S.S: I’M Koo

Behind The Lens

http://www.koo.im/blog/
http://www.koo.im/blog/

The photographer is no longer a disheveled figure behind the lens. Today, he is a stylish nomad crisscrossing globes, and capturing style fantasy. For 2013, I’ve picked one fashion photographer to watch: I’M Koo.

320588_143048642509956_883993699_n

http://www.koo.im/blog/
http://www.koo.im/blog/
http://www.koo.im/blog/
http://www.koo.im/blog/

Based in New York, YoungJun Koo is a Korean fashion photographer. I first spotted him when I was interviewing street style candidates during  New York Fashion Week. Koo captured my attention with his flare for fashion, and signature blonde hair. However, beyond his personal style, is an eye for stylish people.

www.koo.im/blog/
www.koo.im/blog/
http://www.koo.im/blog/
http://www.koo.im/blog/
http://www.koo.im/blog/
http://www.koo.im/blog/
http://www.koo.im/blog/
http://www.koo.im/blog/
http://www.koo.im/blog/
http://www.koo.im/blog/

His fashion blog, I’M Koo, captures some of the most intriguing fashionistas; street style and industry insiders; i.e. Ms. Wintour. Koo’s personal risk with fashion seem to enhance his work as an artist. Koo doesn’t seem to mind being on the other side of the lens either, which is why I think he is able to capture each street snap’s inner beauty. He seems to connect the camera to an energy that is fueled by  his subjet’s love for fashion.

http://www.koo.im/blog/
http://www.koo.im/blog/
http://www.koo.im/blog/
http://www.koo.im/blog/
http://www.koo.im/blog/
http://www.koo.im/blog/

All images are taken or owned by YoungJun Koo

Check out my interview with YoungJun Koo during NYFW

Style DNA: BURBERRY

Christopher Bailey

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2kz6rNnOPo&w=560&h=315

I like to discover new brands, and I love reinvention. I was watching a video about the new MacBook Pro, from Apple, and a designer in the video had the most amazing line: “To create something new, you have to forget what you did in the past.”Developing a fashion house can be a daunting task, but what is more difficult is rejuvenating a legacy brand. The turning tide of fashion brands go in and out like the trends they create. Keeping current can be difficult in a constantly changing market place. Sex And The City made brands more than clothing, but household names. A designer use to have to pander to jaded fashion watchers and celebrities, whose critical eye could send brands walking with one bad collection. Now the microscope is magnified with everyone watching for popularity, not substance. Style has become secondary to theatrics and connections. One label that has not dismissed its past, but forgotten about what has been, while creating a new future is Burberry.

Burberry Fall/Winter 2012
Burberry Fall/Winter 2012
Burberry Fall/Winter 2012

Burberry has stood the test of time, while trends come and go, and nah-sayers passed them by, Burberry soldiered forward. The signature Burberry trench, that  has anchored them for over a century, is no longer drowning their look while protecting them from the rain. Designer, Christopher Bailey has thrown off  the trench to showcase Burberry fashion!!

Burberry Fall/Winter 2012
Burberry Fall/Winter 2012
Burberry Fall/Winter 2012

Christopher Bailey has helped men and women all over the world shed their trench and clamour for Burberry’s clothing, accessories, and shoes. Burberry Spring/Summer 2012, Prorsum created fashion havoc, and Fall 2012’s collection does not disappoint.

Burberry Fall/Winter 2012
Burberry Fall/Winter 2012
Burberry Fall/Winter 2012

With the sun out, it’s hard to imagine what you will want to be wear during the fall. For Fall 2012, Burberry makes you want to feel a chill in the air. Here are some hot looks that will make the sun feel cold. It’s not just about trench coats anymore.

Burberry Fall/Winter 2012
Burberry Fall/Winter 2012
Burberry Fall/Winter 2012

Muse Profile: Jacqueline Conoir

Vancouver’s Première Designer

It’s a lot of fun checking out stylish cities of the world, and attending famous fashion week schedules, but I live in Vancouver. In my own little city, known for many amazing things, fashion is not always one of them. However, we have been blessed with a handful of stylish designers that have earned a place in our city and internationally. Jacqueline Conoir’s designer, Rozemerie Cuevas, is one Vancouver designer on top.  Established in 1985, Rozemerie Cuevas has taken her collection, named after her grandmother to extraordinary heights.

Jacqueline Conoir: Spring/Summer 2012
Jacqueline Conoir: Spring/Summer 2012
Jacqueline Conoir: Spring/Summer 2012

This Spring Rozemerie created a new exciting younger collection named, JAC, which is edgy and fresh. Both collections, Jacqueline Conoir and JAC, service modern women fashion needs, but each reflect individual flare. JAC is full of fun and interesting fabrications, while Jacqueline Conoir, still fun, is upscale sophistication.

JAC Collection: Spring/Summer 2012
JAC Collection: Spring/Summer 2012
JAC collection

I have used both collections for styling jobs, and it’s always a home run when I hit the studio to pull.  From print ads to red carpets, Rozemerie has proven that she is a stylist dream, while dressing the everyday women. Her new 8000sf boutique studio services clients and wardrobe needs with personal stylist that are always on hand to guide you through your shopping experience.

MUSE CLOSET STYLING: Jacquline Conoir Design
MUSE CLOSET STYLING: Jacquline Conoir Design
Jacquline Conoir Staff Stylist;  model in middle styled by staff

Here are some looks from her Spring/Summer 2012 collection, and a Muse Closet exclusive video from her Fall/Winter 2012 runway collections.

Jacqueline Conoir: Spring/Summer 2012
Jacqueline Conoir: Spring/Summer 2012
Jacqueline Conoir: Spring/Summer 2012
JAC collection
RozeMerieCuevas

Closet Confession: Dear Anna

Ms. Wintour

Dear Anna,

After years of trying to write you a letter, I thought I would put one on my blog. After watching you on the Colbert Report (Wednesday, May 9, 2012), I love you. Not only did you match wits with Stephen, you slammed his style, while supporting gay marriage. A proven professional, you never miss a beat.

Anna-Wintour-Met-Gala-2012
“Schiaparelli And Prada: Impossible Conversations” Costume Institute Gala

What I love about Ms. Wintour is that her style is always consistent. Her signature bob haircut has become timeless, while her mid-calf length skirts, dresses, and… I don’t think I’ve seen her in pants?  Her style has become synonymous with elegance, I confess: calf-length is my favourite skirt length.

Anna Wintour and Sarah Mower
anna-main

Anna is one of the few magazine editors that has become, not only famous for her style and attitude, but like Simon Cowell, she has made mean cool–well, only when you know what you’re talking about. You have to love a women who knows how to state her opinion looking fabulous!

annaWintour_100609

To be on top for over 20 years, takes not only guts, or a lust for power, but true love and passion. Anna has taken the fashion world and combined it with American spending power, which has turned American Vogue into the Bible of style. Not always the most ground breaking in editorial photography, Vogue is relatable to everyone. For me, a magazine can only dominate when it is based on replication, therefore a look can be achieved by the viewer. A great example is what I call mall pop-stars. Any major artist who breaks into the pop scene must have a look that can be bought at any local mall–Britney and Madonna’s debut albums. This is what creates relatable fashion and followers.

OB-NA846_0411ma_G_20110315143301
OB-NF228_0411ma_G_20110324121044

Vogue may give the most high-end look, but it is one that is achieved on many levels, from major fashion designers to Zara, looks can be repeated by way of emulation. This accessibility, I believe, is what has kept Wintour on top. You may not like her method or attitude, but you have to respect her dedication to fashion.

anna-wintour3

MC.

Muse Profile: Y3

Yohji Yamamoto: Shoe Fetish

The shoe seen round the world, Willow Smith sporting the Y3 high heel shoe, which was captured by every photographer for Spring 2012. I love the shoe!! Most talk shows and “news” shows kept talking about the price. Who cares, real fashion lovers don’t care about price, only style!!! Fuck the price, credit cards take care of that problem.

willow-smith-shoes
willow-smith-shoes: Y3
willow-smith-shoes-photos
Y3 Shoe

What Willow Smith’s fantastic shoe choice made me think about was Yohji Yamamoto. Before Rick Owens ruled street style, Yohji Yamamoto was giving us exaggerated shapes, while blending 80’s Punk into high fashion. Today, he uses Hip-Hop’s shapes, layered with 80’s Punk, and Hipper chic, if we can blend all those together. Well he did.

Y3-SPRING-2012-RTW-PODIUM-003_runway
Y3-SPRING-2012-RTW-PODIUM-026_runway
Y3-SPRING-2012-RTW-PODIUM-023_runway

Yohji Yamamoto’s Y3 collection, is a connection to street style. Willow Smith is a great example of how we can take apart what is on the runway and make it our own. Labels have become a thing of the past, as every Tom, Dick, and Sally sporting an LV logo bag. Today, real fashionistas still like designer fashion, but look, shape, and context mean so much more.

Y3-SPRING-2012-RTW-PODIUM-010_runway
Y3-SPRING-2012-RTW-PODIUM-054_runway
Y3-SPRING-2012-RTW-PODIUM-021_runway

Y3 takes all of Yohjo Yamamoto’s main ideas and makes them practical. Made in part with Adidas, Y3 can not be looked at as the little brother to Yohji, but a full on individual brand. Not made for everyone, Y3 take guts and confidence to wear. Goal for Spring, something Y3 to ignite my Spring wardrobe. What about you?

Y3-SPRING-2012-RTW-PODIUM-050_runway
Y3-SPRING-2012-RTW-PODIUM-031_runway
Y3-SPRING-2012-RTW-PODIUM-015_runway

MC.