“Fågeln” by Orschel-Read

For autumn/winter 2010, Stefán Orschel-Read has prepared a collection entitled “Fågeln,” which means ‘birds’ in Swedish.

Besides female birds, Stefán drew his inspiration from several sources.

First, he looked to the ceiling murals within the Storkyrkan (‘the Great Church’), which, built in 1279, is the cathedral located next to the Royal Palace in Stockholm, Sweden.

Secondly, Stefán designed the collection with an eye to William Morris (1834–1896), English textile designer who was influenced by medieval tapestry and embroideries, much based on nature.

Orschel-Read was launched in 2008, after Stefán had graduated from Central Saint Martin’s with honors in Menswear.

Stefán also received a Master’s degree from the Royal College of Art.



Photo & slideshow 2010 autumn/winter collection Copyright Orschel-Read.

Spring Color Trends & a Happy Easter!

Today is Easter Sunday when millions around the world are celebrating the holiday in one way or another. Regardless of whether we believe in the significance or not, in the northern hemisphere spring is here—a time in which all of Nature seems to come back to life in wonderful Technicolor!

This morning when I awoke, I began to think of the spring color palette, not at any recent fashion week but rather on Nature’s runway! Meanwhile, since it is a religious holiday for so some many countries, I also began reflecting on how, throughout history, religion has dictated the dress codes of followers.

At times, the dress code has been dark, drab, and dreary as with the old-time Pentecostals. At other times, the garb has been vibrant and colorful as with Buddhist priests or Catholic cardinals.

I remember the first time I took a ride to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where a religious group by the name of the Amish live. Everyone was dressed plainly in muted colors, except for the men of some progressive sects, who wore different colored shirts.

The Amish trace their beginnings back to 1693 in Switzerland, migrating to Pennsylvania in the 18th century. Dress to the Amish is a serious issue as it symbolizes their devotion. Some leaders allow flashier colors, as long as they are found in nature.

I pondered on this thought today: How would men dress if they allowed Nature to determine their color palette and styles? So, I grabbed my camera and took a walk, snapping away.

I learned a lesson: to be like Nature! Be bold, be happy, and be colorful!

Happy Easter & Happy Spring!

Photos Copyright Men's Fashion by Francesco.

2010 Autumn/Winter: “uncommon creatures”

Recently I came across a new line of menswear out of Denmark. I thought the best way to introduce you to the label, uncommon creatures, was for the designers to present themselves in their own words:

“uncommon creatures AW 10 is the debut fashion collection created by Copenhagen-based duo Christina Højris Ottosen and Jens Kold-Christensen.

‘The inspiration to the AW10 collection occurred on a very random Monday evening. I’m sitting in the subway heading for Brooklyn, when a young orthodox Jew enters the train and sits down right in front of me. I can’t help but stare at his snake curls and his huge black hat. He obviously noticed my starring and responds with a nod and a ”Yeah, I know.” I immediately start playing with the possibility of creating a fashion collection inspired by orthodox Jewish style. And here we are.’ (Jens Kold-Christensen)

The silhouette of uncommon creatures is avant-garde and raw while keeping a high degree of simplicity.

The AW10 collection sends the wearer on an anachronistic journey where essential aesthetic elements of various Judaistic societies are used as a central theme. This is visualised and expressed both through simple styles, the recognisable hats, and lengths but also through knitwear depicting orthodox Jews and east orthodox crosses. All styles are created in a dark and monochrome colour scheme.

In terms of CSR, uncommon creatures does not use organic fabrics, neither do we pay Indian child labourers an extra cent a week. Instead, uncommon creatures has chosen to use the already existing Danish textile industry by using Danish produce, importers and manufacturers, so as not to outsource the entire production of the collection.”



Photo, slideshow & text Copyright uncommon creatures.