Happy 1 Year to LAB

To celebrate the one year anniversary, Australian label Local Art Base (LAB) has launched an online boutique currently available for Australian clients.

For overseas requests, contact the Team @ LAB, email: info@labgallerie.com, who shall do their best to fulfilled your order.

The photo to the left is a collage of all the showings that LAB has presented to date.

Over the past year; I have thoroughly enjoyed covering designer Chris Cheng at LAB; therefore, I want to wish you a heartfelt happy birthday.

Photo Copyright Local Art Base.

“Beautiful Minds” with LAB | Su du est

In the past, I have reviewed several collections from Chris Cheng’s main line, which bears the title LAB Local Art Base.

Now, I would like to introduce you to the premium line at LAB, which is entitled LAB Su du est.

Chris has truly outdone himself with this line’s 2010 autumn/winter collection called “Beautiful Minds,” which is inspired by lunacy and insanity—an eventful twist on hospital chic that plays on matters of the mind.

The collection draws influence from a range of films, including Requiem for a Dream, Fightclub, Amelie, and Clockwork Orange.

Reflecting the layers of the conscious mind, the collection abounds in pleating and folds.

The lookbook stills have been taken from a short film, which vividly introduces the collection.



Photo & slideshow Copyright LAB GALLERIE ®.
Art Direction - Chris Cheng
Styling Assist - Aska Yokoyama
Hair & Makeup - Jo Candelaria
Photography - David Taylor
Film Director - Harry Triglone
Backstage Fotos - Fernando Barraza
Model - Joseph. S
Model - Ben. F
Shoes Courtesy of Diesel - Black Gold.

LAB & Stables: the Japanese Exclusive

Local Art Base (LAB) is celebrating its second season in Japan with a look book exclusively for the Japanese market.

The 2010 spring/summer collection remains the same, but the theme of the look book is “Stables” with a Japanese twist!

Here is a sneak peek:



For more reading on LAB, please refer to previous articles:
"Love is a Stranger" Lookboook from LAB
"Love is a Stranger" with LAB

LAB for Japan Exclusive
アートディレクション Art direction - Chris Cheng
スタイルアシスタント Styling Assistant - Aska Yokoyama
カメラマン Photographer - Thi Nguyen for BW Agency
カメラマンアシスタント Photographer - Ichiroo for BW Agency
ヘアメイク Hair & Makeup - Jo Candelaria
モデル Models - Jaymes. T @ Chadwicks & Ma’te. G

"Love is a Stranger" Lookboook from LAB

Several days ago, I posted an article entitled “Love is a Stranger” with LAB, in which I narrated the general plot of Madame Butterfly.

Tonight, I just received the “Love is a Stranger” Lookbook from designer Chris Cheng, and I wanted to post it immediately.

Enjoy the fresh colors and new trends soon coming your way!



Credits:
LAB H O M M E PE10'
Art Direction - Chris Cheng
Photography - Romain Machefer
Hair & Makeup - Danii Harry
Models - Jason.B @ Chadwick & Scott.B
Shot on Location: Paddington, AUS. Courtesy of Iain Dawson Gallery www.iaindawson.com
Shot on Location: Sydney, AUS. Courtesy of Montique Exclusive Furniture www.montique.com.au

"Love is a Stranger" with LAB

When Giacomo Puccini wrote the tragically romantic opera Madame Butterfly at the turn of the 19th century, I doubt he was expecting to inspire a entire line of menswear!

Set in a home within the city of Nagasaki in the 1890’s, Madame Butterfly narrates a story of a dashing US Navy officer who falls in love with a 15-year-old girl whom he compares to a fragile butterfly.

From the beginning of time, soldiers have been falling in love with someone where they are stationed. This is precisely what designer Chris Cheng of the Sydney-based company Local Art Base (LAB) had in mind for spring/summer 2010:

“My aim for this collection is to emulate the mental processes of soldiers in love. Just like love, the pieces had to have an element of longevity in them, but yet variations that celebrate the emotional landscapes of someone that's deeply in love. Classic styles were updated with unexpected fabrics or applications to provide something of interest and something that speaks to the heart.”



Photo & slideshow Copyright Local Art Base.

What the Designers have been Saying

I would like to take this time to thank all the readers of Men’s Fashion by Francesco! As you know, I write these articles simply out of my passion for menswear and for your reading pleasure.

I am extremely excited that interest in Men’s Fashion by Francesco has sparked around the world, receiving nearly 5,000 hits in June alone, with readers from 80 nations!

I spend multiple hours researching each designer and label as I dig into their upbringings, inspirations, hometowns, and cultures, seeking for nuggets of gold that influence their designs.

Like yours, their positive feedback is a satisfying reward. So, here’s a little more of what they have been saying:

Sun Lee for Blue Notch Jeans
Thank you so much for the beautiful writeup...we are all thrilled!! You captured the brand’s spirit so eloquently!

Petter Hollstöm, Odeur
I think you have written a very good post about Odeur. It really makes me happy when people understand what we try to accomplish, and you explain it in an exceptional way.

Attilio at St. Louis Fashion Week
Great blog! Not only did I enjoy your in-depth treatment of designers, I'm impressed with your great eye for up-and-coming coming talent.

Chris Cheng, LAB
Ty from the heart for the kind words and interest again. Such a joy to read and well researched, the ref points are exactly my thinking and reason behind—always gently European and Japanese inspired and with nod to art—meanwhile with both artist I studied their works and fell in love with.

Candice of Saint Augustine Academy
Many thanks for your great post about Saint Augustine Academy; I love the detail that you have included. It’s a great piece. Thank you again.

Marcus Kersch, Kornerd
Thanks for that…I checked it out…looks great!

Pedra at Zaiceck
I just read your article—fantastic!

Carolyn Massey
Great…many thanks.

Umit Benan
It’s great. Thanx.

Tibor of Chris&Tibor
Fantastic work…thanks so much for promoting us and our collaborator friends on your blog!

Chi Zhang
I have seen the article; it is very very nice! I like your writing.

Sean at Wrath Arcane
Looks great!

Christian Kurt of AnnTian
We like your blog very much. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR REALLY NICE ARTICLE!

Max Kibardin
I would like to thank you so much for the beautiful article.

Marcus Larsson, Ljung
Thanks a lot for you nice article at your page. Very nicely made!!

Elena, PR for Falling Empire
I've read your article and I liked it. I'll show it to Ruslan Minzhinskiy and Tanya Andreychenko.

You may find previous responses at What the Designers are Saying..., What the Designers Keep on Saying..., Some More of What the Designers Are Saying.