This week we had the wonderful and much belated pleasure of re visiting Becc and Suzie from Bloody Grey PR at their stunning studio.

Just for you beautiful Balladeers, here are some of our favourite pieces from the wonderful designers Becc represents…

First up, it’s our favourite, we just couldn’t wait to show you these beauties by the talented Tamara Sariachvili, for her luxury woman’s brand, Tosha…

Inspired by anatomy, these two beauties are hand made and have such intricate detail that we fell instantly head over heels. The second of the two was particularly stunning, very 60s starlet/President’s wife and was embellished a metal wire thread. Both weighed a bluddy ton, adding to their appeal (: – and yep, you did see that on Katie off’uv X Factor.

Next up Neurotica. You’ve seen our love for Neurotica designes before, we featured them in Bailey “Busta” Button,

…so naturally, we couldn’t wait to see what was new in store for us! This cape was so soft it was like marshmallow, with lots of excess fabric to drape, we wern’t disappointed. We particually liked the floral prints, pixies, fox and webbed thigh-high socks! (not webbed toes, webbed pattern…)

Now, we LOVE a Ballad happy ending, and collaborations is what it’s all about after all..! We were thrilled to hear that after appearing in Bailey Button together, cover star Marie Fleur Charlesworth and Neurotica collaborated on this stunning  shoot for Neurotica’s High Summer collection to act as a mood shoot along side the look book…

How stunning are the bluebells that pop up all over? The bluebell jacket was out, and we aren’t sure we will ever quite recover from not seeing it…

On to Rachel Freire, and her print collaboration with Neurotica. Rachel’s work is from a theatrical background, and she focusses on shocking designs and structures, bold sillouettes and uses unlikely inspiration and materials to create her pieces. A collaboration with the pretty and floral Neurotica isn’t something we would expect, but it is playful, dark, sinister and innocent… and we love it.

The parachute floor length gown it a show stopper, and we also have a soft spot for this very suggestive nude body.

Elliot Joseph Rentz is a 17 year old artist, unconcerned with seasons and never studied fashion, he created bondage-esque body suits, spikes, chains and lots of black. We were fascinated by his collection, but it was the illustrations for his next collection that he was working on while we were there that really caught our attention. We are very excited to see what Elliot has in store for us next…

We adore the girls at Bitching and Junkfood and their collection Two Weeks, we love how they mirror the “darkness and the light” in their uni sex accessories collection. Dark angel wings, hair band fringe, feather head dress for if your feeling naughty or nice, we can’t get enough of their collection, and everything they bring out prompts the response “ahhh, what a goooood idea (i want that..)”

Last buy by no means least is the sugary sweet Migh -T by Kumiko Watari. We adore this collection, and it is so relevent for the Don’t Forget to Write issue its a joke! We have featured Kumi before on Ballad here, and she appeared in Nanny Floff, but these items are so cute and have so much attention to detail it made us swoon.

These bloomers for example, our favourite of the line, how sweeeet?!?!

…and check out the neckline, air mail. How perfect. We love love love.

We couldn’t leave Becc’s without this pic for Pet My Ballad. Bambi Light! BAMBIE LIGHT!!

Hope you enjoyed our worl wind tour of Bloody Grey, we can’t WAIT to be invited back!!!

x

Two common, yet random facts:  the state of the nation and the weather are key conduits for people’s moods.  So, what happens when the economy sucks, and the weather is dreary?  Frankly, it sounds like a depressing equation for disaster.  But rest assured my fellow fashionistas, this year things will definitely be different.  And we have our designers and buyers to thank for that!

Although weather-wise, fall is officially here:  the cold breeze, constant mix of light and heavy rain, gloomy clouds.  Here in the states, it’s not your typical fall.…

The usual suspects (dark greys, blacks, greens, and chocolate browns) are now paired with bright pinks, purples, blues, and reds.  Turning any outfit up a notch…or two.  It’s almost like spring is trying to make an early comeback.  Signature thin, wispy fabrics and textures that are reminiscent of spring are replaced with thick knits, cotton, and cable…but in bright, beautiful, electric colors.  Why such a dramatic change?

Well, as some of you may have heard (if you’re not living under a rock, that is) there’s a little thing called a recession still happening.  In the States, unemployment continues to rise, as housing prices continue to decline.  Not to bore you with the details, but you get it.  Needless to say, this depressing pot we Americans are in make it really difficult, if not incapable, of providing any motivation to spend money.  With Christmas quickly approaching, and scary memories of last year’s holiday shopping, the fashion industry (retailers and buyers alike) are more prepared and determined to make this season a hit with a few new tricks up their sleeves….

Using a bit of psychology, buyers (and designers) are lining the stores with vibrant colors, there’s a sense of ‘cheer’ in the ear.  Bright colors are known to brighten up moods, skin tones, etc., and essentially making people feel good about themselves.  This positive turn in personality, of course, builds confidence, thus making them more susceptible to purchasing.  Although this may be considered a bold move for designers and retailers, it seems to be working.  Malls and shopping centers are already filled with shoppers enthusiastic about purchasing again.  And, to think that all it took was a little color!

Anisa