FAUSTINE STEINMETZ 'Tokyo Heights' /  by Slow Waves

Pick up a copy of the latest Ala Champ Magazine #10 to read an interview with Faustine Steinmetz.

 

WHAT RELATIONSHIP DO YOU WANT TO ESTABLISH BETWEEN EACH GARMENT AND ITS WEARER?

'I would like for them to treasure it. People just don't value their clothes anymore, nowadays we would rather buy 10 pieces of cheap clothing as it's just so easy, rather than buy one piece which would make us really happy and which we would keep for life, mending it whenever there was a problem with them. I would like to see people making better decisions. As designers we have a responsibility to think about what we are using to make our clothes.'

MM6 MAISON MARGIELA/JAY ONE /  by Slow Waves

As part of Vogue Fashion Night Out in September 2014, artist Jay One collaborated with MM6 Maison Margiela on a series of numbered clutches.

At the London and Paris MM6 Maison Margiela stores, clutches taped to a wall made up a blank canvas which was then spray painted and drawn on by Jay One.

Clutches were then sold off individually, with each one forming part of the larger art piece.

We were there for the London performance and bought one (number 80/100) which is on display in Slow Waves.

 

Yoon of AMBUSH chosen as one of the 'Top 23 Power Women' /  by Slow Waves

Yoon, one half of the cult Japanese label Ambush, is one of the 'Top 23 Global Power Women' across the fields of art, design, music, science, business and film in Ala Champ Magazine's tenth issue.

'As co-founder and designer of the made-in-Japan jewellery brand AMBUSH, she is internationally-minded, travelling often to explore new cities and sub-cultures within. The AMBUSH designs are from her and it is this individual vision that ensures the brand grows year by year. She has instigated collaborations with Sacai, Undercover, Louis Vuitton (Kim Jones), A Bathing Ape (NIGO) and maintained the highest calibre in design, production and execution with Ambush pieces being stocked in the finest boutiques worldwide such as Dover Street Market, Colette and United Arrows. Currently an international ambassador for adidasOriginals for their Superstar campaign, Yoon's energy is infectious and her humble yet focussed demeanour means she means business.'

Read more in Ala Champ Magazine, others that made the list include Tracey Emin, Phoebe Philo, Miuccia Prada and M.I.A.

Slow Waves is proud to be the exclusive stockist of Ambush in Australia 

 

FAUSTINE STEINMETZ SS16 COLLECTION UNVEILED /  by Slow Waves

This season Steinmetz takes her collection “back to basics”, looking at the numerous ways in which a staple item can be reproduced, using illusions to create fabrics which are not what they seem at first glance. For SS16, the designer also acknowledges the artist that made her want to become a designer – Joseph Kosuth. After seeing "One and Three Chairs” in a book at the age of 14, Steinmetz believes her mind was opened to visual arts in a way that she still cannot explain today. 

Faustine Steinmetz is the latest recipient of COTTON USA’s highly coveted sponsorship for SS16, an advocacy programme that helps up-and-coming designers to showcase their talent and creativity, bringing the vision for their collection to life through the versatility of U.S cotton.

Steinmetz puts her own twist on iconic pieces, and this includes weaving her own fabric using a traditional handloom in her London studio. This attention to detail to create quality, long-lasting garments is just one of the merits that made Steinmetz a great fit for the COTTON USA sponsorship. 

The sponsorship programme has been a valuable platform for budding designers to elevate their work. Previous recipients of the sponsorship include Richard Nicholl, Meadham Kirchhoff, PPQ, Preen, Louise Gray and palmer//harding. 

Steinmetz said: “I am thrilled to have been selected to receive the sponsorship for a second season. Support for young designers like myself provides a platform to express our creativity and showcase our vision.” She continued “What I love about U.S. cotton is not only the exceptional quality and versatility, but also knowing that the fibres I am using to hand make my designs have been responsibly produced – this is very important to me when sourcing my materials.” 

The Parisian-born designer began her studies at Atelier Chardon Savard in Paris before moving to London to complete her Masters at Central Saint Martins, under the guidance of Professor OBE Louise Wilson. Having worked for the likes of Jeremy Scott and Henrik Vibskov, Faustine set up her label in early 2013 after acquiring her first handloom. All of Steinmetz’s pieces are made in accordance with her belief in craftsmanship over trend, designing staple pieces for the everyday woman.

*Many thanks to Niki Alexandrouw for providing us with the video and press release!

MM6 MAISON MARGIELA FW15 ARRIVAL /  by Slow Waves

The next drop of MM6 Maison Margiela is in. For their FW15 collection the sister line has developed their Pre-Fall notion of 'sheltered textures', echoing ideas of camping and the great-outdoors with the fabric taking on a cocooning function, sheltering you from the elements. 

Again shapes have been stretched out, sleeves are elongated and trousers graze shoes. Business basics mesh with club-kid-esque fabrics; faux leather, sheers, distressed denim and lace. Lacey knits challenge the conservative whilst an incredible pair of two-tone jeans billow into light-fabric flairs at the calf.

The collection has all bases covered. From lighter summer pieces to heavier layers for those hopping hemispheres this holiday period. 

See the new delivery HERE

FAUSTINE STEINMETZ SS16 PRESENTATION /  by Slow Waves

For her Spring/Summer 16 collection, Faustine Steinmetz created an installation.

Models punctuated the walls, oozing out in pleated, unravelling and distorted denim and jersey. Her human mannequins, positioned upon the walls like pieces in a gallery, framed the wearable works of art.

This season Steinmetz covered all bases, from her take on the tracksuit, to a micro-pleated halter-neck dress and white coated-denim bags (a Faustine first but strictly non-leather!).

As she rehashes our wardrobe staples, Steinmetz gives us new intricately woven fabrics, a clean palette and cool silhouettes. Everything she does best.