If I could seriously consider going back to school (and fashion school, at that) it would have to be somewhere that specialized in knitwear, and Central St Martins College of Arts in London is one of the best. Here are a few of my daily design inspirations from CSM graduates of years past, as I power on with sketching out the next LARRY. collection…
could be interesting to play with this concept using large knitwear panels
looped ruffles
enough said
now try that with yarn
i’ve already sketched out a knit skirt that looks similar to the tops of these shorts
more panels
And the flurry of design continues! If anyone knows of other schools that specialize in knitwear I’d love to hear about it.
Working on a flurry of sketches for the upcoming LARRY. F/W10 collection, and today’s inspiration is courtesy of Maison Martin:
large leather belt
silk chiffon woven dress
bodysuit with leather “chaps” skirt
For those of you in Vancouver, you may have noticed that over the holidays Obakki pledged to donate one warm jacket or blanket to a local shelter for every in-store purchase – but now that the madness of Christmas and the New Year is over, the giving doesn’t have to stop there. Obakki Creative Director and Owner Treana Peake has long been an advocate of human rights and other humanitarian efforts, and has personally traveled to Africa a number of times (read Treana’s blog entries on her most recent trip here.) The Obakki Foundation was borne of these ventures, and a new fashion collection reflects some of the poignant answers children in orphanages gave when Treana asked them three basic questions: What makes you happy? What makes you sad? What makes you afraid?
women’s racer-back tank
There are a number of ways to support the foundation: you can purchase clothing or accessories at the flagship store in Gastown or online (women’s, men’s, and children’s items available); you can make a monetary donation through the store or online; or you can purchase a pre-packaged first aid or school kit.
women’s rhombus-shaped scarf
100% of all proceeds go directly back to Foundation projects. A shipping container is being sent from Canada to Africa in a few weeks time, so move fast! Treana is traveling back to Cameroon in May to personally distribute these supplies to where they are needed most.
fairmont lounge, YVR
I wish I could tell you I was going for London Fashion Week. But a flurry of other forces are taking me to the UK, and sadly I will miss out on the last couple days of runway shows entirely.
I have, however, seemed to become a master at the art of packing. My suitcase and garment bag are ready to rock: the outfits are planned with an assortment of corresponding footwear (Pour la Victoire gladiator heels, Farylrobin black riding boots, vintage brown weave boots, vintage brown sandals, and b/w snakeskin slingbacks), and the accessories packed.
One strategic method I always follow when traveling is to wear biggest, heaviest garments on the plane – so I am waddling up to the gate wearing my black boots, long sleeve striped shirt, navy blazer, obakki triangle scarf, and of course a larry. I think I could even squeeze another layer in there without looking like I’m smuggling a rubber tire around my waist. My packing team (yes you need a team to model for…plus wine, and yahtzee is the reward when you’re finished) was joking that I could always try walking through security with shoes on my hands if there wasn’t sufficient room in my suitcase. I wonder if they’d object? (update: my luggage just clocked in at 22.5 kilos – just shy of the 23 limit!).
I hope to be uploading some videos and quick blog posts during my trip, perhaps even some London style shots. When I visited Wales a few years ago the street style was treacherous, so we shall see how fashion is faring now in that part of the world. I’m sure L-town won’t disappoint.
Any suggestions on not-t0-be-missed activities in the city? Favourite restaurants/drinking holes? I will also be spending half my trip down on the South West coast, and the second half in London proper.
Tally ho!
Raw Canvas is a social lounge, gallery, cafe and paint studio in the heart of Yaletown that will play host to a unique charity event on September 24. Will Paint for Food will raise funds for the Niapele Project, a charity which feeds Liberian children through the School Nutrition Initiative.
Three 1-hour painting sessions will be held on the evening of September 24, with each session accommodating up to 20 participants. Resident and guest painters of Raw Canvas will be on hand to help you flex those artistic muscles, and your ticket to the event not only buys you a canvas and raffle tickets, but will also provide 495 meals for Liberian children.
There are numerous ways for you to get involved. If you are an artist, Raw Canvas is looking for guest painters who help instruct session participants. If you have product that could be raffled off, you could donate an item. Or you can buy a ticket and have fun painting for an hour or so!
Contact penelope[at]theniapeleproject[dot]org for more information.
a fun game i introduced to vancouver: DRESS SWAP! it’s pretty simple, you yell ‘dress swap’ and swap dresses with your neighbour. Terri was a keener.
Summer is fast approaching and while some are getting their kit off at local beaches, poor Terri is holed up at home in her flat getting the newest “larry.” line ready to be shot, launched and sold.
Being the friend that I am (unemployed with time to kill), I thought I would offer to give her a hand with The Conveyor Belt. To my surprise, she said yes. I must warn readers that I have limited blogging experience, and although I understand this is a fashion-based blog I admit my personal style is questionable.
I am a friend of Terri’s who has been living overseas for about the last six years, with a few years before that on Vancouver Island. I spent three years in Sydney, Australia, and a little over two in the UK – one in London, one in Wales. I have recently arrived back in Vancouver to reconnect with my roots and enjoy this top rated city.
Vancouver has a fantastic reputation, and according to people from all over the world I am lucky to call this place ‘home.’ I agree with them, but after so many years away I have some observations about the style and culture here that I can’t help but remark on – and what a better place to rant than The Conveyor Belt? Come back this week for the first installation of my ramblings – on sportswear as leisure wear in Vancouver. It’s going to be good.
Published by Jenn on June 18, 2009
in News.
