[VIDEO] Rodarte: States of Matter

Rodarte: States of Matter, at the MoCA, is the first West Coast solo exhibition of the work of fashion and costume designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte. In this video, Kate and Laura talk about the stories that have inspired their collections and the physical processes their materials go through. This intimate look at more than 20 pieces from Rodarte’s Spring 2010, Fall 2010, and Fall 2008 runway collections, as well as original ballet costumes designed by Kate and Laura Mulleavy from Rodarte for the feature film Black Swan, was directed by Felipe Lima, with original music by No Age. www.moca.org

First Look: Sylvio Giardina Fall/Winter 2011/12

Sylvio Giardina's new fall-winter 2011/12 collection is based on experiments with brand new silhouettes. "The stylistic investigation aims at a moved centre of mass, an imbalanced balance which will change shapes, volumes and lengths made up together by asymmetrical panels to redesign the figure. It’s like an a architecture of the fabrics that re-edits proportions to give a new female identity which finds the final product and the subjective taste."  Giardina attempts to kill homogeneity whilst maintaing the tradition of Italian fashion and contemporary culture. For instance, "Embroideries on jersey fabric find new lines sew on together: no armhole for the sleeves, exaggerated curves set up by upside down strapless to emphasize décolleté (neckline). A synthetic colours palette, like helio-blue and yellow cadmium, joins anthracite grey and impure white of the wool of the pants, tube-dresses, jersey shirts and jackets." Primary fabrics, such as male-wools, fresh-wool, jersey-wool and crêpe wool are all embroidered in San Gallo, in Italy.

"Accessorizes break harmony with strong mirror and colored plexiglass buckles in relief on the tissues like sculptural elements. No prêt-à-porter, no Haute Couture, this is a collection full of contaminations: the most important from art and design influences, where Sylvio Giardina finds himself as spectator and artist."

www.syviogiardina.com

On the Verge: Stand & Deliver

Jennifer Mulhare, the brilliant, sartorially talented fashion editor of Pas Un Autre, called last night practically panting with excitement about a new line called Stand & Deliver. Designers of Stand and Deliver, Corey Parks, former basist of the band Nashville Pussy, and Johanna Logan, mix a rock n' roll ethos with an entirely earnest originality that will undoubtably make fashionistas all over the world wet with excitement. Its virtually impossible to find any mention of Stand & Deliver online, save for the behind the scenes video and some photos of the recently shot lookbook.

www.standanddeliverla.com

Balenciaga and Spain

Balenciaga and Spain examines the profound and enduring influence of Spain on the work of haute couture master Cristóbal Balenciaga. The impact of Spanish culture, history, and traditions is explored through the recurring themes in Balenciaga’s oeuvre and organized in the exhibition in six sections: Spanish Art, Regional Dress, the Spanish Court, Religious Life and Ceremony, the Bullfight, and Dance. Hamish Bowles, the European editor at large for Vogue, is guest curator. Balenciaga and Spain runs from March 26, 2011 to July 4, 2011. www.deyoung.famsf.org

UNDERCOVER

Silk and leather bag, metal clasp, metal and silk strap. Collection entitled "Underman" and built around an imaginary theme, The year is 20XX, the world in which the souls of the people have been incapacitated by the forces of evil, is empty. UNDERMAN is born to restore these lost souls. The battle against sorrow wages on.  Spring / Summer collection 2011. www.colette.fr

At the Rainbow House - Director's Cut

Starring Devendra Banhart and Rebecca Schwartz, the premise of the Oliver Peoples 2011 campaign is an exploration of authentic intimacy and sexuality. The love affair is explored in the one-of-a-kind masterpiece by architect John Lautner: Rainbow House. Produced with acclaimed photographer and aspiring director Lisa Eisner.

SHIN MURAYAMA / I Don't Like Mondays

Shin Murayama 'Shoe Face'

Online concept boutique I Don't Like Mondays' Gallery is "an evolving project focused on offering true rarities of fashion."  In collaboration with artists and designers, IDLM's gallery offers "one-of-a-kind and limited edition garment art" that is exclusively available. "IDLM always aims for designers who push the boundaries of fashion, these artists go one step further and blur the lines between art and apparel." This time around IDLM has joined forces with Japanese born artist and designer Shin Murayama.

Shin Murayama 'Mandrill Nose'

Shin Murayama 'Sock Eater'

www.idontlikemondays.us