LEOPOLDS EMPIRE - SUNNIES

Every so often a range of glasses come around that make a definite statement. From the fabulous Jackie O oversized, to the trippy round framed 'Lennon's'. Now the hip kids and Leopold are about to stand up and be counted. This eyewear range combines that signature oversized frame, with modern lines and U.V protective lenses to create a hot range of glasses that are in a league of their own. From the aviator through to 60's pop, Leopold's range are both diverse and individual whilst maintaining a story that isÊ distinctlyÊtheir own. Incorporating both handmade acetate frames and diamantes in some of the range, these glasses are set to make waves in the world of hip and hot eye wear.They are available in New York, London, Sydney, Toyko & Stockholm. by Lisa Evans



DISPOSABLE FASHION

"Usa e Getta" is Italian for "Use and throw away". UEG, a Polish brand with an Italian motto, plays on the concept of consumption using symbols and icons. The duo behind the brand is fashion designer Anna Kuczynska and top graphic designer Michal Lojewski. Their desirable white creations are designed to deteriorate. And like an old fashion art, the project has its own manifesto and rules: unification, unisex, uniseasons. Materials are made from Tyvek, a paper-like fabric. You can read the full manifesto on each garment; it's never been so cool to show you believe in something. by Yvan Rodic via Wad Magazine.




BAG EM UP

Bags have never looked as funky as they do today and judging by the Psycho range out from Rotterdam based designers Vlieger and Vandam, they are set to get even funkier. The three hot ranges in PSYCHO include Guardian Angel, Peepshow and Hungry Jack. The Guardian Angel range is streetwise and smart with its silhouette of guns and knives cleverly disguised in the print. Peepshow provide a range of genuine leather tote bags with beautifully design screen prints, whilst Hungry Jack is a playful range based around animal shapes of Guinea pigs and dachshunds. Hungry Jack is beautifully finished with black pony hair on one side and a fun silkscreen print on the other.

Another range of bags that are high on the cool list are those by Zilla from Italy. Made from alternative sources such as air filters, doormats, carpet and sponges, these bags have got to be the most original in terms of materials currently on the market. by Lisa Evans





YAMABISHI DESIGN

YAMABUSHI DESIGN is a new form of art called "super collage" printed for mass consumption on alternative apparel. Super Collage is the synthetic synthesis of cultural icons and social avatars: a sort of visual sampling similar to hip-hop. If new music can be generated by exploiting and refining pre-existing sounds, then fashion can as well. Take a little Ardmore Blazer for the background, some 70's zodiac octopus, throw in some secret signs...suddenly it all becomes an elusive riddle. What's your mood? Street-style, gangster, hippie, classic, or fresh? There's inevitably at least one T-shirt, long sleeve, or hoodie to capture your attention and the
eccentricities of the era. by Yvan Rodic



FORGIVE ME FATHER, FOR I HAVE BLING!

God is cool. Calm down, we're not talking about the frightening rise of the religious right, we're talking about fashion's apparent fervor for religious symbolism. Taking their lead from The Da Vinci Code and Anne Rice's new book Christ the Lord,Ê fashion's leaders are turning the humble cross and rosary beads into fashion statements. Leading the revival is Dolce and Gabbana. Drawing upon their Roman Catholic roots, the Italian label has released a range of saintly accessories featuring dog tag style crosses on leather necklaces and the funkiest rosary beads this side of the Vatican. A hot Miami designer, who we will introduce to you later this month, has taken the trend to the next level with his Lord of the Kings t-shirts, with an image of Jesus set on an army camoglaue background. The range will be exclusively sold on our new online store BLING , where you'll be able to purchase a limited edition of the t-shirt at the end of this month.



SPENDING IT WITH J. FOLDWhat do Bruce Willis, Hugh Jackman and Snoop Dogg have in common? They are established celebs who appreciate the rugged Original Sportswallet known as the J. Fold. You won't find junky plastic inserts or superfluous bulk in these wallets, but you will find superior craftsmanship and materials in these products. The J. Fold selections are numerous and should be no problem in finding a suitable match for your individual style.Ê by Isla Verde



SWISS FASHION - BEIGE

What have Art Deco, the Charleston and Bee's Nests all got in common? They have all inspired the fall/winter 05/06 collection of the swiss fashion house Beige. The designers Manuela Helg and Karin Maurerfinds have wanted to enhance women by remixing 20th century's golden years with a new touch of sensuality. The shape and forms created by these garments are reminiscent of the Art Deco period and a combintation of elements including archaic Charleston parties. Our future is in the past too. by Yvan Rodic

Publisher: the cool hunter
The Cool Hunter brings today's most happening movements, styles and trends to readers across the globe covering genres such as fashion, music, urban living, designer and cultural trends. As a professional cutting edge reporting service, we have a network of global trendspotters positioned in key cities worldwide to report on the latest and greatest cool huntings on offer. Our extensive global coverage ensures that the Cool Hunter never misses a beat when it comes to emerging and future trendspotting. The essence of the Cool Hunter is the ethos of 'global information channelling' that is not regionally specific, but rather based on worldwide relevance. In a society obsessed with the shiny and new, The Cool Hunter has become the reference point of choice for the latest in what's hot tomorrow.
Web: www.thecoolhunter.net
Published: January 2006
Market: womens mens
Region: usa
Industry: apparel accessories

DISCLAIMER
Information in this report relies on sources including Trade Shows, Associations, News Releases, Government Reports and other public sources. Infomat can accept no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such information or for loss or damage caused by any use thereof.