Hello everyone! If you have been a reader of Not Safe 4 Werk or now known as WERRK.com, you may know me as the writer who talks about The Walking Dead, Penny Dreadful, Burgers, Red Carpet fashion, concerts, and unique artists. But as the formal Senior Fashionista Correspondent of WERRRK.com, it is time for me to share my passion for fashion with all of you! A Haute Second with Spencer is my new column where I will discuss recent fashion news, trends, fashion shows, red carpets, give style advice, and whatever is currently inspiring me as an artist at this current time.
Just to give you a little fashion background information about me, I knew I wanted to be a designer when I was in high school. Really what started my amusement was watching Lady Gaga on all of her Red-Carpets and what crazy things she was going to wear next. From that point, I was led into the world of Alexander Mcqueen and Versace. I began to sketch my crazy ideas and I would just stare down fashion shows. At the same time I was really obsessed with Drag Queens and their fashion sense so that always kept me inspired. My drag friends and I used to do role-play drag race episodes where we had to design costumes for the runway and then we would judge and pick a winner so I would always sketch. It was so much fun.
Eventually I moved to Los Angeles and went to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) and earned a degree in Fashion Design. While I was there, I was taught by some of the worlds leading professionals about sketching, draping, pattern making, and just finding inspiration in the world. Being in L.A, I began going to fashion shows at STYLE Fashion Week and I also started working as a freelance wardrobe stylist. My first fashion show I went to was a Marco Marco show in 2013 where he mixed drag queens on the runway and fashion. This show led me to my first writing gig at a pop culture website which I wrote for… for about six months I believe… which brought me to the mercy of Lord Chiffon Dior. So now I am here as the Senior Fashionista Correspondent of WERRRK.com! Now that you know too much about me, lets get into it and talk about fashion!
NEWS
A lot has happened lately in the industry of fashion! I mean with this being the first article of the column, I could talk forever. So lets just try and summarize to try and catch you all up!
RAF SIMONS STEPS DOWN AS CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF DIOR
In October, the Creative Director of Dior decided it was time to part ways after three and a half years. According to Raf, he has decided to leave due to his personal wants and feelings and wants to be able to put more focus on his own line, RAF SIMONS. In a statement he said, “It is after careful and long consideration that I have decided to leave my position as creative director of Christian Dior’s women’s collection. It is a decision based entirely and equally on my desire to focus on other interests in my life, including my own brand, and the passions that drive me outside my work. Christian Dior is an extraordinary company, and it has been an immense privilege to write a few pages of this magnificent book.” Who will be the next designer to take the reigns as Creative Director…?
BALMAIN AND H&M COLLABORATION
H&M put out another collaboration and this time it was with Balmain. Unfortunately for the world, the brand was heavily endorsed by the Kardashian and Jenner family which led to the line selling out almost instantly online and black-friday like chaos in stores. See the video above and try not to cry… I will admit, the jackets were amazing but it is not worth losing a eye for this stuff. At the end of the day, it is still H&M. You would not see Rihanna or Beyonce walking around in this mess…
ZOOLANDER 2
It has been over a decade since the release of the original Zoolander film. Now, our favorite spoof of the fashion world is set for February 12, 2016 ( a day before my birthday). I am so excited for this movie! I love it because these movies hit so close to home on what the industry is like and it is just so funny. Kristen Wiig looks amazing in this film and I am just so excited. Lets all cross our fingers that Donatella makes another cameo. I will cry in the theaters.
WHAT IS TRENDING?
For the debut article of “A Haute Second with Spencer”, I have brought to you all the expertise of fashion trend forecaster and blogger, Kate Sullivan. Kate is able to look into the world of fashion and predict what is going to be hot this season and for years to come. How exciting!
Spencer: Kate, thank you for talking with me today. How are you my dear?
Kate: You are very welcome Spencer! I am thankful to be apart of your debut column featured on WERRRK.com. Currently I am very cozy, as I sit and think about all the inspiring trends that are among us today and the ones to look out for tomorrow!
Spencer: I am so happy to hear that! Speaking of trends and getting cozy, the weather is changing and it is changing very fast. Are there any key items out there this winter that our readers should consider updating in their closets?
Kate: There’s quite a few updated winter pieces along with some great accessories to add to everyone’s wardrobe. Texture is the most notable element in fabric and design this season. A heavy gauge knit turtle neck sweater, a faux fur vest, and velvet pantsuits (preferably in a deep scarlet color) are high on the trend curve.
Spencer: Yes, I have definitely noticed the element of texture recently. This is exactly why Winter is my favorite season. Who doesn’t love a chance to bring out faux fur… Now I might have some ideas, but where would you suggest our shoppers pick up on some of these trends, especially with Black Friday coming up?
Kate: Some great places to shop these looks are Urban Outfitters, H&M, Zara, Free People, Forever 21, ASOS, NET-A-PORTER, Topshop/Topman, and Fendi. Oh, and do not forget Cyber Monday. If anyone is concerned about my where abouts just check my desk….
Spencer: Yeah, we all know I am going to raiding the closest Zara possible. Give me everything! So a total change in subject but still very relevant in terms of trends. Trends are influenced by everything in life whether it be entertainment, popular culture, science, politics and so on. In this moment, our would is in a dark place and my heart is with all of the people of Paris after the tragic attacks this month. Something many people may not know, but these tragedies actually do have an effect on fashion. Kate, can you explain the way tragedies such as the Paris attacks have effect on fashion?
Kate: The tragedy that happened in Paris was very unfortunate to occur; it is still fairly new so we won’t see an immediate response in fashion as it has only been two weeks time. When we pay respect to a country, whether it be our own or foreign we value the qualities of its nature, people, and spirit. When I think of Paris, I think of a fragile, delicate, soft nature. These are qualities we will see in garments, accessories, and styling. The response from tragedy to fashion is always a hard one to decipher, but the answer is always simple, but the answer is always simplified by humane understanding.
Spencer: Such a good way to put it. Kate, I would like to thank you so much for being here. I am sure our readers feel trendier already!
Kate: Trendier in this holiday season’s fashion and tender to the events that occurred in Paris. Moral of trends- (and tragedy) Be aware of the world around you! Be inspired, and make sure your eyes are always open and your mind is always thinking! Thank you for your time Spencer.
INSPIRATIONS
A big part about this column that is very important to me is discussing inspiration. It is important to be inspired in life whether you are a designer, drag queen, fast food worker, law enforcement, or anything else for the matter. So lets talk about what is inspiring me right now as an artist and designer and then feel free to sound off in the comments about what is inspiring you and maybe you’ll be featured in the next edition of “A Haute Second”.
SIA
I have been a huge fan of Sia for a while now. Her music, fashion, and performances seriously give me so much life. Watching her lyrics and voice combined with performance art is what I picture when I think about what art is. Something that I love about Sia is her choice to have her face covered when she performs. Yes, a big part of it has to do with her stage fright. But also, it allows the viewer to focus on her voice and lyrics as well as the message she is trying to convey with her performer whether it be Maddie Ziegler, a mime, or a martial artist. Such a beautiful concept.
AZURITE
I have been really inspired by this stone known as Azurite. Azurite is a really beautiful blue stone that is said to clear away tension and confusion that you can open your mind to new perspectives. When I discovered this stone on a recent trip to New Hampshire, I was instantly pulled into the value of this color. I even began designing a new group of garments inspired by this little stone which is a lesson I hope you can all take in. Inspiration can come from anywhere!
Well everyone, that is it for the debut article of “A Haute Second with Spencer”. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did and I cannot wait to talk to you all next time! Please feel free to sound off in the comments about the article. Also, send in any questions you may have so that I can answer them here on the column!
Stay warm and stay fashion!
-Spencer
