{the streets of L.A}

The last overseas trip saw us also head to Los Angeles where we trekked the streets for inspirations and the latest trends in this crazy world of fashion. Rodeo Drive was definitely a highlight as expected although we were hit by a 40 degree heat wave. We also invaded Melrose and the streets in Hollywood.

Another day was spent exploring the coastline up to Santa Moinica and on to Malibu where we stopped at one of the top shopping spots! 

We also checked in at Universal Studios for our last day.  

a. glimpse / over time...

a look at some of my favourite images that have been shot with each of my Uscari collections. 

'An Exotic Quest'

I launched Uscari with the Spring Summer Collection for 2009-10 (pictured above). An Exotic Quest is a tale of a sun goddess who drips with beauty and is illuminated by light. It is a dreamlike story that captures the desire to create mystery and magic into everyday life. This mood focuses to turn dreams into reality.

Photographer: Jason Ierace. Hair & Make Up: Sarah Laidlaw. Model: Jenna@Priscillas. Stylist: Ainsley Hansen. 

Designer: Krystel Davis

'Strangers in the Wind'

This was an exploration and isolation and solitude within the wilderness, for the Autumn Winter 2011 Collection. 'Strangers in the Wind' represented a plethora of creations that were marked by distinct character and beauty.
Photographer: Jason Ierace. Hair & Make Up: Sarah Laidlaw. Model: Georgia@Priscillas. Stylist: Ainsley Hansen. 
Designer: Krystel Davis

'An Unknown Silence'

Uscari's debut runway collection showcasing Spring Summer 2010-11. An Unknown Silence depicts a story of a voyage - highlighting an affiliation to ancient times and native cultures, breaking traditional barriers. This was an exploration of cultural evolution within the ancient environment with each piece holding its own detailed secrets.
Photographer: Jason Ierace. Hair & Make Up: Sarah Laidlaw. Model: Jira Kohl@Priscillas. Stylist: Ainsley Hansen. 
Designer: Krystel Davis

wild@heart

a glimpse behind the scenes for Uscari's Winter 2011 Look Book shoot

meet the team...
from the left we have; the poser...phoebe griffiths : the creator...krystel davis : the outfits...ainsley hansen : make over...daniela d'aguanno : on camera...carlo monaghan
a special thanks to you all x

[Rebelliousness and protestation will become second nature and a new way of life]

For Winter I have created an opposing story that straddles the line between fragility and rock culture. The somber, mysterious side juxtaposes concentrated detailing. Tough cutouts and openings have been combined to form an unexpectedly graceful finish. This unusual mix is edgy whilst keeping Uscari’s signature look; a sense of elegance.

Stay tuned for the catalogue shoot that we are super excited to work on.

a. mechanical 

:couture:

Adding a new dimension to the world of fashion, this is an incredible new phenomenon of mechanical luxury. Designers are reinterpreting couture as a hybrid of both mechanized processes and customized craftsmanship. 

Fashion designer Iris van Herpen is making waves as part of the new generation of couture designers. Iris manipulates materials into structural explorations with a level of precision and engineering know-how rarely seen in fashion today. It is making fashion a sculptural art form.

Van Herpen collaborated with .MGX by Materialise and artist Daniel Widrig to create 3-D printed clothes. This throws the concept of traditional sewing and construction into disarray. With digitally aided design, any combination of forms, angles and structures could potentially be created without the constraints of handmade processes.

Nostalgic aesthetics contrast with the macabre nature of mummification. Intricate lacework imitates ancient wrapping techniques to create dynamic silhouettes. Metal wire and corsetry shapes spherical overcoats, halter dresses and skirts. The gold, bronze, cream and old rose leather garments are embellished with gold foil, split pins, and motor ball chains. Each piece illustrates van Herpen’s calibre for couture.

a. tribal / inspiration...

Easily one of the best Vogue editorial shoots I have seen. 

Boasting a slightly arabian feel this sun goddess clearly rules the dessert in which she lives. 

This is an explosion of colour with intesnse movement that just leaves you craving more.

Entitled "Weltenreise" this was shot by photographer Sebastian Kim for the Jacqueline Jablonski Vogue Germany Magazine. The impeccable lighting sets a strong mood of desire and abandonment. The make up is out of this world and doesn't stop at the face as it delves into body paint that  exaggerates the colours in the garments perfectly.

 { p i c t u r e s } are more powerful than words

a. riot of the mind ]

Let me introduce one of the most A-M-A-Z-I-N-G theatrical experiences that I experienced while in New York. Fuerza Bruta is a non-stop collision of dynamic music, visceral emotion, and kinetic aerial imagery. Featuring mind-blowing visual effects that must be seen to be believed
- a man running full throttle through a series of moving walls, women frolicking in a watery world suspended just inches above the audience. This is a theatrical experience that floods the senses.

“Fuerzabruta,” the new show from the Argentine creators of the long-running 

“De La Guarda,” is a 360° heart-pounding theatrical experience that takes 

place at Union Square in New York. 

-intense energy, guaranteed to entice and excite the senses-

This is one of the most impressive parts of the show. You will be in awe as a massive shallow pool made 

of a clear fibre-glass type plastic descends from above, eventually scraping the heads of the taller audience members. Female performers splash and slide around alluringly in the water, like frisky mermaids in a big goldfish bowl.

'Fuerzabruta' does not aspire to create meaning but to goose the senses through a series of mind-freak spectacles of variable originality and technical sophistication.

Standing and gaping are all that is strictly necessary, although jumping up and down and dancing are indeed encouraged (so wear your fun pants). You can also get wet so make sure you are prepared as Ainsley and I pictured here were not!

For more information on this spectacular event go to; http://www.fuerzabrutanyc.com