Owens wedged booties. This Margiela-wrapped youth is Charles Guislain, the adorable Frenchie and new protegé to Diane Pernet that everyone is talking about. I noticed him on JAK & JIL a few weeks ago and, I'll admit it, I've been following him ever since. He has such a nonchalance about the fashion world, one of cameras and runways and intense all-night parties that he fits so well in. With easy access to Balmain, Dior, Givenchy, and Margiela, and an obvious impeccable fashion sense, I say that Mr. Guislain is the future of avant-garde men's fashion. He is definitely my new favourite person.

- The Velvet Scientist
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CURRENTLY LISTENING
Farewell To The Fairground
White Lies
To Lose My Life...

He turned too many heads for one lifetime, he never had to try.

2009-07-14T23:11:00.009-04:00

The lovely Clément Chabernaud goes rebel chic for Zoo Magazine #23.

- The Velvet Scientist
CURRENTLY LISTENING
David
The Radio Dept.
David EP

Z Zegna S/S 2010.

2009-07-13T23:11:00.011-04:00

01.
Alessandro Sartori was quite brave in creating this Spring collection, his attempt to imagine an Edwardian dandy in the concrete world of today comes off as borderline costume. But for me, it all works perfectly. Sophisticated sharpness and street art prints synthesize the aesthetic to create a refined urban feel. Raw-edged tailcoats and doubled jackets ("Giacca Doppia") are paired with narrow trousers to elongate the silhouette. Lightweight materials like cotton and translucent silks in crisp white and blue hues create an effortlessly breezy air. A "touch of personal eccentricity and refinement" define the spirit of this collection, and although it may not be as consistent or fluid as, for instance, Lanvin, it's the few pieces that stand out that make me love it so much, like the jacket in photos 11 and 12 - to die for.

Full Collection.
- The Velvet Scientist

Miharayasuhiro S/S 2010.

2009-07-13T11:11:00.005-04:00

02.
Inspired by the story Le Petit Prince and the life of its author, Antoine de Saint-Exupery, Mihara Yasuhiro's collection for Spring beautifully captures the essence of the story, and retells it through every garment. The show was initiated by images of a star-filled galaxy; a universe slowly rotating, projected onto giant screens surrounding the aisles of the runway. The collection then began following the story of the prince traveling through the desert, shown through a sun-bleached colour palette, loose silhouettes, and desert boots and sandals. Following were darker coloured garments with metallic details, meant to evoke the depths of space, and the final bit of looks were heavily military influenced, reflecting Saint-Exupery's experience as a flier in World War I. The collection ended perfectly with a crowned prince closing the show. I love that this collection is Yasuhiro's interpretation of the story, and how brilliant of him to take little bits from it - the characters, the setting - and turn it into a collection. He consistently makes bold fashion statements and is always staging them in such a magical way, how he remains to stay 'unknown' is a mystery to me.

Full Collection.
- The Velvet Scientist

Out of the lab and down to the street.

2009-07-12T23:11:00.009-04:00

Backstage at the Lanvin S/S 2010 show.

- The Velvet Scientist

Lanvin S/S 2010.

2009-07-12T23:11:00.008-04:00

03.
This collection is easily one of my favourites of the season. Alber Elbazv and Lucas Ossendrijver went for the 'anti-uniform,' as they said - a crisp silhouette of tapered, high-waisted trousers in shiny microfiber, cuffed shorts, and sleeveless blazers. A dark palette of blacks and greys was dotted with bursts of emerald green, burnt orange, and a sort of dusty ruby. Everything about this collection I love: the gorgeous rainbow of colours, the glasses, and that logo mirrored necklace that would normally be oh, so tacky but somehow works wonderfully. All under the dim scarlet lights of Paris' romantic Salle Wagram. Even the styling, with platinum blonde wigs and penciled-on moustaches, has completely won me over. It's lovely to see someone who could have easily stayed safe this season take on this challenge of creating something different and edgy, and come out with an entirely new constellation of things men cannot live without.

Full Collection.
- The Velvet Scientist

Tim Hamilton S/S 2010.

2009-07-12T11:11:00.002-04:00

04.
For his first ever Paris venture, American designer Tim Hamilton sought the stars for inspiration. A New York guy goes through a toxic space environment and lands in Paris, aesthetic transformed into something more utilitarian, more street. The result is a futuristic collection that evolves around see-through pieces like a translucent coat and an upside-down jacket, along with nylon leggings and loose trousers with zippers and drawstrings - something that a Jedi would wear if he were more fashionable. There's something about this science fiction look that I swoon over. Maybe it's the asymmetrical lines, or perhaps the shiny metallic materials. It's all very experimental and beautifully avant-garde - it must be the lack of normalcy that gets my attention.

Full Collection.
- The Velvet Scientist

Burberry Prorsum S/S 2010.

2009-07-11T23:11:00.003-04:00

05.
Most of all, I adore the colour palette for this collection. Neutrals and powdery blues, pinks, and yellows mixed with bold and bright red, blue, and sou'wester yellow is just perfection.
Along with lightweight trousers and shirts adorned with bondage straps, everything seems to be layered - trenches (oh, the classic Burberry trench!) over blazers over cardigans over something else. It's all very British, very vintage feeling... British town and country under British rain and sun.

Full Collection.
- The Velvet Scientist

Gianfranco Ferré S/S 2010.

2009-07-11T11:11:00.009-04:00

06.

Tommaso Aquilano and Robert Rimondi’s second collection for Gianfranco Ferré, while classic in its black and white colour palette, is undoubtedly perfectly modern and chic. The sophisticated cut and fabric choices for each piece is what makes this collection special. Crisp white jackets with broad, round shoulders along with higher waists elongate figures and play with proportion. And normally I don't go for the military-inspired look, but the pieces that were military-esque in this collection were done so well; more of a nod than an exact copy.
All of that being said, this isn't a perfect collection. The metallic and silver, combined with stark black and white and minimalistic cuts, although beautiful, are quite same old same old. However, the attitude of this show is what's modern to me. There's a confidence here, and a heavy dose of glam combined with heroin-chic boys with pale skin. There's no denying these clothes have a look of effortless chic.

Full Collection.
- The Velvet Scientist

Submerging from your world, and back into my bliss.

2009-07-10T23:11:00.014-04:00

Robbie Wadge, Ash Stymest, Jeremy Young, Tyler Riggs, George Barnett
JAK & JIL.

- The Velvet Scientist

Yves Saint Laurent S/S 2010.

2009-07-09T23:11:00.006-04:00

07.

It appears that this collection has had it's fair share of negative feedback. Although I do agree that some of the pieces are not up to par with others in the collection (and in other collections), I think that it's instantly identifiable - full of wearable, comfortable, and functional pieces. I love the dramatic, draping tunics layered over one another in a gothic, romantic sort of way. This nomadic, slouchy, louche vibe Stefano Pilati has created is so refreshing to me, it's an escape from those same-old stuffy business suits and strangling power ties. This is a show of separates meant for every man to combine and style in his own way, yet each piece is so fresh that it'd introduce this romantic spirit into any ensemble it's paired with. And the short film presented with the collection is lovely, shot by French actor/writer/director Samuel Benchetrit and starring his 11 year-old son. Some say that it's unnecessary and pretentious, but I think it beautifully poetic and oh, so inspiring.

Full Collection.
- The Velvet Scientist

Giuliano Fujiwara S/S 2010.

2009-07-08T23:11:00.010-04:00

08.

This entire collection has a very futuristic science fiction feel to me- with those fantastic chunky geometric neck pieces, slashed transparent shirts, and sort of tailored track-suit bottoms.
And the classic men's staples are flawlessly added in to the mix: the perfect pair of shorts, the elongated blazer, and instachic footwear. It's effortlessly cool and modern, and so creative. I can't get enough.

Full collection.
- The Velvet Scientist

My heart, it melts like plastic.

2009-07-07T23:11:00.005-04:00

Sean O'Pry outside the Salvatore Ferragamo show.
JAK & JIL.

- The Velvet Scientist

Jil Sander S/S 2010.

2009-07-06T23:11:00.002-04:00

09.

When I saw this collection for the first time, I was bored with it. I must have been confusing boring with soft and simple - simple doesn't have to be boring. I have really come to love this collection for what it is. It may not have loud prints and bold colours, but its classiness and simplicity are just as exciting. A billowy ice blue trench is light and airy, a translucent tank is beautifully clean and fresh. It's all so lovely.

Full collection.
- The Velvet Scientist

Comme des Garçons S/S 2010.

2009-07-05T23:11:00.015-04:00

010.

My initial reaction to this collection was one of shock and awe - colours bursting in every direction, and patterns over patterns over more patterns - but after a second look, the actual garments are quite normal in their construction; sort of kilts over trousers and loose, slouchy suits. And the rainbows of patchwork and prints, however random and obscure they may be, are wonderfully fantastical and quite refreshing. Standing out from the greys and neutrals shown by most others, Rei Kawakubo's 'Random Collage' is anything but comatose.

Full collection.
-The Velvet Scientist

Psychobabble all upon your lips.

2009-07-03T23:11:00.017-04:00

Fall Forward - VMAN 14

Left to right, top to bottom: Yves Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren Black Label, Dior Homme,
Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Gareth Pugh, Givenchy and Comme des Garçons, Prada, Jil Sander and Raf Simons

Trenches and tights, strap-in jackets, leather and more leather, and spiky silhouettes.
You can be sure to see me recreating these looks in the upcoming months of autumn. They evoke a perfect balance of masculinity, luxury, and modernity; just what I love to see for the future of menswear. I'm thinking I must have that Marc Jacobs leopard print jumper (I see leopard being a big trend soon), and Mr. Pugh never ceases to amaze me.

SOON TO COME: My S/S 2010 Fashion Week favourites.
-The Velvet Scientist

CURRENTLY LISTENING
Tigerlily
La Roux
LA ROUX

The return.

2009-07-01T11:11:00.002-04:00

Retour.
- The Velvet Scientist

SIEG under siege.

2008-06-05T21:45:00.042-04:00

The new lookbook from SIEG, a somewhat unknown designer from Korea, featuring the gorgeous and wonderfully popular Sean O'Pry.
With a taste for clean, simple lines and luxurious fabrics, SIEG has perfectly executed and presented a collection of noteworthy designs.

-The Velvet Scientist

I am a deeply superficial person.

2008-06-03T13:25:00.022-04:00

Marc Jacobs for Interview magazine's Andy Warhol special issue.

"Marc Jacobs is a fashion designer who's changing the meaning of that job. He does what an ordinary superdesigner does, i.e., create fashion-changing clothes for his own labels and for a great french house, but he also does so much more. His collaborations with Stephen Sprouse, Takashi Murakami, and Richard Prince have shaken things up in both the fashion and the art worlds. Not to mention advertising that looks like art or boutiques that feel like clubs. Andy Warhol used to talk about the best art being business art. And it would be hard to find someone who has done more to apply an artist's thinking to running a creative big business than Marc Jacobs."

-The Velvet Scientist

The antidote.

2007-12-28T23:05:00.014-05:00

After the sucess of Flowerbomb, Viktor & Rolf’s gorgeous women’s fragrance, I was quite excited about their new and only men’s frangrance, Antidote. Now, after a bit of searching and far too many samples, I’ve gotten the real thing.

Above all, Antidote is the perfect expression of the original concept behind Viktor & Rolf “Monsieur”, the line of men’s ready-to-wear launched by the two designers in 2003. Since their first collection, Viktor & Rolf have been working on the idea of the classic men’s wear for the unconventional man. Theirs is an exciting new take in gentlemanly elegance and the authentic lifestyle, from ultra casual to ultra formal. Antidote is the olfactive extension of the point of view.
“A fragrance - especially this one- is a gift and a message. It says who we are and what values we uphold.” Antidote’s complex architecture is like a tailor-made suit. Its richness expresses a new masculine identity with multiple facets. Alchemists of physical appearance, Viktor & Rolf set out to make life more sublime and magical through imagination and art. “Antidote may be our most autobiographical creation to date. It transcends duplication and cloning to uphold a certain spirit.” They offer a revelation of one’s own supreme power, the power of illusion that tells the truth: that one must search deep within the self. Here, fantasy is viewed as a lifestyle, a perpetual struggle, a battle to triumph over danger and overcome all obstacles to happiness. "We speak to men of conviction rather than men of certainties, men that believe in the supreme power of emotion.”
Like a rare flower pinned to the lapel of a black frock coat, Antidote sublimates the intimacy of this gesture, of the singular masculinity that marks every Viktor & Rolf collection... Antidote revives the idea that a man becomes like the star that imparts his strength and light. When a man ingests a remedy, he receives the benefit of its virtues and properties. This remedy is a fragrance and its name is Antidote.
“We don't see power as the arbitrary exercise of authority. We see it as a man's ability to change himself and the world around him. The idea is simple: look within yourself to find strength, like hidden treasure.”

Bearing the signature of the master designer Fabien Baron, the glass bottle with beveled edges is like an apparition: its facets reflect into each other like mirrors. A silvery medicinal plate looks as id it belongs in the secret room if an apothecary, straight out of a wizard’s book of spells... The liquid is green, equidistant from celestial blue and hell-fire red. Antidote dons this hopeful apparel. It clothes renewal in its warm. luminous and regenerating notes like the promise of another Spring: hope, strength, and immortality. An intense black top stamped with a seal made of wax, ready to drip above the void, yet poised, motionless... suspended in time. Opening the Antidote bottle is like seeking truth in the depths of the self, a total immersion in a world of promises and dreams. As if holding a thousand and one magical spells, the box is a mysterious magical box with secrets. The front appeals to the imagination, white like a false collar over a shirt front. Highlighting this formal look black ribbons bearing the famous Viktor & Rolf seal surround this magic box with mystery.

-The Velvet Scientist