H&M's new head of design is Ann-Sofie Johansson (44). She was hired by the now former head of design Margareta van den Bosch (65) in 1999 as a design assistant for H&M's Divided. Van den Bosch has been with H&M for nearly 30 years and was in charge of 100 designers and pattern makers. She took an important role in the revolution of fast fashion, where deliveries are made to stores on a weekly basis. Her last collection for H&M will be in stores this fall. She will continue to work for H&M, as a creative advisor and on H&M's successful designer collaborations. Ann-Sofie Johansson will start this week as the new head of design.

(Images above by: H&M. Left: Margareta van den Bosch. Right: Ann-Sofie Johansson)

17 January 2008 ― By LP ― News ― 0 Comments

On January 31st 2008 H&M will launch, together with Designers against AIDS, the 'Fashion against AIDS' collection. The initiator of this collaboration, 'Designers Against AIDS' (DAA), is a non-profit organization who wants to influence the public opinion in a positive way by working together with fashion designers, musicians and other artists. In this collaboration Jade Jagger, Katharine Hamnett, the Scissor Sisters, Rihanna and Timbaland joint forces with Designers Against AIDS and H&M. These artists have participated free of charge and designed a range of T-shits, tank tops and hoodies, for the Divided department of H&M, with texts like "Use a condom!", "Believe" and "Stop and think". With this collection Designers Against AIDS wants to raise awareness of the spread of HIV/AIDS among young people. All items are made of 100% certified biological cotton and on the label will be the line ‘This might be the most important piece of clothing you’ve ever had your hands on’.
The prices will fit the H&M philosophy and will variate from € 9,90 to € 29,90. 25% of the proceeds will go to HIV/AIDS-prevention projects around the world. For more information visit the Designers against AIDS website.

(Images by: Daniel Jackson)

16 January 2008 ― By LP ― News, Shop ― 0 Comments

A little over a year ago I was writing my thesis in which I was trying to answer the question: Who is nowadays the author of the fashion industry?

That moment in time there was a switch in inspiration, from the designers to the fast growing amount of street fashion blogs on the internet. In London the Boombox parties became the place to be for young creatives. Every sunday night was a true happening at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen in Shoreditch. The Boombox party was the place to be seen and a stage for designers like Giles Deacon (British Designer of the Year 2006), Gareth Pugh and Henry Holland. The Boombox promoters wanted to attract a crowd of young people dressing up for a night out again and have as much fun as they possible can. Well mission accomplished.
Other clubs tried to equal this success with similar evenings, but only Boombox made it to the American Vogue and the cover of London's Time Out.

The luxurious Brand Burberry launched its new fragrance "Burberry Beat" and invited the East-End club kids to the party. With this Burberry tried to build more street credits and a younger target group. A lot was said about Burberry's new direction but for Boombox this "rent-a-Boombox-crowd" party meant the end. This was also confirmed at the time by the people from the Boombox scene, the new years eve party of 2008 will be the last official Boombox party.

In my thesis I also asked the question if there still is room for subcultures in the world today. I tried to answer this question by doing a case study on these new Blitzkids. Curious of what was going to happen and how it would develop. But the party is over and now, seven months after finishing my thesis, I might be able to answer this question. Maybe there is still room for subcultures but the speed in which they come and go has adapted itself to the speed of the current world, particular the speed of the fashion industry. Rolf Snoeren of the Viktor & Rolf duo said during an interview: "Fashion is running out of time. We are going too fast. Originality and patience is the only way to go forward." And that is that.

(Image by: Dirty Dirty Dancing)

8 January 2008 ― By LP ― News ― 0 Comments

EAH! is the accessories label of the Dutch designer Eva Anna Hekking. So yes, EAH are the initials of the designer and the exclamation mark stands for the statement of the Brand. EAH! 'is a sound against fake wannabe personalities and mass products' she explains. Indeed it is. The designs are beautiful and have an individual feel to them. They give you the feeling that you wear something truly special, like it is made especially for you. And that is exactly how we all like to feel. Take a look at all the amazing accessories and choose your very own EAH!

6 January 2008 ― By LP ― News, Designer Spotlight ― 0 Comments

The new Pirelli calendar is just amazing! This 35th edition is realized in Asia for the first time and is titled 'Pearls of the Orient' . The calendar was shot in Shanghai by Patrick Demarchelier. Demarchelier took the calendar to a new sophisticated level with an amazing use of color. In contrast to the previous editions which have been more sexual. Our Dutch beauty Doutzen Kroes covers the month March and looks drop dead gorges. Besides Doutzen the calendar also features models and actresses like Agyness Deyn, Lily Donaldson, Maggie Cheung, Catherine McNeil, Sasha Pivovarova, Coco Rocha, Mo Wandan, Du Juan, Caroline Trentini and Gemma Ward. Curious? Take a look at the breathtaking photos at the Pirelli website.

5 January 2008 ― By LP ― News ― 1 Comments