Feb
06
Luxirare Minivest
One thing that left a big mark on me as a kid was watching the back of my dad. Every morning he’d slip his little leather worn out wallet into his back pocket. My dad’s a very smug person, highly intellectual and bookish but if I had to think of one word to describe his personality, it would be smug.
The inspiration for these minivests was all about reflecting that same smug indifference my dad characterized when he slipped that wallet into his pocket. It is unfair that guys get to get away with carrying a 3×4 wallet while I, for years, had yearned for clunky it bags. I wanted an accessory that was not only wearable, chic, but also light, something that aided mobility and the freedom of having both of your hands and shoulders free of that heavy bag burden. For any girl that needs to run quick errands to pick up her script at Duane Reade, whole foods, or for that girl who likes to ride her bike in the city, this is the minivest that could possibly be the answer to your bag handling problem. Here, a group of things that I need to have at all times of the day. I don’t need much else. I designed these vests so that they would perfectly fit these items with ease.
As for the belting details, originally I wasn’t going to include them, but I thought they were needed for flexibility. I wanted girls of all sizes (even guys, if you’re into it) to be able to wear this piece, whether you’re rail thin, medium sized, or curvy…..If you’re wearing a lot of layers, loosen the belts, and if you’re wearing nothing but a tank, tighten it. The belts are all adjustable, the side belts can be adjusted as well. Mostly though, I wanted to create something new but not crazy, something that every person can easily incorporate into their wardrobe. From the outset I decided that this design should be accessible but not boring, I didn’t design this vest for the sake of designing something visually ‘interesting’. It had to have some kind of smart functionality, a functionality that added value to the item. This minivest does not discriminate against iPhone users! I own a blackberry but I made sure to create a phone pocket that fits the iphone as well. Most cell phones are smaller than the iphone+blackberry, so if you have any other kind it should be easy to fit.
To style the minivests, I took a lot of inspiration from Raf Simons, or Jil Sander…
This is my first knitwear piece, ever. I designed this out of necessity. For two months now I’d been searching for a mock neck sweater. I don’t usually wear this kind of thing but the weather here has been so incredibly cold that I knew this would be the perfect basic to wear without a scarf. This winter has been awful, the worst I’ve seen. I wanted to integrate leather somehow, and the problem with chunky knit sweaters is that they make you look 20 pounds heavier. I wanted to use thin leather strips and integrate them into the side seams of the knit, bring the seam towards the front to create a slimming look. I had the knit rendered in a chunky shaker stitch, 1×1 rib.
I incorporated the side seam leather strips all the way to the sleeves as well to create a visually continuous and lean look.
Now styled with my sweater, the calf hide minivest.
Loosen the vest and wear it over a peacoat or car coat.
Below I am wearing Luxirare leopard calf hide peacoat, Luxirare mock neck sweater, and Luxirare Minivest.
Styled with a plain white shirt and white slacks.
For this minivest style I created a cross-relief by molding leather over a small cross sculpture.
Wearing Jil Sander long blazer.
I like to style it over a blazer, 2nd Jil Sander piece..double split double breasted blazer..
Now for lighter weather, short sleeve shirts, tanks, dresses or lightweight long sleeve shirts.. In the photo below, wearing crew neck short sleeve shirt from gap, and Margiela white moto jacket with leopard calf hide minivest.
Wearing luxirare mint green silk shirt dress, and mock stud minivest. Green silk shirt dress available here.
Treated calf hide (with silver paint) minivest over Luxirare black shirt dress. Black shirt dress available here.
This is the most basic minivest, same style but I used black suede with no pattern, its probably the most versatile. Here I’m wearing it over the same shirt dress and d-squared boots.
Metallic grey minivest with Christopher Kane ruffle dress.
Casually slip out that phone, without digging through a pitch black bottomless bag, when you want to check your text messages on the run or at a bar with friends..
Keep your keys secured and close by.
Know exactly where your checking card is whenever you run to the bodega for a case of red bull or 6 pack.
As I usually do, everytime I present a new design on the blog, I like to sync the items to the e-shop. All styles are available in the shop<—(click). Prices range from $190-420
wow it’s all so unique! you have a distinctive fashion sense.
i adore these, just so so so practical and incredibly cool at the same time. I must get my hands on one if they’re still available when i can afford it!
Wait wait wait, you cut off your hair??!!!!! I love it. Omg Ji!!!!
These are brilliant because it’s pretty much what I do with all of my jackets but in a much nicer/less likely to get pick pocketed look. Brilliant as always. Miss you bb <3
You’re so incredibly talented and creative. I find that all my comments all roughly say the same thing but you’re such an inspiration.
I really love this post. I have a few nice purses that I carry out of (imagined?) necessity, but I always feel like an ASSHOLE carrying a purse. It immediately changes my walk, posture, and the way I have to lift my forearm sometimes makes me cringe. I feel so much younger and unfussy without a purse. Although I will always have a purse to keep glasses/emergency toiletries/a blade/pens on me, your idea here is my fantasy.
genius!!!
the most surprising thing about this post was that you showed us a glimpse of your face
These really are the perfect blend of beauty and functionality – they look useful in virtually every single way.
I personally hate carrying bags around. I need one of these in my life!
I’ve always envied guys who can avoid carrying a bag around – it bugs the hell out of me. So, these would be perfect. Thanks for the inspiration
Luxi, will you be coming out with a line of belts anytime soon?
This is the first thing you made I`m not too keen on.
I steal my dad’s fishing vest every time I go to a concert, because I know my wallet, cell phone, keys, &c. won’t fall out of all those zippered pockets. Yours is a much lovelier option I could wear when I’m NOT moshing.
This is pretty much perfect. I really appreciate how you tried to make this piece a little more “accessible” without letting go of the Luxirare aesthetic at all. Great work Ji!
This is all highly AMAZING!
Wida
Missing Amsie Blog
Love the belting detail on the vests – very asylum chic which really is the dernier cri.
I have one question – how do you source manufacturers and suppliers? Do you just internet search or go through agents? The quality of your items look extraordinary.
That knit in navy with red leather detailing or ecru would be stunning!
@Ileana-
These minivests were made in my studio, the sweater was manufactured elsewhere (custom made). 90% of the product here is made by me. I source a lot of the leather and hardware from Italy and the US.
this is so rad. i love how much it resembles a gun holster vest
You’re absolutely fabulous and amazingly talented!!! I adore all your pieces, keep it up girl, keep us inspired!
Hugs,
Tuesday
love all of this! the pieces of clothing are great, and that vest is awesome!
I love it that everything you do is stunning but very smart at the same time
You’ll never stop amazing me I’m faling in love with you,deeper with every post
Ahh, these are great! I will have to get one soon, love them all!
the evolution of your style on your blog is amazing (considering i’ve followed you since the first post)!!! and i like your new hair cut!!! the style of the posting is so different on this one. not as….stark white/pitch black. it’s like juergen teller meets luxirare. or vice versa. lol. ANYWAY, my point is…bravo! amazing in design and functionality as always. you’re so awesome.
constantly anticipating your posts,
cassie
What can I say. You belong up there with all the well known designers. It will happen soon, I know
I loved your ‘winter’ look!!!!!!!!!!
Amazing love this idea
Practical and stylish
Must of took quite some time
Beautiful vests aside……. WHEN DID YOU CUT YOUR HAIR?!?
Back to the mini vest…. you know what I’m gonna say, amazing as usual and very well made, just like the rest of your collection
absolutely gorgeous! i especially love how it looks with the summer dress.
I genuinely adore hearing about your thought process behind all these pieces. It seems so logical and brilliant at the same time. I like the holster-esque feel to these vests. They’re stylish yet unobtrusive, which is absolutely perfect for what you set out to do.
I love the cross relief vest. It just seems like such a cheeky nod to the classical biker leather vest!
Wow these are seriously incredible! I adore the pockets on the inside, such a good idea.
I start jumping up and down whenever you post, and you never disappoint, these vests are sick. Now if only I could afford the leopard one…
BTW, your hair looks really pretty when it’s short.
I have to say, this blog is totally inspiring. I love how you take problems and solve them yourself, instead of waiting for other people to solve them for you. As someone who doesn’t like to carry purses, these are totally inspired and I wish I could afford one.
Wow, I’m speechless, you are so creative!
LOVE them! Great idea.
You chopped your locks off! Happy Spring festival.
So brilliant! xoxoxo
Needed to compose you the very small note to help give many tknhas once again with your pleasing strategies you’ve provided here. This is so incredibly generous with people like you to provide openly what some people might have distributed for an e book in order to make some cash on their own, particularly considering that you might well have tried it if you considered necessary. The inspiring ideas additionally acted to provide a easy way to recognize that other individuals have similar passion just like mine to grasp lots more on the topic of this problem. I believe there are a lot more pleasurable moments up front for folks who examine your blog.
Holy shit woman! You are the best.
Amazing. I personally wouldn’t wear one myself as I’m too attached to my bags and have too much to lug about.
But I love the combination of style and functionality. The winter styling is my favourite, primarily because of that fabulous sweater!
… and you’ve done it again. Practical AND stylish!
if I wore leather, these would so be on my wishlist right now!
Great vests!! I esp love the leopard one
:: Farrah @ DISTRIKMODE ::
It’s probably not my favourite thing you’ve made, but it’s the thing I’d most like to buy for myself. Great design, so practical, and looks fantastic, very wearable.
Love.
as someone who has always enjoyed the visuals of Luxirare.com and the clean minimalist aesthetic of the pictures I couldn’t help but notice something going terribly wrong with the photographs is this post starting from the one with the turtleneck. Badly lit, under/overexposed or out of focus, they don’t give these great vests justice they deserve. They do fulfill their purpose of capturing the details and displaying styling options, i just thought they really stand out in a bad way and wanted to let you know.
Pailler, I don’t think they’re badly lit – I thought Luxirare was doing her best Terry Richardson! I agree though, usually the photos have a more intense feel to them, but I like this change of pace.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I love your blog so much, and I’ve always lusted after your creations, but this is finally something that I finally afford.
Fabulous!!!! SOOOOOO LOVE THEM ALL!!!!!!!!
Will the sweater be available to buy soon?
the key attachment IS GENIUS.
i think thats my favourite part. not sure why
so cool! i would love one of these as i refuse to carry anything but a tiny purse and even that can get annoying.
you cut your hairs, don’t you?
it looks incredible!
and all your styling is amazing!
the picture right under the jumping one (so cute btw) reminds me of the Celine Fall 2010 campaign. and the one under that is my favorite haha. the little eye you can barely notice (but i did!)….
YAY for hair chops! i’ve been dying to cut mine but decided to wait to go to my friend’s stylist in Japan in April…..a test in patience.
the comment above sounds like a passive aggressive jab disguised as a compliment.
I like the key chain part, that seems so convenient.
seriously. i f’n BOW DOWN to you gurrrll…
these are some of the best things yet!
i lost my shit over your mini dresses & jacket pairings…
but now these vests in the some of the same bomb ass materials?!
i NEED NEED NEED that Dalmatian or clean black suede in my life right meow!
this will be the summer of two hands!!
xoxoxoxo
God, these are so awesome. If only I had so much money to spare I would snatch these up in a minute!!! Love them.
beautiful.
How can I get one of those sweaters?? Amazing!
9th photo is interesting.
Crying Feather
http://crying-feather.blogspot.com/
i looovveeee the winter and summer look! such a cool and practical thing
Dear God, girl, when are you going to be putting out stuff on the high runways?!
i like that you write about your thought process, and i like that it actually makes sense. the modularity of all of your pieces is great!
your designs are so brilliant it hurts- you’re truly the next big designer to watch. now i wish my wallet would allow me to buy just about any piece you’ve ever made..
hope you’re having a good week- thanks for being so brilliant!
xx
I’m absolutely OBSESSED with these practical/fashion-forward vests!
BTW – you’re lovely!
Julia.
I am severely in love with you.
Did you cut your hair?! Aww, I like it when it’s long! But this the cute bob looks really cute on you.
I love the little garment bags ! I need a few ! Everything here is wow !
Quick question, what shade’s that lipstick?
You’re amazing. I love the idea of a fully functional article of clothing, that carries all the things I need. I’d love the paint splattered vest.
Last image tumbld here
theninthofjanuary.tumblr.com
Also, your hair looks amazing short.
i agree with the comments on the photography. your work is always stunning, but the presentation seemed, maybe more rushed…? but really i only say this because i think you’ve set such a high standard for yourself, with all of the photography on your blog being so beautiful in the past. in any case, if i had the cash i would buy one of every piece you’ve posted. your work is inspirational, and i love that it is derived from necessity, and is still so aesthetically appealing.
I love how luxirare creates something AMAZING and people have the audacity to pick on the photography, it’s just so bizarre, as if any one of you who picked on her can even sew a stitch.
You’ve captured my life in one image. Keep on keep on you’re blog is certainly one of our faves!! >>FASHIONOTES.COM
I’ve never left a comment on a blog before–but I’m compelled to do so with yours. You are a creative force. I pretty much mumbled “genius” under my breath while reading this whole post.
Hey – where can we buy the sleeveless sweater you made? Would LOVE that for the last few days of the winter.
My boyfriend just got me the black vest for Valentine’s Day! So in love
Your talent astounds me. Every…single….time.
xox
I was wondering whether the turtle-neck will go into production? Wearing little tight jackets over chunky knits in winter always drives me crazy (you get tight, un-movable arms and back) and this seems like a perfect solution! Please put some on your web store.
absolutely stunningly creative! every fashion season that rolls by, i think to myself that your designs need to be on the runway. i haven’t seen a single “genius designer” that has created such unique, original, and beautiful pieces like you create for many, many years. i hope that we see luxirare designs on the runways in the near future.
these vests are superb!
Fuck I love you Lux.
Your haircut looks good too.
xx
HELLO THERE!
N I’LL LINK U BACK THEN =)
HERE ARE ORIGINALLY MY HANDMADES.
PLEASE VISIT TO FIND MORE RARE ITEMS!!I PROMISE YOU’LL LIKE IT.
LINK ME IF YOU LIKE IT
http://vocusaccessories.blogspot.com/
would you be willing to do these in custom sizes? if so please email me. i have a lot of boobage and i’m not sure the “one size fits all” approach works for me!
You are defenitly My model
I’m probably not very good with my money, but I did buy one.
I just hate purses. I don’t carry enough to need one on a daily basis. This is perfect.
Really great photos. Stylish, fun, funky, sessay and tailored all at the same time! Inspired …
What a great idea! I can’t stand carrying bags around and usually resort to my pockets or a tiny box clutch.
These vests remind me of my school backpack!
Love your new haircut, great presentation for each of the seasons
If you want to buy a house, you will have to get the loan. Furthermore, my father usually takes a car loan, which is the most fast.
I almost cried after seeing your mini-vests. The design and ingenuity behind it is mind-boggling. Honey, you are a genius body embellisher!
My goal in life is to make enough money to afford your AMAZING creations… I wish you could post 10 times a day – I would never get anything done but I would love every minute of reading your posts!
To echo an earlier comment, any plans to make the sweater available? A slim-line yet chunky sweater is something LOADS of people (like me) need. I also appreciate the creative solution to carrying a bag, a great idea for concerts!
@Donna – I will try!
Brilliant
This is the shiit yeeah
so beautiful. do you make them all yourself?
Thanks for shaking things up. Cant wait to see them all!
I l ove the belt clip
geNIUS
I love how you seize the substance of the message, truly good writting manner, I enojoyed it!
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