The pewter cutout wedge from footwear innovators Finsk: with its architectural shape and nonsensical heel, it’s a triumph of design. Silver leather. Polished and painted wooden platform. Prismatic geometry. Oh, my beating heart.
To be worn with bare legs, leather shorts, a wispy silk tank and a mess of silver necklaces during S/S. In my dreams, anyway.
Available from, and photos courtesy of, Oak NYC.
Photos courtesy of Dannika Zen – draped leather and lambs fur jacket
When I spotted pictures of Dannika Zen’s work on DIRTYFLAWS, I was instantly entranced – not only did the aesthetic perfectly align with my own, but the designer lives in my city (amazing to think that I should discover homegrown talent via a blog based halfway around the world). Curious to know more, I emailed Dannika and we spoke about her eponymous label.
At 24 years old, Dannika Zen has a wealth of experience to her name – having completed an Advanced Diploma of Design at East Sydney (now The Fashion Design Studio), several pattern-making courses and internships with German labels Macqua and Unrath & Strano. Her work is considered; mature – there is a quiet poise to it that suggests a much more established label (in fact, it was only started in February this year). Working primarily with leather and fur, the collection includes jackets with shearling collars, bohemian vests and neatly tailored blazers.
“I like classic garments and appreciate good menswear,” explained Zen, and the masculine influence is evident in her work – simplicity, a focus on workmanship, a certain timelessness. With plans to expand into jersey, cotton and knitwear in the same classic aesthetic, Zen’s label promises to evolve into something deeply collectable.
Here are some snippets from our conversation:
What is your studio like? I currently go between 2 studios, my apartment and the leather workshop. I guess its like most what creative spaces are like – organised chaos! There are pens hanging from the ceiling.
What’s your favourite outfit at the moment? At the moment, I like wearing vintage tees inside out with one of the Moto jackets or classic blazer over the top. I love anything faded or washed out, you can’t exactly replicate those vintage colours.
What are you currently working on? A very feminine skirt and developing some jersey basics.
When you’re not working, where do you like to spend your time? In front of the piano, but mostly in bed catching up on sleep.
Follow Dannika’s blog for a window into her inspiration and glimpses of her design process.
The new range from ABAKUS Collection, inspired by Daphne Guinness, and titled Birds of Carnage (The Dark Phase). A dangerous cluster of delicate chains, pearls and spikes on reptilian leather – I think I am in love.
(Images via ABAKUS Facebook)
I’ve been poring over the cool minimalism of these RGB Cosmetics nail polishes. I’m guilty of collecting different kinds of black nail polish, and I’m dying to add RGBBLACK to my arsenal. And while I’m at it, why not stock up on other shades along the greyscale?
