Chanel: The melting polar ice caps

For Chanel's Fall 2010 Ready-to-wear collection, the theme of the collection was inspired by nature. Perhaps driven by global warming and the melting of ice caps, the collection consisted of fur woven into tweed, shaggy snow boots, and ice jewelry. Even the stage for the models was made of icebergs to produce a frozen landscape. The play on silhouettes, angora sweater dresses, and innovative knitwear made the collection both comical and couture.

This is a good example of blending a nature inspired theme into a collection.

Sources:
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2010RTW-CHANEL

Zeitgeist Today

In a 2010 article, American Fashion designer Michael Kors was interviewed by Style.com executive editor Nicole Phelps. They discussed his goals, ambitions and what has changed in the business. One quote that stood out in particular was the statement: "I don’t care what city, people are craving clothes they can hold on to, live in. Geoffrey Beene was a pragmatic couturier. He ripped the structure out of anything people thought of as old-school elegance and gave it comfort, ease. It’s American, yes, but it’s really international. It’s the zeitgeist that’s right for today. Phelps, 2010"

 This gives us an important insight into our current zeitgeist in North America. 

Full article:
http://www.style.com/stylefile/2010/06/michael-kors-the-rules-have-tumbled/

Dries Van Noten

He was born in Antwerp in 1958 to a family of tailors. His family ensured that he had a good knowledge of the fashion world an early age. He graduated from Antwerp's Royal Academy in design and did freelance work to produce his own collection. He has opened many boutiques and sells men's, women's and accessories worldwide.

 In 2009 he opened a boutique in Tokyo and a men's store in Paris in 2010. For his Fall 2011 women's collection he dedicated it to a "Liberal Woman" and brings 2 key flavors for fall: David Bowie and the Ballets Russes.

Sources:
http://www.driesvannoten.be/info-bio.php
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2011RTW-DVNOTEN/

Local Designer: Mandula

Hajnalka is the owner and designer of "Mandula", a local store in Vancouver. The designer's collection has a very organic feel, as every thread is hand dyed and the fabric is organically grown in Vancouver. Most of the collection has hand wrinkled designs and long wraps. The colours commonly used are black, white and cream.

 

Sources: 

http://demicouture.ca/2007/12/10/mandula-local-vancouver-design-at-its-best/

http://mandula.com/