Fashion and Ethics from the Guardian

Here are two very insightful articles from the Guardian's website,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/08/fashion-sweatshops-lucy-siegle-comment

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/aug/10/blood-diamonds-fashion-tale-of-tyrannies

High Street Capes

I recently posted an entry about capes and their dominance on the catwalks for this coming winter. Whilst procrastinating at work and avoiding marking cryptic English journals, I found these two high street versions online from Asos. The first is hooded with military style epaulets whilst the second is camel wool and mohair lined with leather. Now, I need to find styles in Korea or Ill be paying a hefty shipping fee.

Finally...

I think blogs can often be very self indulgent, an outlet for people to air their opinions, however, crazy, absurd or pointless. However, originally, when I started blogging, I wanted to showcase Seoulites style as well as write about my own crazy thoughts and observations. So far, I've been unable to do this, due to finances and therefore no camera. Last weekend, I finally invested in a lovely, albeit complicated, camera. I am quite a technophobe but this weekend I'm going to embark on my first expedition to find cool, Seoul style and shops. In the meantime, here are some fashionable Seoulites from Streetpeeper, one of my favourite websites.

Caped Crusaders

When it comes to weather, I am never content. In winter, with its freezing temperatures and consequently, my frostbitten feet, I longed for warmth, sunny days and floral dresses. Red noses and pale skin no more. Now, we are in the midst of summer and, unfortunately, it is not as I expected. Instead of having beautiful bronzed skin and wearing an array of pretty summer dresses, I am literally a mess. And, a sweaty one at that with a flushed face and hair that can can only be described as frizzy and chaotic. I am tired of wearing flimsy clothes, constantly worried I am showing too much flesh. I am a responsible teacher after all.

The seasons are so extreme here that I wish for Scottish weather. At home, summer constitutes one or two hot days, average temperatures, no humidity and drinking in the park until it starts raining. Although, my fond recollections are better than the reality in Scotland of no summer at all.

So, to distract myself from the 91% humidity outside, I have been looking forward to one of the major trends of winter, capes. Think military officers, Russian Czars or 1940s fur stoles as opposed to superheros. From short capelets to long 60s style ponchos, capes were awash on the catwalks in gothic leather, luxe velvet and camel tones. There are many styles to choose from- military, hooded, embroidered or preppy. Lets have a look.

Julien MacDonald

Sallavatore Ferragamo

Christian Dior

Chanel

The final picture is a beautiful embroidered cape from Alexander McQueen's last collection. So, capes are one of the definitive winter pieces. However, there are certain hazards to wearing capes, as Edna from The Incredibles shows.....perhaps avoid wearing on planes....

So, investing in a cape is not the best idea if you want to become a superhero. As for me, there is only three months until freezing temperatures, red noses and wishing for summer again.... but at least I can wear a cape.

When in Korea...

....buy nail varnish in pastel or fluorescent shades. I have noticed Korean women's penchant for colourful nail varnish- baby pink, mint green and bright orange. It reminds me of nail varnish I wore in my teenage years and now, I do feel younger wearing it. I'm rebelling against my mum all over again. Chanel nail varnish is excellent and luxurious, wrapped in its small gold, box but nail varnish can be bought very cheaply here, in Korean cosmetic stores such as Etude and Banila Co.

Korean designers: Doii Lee

Shimmer, sequins, vivid, fairytale and timeless.... these are a few words that can be used to describe Doii Lee's work. In a recent interview, the Korean designer defined her work as "sexy and fun with an innocent edge" and an "ultra feminine touch". Doii Lee graduated from Central St Martins with a BA in fashion design and knitwear in 2002. She was chosen as one of the top 10 most promising graduates of the year for the Victoria and Albert Museum 'fashion in motion' show. She began her career, working for John Galliano in Paris and was then headhunted by Antonio Marras, the art director for Kenzo. She established her first collection for her line Doii Paris in 2006, on the runways of Paris itself. Since then, she has appeared in fashion shows in Paris and Seoul. Now, Doii lives and designs in London, although her pieces are made in couture studios in Seoul.

Doii's Spring/summer 2010 collection was inspired by a painting by the Japanese artist Ikeda Mana, from his exhibition "Neoteny". Featuring a vivd colour palette of pink, turquoise and black, Doii's collection is exceptionally feminine, with busy, detailed geometric prints applied to simple, elegant shapes. The unique prints of hearts, flowers and plants are designed as if looking through a kaleidoscope. Doii suggests this as an inspiration "when the world dazzles and glitters as if ones looking through a kaleidoscope, it passes its infinite energy to me." In addition, embellishments and transparent sequins were added to create movement and shine. Small cute, bows and pleating were also featured quite prominently, emphasising the clothes appealing girlishness. In a collection mainly comprising of dresses, there are a few notable, distinctive pieces. The kimono sleeve trench coat is beautiful as is the black leather dress with cut out back, high collar and contrasting, embroidered belt.

Overall, Doii's designs are original, using a broad range of texture such as cotton, lace and silk, in vivid colours. Her illustrated, fairytale-esque prints give us an insight into her imagination and creativity. Doii designs highly feminine, luxury women's wear for those who "seek beautiful, novel designs that glisten with daring, Independence and glamour." And, they literally do glisten with sequins, sparkles and embellishments. Her designs are definitely not for the faint-hearted as Doii says herself "my designs are ageless but you have to be sure of yourself to wear sequins!" I think you definitely need a big amount of sass to wear her designs, subtle they are certainly not.

Doii's 2009 and 2010 collections and sketches can be viewed at http://www.doiiparis.com/.

Something interesting at the Seoul Arts Centre

The Seoul Arts Centre consistently exhibits unusual art and photography. Yesterday, I viewed photography from the World Press 2010 prize and winners of the Pulitzer prize. The photography was often harrowing and troubling, historical and memorable. Recent events covered included Israel's controversial offensive against Palestine, the world of drug cartels in Mexico and Obama's inauguration.

There was one story, relevant to the world of fashion, I particularly enjoyed. Photographed by an Italian, Francesco Giusti, the story of these gentleman is fascinating, inspiring and quite unexpected.

Below is a small explanation of these very dapper, well dressed Congolese men.

High fashion, usually associated with wealth, designers and the catwalks of London and Paris, is played out in a very unique way against the backdrop of extreme poverty. As the caption suggests, these men are admired for their interesting style and ability to choose accessories and outfits. Wearing suits and trilby hats in bright colours, they have become celebrities, larger than life characters with 'gestures' and 'amusing nicknames'. Perhaps, fashion and style can touch all societies in a way regardless of conditions.

On a completely different note and nothing to do with fashion, there was another exhibition called Neverland, where installations were childlike and made out of confectionery. Here are some amusing pieces.

All these exhibitions run for another month. Seoul Arts Centre, Line 3, Nambu Bus Terminal Station. All photographs taken by me.