Palm Culture : The Sketch and Fabric

Sneak peek at the Kelly leggings. This will be your everyday 'go-to' leggings. Made of super soft and stretchy Nylon/Spandex. Opaque and runs long to the ankles with several colour options. The insert colour will possibly be woven silk pretty sheen or metallic.

Palm Culture : The Design

Happy international yoga day! Yes guys, its a fitting time indeed.
Exciting news! Here are some first design sketches for my yoga wear collection. Let me know your thoughts, I would much appreciate it.

Palm Culture : The Print

Palm Culture : The garments

Hi! Here's an update on Palm Culture...

The most indecisive process so far seems to be my range plan, I must have drafted about 4 different versions on this. As the first collection the range of items will not be as vast as I would have liked but it's good to have a clear ideas so its easier to work out cost and materials. I will be looking into manufacturer for these items. I'm still contemplating on the production of yoga mats, this is depending on research into the market demand, might be looking to inclined them in a later collection. What I hope to achieve from this 'Sample collection' are complete outfits that can be mix and match. I have limit to one original print patten and will see how well it does then there will be possibility to design more. There will be 8 basic colour swatches with 4 colour combinations/options. The combinations are not fixed yet but I will only be looking at four options out of the eight swatches for now.   

Palm Culture : The Moodboard

I have some new ideas and concept for the first collection for my soon to be fashion/ sports wear brand Palm Culture. Right now the collection is still at research stage. I'm looking to hopefully design, produced and launch the first collection beginning of next year. Here are some ideas on the moodboad. From this I will draw up some sketches of items I would like in my first range plan. Potentially looking into creating original pattens to print onto fabrics too.

  
Exotic Florals: Looking at vibrant colours of flowers such as Birds of paradise and Plumeria, their fragrant attracts exotic birds. Also colour blocking trends are my favorite look for sportswear because its bold. Exploring paneling, cutouts and clean geometric shapes. Japanese origami could provide inspirations for patterns.

Palm Culture : The Brand Value

I'm launching my own fashion label. It's such a scary thought doing something like this, alone and no one to blame if this doesn't work out but it has been a life long dream and no time is as good as the present. Starting out this journey solo I know won't be easy and this may take time, there will be people who make me doubt myself but I'm going to stay strong and see it through.

Narrowing down on from last post, I have decided on the name Palm Culture, it gives a sense of togetherness and unity. As yoga has always been a favourite past time of mine, well more like a habit as I practice Ashtanga daily. I discovered yoga by accident. I must admit I fall into the cliches of non yogis who thought that yoga was about hippies who gather to chant and meditate to Indian music and gongs. I have always been interested in fitness and use it as a form of distress and my local gym had free yoga classes. I went because my personal trainer said it was great for stretching and relaxes sore muscles. After the class my mind felt calm and my body relaxed, which was a slightly different than the hyper but exhausted feeling I get from gym workout. I then spoke about it with my friend who was doing yoga regularly and she suggested i tried hot yoga class, then that became Bikram and Vinyasa flow and eventually Ashtanga. Then three years past and I'm still amaze that I can find the strength to go everyday, do the same sequences and still never felt bored. I have felt the difference in my body and mind since I stared yoga and will continue on this path and make it part of my daily life.

For this brand concept I though why not combine my two passion and really make something out of it. Then all of a sudden Palm Culture began to have a purpose. I live in Chelsea and my studio is Triyoga on the Kings Road. I see women of Chelsea come here every morning always well dressed, not overdone but defiantly refined. I became interested in what they wear and the idea began as I see there's a market for yoga clothing. The clothes I see are not your everyday Nike tee or your old gym shorts. They have high price tags and advance material and sports technology. These women care about fit, style and function. Leggings will have leg zips, stirrups feet, tummy shaping bands and tops will have built in bras, accent hems and fitted shapes. Possibilities are endless and exciting to me. The market is niche but vastly becoming popular. Yoga wear market already exists and its competitive. Most studios have a separate store stocking few brands of athletic wear for impulse buyers before or after class and big sports wear brands are noticing this gap in retail.

Palm Culture will position it self strategically. We will provide Ready-to-Wear, contemporary apparel & accessories such as Vests, tee shirts, bras, leggings and socks with unique patterns and great comfort for women at a reasonable price. Specify in active wear for women who do Yoga and Pilates. Palm Culture customer is an independent fashion concerns twenty to forty something women looking for something not form the high street but for the competitive price of high street brands. With so many excising sportswear brands like Nike, Lululemon and Adidas dominating the athletic wear market, with their logo plastered across their garments it seems we end up wearing the brand rather than the brand representing us. Palm Culture will have the costumer in mind, caring for what the costumer really wants, they should never leave the store/site feeling like they have not found something that fits their needs. We want to also cater to women who have busy schedule and may want clothes that they can workout in and do daily errands or lounge around comfortably after.

Palm Culture : The Logo

Hi guys and girlies I'm very excited to announce my new but lifelong vision for my very own fashion label!! This site will still be my baby and I'm still dedicated to keeping you all informed on all things fashion but I thought it would be fun to take you all on this journey with me. I will document the steps my brand will take and hopefully become a real company one day. Not sure what direction the clothing will take form but for now I'm working on name and logo of my brand. Time to put my graphic design skill to use.

I have been playing around with the name PALM. Being born in Thailand, the house I grew up in were surrounded by palm trees, of different shape and sizes. The trees would grew big and strong and provided shade for otherwise a hot tropical climate. This would be the core of my brand as it represent the strength and growth I hope for my brand to become while staying rooted to my ethics and my consumers. Upon research into the name, Palm trees in many cultures were symbols of love, peace and fertility, also one of the strongest rooted trees that can withstand storms and tsunamis. This meaning seems fitting for the women my brand will cater to.

Palm as a stand alone name has already been taken (surprise). So I was toying with a few variations : Palm Society; Palm Generation; Palm Collective; Palm People etc. Here are some of my logo ideas.

 

 

 

 

MFW : Milan Fashion Week Trend A/W15

 Milan in my opinion have always been slightly sexier than other cities. The women don't shy way from glitzs and glam, they embrace it. Victorian frills and a broody mood came together to create darkly decadent themes. On the opposite scale we also spot a lot of sweet pastel tones, sheer dresses and pleats to convey a more youthful aesthetic.


Sheer

Sheer fabrics, delicate frills, luxurious lace demonstrated at Alberta Ferretti, Dolce & Gabbana and Philosophy showcased skilled craftsmanship.  Sheer is an absolute essential for getting dressed this season. Sheer panel like at Emilio Pucci are predicted to be a hit on the red carpet. Sheer with strategically placed embellishments at Versace and Francesco Scognamiglio are also great evening looks.

Stripes

Sustaining the 70s theme, stripes were a perfect choice for fashion week to emanate this. Stripes do not spend too long off runway, they keep returning and each instance, there's new twist, whether it be on fur like at Marni, one-sided at Missoni or monotone at Salvatore Ferragamo, AW15 earn their stripes again.

Tapastry

Bewear your grandma's carpets and chintzy floral curtains are no longer safe from becoming fashion victims of this trend. Antonio Marras set the tone for this by having models walked onto matching carpet prints. Very wintery and very Milan. Designers like Just Cavalli and Alberta Ferretti took a more folklore print approach while Etro and Stella Jean look a more ethnic inspiration.

 

Pleats

Pleating is versatile technique to manipulate fabrics to achieve different looks. Gucci and Luisa Beccaria are making geek looks oh-so-chic with pleated skirt paired with sheer blouse and beret. Robertta Cavalli creates daring cut-outs with pleated gowns while Salvatore Ferragamo softens a structured leather dress with pleating.

LFW : London Fashion Week Trend A/W15

Let's take a look at what the UK top designers wants us to be wearing this winter. The culottes have spread to this side of the pond also. There's less pastels and more primary colours and retro prints. While the designers were all saying boho seventies, here its more focused on the early part of the decade with more sixties mod dresses with layering polo neck. Lots and lots of polo necks.


Roll Neck, Low hem

Layering is in and we're glad for this winter warming trend. You can pile on chunky knits and thick coats and still be chic. Instead of pairing your turtle neck with pencil skirt for the hourglass shape try it with an ankle-length flared hem for a more relaxed vibe like Barbara Casasola and 1205. Or layer it under a slip dress like Tanya Taylor.

 

60's Mod

Since the Mod subculture started in Britain back in the 60's where else can do it better than at LFW. The mini hemline dresses are in bold graphics at Judy Wu, color blocked at J Moon and psychedelic swirl at Jonathan Saunders. If roll neck and long hem is not for you then try this trend. Layer your polo neck with A-line skirt and a pair of knee high boots for swinging 60's cool.

Thigh Slit

Here's a trend you don't have to wait till winter to wear. We're celebrating the legs. The high slits are in again not just in London but across the fashion cities. Side slits on floaty dresses at Topshop Uniques and Matthew Williamson are spot on the seventies. Front slit kept things more day time at David Koma and Burberry Prorsum.

Summer Leather

Leather is seen every season everywhere, its a classic material used to add tough edge to an outfit. This time step outside the comfort zone because leather is not just on jackets anymore. Sophisticated structured leather seen at David Koma, laser cut leather dress at Erdem and wrap dress at JW Anderson. Great for early summer and easing into the winter also.

PFW : Paris Fashion Week Trends A/W15

NYFW : New York Fashion Week Trend A/W15

New York was the first city to showcase their designer's Autumn/winter collection of 2015.  Now that fashion week are all wrapping up its time to sum up the catwalk trends. We are familiar with the seventies trend and colour palette and prints from my last post and form previous season. But each cities, like people have different influences both culturally and socially which effects could be seen collectively on the runway.


Culottes

New York has embrace the Flare. This particular trouser shape has been having a renaissance for a few seasons now. The culotte has transformed from the past fashion faux par to chic ankle grazer trouser that can be warn smart or casual. Calf length ‘shorts’ are length of choice, even in winter. At Tibi, They are sophisticated, tailored and look perfect paired with oversize knits or get a light pair for summer like at Tracy Reese.

Gray

Androgyny and gray are a perfect fashion marriage. In true new-yorkers way its cooler to not look like you're trying to look cool. One of the more understated look to come off the runway. Slouched silhouettes, relaxed fit in many shades of gray and slight norm-core nod. Looks like they threw it together last minute but look closer and everything matches and tailored to perfection. Perfect smart casual uniform of the season.

Tights

Kanye West proved at Addidas show that body stockings are a real thing.  The rest are agreeing on sheer tights with strappy sandals. This is great for going into spring too so stock up! Sheer are great for showing your winter pins without much legs prep. We saw sexy spots tights at Diane Von Furstenberg, textured at Nicole Miller and coloured at Honor and Jeremy Scott. What ever takes your fancy as long as they're sheer and pair with short skirts for 70's rocker chic reference.

Slip dress

Winter aren't all tights and polo necks. The disco is still alive and we will be wearing slip dresses once again. Similar to the plunge neckline phenomenon, spaghetti straps and material that clings to the body screams feminine sex apparel. Monique Ihuillier and Rodarte's slip dresses nailed red carpet ready looks. J.Mendel, Diane Von Furstenberg and Narciso Rodriguez are more relaxed evening look.

8 Key Trends at Fashion Week : Autumn/Winter 15

The long fashion month has just wrapped up last week and I've been keeping busy rounding up all the trends I spotted on the runway during New York, London, Milan and Paris fashion week. Sharing with you guys all the things you'll be seeing on the streets rest of 2015. The biggest trend no doubt in all the cities were the 1970's theme, we saw it last season and have been carried into the winter. Designers just can't get out of the Boho grooves. The thing about taking inspiration from sub-cultures of the past is not simply emulating the style but taking some elements and essence of that era and bringing it into modern day fashion. Here are the 8 major key trends that you can easily spot and may even already be in your wardrobe.

1. Fringe

The most recognizable retro element from the ‘70s. Fringe trench and cape was spotted at Burberry, shoes were fringed at Aquazzura, tiered fringe dresses at Tom Ford and Nina Ricci. There were more lighter feathery fringe from Marchesa and Rebecca Minkoff for an evening look. If all over fringe is not your style then there's more subtle fringe on hems of scarves seen at Armani and Eudon Choi.


2. Daring Neckline

Second most favorable 70's homage is the low neckline. Clinched at the waist and deep plunge V- neck is a super sexy trend. If you don't mind the cold. But if that is too daring then try keyhole neckline instead where there's high neck with slit down the torso with just a slither of skin showing. And in true 70's spirit bras are optional!


3. Embellishment  

Taking our eyes off all the hippies for a bit and indulge in dazzling unexpected embellishments. For all the bling lovers there's intricate beading, sequins and pearls, you wont be disappointed. From Holly Fulton and Elie Saab's beaded floral and crystal embellishments to Rodarte hand sewn, applique flowers inject some floral spring to the winter weather. For those who don’t admire the minimalist trend, Versace and Lanvin has you covered. Blumarine and Anthony Vaccarello look to the stars for there jewels inspiration while Jenny Packham and Rahul Mishra look undersea for pearls encrustations. 

4. Fur Collar

Fur is a winter staple, the bigger the better with oversized coats, faux stoles and shearling trims. Weather practical and chic. Orange lapel will brighten up your muted coat like at Shrimps and Christopher Raeburn. Pastel Mongolian fur collar bring a fun flirty vibe seen at House of Holland, Matthew Williamson and Dries Van Noten. Faux gets a big thumbs up this season. But retro shearling at Ashley Williams and Lavin or big fox collar at Nicole Miller, Altuzarra and Ralph Lauren are still a big hit.


5. Retro Prints

A lot of different prints were visible on the catwalk but they all speak retro. Some styled to clashed together and some were head to toe in unison. Few were noteworthy, psychedelic, geometric and florals. Geometric print made a bold statement, with contrasting colours and abstract shapes. Pucci, Jasper Conran and Karen Walker, giving slight mod sixties geo-print on shift dresses and knee boots. Non geometric print took more seventies psychedelic route, swirl strips and fluid lines but equality as bold. Spotted at Dior, Roksanda, Jonathan Saunders and Topshop Unique to create trippy prints and dreamy effect. Then there's retro floral. Prints on flowing chiffon of, maxi dresses, pussy-bowed blouse and flared trousers which will takeover summer, giving off care free hippy vibe.


6. Matching Seperates / Co-ords

You know when your underwear matches its going to be a good day. Now things are about to get a whole lot more complicated. Or not. Depending how you translate this trend. There's the matching pattern suits seen at Gucci, Ellie Saab and Carven. Or highstreet virsion at H&M. It's sharp and sophisticated for work. And if you think co-ords are only for one season think again, there's the skirt co-ordinates like at Paul&Joe, Vionnet and Fyodor Golan. Which can be chic or sexy depending on hem length. For those who the idea of matching prints send your stomach churning and head spinning then try the colour co-ordinates. Wear one shade separates. Convenient for people with monochrome wardrobe. If you want relaxed feel then opt for knit muted tones like Joseph and Stella McCartney. For a more polished look choose luxe material and tailored shape as seen on J JS Lee, Marc Jacob and Thomas Tait.


7. Pastels 

Pastel is the name of the game this season. Think pistachio green, cotton candy pink, sweet lavender and other sugary shades. But those who tend to shy away from girlish macaroon tones, no need to dismiss it yet. Despite the soft pallette you will see them teamed with hard edge suits standing out at Prada and Giorgio Mrmani, Deeper tones at Tome, sporty at Lacoste and interesting texture at Maxmara. But of course fairytale sheer dresses and satin gowns are still girlish pastel favorites at Bora Aksu, Vionnet, Marchesa and Philosophy.


8. Colour Trends

Bright red is a bold fall look. Head to toe matching red, matching shoes and accessories. Marques’ Almeida, Versace and Osman were a few to embrace this trend. Primary pallettes are coming in stong. Another bold color we're seeing is Cobalt blue and Royal blue. Similar to red its paired with matching separates like at Diane Von Furstenberg but also can be warn with soft palette for a pop of colour like at DKNY or with prints at Roksanda.

Brownie points for Derek Lam and Michael Kors and many others opting in for brown hues. No surprise here because we've been seeing the seventies suede and will camel never really go out of fashion? Its like UGGs for palette, comforting and you can't really go wrong. Olive follows the same seventies retro theme and great color for representing the autumn leaves, demonstrate at Jasper Conran.

Blush and nude is the unexpected shade to see for me and my favourite one. Clean lines at Narciso-Rodriguez, fluffy at Fendi and ethereal at Francesco Scognamiglio, the fleshy colour translate to something feminine and pure. Lastly pops or colour have popped up all over the runway. Peaks of neon and streak of primary colours against black, white or muted colours. Versace, Fyodor Golan, and Alexander Mcqueen have really turned heads with their collection's hues.

Crushing on Max Mara's Marilyn

Max Mara RTW Fall 15 left me feeling warm and cosy inside. True to Max Mara signature outerwear focused, wooly coats, cashmere cardigan and layer knits were the stars of the show. Inspired by photographs taken by George Barris in 1962 of Marilyn, the show took us to the breezy seaside with luscious waves projected onto the runway.

 Models stride through the waters with wildly tousled hair, eyeliner and peachy lips oozes femininity of Marilyn Monroe that we find so captivating. Nudes, Camel and pastel are displayed in Minimalist lines of oversize coat hugging the body like a warm blanket.

Cat eye glasses and kitten heels paired with 1950's pencil skirt gives us true bombshell vibe with waist ecentuating soft curves . Padded silky quilting, tasseled loafers and fuzzy trims on jackets and coats brings this beach girl to night time sophistication. This collection is highly wearable, comfortable and gives us a reason to stick with camel just a little while longer.

Uterqüe Overshirt Lust

Uterqüe is a company owned by the Spanish Inditex group dedicated to manufacturing fashion accessories and a carefully-selected clothing line in top- quality fabrics and leather. I came across the brand on instagram and love the kind of outfit posts they do. The leather and suede overskirt they have this season is perfectly tran-sesonal and chic. Their footwear are also full of on trend and more importantly comfortable platforms like brogued blucher, track sole slip-on, bluckled platform blucher and ankle boots. Both height and comfort, bliss! WEBSITE




Overshirt

Collarless beige suede overskirt £245.00

Perforated nappa leather overshirt £245.00

Collarless green suede overskirt £245.00

Navy blue overshirt £245.00

Plaited nappa cape £375.00

Platform blucher £115.00 + Bluckled platform blucher £115.00 

Instagram outfits