Friday, November 09, 2018

FASHION CRITICS


Modified picture from The Independent/Getty Images

-After looking at some of this seasons fashion shows, like Celine and Louis Vuitton, I just wonder. Where are the fashion critics of today? -And are they still relevant?

I think today's so called fashion critics are too consensual and not particularly critical, with a few exceptions. They seem only to be there to promote fashion. I guess they are afraid of loosing their privileges; like invitations and front row seats ?

For me, a real fashion critic should have a passion for fashion and design, some kind of qualifications or at least some knowledge about fashion design, savoir faire and a sense of color and materials.

They should be able to analyze and to put a collection into context, culturally and historically.
A fashion critic should be honest, independent, selective and not afraid of speaking his/her mind.

That is why we need independent papers and television channels to take this more serious. Especially today, where almost every critical comment on social media just gets deleted.

Fashion critics like Robin Givhan, Cathy Horyn and Vanessa Friedman are actually there to make sense of it all.

I prefer their qualified opinion rather than some so called random social media influencers. What about you? What do you think?

If you would like a different perspective, take a look at The Fashion Law.

Friday, June 22, 2018

BALENCIAGA - MAÎTRE DE LA COUTURE

All photos by John F. Clément

It was something I have been looking forward to since it was announced, the exhibition Balenciaga - Maître de la Haute Couture, at Musée McCord here in Montreal.
The exhibition is organized by Victoria & Albert Museum, London and presented by Holt Renfrew and Ogilvy.

Balenciaga was and still is a great source of inspiration for all designers. I have posted about him
before I even saw his creations in person. Follow this link to read previous post.
In addition the exhibition contains a full room of past and contemporary designer dresses, to show how influential he really was and still is.

For now I will just show some of the pictures I took and then eventually adding more, after I finished the book I purchased.







 



All photos by John F. Clément

If you are a fashion student, a keen home-sewer or just appreciate great, innovative and timeless design, it is a absolute must see. I am definitely going to revisit this exhibition a few more times, before it ends, Sunday October 14, 2018.

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

SIMPLICITY

-Never goes out of style.
If you have been following me here, you may have noticed that lately I have been on a quest to simplify designs where ever I can. It usually starts with some inspirations, that generate an idea and some experimentation during the pattern-making.
Maybe a reaction on all the elaborate, extravagant and outrageous fashion that is going on these days.

As an example, here is one of my latest creations.

Design and photo by John F. Clément

I like the color-combination of red and bordeaux. It is unusual, but quite dramatic.

I used a nice underlined bordeaux silk-duchess, for this dress with a built in corset.
The fitted and boned foundation-corset is supporting and holding up the dress. The skirt has several layers of tulle; not quite enough though. The dress is about a size 8, should you be interested. 

Though it is very gratifying to produce and execute these designs, it is very time-consuming, when you are doing everything yourself. 
 
I'm seriously considering going back to just design and having things made by someone, that specializes in that.

Friday, April 13, 2018

AUTHENTICITY

In this competitive and fast paced world of fashion we are living in, there are alternatives to getting dressed and stand out.

The solution is of course to slow down and take your time together with a dressmaker/designer to have your clothes designed and custom made, without compromising quality and Savoir-faire.

It is not a cheap solution, but more sustainable and the clothes will last longer.

 
UPDATE! This website is closed, but you can still reach me via Contact in the Menu.

Thursday, February 01, 2018

BONJOUR AND HELLO FROM MONTREAL

Just a minor update, to tell you all that I am still alive and well; doing my thing here in Montreal.
These days, I mainly post on this blog.

I would love to reconnect. Hope to see you around. . .

Model Amélie, Photo: Daniel Dlément