Hello Emelie,

I know, this is old news now. I wanted to mail you about this ASAP after The Big News Announcement, but had a really busy day. Anyway, everyone’s asking it, so I’ll ask it too: what do you think about the new Apple Watch?

Second thing I asked myself was why it was not called, “iWatch.” After some research, it seems Apple’s marketing people decided to remove the “i” because one big challenge to the product’s success is whether people are actually want to be seen wearing one. It’s fashion first, technology second, so no geeky “i”.

I can certainly see why Apple is so concerned about the fashion issue, and I can definitely see everyone wearing their new Apple Watch in early 2015 when it is first released… But then, in a year or two, after the novelty has worn off, and everyone’s tired of the zillions of new straps and ways to pimp it, it will be seen as a bit silly and boring to wear one (see photo above), and people will go back to their iPhones, Rolex, or the latest from Bell&Ross etc etc.

Or will it be a more essential product like the iPhone or iPad?

Speak soon my friend!

Suzan xx

Hey the MLE,

I was working on a project that led me to the UEG site the other day, and I thought it was about time I write a post about this fashion brand, as they are so interesting for a number of reasons:

-   They are based in Warsaw.
-   Their pieces are designed to deteriorate over time, as they are all made of Tyvek, that synthetic fabric that feels like paper. "The deterioration is a way to emphasize and meditate on some of the key ideas of consumerism, like the obsession for the new and the resulting quickness with which new becomes old." Definitely the spirit of MOTHandRUST right?
-   Not only do they use only one material, but they also use only 2 non-colours: black or white.  No grey.
-   They do not distinguish between sexes or seasons.
-   One of my favourite artists, Filip Pagowski, has collaborated with them with a line created to raise the awareness of the crucial role bees play in our ecosystem (bottom picture above).
-   They just launched in LA in the US of A.  I love the photoshoot for the launch (pictured above).

I think MOTHandRUST has a lot in common with UEG. Perhaps a collaboration one day?

Suzan x

Hey hey MLE,

I was walking around Arnold Circus in Shoreditch when I came across this rather interesting shop, thought I'd write a post.  We will have to go visit it next time you are in London!

I'm surprised I hadn't noticed it before, it has been there for 10 years now evidently.  Samson Soboye, a designer and stylist runs the place and it's full of a really amazing edit of pan-African designers as well as global brand names.  I love the menswear and jewellery best, but there is also womenswear, housewear and tons of shoes.

The man himself is pictured above with a necklace I need, no sorry want. Want not need.

www.soboye.com

Talk Friday!

Suzan  xx

Hey the MLE,

Came across this through the Sang Bleu site today, thought I'd post, since we are both moving house relatively shortly and we may have interiors on our minds…  Perhaps you might get inspiration to take a sledge hammer to your new home?

It is impressive that Rick Owens has managed to stay together with is his wife for over 20 years.  She is an interesting French woman who is in her early 70s.  They moved from California to Paris in 2003.  Rick has yet to learn any French himself.

The Owens's apartment dates from the early 19th century at the front and the 50s from the back. For about ten years, it has been their home and their workspace, though the showroom has now moved elsewhere.

I love it because worn interiors just make a space comfortable.  Also, it seems practical and cost-effective - I mean really how hard or expensive could it be to strip a place down to its bones?!  Could even look good to do this to a modern building, so need to worry if there are no vintage features.  I also love the Rick Owens colours, or lack thereof, as you know, I'm not a fan of colour either.  Who needs colour.  Boooo colour.

Suzan xx

Hey Suzan!

I am thinking of you with envy today, knowing you're probably sitting out in the Mexican sunshine right this minute, eating tropical fruit and probably getting drunk with your parents. Here in Stockholm it is an unacceptable -5C with snow on the ground. Gruesome!

Anyway, take a look at this Japanese artist, Hiroaki Ohya. I first saw his T-shirt alphabet and was intrigued, as although we come across people doing alphabets out of all sorts of objects on a regular basis, I think this is the first time I've seen one done out of clothing, quite like this. So of course I checked out some of his other stuff and found out that he's a protege of Issey Miyake, doing interesting conceptual fashion-art type projects. Like  his Wizard of Jeans collection – a series of 21 books that transform into clothing when unfolded, title inspired by the Wizard of Oz, of course. Apparently he is "not really interested in the people who wear his clothes" - which isn't that surprising!

Looking forward to having you back next week!

E xx