Stylert Blog

Thorsten van Elten has an inspiring concept for home design lovers who are in search of cool, modern stylish for the home and unique gifts. It’s bliss inspiration of creativity with a collection of home accessories, furniture, gifts, carefully selected, happily mixing together with an inspiring team of European designers.

The company was founded when him Thorsten van Elten, together with a few young London-based designers were working on a small collection of products which was first shown at 100% Design in London in September 2002. Alexander Taylor, Ed Carpenter, mosleymeetswilcox and Sam Johnson were some of those designers.

In April 2003 Thorsten showed his products for the first time to the Milan Furniture Fair to be exhibited with Designers Block and got a great response. September 2003 saw the launch of his second collection, including new products by Alexander Taylor, Ed Carpenter, mosleymeetswilcox and Sam Johnson alongside products by Barnaby Barford & André Klauser, Gavin Coultrip, Richard Shed & Rose Cobb. Since then Horsten has regularly introduced his new designs at both 100% Design in London and the Milan Furniture Fair adding constantly new names to his list of designers.
 
In 2005 it was Gitta Gschwendtner and in 2006 Alex Hellum and Camila Prada. October 2004 saw the opening of his shop in London’s Fitzrovia, where he shows his own collection alongside products he distributes in the UK and other interesting items that will make for a unique range of products for sale. Thorsten and his products are regularly featured in the national and international press.

 In May 2006 his shop was voted No.19 in London’s 100 Hottest Shops (compiled by Time Out Magazine) and in September 2006 won best stand/contribution to 100% Design (voted for by the editorial team of Icon Magazine) for his persistent quest to find the best individual designs and designers. He promises to continue to find the most interesting and innovative products for everyone to enjoy.

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The clothing line 291 is located in Venice, CA, created by Christina Apostolidou, Simon Cohen who launched their first collection in 2008. The clothing line was originally  inspired the  nostalgic beach life of 1970’s of California. The collection brings back old memories of the time of Farah Fawcett movies and  the sandy California beaches. The designs are bright, retro with logos and graphics which also promote eco-friendly ideals.

The label 291 is originating in Venice California and is  a as an artistic collaboration between husband and wife team Simon Cohen and Christina Apostolidou. The label has launched its first collection in Spring 2008. The collection of tees, hoodies and bottoms was created in the likeness and spirit of the jet-setting couple and immediately emerged with the offering of a unique aesthetic- one inspired by the 70s beach culture that still pulsate through the line’s namesake and the global sophistication of today’s traveller.

The creative realization of 291 is a story of friendship and community told through vintage-inspired graphics, clean, simple silhouettes and vibrant palettes. Nature and nurture coalesce through graphics featuring rustic destinations and images that invoke nostalgia for the seemingly near-utopian bliss of generation past. The couple conceptualized a collection which reflected their shared love of nature and a bohemian approach to travel and leisure. They frequently travel the world, drawing inspiration from both the nomadic charm of such rustic destinations as Mykonos,Tulum and Marrakesh and the grittier edge of such vibrant cities as Paris and London. The 291 collection reflects the modern day bohemian nomad, creating a look that is both sexy and carefree with edge of sophistication. Consistent attention to detail, quality and modern styling position 291 at the forefront of casual fashion, where global inspiration meets every day needs.

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The persons behind Ksubi, the cult label are Dan Single and George Gorrow. Their fashion style and signature are their perfectly fitted jeans which has led the brand to extraordinary popularity and followers around the globe. Since then the cult label has evolved into a fashion empire, loved for its super skinny cuts, innovative washes and edgy detailing.

Australian fashion label Ksubi was created in 2000 by surfers Dan Single, George Gorrow and Gareth Moody. Disenchanted by the denim ranges available in stores, they set up their own jeans brand. The label has sinced branched out to develop a full clothing collection. The Ksubi premise is based on unisex jean styles with a distressed and sometimes deconstructed finish – a pair of Ksubi jeans is like your favourite old pair of jeans, but brand new.

Ksubi made its international debut in London in 2002, with an installation held in the depths of an abandoned tube station at Aldwych. Following this, Ksubi became a contender in the fashion league with their in-store installation at Selfridges Department store in London alongside the likes of Stella McCartney, Martin Margiela and Marc Jacobs. Ksubi has three official stores, and their garments, jeans and eyewear are sold in boutiques around the world.

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The French designer, Jean Claude Jitrois found his love for fashion in the most unusual place – in the hospital. Jean Claude Jitrois philosophy is: “Leather is like a second skin, like a second self, a non-verbal act of expressing oneself, showing one’s personality.”
 The aviator jacket of Jean Claude Jitrois’s father was his first inspiration. After creating one for Stephanie of Monaco, Jean Claude Jitrois left behind his old career as psychologist and began a new career as a fashion designer. His first intuition, his vision of fashion was that clothes were like a second skin, a second self, a non – verbal language within the social body. Jean Claude Jitrois simply changed his activity, but he surely did not change his skill.

He opened his first boutique in 1976 in Nice on the rue Tondutil de l’Escarène. Jean Claude Jitrois had an unusual career path since he first began by psychology. In his early years, he taught psychology at Nice University. Also a clinician and a therapist in psycho-motility, his start was a recognized and promising one, being the author of several books (among which one « Que sais-je » about psycho-motility). He considered fashion as a language where bodies, very much like in dancing, communicate through a system of signs that can vary and be modified, and a basis on which to work. Jean – Claude Jitrois realized that it was possible to adapt a lot of elements of his theory and of his therapeutic practice to Couture. Quickly establishing himself within the influential circles on the Côte d’Azur, he continued to design for the royal family of Monaco, for both Stéphanie and her sister Caroline. In 1980 he created a complete bath robe for Brigitte Bardot.

Over the years, Jitrois has continued to push the physical properties of the oldest material worn by man. Combining state of the art technology, Jitrois has created leather garments that go far beyond normal expectations of leather. Jean Claude Jitrois already has an assured place in fashion history when he revolutionized the leather industry in 1995 when he launched the first stretch leather in the world. His famous customers today are: Lady Gaga, Kristen Stewart, Rihanna.

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Cacharel is a French brand of ready-to-wear clothing, perfume and accessories. Cacharel designs are characteristic for their youthful style, femininity, lightness, refinement and use of bright colours. The look remains true to its roots: fresh and modern, but incorporating just the right amount of throwback flair to the once-emerging age of prêt-a-porter.

Jean Cacharel was born Jean Louis Henri Bousquet (1932) but adapted the name Cacharel when he moved to Paris during the 1950s. . He worked two years professionally as a designer before returning to Paris to launch his first fashion house. The name Cacharel is  after the garganey (Anas querquedula, a small duck) in the Camargue (cacharel, standard French sarcelle d’été). Cacharel was one of the first designers to recognize the emergence of the “noveau riche” after the war, and their need for ready-to-wear. His ensuing success motivated him to visualize and create Cacharel in 1962, a brand of ready-to-wear clothing, perfume and accessories inspired by his unique conception of the social evolution of women. In 1964 he launched the namesake company with a collection of brightly coloured skirts and blouses that outraged the fashion industry but was undeniably successful; the moniker inspired by the garganey, a rare breeding duck indigenous to Arles, France.

In 1975 Bousquet commissioned L’Oréal to create a perfume for his brand; the successful Anaïs Anaïs was launched in 1978. It was followed by Cacharel pour l’Homme, Loulou, Eden, Loulou Blue, Eau d’Eden, Noa, Nemo, Gloria, Amor Amor,Amor Amor Eau Fraiche, Noa Fleur, Noa Perle, Promesse and Amor pour homme. The latest perfume to be launched is “Liberté”, an orange chypre with fresh citrous top notes inspired by a traditional French cake called ‘chamonix’ and woody heart and base notes with patchouli. The person representing Liberté in ad campaigns is Brazilian born model, Gisele Bündchen, who is also the new face for the brand Cacharel Parfums, following Kate Moss who modeled for Anaïs Anaïs and Laetitia Casta for Promesse.

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With the summer season approaching, it’s definitely time to buy a new bathing suit. Now this day’s men are also greatly concerned about their appearance and fashions. Here are a few tips to consider if you are buying new swimwear.

 Orlebar Brown is a British label that launched in 2007 by photographer Adam Brown in response to what he saw as the limited state of men’s swimwear. Brown’s designs are both practical and comfortable for the beach, and his tailored approach means they are also smart enough to wear for lunch by the pool. This season we recommend the mid-length Boxer shorts. Orlebar Brown style is discrete and kept to a minimum, engraved on side fasteners and zips rather than splashed all-over, while a zip fly, internal drawstring and net lining ensure comfort and style in equal measures – in or out of the surf. At last, men’s beachwear that turns heads for the right reasons.

Here are various men’s swimwear styles that are accessible for different body structure:

Speedo

The Speedo type bathing suit is designed for professional swimmers that need aerodynamics. Speedos are generally uncomfortable because they’re tight. Speedos have also a advantage: they offer great support.

Spandex

Spandex are basically extensions of Speedo bathing suits with just a little more spandex. They still mold onto the body tightly and with the right body proportions they can give aesthetic appeal.

Classic shorts

Classic shorts are also extremely comfortable, especially with today’s high tech fabrics, which dry almost instantly. We all know how unpleasant it is to have a wet bathing suit long after the swim is over. They will usually buy the same shorts in a variety of colors and prints, which will last them many seasons.

Life guard shorts

For a younger look, the lifeguard shorts are prefect. Lifeguard shorts have been around forever and they portray an image of youth as well as a healthy lifestyle. For those who have less attractive bodies, Bermuda shorts also help cover up most imperfections.

Skater look

The big thing in bathing suits is the surfer/skateboard look. Look for shorts that fall at longer than standard length or ornamented shorts in all kind of prints. The prints are usually white or a lighter tone of the same color.

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Azzedine Alaïa is a Tunisian-born couturier and shoe designer, particularly successful since the 1980s. Azzedine Alaïa does not think of himself as a fashion designer. Rather, he likes to call himself a builder, or a couturier-architect. His designs emphasize structure and purity of form. The fabrics and rigorous tailoring are painstakingly constructed to envelope the body snugly. A perfectionist who hand finishes each garment in his collections.

He was born in Tunisia on 7 June 1940. His parents were wheat farmers but his glamorous twin sister inspired his love for couture. A French friend of his mother fed Alaïa’s instinctive creativity with copies of Vogue. He lied about his age to get himself into the local École des Beaux-Arts in Tunis and began studying sculpture where he gained valuable insights into the human form. After his graduation, Alaïa began working as a dressmaker’s assistant. He soon began dressing private clients, and in 1957 he moved to Paris to work in fashion design. He started to work at Christian Dior as a tailleur, but soon moved to work for Guy Laroche for two seasons and for Thierry Mugler. Then the late 1970s, he opened his first atelier in his little rue de Bellechasse apartment. It is in this tiny atelier that for almost 20 years he dressed privately the world’s jet set, from Marie-Hélène de Rothschild to Louise de Vilmorin (who would become a close friend) to Greta Garbo, who used to come incognito for her fittings.

Victoria Beckham stated that Alaïa is her favourite designer and wore the designer’s work, a gift from husband David Beckham, to two Academy Award parties. Michelle Obama wore a formal black knit sleeveless dress with a ruffled skirt designed by Alaïa to the NATO dinner with heads of state in Strasbourg, France. Also she wore an Alaïa dress to the American Ballet Theatre Opening Night Spring Gala in New York. French First Lady Carla Bruni also wore an Alaia jacket during the State Visit to Spain.

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Be yourself and look natural, is the Bobbi Brown philosophy. Bobbi’s approach to cosmetics is for women who want a natural look. Bobbi Brown is an American make-up artist who is following her own vision of natural beauty and started developing her own cosmetics line. Her first collection was introducing her personal palette of lipsticks in 10 different natural colours. It was a huge success and the Bobbi Brown revolution went from strength to strength, becoming a slogan for natural beauty. Bobbi Brown is an American make-up artist and CEO of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. Her products are sold in over 400 stores and twenty countries worldwide.

Bobbi Brown was born in 1957 in Chicago, Illinois, Brown graduated from Emerson College in Boston with a degree in theatrical makeup. Afterwards, she moved to New York City to work as a professional makeup artist. In 1991, she and a chemist released a line of lipsticks under the brand Bobbi Brown Essentials, which debuted at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City. The success of that makeup line led Estee Lauder to buy the company in 1995.

 In addition she is the author of several books like:  Bobbi Brown Beauty, Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual, Bobbi Brown Teenage Beauty, Beauty Rules and Bobbi Brown Beauty Evolution. Also she is the exclusive beauty editor of The Today Show and a frequent guest on the E and other Style channels. The Bobbi Brown is a truly inspiring success story of a makeup artist, business woman, (mother of three boys) and wife who is following her true passions with a clear vision what her priorities are.

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Mawi Keivom is a jewellery designer who emphases luxurious statement pieces, by cleverly  combining cutting-edge contemporary style  and with her traditional influences and materials synonymous with a vintage glamour.

Indian-born designer Mawi Keivom, is starting her success story at the London Fashion Week in 2003, accessories designer Mawi Keivom has continued to grow in prominence. Gaining experience working under Isaac Mizrahi in New York, Bill Amberg and Vita Couture in London, Keivom launched her self-titled label, Mawi, inspired by her passion for vintage trinkets, experimentation and customisation.

The Numerous necklaces, bracelets and earrings that being spotlight are the oversized jewellery pieces. Oversized jewellery has become increasingly popular over the last few seasons, an oversized necklace can turn a relatively boring dress into a real statement, and an oversized ring will continue to sparkle through the night, catching the eye of many admirers. Oversized jewellery is a delightful way of expressing fashion fearlessness whilst looking youthful and modern. If you haven’t left your comfort zone by now, it is time to let your thin, delicate pieces take a break in the jewellery box, and let the bigger and bolder ones shine in, as this trend is making oversized jewellery one of the must-have fashion items for the SS 2011 season.

Mawi jewellery also has been seen on celebrities all over the place, from Sarah Harding on the Jonathon Ross show, to Alexa Chung who was spotted wearing the designer at this year London Fashion Week. Other celebrity followers are: Olivia Palermo, Rihanna and Cheryl Cole. 

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Oscar De La Renta is famous for his lavish evening dresses; his collections characterizing the high standard of elegant dressing among society circles in the late 20th and the early 21st century. Oscar De La Renta, the designing fashion icon, whose career spans already over 50 years, has celebrity clients like: Beyonce, Hillary Clinton, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Barbara Walters, Sarah Jessica Parker, Tina Fey, Megan Fox and Jennifer Lopez.

De la Renta was born Oscar Aristides Renta Fiallo in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, to a Dominican mother and a Puerto Rican father.At the age of 18 he left the Dominican Republic to study in Spain, where he studied painting at the Academy of San Fernando in Madrid. He quickly became interested in the world of fashion design and began sketching for leading Spanish fashion houses, which soon led to an apprenticeship with Spain’s most renowned couturier, Cristóbal Balenciaga. Later, de la Renta left Spain to join Antonio Castillo as a couture assistant at Lanvin in Paris.

In 1963, torn between designing custom clothing for Elizabeth Arden as well as designing shoes and accessories, and designing ready-to-wear for Christian Dior-New York, de la Renta turned for advice to Diana Vreeland, the editor-in-chief of Vogue, to get into ready to wear. De la Renta proceeded to work for Arden for two years before he in 1965 went to work for Jane Derby and launched his own label. De la Renta’s talents receive continual international recognition. Among them, he received the Council of Fashion Designers Designer of the Year Award in 2000 and in 2007 (tied with Proenza Schouler) and many more.

Mr. de la Renta has also ventured into the home with both furniture and home fragrance collections, jewelry, eyewear, lingerie, luggage, swimwear, fragrance, and furs. Since then he also designs, tabletop, decorative fabrics, wallpaper, bedding, rugs, and decorative accents have been added to this diverse collection. In 2006, launches Oscar de la Renta Bridal collection, featuring extraordinary embroideries and beautiful fabrics, from silk duchess to French Alençon lace. This utterly feminine and romantic collection also includes elegant accessories, such as veils, shoes, and bags.

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