Wednesday Whim - Zhang Jingna

 (images via Behance) Photography by: Zhang Jingna, Styling by: Phuong My, Clothing by: Kwak Ji Young, Hair by: Daniel Wong, Makeup by: Derek Yuan, Modeling by: Kwak Ji Young

To put it simply, this photo shoot by New York based photographer, Zhang Jingna, for the Spring/Summer 2015 Phyong My collection is stunning. 

Jingna's work has been featured in Vogue China, Elle Singapore and the British Journal of Photography. She aims for perfection during her shoots in order to reduce editing during her post work. In her words, post work becomes pretty straightforward with this method. Her aesthetic leans towards the romantic without the overly glossy effect that comes with high-fashion photos. For her, the magic happens when she combines lighting and the models together. During her shoots, she tries to capture the models as they are "graceful with a quiet, steady strength, also a little sad, and, most important, heatbreakingly beautiful." 

Jingna's style serves as a perfect combination for the use of luxurious materials and the romantic aesthetic of the brand, Phuong My. The modern silhouettes combined with the dreamy backdrop of roses (by Padma de Fleur & QA Pham) creates the amazing visuals that showcases Jingna's preference for more illustrative and painterly photographs.

Wednesday Whim - Allure of Dior

all images via Bureau Betak 

There is always a clear focus when it comes to fashion runway shows; the clothes and the models who wear them. The runway is utilitarian in nature compared to the imagery of the clothes. But, for Christian Dior's Fall-Winter 2014 couture show, a living installation created a magical environment to help showcase the collection. Paris-based creative agency, Bureau Betak, used the most perfect orchid flowers to serve as a stunning backdrop in the Musée Rodin, which emphasized the romantic couture pieces. The crisp, clean setting definitely helps make the clothes stand out. 

What do you think?

Wednesday Whim - #dieselreboot

 all images via Huffington Post, 22 Words and Diesel (photography by: Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, styling by: Nicola Romichetti, artistry by: James Astronaut)

I don't work in the fashion industry. In fact, I am pretty far removed from it. I don't have a reference of what it takes to be a model or to be in the daily grind of such a competitive industry where looks are constantly discussed. But, what I do know is when companies begin to redefine beauty in all forms, people notice. People discuss. People ask questions. People support.

Diesel's recent #dieselreboot campaign (Spring 2014) features 23 models, one of whom is Jillian Mercado - fashion blogger. She's more unique than "typical models" because she has spastic muscular dystrophy. On a whim, she submitted photos of herself during a casting call. Diesel's brand is about young, hip and stylish people and she has all of that - her only difference is having an electric wheelchair for mobility. Fortunately, Diesel was serious about pursuing her and after following up on an email for additional photos of herself, Jillian is now the face of the new campaign - even being featured on Diesel's homepage right now.

With more companies (like Dove and recently with Aerie) challenging the definition of beauty in the fashion industry, we can all look forward to being exposed to nontraditional models.

Wednesday Whim - Fashion in Leaf

 all images via Tang Chiew Ling via Faith is Torment

In a nutshell, I love fashion illustrations. Maybe that's a "duh" statement (as in who doesn't like them?) but drawing is a talent I admire in others since I can't do it myself! When I came across Malaysian artist, Tang Chiew Ling, I instantly loved her series, Fashion in Leaf. It combines fashion with art as she carefully places leaves to look like dresses. Even the artist admits the most challenging part of the series was forming the leaves into dresses. She spent more time searching for leaves that were more "special" to create these special pieces.

For more on the artist and Fashion in Leaf, click here (she even describes the process a bit more for each specially curated piece!). It's incredibly fascinating!

Wednesday Whim - Mua Mua

all images via ahalife

I'm not much of a doll collector but if I ever want to start I may have to begin with Mua Mua Dolls. In a very quirky and eclectic manner, these hand-knit dolls are playful and designer worthy. They are made on the island of Bali in a very "Andy Warhol inspired" factory led by designer, Ludovica Virga. The local community of women help knit these dolls and in turn, they receive the chance to obtain a university level education. 

Fashion, education and humor all in one? Awesome.

Coco Chanel

Anna Wintour

Versace, Versace, Versace, Versace

Baby Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga

 

Alexander McQueen

Amy Winehouse

 Angelina Jolie (as Lara Croft) ... Brad Pitt

 Dita Von Teese

Jay Z

Karl Lagerfeld

The "Go To"

Cardigan: BR, Top, skinnies, shoes: H&M, Belt: J.Crew, Jewelry: Gifted and F21, Watch: Burberry

You may remember I have a fascination with black & white (here).  While my closet has its share of colored and patterned selections, there are many days where I appreciate the tried and true.  Perhaps it's my mother's influence or the "artsy" side of me but the black & white color palette really appeals to me.  

But...I don't really need to justify my color choices, do I?  The best thing about fashion is the ability to choose one's own style.  And that is something that makes me feel like I fit in.  

Do you ever have your "go to" colors or styles?

Currently...

image by me

I've placed myself on a shopping hiatus.  It's.  Been.  Tough.  But, all good things come to those who wait.  

As a teenager, I played a "game" (or perhaps tortured myself) where I flipped through catalogs, and magazines and browsed shopping websites and kept a tidy list of items I really wanted.  Weird?  Perhaps.  But, it really kept me in check.  

I continue to filter my wants and desires and I've settled on some items that I cannot wait to get (OR get the equivalent of in a vintage shop OR to make myself).  That necklace and those shoes are definitely DIY projects in my near future.

Do you ever keep a list of items you really want?  

1. Topshop dress, $98, 2. Rebecca Minkoff BF bag $295, 3. Sam Edelman Lorissa Spike $195, 4. Tarnish Multi Chain Bib necklace $28.90

Green and Trendy

Image via CarbonNYC

It's a green day!  And while most people may be drinking green beers today (personally though, I'm not a fan of the ale) I am sitting in my office green with envy over the looks I found on Elle Street Chic.  This week, the weather has been terribly erratic where clouds overtake the sunshine and then wind and rain soon follows.  This type of behavior leaves little for inspiration in the wardrobe department, so I'm looking forward to dressing up for sunny and dry days.   I will happily partake in the trends I notice but with my own personal twist.  

Are you looking forward to particular trends?

all images via Elle Street Chic