That's a puffed up chest you have there...
I'm sticking in another Project Runway reference here for good measure.... or until I get my fix of the new episode online tonight and then I don't have to vent my PR-needs here on the blog. Anyhow, the judges often criticise the contestants for 'overworking' their garments, for doing too much and getting into 'one big mess' (how many times has a challenge ended up being 'one big mess'...?). Perhaps 'overworked' is a criticism reflective of what fashion schools also practise. Somehow, working too hard can just be wrong wrong wrong.
Well, Giambattista Valli toiled and toiled away at his debut collection for Moncler's Gamma Rouge range which I often coo over when I'm in Dover Street Market and have previously expressed an appreciation for. This is levels of overworked-ness that is really evident and the results are highly positive. Duchesse de soie, gazar, macramé lace, fur and feathers (hell there are materials there that I'd be hard press to point out in a fabric warehouse...) were all used in what can only be described as embellished puffawear.
Ok, so Moncler has been peddling the embellished puffawear thing for ages but this AW08 collection that Valli has produced really takes Moncler to a level where you are looking past the puffa jackets and just thinking 'That is a beautiful collection....'. Valli has pushed the sculptural boundaries of what a puffa jacket can do and has played to the volume creating strengths of the materials. I am sweating it out here in my sans-air-con office but I can also feel the chillier days ahead when these perfectly overworked pieces would be required not as functional jackets but just as beautiful feats of work in their own right.
hi susie just wondering how youre watching project runway online? I live in england too and I can't possibly wait until it's on freeview / youtube, I wont last !!!
Posted by: Jen | 31 July 2008 at 17:23
Torrents but I do tend to wait until the ep is up on Youtube if i'm feeling lazy or if my internet connection is particularly slow...
Posted by: susie_bubble | 31 July 2008 at 17:25
I love the unusual silhouette's that have been created with these jackets.
Posted by: Sarah | 31 July 2008 at 18:18
Coo...coo...now I am cooing too...
Posted by: The Clothes Horse | 31 July 2008 at 18:33
The black outfit makes me think of ants..
Posted by: Johanne | 31 July 2008 at 18:55
Hi Susie!
I love these silhouettes!
And I was reading about how your blogroll list is getting too long, but I am hoping that maybe I am one of those exceptional few who deserves to be added???
http://couturecarrie.blogspot.com/
xoxox,
CC
Posted by: Couture Carrie | 31 July 2008 at 19:18
wouldn't wear one, but they are great to look at!!
Posted by: trend de la creme | 31 July 2008 at 19:30
those jackets are ridiculous. Very unwearable, but still very cool.
Posted by: Jackie | 31 July 2008 at 21:23
Puffy is good.
Posted by: Rowena | 31 July 2008 at 21:26
Those are utterly breathtaking.
Posted by: rollergirl | 31 July 2008 at 21:56
WOW.....*kind of speechless at these*
Posted by: Blue Floppy Hat | 31 July 2008 at 22:29
I love those jackets-perfect for winter!
ope you should definitely check out my blogzine, its still a baby but is so good!
magandagirl.blogspot.com
Posted by: camaybraham | 31 July 2008 at 22:46
oh, incredible, overworked beautifully.
Posted by: fashionherald | 31 July 2008 at 23:31
I've loved Moncler for a couple of years, but these are truly amazing.
Posted by: WendyB | 31 July 2008 at 23:52
Everything looks like a cozy duvet. I love the basic colors and shapes.
Posted by: enc | 01 August 2008 at 04:35
I love clothing and I feel that you style is a personal way to express how you feel. Visit vixensboutique.com to shop for all the latest styles.
Posted by: raushanah maxwell | 01 August 2008 at 07:28
Brilliant shapes, soooooo hot!
Posted by: Carl Starling | 01 August 2008 at 09:02
i love it... reminds me of the times my sister and i played 'sumo wrestler' only much prettier.
Posted by: lady coveted | 01 August 2008 at 11:08
I know I should be at least trying to make so sensible high fashion comment about these, but...
That first picture: Who on Sesame street died? Big Bird's in mourning.
Posted by: MH | 01 August 2008 at 16:28
Speaking of Project Runway and puffed up stuff, what did you think of Kenly’s Balenciaga dress? I preferred Leanne's myself. I like architectural better than poofy.
Posted by: cat | 01 August 2008 at 17:56
Remembering Seinfeld's puffy shirt...
Posted by: Girl-Woman | 02 August 2008 at 03:19
gamme rouge is so unique!I love it so much. But unfortunately, it cost too much....But I want smth
Posted by: Marina | 02 August 2008 at 16:28
that dip-dyed jacket bottom right is one of the most beatiful pieces of clothing I have ever seen....
Posted by: cluclubcn | 14 August 2008 at 18:53
that dip-dyed jacket bottom right is one of the most beatiful pieces of clothing I have ever seen....
Posted by: cluclubcn | 14 August 2008 at 18:54