Christina Ribel: A Scandinavian Gem

Gothenburg, Reyjkjavik, Helsinki and Lillehammer – the thought of walking down snow-covered roads in one of these places is enough to make us home sick. But while these Nordic cities make excellent pre-Christmas holiday spots, in a different context we’d think nothing of snow, glögg and Scandinavian delicatessen. Christina Ribel’s connection to the Nordic cities proves further that there are other associations. As names like Copenhagen and Stockholm have provided some great names to the pieces of her collection, we're delighted to have been introduced to this fashion line.

Being the spoilt fashion brutes that we are (*blows air-kisses*), we were lucky enough to receive a few samples from her exquisite t-shirt collection. Delivered in high-duty gift-wrap boxes, the t-shirts were carefully packed in silk paper; this set high expectations for the content. Though unfamiliar with the design, we didn’t know what to expect.

The t-shirts were lovely. What we particularly loved were the clean lines, and 'uncluttered' designs – exclusive t-shirts that you can wear everyday with anything you like. Bold colours and fine quality added to the great feel of wearing these garments. The t-shirts were, and are still as we speak, genuinely fantastic.

The 29-year-old Danish fashion designer says: “The fundamental factor in the creation of the Christina Ribel designs has been to adapt the products after how the female body actually looks and behaves. The tops are tailored after the natural shapes of the female body, with many special features that all result in a unique fit with a slightly extended and curved lower part.”

November Spawned a Monster

Grumpy, mis-behaved and full of hatred - at the best of times that is. When the former Smiths frontman isn’t threatening to drop his trousers to the Queen, he’s quizzed by FBI for perfectly correct loud statements about Bush. Controversial situations seem to be the name of the game for Morrissey, but we couldn’t give a toss ‘cos we love him to bits. Gorgeous Mozzo simply can’t do anything wrong. He’s also playing in Chicago tomorrow, at the Aragon Ballroom, 1106 West Lawrence Avenue. So all Chicago coolchiqs, get ready for the Last of the Famous International Playboy!

You See Me: the Nordic Lights for Louis Vuitton

The ever-popular Louis Vuitton brand continues to drive profits at luxury group LVMH. Last week art and fashion were joined as Louis Vuitton unveiled its newest piece of art: ”You See Me” by contemporary artist Olafur Eliasson, best known for his light installations and ”The Weather Project”, an enormous faux sunset that was on display at the Tate Modern in London. WWD reports.

”Louis Vuitton commissioned Mr. Eliasson, who lives and works in Berlin and Copenhagen, to create "Eye See You," a series of giant pupil-like, reflective chrome lamps that emit monochromatic yellow light, which are now on display for the Christmas season in the windows of the Louis Vuitton boutiques worldwide. The artworks are available for sale with the proceeds from a limited number of the works going to 121Ethiopia.org, a charitable foundation founded by Mr. Eliasson and his wife, Marianne Krogh Jensen that supports relief organizations in Ethiopia.”

Samsonite Black Label by Alexander McQueen

A pound for a penny you’re addicted to style, exquisite details, and travelling. Keep reading if this still fits into your description. So, like us, you’re probably thrilled reading about the new Samsonite bags; an 11-series collection which Alexander McQueen has been working on over the last six months. The collaboration, which symbols a conservative-meets-liberal constallation, has been known to raise a few eye brows over the designer's general fashion design direction. Has McQueen been forced to sacrifice design over practicality? As the 11 pieces are released in shops in early 2007, McQueen has been assuring that his designer statement is both visibly appealing as well as memorable.

“For his first collaboration with Samsonite, he molded one of the suitcases he created around the cast of a human rib cage. Rumour tells us he also dragged a stuffed crocodile into his first meeting with the brand's executives so they could re-create the animal's armour in leather for one of the suitcases. “The rib cage holds everything inside your body — the heart, lungs and soul — while your bag also holds everything that's important to you,” said McQueen. “This is the way I work, having that twist,” added McQueen. “There's also a slightly sick side to it — it's like having a body in a bag.” (ed. note: No shit, Sherlock)

Sesame - Issue 4

Australian independent magazine Sesame Media have brought together another issue full of quirky fashion shots, arty graphic designed illustrations, and interviews with local designers. Enjoy the works of Abbey McCullogh’s great watercolour pictures, find out what Jacinta Parsons has to say about overdressing, and don't miss the uber-cute t-shirts from Princess Tina.

She’s Like a Rainbow

“Why is red the colour of passion and revolution? Why is blue such a popular colour, whereas yellow has so many negative associations?” Questions like these are currently discussed and analysed at The Fashion and Textile History Gallery, New York. The exhibition was presented for the first time at The Rodin Gallery in Seoul, Korea in 2005.

While exploring the history, symbolism, science and psychology of colour in fashion, the exhibition called “She's Like a Rainbow: Colours in Fashion”, features more than 150 fashions, accessories, and textiles from the museum's permanent collection.