maria & sophia designs

Japan Japan Japan

2011-10-26T07:32:00.001-07:00

After not blogging for a while want to say something. Not because I want a following or a place at University and, 'I'll follow your blog and you follow mine'.
Someone said if you say the same word 3 times you wont forget it. Lets keep remembering Japan and how immensely focused and brave they have been and the strength they need to nurture their future orphans. Their behavior is a lesson to us all.
I have designed some t-shirts and would like to get them made and donate some of the profits to their charity. I have done illustrations and have strong ideas how I want them designed but I want quality manufacturers on board with me. My t-shirts are better than Karl Largerfeld (whom I usually love) and the rest of the designers who have made a limp attempt because of their names. xxxx

all copyright is owned by Marie Ryder

Hurray for Howell!!

2010-12-14T02:38:00.000-08:00

The British have landed - thank goodness. This woman has the most beautiful subtle designs. She knows about art, structure, fashion, and design. I think her Fine Art degree has set her up to look in her own way to have her own view without copying the trends, yet remaining contemporary and original. She uses luxury fabrics which suit the structure of the clothes, effortless but make you feel good. People say she creates an androgynous look but I think it's a wearable yet feminine and sexy without the overstatement of the Barbie tag (see how nice the models look). She should be even more renown for her work but I love her quintessential englishness. If Isabel Murant designs with the french in mind Howell reflects on her english roots. I'd love to wear her clothes because they would NOT restrict my way of life.

Christmas dresses

2010-12-10T01:15:00.000-08:00

Where to look for Christmas dresses? Obviously depends on your income, spending allowance or compulsion. I did notice average prices and with some originality and quality yet remaining contemporary in Zara. I didn't see this dress in the shop, I saw it on line, but I think the tulip shape is interesting and it looks amazing on the model - (this picture might be a fridge sticker over Christmas - I don't think father Christmas will get me this look at least I'll make some attempt) . It's red, its, short, its pretty and its Christmas!!

I think the red lipsticks reflecting the dress helps to make the whole image look incredible. What do you think. Please feel free to leave a message.

Proud Pringle

2010-11-29T05:13:00.000-08:00

Pringle of Scotland 2011

2010-11-29T05:01:00.000-08:00

Pringle of Scotland 2011 this label is so exciting, timeless and subtle yet modern and beautiful, in fact very modern without the fancy dress element. It's so much harder to make modern, interesting clothes in this subtle way using so many creative elements - fancy dress stuff is much more obvious and easy.

At first, I thought the s/s 2011 Collection was not as exciting as a/w 2010 as this was amazing full of luxury and strong dominant ideas but the more I looked at s/s 2011 Collection I realise how beautiful, light and worthy of attention it is.

In my view Pringle of Scotland Collection is probably the best work on the catwalk, just look carefully and find the subtly within it.

Irish Influences in Fashion

2010-11-22T00:30:00.000-08:00

Just been having a look at some Irish dancing costumes - they would make an

interesting start to some design ideas. Dismissing the obvious decoration (which I know is a very strong statement), or this can be used subtly working around this for ideas for my designs. Lets see what happens? I'll be looking at shapes, textures, trims/embroidery and colours and see if anything else pops up.

Anna's Advice

2010-10-14T06:22:00.000-07:00

I wasn't surpised to read about the Rodarte sisters' comment regarding Anna Wintour stating she has given the best help in the fashion industry by advising them to keep control of their work - they've followed this ethic allowing them to remain creative and consistently develop each collection. I love the way they investigate and push boundaries it stops the dullness that

we can allow in our lives by conforming and and accepting. We can all push the boundaries.

Anna Wintour is more than just a Fashion Editor she has proven invaluable to the world of creativity with the outstanding knowledge it's no wonder she has no time for pretense. It's good to see she does have time to encourage young designers.

Kane's Catwalk

2010-10-13T01:26:00.003-07:00

Kanes

2010-10-13T01:26:00.001-07:00

Christopher Kane S/S2011 Ready to wear

2010-10-13T01:11:00.000-07:00

The clothes speak for themselves. Apparently the best quality materials are used, cashmere, leather, silks, hand embroidered work - well that's a good start. Although his collection shadows a conservative twist, it's brought up to an avant-garde and totally original collection.

He has a daring and experimental use of colour, fabrics and the mixing of colours and and fabrics. Just above-the-Knee skirts are evident. Reminiscent of Pringle Twin-set Cardigans are part of this Collection. He seems to have introduced at least 3 themes into this collection.

It would be good to see the images first-hand , getting a close-up of the fabrics and the detail in the material is all important to actually see the quality of the clothes. He looks to me like his status as a fashion Designer has just got even stronger.

Marant's Models

2010-10-04T03:30:00.000-07:00

Marant's Models

2010-10-04T03:16:00.000-07:00

Isabel Murant states, she wears her clothes for the evening and if it's not comfortable it doesn't go in the collection. She does have a great ethic, to consider the female figure, although if a lot of models buy her clothes, (her comments) that doesn't account for the rest of the female population. She does make some lovely feminine twists in her collections but I think a lot of her work does cover the tall, slim, model-like figure saying that I haven't been in her shop to see how 'real the clothes are', ie., do they actually fit the less catwalk worthy? mmmmmhhh, I wonder! I've just seen her Spring/Summer collection skateboard and soccer influences, some nice stuff, especially if you're a 14 year old skateboarder or a 6' model.

London Fashion Week for 2011

2010-09-23T00:57:00.000-07:00

OK, first review Jonathan Saunders, beautiful light prints with shots of colour, yellow, orange and light blue. The colours are not boring even though they have subtly and class as he does have an aesthetic eye for colour and naturally understands how to use it. Although, he states he used art influences, such as, Pollock (also known as, 'Jack the Dripper' - you'll see why when you look at his work) and Allen Jones. I'm not seeing these obvious influences in his in prints regarding colour, line (Pollock) and primary colours Allen Jones liked to use but Saunders is clever enough, not to let himself copy these artists but trigger a starting point, as he conveys, using the freedom (Pollock) in some of the print patterns but tames them with constructed, thick, bold lines of colour (Allen Jones).

After al the 'bunff' in the above paragraph I like his work, as it's wearable, individual and yet classy. I particularly like the white-on-white print on one of the dresses, almost looks embossed - nice!

All Vogues

2010-09-21T01:35:00.000-07:00

Just been researching French Vogue Editor, Carine Roitfeld, she sounds quite interesting, imagining stories for her shots. Now I would like to read the French Vogue to see her style. I don't get the American Vogue but I have seen the film, "The September Issue", which gives me some insight into the very strong character of Wintour and quite rightly so - you can't be a 'drip' running a magazine like that, although she's amazingly like a headmistress that I know. Shulman, British Vogue Editor, in my opinion, should not be overshadowed by any of these. She offers, not only glamour and culture but creativity and good, well-written articles. The creative side to her gives her an imaginative, artistic, then becoming personal and intelligent eye - she is, in my view, our, 'English Rose', we should be proud of as we have the best Vogue!

All the research does make me realize that I would like to read all Vogues to see what they have got to offer and the differences between them. I don't know if it would make any difference to any of the magazines or indeed the industry, promoting brands etc. but it would be fun!

British Vogue October Issue 2010

2010-09-20T02:06:00.000-07:00

I haven't read it all yet, as I like to take my time and enjoy the magazine, even study it, Yes I admit I do! I'll tackle the front cover first. Sadly, the very recognizable Cheryl Cole, although looking pretty in such beautiful, ultra-feminine dresses also looks vacant (and in the words of the very controversial band, I shouldn't even have to name them) leaning more towards, "Pretty Vacant". As I flick through he mag. even the Dries Van Noten Parka stands alone as a better model than the vacancy behind Cheryl',s 'hazy, gazy' look. The Vanessa Bruno ad. makes me stop and turn my head on its side to view the image almost like like the reaction you get when you look at George Basalitz's upside-down art work. I realize the difference in the professional models, such as, Karlie Klass on page 280, as the puppet, Petrushka, angle poised, is subtly clever and makes you understand why she is at the top of her game. I think this is an image takes her and Vogue through to a higher level.

Love the images and title of, 'Quiet Storm" particularly page 293, as the model's pose echos the almost silhouette tree whilst wearing the beautiful, sculptured skirt designed by Yohji Yamamoto.

Go Marc Jacobs with your witty, daring, yet just keeping your modesty, 'Bang' campaign - you SpongeBob fan you and no squarepants in sight, although I don't know what's lurking under your kilt.

There are lots of beautiful things in the Vogue, the mag. is still well worth buying, I'm looking forward to reading the rest of it and the article on Pringle always interesting in my opinion.
love Maria xoxo

Since then I've found out Cheryl Cole was practically dying of malaria but still managed to complete her job. Well done Cheryl for your guts and determination she has staying power that's why she's where she is now. Although I think she's pretty I still don't think she is a good model.

spring tasters 2011 Rag and Bone and Pringle of Scotland

2010-09-17T01:36:00.000-07:00

Just had a look at a taster for spring Rag and Bone website and the dastardly duo strike again! They show hints of warfare in strapping, strings and angular lines along side the peace and naturalness of the feminine flowing chiffon: The youthfulness of layering and their signature tailoring

of jackets. Bravely, they enter the realms of metallic and somehow make it cool by adding a white trim to some of their garments.

Pringle have there usually classy, experimental and individual look, mixing pinks and red so beautifully and the keeping the little black dress modern and fresh.

Pringle or Primark?

2010-09-14T03:35:00.000-07:00

Well, do I really have to ask? Yes, that's why I'm writing this. Pringle's trousers, black, cashmere - just beautiful! the kind of garment that you put on and it wears well... always. I could have these trousers for years and they would always look beautiful. That's what fashion and identity is about not just following the next trend but reinventing something beautiful when you wear it. The pattern cutting is probably fitted to compliment the human form not to massacre your figure by outlining last night cheesecake or cutting the crutch area in two just to squeeze into your normal size: unlike Primark's which is always on the ungenerous side to save a bit more of the blended nylon fabrics they use. The materials Pringle uses are luscious and soft next to your skin. Ok, so now I'll tackle Primark. Of course it's fine for a few cheap tops, bedsocks and the odd thing. I will buy some cheap tee shirts from there so I have plenty of choice of colours but will want to save for at least one nice garment so my wardrobe won't look so full of tac. We can't always buy all expensive but the at least one garment a season or a year is well deserved it does make a difference. I'm usually shocked to see how many garments and how much money people spend in Primark and wonder why don't they just buy one good thing and still have plenty of money left over for lots of Primark basics? Fashion, to me, is not just about running out and buying the seasons trend but buying beautiful garments that suits you.
Maria xoxo

Design ideas

2010-09-09T00:48:00.001-07:00

Thought I'd download some designs I've made for christmas

Seeing what the fabric can do for itself.

2010-09-09T00:34:00.000-07:00

Been busy lately designing clothes and will put them on my blog when I've finished. Looking at the Vogue of an evening studying the construction of garments it can be so specific and detailed there's a lot more to a pretty garment than meets the eye. My lesson yesterday was letting the fabric work for itself so stand back and see what the fabric can do and nice surprises can happen. OK back to work now find more surprises! bye xoxo

Stories in Fashion

2010-09-08T00:53:00.000-07:00

I watched a Paul Smith video on utube referring to his latest collection. He found a second-hand tailored jacket in a market, looked in the lining and discovered a title Lady's name and... voila! built a modern day story from his imagination. This is why he remains a forerunner in fashion - he hasn't left his collection in the past, he's modernized it, added twists and delved into his imagination creating his story about this lifestyle.

2010-09-08T00:51:00.000-07:00

Who am I today? Eclectic Taste

2010-08-31T21:10:00.000-07:00

Vogues catwalk special for Autumn/winter 2010:

Such choices… On occasions I want to be the Jane Eyre, 'All Woman', in the black buckled and buttoned up Dries Van Noten, stating most categorically, my thinking serious days but still remaining a woman. The no-nonsense, stylish, yet, get-the-job-done look as more pressing issues ensue.

Why do I love the "Lace" pages? The Valentino maxi flowing with luscious lace and hints of pink flesh underneath steaming with femininity. Roberto Cavalli's creamy/pink maxi glides up the catwalk like the princess we all want to be – not today though, right place, right time. Marc Jacobs has the edge with the dress I would like in my wardrobe because it can cover all occasions as well as being beautiful and original – This one goes on my fantasy list.

My special night out I would want the Louis Vuitton pink background with attached black, what looks like chiffon subtly swaying as I walk (or possibly fall over in my high platforms and heels).

Mostly I want to be the girls in the Marc Jacobs mustard glamour grunge jumpers and skirts and the Dries Van Noten purple maxi with the brown tee shirt not forgetting the cool sunglasses. The pairing of the contrasting fabrics, the hard and the soft remind me of the functional and feminine. The freedom of movement in wearing these clothes provide this function and the beauty and femininity of them is the essence of pleasure. So I win on both accounts.

Why shouldn’t we be… Whatever we want to be on that day.

Pringle Autumn 2010

2010-08-31T13:01:00.001-07:00

Pringle Autumn 2010- Not much makes me look forward to winter but this is very close.

Just looked at Clare Waight Keller’s Pringle Collection Autumn, 2010. Sooo imaginative and unusual. Mixing fabrics, hard and soft seemingly sitting together like they were made to be there. Shapes, angles of straight lines unevenly placed with pleats when it suits and turned back edges revealing the inside of the garment and the prominent zips with no apologies for the flaps shown this reminds me of the architecture of the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, not so much transparent but showing the construction of the building revealing the workings of it – maybe used a decorative feature – I don’t know, but it works, it really works.

What I want to know is why Clare Waight Keller and the Pringle Collection isn’t even more renown for her/their work, it’s not only beautiful but functional. Pringle should be Proud!

2010-08-20T12:30:00.001-07:00

Must mention the little red dress more modern than a Chris de Burgh song.

2010-08-20T12:18:00.000-07:00

2010-08-20T11:58:00.000-07:00

Just to let you know some new designs from Maria & Sophia. The black organza overdress, one with double satin ribbon trim and the other has vintage-style lace, works with shorts underneath or a dark underskirt. Can be worn with boots or high heels, take your pick? Another new design is a brown and orange jumper with a black elasticated frill around the neck and above the chest. It is short, up to the waist, with elongated sleeves.

The vintage style floral skirt is paired with stripes, yes, stripes! why not?
maria xoxo

INSPIRATION

2010-08-12T05:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon, walking around the city centre looking for some examples of street style to be inspired by but unfortunately it wasn't a brilliant day for fashion. I recollected my thoughts and realised my favourite place for fashion and culture - PARIS (of course!!!!). So I thought I would share a few pictures with you. They aren't of people but sometimes I find buildings and architecture inspire me more for style than peoples outfits. For example the structure of the Eiffel Tower could be said has a resemblance to a past Christopher Kane collection.
http://trendland.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/christopher-kane-fw09-1.jpg

Vogue - The September Issue 2010

2010-08-08T05:26:00.000-07:00

Oh how my days are happy when I see the huge, chunky, glossy September issue of Vogue sitting on the shelves of WHSmith. Without hesitation I pick it up, quickly thumb it and decide my life would never be the same if I bought it.

Vogue, to me is something of a necessity and I can't help but fall for it every time. So when I saw Kate Moss on the cover, I thought ok this should be brilliant. For me the articles in Vogue are beautifully written, with linguistic structures that are so clever, but I have to admit the photographs make it for me: the interesting settings, the stunning models and most importantly the gorgeous clothes. Hmph. Well, I can not say that the magazine delivers this. The shots entitled 'and God created woman' are perfectly shot but model, Guinevere Van Seenus is more than enough to put you off looking at them. Yes I know that's harsh but it's also very true. Then my eyes are also plagued by model and singer Jamie Bochert. The shoot would be fine if it was two photos with an interesting article but oh no we are subjected to 7 incredibly dull and quite frankly scary shots of Jamie, who could easily be mistaken as a man with ambiguity being taken to a new level.

So on to my favourite section!!!! MORE DASH THAN CASH. The clothes used were stunning as usual, highlighting this seasons trend for celebrating the woman. (skinny, skinny model with no boobs or bum - wow not being hypocritical there are we Vogue?) I thought Gaps cotton anorak £59.50 was paired perfectly with the House of Fraser cotton silk dress, tied together with that all important thin belt. However of course the wool military blazer by Zadig & Voltaire would win the fashion face off every time but the River Island parka, £70, is a great contender and a definite staple item for the winter, giving elegance a twist, when paired with a knee length skirt.

I could talk forever about this months issue of Vogue but I shall shush myself as my ability to ramble takes control of my writing.

I'll let you make up your own mind but please leave a comment on your view it's great to hear everyones opinion!!!!
So is Kate Moss the model over? Is Vogue better than Elle? (Of course!!!!)

lots of love as always

Maria & Sophia
xoxo

WHITNEY EVE - FALL 2010

2010-08-04T06:24:00.000-07:00

So after watching too many episodes of The City and consuming every second of fashion that was thrown in front of my eyes, making me want to clear my whole wardrobe and cry because the girls just look AMAZING, I thought why not review the Whitney Eve collection fall 2010.

Hmmmm, it's hard to know where to start with this. The materials she used seem cheap looking and the vile, velvet multi-coloured leopard skin tops, dresses, trousers just look tacky. I think the collection is disappointing, especially considering her Spring 2010 showed so much potential. As an aspiring designer, unique designs with a signature style is essential, whilst considering the seasons trends, however she lacks these two things considerably, seeming to design clothes that she would like to wear, rather than something new that we can all crave. Personally I'd buy from Topshop before I'd buy from Whitney Eve fall 2010 collection. The prices are ridiculously high for clothes that don't deserve to be labelled as designer.

Considering Whitney dresses so beautifully on The City, I was surprised at the collection. Personally, I feel that although not copying the fashion she does need to incorporate some of the latest trends as that's how natural progression occurs from line to line, also creating a clear theme and focus in the collection.

I know I have completely criticised Whitney Eve but I did like the Farrah dress, which I think could transfer from day to night elegantly but again 'could do better' is my final evaluation. However, after saying that, I would still be really interested to see her next collection because I do think she has a beautiful personal style and an obvious eye for fashion so hopefully she can pull through and make us all fall under her style spell.

love as always
xoxo

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2010-08-03T08:03:00.001-07:00

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Marc by Marc Jacobs fall 2010 collection

2010-08-03T07:09:00.000-07:00

Eugh technology!!!! Finally got the blog sorted (I hope!).

On to more important issues like my obsession with Marc by Marc Jacobs. His fall 2010 collection was something that made me question why I really do like him. After reading a host of reviews, like The Times article by Luke Leitch, I understood the disappointment of the multitude of khaki and black on the runway. However, after a while I thought about it and realised the natural progression, as although not new and inventive, I think he has considered his customer and understood that the younger generation love to follow a certain fashion, so with the green parkas filling shops, a tribute to the end of Oasis maybe, it seems like a natural thing to move on and due to his recent love of celebrating the feminine form, move khaki from grunge to beautiful elegance and make the oh-so-Kate-Moss-I'm-at-a-festival-and-ridiculously-gorgeous-I can-throw-a-masculine-jacket-on-and-look-amazing-and-cool a thing of the past. Well this is certainly my interpretation, but admittedly I will always love the grunge look so marc's collection didn't excite me as much as I hoped or as much as it will probably excite Olivia Palermo (bleurghhhhh).

Anyway, on to the obvious trends that will be HUGE, yes HUGE, this autumn. One thing that is being consistently used is the thin brown belt, origin - the vintage indie look made incredibly popular with the new London IT girls like Alexa Chung. So this thin brown belt, I love the way it can travel from vintage to smart elegant reflecting the colours of the autumn atmosphere. Now I come to think of it the whole collection seemed very in touch with nature, sticking to traditional autumn colours.

Another thing I did pick up on were the dresses, which stemmed from his Louis Vuitton collection and Marc Jacobs show as they again were designed to accentuate a woman's form, unfortunately the super skinny, girls didn't accentuate the dresses enough. However, with the slightly and therefore elegant plunging necklines and floaty bottom half it was enough to bring the past in to the future. A few of the prints for the dresses did remind me of Christmas wrapping paper but his genius of shape and cute grey ankle socks made the look very high end.

A favourite dress of mine was definitely the lace one. With our eyes being constantly hurt by Primark's never ending racks of cheap lace nylon designs (if you can call them that), it was so refreshing to see this years essential lace dress reworked with a high neck and a unique lace pattern - BEAUTIFUL!!!!

All in all, what I love about Marc by Marc Jacobs is the way he sticks to his traditional preppy look but never fails to rework it in to young and trendy styles, usually with colour but this time he even managed to make black and khaki smart and strict lines cool and young, rather than Halifax banker uniform. So Marc, military, preppy, 50's, Victorian, Christmas wrapping paper, and one dodgy romper suit later, you always seem to make fashion a style and an attitude rather than another item to throw away come May.

Welcome fashionista's

2010-07-15T08:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Fashionista's,

We'd like to say welcome to our amazing new blog!!!! We want to keep you up to date with the fashion industry and show you our latest clothes collections.

We all love fashion and no one can deny its importance in the world. An unfortunate label that comes with fashion, not the price tag, is the connontation that it is insipid and does nothing to contribute to the world, however, the simple fact alone, that it is the second biggest industry in society, proves it is a way of changing culture and values, as well as, the character and personality of each individual. Fashion is beautiful and practical as well as being a form of expression that can never die.

So lets continue fashion revolutions forever and ever!!!!!!!

Lots of love

Maria & Sophia

xoxo