Damir Doma S/S '10

Some will say it's the same, I say it's evolving. Damir Doma's new collection is undoubtedly similar to the previous ones, but his aesthetic world and signature style is so variable, that it has enough opportunities hold for lots of more seasons, without being repetitive or outmoded.

For the recent collection he apparently toned down the excessive draping, which is so characteristic of him, but kept his complex-defined silhouettes, with more structure and volume, than ever before.

The highlights of the collection were the every inch blood-red outfits, which indicated completely new perspectives in the style of Damir Doma.

Like there are so many ways to rumple, ravel or pucker a veil, there are as many possibilities to ring the changes on Damir Doma's pieces. And as we can see, this is exactly what he does.

Until the official runway photos and video appear online, I feature images from Scoute.org.

Regards, Miska

YSL S/S '10 Film by Samuel Benchetrit

It's getting to become a tradition of Stefano Pilati to sum up his recent mood about the upcoming collections for Yves Saint Laurent in short films before the presentations. This year French director, Samuel Benchetrit has written and directed an 8-minutes long black&white adaptation of Pilati's inspiration behind the collection. The film doesn't reflect directly on Pilati's designs, it's an impression of YSL's frame of mood for the next spring/summer season with subtle referencies to the character of the collection.

Regards, Miska

Rick Owens Men S/S '10

Although I didn't find his new collection as impressive, as the previous one, Rick Owens is still Rick Owens.

The jackets are still razorsharp, the shapes are still geometrical, the attitude is still powerful, the execution is still outstanding and still mostly black.

What changed then? I feel this recent collection more "casual" (if I can use this word in the case of Mr. Owens' creations), the whole feels less ethereal, and more cyber-streetstyle, more ready-to-wear. The use of denim for patchwork and the twisted sneaker-boots seems like a bizarre tribute to the basic pieces of today's casual look.

Original photos from SHOWstudio, the ones featured here are retouched by me.

I think though, there's a lot of humour and self-irony in this collection, which might look a little too massive in head-to-toe outfits, but the individual pieces are "easier" than ever. The point is in the right proportions and in the hidden details, as always.

Regards, Miska

100th

I wanted to celebrate this historical moment, the centenary post of Miska Walks Miles with something unique, but then realized, that the most special thing is, what I have behind, which I was part in the past few months. And this is only the very beginning, the most of the road is still ahead.

So I just stop for a moment, take a deep breath and continue my journey.

For the hundredth-time.
Regards, Miska

Hugo by Hugo Boss Men S/S '10 RTW

The first collection, which grabbed my attention during the spring/summer 2010 mens fashion weeks, was Hugo by Hugo Boss designed by Bruno Pieters. I have to admit, that it was truly unexpected for me to see such an inspirational presentation from Hugo Boss. I always thought they are the German Calvin Klein, high-quality, cold and a little bit boring, but always safe. Perhaps it will be necessary to consider my point of view about Hugo.

Bruno Pieters used classic lines as a basic for the collection. Clean-cut silhouettes and explicit lines ruled the outfits. Minimalism in its best form. The color-palette presents the tints of the sky from dawn to sunset. As inspiration, the seascape photography of Wolfgang Uhlig was named, his style is reflected through the sharp boundaries and simple shapes of the collection. The result is a unique, chic menswear-line, which pays tribute to the past values but uses the modern elements efforlessly at the same time.

Perhaps not revolutionary but undoubtedly exciting what we've seen on Hugo's runway, I expect similar pleasant surprises from Paris this week.

I'm experimenting with the runway photos. I'd like to create an individual and eye-catching visual style for my runway reviews, which also fits in the image of the blog. The pictures above are retouched by me, the original ones can be found at WWD.com.

Regards, Miska

Pulp Art Book

Pulp Art Book is the artistic embodiment of the collaboration between supermodel Joni Harbeck and photographer Neil Krug. The album consists of up to 200 special photos, taken with polaroid cameras.
The result is a raw vintage utopia; built upon the memories of past eras, spiced with horses, guns, kaleidoscopes and a viciously beautiful femme fatale.

Preview photos from Neil Krug's Flickr page, which is really worth to visit anyways, for some more visual pleasure. And this video... the song is "The Lions and the Cucumber" by the Vampire Sound Incorporation, isn't it the definition of cool?!

Release date of the book: late 2009.

By the way, Milan Fashion Week has already ended in a twinkling of an eye. I'm more into photography these days, than raunchy D&G jeans or slim-cut suits, but what I've seen so far was better than the average, reviews later. From Thursday my eyes are on the Parisian runways. Stay tuned!

Regards, Miska

Avalon

Sleepy, humid day today. My balcony is a bath of milky-white dim lights. It makes me feel like being in the middle of a dense cloud, made of cotton candy. On the surface, everything appears to stand, while so many things are swirling in the distance.

I'll hit the road soon.

photos from Contributing Editor

For now, just a little teaser from Contributing Editor's "Avalon" editorial, to illustrate my recent mood. Photographed by Leon Mark, fashion editor Matthew Stevenson-Wright. For the whole ed visit their site.

Regards, Miska

Interview with Florian Pessenteiner

Before I throw my heart and soul into the 2010 spring/summer menswear shows, here is an interview with an insider, one of the most unique male models, Florian Pessenteiner.

Thanks to Florian for answering my questions, and thanks to Larapixie for the collaboration!

Regards, Miska

FLORIAN PESSENTEINER INTERVIEW

Miska
- Every model has a story about the beginning. How did you start modelling?

Florian:
- Everything started on a trip to Switzerland when I was waiting there with my mum to catch a bus. I got asked if i would be interested into modelling and thats how everything started.


- Your look is your trademark. It’s very special, easy to recognize, but can’t be categorized. Was it conceptual to develope such a strong image, or is this your natural look?

Yes that’s very true but it was never conceptual to develope this kinda look. When I was younger I was a proper Goth Kid and used to be in this scene. My hair was jet black , I used to wear make up, and was wearing crazy clothes , and loads of piercings. I changed a lot, just my look is still the same in a way.

- What do you think about the new look of male models today? There’s a complete army of skinny, tatto-covered British cool kids everywhere at the moment. Do you think that it’s going to be a long-term trend or just a fling?

I really like the look of the new top models at the moment . It gives edgy models a chance to be successful and get attention. Pretty faces are everywhere . But I think (and I probably have to say that now because I am one of those faces) edgy people are much more interesting , in person and of course in front of the camera. It’s hard to say if that’s a long-term trend or not. But me in person , I hope it will be a long-term one.

- How do you see the position of male models in the world of fashion? Are you still second violins, compared to the girls, or has it changed?

When I started modelling, male models were definately the second "violins" in the industry compared to the girls. But I think it changed a lot, and it’s still changing . Male models definately get more attention nowadays, which is definately good. As far as it comes to money though, there are still a lot of differences, but that’s another chapter of this "book".


- Which work of yours are you most proud of?

In the last year I did so many editorials, that it is really hard to say. But of course I’m really really proud of Vogue, Wonderland, Vision, Zink, Indie. As far as it comes to runway shows it’s definately Rick Owens, because I just love his clothes.


- What do you prefer, shooting or runway jobs?

It always depends on the team I’m working with, and what I am shooting for. Eventhough I have to say the seconds when you enter the runway and when you stand in front of the photographers can’t be compared to any shoots.

- What do you like most about the „model lifestyle”? Travelling? Parties? Nice clothes? Meeting interesting people?

There are loads of things I like about the model lifestyle. I meet a lot of new people , I get to see loads of different places and of course the parties are great . I have the possiblitly to earn my living with what I love and btw I sometimes get really nice clothes for free.


- If you could mention anyone from the fashion-business, who do you like to work with? (photographer, stylist, model…)

I adore Floria Sigismundi ...

- What are your plans for the future?

There is so much stuff planned, that I dont really know where to start now. But as long as everything is just in planning level I don’t really talk about it. I just wanna be healthy, wanna love what I do and I want to be able to see my family and my dog at least every 3 months.

photos from Push It Magazine #3, by Stefan Milev, featuring Florian Pessenteiner

Events & Decisions

photo from And Men Magazine October 2009 Issue by Katariina Wilson

Mission failed, nothing definitive, just a little transient pain. Like a sobering slap, which points to the fact that the life I live is not a fantasy. This is the necessary evil, which appeares twice a year, in the shape of the exam-period.

Anyways, I decided to get back on the track. I'm just not able to stay away anymore, sit tight silently, make no progress while there's so many interesting and attention-worthy news these days to report about. I can't keep my thoughts to myself, I was silent for too long, and hope there are some who have a need for my words.

All the graduate collections from fashion schools all over the world, with unknown talents to discover, the spring/summer 2010 menswear shows are just around the corner at the end of the month, not mentioning some ongoing own projects...
The long and short of it, Miska continues his journey, be prepared!

For now as a little appetizer here is a short video of Irina Shaposhnikova's '09 master collection (Antwerp Academie) filmed by Pierre Debusschere. Bon appétit!

Regards, Miska

2 More Days

For some reasons, I have to spend these days in a room, far from fashion and beauty. In a space filled with thick books and thousands of pages to learn.

I'm back in two days. Until then, here are some polaroids from the portfolio of Lina Scheynius to mitigate the thirst of dry eyes.

Wish me luck!

photos from the Polaroid100Project by Lina Scheynius

Regards, Miska

Through The Curtain Ed

A precious friend told me, that the road to heaven was surrounded by yellow eyeballs and into-light-dipped noses. My eyes look yellow in sparkling sunshine.
I just got inspired on this early summer-afternoon by the lazy lights, by my biochemistry book, by the intimate photography of Lina Scheynius and by a curtain in my bedroom. The result is here, in these personal portraits of me.

Selfportraits by Miska.
All the above posted photos belong to me. Use is allowed only with my permission.

Regards, Miska

Gareth Pugh in Singapore

There are a few designers, whose work I admire unconditionally. Gareth Pugh is one of them. Not only his creations, but the whole ideology behind his vision is something extremely thrilling for me.

It seems to be a new trend in the blogsphere, that designers choose a few lucky ones to invite them for a tour in their world. I'm a small fish in the ocean yet, but if I had a wish from the golden one, I would ask for a ride in the "Gareth Pugh Universe". I think, I don't need to mention my reasons. His collections speak for themselves.

Everything have its day. Until mine comes, I keep paying tribute to admire Mr Pugh's work.

And miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep.

Photos from the Gareth Pugh show during the Audi Fashion Festival in Singapore where he showed both his womenswear and menswear A/W09 collections. 1st and 2nd photo from DazedDigital, by Matthew Stone. 3rd and 4th photo from MykroMag's blog by Ridhwan Sesapar.

Regards, Miska

Complexgeometries Fall '09

I got whirled by the cool breeze on this unusally dark and cold night. These are the first minutes of June, summer is on the corner.

Maybe this is the last time for a while to enjoy having goose-bumps during smoking a cigarette on my balcony.

Maybe not, but Complexgeomteries' Fall '09 video gave me the same feeling. The plaited fabrics look just like they are waiting for getting cought by the wind. Simple, airy silhouettes, monochromatic shades, and signature complex geometries.

The video is created by Jason Last, entitled "...between good and evil".

Regards, Miska