Uncommon Creatures

I felt extremely pleased, and honored, as one of my very favorite designers, Christina Højris Ottosen, sent these pics to me specifically for their inclusion in this blog.

Some my followers might remember her as the creator of that wonderful line of "female-clothes-for-men". I fact, I posted some pics several months ago (See: S/he's my man and A lovesome thing)... a dream come true!

This time, coupled with designer Jens Kold-Christensen, Cristina is once again challenging preconceptions and conventions. Perilously close to the Passover celebrations, the Copenhagen based duo came up with Uncommon Creatures. Their debut fashion collection, Autumn Winter 2010, was inspired by the orthodox Jewish style.

Simple, elegant, svelte and anachronistic, the collection does indeed include some placeable elements of various Judaistic societies (even a Greek Orthodox cross... depicting orthodoxy in general?). Notwithstanding that delicate source of inspiration, which might arise controversies, the results are anything but grave. Departed from the solemnity and seriousness of the stereotype Jewish attires, these getups can be playful, even sexy, but without a hint of satire or mockery

The designers point out that their collection does not use organic fabrics, nor unfair or child labor. They have chosen to use instead domestic Danish textiles.

Phenomenal skirts

Kilts, skirts and overskirts (or simply long coats, oversized shirts or just shirts tyed around the waist acting as overskirts) in tartan and other in other less celtic materials, worn over trousers or leggings.

They all abound at Phenomenon autumn/ winter 2010-2011 menswear collection. Overlayed garmets make the getups less formal, while huge sci-fi boots and broad, pointed shoulders bring in the eccentric element to the proceedings.

Leather Slacks

Gemma Slack's autumn/ winter 2010 menswear collection boasts beautiful leather garments garments, including short bolero-jackets.

I guess I should start working on my abs.

More at

http://www.gemmaslack.com/

New Eary colors

Katie Eary brought her autumn/fall 2020 collection, shown at the London Fashion week, directly from outer space: metallized or plastic-like textures in wonderful (literally flashing) bronze, gilded, silver or fluorescent colors, helmets, metal sneakers matching the snug fitting trousers or leggins...

I guess we really are in the 21st century after all!

The back-pack's complete with a rifle (one never kowns):

Need some discipline?

Jaiden RVA James recently launched their Autumn/winter 2010-2011 collection. Once again, it's not difficult to realize were do controversial Rashn D'Vera Agymang and Jaiden James find their source of inspiration: do chains, handcuffs, belts, black leather and latex ring a bell? For some, the couples clothes are not "inspired by" BDSM apparel, but they actually "are" sado-mascochist gear.

Whatever their use may be, their clothes reflect an existent aspect of human psychology, and an actual lifestyle for many people, who enjoy consensual roleplay. The delight in dominance and submission has always found it's way to the catwalk no matter how bad society tries to hide it. But few designers bring it up so explicitly as this London-based African couple.

Black leather, metal rings and belts are a must, as well as JRVAJ's well known masks, but the collection also includes high heels (the models still need some practice, though). I miss the wonderful skirts featured in past collections. (See J&R Revisited)

Taralis menswear

Some really cool items are featured in Nicolas Andreas Taralis' latest menswear exhibition.

I specially loved the capes and tunics mingled with tailor-suits worn with boots.

Komanimno's Autumn/ winter 2010 collection has been launched. Black and austere lines prevail, with leather details, but it still looks confortably informal.

Take a look at:

http://www.komakinodesign.com/KOMAKINO/KOMAKINO.html

Finishing touch for a pair of pants

In the middle of a rather conservative menswear collection, Belgian designer Raf Simons comes up with elegant overskirts to be worn over trousers as, well... an ornament. And an elegant one too.

Check them out at:

http://www.rafsimons.com/collections/aw-10/

Or watch them "in action" in this vid:

Black panther

Rad Hourani's fall 2010 collection was launched. Black prevails as Rad's signature color (or lack of it), as well as his trademark high-heeled boots for males, to be worn with leggings, both shiny and opaque, that re-shape the masculine image into a more slender, feline, and, yes, at times somewhat androgynous silhouette.