Hakuna Ma 'Tata-naka!'

So as i promised, here is my next post followed on about our wonderful London Fashion Week 13. Ive been scouring the internet and magazine pages to spot a designer (or designers) with an edge and i came across a duo that have made a big impression. 'Tata-naka'. There are so many amazing little facts about this duo, here's just a few!

1) They are identical twin sisters! 
2) They moved to London in 1996 and went on to study at Central St Martins.
3) Their collections were regularly worn in 'Sex and the City' and even starred on the cover of the book.
4) They also featured in an exhibition in the V&A in 2010 for their 10th anniversary of their fashion house.
5) They won the 'New generation' award at LFW.

They have been around for over ten years and to have such a 'wow' effect on myself and others for their new spring/summer 13 collection. they are clearly doing something right.

Here's some of my absolute favourites:

Cut out polka dot shirt dresses, illustration prints, rich colours and pastel play-suits.
Heaven.
Is it even possible to have such an enormous love for all of these outfits? In a dream world i'd just swan on down to the Tata-naka house and order one of every colour, but reality has set in that this will never happen. (Cry.) SO the next best thing about all of this is that it is do-able without breaking the bank. A lot of these influences are around right now, and i think it might be even worth a try by creating some cut out midi skirts. I think that will be my next venture. Charity shops are amazing places to find printed midi skirts or even old shirts. All that would be needed is a pair of very sharp textile scissors, and a needle & thread, i really think it could all be recreated from old garm's.

What i really love is that it's all about the silhouette that the clothes make, it screams 60's but with a flash of flesh. Even when looking through their entire Autumn/Winter 13 preview its all about definitive shape, block colour and artistic patterns. 

It has a similar feel to the Lazy Oaf brand, because of the bright colour's and symmetrical shapes. But i think it's a brand that we will always realize that its 'Tata-naka' straight away.

 If Autumn/Winter 13 is going to look like this than i think i am in for a very dressy season indeed. I do hate how the cold weather can sometimes ruin our natural styles, i think may have to invest in a fair few pairs of woolly tights because i absolutely love wearing skirts and dresses in the summer, i believe if you can brave the weather then don't automatically switch to leggings and boots. 

All we need is courage people!

Not to get off course here though, lets go on. I am now infatuated with these people. They clearly love collars and decorative necklines, i love collars and decorative necklines too.

Big. Time. 

Here's a sneaky peek from their Autumn range,    
 beautiful isn't it? It's like looking at a screen shot from bejeweled, it's just amazing. The contrast of all the colour is what makes it stand out, some people would say its garish, i have to strongly disagree. It's oddly comforting, possibly because it's the kind of thing that our nan's wore when we were toddlers growing up. Either way I am a HUGE fan. 

 

To sum up, I am now a converted follower & lover of Tata-naka and I'm so annoyed at myself for not finding them sooner. I love the colour schemes and silhouette shapes they have created for this season. It isn't necessarily on trend in the mainstream world but i love, love, love it. It really has inspired me to go out and find some crazy midi skirts and shirts to cut up and make my own.

 I hope you have enjoyed my little adventure in discovering Tata-naka for myself and if you had already found them, i am jealous. 

Lots of Love, Maddy x