Technique Focus: Woodblock Printing

The current Dries Van Noten collection (S/S 2010) is texturally rich with tonal jacquards and global prints. One fabric print technique in the collection that we find particularly interesting is Woodblock Printing.
This ancient process involves hand carving patterns into wood blocks that are then coated with ink (or paint) and applied to the fabric surface like a stamp. It has been used for centuries in both fabric and paper embellishment—from fashion to home décor (the French are credited for first using in on wallpaper).
Our buy of the Dries Van Noten collection this season includes two brilliant examples of this technique: a cotton jersey tank with a tonal navy and black print as well as a sophisticatedly shaped short-sleeved jersey polo featuring separate prints on the body and collar. They are the perfect pieces to round out the minimal genius of the streamlined suiting and shirting that are undeniably unique to Dries.
Come visit us and have a look!

Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita

It pleases us to announce that our selection of Jil Sander S/S 2010 will be arriving in a mere handful of days (hopefully!)...
In the meantime, we have taken an interest in the artist that Raf Simons drew his inspiration from for this collection, Mr. Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita.
A Tokyo native, Foujita relocated to Paris after graduating from art school where he quickly assimilated into the Montparnasse art community and befriended Modigliani, Picasso, Matisse, Man Ray and other members of the rapidly evolving contemporary art movements.
His work, which incorporated Japanese technique into a western, contemporary aesthetic, is characterized by smooth applications in a softer colour pallette that tends toward gray, mauve, ochre, black and white.
You can see the inspirations in the Jil Sander collection through both the pallette and the use of graphics of some of Foujita's actual paintings printed on cashmeres and t-shirts, the latter will be available in store along with some fantastic suits and other exquisite pieces.
Leonard Tsuguharu Foujita,Sleeping Madeleine, ink and watercolour on paper

Narwhal presents: THE TAXALI 300

Our friends (and neighbours) over at Narwhal Art Projects are currently presenting a collection of drawings and illustrations by the superbly prolific Canada-based illustrator Gary Taxali.
We're big fans of Taxali, in fact, we have one of his limited edition bronze sculptures here at the shop. You should definitely stop by for a look.
Find out more about the exhibition by CLICKING HERE!