31 July 2012

Peaches and Pixie












As someone obsessed with names, it seems only too appropriate to be fascinated by a certain set of english siblings, whose names may have in fact begun the out of control spiral of crazy celeb baby names, as a result making the likes of Apple, Suri, Sparrow and Exton fair game.
I am, of course, talking about the Geldof/ Hutchence sisters, Fifi Trixibelle, Peaches Honeyblossom, Little Pixie and Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily, or more specifically rather, just Peaches and Pixie. As the most socially active of the sisters, and thus the one’s constantly in the public eye, Peaches and Pixie have avoided being the weird kids with the bazaar names and instead developed killer careers in the creative areas of modelling, journalism, presenting and music, ultimately becoming the cool kids of London, with the envious style and the kick arse names.
Rocking an, “I dare you to question me,” attitude and a free spirited style aesthetic as uniquely creative as their eccentric names, Peaches and Pixie have created their own identities, completely detached from their their famous last name. Their style, always inspirational, is the perfect mix of rocker grunge, boho chic and biker cool, comprising of looks that feature a combination of combat boots, ripped tights and floral hippie head bands.
Although I’ve never been constantly connected in with the Geldof’s adventures, there’s something about their somewhat tragic childhood, scandalous teenage years, continuous presence at iconic music festivals, Peaches’ eclectic collection of tattoos, Pixie’s link to Alexa’s inner circle and my own ongoing obsession with outrageous names, that keeps me always intrigued and ever curious about these infamous sisters.
Their style remains constantly evolving and repeatedly boundary pushing, while their direct and unwavering links to the international underground music scene gives them an underlying attitude of nonchalant cool, ensuring their look prevails to be as coveted and as replicated as their innovative, unconventional names.
- Annika xx

23 July 2012

The Collar Collection...








Apparently, I have unintentionally started my own collar collection. I say apparently, because without actually noticing I have accumulated quite a diverse range, covering everything from shirts to dresses, prints to plains and embellishment to texture. While modernised adaptations of classic dandy dressing have become more and more accessible and the art of mastering androgyny has been explored season after season, it appears my buttons have been making their way higher and higher up my neckline. Gone are the days where a button up shirt stood as a rigid representation of the structured corporate world, collars are reinventing the rules, offering a perfect combination of convention and creativity. After years of hiding behind the shadows, (or rather, the details), of the waist, experimental variations of the collar are becoming a styling focal point, as classic or casual adaptations of this dandy inspired trend draw our attention north. As we’ve already established, my style is a combination of low-key alternatives, so part of the collar’s appeal, is its ability to create a minimalistic sense of casual cool. Buttoning up your shirt, (or dress), creates the perfect opportunity to incorporate bowties, collar cuffs and layering, modifying what was once a historically traditional look into unconventional contradictions. Innovative variations of the collar are keeping the tradition of the dandy alive, as we embrace new ways to adapt a style that has the power to simultaneously represent a legacy of structure and a new approach to subtle convention.



19 July 2012

The Heritage of Hemingway




As a writer, the concept of great classic literature is something that has always fascinated me, but something that I ultimately marvelled from afar. You see, inside my head is a very fascinating place and something that if portrayed through imagery would resemble the likes of New York City at rush hour, literally it never stops. As a result, I’m one of those people, who generally look at movies, TV and novels as means of relaxation, (translation, I love chic lit, rom-coms and reality TV!). Don’t get me wrong, I love a good art house thriller or a book that makes you think, but if I’m in the mood to relax I’m going to reach for the old, ‘Devil Wears Prada,’ time and time again. Anyway, “Your point?” you’re wondering? Well this year I endeavoured to cross a monstrous list of classics off my reading list, which in turn has resulted in my being immersed in the tale of Wuthering Heights for the past three weeks, growing deeper and deeper in love with the writing and style of the time. Again, “YOUR POINT?” I can hear you screaming, I’m getting there I promise!


One literary genius who appears more than twice on my list is the iconic Ernest Miller Hemingway. Now Ernest married Hadley Richardson and together they had a son, Jack Hemingway. Jack married Byra Whittlesey and their third daughter was Mariel Hadley Hemingway, (keeping up so far?). Mariel then went on to marry Stephen Crisman and in 1987 they had their first daughter… the amazing Dree Hemingway, model and Great-Granddaughter to the above mentioned Ernest.


With a Nobel Prize winning Great-Grandfather and an Oscar nominated Mother, Dree comes from some seriously creative ancestry, however her impressive pedigree is not something this successful model relies on. Her nonchalant aura, effortless beauty and determination to remove herself from the expectations and generalisations of the Hemingway name, have ensured Dree become an individual creative influence in her own right, rather than simply an extension of her famous last name.

“I think some people have this idea of me making it because I am a Hemingway but I don’t think I’m here because of that. I think I’m here because I work hard and I want to be here.” – Dree Hemingway.
One of my favourite shoots of Dree is from the Spring/Summer 2010 issue of i-D Magazine. The raw emotion of the shoot, combined with the grainy texture of the film and simplistic styling, allows a certain depth to be added to the images, placing the subtle beauty at the forefront and enabling viewers to truly connect with moments of pure innocence.




IMAGES: Dree Hemingway shot by Sean Thompson for the Spring/Summer 2010 issue of i-D Magazine

17 July 2012

Behind the Scenes: KSUBI.

















Vogue.com.au gives us a sneak peak behind the scenes at Ksubi’s A/W 2013 campaign shoot. Paris, Monty Cox and the undone aesthetic of the Ksubi Boys, perfection!


All images: vogue.com.au 

14 July 2012

Ice Queen.











The ultimate representation of alabaster, ice queen perfection, Ginta Lapina. A crystal cut vision of the beauty in a snow white, luminous aesthetic