fashion friends: cosmic thread

Cosmic Thread began in early 2011 as a concept of creating contemporary jewelry incorporating geometry and ideas of futurism. Their love for shapes lead them to create Cosmic Thread: The Beginning, a collection made from acrylic and reclaimed walnut wood. Cosmic Thread is the the harmonious collaboration of  sisters Taryn and Megan Slawson, based out of Colorado. Both girls studied apparel design and production at Colorado State University. Check our selection of Cosmic Thread in the Shop, and read our interview below!

Sarah: You describe your designs as "geometric hardware" and cite inspirations like space and the future. What images come to mind when you think about your inspirations? Films? Places?
Cosmic Thread: Shape is our biggest form of inspiration, you can find it everywhere and in everything making it such an important part of life and the basis for our designs. We go crazy when we see a shape we find unusual and different and think how can we incorporate it into our designs. We are deeply inspired by space and the space between, or the threads of energy connecting us all as one. The universe is deeply mysterious and full of organic beauty. Our pieces were all designed based off two basic shapes that we were so inspired by. The triangle and the semi circle. Both these shapes we found often in celestial and astrological charts, sun dials, and ancient carvings. We felt variations of these shapes to have a powerful connection to the universe that so inspired us.

S: Your jewelry is pretty statement making, but also tasteful. When do you like to push the envelope? Or do you enjoy a more minimalist style?
CT:Our aesthetic combines clean minimalist lines with ultra contemporary shapes. We are always looking to push the boundaries of the design industry following only our insights and inspirations. We want to make pieces that no one has ever seen before, pushing the standard of jewelry from accessory into hardware.

S: Have you always been interested in jewelry? Is it a major part of your wardrobe?
CT: We both studied at a very technical based apparel design in school. Our skills from piecing together patterns evolved into piecing together hardware. Our hardware is designed to be an extension of the wearer rather than an accessory to the outfit. Pairing our pieces with a simple silhouette can instantly transform any wardrobe staple. Our hardware is definitely a major part of our wardrobes. We each have our go to piece from the collection that we seem to wear with everything, I think our respective pieces we choose to wear say a lot about who we are and how we are so uniquely different yet very much the same.

S: How did you begin to work together?
CT: We started working together after finishing school. Our work has really evolved over the past two years and has become much more refined and structured. It's not uncommon for one of us to start a project and the other to finish it. In fact that is how we work best. Our design styles are very different and in that way we compliment each other really well. We are usually mind melding simultaneously, so we think in the same way and design in two different manners. It's great. 

S: Who is the most stylish person you have ever met?
TC: Taryn used to volunteer at the museum of contemporary art in Denver and met Zandra Rhodes once! She is a huge inspiration to us both, we love eccentric beings, our great grandmother was an eccentric and a great role model. A true free spirit indeed.

Time for a pop quiz!
Complete this sentence: My dreams will come true when... I see Claire and Jonah of YACHT wearing Cosmic Thread.
Earth or Space? Space is the place!
Mind or Matter? Mind over matter, although we are greatly intrigued by dark matter or the space between everything in the universe. 
Gold or Silver? GOLD
Mars or Jupiter? I would have to say Jupiter has always been one of my favorite planets.
Astronaut or Cowboy? We recently observed it through our telescope when it was aligned with four of its moons it was truly incredible! I would love to be an astronaut, it would be amazing to go beyond the reaches of our earth.

If you could live inside one film what would it be? The Fall. The movie was shot in 18 countries and did not use any computer generated images. The locations are ethereal and the characters are eccentric, the perfect combination to get lost living inside their story of pure beauty and wanderlust.

Visit the shop to view all jewelry from Cosmic Thread

fashion friends: SIR new york

SIR New York is the brain child of designer Auston Bjorkman. SIR's rendition of urban minimalism has quickly garnered press interest since it's 2011 inception, positioning the brand as a new favorite among enthusiasts of progressive street wear. We asked Auston a few questions about design and his relationship with color. Read our interview below, and check out SIR New York for Men and Women.

Sarah: This season is very sporty and we love all the mesh textures. What attracts you to that kind fabric?

Auston: In general I am attracted to the hand of a fabric, if I touch it and it feels good then I fall in love with it. I've been obsessed with mesh ever since I was a kid. Growing up I was a bit of an underground jock, so I guess that is where my love of all things athletic comes from. My fascination with technical fabrics has lead me to find unusual ways to incorporate them into wearable pieces. Texture is really important for Sir New York and I have found that by layering technical textiles over natural ones you can create new prints, patterns, optical illusions, and textures while creating wearable futuristic garments.

S: Your clothing is pretty minimalist, but in a really detailed way. What is it about monochromatic or black and white looks that you find exciting?

A: I think that when you are experimenting with creating new textures, and prints in the way that I am it is important to keep the color palate clean. If you have too much going on all at once it can become muddled. I love color and I will play more with that in the future, but for now I want that crisp, sharp subtlety.

S: How did you first get into designing? What's all this about your work with latex?

A: My first “fashion” job was in latex. I worked for Mr. S Leather in San Francisco, making latex clothing and fetish gear. I loved it! We called our floor club latex and would blast music really loud and drive the leather department upstairs crazy. It was so much fun. I eventually moved upstairs and started making leather. Hell raiser type bondage suits with D-rings all over them for suspension and my specialty was deprivation hoods. You know, those scary looking mask hoods with zipper mouths and such. I learned so much about construction and sewing there which lead me to start taking pattern making classes in order to learn how to design things that I wanted to wear. I knew that I wanted to design a menswear fashion line and found out that the Fashion Institute of Technology had one of the only Menswear Design programs in the country so I moved here to do that.

S: What is most inspiring to you right now?

A: I am really interested in and inspired by the idea of making sportswear sexy, not overtly sexual like my work at Mr. S of course. The concept behind Sir New York is athleticism with a hint of provocation. I love to combine a macho sport with something refined and elegant. It's sort of my personal commentary on masculinity.

S: Who is your fashion hero?

A: I wouldn’t say I have one in particular but right now I am loving Bernard Wilhelm. I love that raw in yourface, I don't give a fuck, I will do what I want attitude of his work.

S: Is there a "look" that you absolutely hate?

A: I think if you love your look and you own it 100%, then good for you. I might not choose it but if you can wear it with style then go for it. There are a lot of looks that don't work for me personally but I would never hate on anybody who is doing they're own unique thing.

S: Do you design for any specific crowd/ clientele? Do you have someone in mind when you are working?

A: I have this hope that Sir can cross boundaries. We all have many different sides to our style and personalities. Most of us are not content only expressing one dimension of ourselves. I love to cross reference and juxtapose styles and inspirations to come up with a whole new hybrid. Sir New York is in part street wear, in part high-end fashion, part sportswear, part club wear etc... I want dudes, sissies, trannies, jocks and everyone in between to find something relatable.

FASHION FRIENDS: ASHER LEVINE

Asher Levine is a designer with a wild side; he's a maverick and an inventor. Levine makes amazing garments built upon his ability to challenge conventional ideas of tailoring. Classically trained, Levine is hands-on with his pieces during their production. Larger ideas of sexuality, industry, and government are conveyed through his clothes. Despite his youth, Levine has garnered some major attention, including stunning editorials, and designing for the likes of Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.

Read our conversation with the designer below and check out the shop for selections of Asher Levine SS12 for Men and Women.

Sarah: Your work is very rooted in the organic and also oriented towards the future. How do time and nature influence your style?

Asher: Time’s influence on physical variation fascinates me. Why does variation occur? I try to manifest the answer through clothing where the collections illustrate directed variation.

S: You have serious training as a tailor and really know how to deal with garments. Is the construction process a very meticulous one for you?

A: Process is the most important aspect to me, it’s where the true design of the garment or accessory really shows. It’s the process that inspires.

S: We love the looks you designed for Lady Gaga. Can you tell us about that?

A: I’m so glad that our paths crossed when they did. We’ve continued our relationship and are always thinking of ways to make crazy cool outfits for the future.

S: The pieces in your FW12 collection were really rugged and masculine, like a future militia of some kind. What were your inspirations for that work?

A: 1920’s Russian Military to the Atomic Age of the 30’s and the 40’s. Then inject it with the Z and Beta Chromosome.

S: Black and other dark tones have always been the default color for feeling cool. Why do you think that is?

A: Contrast. When dressing is how much contrast does what you are wearing have with your face/body? It doesn’t matter what race you are, just think of the contrast, it will make your best features stand out.

S: What would you never wear?

A: Anything that doesn’t represent me at that given time.

S: Do you have any personal style icons?

A: Dr. Lisa Airan.

S: If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

A: Australopithecus Sediba.

FASHION FRIENDS (SPECIAL EDITION): Genesis BREYER P-ORRIDGE

Genesis BREYER P-ORRIDGE is an artist in too many ways to define with basic titles. While s/he is extremely accomplished as a musician, visual artist, speaker, and pioneer of identity, Genesis’ body of work is greater than the sum of its parts. Genesis has broken ground in just about every way possible, changing ideas about gender, fashion, music, and cultural divisions. We were very excited to interview BREYER P-ORRIDGE and talk a bit about art, magic, style, and endless love. Click HERE to see the full interview.

FASHION FRIENDS: BOND HARDWARE

Dana Hurwitz and Vincent Barile were two fashion lovers with a penchant for the hard stuff. After they met and bonded over their love for deviance and high fashion they came together and founded Bond Hardware. BH is a line full of transformable and statement making jewelry that works in unique tandem with clothing. Read our interview with Dana and Vincent below, and SHOP MENS and WOMENS just in! 

SARAH: Hey Guys! Your stuff is really amazing and so versatile! Its unisex and can really suit a wide range of people. Another thing we love about your pieces is that they're totally bad ass but really polished, how do you straddle that line so effortlessly?

We try to balance the edgy-ness of our pieces with minimalism. This helps them maintain a refined quality that helps appeal to a broader market.

What kind of clothing do you see your hardware being worn with? What are your favorite designers? looks? or inspirations?

VINCENT: Ideally, our collection is to be worn with a collared shirt, but the great thing about it is that you are able to wear it however you prefer. Currently, my favorite fashion designers are Acne and Raun LaRose. Also, Gaspard Yurkievich has been an huge inspiration of mine.
DANA:  Some of the pieces look great as necklaces too. When I don’t feel like being buttoned up I’ll grab a Hitch ring, or the chain lock, the double clip and even the male window lock. My favorite designers currently are Haider Ackerman – Tilda Swinton looked amazing in his look at the Golden Globes, and always Iris Apfel is a flawless style icon of mine.

Is there anything that you can't stand as far as trends? Any pet peeves?

VINCENT: Well this is easy! Northface. Leggings. Uggs. Especially, Northface + Leggings + Uggs = Not cute.
DANA: I’ll just add that leggings aren’t a substitute for pants. No matter how amazing your legs are or if you just came from yoga.

Do you guys have any major fashion crushes? Who would be the dream person to wear BH?

VINCENT: Definitely, Jacob Coupe.
DANA: Lady Fag, or Obama, Mrs. or Mr..

Your tumblr is so great. Do you take a lot of fashion inspiration from the internet? Do you find it useful that way?

Yes, social networking is a huge part of our work. Tumblr is a great platform for collecting and curating our daily inspirations. It allows us to be inspired by people and places that we normally wouldn’t be able to be affected by and constantly share that with our creative network.

Did you guys meet in fashion school? Were you instant style soul-mates? How did you go about beginning to design together?

We met through mutual friends. We had an intimate moment in a taxi cab… and then started playing dress up together. Dana goes to Pratt for fashion Design and Vince goes to The Art Institute for graphic Design.

Where did the name Bond Hardware come from?

Our name is inspired by bondage wear, so we started playing with the words bond and bound. The name in that context also alludes to a bond between two people.

Okay time for a POP QUIZ! 
Coke or Pepsi? Torn, Interview or i-D Mag? i-D Mag, Mary Kate or Ashley? Mary Kate, Nicki Minaj or Lady Gaga? Neither- but props to their creative teams., Ying-yang or Peace sign? Ying yang, Skulls or Flowers? Floral Skulls sound ideal, John Waters or David Lynch? Lynch.

INTERNET FRIENDS (SPECIAL EDITION): ASK SLUTEVER for IDLM PART #4

If you're not all hot and bothered from her new film for Purple Television, then take some time to get emotional with Slutever during our ASK SLUTEVER for IDLM series. Send us the most personal of questions and receive guidance. Email her at Karleyslutever@gmail.com. Today Karley addresses betrayal, mom's fudge, and what it REALLY takes to be good in bed.

Dear Slutever,
I'm horribly depressed. I recently found out my boyfriend is cheating on me, the shock still hasn't worn off and I’ve yet to confront him. You're probably reading this thinking I'm a sooky idiot female, which I guess I am, to be honest. We have amazing sex--sex that sends me absolutely insane. I'm beginning to wonder whether I haven't confronted him because I don't want to give up the sex. His mum also makes an insane chocolate fudge cake, so that could also be another reason. Do I confront him, ignore it, let it spill out in a drunken psycho yelling fit, or simply break it off?
Depressed in Australia

Slutever Says:
First of all, you’re not an idiot. Most people in this world have either been cheated on or been the cheater, and that will probably never change because the human race is inherently slutty. Because most of us have the ability to separate sex and love, it means that even if you truly love someone it’s not out of the question that you will make the conscious decision to fuck someone else behind their back at one point or another. That doesn’t necessarily make you a bad person, it just makes you human (i.e. epically flawed).


The thing is, your boyfriend obviously hurt you, which is a problem. If you never agreed to be in an open relationship then sleeping with someone else is grounds for a break up. There are things to think about: did he sleep with someone just one time? Has he slept with lots of other people? Has he been sleeping with a specific person repeatedly? Option three is probably the most serious, because that’s when you enter “emotional cheating” territory, which is the worst kind.What’s important to remember is that monogamy is hard. If two people have a great relationship then I don’t think it should be a deal breaker if someone gets drunk and fucks somebody one night. If your boyfriend needed to fuck another girl it probably has way more to do with his own ego or his sex-crazed man brain than it does with how he feels about you.


The right thing to do is just to talk to him about it. But don’t go in screaming and don’t be drunk when you do it. You have every right to be mad, but screaming won’t solve anything and you need to have a rational conversation. This is probably not the most responsible thing to tell you, but for the sake of honesty I’ll share. A few years ago I found out my boyfriend was cheating on me. I wanted to kill him, but instead I just went out and fucked another guy. Knowing I had fooled around too gave me a sense of mental power, and I felt more confident and less manic when I finally confronted him and recited the pre-planned line "I know you fucked that anorexic skank from LA you illiterate prick." So uh... yeah, I’m not suggesting you should follow my lead on that one. But the point (I think) I’m trying to make is: don’t play the victim. Do what you want, because there are no rules. If you want to forgive him, then forgive him. It’s not embarrassing. If you want to get threesomed by two farmers to get back at him, then I think that’s fair enough. However if you can’t get over his infidelity and you think it will haunt your relationship forever, then you should break it off. There are lots of guys out there who are good in bed who will send you “absolutely insane” with their boners. It’s a mathematical certainty.

Dear Slutever,
I’m 24 and the longest relationship of my life was seven months. I’ve had sex but I don't have much experience with girls and I feel like I’m missing the good techniques it takes to be good in bed! Is sex that difficult? Do I have to do acrobatics in order to be good at sex or do I just have low self-confidence?
Nick, Athens

Slutever Says:
Please, for the love of god, no acrobatics. I’ll make it simple: as a hetero guy, if you want to be good in bed you have to be attentive to the girl and receptive to what turns her on. You know all the screaming orgasms girls have in porn? Yeah, those are fake. Pounding us repeatedly from behind for ten minutes isn’t going to make us cum. Also, we don’t like it when you try to shove it in while we’re still dry. Foreplay is important to us because it takes longer for girls to cum than is does for boys, so you have to rub our boobs and kiss our necks and spank us (maybe?) to allow us time to “get going” or whatever. Some girls can have G-spot orgasms (I hate you), but most of us need clitoral stimulation in order to orgasm. Well, it’s not rocket science but giving a girl head is normally the most efficient way to turn her on, because you can rub your tongue directly onto the part that feels good. Also, please lick lightly. Jeez, it’s not a stamp.


Also, don’t be afraid to ask a girl what she likes. It shows us that you care and it also means we get to tell you exactly what to do without sounding all demanding. And also, “Tell me what feels good” is just a hot sentence, ya know? Sex is hard to fuck up, so don’t over-think it. Like I’ve said before, sex is meant to be clumsy and awkward. Embrace it.


Above images by Ilze Vanaga via GirlCorMagazine

INTERNET FRIENDS: MOLLY SODA

Molly Soda is an internet artist and an effective provocateur. Without writing anything, Molly's stream of tumblr images conjures up ideas of feminism, perversion, culture, and identity. She causes discussion. Her style and persona are hidden behind a veil of mystery, and that got us asking questions.


Sarah: So, Molly...photos of you seem to solicit a lot of commentary. People are super fascinated by your appearance (e.g. your comment chain video above). What do you think it is about your hair color, under arms, clothes, or whatever that has people so worked up? What is your favorite color for your hair to be?

Molly: I have no idea what gets people so worked up. People spend a lot of time worrying about others instead of improving their attitudes. I've enjoyed all of my hair colors. I think yellow and lime green were the most fun because they are a bit more unusual. I'm hoping to do a grey color maybe with some pastel pink or seafoam green soon.


S: Back to the topic of your videos. Several of the films on your vimeo function a lot like art. There is an aspect of duration and they are strangely disturbing. Can you speak a bit about your intentions with those?

M: I would say that any video I put on the internet functions as art. I don't have any particular intention that I am 100 percent aware of or that I would like to reveal at least. I think now that I've graduated art school I'd like to forget about having some grand intent with my work completely and just focus on making/putting out work.


S: Some guy decided to register the domain name Mollysoda.com. What the fuck is up with that? Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery? Who is that guy?

M: I was not aware of this until I read this question. I vaguely know him. I'm sure mollysoda.com gets a lot more hits than his blog would normally.

S: A lot of people in their 20's have come to feel a renewed love for a 90's raver aesthetic. The kind of technicolor/choker wearing/platform sneaker/glittering low-fi imagery that was big when we were kids. What is your contemporary connection to that world?

M: I think people generally like feeling nostalgic. The funny thing is, as much as I can feel nostalgic over 90s cartoon shows I had no real connection to raver/club kid/art culture that was going on in the 90s seeing as i was too young to be a part of that crowd. I think that interest comes from a want to be a part of an era you missed out on only by a few years.


S: Your style is constantly evolving, which I love. Do you get bored easily? What is your fashion constant?

M: Honestly, I don't have a fashion constant. My style changes from month to month. I'm the kind of person that gets really obsessed with wearing a certain item of clothing or a certain style for short periods of time and then I'll move on to whatever seems fun and new at the moment.


S: Who are your artistic/cinematic inspirations?

M: Movies...Clueless, She's all that, 10 things i hate about you, Wayne's world, Josie and the pussycats, Nowhere, The Craft… I could go on forever. For artists - Francesca Woodman, Ryan Trecartin, Ana Mendieta, and Nina hagen. With tv shows - Popular, Tim and Eric.


S: Is there any celebrity that you wish you could personally assassinate? Or any style?

M: No, I do not wish death upon anyone or anything, even ugg boots :)

INTERNET FRIENDS: 4 NEW BLOGS TO BOOKMARK TODAY

Do you ever have the feeling that you're just scrolling through the same images over and over again? Does every post sound the same? Not to fear! Here are some blogs sure to make you hungry, turn you on, and get you inspired!

Bip Ling- This actress/model/dj/artist's blog is a refreshing departure from your average ambush of quasi model girls in heels. Bip makes art with humor and takes an approach that is both quirky and sophisticated. Not to be missed, watch out for this one!

Bleach Black- BB is the epitome of California cool. These girls know how to collage new looks into an exciting and cohesive fashion persona. Always highlighting new products with endless enthusiasm, Bleach Black is a destination for new inspirations.

Scanwich- Exactly what it sounds like! Amazing close up scans of one man's lunch quest. Although these images are artful, they're guaranteed to make you hungry just the same.

3Dollar- One girl's immaculately executed visual diary; her travels, her friends, her outfits, and her exploits! Endlessly entertaining, both glamorous and gritty all at once.

Slutever- The very honest, very graphic account of Karley Sciortino's sexual opinions. This progressive, highly stylish blog is like stumbling into a Richard Kern shoot. Karley's interviews, often with strangers, are informative and well written.

INTERNET FRIENDZ: Cara France of SAVAGE PROGRESS

SAVAGE PROGRESS is more than a Tumblr, its a collage, its hypnosis. Coming across SAVAGE PROGRESS was like finding a time portal. Cara France lives in the UK, graduated from university and makes art films. One scroll on her page and you can tell she is an artist. She graciously agreed to do an interview. Here is how it went:

SARAH: I found your Tumblr and was really amazed by both its movement and its images, as you scroll down its like watching a film. Each image brings something new but also references those before it. What is your thought process when composing SAVAGE PROGRESS. What do you look for in an image?

CARA: That’s such a tough question, it seems like quite a natural process, I just go for images that make me feel like, Woah! What the Hell! Images that you want to keep looking at and going back to. I’ve been amazed by some of the things I’ve found on here to reblog, some images, I just have to know where they are from and it's often lead me to watch movies or get into artists that I never would have heard of otherwise. The process itself is quite OCD, as sometimes I put a load of images up and if they don’t ‘feel’ right, I will just delete them all. Colour is really important to me also, and I noticed recently my tumblr is becoming increasingly lilac and lurid green.

S: So you live in the UK and you make films, What are your favorite films? Directors? Are there any artists that specifically inspire you?

C: There really are too many to list! A friend recently asked me for film recommendations and I ended up giving him and enormous list in chronological order. If I was forced to name favourite films Altered States, From Beyond, Society, Tetsou:Ironman, and Videodrome, would all be up there. Actually all early Cronenberg is amazing, and a french film called Possession from 1981 that I can’t believe I only saw this year that is one of the darkest most visceral films I’ve ever seen. When I was at uni I was really into Expanded Cinema, and experimental films from the 1960’s, those kinds of films that open your third eye like Tony Conrad's ‘Flicker’ and also Soviet Sci-Fi animation, post apocalyptic stuff that is bleak and brutal. But recently I’ve just been watching crappy cyberpunk and trashy cyborg movies like Death Machine, Hardware, Nemesis and the Trancers series, movies about virtual reality, cops from the future and getting sucked into the TV - i love crap like that, especially when it has proper old special FX and bad CGI. Art-wise at the moment I am totally into french comic book artists Philippe Druillet and Jean Giraud Moebius, and surrealists Zdzisław Beksiński and Hans Bellmer, their work always gives me goosebumps, they make those kind of eerie images that stay with you.

S: There is a lot of imagery that references sci-fi or mysticism. Also a lot of nostalgic images. Are you influenced by films or shows you saw as a child?

C: Oh yes, I think everyone is massively influenced by stuff they see when they are a kid. Kids toys and TV in the 80’s and 90’s is enough to warp anyone for life! Things like Mysterious Cities of Gold, Jayce And The Wheeled Warriors, Knightmare, Round The Twist. Also hiring out movies from the video-store on school holidays, I used to watch Flight Of The Navigator on a loop, that part when the kids head is full of star charts still makes me feel weird now. When I was 11 we got cable TV, so 90’s Nickelodeon shows, and MTV Oddities have definitely had a bearing on the stuff I am into now.

S: If you could have dinner with anyone, alive or dead, fictional or real...Who would it be?

C: No question, Jack Deth. We could chat about sub-humanoids in a sleazy diner.

S: Why did you start working on this tumblr?

C: I always collected images, and before tumblr I used to use flickr for similar stuff. I use it as an online scrapbook, a reminder of all the things I’ve been looking at or movies I’ve been watching, its like a visual mind map so everyone can take a look inside my brain, and wander about in there.

S: Who are your fashion icons?

C: Clarissa Darling, Lydia Lunch, Jennifer Herrema, Liz Bougatsos, Kate Bush

(that's her!)

FASHION FRIENDS: Lyz Olko of Obesity and Speed

Known for iconic t-shirts and a nihilist-chic aesthetic that directly mirrors downtown New York’s perennial infatuation with paradise lost, Obesity and Speed have perfected a style that eschews luxury for uncompromising independence. Creating men’s and women’s collections, partners Lyz Olko and Josh Conner ransack punk America to create looks that highlight a degenerate take on elegance.The label was started in 2003, when the two friends met at then fledgling avant garde lower east side boutique Seven New York. There they discovered their shared interests in punk music, a dark fashion aesthetic and horror movies. These interests led them to begin collaborating in various mediums, zines, collages, mixtapes, photo shoots, jewelry, and so on….Obesity and Speed began with just one hand sewn lace appliquéd skull sweatshirt and really took off from there. We were privileged to have conversation with Lyz about the brand and about her personal style...

Sarah: Obesity and Speed has become a staple for a lot of people...your clothes are really relevant to what people want to wear right now. How do you tap into that?
Lyz: It's great to hear that actually. We try and do something different in terms of color, new fabrics, and graphic prints each season and evolving over the years, while still staying true to the brand identity. I think what we are all about in terms of our message and aesthetic translates through various trend phases and whatnot. We have a few style staples in the collection that carry through each season, like our tie back tank top, oversize drape neck top, and denim, that continue to do well.

S: You've done some collaborations, a line for Urban Outfitters and a pop-up shop for Earnest Sewn. Tell us about it.
L: We do a line for urban outfitters called "nothing sacred." It consists mostly of graphic knit bodies for women, and some men's items. A few years ago we did a pop-up shop for Earnest Sewn , in which we decorated the back room gallery space to look like a angry teenager's room with posters, props, photos and things and did a limited edition denim collaboration with Earnest. We also made a zine for the collaboration. We have also worked with Nike, Tory Burch, Oak, Nylon and are currently working on another secret project.....

S: In terms of your personal style, what are some essentials for everyday?
L: Josh and I are always wearing some sort of fucked up denim short, leather or army jacket, crusty tee, for me a black boot, josh wears converse. I also wear a lot of Pamela Love jewelry.

S: You've featured people like Isabelle McNally, Sky Ferreira, and Greg K on your site modeling O&S wares. Who is the O&S woman/man? Do you have someone or (an idea of someone) in mind when you design?
L: Someone who has great personal style follows their heart.

S: If you could wipe out one current trend that you find tragic, what would it be?
L: Ummm, hmmmmmmm.....I don't know just because I don't like something doesn't mean it's tragic. It's just my personal taste.

S: VERY democratic! Who is your style soul mate?
L: Josh.

S: Has your style evolved a lot over the years? Is there anything you used to wear all the time that now you regret?
L: My style has evolved over the years, definitely becoming more grown up. I don't know that there is anything I specifically regret, just items I don't wear now, because I'm not a 15 year old crust punk anymore.

Shop the Obesity and Speed collection at the IDLM Store.

FASHION FRIEND: The legendary Miss Vaginal Davis

Miss Vaginal Davis needs no introduction. She is a performance artist, painter, film actress and fashion icon. She has been a part of several bands, made tons of zines and participated in shows all over the world. She recently did a performance at MoCA. She is a creative powerhouse and a glamour girl. We had a chat about fashion...

S: Miss Davis, you've had so many iconic looks over the years, is there one you feel is your signature?
VD:I don´t really have a signature look. When I first started doing drag as a teenager I wanted to differentiate myself from the olde school of drag and be more androgynous in my appearance. Now that I am older I have reverted to a more classical approach in look and style. Some looks that have gone over really well are my Bricktop look of a rust colored bob haircut and 1920s or Tin Pan Alley clothing. The Edwardian era and the Jazz Age are a fantastic period for my body type. During the run of Bricktops at the Parlour Club in Los Angeles from 2002-2005 I became closely identified with a new movement of heritage dressing. Also my look on the cover of Jose Munoz´s book Disidentifications where I am parodying Ciccolini aka: Ilona Staller the former Italian Parliament member, porn model and wife of art star Jeff Koons.

S: One thing that is amazing about your style is how you are able to wear ANYTHING, you take stripper shoes, a designer caftan, broken earrings, whatever...and you truly put your own spin on it. How do you integrate things so well?
VD:My general style comes from the concept of availabism, making good use of what is readily available. I have also copied my late mother who was very fashion forward wearing underwear as outerwear decades before Gaultier.
I also love mixing inexpensive items with haute couture. Of course I am fortunate to have been the muse of many talented designers like Rick Owens, Marc Jacobs, Jill Sander, Gaultier, Thierry Mugler and Claude Montana so i have a nice collection of specialty pieces to play with.

S: You've lived in LA, spent time in NY, but now you live in Berlin. What would you say about the fashion there as compared to LA/NY?
VD:Berlin fashion is complicated. I love how its the city that every youth culture fashion movement from WWI to the present has never died. You´ll see someone dressed as a flapper and they aren´t trying to be retro. Its just their natural mode of dressing. Some people dress really conservatively like its the answer to everything, then there are others who are rave damaged. Don´t let me get started about the bad crazy colored hair, dumb tats and unflattering lip piercings.My collegue in the CHEAP art kollective Susanne Sachsse is very glamorous. She takes a lot of fashion risks and has an edgy personal style that is quite intoxicating. Berlin is best when it doesnt try to copy the boutique cities and is just itself warts and all.

S: Your blog is so amazing, and you give us so much info about your life. It reminds me of how specific and meticulous warhol kept his diary, its amazing. What do you like in a blog? Do you read blogs?
VD:I approach blogging like I am still a teenage girl writing in her diary. I credit my webmaster Larry Bob Roberts. If it wasn´t for Larry I wouldn´´t be known as one of the first bloggers. I am completely technically challenged so thank god for Larry. I couldnt have joined the 21st century without his devotion and support. I have a quarter of a million subscribers to my blog, but most of that traffic came to me accidentally because I have a sexualized name. I really don´t have a lot of time to read other blogs but the few I am able to peek at from time to time are Lady Bunny´s, Justin Bond, Ernest Hardy and fashion scribe Glenn Belverio.

S: Who are your style icons?
VD: I worship Diane Vreeland and her famous quote "There is elegance in refusal" Its the mantra I chant everyday. I also adore Donyale Luna, Grace Jones, Dovima, Verushka, Bibbe Hansen and Beth Ditto.

S: What is one trend, new or old, that you simply cannot stand?
VD: If you are going to work a Nazi youth haircut, make sure that you are first and foremost a youth. Also dying ones hair jett black or blondine when you have gnarly skin isn´t a very good idea.

INTERNET FRIENDS: Haeyeon Choi

Haeyeon Choi is a 20 year old student from San Francisco studying at Parsons the New School for Design majoring in IDC fashion. She started her blog simply because she had too many things saved on her desktop, and then things just took off from there. Her continuous stream of beautiful images shows taste and perspective. She came by the IDLM office to have a chat, take some photos, and drink a bubble tea.

S:One thing that really draws me to your blog is that it feels like a constant collage, every image has a connection with the one before and the one after. Whats the relationship between them?
H: I try to keep the images on my tumblr consistent and balanced throughout. For example I won't post two images that are from the same photo shoot back to back. I think it's more fun when it's all over the place and spontaneous!

S: So, the 90s are having a major revival right now. It seems really powerful for people who were raised in that time. What is your connection to that aesthetic? And what is your favorite 90s look?
H: I'm glad the 90's is coming back. The clothes back then were so horrible that its actually oh so good and now I see all these people rocking them, including myself. My favorite 90's look is Marc Jacobs for Perry Ellis 1992. I want to live in that whole collection.

S: Another important theme in your images is a balance between a really aggressive/androgynous look and an over the top feminine one.
H: Androgynous is on the top of the list for me. My main inspiration is the model Andrej Pejic who is definitely the defintion of that word!

S: OK...so this is a pretty hard question, if you could only wear ONE designer for the rest of your life who would it be?

H: If I had to wear only one designer....that is a very hard question! But I would say...Christopher Kane. I feel like his clothes are a perfect balance of my aesthetic so I won't go crazy. Also he's a genius.

S: Agreed. Who is your style soul mate?
H: There is this Japanese DJ named Mademoiselle Yulia who is currently a style icon for me! She can wear the most crazy/colorful clothes and look so fierce in them. Also, I dyed my hair purple and got a bob cut because of her!!

S:What is the worst popular trend happening today?
H: Seriously what is in trend right now? Ha ha.

Haeyeon Shot/Styled by Sarah Maurer. Clothes By I DON'T LIKE MONDAYS

Haeyeon wears top by moonspoon saloon, knee socks stylist's own, boots from IDLM studio

Haeyeon wears Cheap Monday swimsuit, T by Alexander Wang shorts, Improvd sweatshirt