What with all the SS08 denim shenanigans (vintage style natty jackets, acid wash, frayed denim and the lik...) going on, you'd think I'd be more forgiving with leather and denim, a combo that isn't exactly eyebrow-raising. It's just that.... there's a cheesy connonation I can't quite shake off that no amount of 'WTF/OTT-ness' can solve. In particular, brown leather and dark dark denim is a bit troublesome, an example of 'middle of the road' quirkiness. Like a dad who decides to wear a dark denim blazer with leather lapels in a bid to look hip again whilst buying a vintage Jaguar and wanting to divorce his family. There's a certain cringe factor that I can't bear....
I probably haven't explained myself correctly but it's a gut feeling cringe feeling so probably only those that feel the same way would get it. However, there's a silver lining out of all this because Kevin Geddes' debut capsule collection for My-Wardrobe.com just might make me throw away said opinion. Dark denim, leather and even a print thrown in for good measure and it all bloody works.
Kevin Geddes, a Coventry University graduate won My Wardrobe's Design Incubator competition by submitting designs for a six piece high summer 2008 capsule collection and after beating of two other finalists in a judging panel with the likes of Hilary Alexander, his collection has now come to fruition and yet again, another platform for REALLY up and coming designers emerges.
It's the right amount of tightness and structure that probably makes this all come together as well as the interesting use of printed leather fabrics, chiffon and starched denims. I'm not quite understanding why I'm not getting my usual cringey stomach pit cheese alert feeling when I see dark denim and leather... but whatever it is, it's working for me...
The leather/denim dress looks a bit like fetish-style. Not bad at all. I'd like to see such a dress perhaps even for business style.
Posted by: Charlotte | 07 May 2008 at 15:11
http://chelseasgirl.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Chelsea | 07 May 2008 at 15:46
It works for me as well... just don't do it in bleached denim S.V.P.!!!!!
It's better to stick to dark denim. haha
Posted by: giancinephile | 07 May 2008 at 15:56
Of course denim and leather works a treat!
But then I'm a little biased cos I owns a denim pencil skirt from TS Boutique with a denim corset belt. Loves it!
x
Posted by: pretty face | 07 May 2008 at 16:01
denim and leather at first spelt "OVERKILL" in big bold caps for me (i came across a rather... odd leather and denim dress by Georgiadis - Aussie label), but i'm gradually loving the long sleeved mini dress and jackets here!
Posted by: jo | 07 May 2008 at 16:11
Oh wow nice catch. Shows that denim has more potential than we thought.
Posted by: Sabrina | 07 May 2008 at 16:22
Love the jacket with the shoulder action.
Posted by: WendyB | 07 May 2008 at 16:37
I love the jackets ! Don't know if the first mini dresses work for me though..
Posted by: devina | 07 May 2008 at 16:41
Dear Susie - no, this does not work for me... brings out these bad feelings you described, very much so! I guess there is a thumbs up to be given to the craftsman/woman, as the garments look very well made and fitting and to think someone had to sit and work with these materials for a long time, that alone deserves credit... but again, no not for me. Thanks!
Posted by: idil vice | 07 May 2008 at 19:20
it's fresh AND wrong at the same time. and i REALLY like it.
Posted by: SwanDiamondRose | 08 May 2008 at 02:16
I agree with WendyB, the jackets are great. I think in small accents it works, but more than that, you are dangerously close to crossing the line into cheapville.
Posted by: Sandra | 08 May 2008 at 07:04
The printed denim minidress looks like it has potential, but I love how you put the exact reason why you're wary of going headfirst into this, it made me smile :)
Posted by: Drusilla | 08 May 2008 at 09:18