Hasta La Ideas

Multifunctional Shibori-dyed garments from a nascent Brooklyn label

Inspired by “Lindsey Thornburg’s capes, complex geometries, Aboubakar Fofana, Suno, and the old rolling hills of upstate New York,” the indie brand Upstate’s latest collection continues to explore the controlled chaos of tie-dye.

Where the Brooklyn label’s debut collection was limited to items like scarves and sarongs, their upcoming season sees multifunctional garments, like an asymmetrical poncho and a racerback vest, all hand-dyed using the ancient Japanese technique of Shibori.

The upshot is a series of pieces perfect for layering and draping, instantly making any basic look show stopping with their gorgeously blue-and-white patterns.

Sold at a few select specialty boutiques (check Mohawk General Store for online availability) with prices starting at about $100, buying Upstate is a great way to support a small, homegrown label while upping your fashion quotient too.

Traditional craft and materials star in Prada’s new capsule collection

In the early twentieth century Mario Prada (Miuccia Prada’s grandfather) traveled the world in search of precious materials, exotic leathers and luxurious fabrics, but also to discover sophisticated craftsmen and manufacturers to realize his designs. The first Prada products (bags, suitcases, gloves, walking sticks, bottles and glasses) were made by Alsatian and Austrian leather artisans, Bohemian crystal-makers, English silversmiths, as well as by Italian artisans using materials such as rare ivory, tortoiseshell, ebony and precious stones and leathers from all over the globe.

This curious connoisseur’s spirit remains at the heart of Prada, and translates into a sort of antidote to homologation and globalization so often seen among its competitors. Using Mario’s original approach, Prada collaborates with many different artisans to produce its designs utilizing the traditional craftsmanship, materials, and manufacturing techniques of a specific region.

This tactic will be soon explicit in the new “Made in…” project, a series of local products with special labeling declaring the origin of each piece.

“Prada Made in Scotland” will be a collection of traditional tartan wool kilts from U.K.workshops using traditional manufacturing and weaving techniques.

“Prada Made in India” is the label for a collection of handmade garments from workshops that specialize in Chikan, one of the most ancient Indian embroidery. Items will consist of handmade ballerina flats, woven sandals and artisinal handbags.

A series of jeans produced by Dova, a leading denim manufacturer, will carry the label “Prada Made in Japan.” The trousers can be custom ordered in four different varieties of cloth and seven different washes, making every article one of a kind.

“Prada Made in Peru” is a line of alpaca wool knitwear from the most traditional workshops of Peru.

These collections will be in stores starting in 2011.

Custom utility belts for nomadic bon vivants

Created for the W Hotel concept of a high-profile, über-connected concierge (that they call a W Insider), designer James Small’s bespoke belts put the party on your hips with covetable accessories like a hip flask, credit card and phone holders, decision dice pocket, a slot for a USB stick and a Saint Christopher medal “for extra special luck.”

The accessory, commissioned by the W London and American Express, celebrates of the recent opening of the W Hotel on the vibrant Leicester Square, reflecting a sense of travel and keeping you on the ready for impromptu amusement about the town.

The belt will sell from W London for men or women in mock alligator, mock lizard or standard leather—all reversible from their black exterior to the silver interior. Prices begin at £400 and depend on the various attachments. To see more of the belt and Small’s travel-inspired Spring/Summer 2011 collection, check out the concept film created by Small, Tom Beard and Jamie Hince.

Portland, OR illustrator designs the optimal bag for biking with a six-pack

Portland, OR-based illustrator Patrick Long has always had a pencil in hand. A former Parsons student, he worked for designers such as Perry Ellis and Nina Ricci and his wistful, nostalgic line drawings have appeared in The New Yorker and T Magazine. But when it came to designing his line of Chester Wallace bags, Long had much more prosaic goals in mind.

Wanting a bag that was both durable and spacious, he describes the rigorous product testing. “The first litmus test was if it could carry a six-pack of beers across town on a bike. It’s been able to carry everything I’ve asked of it, from hammers to watermelons.”

Made out of heavy waxed cotton to repel the Portland rain, the bags have one exterior and two interior pockets for miscellaneous small items. An adjustable nylon strap allows the bag to be slung around the back or shoulders for cross-town journeys, while two handles at the top of the tote lend versatility.

Named for Long’s two grandfathers—Chester from Burns, Oregon, and Wallace from Ireland, family history may have also played a role in propelling Long towards design. Long explains how having an architect father meant “I grew up with pencils and paper. Building and making things just followed suit.”

The bags come in a variety of neutral colors that make them a natural accompaniment to any outfit. Long’s friends at NYC’s Project No.8 store were the ones who encouraged him to start selling his bags. You can get them there, Canoe and Stand Up Comedy for $150 each. For more information on Long’s illustration work, check out his website.

Wrist watch-inspired jewelry from Swedish goldsmith Göran Kling

A mix of conceptual design and traditional craftsmanship, Swedish designer Göran Kling recently released his first commercial collection, Replica.

In an “homage to exclusive wrist watches, Swiss craft skills and cheap knock-offs,” Kling integrates the intricate detailing and fine metalwork of classic timepieces into effortlessly sophisticated bracelets.

The recent graduate of Konstfack College of Art and Design applies his studies to his background as a goldsmith for a collection that shows a strong appreciation for the sentimental value of jewelry and a talent for modern design.

Many of the pieces in the new collection play on the standard wristwatch build, with an artistic pendant replacing the clock. Some pieces clearly herald standard watches while others interpret the pattern more liberally, with multiple bands or textured metal pieces in place of the watch face.

You can get the easily wearable and innovative designs by contacting Göran directly, with prices typically set around €300 per piece.