Preen-ing

Crumpets, Matthew Williamson, Earl Grey tea, Paul Smith ties, Buckingham Palace and the Queen Mum, Philip Treacy, Dazed & Confused, Kate Moss, Topshop, Aygness Deyn, bangers 'n' mash, Stella Tennant and Preen.

All British -- and all fabulous.

Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi of Preen, that hip and edgy label from the UK, made a grand debut showing of it at this season's New York Fashion Week. The label was founded in 1996, gaining loads of respect in the motherland among its fashion-forward and elite. London Fashion Week's loss is New York Fashion Week's gain, the designers describing their current runway collection as "a mix of soft shapes and a sexy, structured silhouette." Interestingly enough, each Preen collection picks up where the last one started, as opposed to a brand new theme completely different than the previous -- Thornton calls it a constant "journey" for him and his partner.

The duo did not disapoint in NYC, with their slouchy silks, suedes, sequins and bathing suits in muted, sophisticated colors with splashes of bright for accent. Above all, everything was actually ready-to-wear.

Giving you every reason to primp and preen next Spring.























I'm Lovin' it: The Ralph Lauren Spring 2008 RTW Collection. This fashion and lifestyle brand conglomerate just rang in its 40th birthday with style, grace and some amazing outfits sent down the runway (72 in total). Prints! Stripes! Polka dots! Hats! Canes! Ruffles! Horses! Gowns! Colors! It all seems like an odd mish-mash of different eras and interests, but somehow Ralph makes it coherent. Here's a nibble of how fantastic it is:



























I'm Over it: All the crazy ghetto violence happening in our city. A shooting outside my building recently, the homicide at Burrard & Cornwall and then my buddy B.J. informed me of a gang-related shooting at Quattro's on 4th last week or so. At Quattro's!? Shiiiieeeet, son. This isn't Compton, you know.


Artist of the Day: My extremely, extremely talented (and super smart with the wickedest taste in music) buddy Russe just recently launched his website showcasing his talents, which range from painting to photography to digital creation to custom work. He even masterminded this cool mechanical contraption that attaches to the back of a canvas and slowly rotates it at the desired speed you wish, allowing you to see the art from different perspectives, especially when they have random objects and a certain MC Escher-esque quality. Check it out at Abstract Schwartz.










* Photos property of style.com, Russe's Facebook and are used solely for commentary purposes