random fashion collage to INSPIRE

(^^this woman with the hand warmer
is my ultimate favourite!) click to enlarge

Last night was craftwerk which charmed me as usual for I love to see all the beautiful people that support craft. Lies and I have much fun chatting to each other and our faithful customers.
More than anything else, I was much inspired by an 11 year old boy who arrived to buy zines and browse the handmade goods. He seemed to have only coins to spend so I know the zine he bought was chosen with great care (the zine maker should be honoured by such a purchase).

But what really inspired me was his sense of style... he made such bold choices for such a young lad-a funky over sized 80s knitted jumper that he had thrifted, and skinny jeans to match his very skinny pre adolescent self. Anyway he reminded me of my favourite fashion blog that features photographs of street fashion in Helsinki Finland. So here are some of my favourite looks. Hope it inspires you too!

the woman in the lower right corner wearing the party dress is a close second
click to enlarege

BY BYE BANG BANG

Here is proof that men can be crafters too. The above vinyl stickers were created by two chaps on the vinyl cutter at Elam art school. They call themselves BYE BYE BANG BANG (no web page to link yet, but I'll share as soon as then get on the world wide web) and they also have a selection of pins... but I assure you its all very tough stuff. very manly ... guns, skulls, jet planes etc. We actually did a trade which I think is the finest way to come by crafts... 3 cards for a pack of vinyl stickers and a pin. My sewing machine is now looking very 'street' and that horse is dancing across my fridge. Random bird stuck in there just because.... gift from Lies :)

I do a little twirl

here is a skirt I made last Tuesday afternoon when I was feeling particularly inspired. I got the fabric in Indonesia a few years back and I decided to go with a short pleated skirt because I thought is would make the fabric more playful instead its propensity to look hippy/world (which is just not my bag). This is the first skirt I have ever made and I didn't use a pattern. I am still a little hesitant when I am wearing it because I fear it screams 'hey, I made this myself' and not in a good way. I did get some sideways looks from people at school which didn't help my confidence -though design students are so different from fine arts students I have noticed :)

okay I hope to show you a few more things this week but we'll see. I need to be working on my illustration piece for exhibition, and I am watching baby sweet Lieveke today. yipeee! that child and I are fast friends :)

-Kimberlee