I am officially a loyal fan of Haider Ackermann’s designs! Ever since my favorite Alexander McQueen has passed away last month, there was a “void” in me that is seeking a new designer that as equally talented and the designs are truly unique that takes our breath away…. And I think I’ve found it, Aider Ackermann !
The master draper, the rumoured Margiela replacement, and the man who calls Tilda Swinton muse. Who exactly is this Columbian, Belgian-trained designer who has taken his place on the Parisian fashion circuit?
Actress Tilda Swinton in Haider Ackermann
One of Antwerp Belgium’s brightest young stars, Haider Ackermann has seen many more ports than the one fronting the town in which he now lives and works. Born in Santa Fe de Bogotá, Colombia, in 1971, he was adopted by a French family. Due to his father’s business obligations, he spent his childhood moving around the globe.
After living in Ethiopia, Chad, France, Algeria and the Netherlands, he decided fashion was his vocation. High school finished, he left home in 1994 and headed for Belgium to study at the fashion department of Antwerp’s Royal Academy. During his three-year stay (he left the four-year course prematurely because of financial difficulties), he also worked as an intern at John Galliano’s Paris office.
Taking a job as an assistant to his former academy teacher Wim Neels in 1998, he worked on both the men’s and womenswear collections of the Belgian designer. After saving money and taking encouragement from his friends and acquaintances –among them Raf Simons – Ackermann finally took the plunge and presented his first, self- financed women’s collection in Paris for autumn/winter 2002.
His subtle, dignified and sensuous clothes immediately struck a chord with buyers and editors, as they did with Italian leather manufacturer Ruffo. Just two weeks after his debut show, Ackermann was hired as the head designer for Ruffo Research and commissioned to create two collections (spring/ summer and autumn/ winter 2003), while continuing to produce his own line.
Ackermann is now receiving even wider acclaim, not least in the form of the prestigious Swiss Textiles Award at the 2004 Grand Fashion Festival. Ackermann’s sensitivity with drape and textures shows through in every collection.
In his fall winter 2010 collection shown at the Paris fashion week last month (March 7th 2010) Ackermann showcased his signature fitted leather and suede vests and jackets are back, but this time with even more drama. That's thanks to both long, undulating collars that can be wrapped around the neck any number of ways and zipped-on peplums that are easily detached, should the woman wearing them so choose.
"I wanted it to be totally up to you," Ackermann said backstage, alluding to the clothes’ timely utilitarianism. On the bottom, his fans’ options will include, as usual, leather leggings or floor-scraping skirts with deep slits, along with new, more tailored trousers. It was a beautiful show that I am speechless by his talent & vision.
Click on the video player below to see his Fall Winter 2010 fashion show
I hope you enjoy Haider Ackermann’s creations as much as I do! Until next time, be well & look fabulous!
As a fashion designer, I’m inspired by many things around me. The imagery of a photo, scenery, sounds & musics, movies… just about everything! In recent conversations with a good friend of mine on facebook about “Goth” and it inspired me to do some research, finding imageries and articles about this mysterious & fascinating lifestyle which has inspired many arts & fashions.
So what is “Goth”? in simple definitions: To some, Goth is a style of dressing; to others it's a lifestyle. Either way, the gothic look involves very black clothing and very white makeup with edgy, tough accessories. Prime example of classic gothic style: Musician - Marilyn Mansion. But as a person with an inquiring mind ( yes I do read the trashy gossip enquirer magazine ok! Haha) I know it has to be deeper than just the black clothing, smoky eye make-ups and of course ever so dreamy vampire Robert Pattinson aka “Edward Cullen” from the hit movie “Twilight”.
“Most Goths become Goths because they have been spurned by 'normal' society because the way they want to live their lives does not fit in with how most people are told to live theirs. Goths are free thinkers, people who do not accept the moral rules of society because they're told 'This is just how it is' or 'This is what God says!'. Rather Goths tend to listen to what you have to say, and make up their own mind..”
But of course this is not the case for all Goths. Many Goths today are Goths for a variety of other reasons. They like the music, or the clubs are better, they have Goth friends and joined in with them, or they just like staying up late nights and Goths are the only ones awake to talk to.
To us the fashionistas, the theme “Goth” has inspired many fashion designers over the years and here are some of the collections I think are super fabulous & go with our topic perfectly!
Junya Watanabe
Jean Paul Gaultier Fall 2005
Rick Owens Fall 2006 Collection
When John Galliano was traveling south to research his couture collection during summer of 2005 he was inspired with the French Revolution stories & history, so in Dior’s Spring 2006 Couture show, blood- and gore-spattered drama was the theme and to me, it’s also very “Goth Glam” ,too!
Christian Dior 2006 Spring Haute Couture
Christian Dior Haute Couture 2006 Fashion Show
Harper’s Bazaar Magazine October 2009 & Film Maker Tim Burton
As if Tim Burton’s characters all got together and did a fashion photoshoot, this amazing pictorial for the October edition of Harper’s Bazaar features characters from his past movies like The Night Before Christmas, Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice and more, all look amazing in designer clothing and shoes.
Versace Haute Couture
Comme des Garçons Coat (Left) - Salvatore Ferragamo Jacket (Right)
Dolce & Gabbana
CHANEL
Alexander McQueen
Valentino
Givenchy
And for our male readers, me & mei-mei the pug didn’t forgot about you! Here are some fabulous menswear from Ann Demeulemeester Fall – Winter 2009 Collection for you! I just LOVE that chunky sweater in the middle
Of course how can we end this “Dark Glamorous” posting without mentioning one of my favorite designer Alexander McQueen!
Alexander McQueen 2007 Fall & Winter
In this collection, McQueen had put a heartfelt personal passion into a collection that was based on a startling revelation from his family history. His mother, who traces family trees, discovered that her bloodline leads back to a victim of the Salem witch trials who was hanged in the Puritan hysteria of 1692. The themes of witchcraft, paganism, and religious persecution played on the dark and angry side of McQueen's creativity.
Here is a video of Alexander McQueen 2007 Fall & Winter totally fabulously spooky fashion show
All of you must be wondering ….how can I achieve that beautiful vampy smoky eye make-up to complete your Gothic Chic outfits & accessories?! So we have found 2 tutorials for our gal & dudes readers! Here is the female smoky eyes tutorials that shows you how to do it!
And here is the “Guyliner” smoky eyes tutorial
Don't forget to check out our designer candles selections! D.L. & Co. is famous for his "Dark Glamourous" presentaions of his candles & diffusers! Utilizing the rarest of extracts, essences and absolutes, they are able to create fragrances that conjure time and place, transforming enviroments from the mundane to the sublime! it's a MUST HAVE for all fashionistas! click on the picture below to check out our selections of D.L. & Co's candles!
We hope this posting totally inspired you to bring out the “Dark” side of your inner Goddess! Until next time, Be well & look fabulous!
