FashionCamp Milano 2011 Part One: The Most Blessed Fashion Event

Event: FashionCamp Milano 2011
Venue: Spazio A Ex-Ansaldo, Via Tortona n.54, Milano
Date: 10th - 11th June

“My summer is being thankful to God” － this was the statement I made for Quiksilver's “My summer is....” campaign at FashionCamp Milano 2011. Indeed, without God's blessings, I wouldn't have been able to make it to Milan in spite of having planned for the trip for nearly a year. It was definitely the most blessed and inspiring fashion trip I have ever had. The Italian fashionistas I met at the camp are some fabulous people who have opened up my eyes to the intriguing and magnificent world of fashion.





The two-day annual fashion BarCamp took place from the 10th to 11th June at Zona Tortona, Milan's infamous creative hub with a lot of designers and photographers. Historically this neighbourhood was an industrial area filled with factories and warehouses until the early 80s, when it was transformed into a space for creativity. Today, Zona Tortona is well known to the world as an art and design district and is universally recognized for events and exhibits held at Milan Design Week and during Milan's annual furniture fair. I was extremely thrilled to have this chance to catch the artistic spirit of Tortona.

FashionCamp Milano2011 was taking place at Spazio A Ex-Ansaldo in Via Tortona.





There were so many things going on at the camp － seminars, workshops, artistic installations and exhibitions featuring the latest creations with points of difference in design or special expertise in detailing by the participating designers. Designers, photographers, trade visitors, editors, bloggers, stylehunters and many more all got together to share and learn in an open “non-conference.” Discussions and interaction among attendees and exhibitors were happening throughout the event. I reckon true democracy was there and no where else.



SEMINAR

Each speaker was asked to put a post-it note on the board to choose a time-slot for their presentation which content was solely decided by the speaker himself/herself. On behalf of GV Miao fashion blog, I gave a short speech entitled “A Brief Scrutiny of the Macro and Micro Environments of the Fashion Industry.” I was probably the only speaker who conducted the presentation in English, though not in Italian. I didn't scare the audience away. You may want to check out my presentation script here. http://lamode-gvmiao.blogspot.com/search/label/FashionCamp%20-%20Milano%202011







This speaker gave an eye-opening and insightful presentation on the connection between fashion and Feng Shui at the seminar, incredible!



WORKSHOP

The high-end casual wear brand Quiksilver set up a tee design workshop for the visitors to create a t-shirt with their own unique signature style that matched their personality perfectly. Everyone could have fun to express their fashion statement through drawing and with art. Drawing at Quiksilver has become one of my many favourite memories from the camp.







This five year old girl came on the second day of the camp. The workshop also served an important purpose in exploring children's creative potential and cultivating their imagination and innovation through art projects of this kind.



“I draw, therefore I am.” The Jesus Loves You Forever t-shirt was drawn by me. What do you think?







I called this art for art's sake corner. The fashion students were encouraged to use paper to tailor clothes. Though the paper outfits can't be worn in everyday life, it is the belief of art for art's sake aestheticism and the spirit of creativity that count.



The paper clothes were custom made according to an individual's unique body shape.





This looked so much like a runway showpiece.



Paper installation











ARTISTIC INSTALLATION

Blue denim is this season's key trend. This denim installation entitled “Denim Arbor” surely stylized the camp venue. I especially like the denim tree which exuded a sense of poeticness and tranquility.





That's all for now. Feel like knowing more? My experience at the fashion camp was far more wonderful than you can possibly imagine. Keep an eye on more upcoming posts on FashionCamp Milano 2011 which will bring you some extraordinary Italian designers I met. So stay tuned.

Hey blogger. Get over yourself. Seriously.

Edited by Vahni of Grit & Glamour

This week I'm fresh out of love and rainbows, so there will be no kumbaya intro. Doesn't mean I don't love y'all, but I have got to tell you that lately, I'm a wee bit peeved by the fame-whoring and big-noting going on in the fashion blogosphere (and Twitterverse). Who of us doesn't want brand endorsements and blogging fame? We're all stars in our own right, and there is nothing wrong with ambition. But no one likes a self-absorbed, one-sided braggart. And no one likes an ass-kisser. Period.

Have you given props to someone other than yourself lately? Is every status update about hyping you? Is everything in your life now about the blog? As Emily of Ruby Slipper Journeys wonders in her post, are you capturing reality on your blog or manufacturing it? If any of this sounds like you, you might be on the road to becoming a full-blown fame monster. Maybe it's time to check yourself.

A Challenge

If you're destined for blogging fame, it will come through dedication, professionalism, and genuine respect. Through interaction, supporting your community, and authenticity. Let's take blogging back to its roots. This week's roundup is chock full of posts teeming with creativity, wit, and wisdom. I challenge you all to not only read and comment on at least 10 blog posts, but to share them as well. Find something that resonates with you and tweet it, like it, stumble it. All those hearts and thumbs up weren't made just for you.

Links à la Mode: June 30th

• Beautifully Invisible: A Rant: Why Women Are (at times) Their Own Worst Enemy


• Bell Street: Zero-waste patternmaking


• Beyond Fabric: Key-carrying options for guys


• Brunette Blogging: Tips & Tricks: How to get more blog traffic


• By Anika: On being non-conformist from within


• Divergent Musings: The blogger's dilemma: I want nice pictures, but do I get a DSLR?


• Fashables: Men that like fashion are gay


• Grit & Glamour: What V Wore: Modern Greek


• Haute in Texas: Lingerie tips and tricks, because life is too short to wear boring panties.


• In Between Seams: Tips on scoring an internship from a Teen Vogue internIndependent Fashion Bloggers: What Twitter Taught Me About Interaction Online


• Kirstin Marie: Fashion Inspiration: Patterns & Textures


• Made-to-Travel: Tumblr party pics and why you should join tumblr for fun—and for your blog.


• Mis Papelicos: A sartorial and philosophical approach to keeping cool


• My Orange Stilettos: The Campaign for Clearer Clothes Sizing


• North On Harper: Runway To Room: Milla Jovovich (translating a red carpet look into a room in your home)


• Over 50 Feeling 40: How I chose what the mother of the bride would wear


• Ruby Slipper Journeys: The problem with "blogger poses," and getting back to what's authentic.


• Sprinkles in Springs: DIY a spiked bag like Alexander Wang's Rocco satchel


• Style Sizzle: It's hot out. Let's talk about (preventing) boob sweat.


• The Citizen Rosebud: As a +40 personal style blogger I share what and why I dress the way I do.


• The Loudmouth Lifestyle: Be a better shopper, part two: Implementation

-----------SPONSOR:

Women's Shoes Sale at Shopbop: Heeled Sandals, Wedges, Platform Sandals, Pumps, Ballet Flats, Clogs, Heeled Boots, & Gladiators Sandals.

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE

If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine

Brighton Fashion Week: A Primitive Couture Night Created by “Roadkill Couture”

In the afternoon of 3rd June, St Martin's church was filled up with a sense of primitivism, wildness and mystery created by Jess Eaton's recycled “Roadkill Couture” collection, showcasing couture pieces made of feathers, furs and from body parts of animals that have died naturally or been killed for food. The models dressed in a tight fitted leather dress which accentuated perfectly the female curves coordinated with a luxurious bolero jacket made from rat skin or a billowing cape made from a horse tail and accessorized with a pheasant skull necklace and a beautiful bird wing fascinator effortlessly exuded raw sex appeal and an innate sense of sensuality and seduction, which were a magnet to the audiences under the stage.



The designer used the colour black to convey mystery, sexiness, sophistication and elegance. This signature big bird wing hat served as the main focus of the outfit.



They said Princess Beatrice would love this iridescent fascinator made from four magpie wings. I cannot agree more. I would also suggest Anna Dello Russo wear it to the “Big Four.”



The glamorous bold feather headpiece and the chunky necklace made from mussel shells went extremely well with the hot pants created using a traditional brown check fabric. They certainly helped brighten up the total look.



Finale, what won applause in “Roadkill Couture”s show was not necessarily the professional models walking the catwalk in some breathtaking clothes, it was the inspirational message infused into the show which stimulated every single audience to think about how we treat our animals, and reminded us to take up a respectful and more compassionate attitude towards them.



In addition to Jess Eaton's “Roadkill Couture,” Brighton Fashion Week featured a stunning array of couture collections by the most renowned and celebrated designers. Edward Finney is well known for his superb tailoring, intriguing experiments with fabrics and the structural beauty of his clothes.

I have a preference for this gold brocade dress with a curtain-like veil which reminded so much of the yellow dragon robes worn by the empress of ancient China.



I saw an ideal alternative to Vera Wang's bridal collections.



The designer combined complex design with delicate lightweight organza, a very nice try. The bloody red was epic.

Northampton Rocks! I See Rosy Future for Fashion in Graduate Catwalk Show

The University of Northampton's School of The Arts Graduate Fashion Show at Royal & Derngate took place on the 23rd June featuring collections from graduating Year 3 students from the Division of Fashion and Textiles, as well as a Year 2 collection. What impressed me most about the participating designers-to-be were their unflinching enthusiasm for fashion and adventurous attitude coupled with a willingness to try new things embodied in each design. It is often said that it is a long way to the top, and it will take one a big chunk of time, effort and concentration before securing a unique place on the international fashion stage. Many of them cannot bear the frustration and quit halfway. Nevertheless, the wowing collections presented offered such an opportunity for seeing tremendous potential in the future British designers, creating plenty of optimism about the future of fashion. Guys, you are on the right track.

A humorous interpretation of the trendiest jumpsuits, tight pant sets and mini dresses in a kaleidoscope of colors and prints exuded the 70s glamour and sexiness. The most playful part was that Dalmatians wearing the same style of clothing as the models were brought up to the stage to walk the runway.



Northampton's fashion graduates' works abounded with creativity techniques and echoed the designers' personality. Using the fabrics such as leather in a novel way and experimenting with textures, drapes and pleats got the graduate collections one step closer to the mature professional level.



White never fails with some edginess shown in its structure, this catwalk piece was reminiscent of the structural beauty inspired by Antwerp six.



Apparently, the Barbie doll silhouette, the basket weave texture and the hot pink and orange color palettes have reflected the designer's sanguine temperament with girlish wit.

Magnan & Tse: French-Chinese Fashion Fusion

In a wonderful quiet corner in the heart of the city, I found this chic boutique with a strong character owned by a Parisian-born Chinese architect turned fashion designer, Tse Yuen-Man. Tse started her career as an architect until two years ago in 2009, she launched the precious apparel brand Magnan & Tse. That explains why Tse's designs exude structural beauty and focus on silhouette. In one word, her design style is Chinese in spirit with French basics.



From the moment you step through the front door, your eyes will automatically be attracted to the comfy signature “jewel-T shirts” with hand embroidery and rhinestone motifs on the window mannequins, which reflect the designer's design philosophy that the perfect attire for modern women should be easy to carry, simple yet not without delicate details; feminine yet modern and chic, and of soft and comfortable high quality and with exquisite craftsmanship, which allows busy working women to feel confident in it during the day and look enchanting with gorgeous accessories in any evening functions.



If you are a huge vintage fan like me, I suggest you pick your favourite pieces in Tse's recycled and handpaint vintage collection of bold colours and spectacular prints and patterns to fill up your wardrobe. Magnan & Tse has got a full hanging rail of 60's Go-Go retro style dresses to which the designer introduced variations and embellishments and made alterations to create a modern interpretation of the groovy 60s mod fashion. Are you ready to be a modern 60's Go-Go dancing queen, girls? Now get yourself a wig and rock the party!





In addition to the signature “jewel-T shirts” and the recycled vintage collection, Tse has just added a computer print line using a high resolution technique for technocolour rendering to her brand. I personally reckon some of the prints showed hints of Vivienne Tam's early designs. The bright and vibrant oriental colour combinations always make my heart and those who fancy adding a bit Chinese touch to their styling happy.



If Tse's “jewel-T shirts” appear a little too casual to you for the evening, why not try her trendy, elegant and equally comfy beaded embroidered cocktail dresses which are ideal for both formal and casual events? The flowy silhouette is perfect for pairing heels to sexily sway your body on the dance floor.





At Magnan & Tse, you can choose from a wide range of handmade accessories, envelope clutches, daytime bags and shoes to complete your look, which will make you look stunning day and night.





Though I missed out on the “Forever Better with Miele, by REDRESS” VIP fashion show on the 16th June which aimed at raising public awareness of the importance of recycling used-clothing and textiles and advocating for a fashionable revival of second-hand clothes and textile recycling (what a pity!), I was happy for and so proud of Yuen-Man as one of the participating designers who created two Mandarin inspired, one piece Cheongsam dresses out of second-hand clothes for the show, which best represented her Chinese origin and showed her keenness for recycling clothing. Respect! Please click into http://magnantse.blogspot.com/2011/06/so-hot-down-there-but-i-had-great-night.html for the review of the show.





Magnan & Tse
G/F 15 Aberdeen Street. Soho
Hong Kong

“Starry” by Esther Li: Let the Beauty of the Jewels Speak for Itself

By the time I finished photoshooting at Starry, I knew right away that I didn't need to write a long attractive text for this unique handmade jewellery boutique. I decided to let the jewellery pieces sold at Starry speak for themselves as their beauty is simply beyond words to describe. When I popped into Starry by chance four days before photoshooting, I was entirely dazzled by the display showcase filled with a lot of really stunning bits that I couldn't take my eyes off it. Esther Li is an amazing local Chinese handmade jewellery designer for whom designing is an opportunity to satisfy her passion. She doesn't mass produce products; each design is individually handcrafted in a very small quantity and is therefore totally unique, so in other words each piece is made a true rare masterpiece, which surely makes the wearer feel privileged. Esther aims to come up with original designs which can strike a balance between the designer's distinctive signature style and the needs of the market, and I would say she made it.

Using the finest semi-precious gemstones, Swarvoski crystals and vintage components, Esther creates a timeless collection of handcrafted jewellery and vintage inspired accessories, which features a wonderful selection of beautiful bangles, earrings, necklaces and brooches. I especially like the multi-coloured crystal embellished bangles with which I bling my eyes out. There is absolutely nowhere else you can get such exquisite designs, excellent craftsmanship and luxurious materials at an affordable price better than these in Starry, perhaps yes in some reputable department stores like Lane Crawford at double the price.







It was in fact very hard to pick a favorite as all the designs were so jaw-droppingly gorgeous that I couldn't make up my mind what to purchase. What do you think?





Esther's design style is considered to be a perfect fusion of vintage and modernity with sophisticated elegance which appeals to women of all ages who are tasteful, classy, and love wearing accessories which would accentuate the best parts of their body.



The designer searched worldwide for these Chinese wedding dragon phoenix candles for the window display. Not only are westerners obsessed with the exotic Chinese customs, so am I.





If you happen to be in town, do drop by Starry or click into www.starryintl.com.hk to experience in person the enchanting design journey of Esther.

Starry
Shop 341J, Level 3
Metro Plaza, 223 Hing Fong Road
Kwai Chung, NT, Hong Kong

Explore More Treasures of Bita Pourtavoosi

Do you remember her? Yes, she is Bita Pourtavoosi the New York fashion handmade jewellery designer featured in my another post entitled “Bita Pourtavoosi's Metropolitan Design: Less Is More” published two weeks ago. If you can't get enough of Bita's simple, fresh, and clean designs, here is your chance to explore more treasures of Bita Pourtavoosi. Come follow me to tour around the latest catalogue of the designer's fantastic collection and get dazzled.

Bita's signature stacking sets which consist of a wide range of beautiful, high-quality gold plated sterling silver and brass jewellery pieces such as a fine selection of gemstone ring sets and jeweled bangles are especially worth a mention. Each stacking set allows the wearer to mix and match and creates a unique piece of jewellery all her own that matches her individual personality. What is more, almost every stacking item is embellished with colourful semi precious stones combined with glittering crystals and even elegant fresh water pearls – green amethyst, white howlite, pink coral, red coral, synthetic rose sapphire, tiger's eye, turquoise howlite, Swarovski crystal, you name it. Such amazing designs made with exquisite craftsmanship featuring rich colours and luxurious materials surely blow your mind.

High Scale Glimmer



Make Me Blush



Bubble Gum Pop



Warm Turquoise



Even if you are not a big fan of stackable jewellery, I'm sure you can still pick something you like from Bita's equally stunning classic designs. The style is simple yet elegant and everlasting with the best features of modern sophistication. You effortlessly exude the New York chic by accessorizing with Bita Pourtavoosi.

A Big Chunk of Stone Ring



2 Jewels Hammered Hoop



Pyramid Necklace



Machine and Chain Necklace



Come visit artistspringboard boutique for the complete collection of Bita Pourtavoosi. You will discover even more surprises. Now you can purchase Bita's best sellers at a hot price at Ideeli.com. The discount offer will be up for two to three days starting from the 7th June. All items will be up to 70% off. Shopping at Ideeli.com is easy; all you need to do is to sign up for a free membership. Enjoy!