ATTENTION ! - COLLECTORS OF FASHION MAGAZINES

Hello there! Hope you are all well. . .

Since I am moving later this summer, I am trying to find new homes for all my fashion magazines, that you see here. Mainly american and english Vogue´s, but also Harper´s Bazaar and Dutch. All in very good condition.

 

 

 

 I find them too nice to just throw away. I also still have a few mannequins and a pile of fabric: silk, cotton, tulle with sequins etc. to offer.

If you are interested in some of them, just get in touch and make me an offer ;o)

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A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON

Hello out there ! Long time, no see.
Just wanted to wish you all a very. . .

 -and a Happy New Year.

You might wonder what I have been up to, since I didn´t blog for a while. I decided to focus on what I really like to do - designing and crafting.

To reflect that, I started out a new blog somewhere else - and as you know, everything takes time.
Though I am not giving up this blog after all the effort I put into it, I will only post when I have something to show or say.

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TIME AND AGAIN. . .

-I´m back here for a short moment.

Erik Mortensen for Balmain

There is a time for everything. Time is running short and other important priorities has taking over at the moment.

It doesn´t mean I have given up blogging though. But right now I am working on a new more focused blog else where.

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UPCOMING EVENT - SALE !

As I wrote some time ago, big changes are coming.
But before, I need to sell as much as possible off from my racks. Tons of clothes I have produced during the years.

 Photo Art by John Frantsen

My dear friend, Rikke and I are therefor planning an Event with champagne and canapées at Cadenheads Whisky and Lifestyle shop here in Odense, late november.

You can expect very good offers and big discounts on unique tops, skirts and corsets, cocktail- and gala dresses.

There is plenty of preparations to do. . . Like pricing the items with size and a short description on individual tags. Not to talk about press release, flyers etc.

-Something to look forward for. Spread the word and stay tuned for news anytime now!

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FROM FASHION BACK TO COUTURE

In my eternal search and refinement of my real task - I decided to change the name of this blog to what I really like and love to do.
I realized that lately, when I wrote about fast fashion., that I am more into the opposite - "slow fashion", the Craftmanship, quality and style, that will last.

With the result that some of my regular readers lost the link to my blog. I´m sorry for that, but I didn't anticipate that would happen. . .

If you still want to follow my blog, you will have to link back again. Hope to see you all soon and welcome new readers at the same time.

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LA MACHINE MODE

There is a new tendency emerging I think. . .

 Photo: Pascal Le Segretain, Getty Images

- A reaction to fast fashion.

Yesterday I heard that Jean-Paul Gaultier is closing his Prêt-à-Porter line, to focus on Haute couture instead. He apparently is tired of the fast pace of fashion. Creative ideas doesn´t come easy - to really create takes time.

Dries van Noten is another example - that holds on to produce only 2 collections a year, but never the less is very popular. If you want to learn about his inspirations, you can still make it, visiting Les Arts Décoratifs.

When I was in Montreal, I read about a young designer, Jeremy Laing, who launched his label in 2005. He said: - "I want people to collect my pieces. I don’t make disposable fashion. It should last".
But after experiences in fast fashion, he was so frustrated and decided to take a time-out to rethink his role in the fashion world.

The fast fashion industry can be very demanding and stressful, when you have to design and produce 6-8 collections a year.
The Industry says that it is the consumers who demands fast and cheap fashion - but personally I think they created that need to profit from it.

I wish that consumers would be more conscious when they shop for fashion. But the Industry and media also have a big responsibility. Maybe they should rethink, why they are in the fashion business.

Personally I think that quality, enduring values and sustainability will play a major role in the future. It is not enough just to profit from it. It has to make sense too.

You can read more about the subject in Huffington Post and Forbes.

I wrote another post about this issue a few years back. Read more about things like that under  thoughts.
I´m curious to known what you readers think? -if you have any opinion on the subject.

ANNIVERSARY - GIVE AWAY

Soon it´s about 5 years ago, I started this blog - It calls for a celebration! And I hope that you are into celebrating with me. . .

It´s going to happen with a nice Give Away, that will keep you warm this coming Autumn/Winter.

I guess it´s also time for some kind of a status of my blog too. . .
Back then I started out, because I wanted to interact and share creative projects, thoughts and ideas. I was hoping to inspire and get inspired. 
I use blogging as a way of expression and to share idéas, fashion design, projects as well as commenting on lifestyle and what is going on culturally, from my point of view.

I still like to blog, but I have to admit it is not always rewarding in terms of interacting and sharing.

Okay now - The Give Away - Coming up, is this unique multi-coloured wool Poncho with a big asymmetric collar. It is One-Size and has a value of kr. 900,-

Photo: John Frantsen

 Here are the conditions:

To participate you have to leave a comment under this post, with some feed back.

Mention the Give Away and link back to this post from your own blog, if you have one.

Good luck everyone. The lucky winner will be announced on october the 14.

BIG CHANGES!

Maybe you wonder why ?
The reason is that I recently officially had to close down my company. Unfortunately I finally had to realize it didn´t work out the way it should.

That doesn´t mean I am giving up my profession though. I just believe that I am in the wrong place/market for what I do.

Because, I can´t live without creating, so that I will continue to do somehow. I will even take special orders by any chance.

But like I said before, I am mainly going to concentrate on designing for now and learning french. . .
-And of course trying to keep up posting!

So, I am very interested in. . .

-New career opportunities
-Job inquiries
-Expertise requests
-Business deals
-Reference requests
-Getting back in touch.

PROFESSIONAL PRIDE

My latest experience as a correction-tailor in "The biggest bridal shop in Denmark" has ended.

I couldn´t really compromise on my work ethics. I wanted to secure that things were all right, when I have had my hands on them. As you probably know, to do it right, takes time.

But time is money, so you had to compromise on the quality! 

The amount of corrections per assignment had to be done in a certain amount of time, to keep the salery-expenses down. In a way understandable, but not always possible. 

That´s why it of course takes an experienced seamstress and not a tailor. But then again, I found that out and got some new experience.

Conclusion: I have to get my sketching-paper out and start to design again.

What is your experience ? -Are you still true to your work ethics or do you compromise?

Inspiring Evening ensemple by british designer, John Cavanagh, 1954.
Photocredit: John French

A NEW EXPERIENCE !

Since last, I´ve started at "The biggest Bridal shop in Denmark", as a correction-tailor in their workshop. We are a small team, that takes care of all the corrections from the fittings of the party- and wedding dresses they sell.

I am getting some new experience and already I´ve found out that it is not something I´m going to do forever.
I have just been confirmed in my own assumptions, how quality and price is linked together. You get what you pay for - nothing less, nothing more.

It can be really frustrating to fix corrections, that staff who haven´t got the knowledge to do, have done. It would be much easier to find the right dress in a size as close to the customer as possible. Then the corrections would be easier to do in time.
Even if the shop has the biggest selection, it can be hard, if there is only one of each, especially if the dress you like, is not available in the right size.

Simply because, there is a limit for, how far from one´s size you can correct a dress, so that it is fitting well without losing all of it´s features.
Some corrections can´t simply not be done and others are so complicated, that it takes hours to fix them. Sometimes it´s actually almost faster to do a new dress instead.

 Inspiring weddingdress from the American designer,  
Irene Lentz (1900 - 1962)

Do I need to say, that its a completely different story to have a made-to-measure dress made.

Here the starting point will be your mesures, your idéas and wishes. You will get a totally unique wedding dress in a good quality, that fits perfect.

If you are interested, read more under Services in the menu.

MUSE OR DRESS AMBASSADOR ?

I am offering you the opportunity to make a good deal, without compromising quality and style.

Especially if you are going to a premiere or another big event. If this sound as something for you, you have to come forward and contact me as soon as possible.

Another possibility is of course to become one of my permanent Dress Ambassadors or maybe even my muse.

Hubert de Givenchy with his muse, Audrey Hepburn

In both cases we need to met and make an agreement. You get a good deal, in return for making an effort to look as good as possible.

Just get in contact, if you think it would be worth it. See you.

YSL - The movie

Are you as big a fan of Yves Saint Laurent as me? There will be something to look forward to.
Several new films are coming up soon about one of my all-time favorite designers. The film premieres the 3. april here in Denmark.

The film is about his first years, 1954-57, in the fashion-house of  Dior, that takes the young 21 year old talent in, after he won a category in The International Wool Secreteriate Design competition.

The year he meets his destiny in shape of Pierre Bergé, that becomes his partner in business and life.

In the past, I have written a few posts about Yves Saint Laurent here and here, if you want to know more. Otherwise take a look at this trailer. Enjoy!

BEST GOLDEN GLOBE DRESSES

Of course there were bad choices and bad fitting gowns, but I decided to stay positive.

In my opinion, these actresses stood out in their gowns at The 2014 Golden Globe Awards ceremony, that took place on Sunday, January 12, at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, LA.

Here Sandra Bullock in a colorblocked Prabal Gurung gown. Very refreshing, elegant and contemporary. Photo: Jordan Strauss, Invision/AP.

Singer, Taylor Swift in a very nice gown from Carolina Herrera. Photos: Jordan Strauss, Invision/AP and Frederic J. Brown/AFP Getty Images.

Actress and filmmaker, Caitlin FitzGerald in an asymetric babyblue gown from Emilia Wickstead. Photo: Jordan Strauss, Invision/AP.   

TV personality, Maria Menounos wore an elegant gown from Max Azria with sheer cutouts and looked quite contemporary. Photo: Jeff Vespa/ WireImage.

Television, film- and stage actress, Edie Falco looked quite nice in a classic, elegant gown from Lanvin. But maybe a different colour would have stood more out on the red carpet. Photo: Jordan Strauss, Invision/AP.

NEW BLOG LAUNCH!

Our new blog, DESIGN GALLERIET is finally up and running. . . We are not completely done yet, but we are working on it.

If you pay us a visit, starts to follow and leave a comment, when we launch our "Give Away" soon, you will have the chance to win a hot new autumn/winter item of your own choice. So stay tuned!

Notice! The new blog is only in danish so far, but with a translater within reach.

Design and Photos: John Frantsen

 Model: Sofie

LOCATION - STILL NOT FOUND !

PhotoArt by John Frantsen 2013

We were already excited about our newly found location, but things took another turn again. We changed our minds after we had read the Contract.

Even though the location was perfect - a nice sized shop with a workshop and a big window display, the conditions of the rent and terms, were not in our favor. 

So we decided to change our focus and will now concentrate on our production and build up a new blog with all that we have to offer. So stay tuned, if you are up for special offers in the future.

A BRAND NEW WORKSHOP

Remember my wish last year ?  My wish is finally coming true. . .

Model: Trine Bolander

Photo: John Frantsen

A new chapter is about to start. I have been given the opportunity to start a brand new workshop with my dear friend, Rikke.
The workshop is situated not far from where I live. In the big basement of a shop at the end of Kongensgade, here in Odense, with actual access for the public.
Maybe not an obvious choice, but the basement is big and has a nice view from the street. I´m definately looking forward to be more visible and available again.  -And to cooperate with the shop on top.

We will offer a brand new collection of One-of-a-kind items, our own designs and eventually paintings and photoart.

If you are looking for something special and unique, you might find it. We are looking forward to see you there ;o) Different events is coming up, so stay tuned.

LACROIX IS BACK - for now!

Christian Lacroix is making a comeback as the first Couturier of The House of Schiaparelli. That is great news. 

Christian Lacroix founded his Couture House in 1987. But was unfortunately forced to close it down back in 2009. I was a big fan back then. He was very bold, refreshing and inspiring.

Elsa Sciaparelli was a very influential designer in the fashion world of her time. She was the first one to use things like zippers and newspaper prints in clothes.

"We want to continue the fact that she was always working with artists," says Farida Khelfa, the Ambassador of Schiaparelli. This explains the merge of Schiaparelli and Christian LaCroix, a master of Couture. 

Lacroix for Schiaparelli Couture Fall 2013 - A one-off Collection

Read my previous post about Schiaparelli here.

BUCKLE UP !

This past saturday Denmark won The Eurovision song Contest in Malmø, Sweden with the song "Only teardrops" with Emmelie de Forest. Not an obvious winner in my eyes. . .

Already the day after all the hype about, where the Event should take place in Denmark and who is going to be the presenters started. But what I am anticipating is, who is going to dress the participants and the Hostess when that time comes.

Can we find a host that matches the Swedish comedienne and hostess, Petra Mede, who did a great job and looked fabulous in the pink gala dress from Jean Paul Gaultier.

FASHION EXTRACTS

Readers! - You are not forgotten. I am still here! Though I have been busy with different jobs, meetings and preparations for a future project. Sometimes reality takes over - you know ;o)

Freja Dalsjö

The Show season is on. From today Copenhagen Fashion Week is up and running until sunday. Unfortunatly it was not possible for me to be there. 

But from what I saw on the net today, I would like to mention a very talented newcomer, Freja Dalsjö and veteran Benedikte Utzon with her new line, Est. 1995 as well as a furcollection for Great Greenland. Both very contemporary and refreshing.

As usual DR K has dedicated time to report from fashion week and showing designer-portraits, that actually can be very rewarding to look at, if you dream about entering the fashion world. 

When you look at Karl Lagerfeld Confidential and the portrait of British designer, Paul Smith for example, you will see very different approaches to fashion. . .

From the latest runway in Paris I think Raf Simons, Galliano´s successor at Dior made a brilliant job. A simple and romantic collection, true to the heritage, but in his own way. Especially the short pastel colourblocked cocktaildresses were nice.

I also kind of liked Stephane Rolland´s Collection for spring/summer 2013. Very seductive future godesses, that reminded me of Montana and Mugler, but elegant and contemporary.  

Stephane Rolland

Follow these links to keep up and see what´s coming next :

Milano - Camera Moda, 10/1 - 9/2

New York - Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, 7 - 14/2

London - Fashion Week, 15 - 19/2

Paris - Ready to wear, 26/2 - 6/3

NEW BLOG LAYOUT

Photo credit: Karl Lagerfeld for Harper´s Bazaar 2011,

 reworked in Photoshop

I have changed my Blog layout - Let me know what you think.
Here on top, there is now a menu that describtions About me, what I can offer. . . like Customer service, Dress Archive, Consultations and classes etc.

In addition to that, I have decided to offer Personal Consultations, that suits you. If  you want discretion or you don´t have the possibility or time to pay me a visit, I can offer to pay you a home visit.

Orders are very welcome, but I can also offer you assistance in Pattern-making, Sewing Technics and fittings.

I wish you all a very nice weekend and hope you did like my new Lay-out and can only encourage you to explore all the new features.

Update! - the Lay-out has changed a few times since this post.