moda communicator

Behind the Scenes

2010-07-26T17:03:00.000+10:00

The first fashion film shoot for the year happened yesterday on a mostly sunny day (thankfully) at Ballast Point Park where we had model Sarah Elizabeth of Priscillas running about in Callista Potts swimwear and abseiling off a big rusty water tank! check out the lovely Maja Baska's behind the scenes shots of some of the action that went down here. Amazing!

New Blog

2010-07-02T11:03:00.001+10:00

Check out my all new blog I've begun in conjunction with my major project for university, a website dedicated to the creation of new fashion media called ABSORB. It will be a visual feast of amazing, elaborate shoots and videos with yours truly at the helm as creative director. But for now all the behind the scenes stuff is going up on the blog so click on the link below:

http://absorbblog.wordpress.com

feel free to leave comments etc!

And the website will be launched at the end of november!!!!!!

More slow motion moderat

2010-06-16T19:30:00.000+10:00

Moderat "Les Grandes Marches" from Pfadfinderei on Vimeo.

Another Moderat video clip, this time with an amazing sequence of exploding concrete pylons. The detail is incredible, and the clip has a slow build up that really draws out the suspense until the action unfolds. The anticipation it creates does pay off, and the visual effect is rather mesmerising to watch. The collaboration with the BAM institute for material research in Germany (who among other things test the impact of aeroplanes on buildings) is behind this film, creating the concrete to be detonated under high pressure. Its a very stark and simple video, and for that it is also striking, and seems to be the signature aesthetic for Moderat's music.

Fabric and Film

2010-06-16T19:16:00.000+10:00

Moderat "Rusty Nails" from Pfadfinderei on Vimeo.

This videoclip for Moderat capitalises on the sensuous and sculptural form that fabric can take. Beautifully shot, it has that indulgent element with the flowing fabric while also looking thoroughly modern with the camera technique and black background. Really lovely.

Soundsuits

2010-06-14T21:47:00.000+10:00

Amazing and inspirational. The work of Nick Cave is like an explosion of energy and imagination, combining the visually extraordinary, wearable art pieces with the idea of movement. Coming from a dance background, and teaching fashion in Chicago, he plays with modifying the body and extending it through clothing and how one then moves when wearing one of his Soundsuits. The name came about after realising what sounds were being produced when he put the first one on - it was an unintentional outcome. What has resulted is a whole-body experience that incorporates all the senses and is truly arresting to watch.

The capabilities of cameras

2010-06-04T23:13:00.000+10:00

Great new music video by Paul Blake for Parisien DJ Knuckles (now called Sovnger), shot using an Olympus i-SPEED 3. The slow motion editing is excellent, you get the delayed flickering lights of the Paris metro, the still-sharp detail in each shot while filmed in motion, and the well executed interplay between slow and sped up footage. This particularly interested me, having just shot a video using slow motion editing on another dig camera, so it was good to see how it comes out with the different camera. The fact that digital still cameras can now shoot video that looks this good makes the possibilities endless and really mobilises the digital camera even further. It is becoming so that you really only need one mechanism for a whole array of imaging functions. Which is interesting, as i was talking today with someone about the fact that people need to be multi-taskers today; it is not really enough to specialise in one area any more, and it seems the more skill bases you can add to your cap the better. That said, this video is definitely one to watch.

KNUCKLES | BLAKE - WHAT I LIKE from Paul Bryan on Vimeo.

For an extremely comprehensive record of the whole shooting process from storyboarding to finish, have a look at Paul Bryan's site: http://www.pmbryan.com/knuckles.html

Ali Larrey

2010-06-02T12:13:00.000+10:00

You can find some amazing things in the Behance network. While doing some research for a photo shoot, i came upon the work of Ali Larrey, an art director, set designer, and floral designer based in Madrid. Her work is opulent, evoking historical excess through her compositions and love of decoration. I put up a few images here of a spread called The Atelier, these ones in particular caught my eye for the styling and the poses of the model. I particularly like the bathtub image for its colours and semi-quirky positioning.

THE ATELIER
LUCÍA SE CASA Magazine
Photographer: Antonio Cordero
Stylist: Abraham Gutiérrez
Set Design: Ali Larrey & Enrique Ferrero

http://www.alilarrey.com/

Fashion Journalism redux

2010-05-27T20:41:00.001+10:00

New tracks in the world of SHOWstudio's take on fashion communication: the idea of a magazine feature comes to life on screen, with collaborator Alex Fury delivering a journalistic style commentary on the meanings and significance of the new season Prada shoes and stockings. This is yet another application of the idea of film coming into fashion, and i think this could definitely be expanded upon as a different approach to fashion reporting - even for fashion blogging. It shows that the esoteric side of fashion can still be presented in an engaging way, and that the wealth of fashion theory and knowledge - that is established and continues to grow - may have an outlet other than in an academic text or journal. While the video could not be embedded away from the site, click on the image below to go to their viewing page, as part of their Object fetish series.

Montage Mayhem

2010-05-23T18:15:00.000+10:00

Recently been inspired by the photomontage-style artwork of Lisa Eisner for an upcoming project. The kaleidoscopic images layer photographs of nature and landscape, resulting in a new way of looking at our surroundings. They are colourful and detailed, harking back to the psychadelic aesthetics of the 60s, and rooted in the native Americans' connection to nature. She refrains from using photoshop, constructing hand-assembled images that have a sense of randomness yet a deliberate assemblage.
The works are currently on show as part of her Psychonaut exhibition at M + B Gallery, in Los Angeles, until June 5, which also features an installation work and 'scent sculptures'.

Images from Nowness and M+B Gallery

Rockabilly Love

2010-05-23T14:17:00.000+10:00

I came across this editorial from Blend Magazine on the Design Scene website here.
They struck me most particularly for the hair - a little bit Chanel of recent catwalk shows, but with this rockabilly vibe that comes through with some of the styling - like the catseye sunglasses and small check shirt, the bouffant fringes. Some of the crotch-grabbing positions are a little unexpected, it seems that the shoot switches between a more innocent look with the hair and some quite romantic outfits, to these sexed-up photos which makes me a little confused about that they are really intending in this shoot. There is an obvious lack of narrative, or otherwise the theme that was intended has become lost. All the same, some very nice elements within each photo.

Smoky Delight

2010-05-18T17:02:00.000+10:00

Just wonderful. A video art installation by Christoph Schemel, a newly graduated photographer from Berlin. A commentary on the beauty ideal, our continual yet doomed search for the everlasting perfect image. It's quite mesmerising to watch.

Vanishing from Christoph Schemel on Vimeo.

Discussions of a fashion future

2010-05-17T00:19:00.000+10:00

This video is an important and timely talk between Imran Amed of The Business of Fashion and Dazed and Confused founder Jefferson Hack as part of their Fashion Pioneers series. It looks at this period in time in which fashion media has been going through drastic change as it transitions from print, to digital, and a range of other platforms such as the Ipad - which has the potential to change the whole user experience of magazine consumption. They talk about the future of fashion and how it is seen, as these new interfaces are literally shaping a new way of viewing and interacting with the images, the designers and the clothing. It's thought provoking conversation, and part of the ongoing, evolving debate between print and digital media.

BoF Fashion Pioneers: Jefferson Hack from The Business of Fashion on Vimeo.

Here, There and Nowhere

2010-05-12T17:24:00.000+10:00

Nowhere Boy gives an insight into the teenage life of John Lennon as he goes through his tumultuous family developments to discover what really happened to his parents and the reasons for his upbringing with his aunt, discovers a love for music and performing - bit of a showman - and begins a close friendship with fellow band member Paul McCartney, whose own family history bonds them together.

Realised by artist Sam Taylor-Wood (who incidentally is now in a relationship with the star Aaron Johnson) as her first feature film, the compelling story and great characterisation really carries the movie. Aside from being a story about a famous Beatle, it is a beautiful portrayal of male youth, finding your identity and fulfilling dreams. The struggle of coming to terms with a difficult family situation is touching, with the strength and passion of the female characters being central - they obviously shape the man that Lennon becomes. It is also entertaining for the boyhood antics he gets up to, being cheeky at school and pulling groupies, adopting Elvis hairstyles and Buddy Holly glasses and stealing records from the music store. At once a coming-of-age story as well as being a biopic of the young Lennon, the film is definitely worth a look. Aaron Johnson is also one to watch, his latest role is in Kick Ass, currently in cinemas, but his smartmouth rebel with a sensitive side in Nowhere Boy plucks at the heartstrings and paints an image of the man he is to become.

images - thecia.com.au

Tom Fordalicious

2010-05-10T09:45:00.000+10:00

Tom Ford’s first foray into cinema has delivered a sensitive, evocative portrayal of lost love and human relationships. Based on the book by Christopher Isherwood, Colin Firth plays college professor George Falconer, a gay man crippled by the loss of his partner in a sudden accident. He maintains a polished, yet solitary existence while systematically organising his own suicide.
Ford’s fashion aesthetic comes through in the sensuous imagery: a highly stylised depiction of 1960’s America, at times bordering on a commercial look. Coming from a high fashion background, the consciously constructed world through which George moves can feel detached, yet it also adds to the sense of his loss and gradual disassociation from life. Memorable scenes are effectively the incongruent ones; a surreal conversation with the neighbouring family’s daughter and a fleeting moment with a Spanish model-type in the hazy light of an LA sunset. Bold and achingly beautiful, it is an accomplished debut for Ford from designer to director.

http://drnorth.wordpress.com/2010/02/23/suicide-is-spotless-a-single-man/

Moody Men

2010-05-07T22:35:00.000+10:00

Continuing with my love and research of men in fashion and masculinity, NOWNESS has just released a new film for the Dior Homme AW2010 collection. Taking inspiration from a found polaroid of a white hallway, photographer Sharif Hamza recreated this scene in which to frame the new men's line, producing a film resplendent in mood as well as showing a reverence for the clothing itself. The billowing trench is particularly arresting, as well as the close up shots of the models, seeming to communicate without the need for words, as Sharif intends.

The White Room, Dior Homme Fall 2010

Directed by Sharif Hamza

Styled by Robbie Spencer

Electric People

2010-05-07T09:32:00.000+10:00

Just came across this film clip "We Are Electric" by Fischerspooner on Vimeo.
What a mad video, an overload of everything obsessing my eye lately - different forms of light, in so many combinations, mixed with out there headgear, mirrors, cool styling and even video screen mouthpieces! Lots of inspiration for a current project as i am looking at lighting options. Credit to Andrew Schneider for that touch of digital dental greatness.

FISCHERSPOONER "We Are Electric" official music video from SUBVOYANT on Vimeo.

FISCHERSPOONER: "We Are Electric"

Directors: Jason Cacioppo & Adam Dugas

Stylist: K8 Hardy

Makeup: Tracy Alfajora

Lighting: Ben Kopald

Video Helmet: Andrew Schneider

In transition: the new fashion media

2010-05-06T19:49:00.000+10:00

A new post from my friend DesignBrainBucket is a comprehensive little summary of my main area of research, the changes in fashion communication. Having just completed a dissertation in this topic, it's nice to see that the interest for new kinds of fashion media is growing - it is an area that is increasingly getting more attention and i think will continue to do so for a while to come. The internet is being embraced more and more, having gained a dominant presence as a disseminator of fashion news and trends - it is instantaneous, something that is unique to this format of communication. Maybe once the intensity of having written a whole dissertation on the topic dies down, i will write something with more elaboration so in the meantime have a read of her post, and have a peek at the rest of her blog too!

Men in Tights

2010-05-04T20:02:00.000+10:00

Still looking at all manner of men things, I bought a plastic-wrapped Japanese men's magazine the other day with no idea what it would contain. I ended up being very pleased with my purchase for it unleashed a stream of beautiful men's fashion and fantastic japanese styling. This shoot featured here shows off a bit of trend going on in Japan right now for wearing leggings under shorts - sporty, playful, post industrial....

Huge Magazine

April 2010

photographed by Katsuhide Morimoto

styled by Toshio Takeda

Amazing Tilda

2010-05-03T23:37:00.000+10:00

While doing some research for a men's fashion film, i came across this video shot by Glen Luchford and styled by Katy England. Starring the inimitable Tilda Swinton - she is fast becoming a fashion favourite and muse to labels like Pringle of Scotland, whose video will be posted up soon. This film encapsulates a lot of the elements i am looking for in my own project - but featuring a man instead of a woman. It was actually quite surprising and timely to view this and see the same things that have been swimming in my thoughts this past week, the essence evoked, the narration, and the lingering shots. Beautiful. Tilda Swinton for Dazed Digital:

Pilati's perspective

2010-05-03T00:21:00.000+10:00

This is a series of short films showcasing the Yves Saint Laurent Men's Collection for SS09. Filmed by Sarah Chatfield, in collaboration with YSL designer Stefano Pilati, it is an exploration of various notions of masculinity. Put together, the films follow a sort of non-sequiter narrative, depicting a different aspect of man in each. Combined with the collection, the films round out the season's story and allow the designs to be engaged with on a whole other level. There is a whole range of film techniques and styling to complement each part of the story, and tie in with the overarching theme of what it is to be a man today.

Textural Man

2010-05-03T00:08:00.000+10:00

While currently researching manly things for an upcoming project, i was reminded of an editorial I had seen and loved in the wonderful magazine Bon. Photographed by Anushka Blommers and Niels Schumm, and styled by Haidee Findlay-Levin, they have such seemingly simple compositions, yet the black and white photography is so effective in capturing the hedges. Add to this the ethereal young man, model Robin van der Krogt, who gives off a bit of a vampire vibe. The shoot is modern with an edge of retro styling - the hair especially teamed up with chunky knits and large-buttoned coats, it makes me think of iconic male characters like Holden from J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye. There is a sense of vulnerability underlying a shrewd independence that is typical of those literary characters, finding themselves while out on a wandering journey.

Bon International, No. 16, Autumn Winter 2009-10

Fashion Film Frenzy

2010-04-27T23:33:00.000+10:00

A Shaded View On Fashion Film is a touring festival showcasing new fashion films and promoting the increasing profile of this emerging genre. Hosted by Diane Pernet, fashion editor and blogger of A Shaded View On Fashion, it is now in its third year and gaining more and more popularity. This year, the film festival is on the move, with new film submissions required with each stop. Next up will be Paris, after first launching at the Mexico and Russia fashion weeks, the Hyères Fashion Festival April 30, then landing in Milan on May 25-30, with more destinations to be announced. In conjunction with the Milan event, Vogue Italia is looking for submissions for a short film based around the subject 'light' - if the due date wasn't so soon I would have had plenty of inspiration! Past films include work by Jeremy Scott, Ksubi, SHOWStudio, Alexander McQueen, Gareth Pugh and director Ridley Scott. Can't wait to see the new crop of exciting films, they are sure to be fantastic.

lenhenry.com

Boys Boys Boys

2010-04-26T14:41:00.001+10:00

In celebration of explorations of masculinity, the male body and dress, man style, men everything, this week begins with a film for Dolce and Gabbana's SS10 mens collection. Filmed by Pierre Debusschere, styled by David St John-James, and starring british actor Robert Sheehan, who is due to appear in upcoming films Killing Bono and Season of the Witch, the film is inspired by the sequinned tailoring of the spring collection. Following on from my previous posts about light, this video plays with a range of sparking light sources from firecrackers to strobe lights and laser projections. Set to the music of Australian experimental rock band Pivot, it is an edgy piece, working well with the flashy light effects juxtaposed against the more dreamy twilight landscapes to communicate a dramatic opulence for Dolce and Gabbana. The film debuted on website Nowness, and also features in stills in Another Man magazine.

Dolce & Gabbana's Men's Spring 2010 Collection Trailer from Selectism on Vimeo.

Info courtesy of Nowness.com

Whiteness of Being

2010-04-23T09:05:00.000+10:00

Here are some lovely photos from french/swedish artist Mathieu Bernard-Reymond's 2009 series entitled Disparitions, exulting in the ghostly quality of white for which they are remote and beautiful. There is the knowledge and suggestion of human presence while at the same time the landscapes are rendered alien and abandoned. I get a feeling of dislocation, of being there and not there, or maybe on another dimension. The human influence of their built environment seems to merge with the foggy land rather than encroaches - the contrast seems to work together as a whole, creating this interesting and conflicting atmosphere.

A description of the series from his website:
"The series Disparitions the artist examines architecture, people, landscape and their mutual interactions. Man appears as a flâneur in the layers of the image, randomly present or absent. The architectural complexes thus generated become compelling stage designs for human decoration in which the individual beings are imprisoned."
Helen Hirsch

Mathieu Bernard-Reymond - Disparitions (2009)
images from his website here

From white to bright (to fright?)

2010-04-22T09:44:00.000+10:00

This is a truly fantastic photographic series shot by Rankin - who co-founded Dazed and Confused - in collaboration with makeup artist Alex Box. Beginning with a white 'canvas' the images progress in an experimental exploration of beauty and darkness. I love these because they are not your typical beauty shoot, it is a lot more raw and textural. Inspired by gothic culture in her younger years and the idea of being unattainable, she studied fine art at the Chelsea College of Art before progressing into painting the body and face. This series was shown as part of a 2009 exhibition of their joint work at Rankin's gallery space Annroy, among their other equally as inspiring images. (Dazed and Confused, Nov 09)

Photos courtesy of Rankin's website.

Existential White

2010-04-21T11:23:00.000+10:00

Excerpt from Daft Punk's movie Electroma

Exploring their own brand of humanity, the enigmatic Daft Punk boys created a full-length film journeying through their robot bodies as they attempt to transform themselves into humans. The excerpt here shows the robot characters enter a space-age looking facility to undergo their transformation - the camera techniques used in this scene is where it is interesting. The high-contrast, ultra white silhouettes work really well and is a technique that stays with you visually for its strong graphic quality. This video is a bit long, it's 10 minutes, but the main thing to take away from it is the cinematography, shot by one of the duo Thomas Bangalter, who apparently taught himself about film production in order to make this.

www.electroma.org
www.daftpunk.com

The Ephemera of White

2010-04-20T17:32:00.000+10:00

This week is about white!

I came across the work of London based stylist Fred Butler a little while ago - it's often zany and colourful, a bit futuristic and there is a love of craft and unique handmade items. Her skills as a prop maker and her wonderful imagination go beyond. While on her website, i found a film called House of Organza, made for an art event in London in 2009, that really spoke to me of the beauty and transient nature of white.The soft ruffles of the fabric unfold and enclose in a way that is fragile and sensual at the same time and makes for a very beautiful film. The detail of the clothing is really done justice as well, giving the visual closeup while conveying the feel of the light, layered texture of the organza.

I wasn't able to find a video of the whole film to put on the blog, so posted here is a teaser of it, however you can view the actual film (which i recommend) on Fred Butler's website or here at DazedDigital.

Photos and video teaser shot by Mari Sarai
Styled by Kim Howells

images from coutequecoute

"HOUSE OF ORGANZA"' - Extended Video Teaser from PRICKIMAGE on Vimeo.

Heavenly Light

2010-04-18T14:06:00.000+10:00

Soft projector light lends a surreal, filmic quality to this editorial featuring Kate Moss. It adds another layer to the clothing, reiterating the tulle and angelic hair and yet is also juxtaposed by the hard edge found in elements like the cigarette and graffiti style projections. Some photos show the projection of a film still - referencing beauty and the beast. Almost like the projection of inner thoughts and feelings, ephemera, and a gauzy veil imprinting on the body.

source: http://community.livejournal.com/ru_glamour/2716512.html?style=mine

Vogue Paris Dec-Jan 2005

Photographer: Craig McDean

Stylist: Carine Roitfeld

Lights, Camera, Lasers!

2010-04-17T00:04:00.000+10:00

RE-BEL - Film by SHOWStudio

Shot by Pierre Debusschere and styled by Rasharn Agyemang

Neon and futuristic, this is another exploration into light and a frenetic, expressive journey into a high-tech world. Suggestive of techno textiles, robots and new modes of existence, it is interesting for the atmosphere the work invokes. Shot as a precursor to a new magazine of the same name, the possible applications for film are so far reaching..

more neon eye candy

2010-04-15T22:57:00.001+10:00

I just came across this pic on a website called Bleach Black - UV light from the tanning bed and a great photo. A bit more low-tech than the Herring & Herring images but equally as interesting.

www.bleachblack.com

Radioactive Light

2010-04-15T22:48:00.000+10:00

A great photographic collaboration exists between Dimitri Scheblanov and Jesper Carlsen, who founded Herring & Herring in 2008. Radioactive uses the one technique to amazing effect, and the neon, glowing garments literally jump out of the image like very cool kids stepping out from the nuclear reactor - or another planet. Styled by Katie Collins, published in Surface Nov 2009. For more of their work go here.

Let There Be Light

2010-04-14T17:53:00.000+10:00

UV light, laser light, glow sticks, flare guns, fairy lights, halogen lights, neon lights, projector light, torchlight, candlelight, strobe light, black light, night vision, infrared.....

LIGHT

So many different possibilities and effects. So many ways to affect perception and experience. Light can be emotional, it can cause anxiety, it can wash something out so that only a brief impression remains. Light often means life while a lack of light is dangerous and threatening. Light can also be heavenly and suggest another plane, or it can be futuristic and technology-driven.


LED Spraycan by aïssa logerot

Dazed and Confused, styled by Nicola Formichetti, photographed by Pierre Debusschere

The artwork of Olafur Eliasson is so arresting in his experiential projects with light. His dutch/icelandic heritage conveys a fascination with the human condition and its environments, and his installations immerse the viewer within them. This attests to how significantly light impacts on us, and having been to one of his exhibitions i can say that his work truly resonates for a long time after the experience - hugely inspirational. www.olafureliasson.net

The weather project (2003)

Your atmospheric colour atlas (2009)


Beauty (1993)

Room for one colour (1997)

Stylists no. 4 - Nicola Formichetti

2010-04-12T22:38:00.007+10:00

Nicola Formichetti has been amazing me with his work lately. Having established himself through his position as creative director at Dazed and Confused, he also fills the boots of fashion editor at Vogue Hommes Japan, V mag, Another magazine and Another Man. I am in awe of his styling work with men's fashion in particular - it really goes beyond the typical representation of male fashion and toward a less gender-stereotyped sensibility. His creative style is quite diverse but the use of props, accessories and makeup often play a large part, combined with photographic effects or location to make a complete and engaging story. I'm very much drawn to colourful things at the moment, especially in fashion photography, however his black and white work is also beautiful.
Here's a taste of some editorials, a whole lot more on his website www.nicolaformichetti.com

Stylists no. 3 - Michelle jank

2010-04-08T21:41:00.000+10:00

ACNE Spring/Summer 2010 presentation - by Michelle Jank and Richard Brandon Cox
featuring art by Katerina Jebb at the Barbican Curve Gallery, London, music by Jonny Seymour and Paul Mac.

Originally from Perth, Michelle Jank now flits between Paris and Sydney, her work encompassing styling, her own jewellery and fashion designing, and now some video work. Making the clear link between art and fashion, this film for ACNE's 2010 summer range is set in a gallery and conveys a rather ethereal quality. I've also included a recent shoot she has styled with photographer Harold David, which is just beautiful for the monochromatic colour blocking (nude colours are so hot right now!) and the florally constructed eye mask. Dry australian bush meets mademoiselle.

http://linleeloves.blogspot.com/2010/02/when-michelle-jank-met-harold-david.html

Stylists no. 2 - Giovanna Battaglia

2010-04-05T17:54:00.003+10:00

Image from Garance Doré

Giovanna Battaglia holds the post as Fashion Director of Vogue Gioiello and Vogue Pelle (the italian jewellery and fur-centric issues of Vogue). She favours theatrical compositions, with a definite influence from the cinema, particularly in her editorial styling for L'Uomo Vogue - you get a real sense of vintage italian films being invoked. I think her work in black and white is particularly good. Here are a few shots from various editorials:

Images from http://www.art-dept.com/styling/battaglia/index.html

Stylists no. 1 - Emmanuelle Alt

2010-04-05T17:53:00.001+10:00

Picture by Garance Doré

This week I'll be looking at inspirational stylists as part of an inquiry into mentors:

As the Fashion Director at Vogue Paris, Emmanuelle Alt infuses chic parisienne style with a strong, assured female figure in her editorials, although her work is very diverse. She is Carine Roitfeld's right-hand lady, favours black, skinny trousers and leather jackets, seen predominantly in this shoot, which seems to me to epitomise her personal style, and the image of the powerful, capable woman - COMMANDO, Vogue Paris, March 2010. Photographed by David Sims, with Iselin Steiro modelling.

Images from models.com

Delphic - Halcyon video clip

2010-04-04T11:54:00.001+10:00

fantastically shot video clip by Delphic - the styling is great, the slow motion, high-def photography really captures the flow and movement of the fabric as well as the shale as it breaks and shatters under the dancers' feet. The combination of location, costumes and movement come together beautifully, a bit mysterious and ritualistic.. Also love the emphasis on the hands in the choreography.

Alberto Seveso ink photography

2010-04-04T11:23:00.000+10:00

Do you remember as a kid, dipping your paintbrush into the water and watching all the paint swirl out in strands from your brush? These amazing photos, entitled Medicina Rossa and Sequence blu/verde, were taken by Italian graphic artist Alberto Seveso - very simply, they are coloured inks being dropped into water - the way another liquid coils and reacts to the environment before it eventually mixes in with the water. These images are so detailed and sculptural, you get a real sense of the movement while the single colour is so effective. They're just mesmerising to look at, a real visual treat.

View more of Seveso's work in his Behance portfolio: http://www.behance.net/indiffident

Gareth Pugh AW09 - ShowStudio film by Ruth Hogben

2010-04-02T13:34:00.000+11:00

This film was shot as a showcase of Gareth Pugh's 09 collection - as an alternative to the usual runway showing it was a veritable cinematic experience conveying the essence and drama that prevails in his work. Directed by Ruth Hogben, styled by Katie Shillingford, it turned the idea of a fashion show on its head. For designs such as Pugh's it seems almost natural to take the clothing into the cinematic, where sound and visuals can really work with the garments. Silhouette and movement here are taken to another level with the visual effects and mirroring.

SHOWstudio: Gareth Pugh A/W'09 by Ruth Hogben from SHOWstudio on Vimeo.

The reason

2010-04-01T17:23:00.000+11:00

I thought i'd start things off with a little introductory post. My name is Chiara, I'm based in Sydney, Australia, in my final year of what has been quite a long course in fashion design and international studies. During that time I've been lucky enough to live in Milan for a year, work at Vivienne Westwood, speak pretty good Italian and not so good French, find a love for styling, and test my chops with a little fashion PR.

Moda Communicator is intended to follow my graduate project, an online magazine/media extravaganza, and will be a place for all my visual inspiration and reflections on design as i progress through its development. A big part of my research includes fashion films, a relatively new 'genre' of fashion communication which i think offers a lot of possibilities. I'll be posting a lot of stuff about that in the coming weeks.

Some things about me (which won't be mentioned again on this!):

I love travel, the next places i want to go to are japan, south america and new york - i feel i could just up and move to new york without ever having been there

I'm obsessed with red licorice, though I'm trying to cut sugar out of my life these days :(

Designers I'm into for the moment include Haider Ackermann, Matthew Ames, Phoebe Philo and i have a persistent penchant for Karl Lagerfeld's Fendi girl. (pictured in order, images from style.com)

I have an obsession with the underneath of bridges, any bridge. Something about the combo of structure and the water..

I love tropical islands and one day I will fulfil my dream of a Maldives adventure. Or sequester for that matter.