you've applied the pressure, to keep me crystalised

[issue 1 of pure magazine is a really interesting discussion of minimalism]

i'm definitely not a minimalist. i love clutter and i love noise (i don't like capitalism but still...). that doesn't make me incapable of appreciating that there is something interesting about using the ideas of limits and satisfaction to govern your life.

i think the greatest appeal of minimalism is having a clear distinction between what you want and what you need. because once that line is gone, it starts to feel like you need everything. i've been trying to carve out more time in my life for the things that i actually enjoy doing, instead of the mindless tasks that i feel like i have to do. adopting a more minimalist lifestyle could definitely help with this: i wouldn't have to check as many e-mails or clean out as much junk from my room.

 i could go on for hours about how great it would be if i could get rid of everything that wasn't vital to my existence- but we both know i would never actually go through with it haha. i'm pretty sure that even if i were to give away of all my clothes that weren't #normcore (for example lol), in a few weeks i would hate dressing like a 46-year old dad and would want to only class patterns and colors like Solange.

as a general stereotype, minimalism in fashion translates directly to an image of neutral colors, clean lines, geometric shapes etc. of course minimalist fashion can also exist within the concepts of deconstructing and distorting clothing (in a way that ignores the conventional form of the body), so it becomes minimalist as in, abandoning all other influences; but i'll probably talk more about that another time.

right now i want to focus on the image of minimalism that's kind of monochrome and structured in some of the more recent shows:

  
i'm really into the drop-waist dress on the left and then the enveloping layers of trench coat. and the positioning of the white jacket made the skirt look kind of like a peplum.

 

this left is like a nouveau turtleneck from jil sander, the queen of turtlenecks, and i really hope that neckline becomes a huge trend next year and trickles down to the retail end. the dress on the right is like a mod shift dress but it looks simultaneously more futuristic and more classic. i think i want all of these clothes??

 

the shapes and random flaps are so cool- it kind of reminds me of something jacquemus would do. the skirt-suit looks really rigid and is the type of thing i would kill to recreate somehow. and the cut for the shirt on the left is e x c e l l e n t. can you imagine having a classic white shirt or whatever- but with that fold on there?

 

i really love the slight color contrast with the straps and flaps on the left, and then the texture and shape contrast of the black one with boxy leather against the silkyness/slinkyness of the pants

--

wowwow all of this talk about minimalism is making me
a. see this type of minimalism as a re-creation of previous themes or trends (turtlenecks, peplums etc), but using new, creative cuts and shapes
b. imagine a cross-over banksy/what the fashion! type meme where Ivania Carpio* destroys public buildings and department stores "FOR MINIMALISM"


that's all for now; i hope everyone has a happy december 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th ....

-=-

kanyinsola

-

* Ivania, if you're reading this i love u and i apologize for using your name in a B+ (at best) attempt at humor!

[christophe lemaire ss 2015 // jil sander aw 2014 // calvin klein ss 2014 // helmut lang ss 2014]

she's morphine, queen of my vaccine

I'm still feeling super inspired by relaxed, cool colors.

shirt: DIY, skirt:  yard sale

--

K

and as I arrived, I thought I saw you leaving, carrying your shoes

elegance in simplicity seemed to be the theme of Theory's prefall 2014 collection. The symbolism of the brand compressing from two different lines (Theysken's Theory and Theory) to just Theory was obvious in the collection’s polished, modern, simple and beautiful looks: no “high fashion” frills. I’m particularly in love with this collection’s concepts of minimalism and monochrome, simple palettes this winter, maybe because black and white symbolize a lot of concepts in the end of the year and a fresh, new beginning in January.

Black and white: modernity; power; sophistication; formality; elegance; wealth; mystery; style; evil; purity; simplicity; air; sterile; cold; innocence; life; rebellion; hope; unity; minimal; clean; empty; new.

I also made a visual layout of everything fitting this monochrome theme that I can’t stop thinking about.

//winter vibes//

sources (clockwise) Sasha Pivovarova in Vogue China; Cara Delevigne for Rodarte AW 13; idk, so sorry, the internet sux sometimes, if you know what it is, please let me know; Bassike Autumn 2014; Meadham Kirchoff Fall 2013; Lazy Oaf Ad Pt.2; Lorde; Lazy Oaf Pt.1; um...random, unknown picture of polar bears?; Pringle of Scotland Resort 2011 detail; Solange by Elias Tahan; Kai Teleport by Katsuhiro Otomo

Sorry for those pictures without a source, but I don't feel like tracking them down right now, so here's a picture of a cat to appease the souls of the internet! You guys like cats right?

My tumblr, which is looking nice and cohesive right now (yay!) is also a good representation of these vibes. 

(I see  you there Debbie Harry)

~

Without the belt, I assume that there would be an undefined silhouette in the dresses, with a more androgynous look and the belt was purposely used to accentuate the femininity of the design. I think the white layers of cotton-wool peeking out on dark fabrics and the soft silk viscose juxtaposed against leathers provide a beautifully striking contrast. I’m in love with that knee length cable knit dress and I actually saw something like it in dark blue at a thrift store a while back, but it never occurred to me how lovely it could look.

The refined, classic androgynous look of those black boots against that tan suit immediately caught my eye. The fitted pants, blazers, and belts are all incredible in a uniquely “Let the clothes do the talking” way.

These ironically feminine looks inspired me the most because of the beautiful silhouettes of those long, flowing 80s style skirts and simple silhouettes. The exceptional versatility in the collection is highlighted in the ornately detailed tops and the beautifully relaxed ones in subdued

color palettes.

The layering in this collection is amazingly multifaceted: an all white layered outfit with fitted pants and a sheer top to geometric prints and embroidered tops.

My favorite looks in the collection were the elaborate ones, but that's probably because of my preference for detailed, embellished looks.

I tried to be cool and adapt the looks in the collection and got this:

               

(sorry that my feet are basically the grossest things on the planet)

--

K

collared shirt: thirifted; sweater: Marshall's; skirt: Marshall's; shoes; thrifted

*all other photos from Vogue*