First Look: G-STAR RAW RESEARCH II by Aitor Throup Which Launched at Paris Fashion Week

Born from the brand’s innovation laboratory, Raw Research II embodies the latest efforts to explore the unlimited possibilities of denim. The Raw Research lab experiments with product design by clashing tradition and innovation, and symbolizes an endeavor to find new ways of crafting denim through the process of exploration, curiosity, and experimentation. The Raw Research capsule collection introduces the brand’s latest denim innovations as prototypes, functioning as the blueprints for the following main collection and representing the G-Star RAW design philosophy in its purest form.




The highlight innovation of the second Raw Research collection is a brand new 3D denim concept which challenges the conventions of denim design: the ‘Motac’ series. This unique approach to garment construction is the result of a focused ergonomic study of the human body in motion. The approach of combining rigid denim with flexible fabric inserted panels results in unexpected product hybrids - such as the motocross inspired Motac-X jeans -and is a significant advancement towards new possibilities for denim design.

For this collection, the iconic Dutch tulip was used as a conceptual backdrop. The flower -prominent in the Hans Bollongier 'Floral Still Life' 1639 painting which also features in the exhibition space - serves as a metaphor for the Dutch 'Tulipmania' and the inevitable collapse of its economic model based on exclusivity. The ‘tulip fever’ originates from the country's economic boom period of the 1630s, at the height of which a single tulip bulb was worth more than a luxury home. Through Raw Research II, Throup flips the historic Dutch symbolism of wealth and status connected to the iconic blossom. He does so by reflecting that while the capsule collection is offered exclusively through selected stores, the innovations it introduces outlive this exclusivity through their direct influence and dissemination into future G-Star RAW general collections, available for everyone.



The Raw Research II capsule collection is the first one after the announcement of Aitor Throup as the brand’s Executive Creative Director. It mirrors the vision of the artist and designer as to how he sees the future of denim through G-Star RAW.



The collection will be available in select high-end concept stores around the world from early June 2017.

Introducing Diane - Global fashion inspired by the streets of Paris

Founded by international fashion model Diana Tadjuideen. Diana was born and raised in Paris by her Polish/Togolese parents. An international model since the age of sixteen, her travels far and wide finally led her to South Africa where Diana decided to harness her entrepreneurial spirit and love for fashion. With DIANE she managed to create a brand that seamlessly merges her Parisian femininity with her passion for timeless glamour.

DIANE is a prêt-à-porter brand aimed at professional women looking to add strokes of Parisian sophistication to their wardrobes. The seasonal collections embody Diana’s timeless elegance and natural French flair, bringing her imaginative spirit to life.

Diana is a hands-on label owner who is involved in every minute detail of the business – compromise is never an option. Her vision for DIANE is to create a lifestyle brand and allow each customer to inhabit a world of chic sophistication synonymous with The City Of Light. “My mission is to make the brand nothing less than extraordinary!” Diana enthuses.

Fabric selection plays an integral role in Diana’s design process, with her painstakingly selecting the finest cloth and materials from fabric houses dotted around Paris. The design of the garments also takes place here where her designer fashions and initially moulds the clothing to Diana’s frame. The final product is then manufactured and finished to perfection in Poland. “When sourcing fabrics I am driven to find options which are both unique and line with international trends. I often spend day son end exploring side strets in search of fabrics that jump out at me. We use silk, dentell de Calais, viscose and eco-leather – which is currently trending in Europe,” she says.

Versatility and everyday indulgence drive her creative process and shape each collection. “I struggled to find on-trend garments that expressed my individuality. I like pieces which can be worn from day to night and that combines the classic with the now,” she says. The current collection is made up of whimsical summer dresses, elegant midi length skirts and eco-leather raw edge tops and jackets.

Garments range from R710 for elegant mini shorts, R790 for raw edge tops, R1500 for classic eco-leather jackets, and R1800 for sophisticated summer dresses.

DIANE is currently available at the following stockists:

Johannesburg:
a.y.k at 44 Stanley, Burgundy Fly in Rosebank
70 Juta Street in Braamfontain

Cape Town:
The Bromwell Boutique Mall in Woodstock

Behind The Scenes: Menswear Campaign – Paris, France

A few months ago I went to Paris to shop and visit the major attractions. Whilst being there I went behind the scenes of a major menswear brand while they shot their latest fashion campaign.

I will provide more information when they launch the campaign.

Here are a few pictures of what went down on that day J