Jean-Paul Gaultier

They call him l'enfant terrible (I think that is the way to spell it). Jean-Paul Gaultier is the wild child of French fashion and he has given us some shockers through the years. Madonna's cone bras and skirts on men. Perhaps not the most wearable of things but his fashion shows are to die for.

When I lived in London during my college years he co-hosted a tv-show called euro-trash. We got used to his English with the cute French accent and learned that he had great looking legs. He is a breath of fresh air in a business that needs a good run through from time to time.

Once you go Gaultier you never go back ...

//P.

Project Runway

"In fashion one day you are in and the next day you are out."

I don't dare to think about how many times Heidi Klum has uttered those words in the reality show, Project Runway. It must get boring as hell to have to say that over and over again. That is the downside with a reality show that runs season after season. It is basically the same. Just some new contenders going through the same motions as the crowd the season before.

As far as I can deduce eight seasons have been produced and one thing that can be said about this show is that at least they are making something and it is down to talent if you get to stay or go. The tasks they have to get through to reach their coveted goal are varied indeed. In any case it seems to be really stressful and sometimes the tasks seem to be a bit too much. The fashion business is not a walk in the park by any means but Project Runway are really pushing it to the hilt.

For some reason I don't give much for Heidi Klum, Michael Kors and Nina Garcia. I actually can't explain why. It's just a feeling. I like Tim Gunn. He seems to be a real mensch and his remark "Make it work" can be applied on all fields of life.

I know that the USA is a huge market that can swallow almost anything but the winners of Project Runway is not exactly visible on the European market. I hope that they are doing well "over there" and I understand completely why they jumped at the chance of taking part in this show and hopefully get one step closer to fulfilling their dreams.

Make it work!!

//P.

Oscar Jacobson

I have seen Oscar Jacobson's emblem of the letters O and J fused together since I was a child. What I think of when I hear the brand name is good quality and craftmanship. On the downside I think old man. It might not be the first place I would run to to buy a suit if it wasn't intended for my father that is. The latest advertising flirts with the aesthetic of Ralph Lauren. I have always liked Ralph Lauren's advertising, but from Oscar Jacobson's point of view I would have preferred if they had worked with building their own brand identity instead of copying someone elses.

The company was founded in 1903 and as you can easily count, it has been with us for more than a century. That is very impressive indeed and something for them to be proud of. I think it is going to be exciting to see what the company will do in the future and which road they are going to pave to keep their position in the fashion world (or perhaps an entirely new position to ensure survival). What remains to be seen is if I will purchase their goods when I'm older. Time will tell.

//P.

Posers

I think it was the day before yesterday when I saw that the journalist had a new picture on facebook. "Posing as usual" I remarked, tongue in cheek. That lead me to be a part of his blog where I was referred to as the copywriter. Therefore I call him the journalist. I could have called him a few other things but they will be left unsaid.

His remark to my statement was "says who??" with a link to my segment about the trenchcoat. I had to admit to being a poser and made my mea culpas. I walked straight into that one, didn't I? The journalist has always had the knack of putting me on the spot.

Well, he is a bit of a poser and so am I. As they say, it takes one to know one. We are both alike on many points. We are both confirmation seekers, genetically blessed and the camera loves us.

He has a sharp, witty tongue and loves to play with words. I don't have his impressive physique so I keep my clothes on in pictures.


I couldn't resist, dearest, and you know how easily I fall into temptation. ;-)

//P.

Boel Hjertén

I think it is time to put the spotlight on a relative. My father's cousin, Boel Hjertén, who is a designer. No, it isn't her on the picture. That is Bond-woman Maud Adams. I couldn't find a picture of Boel so she will remain anonymous in that aspect a while longer. I put in a picture of Maud Adams because there is a connection between the two. Will get back to that soon.

We are not the most closely knit family in the world and I actually found out that Boel was a designer and my relative after I finished my own education as a designer. I am proud of her because she is a household name in the industry. She has for instance been a designer for KappAhl, on of Sweden's largest clothing companies. She has also been a designer for Maud Adams clothing brand for its short duration, hence the connection with the Swedish Hollywood star.

Today she has here own company in the clothing production with her head office in the Swedish city, Varberg.

I ran into her some years ago in a hotel lift in Stockholm. Life is a bit weird sometimes.

//P.

Massimo Dutti Shoes

A pair of blue suede shoes are coming my way. Seen in the shop window of Massimo Dutti and they cost about £100. They will look good with the green trousers I got from Anna as a birthday present last year. It is lucky that I will be passing by that shop today.

Isn't that lucky ... ?


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Laredoute

I flicked through a friend's laredoute catalogue yesterday and as usual found much more than I would ever need. This shirt for instance. A steal at approximately £30. It could be going to my mailbox but I better not. I'm going to England in April and perhaps I'll squezze in a visit to Berlin in march. I need the cash. But on the other hand I also found a very pink t-shirt.

Hmmmm .....

//P.