the anchor

Color + for your apple device :)

2012-04-13T10:21:00.001-07:00

Feb. 14

2012-02-14T10:40:00.001-08:00

Dame di Cartone

2012-01-31T00:28:00.001-08:00

Dame di Cartone (“Cardboard Ladies”) the new project by Swiss-Italian photographer Christian Tagliavini.

Inspiration jan p.2 (iPhone)

2012-01-29T07:30:00.001-08:00

The white dress reminds me of you, ;)

inspiration JAN 2012

2012-01-28T15:19:00.000-08:00

I-phone

2012-01-27T00:44:00.001-08:00

Trying out posting with my iPhone
-hello technology

Kevin Cooley - the night sky, a giant canvass

2011-11-26T13:19:00.001-08:00

I read once "Nature is the muse, and man is the explorer", they were talking about Kevin Cooley, a master with the camera that impressed me with its use of the light within landscape, I hope you like it as much as I do.

bravest- a tribute to NY´s firefighters

2011-09-09T16:04:00.000-07:00

"To commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11, street artist WK collaborates with New York firefighters to create a massive street mural (100 meters long) full of passion and motion. The iconic firefighter, NY’s “bravest”, symbolizes the many heroes that helped New York survive the tragic events of 2001, and turn it into the City that inspired the whole world."

And here some of his work in some other parts of the world
-speechless-

MARIA ORTEGA "WALKING IN FASHION" an interview

2011-05-25T17:33:00.000-07:00

A proper introduction to an interview to Maria Ortega

is one of those tasks you really don’t want to be challenge with,

why?

Basically, because you don’t want to come across as a crawler.

BUT how can’t you? if you are looking at real, pure talent.

I hardly tried not to sound too impress with her work

but I was,

I am,

She is just starting in fashion professionally

And she looks like she is being out there forever

Maybe she was

After all she started designing when she was just a little kid

I hope you like her work as much as I do

-HERE, IN THE ANCHOR-

MARIA ORTEGA

Name:

María Ortega

From:

I live in a little town in the countryside, called Respaldiza, near to Bilbao.

Where did you go to school? What did you study?

I studied Fashion Design a full year in IED Madrid. I currently study Fashion Design in INEDI (Bilbao). I'm in the third year.

How did you get into fashion design and when did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer?

Since I was a child I've known that my life was fashion. My mum ever told me to study journalism and then get into fashion mags, but I decided to live inside fashion, not only speaking or writing about it.

Did you have to train or apprentice with another designer? How was that?

No, I have never done it. But next year I will began to work as an intern with the designers JOTAMASGE, from Bilbao. I hope I will enjoy the experience with them.

Describe the general process you go through to design and realize a piece of clothing

The process is too long. Usually, when I start thinking about a new project, I think in a collection, not only in a piece. First, I have to find lots of inspiration sources, decide a kind of style (or clothes) I want to create, think about the fabrics… In summary, decide the overall concept of the collection. It can take me a lot of time of just a few days, but usually it´s a complicated task.

In fact, is not something that has a strict guidelines set. While I’m creating my inspiration book, I draw the designs, I think about the silhouettes and shapes, colors… And suddenly, when I least expect it, the collection appears in front of me. But, always there are a lot of things that are changed during the process.

When all the designs are decided, I’ve to start with the pattern, the most difficult thing, and also de most important. It takes me a lot of time, too. It have to be perfect, it’s really, really important.

And then, once this is done, step-cut fabric and sew it all. I do it all myself (sometimes some friends help me doing it).

When the piece is sewed, it´s important to iron it well, it is basic for a perfect finish.

How long does it usually take you to construct a piece?

It depends on the complexity of the piece. Once the patterns are done and fabrics are cut, the sewing task goes fast.

The creation of my collections took me between 4 and 6 months.

What was the first article of clothing you ever designed?

Maybe the first pieces I’ve ever designed were the dresses I made to my Barbie when I was child. I did them with broken clothes or old curtains. It was a really creative and imaginative way of playing.

What are some of your accomplishments as a designer?

Last October, in 2010, I applied for the competition of young designers “GetxoModa”, held near Bilbao. I shown my first collection ever, NeoMinimal16 and I won. This gave me the opportunity to make a second collection in the next edition, on April 6. And, also, I will start working as an intern with JOTAMASGE (that’s the award for the winner).

"receiving the award"

"Her first collection (Neominimal16)"
photos by Julen Ussia

Who are some of your favorite designers?

Great Miuccia is nowadays my favourite (Prada/MIUMIU), but I also love Stella McArtney, Raf Simons for Jil Sander, Phoebe Philo for Celine, Hannah McGibonn for Chloé.

-Miuccia Bianchi Prada-

What inspires your designs?

My last collection was inspired in Bauhaus, german school of art founded in 1919. And the previous collection was a mix of two concepts: minimal art and renaissance clothing.

My next project, starts inspired by ethnic garments, but I don´t know how will it finish.

Everything can inspire me, I consider myself an observer of life, so at any moment can appear something that likes me a lot.

How would you define your personal style?

I like very much second hand clothes (not necessary vintage clothing), I know a few shops where I buy most of the pieces my closet keeps. My style is minimalist and austere, and the colors that I use most are black, white, grey, nudes, etc. I don’t like exaggerated prints or excessive color blends.

I usually wear masculine shirts, buttoned up to the last button, sometimes any bow tie (that I done by myself) and blazers. And I don’t know how many white T-shirts I have… I love them!!

I love to hold my hair in a braid that after the day looks disheveled. In summertime I put on my head all kind of scarfs and turbans.

I rarely wear necklaces, rings and bracelets. And I never wear earrings.

And what I really love are shoes, high heels. Shoes are my passion. But I like to buy and wear them, not design them.

What do you believe makes a quality article of clothing?

I think the quality of tissue is the most important thing. Design is important too, of course, but a basic-pattern-piece made with a good fabric can dazzle in any occasion.

Is it difficult to find fabrics and other sewing materials? Where do you usually buy them?

Basic fabrics are easy to find. Here in Bilbao, there are a few shops where I can buy good-quality tissues. But some more special ones are more difficult to find, but so far I haven’t needed.

Sewing materials are easier to find.

About you:

A book / why?

The Pillars of the Earth – Ken Follett. The only book that I’ve been hooked (I don’t like so much reading).

A song / why?

Whatever Lola wants – Sarah Vaughan. Is the song from my last catwalk.

Y nos dieron las diez y las once – Joaquín Sabina. A very special song that reminds me good moments spent with my family and friends.

A film / why?

I think I can’t choose only one film. I LOOOVE Tarantino’s style (Kill Bill, Pulp Fiction) and “Typical Spanish” films (Almodóvar).

If I start telling films, I can’t finish… Truman Capote, Brokeback Mountain, Amelie, Tim Burton’s, A Clockwork Orange… and a large etc.

And sometimes I like watching again classic films, as Ben Hur, Quo Vadis, Spartacus, Bronenosets Potyomkin (Potemkin Battleship), Chaplin’s … (my freak side)

A man/why?

Cristóbal Balenciaga. Perfection personified. God of fashion.

A woman/why?

Kate Moss. The muse, the only one, the biggest woman ever born.

A place/why?

Bilbao Guggenheim Museum. A place where I can forget everything and think only about art.

A moment/why?

October 2010, when I won the Young Designers Competition, competing with my first collection. I couldn’t stop crying for days!! The moment when I realized that I was born for fashion.

Back to design:

If you could do anything else, what would it be?

If I couldn’t design, I will like to work as a trend tracker or stylist. In fact, I think in the future I’ll choose that side of fashion.

What advice do you have for a young woman who wants to be a fashion designer?

You must know that fashion is a difficult world and you must love your work and be a hard worker. Fashion is a religion, is a way of life. If you’re sure that it’s your dream, keep dreaming and try to do your best to get your dreams come true.

Where can readers find out more about you and your work?

I hold with my own modest blog, where I try to show things that I like:

Youhavesomethingspecial.blogspot.com

And also you can follow me on Twitter!! @lovetuesday

You’ll be welcome!!

Where can readers buy your clothes?

Leaving a comment in my blog or in my personal email address: maria.ortega.elexpe@gmail.com

If you are interested in some information about me or my clothes, please feel free to contact me. I’ll be pleased to hearing from you!!

A last thought or wish

I hope to continue my professional career as well as started. I would like to live always inside fashion.

And I wish I could meet Pablo soon and enjoy a coffee-time with him!! So many thanks for this opportunity. You just know that’s very important for me!!

Best wishes!! And keep dreaming!!

Let me introduce you now to some of her work:

Below you will see one of her projects she did with a colleague for school

based in HBO film "Grey Gardens"

And now,
Her second and last collection,
"Bauhaus"
photos by Agirregabiria

remember this name
-Maria Ortega-

SERGIO LOPEZ ON EXHIBIT

2011-05-18T14:19:00.000-07:00

Sergio Lopez, born in 1983, is a graduate of the Academy of Art in San Francisco

His artistic knowledge ballooned when he discovered his love of oil painting and charcoal drawing. He filled sketchbook after sketchbook with observations from life as well as drawings from his imagination.

The Golden Age illustrators, Bravura painters, contemporary artists, concept designers, graffiti writers, and photographers have been some of his strongest influences in his pursuit of painting.

He is recently opened up at Modern Eden Gallery in San Francisco

for those that can't go there this is an small example of his great work.

-Painted Roses-

INSPIRATION IN FURNITURE & MORE -APRIL-

2011-04-03T15:54:00.000-07:00

I know, I know,
long time no see,
and of course there is a very important and boring excuse,
BUT,
isn't much better watch the new
BEFORE &AFTER
from design sponge
of course!!

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And packaging
OF COURSE!

Designed with Caroline Phillips at Smith & Milton

And last song from J+U+S+T+I+C+E all positive mood!!

Justice Civilization

-----------------------------------------------------------

And for those living in Spain there is a great opportunity
of going to a big concert and also
helping a lot of kids in Malawi!
YEP!!!!!!!!!
HOW?
Coming to Madrid the 23 of May and going to the concert
in Sala Galileo, its going to be huge!!!
-------
For those who can't come they can still
help with any amount of money €/$
-------
More info clicking in the picture (Spanish)
or contacting me by email (sidebar)
THANK YOU!!
--------
For those who understand Spanish you got
a full radio interview
to one of the girls organizing the concert right down this, enjoy.

cristina sanchez

-love-

I FEEL LIKE JUMPING

2011-02-02T13:49:00.000-08:00

I feel like jumping!

------------------------------------
but of joy!!!!

when people truly likes your work
you feel like jumping!
and that's how I feel when
you all tell me you like what I do
when you really mean it.
Karima
a talented girl whose drawings I really like
gave me a symbolic award the other day
an Stylish Blogger Award
so I decided to draw a few pictures in her honour

1. Max Mara outfit

2. Chloé

3. G-star + Nice things

-thank you-

beautiful to my eyes

2011-01-23T17:22:00.000-08:00

The beauty of a woman
Is not in the clothes she wears,
The figure that she carries,
Or the way she combs her hair.

-internet-

the beauty of a woman
resides in the passion which she loves
in the careness of her touch
and how she inflames our lifes as a torch

-me-

why all this poetry???

well,
women are inspiring
and I must say
I am inspired but this woman in particular
she has what I called plain beauty
no direct trace of makeup
or the hair done
just a natural look
yes, maybe the most complicated to get, :)
I know...
but is also the better look in my opinion.
----------

Here we have a Clémence Poésy for February edition of Marie Claire Us, by English photographer Tesh, and styled by Isabel Dupre.
I hope you like it as I do.

I would like also like to introduce you to one of the best fashion photographers in the market
The Colombian Ruven Afanador, this is just a small example of his real talent.
here with spanish model Bimba Bosé

-this, is art-

PAINTING MAGS

2011-01-23T06:32:00.000-08:00

So this is what I usually do
when a fashion magazine falls in my hands
I draw and paint things in it
this is my own
BEFORE AND AFTER
------------

before

after

before

after

before

after

I hope you like it

btw: I will give away the original to some of my readers soon, :)

JUST NUMBERS???

2011-01-21T17:42:00.000-08:00

100 FoLlOwErRs
---------

100 followers = a very happy me

100 hundred followers that taste like thousands
yes, each one of you is worth 10 times
so for me is 1000 followers out there

and to all you
2 words
-------------------------THANK YOU-------------------------

So as we speak about number I thought about age
yes,
this is some kind of a birthday celebration
is 1000 thousand followers after all, :)
So I wanted to show you how I will dress when I get old.
I hope you are all here to see it, :)

this is how my hair will look in half a year (aprox) :)

Or just like my grandfather
(I hope to be like him someday)

here with my mother

And this is how my wife may look like, hahaha

and this is how my daughter could look like
(but with a big smile in her face, just like her mother :D )

thank you again for your comments and for making
this what is meant to be
an anchor in this fashion storm
real
T.N.T

-I am dynamite-

FRED PERRY FOR LIBERTY "HERITAGE"

2011-01-18T10:25:00.000-08:00

fashiON!

It really feels like ages since my last post about clothing

so I wanted to do a special one

and I decided to speak about 2 well established houses of fashion

Fred Perry and Liberty

and a fantastic collaboration they did last year.

HERITAGE ALL OVER THE POST

So, I few facts about Fred Perry and Liberty

-----Fred Perry-----

The laurel emblem brand, is named under the English tennis and table tennis player Frederick John Perry (18 May 1909 – 2 February 1995)

This brand is commonly known by their famous polo shirts used in the sixties by the Mod culture movement and by the ska and skin culture after them.

I recommend to visit the brand's website

and listen to the Subculture music player you have in it, is really good!

some old pics feat fred perry polo shirts culture

And now:

Liberty & Co.

is a long-established department store on Regent Street in Central London

founded by Arthur Lasenby Liberty in 1875

selling ornaments, fabric and rare objects from Japan and the East.

During the years the store became the most fashionable place to shop in London and Iconic Liberty PRINTED FABRICS were used for both clothing and furnishings.

The actual department store in Great Marlborough St, London W1B 5AH

And finally THE collection:

The range includes four classic Fred Perry pieces styled using two of Liberty’s timeless prints; “Mark” (paisley) and “Edenham” (floral)

I love the Edenham print on the inner collar and placket

So, Did you like it?

What do you think about it?

------------------

I couldn’t finish a post about Fred Perry without mention the collaboration they did with Amy Winehouse, which I must say, I did like it, :S

Well, is not perfect, but is pretty good

She teamed up with Fred Perry to create a 17-piece retro-inspired wardrobe, consisting of capri trousers, cardigans and mini-dresses.

Fred Perry marketing director Richard Martin said to a British newspaper that the troubled performer had a very hands-on role in the creation of the range.

"Amy has been wearing Fred Perry for years, so we were aware she was a genuine fan of the brand," he said. "She has a unique sense of style that reflects the brand's own historical reference points"

Well,

I won't deny I would love to see my girlfriends wearing these shoes

What do you think about this collection?

---------------------------

And this was the main reason I started this post,

I didn’t know shoes were also part in the collection and when I found them

I had to buy them, I

think they are just perfect

-LoVE-

TO ALL WOMEN (A STORY)

2011-01-09T17:07:00.000-08:00

It all happened so fast
--------
we were in love
I remember
we really loved each other

so what happen?
what did I do wrong?
So
what happen?
---------
Heart?

NO HEART
HE
took it from me
--------
why

?
-------
Why?
-------
why

?
-----
why?
-----
why?.... oh why

I trusted you
I repeated it to you
over and over again

but you didn't
but you didn't
and now:

and because of YOU

AND
AND
AND

AND
AND
AND

AND
AND
AND

AND
AND
AND

YOU already miss me
I don't

--------------

This is for YOU
because you didn't treat me properly

this post is dedicated to those woman that suffer from gender-based violence
speak up!!

and remember

every woman is a treasure,
every woman is a gift,
every woman is worth at least 2 man
remember that
----
written by a man

NEW YEAR----NEW BLOG

2011-01-02T12:15:00.001-08:00

Well, as you could see, there are new changes in the blog,
and there are more coming.
I decided to change the name of the blog
give it a domain
and start with the new "marine" theme.
-----
I dont know how the name
"the anchord" came to me at first place,
but all related with the sea is
as important in my life as in fashion.
And at the same time
as I always wanted
it keeps the blog open to all things in general
not just to clothing, runways, etc,
something this blog has always being
-----
Welcome to all new followers,
to those coming
welcome to your home
----------------

TO TWITTER OR NOT TO TWITTER?

2010-12-21T02:33:00.000-08:00

I think we all ask ourselves every now and then this question
to twitter or not to twitter?
why? because we are still not sure if is really important to tell the world (or those poor souls that follow us)
that we are about to go to the doctor, to boil an egg, or to plant a pine (Spanish meaning, :) )

Does people really care about all this (crap)?
well, I do sometimes write about staff I wont even tell myself..
but
usually, I use Twitter as a small diary or as a small flickr,
to remind me things I would love to see again when I have more time
or to postpone in time moments with my camera

This was my first "tweet"

http://is-it-fashion.blogspot.com/

yes, I won't lie to you, the first thing I did was feat my blog... :S

But in a few tweets i made better and upload this pic!

speechless? I was when I first saw it

Real inspiration was this pic for me
and thats what I wrote in my tweet

and this one

the 23th of July I tweeted:
"after 12 hours a day working around and about clothing I can definitly say I WORK IN FASHION!!!!!!!!"
I think I was right, :)

The same day I worte "like wine, Claudia Schiffer, the older she gets the better"
Don't you think so??

This video was amazing
I twetted it in july too

Or this video,
Stella McCartney Kids preview!

There was "of course" houses involve
"a house to remember"
wasn't I right?

Or this one:
the Sentosa House, in love, I am in love

Even afghanistan afghanistan in july 2010 had a place in my twitter
because the horror of war should never be forgotten

in summer I was already saying that this was coming back and some people could believe it
look us now

Music was also Twitted and I recomend this great session by my friend Marcos in Dub fron GOA Madrid

http://snd.sc/9O7ygY

I also did some twits of pictures I took to clothes or people I thought they look different

the funniest hat on the best "pizzero" of Madrid

I love how simple but colourful she looked

Laura's crazy hair colour! :)

Or the coolest kid in Madrid

Mario Testino was also in my pictures
and a few I loved from his exhibition in Madrid

well, this and much more is what you can find in my Twitter,
I hope you like it, :)

INSPIRATION IN FURNITURE DEC

2010-12-19T03:16:00.000-08:00

I really need no words in this new "Inspiration in furniture"
--------------------------BEAUTIFUL-----------------------------

AND I DO LOVE WOMEN

2010-11-28T12:48:00.000-08:00

If my previous post was about what I am

this one is about

what I like

and

I do like women

-----------

I found this editorial wondering around internet

and I thought it was one of the sexiest

I’ve ever seen.

Published in Vogue Paris in May of 2007

as “Sexy Plongeant”

translated as “Sexy Plunging” or “Deep Sexy”

it features model Daria Werbowy photographed by Mikael Jansson

---SPEECHLESS---

I AM A MAN

2010-11-26T02:35:00.000-08:00

I am a man,

and I can’t deny that

and that’s why I wanted to show you this

Moo photographer work for Argyle magazine

With Brendan Ruck as featured model

--------------------------

This is how a double breasted suit should look

-beautiful-

All man should have a wool coat like this one,

is the perfect garment for any formal event

I think when wearing a very dark suit you should break

the stiffness of a usually formal garment

with some light colours in the accessories

a burgundy scarf could light up a little bit the outfit

so in this case I think they didn’t do it that well (in my opinion)

I like better this scarf (even if it’s grey as the suit)

Nope, suits shouldn’t be wear with your collar up

Remember there is 3 kinds of jackets lapel:

1. The notched lapel (my favourite) is the one with the cut in it.

like this one here

2. The peaked lapel, the one with the lapel coming out the side

like this one here

The third and last one is the shawl lapel, this one has nothing in it, is straight from beginning to end,

is commonly use in tuxedos so you don’t usually see it in suits

I hope you like the small trip to jacket lapels

INSPIRATION IN FURNITURE (NOV)

2010-11-22T04:39:00.000-08:00

As I said I love furniture,

and I selected a few “before and after”

I’ve seen wondering in internet with ideas you may like to try, :)

this was one of my favourites because candels are always welcome in a good dinner

DNA Ancestry Portraits, by DNA11

And what do you think about the table man?

This one was quite funny by Yanko Design

Books! Books! Books!

DRAWINGS

2010-11-15T14:55:00.000-08:00

They say in order to design clothes

you must have a scratch book with fabrics, news, inspirational pieces of magazines, books, etc, I have mine,

but I don’t use it as much as I should,

maybe because I don’t think designing clothing is what I do best,

I don’t even think I do it well,

so why bother..

but every time in a while,

a few pieces come out,

a few I am not too ashamed to show,

these could be a few of those

-------------------

I like repetitions,

Simple patterns that have a repeating motion, lines that crossed for exaple

Having as inspiration Chinese culture I design a hairgrip with Chinese influation

I am a huge fun of golden details in clothing,

This dress was meant to be the big success in a formal ball

And finally

A combination of different dresses to different occasions

And a coat, with some sailor inspiration

I hope you like it, :)

I~N~S~P~I~R~A~T~I~O~N--/--F~U~R~N~I~T~U~R~E

2010-11-07T06:38:00.000-08:00

I can't deny my passion about decoration in general and furniture and paintings in particular
maybe it comes after my many years moving from place to place
Marín-Pontevedra-Ferrol-Cartagena-La Barrosa-Chiclana-Las Palmas-Madrid-Naples-London, Ireland-Boston-NY, etc, etc
Thats why i would like to share with you a few pictures of things that had been change by very talented people,
in future posts I will show things I've done myself