There are times when one can’t possibly rely on familiar designers for drastic innovation because they have to appease their loyal fans with familiar offerings. Frankly it is not something I expect from my favourite folks because I love them for their respective visions and evolutions, hence I would not wish for them to change unless they want to do so. Aside from the risk of alienating long-time fans, there is also the abundance of labels on the runway who flip-flop around one theme to another, and I honestly think we do not need more of those.
But once in a while, it is nice to find some new bloods in the industry. Yes, countless of graduates offer something new to the table every year, but to be able to translate their designs into commercially viable collections that do not carry astronomical price tags is probably almost as difficult as licking one’s elbow. As much as I love being able to support independent designers, more often than not, I just can’t afford their wares. That is, until all the stars align in the sky, and by that I mean the sales happened when this Martina Spetlova dress came back in stock.
You know how online shopping can be rather unnerving and emotionally draining, especially when you start worrying about how the clothes will fit and look in real life? Well I must commend LN-CC on their accurate photographs and detailed measurements, not to mention the lightning quick shipping. Check out their
mid-season sale (40% off Guidis, 70% off previous seasons) if you haven’t.
On to the dress. In terms of technical construction, it is one of the most intricate pieces I have ever laid my hands on, and to the untrained person like me, I don’t know how they yarns are held together in the rolled-up ‘seams’, and what is most intriguing is how the ‘seams’ are joined together. The wool is not scratchy, and it drapes like a heavy sweater. This is truly an artisanal piece as far as the term goes, delicate yet structured at the same time. Also it goes to show that ‘artisanal’ does not have to be drapey and black.
The designer,
Martina Spetlova, has a very distinct aesthetic such that her use of geometric patterns is prevalent. Her works reminded me of
Issey Miyake but with a different approach to technical construction. Not only that, she belongs to a rare breed of designers who are environmentally aware while producing non-boring clothes at the same time. At this day and age it is still rather difficult to determine who actually bothers with the issue of sustainability (even high price points do not indicate ethical practices,
click here for more). As someone who is guilty of buying a little bit too much, the least I can do is direct my attention to designers who try to make a difference. Unfortunately all her knit pieces from this collection are sold out on LN-CC, but you may contact her directly for private orders.
…aaaaand last but not least, here’s a gratuitous picture of me doing the azn thing.
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| Sorry I’m not sorry for this disturbing photo. A girl gotta have some fun once in a while. |
7 thoughts on “Martina Spetlova’s Candy Corn”
Jennifer
by Jennifer on November 22, 2012 at 2:12 pmYou should smile more! You look so great in the last photo. I love the playful quality of this piece of art. It’s nice to know that many designers out there still have a subtle kind of humour
The Rosenrot | Gracia Ventus
by The Rosenrot | Gracia Ventus on November 22, 2012 at 6:49 pmHaha. Thank you! You have a very lovely blog by the way.
inkarlcerating
by inkarlcerating on November 22, 2012 at 4:20 pmi like yer smile and yer bright sunny hues… yer so cute
The Rosenrot | Gracia Ventus
by The Rosenrot | Gracia Ventus on November 22, 2012 at 6:52 pmThanks Karl. I thought I’d break away from the usual steely stare once in a while since I might have probably come across as being stuck up.
moiminnie
by moiminnie on November 24, 2012 at 2:20 amHave the same problem, people always assume I’m some stuck up bitch but in fact I just don’t like to look like a hyena in the photo. I love your writing, you put so many details about the dress! I only wish it was in a more neutral palette, as I’m not a big fan of yellow and orange. Kisses from http://www.moiminnie.blogspot.com xx
joh
by joh on November 23, 2012 at 12:52 amDear Rosenrot,
Your outfit and your beautiful smile were the highlight of my gloomy day.
Thx.
Syed
by Syed on November 30, 2012 at 2:09 amAwww yeah, that dress is insane. The construction looks incredible. And LN-CC are really good all round right? By far the most helpful staff out there and I like their packaging and those friendship wristbands they tie as the pull for the box. Haha and that last photo is lovely.
P.S. Yohji says meow, or at least he tries to, he seems to have difficulty with M’s. Just as well he’s not really a Margiela fan I suppose.