Reaching into my purse I pulled out my emergency stash of booze “drinky?” Julia looked at the miniature bottles of plonk I was waving around and noticing that the store manager was heading in our direction said, “Not here, let’s go back to my studio” I said “Let’s motor, my driver's parked outside”
Arriving at the studio we were greeted by the gorgeous Kaisa who was waiting with two tall glasses of Kossu. I slipped the miniature bottles back into my purse…looks like I wouldn't be needing them today! Sliding out of the chinchilla I soaked up the chic of her studio. As I expected, it felt intelligent and minimal – white walls and timber floor boarding. Even the chinchilla felt out of place!
Directing me to the couch I couldn’t help but notice her beautiful milky skin. “Drink” Julia motioned to the glasses. Now I’ve drunk with Gorbechov so I reasoned this should be easy and knocked back the glass in one hit. *Burp* “pardon me,” I said sheepishly. Looking at my empty glass, Julia raised her glass to her lips and SLAM it was gone. Hmmm this might prove more difficult than I originally thought.
Re-filling my glass Julia asked if I’d like a sneak preview of her AW09 collection – the only thing Imelda likes more is a ‘sneaky with happy ending’ and by ‘happy ending’ I mean FREE SHOES!
Feeling warm and fuzzy, Julia explained the collection was called 'Lucid Dreams' - “it’s modern and fun while still respecting old traditions”. I thought another glass of Kossu and I won’t be feeling lucid! Her A/W colour palette was inspired by the work of Finnish artist Juhana Blomstedts, she pulled out a catalogue of his recent work and flicking through the influence was obvious. Warm grey and mushroom base colours (similar to his painting titled Aïas) which have been offset with dynamic bright trims including tangy orange pleated baby doll straps and vivid blue nubuck toe pieces.
For A/W FINSK have introduced a softer silhouette, low wooden cone heels, short pointy toes and deep rounded square toes. While the graphic wooden heels are still a key feature the collection feels more refined and sophisticated but still cutting edge. Conscience of the fashion industry's contribution to global warming the trademark architectural wooden heels have been sourced from sustainable Brazilian hard woods.
Picking up the silver ankle boot (Shoe of the Week) I commented on how supple the tumbled leather felt.
“Would you like to try them on?” she asked. Remembering that the classic Powell Pressburger film ‘The Red Shoes’ (which was inspired by the Hans Christan Anderson tale) was a key influence in the range I hesitated – is she the demonic shoemaker and if I put them on will I be dancing to my grave? I’ll take my chances, besides I’ve been dancing around the law for years! Trotting around the studio it felt like I’d slipped my feet in a cloud…I was ready to party!
“Would you like another drink?” Julia asked. Hmmm, it’s not like I was driving. Julia laughed “Imelda please, I really don’t want the Pastilli chair”. Was it that obvious? “Yes it was a bargain but I like mainly 30's and 40's Finnish furniture. I collect the work of Alvar Aalto not Eero Aarnio, the natural feel of Aalto’s designs are similar to my own design principles - so it’s all yours’”. With that sorted I said “fill her up!”
