Fashion Models [Search results for Helmut Lang] 

Helmut Lang cropped stretch leather leggings.

Merlin Spie's "La petite musette, casquée (2002)", the inspiration behind the Helmut Lang Stain Print chiffon top

Helmut Lang cropped stretch leather leggings, zipper detail

Helmut Lang Inferno Print, seams draw the eye in

Helmut Lang Skull Print dress

Helmut Lang Skull Print dress

While you may have seen Helmut Lang designs on Beyonce or Blake Lively it's not often that we associate Helmut Lang with the word PRINT. Recently I had the privilege of spending about 20 minutes with Helmut Lang's designers Michael and Nicole Colovos to figure out what the inspiration was behind a few pieces in their collection.

In the first photo, Celia is wearing a red chiffon top inspired by Belgian performance artist Merlin Spie's "La petite musette, casquée (2002)" In that image above, the person is facing a wall and breathing with the assistance of special diving head gear; yet, she has a cigarette in her right hand. It all symbolizes the passing of time. Michael mentioned how images like this help him recognize his mortality and inspire him to live and embrace life to the fullest. The seams on the back bring the eye in and the nude colors help soften the profoundness of the variant hues of reds. It's instances like these, where you get to sit with the designers, that you are filled with a passion and reverence for their art.

You also see that Celia is wearing the cropped "strech leather leggings". The seams on these were designed to "bring the eye in" with their "sinewy" and "architectural" weaves. They have some really cool zippers in the back too right above the ankles. I imagine you could have some fun playing with those. Some models I've talked that were wearing Helmut Lang mentioned how comfortable the strech leather pants were, an express goal of the Coloveses when they designed them.

The Skull Print dress actually obtains it's initial inspiration from X-rays and pictures from various medical journals. The result is an abstract collage, fine tuned to add a special color element that breaks the color down. It's not black, it's not white, and it doesn't have strips of colors either. The textured shades of grey (or red in the Inferno Print) result in a distinctive mood that's enhanced by the softness of the fabric it's made out of. Instead of being straight down, there are gatherings of fabric around the waistline, draping the body in beautiful curves where curves are wanted. It's made out of 2 light layers, the inner layer holding the outer layer's gatherings in place.

I think I left the Helmut Lang studio on cloud 9 as my depth of appreciation for their labor of love was awakened. This is just the first in a 2 part series, so stay tuned for more!

Jessica : Cracked-leather paneled shorts , Ambient Viscose Blazer, Puckered Lace Cami Top all by Helmut Lang

Cracked-leather paneled shorts, Ambient Viscose Blazer, Puckered Lace Cami Top all by Helmut Lang

Jessica: Combo Cracked Leather Jacket in Black

Combo Cracked Leather Jacket in Black

Rachel : Mid-rise jersey-panel legging jeans

Graphite-print jersey tunic

As promised, here are a few more outfits from Helmut Lang, three pieces of which I was able to get commentary on directly from the designers Michael and Nicole Colovos.

In the first photo, Jessica is wearing a pair of Cracked Leather Panel Shorts. Inspiration for these was derived from an old pair of military shorts. Cut up lines, added seams, and plays on the pocket size break the piece away from a classic military aesthetic and add that signature Helmut Lang modern, architectural touch . The idea was to make them a luxurious pair of shorts with a beaten up texture, hence the "cracked" name.

In the second series, Jessica is wearing the Combo Cracked Leather Jacket designed to be worn as a modern sweatshirt. The expensive cracked leather dresses the jacket "up" and the jersey simultaneously dresses it "down" via the comfort factor of a traditional sweatshirt material. The theme of contrast --one the Coloveses work with often -- is evident with the 3D texture of the cracked leather when displaced against the flat jersey fabric. While it's designed as a leather jacket, it's still not so precious that you can't dress it down.

In the second series, Rachel is wearing signature Helmut Lang denim/jersey legging jeans, best summed up in one word CONTRAST--a recurring theme in the Colovoses designs. Contrast the texture and wash of the denim with the flat jersey fabric. Contrast the the traditional workman fabric (western wear) made modern via sinewy lines for flow. Contrast traditional plain stitched denim with denim that has interesting wavy visuals, a result of the curvy jersey/denim stitching. It all flows together on the body for comfort and maximum visual interest.

It was a pleasure to meet and greet with everyone at the Helmut Lang team. All the way from Holly and Shaye straight to the Colovoses themselves. Thanks!

In September at New York Fashion Week

Out shopping in SOHO in mid December

The first time I met Leigh was at New York Fashion Week in September. She was wearing a wool jersey top from Zara, her mother's belt made of twisted rayon rope and lurex yarns, and heels from Dries Van Noten.

Surprisingly, I ran into her again 3 months later while she was on her way to APC while shopping in Soho. Her leather jacket is from Helmut Lang, her top with the asymmetrical hem is from Inhabit, the scarf from Hong Kong, and her boots are vintage.

Lily Donaldson wearing a blazer by Helmut Lang. She was super cool. As I saw her approaching, I shouted out "Lilly" then paused..."I took your photo in Paris at the Alexander Wang party" she nodded her head, put her bags down and to the side, and smiled.

Rising Star from Ukraine Naty Chabanenko on left as seen here with her gal pal Vlada Roslyakova. Notice Vlada has what I think is a Canon Power Shot in tow. The next models street style photographer competitor?? Gasp!

coat -- from MILK store in L.A.
shoes -- Tashkent
cardigan -- Helmut Lang

The one thing I like about the photography in the above photo is that I had her look away from the camera. What do you think? Do you like street fashion pictures better when someone looks right into the lens, or away from it, which could lend itself to more creative artistry?

photographer Daniel Perry
glasses -- part of a Clark Kent costume
pants -- Edelweiss Ski Pants
vintage tuxedo blazer -- John Galliano
shoes -- Prada

Dree Hemingway, daughter of Mariel Hemingway and great-grandaughter of Ernest Hemingway is a new part of the Elite + roster right alongside the likes of Lydia Hearst and Vanessa Traina.

Leather Pants -- Helmut Lang
Bag -- Balenciaga