Style Crush | Invisible Shoe by Andreia Chaves x Freedom of Creation

Brazilian Fashion designer Andreia Chaves has created a series of 3D-printed shoes in collaboration with Amsterdam rapid prototyping studio Freedom of Creation.

The collection includes a pair covered in a mirrored shell, called Invisible Shoe, and another where the nude leather upper is visible through the same 3D-printed framework.

The series entitled ‘Invisible Shoe’ has shown in New York in an exhibition organized by Mercedes-Benz in collaboration with designer Herve Leger. In March 2011 the collaboration launched in Asia in association with I.T Hong Kong as well as the opening of the new store I.T Beijing Market Comme Des Garcons.

Described as a study of optical effect applied to shoe design, the ‘Invisible Shoe’ series explores the concept of invisibility though the ‘chameleon effect’ while the shoe’s reflective finished surface creates an obscured optical effect with each step taken. This innovative design greatly exceeds the primary function of the shoe, where “protecting” the foot also means “deleting” or “immersing” it into the environment.

The series, which will be available in limited edition, in three different models, is handmade in Italy using a combination of leather making techniques together with advanced 3D printing technology.

ASH TO GOLD HQ | AW12 Concepting

As we go in to production for SS11/12, the next cycle of planning is under way at ASH TO GOLD HQ for AW next year.  Think raw, think layers, think perfect imperfections.

Things inspiring us include; fiery autumn sunsets of washed out oranges and pastel purples and blues, natural bases with industrial finish, the DETAILS, closing our eyes so we can see, being in love with our selves, the layers of our person, and connection.

sync iPod | Oscar + Martin, Recognise

The universal feeling of knowing you recognise, every life time..

Style Crush | Anja Rubik by Carter Smith

This would have to be the freshest we have ever seen Anja Rubik in an Editorial; love and engagement certainly becomes her!

Shot by Carter Smith on a beautiful tropical location, with natural and minimal styling, these images are exciting us even more for our trip to Bali to source materials and accessories before our debut in July.

Anja is the epitome of an ASH TO GOLD woman, strong yet feminine, naturally elegant and completely captivating.

Style Crush | Jaime Lee RAFW

One of the only collections we think worthy of a mention from RAFW is Perth based designer Jaime Lee Major's collection Pollination. With honey dripped heels and insect-like eyewear, each look from the collection has it's own identity, but with the individuality still managed to complement the other garments. Digital prints, texturising, latex and embellishment, Jaime Lee has a real skill and an exciting vision that we can't wait to see more of in the future!

http://www.jaimelee.com.au/

sync iPod | Lykke Li & Kleerup - Until We Bleed

ASH TO GOLD HQ | RAFW | What We Think

Over at ASH TO GOLD HQ, we are questioning the credibility of the majority of Australian bloggers on the topic on RAWF, and Australian Fashion Week in general, as it seems there is a lot of social mountaineering happening and not a great deal of innovation. 

It seems if you are graced with an invite to a show, you immediately aquire knowledge of the industry.. This is in fact NOT the case, and it shows with the amatuer write ups.  The likes of which getting excited over the possibility of a naked girl or 20 backstage.  Seriously, grow up. Being naked is something we all are on a daily basis, and is not somethng to blog about. 

With the influx of blogger popularity offshore, it seems Australia, lacking in it's own strong identity has the tendacy to leech onto the tail coats of other cities and it all seems like a ripple effect.   This is fine to take inspiration and re interpret trends but the blatant forgery is just simply boring.  We have noticed this all week with designs showcased and it seems the naive excitement of a runway show or some pretty girls is a bit over whelming for most, and very under whelming for those who have seen this before.  Yes the shows are wonderful(?), but they bloody better be or there would be a lot to answer to!

Sure, you're thinking "Where do you get off saying this about our fellow industry peeps?" Here's where we get off: the fact that we have immersed ourselves in ALL aspects of the industry first and foremost. Admiring, Consuming, Modelling, Styling, Buying, Coordinating, Researching, Learning, Listening and NOW Creating, that's why!  Oh, and because we made a promise to always push the boundaries.  To never be restricted by what is kosher or acceptable and NEVER listen to what 'everyone' else says about something we hear deep within us.  That's why.

Style Crush | Sydney Fashion Week

Here are a few of our favourite Sydney Fashion Week Street Style pics, courtesy of Facehunter.

Blue is coming in- in a big way.