Check out looks from Ksubi’s Bad Sports collection. For more information and imagery, check out Ksubi‘s official brand site. ]]> http://www.thisheartsonfire.com/?feed=rss2&p=37776 0 http://www.thisheartsonfire.com/?p=37768 http://www.thisheartsonfire.com/?p=37768#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 05:11:30 +0000 Editor http://www.thisheartsonfire.com/?p=37768 New York menswear designer Raun LaRose took some time to interview fellow designer Siki Im, whose Fall/Winter 2012 collection is incredible. Check out my coverage of it here.

1.You once studied architecture. How did you make the transition into fashion?
It was pure accident. After i worked in architecture offices, and kind of got bored, I met my mentor who thought I should try out fashion design.

2. At the beginning of your career you worked as a designer for Karl Lagerfeld and then Helmut Lang. What did you learn working for such well respected labels ?You later went on to launch your own label in 09. What made you make the decision to go independent ?
I guess again boredom! I learned a tremendous amount working for these design houses – esp the business side. After a stable job your mind starts drifting off… also my dream was always to have my own design studio.

3. Germany is home to some of the most influential designers known to man. What was it like growing up in Germany? Would you say that the culture has affected your work in some way or another?
I had lots of fun. When I was young I built bikes or huts in the forest. In my teens I started to get really into American culture: skateboarding, graffiti, basketball, and I was in many bands – mostly hardcore and punk. My culture is so ambiguous and versatile that it is hard to say just one culture had a big impact. But definitely the German culture has had a big influence in how I think and design.

4. Your latest collection was inspired by mid 90′s American culture and also the famed Basketball player Michael Jordan. How did you go about the creative process for this collection?
As I said before, I was really into basketball and played on a team. I own many Jordans too. Basically I explored on one hand that obsession of labels, identity and signals which was huge in the 90′s. Baudrillard states how signs and branding create and determine a person’s identity. The relationship between subject, which consumes and the object being consumed is interchanging. So I tried to translate this notion into my young brand where my branding is pretty subtle. Also I used basketball uniform details in my clothing and references of the jordan 6. I am never interested in literalness but in developing thoughts.

5. Your work seems to have a subtle sense of rebellion while still having those traditional qualities. Similar to Raf Simons back in his early days. Do you see any similarities between your work?
Well this is a huge compliment. I do like to think we share similarities. I just like designing and proposing new ideas and questioning old ones.

6. If you could design for any label who would it be and why?
Probably a womenswear brand.

7. I know you used to play ball back in Germany as a kid. Do you still play ? In addition what does Siki like to do on his spare time?
Not enough. I read a lot and try to catch some good shows. I moved to Brooklyn and it changed my life in a very positive way.

8. If you could lend any words of encouragement to aspiring designers who face obstacles within the industry what would they be?
To be honest and patient.

9. Whats next for Siki Im?
Paris men’s market.

Image: models.com

If you’re in NYC, stop by the Siki Im sample sale this weekend!

/S A M P L E S A L E
05.19 (SAT) – 20 (SUN), 2012
10AM – 6PM
150 SPRING STREET SOHO NYC
/GEORGE COX X SIKI IM CREEPERS
/WOMEN SIZES
/WE ACCEPT CASH + CREDIT CARDS.

Vanishing Elephant is a Sydney based brand designed by Felix Chan, Huw Bennett and Arran Russell. In 2008 the trio decided to join forces with the singular vision of creating a line committed to producing clothing of real quality, purpose and originality.

The first Vanishing Elephant collection was released in February 2009, shipping to Australia, New Zealand and the USA, with their second range instantly gaining further fans as well as stockists in Asia, Canada and the UK.

Making their mark with a classic aesthetic, each collection heralds a return to gentlemanly style with an undeniable modern twist. Further cementing the labels swift rise to the forefront of Australian menswear, November 2010 saw the label being awarded Designer of the Year at the prestigious GQ Men of the Year Awards in Sydney.

Check out the full collection on Vanishing Elephant‘s official brand site.

Photo: Alessandra d’Urso
Style : Cécilia Ranval
Hair & Make-Up: Ismaël Blanco @Aurélien ]]> http://www.thisheartsonfire.com/?feed=rss2&p=37759 0 http://www.thisheartsonfire.com/?p=37724 http://www.thisheartsonfire.com/?p=37724#comments Mon, 14 May 2012 19:15:25 +0000 Editor http://www.thisheartsonfire.com/?p=37724

The line is a recently founded fashion label focusing on streetwear. The designer behind the brand is Ildikó Kele, who studied MA fashion design with knitwear specialization at Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design Budapest.

After starting her DLA studies, Ildikó decided to establish her own label that reflects her sparkling personality, creativity and true desire for fashion. The young designer was joined by two of her close friends to create the brand, and now, inspired by nature and traditional motifs, Kele Clothing creates collections that have an earthy yet colorful and playful feel.

During the process of design Ildikó keeps wearability, simplicity, comfort and variability at the heart of her collections. Those reflect the main values of the brand, which are productivity and playfulness, with the creative use of the colors of Earth and plain bright shades. Kele Clothing aims to persuade customers, who are particularly sensitive to quality, colors, comfort and seek to express themselves in a unique way.

Check out the full F/W 12 collection on Kele Clothing‘s official brand site.

As always, I’m really into the jackets and coats (this knit one is awesome) and love the monochromatic navy that colors the collection.

The main concept is based on the idea of the beauty of simplicity and the effects of time. Artisanal design with roots in the japanese “zen” ideal of ʻwabi-sabiʼ thus incorporating the beauty of unconventionality , imperfection , incompleteness and affects of natural processes remixed by a contemporary cutting edge vision.

To explore the mysterious traces left by time, erosion, corruption, climate, environment and man himself . The effects of dark and light, violence and care, moisture and aridity, newness and age.

Check out images from the Fall/Winter 2012 collection from the Viridi-anne below. For more images and info, check out the official brand site. For the complete set of look book images, check out the official Facebook fan page. ]]> http://www.thisheartsonfire.com/?feed=rss2&p=37731 0