As if I need to remind you, 1) about how real men should dress, or 2) of my forever love for British fashion house Alexander McQueen and how their great accessories can make anything pop, or 3) about why Benedict Cumberbatch.

(Press photo for The Fifth Estate press conference at TIFF)

Cumberbatching aside, I write because I also love fashion and cinema; there's been a lot of jabbering about whether or not Cumberbatch's fashion choices for his full-on three film assault on TIFF 2013 are too conservative, uptight, and British.

This surprised me, because his fashion choices are clearly those of a man who has the right people in his corner to go about crafting a career and public persona based, in part, on his quintessential classic Britishness, sure, but who also dress him** beautifully while adding just the right amount of whimsy to keep the look young and current. Perfect.

Anyway, to wit: the slim cut suit in dark blue, the crisp whites with just enough cuff, and the pocket kerchief square are givens, but it's all about that tie. Isn't anyone paying attention to details?

**or, he's getting his cues himself from Sherlock as well as recycling that tie for a long-ass time. Big ups either/or.

Today I read two profiles of designers back to back -- designers who I think are setting the innovation bar in their respective fields.

First:

Hipstamatic founders Lucas Buick, Ryan Dorshorst

The founders of Hipstamatic, two 29-year-old Wisconsinites with graphic design degrees, have brought quirky, stylish flair to the Web without connections to venture capitalists or Silicon Valley insiders. With $1.83 in their corporate account, they started a company that - unlike many tech enterprises - was profitable from the day it launched.

As you can tell from my blog, I LOVE this app (John S lens and Kodot film 4EVA!). I love seeing people doing what they love. I didn't know they have a San Francisco office; I have a feeling I might also love to work there.

Also:

Sarah Burton Reigns at Alexander McQueen 

She is the creative director for the fashion house of Alexander McQueen - a lofty and high-pressure position - but Sarah Burton is no attitudinal diva...Burton was [in San Francisco] to receive an honorary doctorate from the [San Francisco Academy of Art] and to award internships to students after perusing their portfolios and watching the runway show, a highlight of the academic year for 400 guests in the audience - students and local fashionistas alike.

Longtime readers of sine qua non know that while I cannot afford McQueen, I covet it for its fierce and fearless pieces and its tendency to make classics pop in unexpected ways. I agree with Burton when she mentions that McQueen is timeless. This profile was way too short, but still a nice little glimpse of the woman who went from intern to creative director of one of the most ground-breaking fashion houses in the world.

It is so inspiring to see people do what they love, make good work, and keep their heads. Respect.

See what made Alexander McQueen a legend. Absolutely stunning.

He was a true original, an innovator. His unique and challenging work -- a gorgeous collision of art and fashion -- will be greatly missed. RIP.

FIERCE.

OMG.



















Alexander McQueen for Target.

Squee!

I LOVE McQueen for his whimsy and tough girl looks. And he is my main squeeze for leather leggings and fur guilt.

But...

If I'm truthful, I'm a little underwhelmed. This collection seems quite plain, and a little bit generic H&M/Topshop indie rock and roll basic. There are some cute pieces with a bit of quirky interest, like this vest. Also, this swimsuit is very cute. Waiting and excited to see the collection in person in March, but first visuals look a little, well, cheap.

I know. I'm complaining. About Alexander McQueen. At Target. Ignore me.

One more thing: Check out this nouveau 80s photo shoot for Paris Vogue with real 80s teen modeling sensation turned chicken-eating action hero, Milla Jovovich. Unwearable, but what a brilliant and gorgeous shoot!

love.


















want.