Katie Jones Spring 2016

Katie Jones is a true revolutionary, proving that recycled and reclaimed materials can be just as beautiful, if not more. By marrying ethical consumerism with vibrant colors and motifs her visually striking approach is distinct from any of her contemporaries. For Spring 2016 she's knitted up another storm of color and texture, proving that her material of choice isn't just for Fall. Vibrant crop tops, crocheted mini skirts and drawstring bucket bags are just some of the items she's lovingly crafted which seem perfect for a day at the seaside. The collection looks it's best and brightest in front of a festive cactus, hot pink backdrop and studio lighting channeling Marina and the Diamond's latest album, Froots. In fact, I wouldn't be at all surprised if some inspiration was taken from the British songstress. The whole collection is a mashup of British iconography, best described as a mashup of pop stars and British celebrities from two different eras, the present-day and swinging 1960s. In a single phrase: Twiggy meets Froots. 

In case the reference wasn't obvious, the intense artificial lighting and vibrant colors is reminiscent of Marina and the Diamond's latest album cover, and the bold eyeliner was championed by the mod model Twiggy. Their sum is greater than their equal parts and when combined, has created something just as iconic, playful and innovative. Leather patches, crochet, plastic and yarn are used as a highly unusual canvas, upon which, Jones has created a landscape of festive clothing. Every season she reinvents the humble denim jacket, emblazoned with her own range of iconography in the form of stars, hearts and flowers. If you were lucky enough to attend this year's Port Elliot Festival, you might have even attended her workshop and incorporated some of these leather offcuts in a Katie Jones inspired DIY. This season is no exception, although baggy jumpers and the most amazing pair of custom jeans were also in the mix. Basically, those jeans are everything I want and more from a pair of pants.

If you've read my reviews of her work before, you'll know I'm a big fan of her work and modus operandi. Sidebar: If you're particularly interested in ethical design, I recommend keeping up with Katie Jones on twitter or instagram, or by checking out the hashtag, #WASTENOT. While some designers struggle to make it a part of their business model, or only achieve some form of tokenism in their approach, Katie Jones ensures it's an integral part of her identity as a designer. The techniques she employs only promotes this knack for reclaimed and recycled materials, but it's so interesting that a young and relatively new designers has taken on this approach with such fantastical results. She's also really grown her brand laterally this season, putting greater emphasis on accessories, such as the pom pom earrings, hair ribbons and custom crochet sandals, a collaboration with Juju footwear. It's only a matter of time before she's able to make her work a commercial success, and I for one cannot wait.

Kissed by a rose

Wearing: Vintage blouse, Simone Rocha X J Brand jeans and Dr Martens boots.

You know that little voice inside your head that tells you not to buy a really nice pair of jeans without trying them on first? I think it's called common sense? Apparently, I don't have any. I bought these jeans without double-checking whether they'd fit me properly. To be fair the last time I bought a pair of jeans was probably seven years ago and since then I haven't fallen in love with a pair I had to have. Simone Rocha's collaboration with J Brand proved an exception to the rule, combining her unique silhouettes with rigid denim in stark contrast to her sheer dresses. Unfortunately the collaboration was so expensive and sold out really quickly. I bought these on eBay for a song but they don't fit me (you can totally hide an undone zipper with loose shirttails guys, it's fine). I really love the frilly embellishments and the colour is so unique, but I don't know if I should keep them or not! Have you ever loved a piece of clothing that didn't fit you? 

Does this black match?

BEHOLD THE EMBODIMENT OF QUINN MORGENDORFFER THE ORACLE OF ALL WISDOM!!!

Wearing: Thrifted jeans and fuzzy cardigan, Deadly Ponies bag, Dr Martens boots, gifted bangle, Katzi stud ring, Alex Monroe daisy ring.

For the last several weeks I have been sorting through coal as large as boulders and finer than grains of sand. Consequently my clothes are often covered in a fine dirt at the end of the day and I consider myself lucky on days when it doesn't smudge my face. Wearing all black was the easiest way to combat but this still remain an air of mystery and elegance. However, this does not reflect my personal style and on these days I do not feel my most confident. Experimenting with texture allowed me to feel creative, but it's wearing my rings and bracelets that gave me my greatest satisfaction. Although it's slightly too big for my rather child-like wrists I loved the weight and gravitas of this ornate bangle and stacking my rings upon one another. Rather tentatively they matched the hardware of my handbag which really ties this outfit together.

Snot

I hope everyone's as excited about flu season and snotty tissues as I am! Just kidding, but I do think when artists interpret the gooey insides of our noses the results are spectacular albeit extremely exaggerated in both color and texture. Maybe it's the way it glistens it shimmers under light or the fact I am still obsessed with kitschy things from Easter but I wish I had more opportunities to wear spring green in winter. On the other hand maybe this season I will wear cute face masks and keep all my snotty goodness to myself. Ammerman Schlösberg had some cute ones for their latest collection Furry Hospital but these were in reference to Guro subculture specifically, rather than mild colds.
 
1- vintage Versace jeans, 2- Symantha Rose jewellery, 3- Kate Rohde necklace, 4- Ksubi custom jeans.