Attempt to drive

[Sources: Ellis Scott , Flickr, Rasharn = Jaiden rva James, Keko Hainswheeler]

Keko Hainswheeler's pieces bleed chains, stones, spikes, feathers in a display of chaotic, vaguely deconstructivist opulence. Taking cues from his gem smothered aunt, his love for body ornaments has translated into unconventional, adventurous pieces among which elaborate feather chokers, nailed hats and chained pompoms feature. Becoming increasingly recognised amongst the fashion gods with his work making appearances in Dazed and Confused and the art carcrash exhibition that is Lady Gaga’s body, Keko favours the use of reclaimed materials that he hand stitches together. The unexpected amalgam of embroidery and industrial hardware in irregular forms is a true delight to the senses.

The concept of draping one's body with one too many adornments has always set my heart aflutter and I can't help find myself gawping at the body harness weeping chains and charms and hungering for the golden torrent cascading from his cocktail ring. Ornamentation at its best.

- Nadia

Festooned festivity

I stumbled upon this wooden trinket box in a flea market in Turkey. The distressed wood, the structure, the dinkiness and pretty much everything about it, assaulted my better senses until I was blinded and could see no better, more wonderful use for it than as a clutch.

I can never resist a good ol' peterpan collar, for which this dress was seriously thirsty. A quick visit to the haberdashery and Wendy was a happy girl. In other news: I've so gracefully discovered that I'm incapable of wearing heels in snow.

- Nadia

Fragmented phantasms

Financial Times, March 2009

Wendy Bevan's work is a flurry of unassuming whimsy, soft palettes and delicate allure with somewhat brooding undertones. Spirited depictions of fantastical characters captured as figures lost in memory and time, haunting, provoking. I could stare at her work forever and find new delight in every story, form, hue. With a resume spanning the likes of Lula, Pop, Nylon and Russian Vogue, her ethereal perspectives are serene yet startling assertions of beauty. All kinds of love.

- Nadia

Beneath needled canopies

Fur hats are suddenly everywhere so I've been trying to slowly wean myself off them. To. No. Avail. I've had this hat forever and simply can't get over how marvellously, obscenely large it is.

Leather jacket: vintage
Jumpsuit: thrifted
Hat: vintage
Boots: H&M

- Nadia

Supernal flux

Currently delighting in:

• oversized brooches
• brocade
• low slung, messy side buns
• multiple patterned scarves worn together
• heavily jewelled fingers and wrists
• XL sweaters under XS coats
• embellished menswear

Child's coat: vintage
Shoes: ebay
White shirt: father's
Hat: vintage
Jeans: H&M

- Nadia

Scented whimsy

(source: foto_decadent: Vogue Italia, May 2009)

Balmy florals with sooty nails
Ethereal grace and charred veils
Gemmed fingers beneath silken cuffs
Ornamentation amidst plumed ruffs
Laced wrists, chained fists
Fountains of tulle and mountains of jewels
Feathers and fur and silk and ink.

I am enchanted.

- Nadia