FASHION ACCESS and CASHMERE WORLD to take place in Hong Kong September 25-27.

For more information on participating in FASHION ACCESS and Cashmere World, contact Lucia Carpio on My Fashion Connect or send us a comment.

Carola van Dyke's Taxidermy animals and cushions turn heads.

Ever feel sometimes you're being watched?  

I was perusing the aisles at the Pulse London 2014 show held at Earls Court this week and found these characters looking down on me.  They are designer Carola Van Dyke’s realistic and expressive taxidermy textile animal heads.

Equally realistic and adorable are her cushions with cool animals' faces - posting as if their portraits are being taken. 

 Done individually and entirely by hand, these lovely home accessories are made up of an eclectic mix of vintage and modern fabrics in studios in the South of England. 

The “cast of characters” range from Highland bulls to Shetland ponies, brown country hares to pheasants and stags. Don’t forget swans, cockatoo, tree frogs, and even a whale and a Bambi. For dog lovers there are poodles, bulldogs, golden Retrivers, Jack Russells, spaniels and bull terriers, and more.

Carola van Dyke showing at
Pulse London until 13 May.

With a background in textiles and fashion illustration, Carola van Dyke, who spent her childhood in the Netherlands,  is truly an artist with an eye for detail, a passion for colour and a strong connection with her subjects.   I'd like to compare her work with Matisse's cut-outs (currently on show at Tate Modern).  What the great master did with scissors and paper,  Carola does it with scissors and fabrics.  

Another was a collaboration with ceramics company Magpie to produce a collection of crockery featuring her Beasties textiles.  Some examples of the ceramic plates are shown above.

A little admirer at Carola van Dyke's
stand at the Pulse 2014 London show.

One can see why her textile taxidermy heads have been popular since their launch in 2011.  One of her latest projects was to create a display for Liberty London, creating textile animals with Liberty scarves. Carola's uses a wide range of fabrics, from cotton to wool, velvets, tweeds, lace and even old Kilim rugs.
"When I started 4 years ago, I would use odds and ends but now I buy rolls and rolls of fabrics and hire a team of people to fulfill the orders I receive.  But I love the ability to create individual pieces on a personal level,” said Carola.

So what’s next?

“I would love to do people, like historical characters - Queen Victoria, Marie Antoinette or Henry the VIII, or different professional characters that people can identify with” she said.  In Carola's talented hands, these characters would surely come alive.

Visit Carola van Dyke's website to see the full range of her creations.

All pictures by Lucia Carpio for My Fashion Connect.

"flopZ" - flip flops that Massage your feet.

Just when you think it’s safe to go back to the beach, another new brand of flip flops comes along.

The all new “flopZ” is launched this week at the Pulse 2014 trade fair at Earls Court, London.

These are developed by former banker Alan Whittaker and business partner Aga Chervet.  “We got the idea over several beers,” said Whittaker.  The brand eventually was born after two years of research and developments.

 “We were not content with just any regular flip flop so we created our unique feature, a special flopZgel that massages the sole of your feet.” 

The clear textured layer of gel also protects the bright design of the insole and prevents it from fading through hardwearing.  It also keeps the flip flop in shape.  Vibrant designs include images of coral reefs and the sea.

The debut collection comprises of eight styles, each with two thong options including classic clear, pure white, vibrant colour block to a glittering option.  Note also the fish-bone logo.

“flopZ” is showing at PULSELondon  Earls Court on until 13th May 2014.

All photos by Lucia Carpio for My Fashion Connect.

These are no Mickey Mouse.

ASOS X Disney launches exclusive Minnie Mouse ears collection.

The “First Lady” of Disney, Minnie Mouse has a timeless relevance.  With her distinctive silhouette, iconic status, signature bows and distinctive polka dots, Minnie Mouse has inspired an impressive roster of fashion labels and designers worldwide – including Marc Jacobs, Giles Deacon, Lulu Guinness and Richard Nicoll.  

Global fashion online retailer ASOS.com is the latest to collaborate with the stylish Disney icon to launch a range of Minnie Mouse ears headbands for adults.

This collection features a variety of designs to suit a range of individual styles such as “Classic”, “Dotty” and “Blossom” which features a fun floral bow.  Prices start at £10 and will be available from June 2014.

Comics Unmasked - A major exhibition at the British Library in London

Story telling using sequential images has long been a valuable means for exercising one’s freedom of social expression, and many believes this form of expression has been an important part of Western culture.   While many would associate these strips of images with popular culture, a new extensive exhibition in London will shed valuable light on this unique art form, while highlighting the creative British talents who produce them.

What I am referring to is comics.  Now original artwork and scripts by names such as Neil Gaiman, Grant Morrison, Dave Gibbons, China Mieville and Mark Millar – and other giants in the world of comics, are on display under the banner of Comics Unmasked: Art and Anarchy in the UK which has just opened at the British Library.  It runs until 19 August and is a treat for comic lovers, collectors, art admirers, and artists, and novices alike.

The British Library has a vast reserve of comic book art and in sharing their collection with the public, and putting more than 200 exhibits on display the Library has billed this exhibition as UK’s biggest of its kind to date. 

 

On show are engravings, magazines and books, alongside developments in digital, multimedia and installation forms and the rich cross-pollination with the big and small screen.  The exhibition also reveals the alchemic art of combining words and images with displays of early sketches and scripts through to finished full-size original artwork, including specially commissioned work by comics artists Jamie Hewlett and the exhibition’s artistic director Dave McKean.

The show was curated by comic creator John Harris Dunning and leading UK expert Paul Gravett, working with Adrian Edwards, the British Library’s Head of Printed Historical Sources.  

While comics provide entertainment, the curators acknowledged that comics have broken boundaries over centuries and the exhibition  explores many comics and graphic novels which unflinchingly address issues around themes such as politics, sex, violence, race and drugs, but also the inspiration and context behind them.  A special section on sex is also included but this area is designed in such a way that visitors, especially those with children, can bypass it if so desired.

The exhibition looks at intriguing historical figures, from 19th century occultist, magician and writer Aleister Crowley, whose original tarot card painting of ‘The Universe’, on loan from The Warburg Institute, is on display in the UK for the first time since its initial presentation in the 1930s, to H P Lovecraft to Punch and Judy.   

Highlights of the exhibition also include an example of a medieval ‘comic’ from 1470, Apocalypse, a ventriloquist dummy of Ally Sloper, one of the earliest comic strip characters, 70’s underground comics tried at court for obscenity, such as Oz which is accompanied by a previously unheard recording of the Oz trial itself, as well as 21st century material, including original artwork and manuscripts of the likes of Kick-Ass, Sandman and Batman and Robin, and Keaton Henson’s 2012 doll’s house installation, Gloaming, adapted specially for the show.

With an aim to open the exhibition to a wider audience, the Library has recorded a day in the life of four important comic book artists as they work in their studios, including Isabel Greenberg and Posy Simmonds, which appear as life size projections in the show, according to curators John Harris Dunning and Paul Gravett.

John Harris Dunning, co-curator of the show, says: “We hope that this show will stimulate creative disobedience and throw down the gauntlet to young creators – as well as show audiences, who perhaps have not read comics before, what a diverse and exciting medium they are. The demystification of the process of creating comics is a key part of this exhibition, with once in a lifetime opportunities to see original artwork and scripts from comics greats.”

Dave McKean, the artist behind Batman: Arkham Asylum, is just one example of the many British comic creators championed in the exhibition. Showing how British artists and writers have had a huge impact on the industry, Comics Unmasked includes personal loans of original scripts and artwork for British triumphs, including Watchmen, V for Vendetta, Tank Girl, Sandman, as well as examples of how British comic creators have subverted typically American super heroes, like Batman and Superman, and of course politicians and public figures.  Strategically placed around the exhibition are mysterious-looking mannequins wearing street clothes and V for Vendetta masks.

John Harris Dunning, co-curator of the show, says: “We hope that this show will stimulate creative disobedience and throw down the gauntlet to young creators – as well as show audiences, who perhaps have not read comics before, what a diverse and exciting medium they are. The demystification of the process of creating comics is a key part of this exhibition, with once in a lifetime opportunities to see original artwork and scripts from comics greats.”

Adrian Edwards, Head of Printed Historical Sources at the British Library, says: “We’re delighted to be celebrating the tradition of British comics with this landmark exhibition. Few realise how far back the form goes and the Library’s collections are unrivalled.”

Paul Gravett, co-curator of the show, says: “Much more than childhood nostalgia, comics are a powerful adult medium which can reflect and impact on society and change's people minds and lives. From the very start, comics have been cross-pollinating with movies, music, theatre and all the other media and today are on the cutting-edge of digital storytelling and multi-media installation art.”

At a time when digital comics have never been more popular the Library has worked with webcomic pioneer, Daniel Merlin Goodbrey, and digital graphic novel company Sequential to display digital comics and graphic novels around the exhibition, allowing visitors to explore the content further and see the culture shift in the industry. 

For more information or to book tickets for Comics Unmasked visit their website. 

All photos by Lucia Carpio for My Fashion Connect. 

Duchess of Cambridge's choice of Yellow dresses causes shopping frenzies according to eBay

Early this year, world colour authority Pantone announced that a purplish violet colour called Radiant Orchid was to be the key colour of 2014.  Then it was all changed thanks to the unique exhibition of Vincent Van Gogh’s famous Sunflowers at the National Gallery in London and made sunny Yellow the most-sought after colour this Spring.

Now HRH The Duchess of Cambridge has made it official having been sporting yellow dresses on her recent 19-day official visit to New Zealand and Australia with her hubby The Duke – Prince William, and with baby Prince George in tow.

According to eBay, one of the world’s largest marketplaces, the Duchess has triggered a frenzy shopping spree of yellow dresses on its UK site to almost double during the royal family's visit down under.   

eBay reported a staggering 95%* rise in sales of yellow dresses.   In addition, sales of both floral (+94%)** and green dresses (+88%)*** spiked hugely overnight from the moment Kate was pictured wearing these styles during the tour.

eBay spokesperson, Laura Wilkinson-Rea comments, “The Duchess of Cambridge’s wardrobe undeniably affects what’s in when it comes to style-hunting on eBay, with sales consistently skyrocketing after she is photographed in the latest trend. From dresses to must-have accessories, there are loads of brand new items on eBay.co.uk for your yellow fashion fix.”

*eBay internal data: Period of 16th – 20th April 2014

**eBay internal data: Period of 19th – 20th April 2014

***eBay internal data: Period of 12th  - 13th April 2014 

Cashmere World Forum 2014 to take place in September in Hong Kong

Is there a need for a Cashmere Quality Mark? What are the latest technologies and new developments from cashmere producing markets and other precious fibres?  
What are the issues concerning sustainability and caring for the environment?

These are some of the topics that will be discussed in the Cashmere World Forum 2014 slated to take place during the Cashmere World trade fair, September 25-27 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.  The event will also coincide with Fashion Access, the international trade fair for fashion accessories, footwear, bags, and other finished leather products.
Organisers have also announced an International Advisory Committee as well as a panel of Confirmed Speakers for the Forum. For more information on the committee members and speakers of Cashmere World Forum 2014, click HERE.
UK companies interested in participating in Cashmere World, please contact myfashionconnect@gmail.com for more details.