Alternative Picnic Attire
Going to Hyères wasn't just about encountering new designers in the competition because I was lucky enough to share a chateau with a few extremely talented really REALLY young American designers that had come all the way from New York and San Francisco to see what the hell this Hyères thing is all about. So seeing as I've gotten drunk with them, clubbed with them and laughed hard over Disney credit cards (don't ask...), it seemed apt to get down to the nitty gritty and check out their work.
First up, Douglas Reker whose work I actually saw back in Miami during the Arts of Fashion Debut Series, showcasing new American designers. His website is up now and his debut collection, the 'Picnic Collection' is showcased better by his lookbook than the flurry of a catwalk show. Taking the woven surface of a picnic basket and the seamless qualities of a picnic blanket, Reker has conjured up sillhouettes that rely on folding and overlapping and incorporate a subtle picnic imagery of flora and fauna. I plan many picnic outings but now I'll definitely have Douglas' collection in mind...
He has told me he's slowly working on his new collection 'Ting Things' and perhaps some selling points will be in order soon... (you'll have to contact Douglas directly and see what he can do for your picnic needs...he's as nice as they come!)
Still, it's a bit of a delight starting off with the very first roots of a designer and seeing the progress...
What fabulous creations!
Posted by: Elisabeth | 08 May 2008 at 15:09
I like this a lot getting inspiration from baskets...very creative.
Posted by: Chic Looks | 08 May 2008 at 17:20
Just gorgeous! It's so nice to see that there are truly talented American designers out there. As someone from "the other side of the pond" I know the lack of local fashion interest is a bit frustrating. Come on north americans, get into fashion!
Posted by: Angie Montreal | 08 May 2008 at 19:16
wow :D i adore that dress at the top right hand side, i'd love a dress with sleeves with that!
Posted by: elisabeth | 08 May 2008 at 20:13
Love that very first top with the weaving at the bottom!
Posted by: Winnie | 08 May 2008 at 20:38
it's so cool where the inspiration came from and those pants are stunning!
i want them. haha
Posted by: Sam | 08 May 2008 at 20:51
gorgeous pics. and an great blog entry.
hope youre doing gooD
Posted by: ediot | 08 May 2008 at 22:22
those pants.
what i would do for them!
Posted by: Amy | 08 May 2008 at 23:00
It just goes to show that truly talented people can create inspiration from the most unlikely sources :) I love to see designers pushing the barriers of creativity, its very inspiring
Posted by: Rachel | 08 May 2008 at 23:33
the last piece and the pants...are quite simply magnificent.
Posted by: belle | 09 May 2008 at 01:12
the basket-weave sleeves on that dress are such a good idea! I always want long-sleeved things during the summer--finally, some ventilation!
Posted by: fawn lust | 09 May 2008 at 06:41
interesting...I look forward to his next collection
Posted by: Imelda Matt | 09 May 2008 at 07:47
Great blog
Posted by: trapiello | 09 May 2008 at 08:39
love the woven pants and sleeves. Maybe a fan of Bottega Veneta?
Posted by: Pam | 09 May 2008 at 14:16