Kingdom Of Style

Yes To Yeohlee

Malaysian designer Yeohlee Teng moved to New York to study fashion at the Parsons School of Design. She established her own label YEOHLEE in 1981 and in 2004 was nominated for the Fashion Design Award by the Smithsonian Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum. She was awarded the prize for her design work and contribution to American fashion.

The thing I love most about Yeohlee's work is the way she explores shape. Geometrics feature very heavily in her designs with shapes like ovoid, crescent, circle, box, arc and pyramids all performing as the foundation for her contemporary designs.

Whilst it's tastefully understated in most instances, I think taken out this context and combined with more dramatic labels like CDC, Ann D, Jean Pierre Braganza or Rick Owens, Yeohlee's designs would look even more magical.

Yeohlee's 1997 collection was entitled 'Urban Nomad' which is testament to her skill since it's a term that's been used so much recently in one form or another to describe eclectic, layered looks - and Yeohlee was thinking along these lines over 10 years ago.

Queen Michelle

Every minute counts...

The last Subculture of the month is always a special one because Domsco is back in town.

To make sure that I enjoy every single dancing minute, there will be no disco naps and no resting of eyes! I plan to be down nice and early to dance away the cares of the week gone by!
Sir Samuel Beckett once said - Dance first, Think later! It's the natural order...

So make sure you dance tonight wherever you may be...

Queen Marie

Tasty Organic

Jonathan David Baker is a graduate of the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and his collection for Rook Creative has been designed using recycled, organic materials. Not just any old recycled material though - Jonathan utilises sustainable materials such as tire rubber, discarded porcupine quills, paper mache and even a fox skull.

What he does with these materials is completely amazing. Very often we see recycled materials used a very gimmicky way but this is entirely more refined and the materials bare no resemblance to their origins.

I really hope we see much more of Jonathan's work in the future because it's people like him that could rebrand sustainable fashion as something luxurious and desirable.

Queen Michelle

The Girl From France

The phenomenal rise and success of street style blogs never ceases to amaze me. With new sites popping up all the time, we are offered a unique glimpse into the fashion conscience of cities we might otherwise never get to see.

The usual criticism of these sites is that they only show a certain type of person, the fashionable and the quirky, and as a whole do not realistically represent the majority of inhabitants of the city. Of course it's only the fashionable and the quirky since the mundane and the ordinary do not make quite as interesting or inspirational viewing. I don't think the people who create these street style sites are claiming to capture the essence of a city anyway - they merely seek to show us people across the globe with a common denominator - fashion and style.

The site I visit every day religiously is Facehunter. I love the myriad of styles and personalities he captures. But there is a girl, a French girl, who's images are so beautiful her site is now on my regular visit list. Garance Dore. I was first drawn to her site because of her amazing illustrations. Even though I don't speak French, I still revel in the quality of her shots.

All her chosen subjects are either striking or exceptionally beautiful, but I am under no illusion that everyone in France looks like this, but I love that she seeks out these individuals and then expertly captures their beauty in what seems like a passing moment.

Garance's photos certainly have the same polished quality as Scott of The Sartorialist, but hers have a little extra something in my opinion. Something more real. Whatever it is, it keeps me coming back every day.

Queen Michelle

A Good Eksempel

As much as I love complex and unusual clothes, sometimes I just want something that is both comfortable and pretty without compromising my need to not be too girlie.

Danish label Eksempel delivers just that. Pernille Winther graduated from the Danish School of Design Danmarks Designskole in 2000.

With A/W08 collection everything is loose and unrestrictive. Billowing tent dresses with ruched detailing and gorgeous colour blocking, tapered cropped trousers and soft, flowing blouses - Eksempel is pared down dressing without being overly minimal. The beauty of this collection is that it transcends trends - they are just fresh, modern clothes with no pretensions of being anything else. The ideal wardrobe staples. 

Queen Michelle

Say Hi To Unhee

LA based label Unhee, designed by Suzy Yun, is really making my wardrobe ache for more prints.

Puffball dresses, exaggerated sleeved playsuits and interesting prints - Unhee seems to have all the elements required to make me smile, imaging all the possibilities for that painterly print halter playsuit. Unhee is stocked in some boutiques in New York and LA as well as Seaplane in Oregon, which is quite an accomplishment for a label which is little over 2 years old.

Queen Michelle

Passionate about Pashley...

You would need to be a few sandwiches short of a picnic to not want to cycle off to an idylic picnic on one of these beauties!
Pashley have been handbuilding biycles since 1926. For some reason they also make me think of our chum Liberty London Girl. I can just picture her freewheeling along, filling her basket with all kind of New York goodies.

This is the Princess Sovereign and she cost £545.

This is the Sonnet Pure and she costs £445

Not to forget the boys, this is The Guv'nor and he costs a princely £795

Don't forget to take along a proper blanket, as there is nothing worse than a soggy bottom when you are trying to enjoy your victoria sandwich.
This is the Ascot Picnic Rug from John Lewis, it is a bit expensive at £50 but it is a proper wool blanket backed with a practical waterproof backing. Perfect!

Now if you will excuse me, I'm off to look out lashings of ginger beer...

Queen Marie

Tantalising Tsumori

The first ever time I went to London, on my list of designers I wanted to investigate Tsumori Chisato was very high up there. Unfortunately I didn't count on being completely overwhelmed by the city which rendered all plans completely null and void. It hasn't stopped me cooeing over each collection though. The Autumn Winter 2008 was really a high point in the designers career, in my opinion.

This circle heavy collection has provided me so much mental inspiration. The mixture of soft sorbet colours with flashes of bright and interjections of neutrals which play against the structural shapes and varying textures, really creates a fairy tale-esque take on modernity.

I really want to be wafting around in nude layers with piled up, messy hair today.

Queen Michelle

Ravishing Russian

I received an email asking me if I had heard of Russian label Nina Donis. The answer was yes, I have heard of the label but didn't feel it was entirely my cup of tea. I had only seen up to the Spring Summer collection but it turns out their Autumn Winter 08/9 collection, is very much my cup of tea.

I have a dreadful soft spot for anything quilted and this little lot is simply bursting with it!  This collection is almost verging on lounge-wear.

I love how they have treated the knitwear which is reminiscent of Margiela's excessively ripped jeans. These are the kind of clothes you'd never tire of...well, I'd certainly never get bored of wearing that red dress!

Queen Michelle

Mother knows best!

Mother Nature that is...

Looking for the perfect colour combination or jump, the perfect depth of hue or gradient can sometimes be tricky. You can sit with that pantone book all day and struggle to come close to what you see in your minds eye.

When this happens, a look outside or a walk in the garden usually solves the problem. Mother Nature has no such problems. She knows all the colours and how to use them and she uses them to glorious effect. Once again my dear friend Jean-Colas has captured this perfectly. I actually gasped when I opened this...

When scanning a petal, Jean-Colas also realised that John Galliano too has found inspiration in nature...

The author Iris Murdoch once said -" people from a planet without flowers would think we must be mad with joy the whole time to have such things about us"

happy happy joy joy

Queen Marie

Wohl Flower

I have been noticing the appearance of 'socialite' Arden Wohl in lots of magazines and I have to say, whilst I scoffed at her socialite status at first, I have rather grown to love her eclectic style.

Lots of vibrant colours, metallics and powdery tones lend her look a vintage /luxe hippy vibe. I just wish she'd lose all the crap she has a tendency to wrap around her forehead.

Queen Michelle

Juicy Jaeha

The second designer which Aleisha alerted me to was Jaeha, whom I hadn't heard of before. His latest collection, Zip Me Up After You're Finished, is absolutely rocking my world.

I am an incurable hardwear obsessive, so naturally a collection which emcompasses zips, eyelets and drawstrings is going to have my attention from the start.

The stripes remind me a little bit of Gareth Pugh and Rick Owen, the draping and folding of Ann D, and the cut of the trousers of Jean Pierre Braganza - so really, it's a given I would totally fall head over heels in love with this label.

A quick look at the stockists led to the amazing online boutique General Cucumber. Cool as! It has so many of the labels we have featured on this blog and my credit card was positively trembling last night as I registered on the site. I refrained from buying anything because much of what I wanted was actually sold out, however it's certainly been added to my list of favourite online haunts.

Queen Michelle

Jimmy D And Me

In the (almost) 1 1/2 years this blog has been in existence we have covered so many designers from New Zealand and Australia. It certainly hasn't been a conscience thing, it just seems that these two places are absolutely thriving with talent. I'm so glad because it proves that they have much more to offer than labels like Sass & Bide, which is very often the label associated most with Australia.

Today is going to be a bit New Zealand/Australiaccentric.

Last night I was emailed by the lovely Aleisha for a That's So You moment. She sent me links to two designers that I would like. One of them I was aware of but just hadn't written about and the other I hadn't heard of but will feature later. The first label in question is Jimmy D.

I am a complete sucker for loose fitting, slouchy dresses and Jimmy D excels in creating these most versatile of garments. His eye for interesting little details like detached hems, twists and knots and multi-fuctional elements elevate this from being just another luxe casual label. The zip jeans look especially well fitting.

I think I shall be introducing Jimmy D to my wardrobe very soon.

Queen Michelle

The Duck is in town...

If there is one thing you can bank on, on a bank holiday sunday it is this -
Chris Duckenfield is one of the nicest boys you ever could meet and he plays good records too!
He is pl;aying tonight at The Ivy, 157 North Street. It's an early start 8ish. If you can, you should pop down and join both Queens and lots of chums, dancing the night away.
Hooray!

Queen Marie

You would need to be a pretty jammy little monkey to have your birthday on the same day as Chris is playing.
Telf is that little monkey.
Happy Birthday Telford
x

Easton Pearson make it easy peasy...

Easy peasy to make me happy
Easy peasy to make me smile
Easy peasy to make me bankrupt.

I want everything - past and present. For me, they combine my favourite decorative elements of Dries van Noten and Marni and create something that is uniquely them. My Theresa has a good selection to get you started.

I must buy this ,because I fear if I don't it will become the clothing equivilant of my marni clogs. I will always regret that I didn't buy it at the time and will be doomed to search for it forever more. Just like my clogs. *sob*

Print top £316

Hooded bubble dress £395

Swing pailette top £666 (get behind me Satan)

Pamela and Lydia, you are very naughty girls. My bank manager is going to hate you as much as I love you...

Queen Marie
x

Club Tropiano

Last night myself and the dogs were seeking refuge in the bedroom whilst my Prince and K watched the football, so I took the opportunity to have a rifle through my wardrobe to see if I could rediscover some gem I'd long forgotten about. It occurred to me that I haven't made anything from scratch for quite some time. I have altered and DIYed existing garments but I haven't had a proper project for ages. Admittedly much of this is to do with the fact I just don't have the time any more, but I have decided I want to make time to embark on a major project.

When I do make something the impetus is rarely because a unique and original idea pops into my head and I must jump out of bed and create, no, it's generally brought on by seeing an existing item that I won't ever be able to afford and instead set about creating my own interpretation. I make no claims of being a designer, merely an appreciator.

I haven't really been inspired by anything of late, but when I was looking through my 'Blog Fodder' folder on my computer I came upon images of Frank Tropiano which I obviously intended on writing about but for some reason never got round to it. Turns out he has inspired me for my next project which will something exaggerated and big. Not sure what yet, but it'll be big.

Frank Tropiano likes big. His distorted proportions and play with volume gives his garments an almost Alice in Wonderland like feel to them. The black and white palette and fearless silhouettes are tempered with details like little bows and pleats. It's little surprise that Tropiano is a bit of a cinema obsessive - his garments certainly have drama.

I'm thinking I want a strapless balloon dress or some kind of thing to wear around my neck, perhaps a giant scrunchy! Whatever it is I end up making, it'll be big. Oh yes.

Queen Michelle

A Girl Called Tallulah

I have to confess to being slightly dubious when I receive emails from people telling me to visit their site/shop/label because it's fabulous when in reality it's rarely my cup of tea.

Make no mistake, I do visit. It's my duty to report any interesting disturbances in the fashion force. I feature it if it totally rocks my world or if it offers a different way of approaching something that I would never have thought of.

When I was asked to look at accessories shop Tallulah Tu, I was prepared to not like it. I know, I know, a rude presumption. But on visiting the site I really loved it. Lots of clutches. Clutches with loads of buttons and ruffles no less! It really doesn't get much better than that. I have a bit of a button obsession so to have a leather bag strewn haphazardly with lots of them is simply delightful.

The best of the bunch, in my opinion, is this black one. So delicious!

Everything has maintained a lovely craft feel to it. These resin cuffs would be amazing piled up on one arm. Like brightly coloured candies. Arm candy if you like!

They also have a wee selection of vintage bags, which I hope they increase because the ones they have sourced so far are stunning.

I am actually looking forward to seeing this wee site progress.

Queen Michelle

Magical Magda

LA designer Magda Berliner is one of those designers that has somehow managed to create clothing that occupies that space between being super girly and cool and edgy. It's a balance that's hard to achieve but she has.

Magda cut her fashion teeth as a wardrobe stylist for film, television and music and still is a stylist and contributer for Nylon Magazine.

Her designs are accessible to many different types of women and have that artisan flair that elevates a humble smock into a quirky and desirable design. I must confess I've never seen crochet look so appealing. I must also say, and this more to do with me than the designer, but I am much more drawn to the Fall collections rather than the Spring since I love the feel of heavy, luxurious fabrics like leather, flannel and wool.

On a side note, for many of her collections' lookbooks she shows a slightly older woman modeling which I find very refreshing. It's quite a good marketing strategy since many if her designs are quite youthful and therefore may be dismissed by women over a certain age, yet the older model wears them with aplomb, complete with ankle socks in some shots.

Queen Michelle

Let's run away and join the circus...

On a Sunday night, with another working week looming, this always seems like a wonderful idea. I have always harboured the notion to run away and join the circus...

But maybe you are afraid of heights, don't like clowns, don't suit sequins. In that case I suggest we run away to a different circus. This one to be precise -

Ross and Graham, two dear friends of The Kingdom will be doing a live set.

Sunday Circus say -
"This month we welcome SOLAB, a Glasgow-based production duo who emerged a little over 3 years ago. Working with analogue and digital keyboards, fed into a modern production environment, the duo have been hard at work honing their sounds and are ready to bring us there own live set fresh from the studio. They will be taking the stage around 4pm this month so get down early and don't miss out.
As usual there will be a free drink on entry until 6pm and this time as the summer is arriving we will be putting on a barbeque from the start... This Bank Holiday circus is set to be one of the best.. see you all sunday! "

I say-
"See you on the dancefloor"

Queen Marie

If you would like to hear them, just click here

Wishing and Hoping...

Today I wish I lived in Australia.
Sydney to be exact.
If I did, I would be heading for the Hope Street Market.
It looks wonderful beyond words!

As does this poster! I would happily hang it on the Palace walls any day.
We encourage anyone in that part of the world to consider yourself appointed a Royal Ambassador to the Kingdom and to attend Hope Street in our stead and report back to us what glories you found there!

Queen Marie

A Dip Into Some Sherbit

Fiamma Poltock and Katie Walsh, the duo behind London based label Poltock & Walsh, have worked their clever magic on me.

It was their S/S08 collection that was the final nail in the coffin for me - after visiting the site a zillion times I have finally decided that amidst all my dark decadence a little light must shine. A little light by way of a sherbet coloured ruffled something, anything, would do nicely. 

Their A/W 08/09 is a jewel coloured bag of gems for sure. Lots of amazing colour blocking going on, but for some reason I keep coming back to the sweetness of their Spring Summer collection. I really think it's the ruffles that sealed the deal for me.

Of course, I am under no illusion that Poltock & Walsh will be within my fiscal reach any time soon, but that's not really the point. The point is that absorbing beauty in many different forms is all collateral in the DIY idea bank and the DIY idea bank wants a ruffle deposit!

Ruffles, good ruffles, are actually quite hard to make, especially since I don't want wee polite ruffles, I want big, over-the-top, in-your-face ruffles that shout rather than whisper. I want the ruffle equivalent of Beth Ditto and Poltock & Walsh surely deliver it.

Queen Michelle

The Talented Mr Tetsill

Scotland is currently thriving with exciting design talent right now. Christopher Kane, Jonathan Saunders, Deryck Walker, Aimee McWilliams - all have received critical acclaim for their outstanding work and all hailed from this very country. Whilst I feel it's a shame they must decant to London to truly be recognised for their work, it's still good to know we have the talent to send Southwards in the first place. And until such times as we can get it together to not represent Scotland in such an embarassingly parochial way, as shown by the PR for Glasgow Fashion Week, then at least we know they are in the safe, and professional, hands of London Fashion Week to kick start their careers.

Another Scot set to make huge waves is Jamie Bruski Tetsill. Jamie received a first class BA Honours degree from Glasgow School of Art before heading to Central St Martins to graduate with an MA in Fashion. He was one of the exhibitors at London Fashion Week in February and is set to show again in September. I must admit I didn't see his collection at the exhibition, but then I didn't see much since I was a sweaty, sore footed mess by the time I even got to the venue, and all I wanted was a bloody cup of tea and to take my shoes off.

I sort of wince a little when Scottish designers use tartan or plaid as it's so mind numbingly obvious, however when I saw Jamie's usage of tartan I had a little chuckle to myself. He seems to have taken the humble kilt as inspiration and reworked it into jackets and coats, complete with oversized buckle fastening. It's fun and youthful and isn't taking itself too seriously. He has teamed it with oxblood leather skirts and the effect is a bit more punk than See You Jimmy!

Jamie's Central Saint Martin graduate collection however is a joy to look at.

I love the unusual mix of textures and how he plays with the female silhouette with exaggerated hips on skirts and dresses. We also see lambswool being used to amazing effect as he utilises it to embellish skirts, dresses and jackets. This lends the very feminine collection a more tailored edge and gives it enough of a quirk to really stand out. They grey jacket is perhaps the standout piece for me.

Jamie is sure to go far and I will watching with great excitement as he takes the fashion world by storm.

Queen Michelle

Sunshine On A Sunny Day

Carrying on from yesterdays look at the light and breeziness of Lonely Hearts Club, I give to you Sunshine & Shadow.

This label really does a grand job at presenting quirky, wearable separates again using fabrics like loose jersey and cool cotton. Almost sportswear inspired, Sunshine & Shadow pieces seems ideally suited for gently layering, since they are reasonably simple yet have the added details of tribal prints (although I'm reminded of Keith Haring), little studs and bright flashes of colour, which is just enough to make them stand out.

Queen Michelle

When Your Heart Is Lonely

As both your Queens have already mentioned over the course of this blog, we don't much get along with the summer heat. Queen Marie ends up bright red and I end up with skin you could fry eggs on. It ain't pretty. But more importantly these high temperature mess with our wardrobes no end.

I don't mind baring limbs under the cover of a club at night or in work, but when it comes to stepping outside well, that's another matter all together. The sunlight virtually bounces off my uber pale skin blinding everyone in the vicinity. In order to try and maintain my dignity, and limit the amount of public blindness, I tend to cover up with the lightest jersey vests and dresses which I can wear under a very light jacket. If I simply cannot get away with jeans then I'll wear some over the knee socks and just have the tops of thighs bare - a case of damage limitation. For both me and an unsuspecting public.

So labels which have a very lo-fi approach are a god-send to me during these summer days. Having written before about New Zealand label Lonely Hearts Club, I am once again looking to their cute creations for a helping hand during these hot days.

Little light dresses that can be layered over slips or jeans, cheeky, loose vests for when I'm DJing during hot nights and slouchy shorts for summer days spent thrifting. Lonely Hearts' approach is so simple yet utterly effective. Lovely!

Queen Michelle

The Function Of Form

What happens when take add a former designer at Imitation of Christ, a former art director at Helmut Lang and an....ex-model restaurateur together? New York based design collective Form.

Founder Jerry Tam, worked for Imitation of Christ after he graduated and went on to form is own label in 2006. The label has gone from strength to strength since then. he was later joined by Kelly Andrews, ex Helmut Lang and Eric Wener the ex-model.

Clean, creative and modern is perhaps the best adjectives to describe this label's work. I think of it as Park Avenue Princess with an edge. Lantern shaped dresses in taffeta, draped dresses and tunics in silk charmeuse, dandy-esque tweeds and hooded frocks all very light, breezy and modern.

The beauty of pieces like is is the ease with which they can be dressed to look very minimal but similarly they are ideal for layering over more laid-back items. Not basics exactly, but more of a creative canvas upon which to add other interesting adornments. I am really into the chalk bubble shaped strapless dress. Layered over a sheer white tshirt this dress would look amazing. Yum!

Queen Michelle

Scutt For Topshop

How many times do think we have had to type "Topshop" in a sentence with "collaborate"? Lots I suspect and I'm about to do it again.

Danielle Scutt is to create a capsule collection for, yup you guessed it, Topshop. Her powerhouse of a SS08 collection, which seemed to be a myriad of looks aimed at the super fierce femmes out there, was exceptionally well received - an impressive accolade since it was her first show outwith Fashion East.

There is no denying that Topshop has really bagged a winner though as alot of latest collection is pretty much Topshop ready. Floaty prints, indigo denim, sweet florals and a pretty swingy trench coat - all ripe for the picking. Of course, I suspect many a fashion lover will be hoping she channels a bit of her bondaged glamazon looks from the SS08 collection, which are slightly more directional.

Whenever this collection is set to launch, I suspect it will be to great expectation and applaud. I, for one, can't wait.

Queen Michelle

More Aussie Love

Shame on me but until I actually began writing this blog I truly hadn't realised the vast quantity of talented Australian designers there are out there. I have written about a fair few on here and have been exposed to lots more via magazine's like the amazing Oyster. And of course some, like Kirrily Johnston, you just stumble upon whilst looking for something else. That's how I found the label. I was hunting for a leather dress and she had one in her Autumn/Winter 07 collection, which is how I discovered this delightful treasure.

The main reason I am so drawn to this label is that each collection always feels youthful and fresh yet sophisticated and grown up. Most of the clothes seem designed for wafting around in on hot days, like today as it happens, without having to sacrifice modesty and style in order to prevent you from ending up a hot, sweaty mess. All plus points in my book.

Naturally I'm drawn to the harem style pants but what I would seriously consider making room for are the striped leggings. I reckon these little monochrome numbers could do terribly well in my wardrobe for elevating some of my more sedate items.

Queen Michelle

Sweet Peaches

I have been watching Glamour's Best Dressed List 2008. I have to say that these lists always end up with me shouting at the telly. Normally it's the dullest people that rate the highest, and the 'quirkier' types are nominated merely for their effort at trying something different and rarely because they are deemed to have gotten it 'right'. Naturally I was rooting for the likes of the lovely Kirsten Dunst and goth hottie Eva Green, both of whom were, unsurprisingly, hovering at the arse end of the scale. But what really struck me was just how much I actually liked mouthy teen Peaches Geldof.

I must admit, this gobby London gal had previously made grimace everytime she opened her cake-hole in a magazine or on TV, but my opinion has done a complete u-turn and I now find her rather refreshing. She has the outspoken-ness of her father but without the preachy do-gooding which makes her seem quite naughty. She's like the posh, real live version of Vicky Pollard. Like most teens many of her opinions are not rooted in anything as mundane as life experience, they are just 100% concentrated, full flavour, base opinion. Because she feels like it. And she can. Brilliant.

The Teaches of Peaches
On Jane Austen and The Bronte sisters - "boring feminist crap". Bless!

Unlike her similarly famous teen peer, Lily Allen, who just seems to spend her time swithering between being a cocky loudmouth to whiny crybaby, Peaches seems to be well aware of her gilded upbringing and is able to laugh at herself and those around her. She basically seems like she'd be a right good laugh on a night out. Peaches is the kind of girl that would spill beer down her Chanel frock and not give a rats ass. Gotta love that.

Queen Michelle

Silence Is Golden

As with most people, many of the designers featured on this blog are fiscally out of my reach. However, I post them because, for me, they provide crucial inspiration. Kick starts onto a sartorial route I'd abandoned or temporarily lost interest in. Seeing labels and designers' work that I cannot afford, nor find, delivers to me the impetus to attempt my own DIY interpretations and embark on the challenge of recreating a mood or look for much cheaper and more personal to me.

When the wonderful Venessa sent me a link to Australian label Silence is Golden, in a 'It's So You' moment, my love of loose fitting men's trousers and stark tailoring came rushing back to the forefront of my head.

Kelvin Tam, who studied architecture at the University of New South Wales, explores and blurs the boundaries between male and female in his SS08 collection. There are undeniable nods to Marlene Dietrich with the high waisted trousers, sharp shouldered, 40's style tuxedo jackets and stunning flowing goddess gowns. The interjection of muted metallics amongst the monochrome adds a bit of a glamourous edge to this intelligent and grown up collection.

It's also interesting to me to see a former architect, gone into fashion, tackle structure and tailoring. I find that creatives, who studied in a different field originally, usually bring something unique to the table. A case in point would the amazing Emilio de la Morena, a former sculptor, who's re-interpretation of the physical form by expert manipulation of fabric, breathes new life into classic silhouettes, such as the cocoon or body conscious forms. In Kelvin Tam's case the folds and unusual volume on skirts, for example, has a very obvious parallel to that of the architect's vision which clearly still exists within him. It's this collision of creative disciplines which serves up a unique melting pot of ideas and exploration of dressing the body to both compliment and adorn.

My only complaint? The shoes. Good god those shoes are doing that lookbook no favours at all - but I'm sure I could remedy that no problem!

Queen Michelle

Pray for the bag of Sister Wolf...

Some of you may not know Sister Wolf of Godammit.com, a situation we should remedy this very day.
Sister Wolf is mad, she's godamm mad. She's acerbic, witty, outspoken and as for the language! I hope she doesn't kiss her mother and her kid with that mouth. She is also a must read. When she posted about her handbag the other day, I felt her pain while laughing out loud.
She said -

'Some Bitch Sat On My Handbag'

I went to a dinner party and someone’s sister-in-law sat on my Vivienne Westwood handbag. I believe I have post traumatic stress disorder due to this event, and I’d like to sue her fat ass to kingdom come. There’s a photo of the bag somewhere here if you want to better understand the Horror.

Meanwhile, I’m resorting to my big Paul Smith bag from January 2007, and everyone will think I’m a dope who just jumped on the Yellow Bandwagon. Hmph, as if. I’ve even started wearing my yellow shoes just to show that I’m not afraid to match my accessories. Sister Wolf makes her own rules, Godammit.

Please take a moment to pray for my injured bag, may she fully recover her former glory, amen.

"Hey Sister Wolf! How are you feeling today? I brought you some flowers"
"*Snarling* Yeah so I see"
"Don't you think it's time you got up out of bed? You can use my basket as a bag if you would like"
"Your basket, your motherf**kin' wicker basket, have you lost your mind, I'm in mourning for a Westwood bag"
"It was only an offer, Sister Wolf"
"Oh Bite Me Queen Marie..."

Poor Sister Wolf, we pray for you and for your handbag.
AMEN

Queen Marie

Happy Birthday M'Lady

The Kingdom would like to take the chance to wish the AMAZING Winona, AKA Lady W here in the Kingdom, from the AMAZING Daddy Likey, a HAPPY VERY BIRTHDAY!!!! She is having a 1982 Prom themed partay. We wish we could attend since both your Queens are old enough to remember Safety Dance the first time around, therefore we could be on hand to recount tales of the 80's to all the lovely young things who were merely kitten sized back in 1982.

Happy Birthday Lady W!

The Queens