Emerging Fervour

Last week, I wrote about Tetsuya Uenobe and his amazing footwear…this week I have something even better…words from Tetsuya himself. Check out his interview below.

Tetsuya, I adore your work and it’s obvious passion is your drive. But do you find it difficult breaking into the mainstream fashion market with such unusual creations?

Yes I understand that. My artline is like a performance to show my ability and passion. I hope people like my other lines on my website. At the beginning, I just made shoes that were only slightly ‘arty’, which I exhibited at a few trade shows; however this left very little interest from buyers. There were probably two main reasons for this, cost, and of course nothing was particularly eye-catching. This is the reason why I have changed my train of though and instead, decided that making people smile and ignoring budget issues would be the way forward. And besides, If I did not have my artline, you would not be interested in my works!?

Hmmm, you have a point there…So we know that you worked with Hanae Mori, that must have been a dream come true for you, what did you learn from your time spent with her?

She was an organiser for the exhibitions you mentioned in your previous post (the Open Gallery and the Art Tower Mito). She managed whole concepts and checked the themes and quality of the work on display. I had an interview with her once and the opportunity to have a chat each time during both exhibitions. She was always curious about the work going up. I took a lot from the talks we had; she asked me in the interview if I read newspaper – I think this means I have to be open minded and not just look straight ahead, but all around. She also advised me that I should hire at least 3 employees within 5 years. I took from that, that I should increase my brand awareness and grow it into a respected and stable label.

At school I was really into conceptual art…but that was because I was really shit at the detailed stuff. However, Jo Cope is different…her mix of detailed conceptual stuff is A* work, maybe a little strange too, but hey…it’s unique. Check it out…

For the rest, visit Jo’s site at www.jocope.com

Originally studying fashion design, Cope became aware of the limitations she had with the normal routes of fashion and felt pretty restricted by them as you can clearly see so she decided to go the conceptual route. She also uses fashion as an unlikely tool to create visual metaphors for biblical text. Starting many of her concepts from the same reference point she generates new forms of delivery, contrasting the fiscal with the non fiscal.

One example would be her ongoing translations of the Holy trinity seen in garment, film and accessory form. The spiritual significance of the number 3 is also repeated in differing ways throughout her work. Here’s one example I found of the Holy Trinity…

…is what we’d call the cutest cardigans we have come across in a long time.

Jojo & Mac is behind the brain child of Cindy Tsang, who has been dressing the girls of Brighton with her own design tees and sweats for the last two years.

It all started winter 2008, when Cindy customised a vintage cardigan using gingham bows, costume pearls and pineapple shaped buttons. The aim was to mix classic shapes with playful twists.

Having a fascination with contrasting prints, shapes, fabric, and styles it comes as no surprise that her first collection is what she is about; her animal motifs are strong, polka dot and heart prints add some romanticism, whilst gingham ribbons and bow shapes buttons add to the kitsch factor, making them cute as hell and very adorable.

We are so excited to welcome Jojo & Mac into the fashion world and will embrace it as soon as their collection hits the shop.

We came across Iron Fist at the Pure fashion show and their collection looked amazing!! Funky, colourful and different.

Iron Fist’s artwork and styling have set them apart. The idea started amongst two friends Mike van Senus and Travis Anderson. With a long history in skateboarding, surfing, art, music and street culture the crew wanted to create clothing they couldn’t find anywhere else. But luckily they didn’t just stay with clothing and soon moved onto shoes.

We think they achieved being different and very creative; their shoes are such a statement and fit right into the Grunk trend.

The Muerte Punk platform stands out for me as it has this sexy platform, 3inch heel, which I’d classify as doable, and the print is wicked. You can spot the roses but need to look closer to work out that it’s not as gentle as you first suspect. I wish the chocolate purple platforms were out already but we will have to be patient until Spring/Summer 10.

Yesterday the dress, today the flip flop!! I’ve come across Lindsay Phillips and her Switchflop at Pure London exhibition and couldn’t understand why this has not been broadcasted yet. It’s such a clever concept.

Her footwear concept evolved from a high school art project. Amazed by the response, Lindsay began designing functional flops with colorful straps, each adorned by a unique button. Her idea evolved when she realised that by using Velcro she could create one shoe with many straps–unlimited choices with minimal effort. This simple, yet brilliant innovation was the birth of SwitchFlops.

By now there are over 1,000 ways to personalise your style, check out the website which lets you pick your type of shoe and your straps.

And the best bit? Imagine how little space they need!!! I’m seriously struggling with storing my shoes and this would help greatly, just need a storage space for the straps.

Watch out for the ballet flats this autumn/winter. With 3 shoes and 12 interchangeable snaps there is certainly enough choice for every taste.

I’m always on the lookout for a bargain and have come across this magical dress from ‘Emami’ which at €129.90 (£110) might not sound very economic but it’s a dress with endless possibilities.

You can make more than 30 different styles, ranging from cozy trousers to a ball dress, how fabulous is that? It will keep you excited for weeks on end.

‘Emami’ is a new and fresh Scandinavian design and its first release is this multiplex piece of clothing, such a clever piece!

It’s hopefully only a matter of time until some UK shops will stock them but luckily you can buy the dress online!! I so want one!!!!

Part 1 (oh yes there is even more!!!)

Part 2

Emerging talent in original t shirt design has become more apparent to me over the recent months. We created this blog because our main passion was seeking out emerging fasion designers so we could get a glimpse of original design that you don’t see everyday.

Emptees is a site that focuses on independent t shirt designers with links to their online stores. Here are a few of my favourties that I recently came across while having a browse. 

A designer and a pretty cool friend of mine, Cole Blotcky has been on Emptees promoting his work for a while now. He’s at Byeline Design, which is a small graphic design firm in Normal, Illinois that features a collective of artists specialising in apparel, illustration and much more. Check out the site at www.byelinedesign.com 

I’m hoping to get some of his thoughts on his work, emerging designers and why originality is king. Emerging Fervour awaits you Mr Blotcky.

whatkatiewore.com  is a site created by Joe for his adorable girlfriend Katie. Every day for a year a different outfit must be worn…Katie wears the clothes and Joe writes about them. 

LOOK AT HER

Of course, Emerging Fervour’s excitement cannot be contained when it comes to trends, but this blog has really inspired us all to experiment with what’s in our wardrobe and to come up with something original and totally unique.

Many of my fashion crushes come and go, but this is one I’ll be following all year round.

I was looking for some quirky jewellery for a friends birthday and came across www.eatyourfeet.com

All of the pieces are totally unique and come in plastic-backed or silver-backed, diamond studded designs – if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, you can always have a bespoke design created.

The designer, Hollie Paxton is a graduate from Central Saint Martins…and we can see a very bright future for her at the rate she’s going. Her designs have already appeared in major publications, online and offline. We love you Hollie!