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Another season and another trend round-up. Although Riccardo Tisci’s Burberry and Hedi Slimane’s Celine were the most anticipated shows, both designers played it too safe and therefore felt irrelevant to today’s imaginative times. So instead, here are 9 top trends that are fresh and here to stick around next spring summer.

I. The Artist Print

From left to right: Dries Van Noten, Marni and Dolce & Gabbana. Images via Vogue Runway

This seasons it’s all about bringing your kindergarten creativity back into your prints. Forget micro or uniform prints – it’s time to channel our inner artists, be bold and collage contrasting visuals fearlessly. Let your body be a walking canvas and you’ll feel like a piece of art too. Francesco Risso’s Marni is a knockout for this trend.

II. Fishermen Netted Fringe

From left to right: J.W.Anderson, Ports 1961 and Dion Lee

Designers have quiet beach towns on their minds for SS’19. While fringe is never really out of fashion-fashion, the netted fringe this season takes on a more artesanal approach. Resembling fishermen knits, these nets feel down-to-earth, yet very much still statement making. Jonathan and Natasa of Ports 1961 repeatedly iterate these fringes throughout their shows gracefully.

III. The Cristobal Baby Doll

From left to right: Marc Jacobs, Annaliese Griffith-Jones (Parsons MFA) and Valentino

The Cristobal effect isn’t having an impact just on Balenciaga: it’s practically everyone this season. From hyper volumed at Marc Jacobs to minimal grace at Valentino, the baby doll dress is reviving in various forms. Almost like counteracts to practical fashion, these dresses speak innocence and playfulness in a time of extreme PC-ness. View Post

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It’s been a while since I got back from Havana, Cuba, but since the trip is so memorable, I wanted to capture the moments that stole my heart. From the warmth of the Cuban people to the time-trapped landscapes, here are the highlights of my Habana trip.

Pictured: Joseph Sweater Vest, Sies Marjan Mint Blouse, Dolce & Gabbana printed Trousers

1. The People: The warmth of the people mirror the highs of the local temperature. Everywhere we went, there was a sense of camaraderie often lacking in large cities. People minded their own business, but were not hesitant to stop and help confused visitors like us.

Pictured: Lanvin Lace Turtleneck, J.W.Anderson Gold ear cuff, H&M Straw Hat

2. The Culture: Any trip is not complete until I’ve witnessed the arts. In Havana, creativity reigns with Cuban art classics at Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, contemporary takes at Centro de Arte Contemporáneo Wifredo Lam and an emerging artist scene at Fabrica de Arte Cubano (which is only open at night). We also experienced the culture first hand through a stained glass making class with two specialists, who embodied the modern creative class. View Post

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Pictured: Patrick Church in his studio wearing hand-painted sweat shirt

Tell me about how you got started 

As a child I was always making things.  Initially I wanted to be a fashion designer; however when I started high school I became really interested in art, especially painting. My high school teacher took me under her wing and really helped me build my knowledge of art and art history. She introduced me to artists that still inspire me now. The rest is really a journey, spiritually, emotionally and creatively. 

Who and what are your sources of inspiration? 

My husband is my biggest inspiration. None of this would be possible without him and my love for him, which fuels my creative process every day. He makes me feel free and alive; he believes in me like no one else believes in me.

Unlike conventional fine arts, garments are your canvases, do you have a process for selecting those pieces? 

I start a collection by thinking of an emotion or feeling I want to evoke and then look for pieces that will help convey that idea the best way. My brain goes a million miles an hour and I am always having new ideas. I am always thinking of the next thing. View Post

mattchupicchu /

Color-blocked blouse by Céline and Teal Trousers by MSGM

A common complaint I hear from people (and me too) is that they wished they could care less about what others think. In a world where likability is tied to how well you can mimic others in social settings or how much skin you can show on Instagram, it’s easy to forget to do things for yourself. Only you. It may sound selfish, but I strongly believe that those who take care of themselves are less likely to project sh** onto others and are generally more helpful people, because they have the bandwidth to give. By choosing to live life based off social judgment and expectations, we develop that inner devilish voice that *always* find a way to bring ourselves down. That worst critic reflects societal do’s and don’ts we learn growing up. It doesn’t take into account what you envision, what you dream of and the unpaved paths that have no precedents. And of course to pursue that path requires courage, lots and lots of it. So whether that takes form in daily affirmation podcasts or telling yourself how great you are in the mirror, always cheer on yourself and be your own biggest fan. Celebrate all that you’ve accomplished (instead of tearing it down) and keep doing you, because the support you provide yourself will be what pushes you through the end.

-Matt Chu

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Pictured: J.W.Anderson Blue Satin Blouse, Finery London Pink Wide Leg Trousers and Patent Boots

I find it incredible that it’s only been two years since I started this blog. In this time span, I’ve met so many wonderful new people, worked with brands I’ve never imagined to work with and developed a bolder, more genderless approach to fashion. It’s been a lot of transformations to say the least. And while I have my days when I question why I’m doing this, it’s hard to imagine what else I would do other times. Despite not making much money by being ultra selective with brands and still trying to “break in” the fashion industry, the creative fulfillment I get is boundless and so, so satisfying. Never would I have imagined to express the way I do today and the confidence to do so is priceless for my personal development. So as I share my thoughts on my two year ride, I hope that sharing my passion (even just as a side-gig) prompts you to pursue what you really want to do. It’s certainly not an overnight thing, but I promise the return is worth it.

-Matt Chu

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