HAUTE CHEEKS: January 2010

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

This Jewellery Will NOT Break the Bank ;-P

Every season I look forward to seeing Banana Republic's new jewellery...it's always a great way to dress up your look at a reasonable price...and they're usually pieces I find myself keeping for a very long time...here's the stuff I'm digging right now...

$39.50

$59.50

$29.50

$35.00

http://www.bananarepublic.com/

Sunday, January 24, 2010

A Legendary Photographer in the Making: Babar Khan

Recently, whilst watching FashionTelevision, photographer Babar Khan’s photography struck a cord (quite rare with my otherwise robot like self). Many of his images capture a raw exposure on human sensation, depicting romanticism, beauty, melancholy, vulnerability, and in some shots, a helplessness. He's done a remarkable job of bringing forth emotions that we otherwise try to conceal, ironically combining beauty and strength with feelings we sometimes associate with human flaws and weaknesses. To some degree asking us...can we not be all of those things at once?

Whilst digging around, I learned that Toronto born Babar studied photography at Ryerson University. In 2003 he went on to photograph a black and white portfolio of personal work in Paris that was acknowledged by the esteemed Communication Arts Award and published in the Photography Annual. He was recently awarded two International Photography Awards, and mounted his first solo exhibition of work.

After seeing Babar's captivating work, I had to get in touch…

HC: How did you get into this career?

Babar: By stubbornly wanting to figure out how the great photographs I saw were taken... sheer curiosity and obsession.

HC: What do you love most about it?

Babar: Having the opportunity to be creative and explore ideas, and being able to work with great talent in unusual places.

HC: How do you decide on your subjects?

Babar: I have an obsession with beauty but not necessarily in conventional terms. I do tend to gravitate towards girls with pale skin and freckles for the way they photograph especially in black-and-white. I love redheads. I'm also really drawn to vulnerability in a person as I think it's an interesting contrast to pure physical beauty. Other times a subject resembles an old movie star or personality and that can be an exciting idea to play with in the image.

HC: Choose one favourite picture you've taken over the years and tell us why.

Babar: Maria With Mask. This is definitely a favourite. There's something really mysterious about it that draws me to this image over and over. I've tried using masks again for shoots but they never worked. Something magical about that particular mask on that girl created a resonant image. The mystical quality photography can have is fascinating.

HC: Something you didn't expect...?

Babar: I didn't expect to embrace working digitally as I always loved the traditional photographic process, but I have come to appreciate its advantages.

HC: What's your personal style?

Babar: I love the Dior Homme aesthetic, minimalism, black, white & grey, and a slim silhouette. Couture elements mixed with street style, contrasts are always interesting in design.

HC: 5 things you currently love the most?

Babar: In no particular order, custom hand-made portfolios by L'Atelier du Packaging, vintage Ducati motorcycles, Gretsch drums, anything made by Apple, and Canon cameras.

HC: Favourite song?

Babar: Right now Empire State of Mind, Jay-Z & Alicia Keys.

HC: What makes your juices flow?

Babar: Having a creative idea and then being able to follow it through the sometimes difficult stages to eventually realize it - there's a thrill in making it tangible.

HC: Last trip? Next one?

Babar: Last trip was Paris, a great source of inspiration and a place where I've spent a lot of time. Next trip... maybe New York City.

HC: Tell us something nobody knows...

Babar: I don't think anyone knows my father was an excellent photographer in his younger years, taking black-and-white photographs in Rome, Paris, Germany and Canada.

HC: Where and when can we see your work?

Babar: Probably the best place is my website. We will be launching an updated site soon with a lot of new work. http://www.babar-khan.com/

Babar Khan

All images in this piece are photography works by Babar Khan.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Haute Man Piece Of The Week...

Great piece that can be worn casual with a pair of jeans or dressed up slighty with a crisp black trouser.

Topman Charcoal Shawl Collar Cardigan $70.00 http://www.topman.com/

Haute Chic Piece Of The Week...

A great transition piece that can be worn throughout the seasons, with many diverse looks. In my opinion...difficult to go wrong with this one.

Yves Saint Laurent Python Print Silk Top $486.45 www.mytheresa.com/shop

Friday, January 22, 2010

Fugly Flats? I Don't Think So Hunny!

http://www.macys.com/, $96.95

http://www.jildorshoes.com/ $147.40

http://www.macys.com/ $180

http://www.asos.com/ $50.99

http://www.asos.com/ $37.39

L.K. Bennett, approx $180

Monday, January 18, 2010

Fresh Talent: Alexandra Verschueren

Alexandra recently graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp, with an MA in Fashion Design. Here are a few glimpses from her impressive 2009 Graduate Collection:

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Pow Chica BOW WOW!

I went to pick up mascara this week as mine had started to dry out and I didn't really love it to begin with. My friend recommended I try Estee Lauder's 'Sumptuous'. I didn't try it out in store because I was in a bit of a rush, however, the next morning, after applying just one coat to my short sparse lashes, I knew I had come to the holy grail of mascaras. My eyelashes were like POW IN YOUR FACE but still looked neatly seperated without any clumps. What really hit the spot was my girls from work asking if I was wearing fakies...Yay!!! ;-P

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Danielle O'Connor Akiyama

I came across the artwork of Danielle O'Connor whilst meandering through Westbourne Grove, London. The piece was in the window of Whitewall Galleries. The vibrant colours and energy really jumped out. I've been a fan ever since.

Name of this piece: Beauty Rising, in her 2009 collection, Celebration of Colour.

Image Courtesy of http://www.whitewallgalleries.com/

You can find out more about Danielle and her work at http://www.danielleoconnorakiyama.com/

Monday, January 4, 2010

Dig out those trenches!

Spring collections have hit the catwalks and the shops, making it the perfect season to put away the coat and slip on the trench (weather permitting). I love the traditional trench coat, made popular by the likes of Burberry. Here are some interesting trench coats I spotted in the ready to wear Spring 2010 collections for our male and female fans. They would make for a perfect wardrobe investment piece so take a peek below.