HEEL CRUSH #1

For as long as I can remember, I've been obsessed with women's shoes. Not just ordinary shoes though, they have to be insane. Whether it be a skyscraper stilleto, or a gravity defying platform...If they look like they would give you vertigo or cause you a trip to A&E with a kick, I'm in!

Seeing as I've been hoarding images for years now, I thought it was about time I shared with the world my ultimate favourites. Some of them are well known, some are obscure: All of them BREATHTAKING. Enjoy!


BLACK MILK X JEFFREY CAMPBELL

I'm an absolute sucker for anything galaxy print, so obviously I was beside myself when I caught sight of these heelless beauties from the Black Milk collaboration with Jeffrey Campbell. I don't think this collaboration could have come at a better time either, EVERYONE Is wearing JC's at the moment, so much so that die-hard Campbell fans feared the brand was now too 'mainstream'. Maybe this collection could be enough to turn the tide...

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN SS10

The first entry from the house of Mcqueen is these 'Monster' heels from his SS10 collection, Plato's Atlantis. These Geiger inspired beauties didn't get nearly enough attention due to the now infamous 'Armadillo' heels from the same collection. I love the tuberous detailing on the heel, and the almost teeth like platform! 

DSQUARED AW10

Of all the spine heels Dsquared have created, these have to be my favourite. The white bandage straps instantly make me think of mummies (Obviously, loving all things horror)! Dsquared are known for their controversial and empowering clothing and I hope they do more anatomical inspired fashion soon...

PLEASER

These 'bondgirl' stripper heels from Pleaser are the ultimate in bad taste footwear...but, they're amazing?! the gun heel and OTT platform are so bad they're GREAT. Pleaser are pretty famous for their perspex heels, even Gaga's loving them...but these badboys are without a doubt my favourites. 

NORITAKA TATEHANA

Another heelless wonder for you, this time from Japanese designer Noritaka Tatehana! NT has gained a legion of fans since his high-profile work has been snapped up by Gaga...Yup, alllll those heelless shoes are by this guy! These are undoubtedly the least wearable of all the shoes in this post, but, I had to include them!

ANASTASIA RADEVICH

These slogan heels from Anastasia Radevich are more art than fashion in my eyes...I'm not entirely sure what kind of a statement is being made here? Is this supposed to be read by the wearer? Or someone else whilst someone is wearing them? Who knows! I love them though, its not often you see text on a heel!

NIK PATE: BALLAD OF / IDOL MAGAZINE

Followers of my blog may remember the post I wrote back in July dedicated to London based Artist/ Photographer Nik Pate, undoubtedly a true talent...and armed with his individual style and ethos, he has a VERY bright future ahead of him.

If you where to mix the vivid pop-culture of Lachapelle, the darkness of Tim Burton and the tongue-in-cheek of Terry Richardson...The result would be Nik's many faceted and extensive portfolio.

One of Nik's more recent projects has been a fashion editorial published exclusively on IDOL magazines infamous online editorial page, a collection of the BEST editorial spreads from the BEST up-and-coming talents in the worlds of fashion and art.

'BALLAD OF' sees Nik turn the darkness up a couple 'dozen notches, and along with the help of a stellar Hair/MU and styling team, he created a darkly seductive and mesmerising spread that looks fresh off a billboard ad!

The doll-like stances and gorgeous clothing, juxtaposed with the models clawed hands and distant stares create a menacing atmosphere not often seen in fashion editorials. The elongated limbs and sharp joints along with the cinched in waists are reminiscent of Morticia Addams; albeit younger, hotter and with a more extensive and expensive wardrobe.

Speaking of the clothes, no expense was spared in the wardrobe department...We have Chanel, Mcqueen, Burberry, Kimmie, Lacroix, YSL and not forgetting the STUNNING Balmain gown seen in the first and last image!

Once again Nik has blown me away with his unique approach to his art: not afraid of taking risks, thinking outside the box and doing things a little bit different to the rest. I cannot wait to see more twisted and Gothic imagery...'cus one things for sure, the boys got a talent for it!

The editorial can also be seen in full online over at IDOL Magazine

Full credits after the images!

Art Direction/Photography/Editing - Nik Pate (www.nikpate.com)
Styling - Rosie Williams (www.rosie-williams.com)
Hair - Aaron Blondell (www.aaronblondell.com)
Make-up - Claire Cox
Model - Sofie @ Oxygen 

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN WOMENSWEAR SS/12

As the fashion elite descended onto Paris fashion week a few days ago, Mcqueen fans where abuzz about what Sarah Burton had in store for them...And she certainly did NOT disappoint yesterday as the Spring/summer 2012 collection made its début.

From the very first moment I  set eyes on the opening piece of the collection, I knew I wouldn't be disappointed. In a word, Breathtaking. And It only got better...

Every piece was a triumph as It emerged onto the catwalk; with each model resembling a divine sea creature emerging from the surf. The sumptuously ruffled skirt-suits in burnt gold, creams and pastel pinks; with high collars and pinched in waists where very feminine, but with a subtle hint of fetish.

The gowns, as to be expected from the house of Mcqueen where beautifully crafted and a feast for the eyes. Organza and chiffon ruffles that undulated with every step, conjured images of jellyfish...the craftsmanship that went into ensuring this movement was created is BEYOND genius!

The stunning embellishment of each gown was again, to be expected from Mcqueen...pearlescent like armour, shoulder pieces made of clustered pieces of coral and intertwined metal that served as both belt and necklace.

Also the head pieces worn by each model where beautiful in themselves, some being nothing more then delicate lace-netting, whereas others where fully embellished masks that where impractical yet beautiful...Another fetish twist.

Mcqueen himself was constantly re-inventing himself, with each season having a completely different vision...Burton has yet to truly re-invent herself and create a collection that is extremely dissimilar from the last. Despite this, I loved the whole thing...from beginning to end! I just hope that next season she shocks the fashion world to its core with something completely unexpected!

Here are my favourite pieces from the collection...however you can view the full collection in both images and video over at the official Mcqueen site alexandermcqueen.com/SS12...Keep an eye out for those undulating hemlines!

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN/GIVENCHY

Before launching his self titled label, Mcqueen worked as head designer for French fashion house Givenchy.

Between 1996 and 2001, Mcqueen was responsible for some of the most exquisite pieces ever released by the internationally renowned label. Givenchy is well known for its classic designs, particularly those worn by Audrey Hepburn in many of her infamous movie roles.

Mcqueen very much put his own stamp on his work whilst at Givenchy, creating much darker pieces...the likes of which had never been seen ati Givenchy before.

One of his most macabre pieces is without doubt this dress from the AW 97/87 collection 'Eclect dissect'.

Mcqueen himself had this to say about the dress  “My idea was this mad scientist who cut all these women up and mixed them all back together.”

I LOVE this dress...the vulture shoulder pieces where a brave move, and I can imagine It was creating pieces such as this that pushed him to create the 'Mcqueen' brand. 

 

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN RESORT 2012

The Mcqueen resort line released for 2012 has certainly lived up to expectations. With Burton now Queen of the house of Mcqueen,  It comes as no surprise that their was wide-spread speculation as to whether she would be able to stand the test of time, or do the label justice. But by putting her own stamp on the already infamous label right from day one, and staying true to the spirit of the brand,  she is  delivering the goods and keeping the die hard fans happy (me included, I LOVE her work so far!).

The collection Is chic and feminine, as you would expect a resort line to be...However, I  think that a resort line should be practical and comfortable to wear in hot/humid climates, something I'm not sure this collection delivers.  

I wouldn't pity any girl who chose to wear a knee length leather dress to a pool party, no matter how uncomfortable she is! Combining a resort collection with quintessential Mcqueen couture is a brave move that I'm sure will pay off however.

The collection itself is STUNNING. The colour palette of earth tones, coupled with ocelot print and leather is opulent and drips with decadence. The cut, in typical Mcqueen fashion is exemplary, with pinched in waists and A-line skirts that create silhouettes to die for. The attention to detail, with ornate embroidery in gold has become a Mcqueen trademark now, making an appearance in almost every collection from Burton to date.

Overall, I adore this collection, and here are my favourites!