On A Limb - By: Guest Blogger, Kelsey Hendrix.

"On a Limb"

William Bradley’s A/W ’12 line brings nature back to the foreground

of high fashion

By Kelsey Hendrix

Inspired. Impeccable. Innovative. The William Bradley A/W 2012 line was a sight to behold and a testament to the power of what can come when creative thinking and natural talent are put to the test.

On March 24, this small-town, student show at the Harrison Galleries in Tuscaloosa, Alabama took on the character of a fashion week headliner, producing only the most inspired of looks and tailor-made pieces. It took the classic ideas of femininity and masculinity, combining them to produce sleek coats, silk jumpsuits, and loose trousers, as designer William Bradley, a senior design student at the University of Alabama, dared to stray from traditional chic. His use of mix-matched textures, fabrics and colors, inspired by the irrational and eclectic tendencies of nature, took the audience by surprise.

The models portrayed the image of men and women too confident to conform, with the music and atmosphere only emphasizing the overlying idea that fashion holds high power when inspired by an innate sense of design.

Splashes of deep tones against black textured tights and rich, collared trenches captivated the attention of those in attendance. A color scheme of deep purple, navy blue, honey brown, rich black and stark white defined a strict theme that is not only wearable but bold.

William Bradley is best known for infusing nuanced sophistication with elements of strength and posterity. His ability to completely immerse himself into his work and the creative process in creating a line is readily obvious to the viewer as his passion and vision come to life in motion on the runway. When asked about his inspiration for his “On A Limb” show, Bradley said the line is “about the juxtaposition between hard and soft materials and the amazing harmony that is produced when you combine the two together.” And the sass and sophistication couldn’t be more obvious.

Bradley’s use of traditional, natural and synthetic fabrics portrayed a depth of purpose behind the articles of clothing. A golden men’s coat created from tapestry hit the knees defining a man importance, while a plum colored silk blouse paired with a honey brown, western-style skirt employed a sense of initiative in casual situations. His McQueen-esque style is fascinating and awe-inspiring, while remaining relatable and desirable all at the same time.

(Above: Menswear tapestry gold coat from the collection)

Elaborate closures accentuated even more elaborate collars that lined the rim of coats that exclaim confidence. Simple patterns, thick scarves and leather accentuation added to the candor of the line. A clear art for tailoring peered through as trousers fit tight behind and loose at the ankle, giving off the impression of greater height and length that is so often desired.

In a show which assaulted the senses almost every other second, a premier collection was born. All of the traditional rules of fashion went out the window, as William Bradley worked to break the boundaries drilled into the minds of men and women since the age of infancy. The basis of femininity seemed to take on the energy and vigor of the clothes, transforming a typically average skirt or jumpsuit into a magical garment, full of surprises and hidden textured treasures.

(Left, the designer himself. Right, Flyer from his recent showing.)

Designs and more information about the designer can be found at www.williambradley.co. And as the phrases “unpredictable nature, evolution from hard to soft, the rhythm of nature, and beauty transformed,” dash across the screen, a line will be realized that exposes the idea that the sky really is the limit and fashion is merely a test of the imagination.

(Photos courtesy of : Corey Nolen and WilliamBradley.co)

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Updated on May 2, 2011 - William Bradley, designer, showed at the 1st Annual Birmingham Fashion Week 2011 on Friday, April 29, 2011, and won "Design Star of Birmingham Fashion Week 2011".

Full size photos at link below.

Photos by: Andrew Hester

Lady Gaga for Harper's Bazaar May 2011 : Shot by Terry Richardson

Lady Gaga | Harper's Bazaar | May 2011

Interviewed by: Derek Blasberg

Photographed by: Terry Richardson

Lady Gaga is horns out for Harper's Bazaar covering the May 2011 issue

shot by Terry Richardson.

Inside the editorial includes looks from Alexander McQueen, Mugler, Versace, Dior Couture, and Francesco Scognamigilo. Shot in the raw flash form by iconic Photographer Terry Richardson, Gaga is baring all, and giving insight to her new look (mutations/horns) and "Born this Way" (to be released on May 23, 2011).

Also giving insight to the message behind the use of artistic expression and newfound celebrity Rick Genest,(who Nicola Formichetti found on Facebook!) in the recently released video for "Born this Way". She also speaks on Nick Knight and the true influence behind the inspiration for the video.

"It's artistic expression," Gaga says. "It's a performance-art piece. I have never, ever encouraged my fans or anyone to harm themselves, nor do I romanticize masochism. Body modification is part of the overarching analysis of 'Born This Way.' In the video, we use Rico, who is tattooed head to toe [including a skull on his face]. He was born that way. Although he wasn't born with tattoos, it was his ultimate destiny to become the man he is today.

As the millions of people who have seen the video for "Born This Way" can attest, Gaga devotes as much artistic energy to her visuals as she does her audio. But today she's still editing the Nick Knight--directed opening sequence, where we meet her newest creation, Mother Monster. She offers a sneak peek but warns, "You're not ready!" presumably referring to its awesomeness. "Nick Knight? He's such an asshole," she proclaims, which means he's a genius. And her inspiration for the video's out-of-this-world surrealism? "A lot of weed."

(Interview excerpts & photos courtesy of Harper's Bazaar)

Six Degrees of French Vogue - The Fashion World's Game of Musical Chairs

THE SIX DEGREES OF FRENCH VOGUE

Okay yes, we can all admit that the fashion world is more a of a fashion 'community' and a business together and they go hand in hand, AND it works... For the most part. Just recently it seems to be going off track - or possibly I'm just more aware of it because it has been involving some of my favorite geniuses in this ever-changing community.

First this year, news broke that Carine Roitfeld would be stepping down from French Vogue. No real reasoning was given other than her own saying 'she was done' and she had done what she could or wanted to and she wished to move on. -I'll respect that, but this woman brought back fashion blackface and exposed nipples to the land of fashion editorial journalism. She pushed the line for what was accepted and added a power to the magazine. -Anyway, I've already ranted about that in an earlier post :) -Rumors flew that she would go and advise/help Tom Ford with his recent return to Womenswear line in 2011. (which were soon put to an end quick.) Covering French Vogue and co-editing the magazine in December 2010 added to the speculations of what was to come of the powerful twosome. Then just recently this past month it was reported that Roitfeld had been helping style Barney's Fall Campaign, and just yesterday news flew that she had style Chanel's Fall 2011 with Karl Lagerfeld. Whatever Carine does will be amazing so I have no doubt or any left over bitterness for French Vogue's loss of her even though I will miss my fix of the occasional exposed nipple.

Replacing Carine Roitfled as Editor in Chief was Emmanuelle Alt, previously stylist for the house of Balmain under Christophe Decarnin. -She replaced Roitfeld earlier this year and debuting her first cover for French Vogue in April 2011 covering with Gisele. She has said that her take on French Vogue would focus on 'more clothes' and have 'one boob' otherwise no one would be able to tell it was French Vogue. A little saddening to hear thinking of how far it was come, but we shall see if the French appreciate their Fashion journalism more breast-less and possibly more 'Balmain-less'.-

After hearing today's news about Christophe Decarnin's departure from Balmain after his no-show at his Fall 2011 presentation, (of course again rumors began to fly).

It had been reported that Christophe Decarnin was not present at the finale of his FW11 show because he had been 'hospitalized', but was fine. Only until today did official word come out that rumors of Decarnin being in a mental facility were false and that he and the chief had been having disagreements about the brand's direction for a while. Decarnin came to Balmain in 2005 and since then he has added the 'attitude' of the line that makes the Balmain girl look like she rolled out of bed in her studded army coat costing a few thousand and skinny jeans so skinny that the models sometimes looked to be 7 feet tall. The Balmain line under Decarnin gave the female form of sex appeal and power for the girl ready for the front line. No word yet on Decarnin's replacement, but he will definitely go down in history as having his reign for reviving the skinny jean movement.

(Photo credit: NYTimes, AvenueInsider, StylePov)

MyScoop.us| Spring Fashion Vacation Shoot, March 2011.| Photography by Andrew Hester

MyScoop.us| Spring Fashion Shoot, March 2011.| Photography by Andrew Hester

(...for more shots & still-lifes from the shoot, view them on my Flickr!)

LINK

LINK

McQueen's Bondage Angels - FW11 Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN FW11 by Sarah Burton

-The Dominating yet Angelic Woman (S&M Angels)

With almost a year under her belt as the Creative Director of Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton has stayed true to the part I loved most about the McQueen's work while he was alive. ---Keeping the female form present, but transforming her into a dominating superhuman. The FW11 collection was very monochromatic with only a few lilac colored looks close to the end of the collection. The rumors of Burton designing soon to be wed Kate Middleton's wedding dress are still rumors, but I'm sure that after seeing this collection, the fashion world sure is hoping that finale gown was a sign. Soft elements from white fur and looks with white fabrics rushing out from the bottoms of most of the gowns. Hard elements on top of the pure like dresses with black leather formed to fit the forms of the models complete with collar straps and breast plates. I love the bondage aspect of the collection...that to me, is what kept it very 'McQueen' and powerful. Dresses and hardware/shoes made out of broken mosaic ceramic patterns into corsets on top of the flowing white floor length bottoms. I mean, it can't be a McQueen show without a little sex and feathers flying, right?! Again, Sarah Burton has produced a breath of fresh air for the FW11 Alexander McQueen collection.

Photo courtesy of VOGUE.com

'How to Pose: 101' by Andrew Hester for MyScoop.us.

I was recently approached by Style/Fashion online magazine Myscoop.us to write an article on a photographer's tips to pose for a photograph. Enjoy! Original link to article HERE.

"There are only a few tips a photographer can give to a model or subject in front of their camera.

The first thing to consider when taking a photo is thinking about what you look like once the flash goes off or once you hear the ‘click’.-Relax, the art of photography is based on the natural being of the human body and capturing it in that moment or realness.

Two important things to remember is learning your angles and also learning how to smile with your eyes.

1.The hand-on-the-hip pose has become an extreme go-to pose since the Hollywood red carpet and since runways became open to household viewing. Think about what kind of photo is being taken and go with the natural flow. The hand on the hip pose can be unflattering if done wrong so always beware. It is always safe to stand up straight (with your best side showing, more than likely the side you feel the most natural turning with) with your shoulders squared with your hands naturally down by your side. The one hand lightly on the hip and one hand down by your side can be flattering as well, but the key is to not grabbing your hip as if it’s helping you stand up and so it does not appear that you have broken your back.

The term “giving good face” has been a term way before Madonna’s ‘Vogue’ and is still very helpful today in the art of photography. Everyone gets ready in front of a mirror and double-takes before they leave the house if a photo is taken if they’re going for a night out on the town so just practice in front of the mirror.

2. Learning how to smile with one’s eyes can be a tricky task if it feels more natural to smile with their mouth open. Smiling “with teeth” is okay if it is in moderation and not too over the top. If your mouth is tired from smiling by the end of taking a group of photos then it is going to across as cheesy. Try centering your eyes and with your lips closed, smile just enough to feel the muscles around your cheek move upward. This will ensure a more sophisticated smile without an over the top “cheese” and avoiding the risk of having “deer in the headlight eyes”. Smiling with your eyes will also accentuate your face without stretching to give wrinkles, as in photos where your mouth and teeth are wide open for the shot.

Hope these tips come in handy when you’re on vacation taking casual photos with family and friends, at a Hollywood premiere, ball at the Met or even at an upcoming MyScoop event!"

Flickr.com/awhesterphotography

Birmingham.myscoop.us