Strong Week Links 11

Marques'Almeida won the coveted top LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers. Viva denim!

Excited to dive into the summer issue of the Desert Oracle. Especially the article about buying property at tax auctions.

Did you hear that Serial is coming back for two more seasons?! The stories they'll cover are still top secret, but I can't imagine they will be any less addictive or compelling than season one. Luckily this time they're producing two seasons at once so there will be less of a wait for the next installments.

Loving SF-based online shop Lisa Says Gah. Especially their interview series.

Super excited about planning our first trip to Austin for Fun Fun Fun Fest!

Photo via Lisa Says Gah

Into The Fray With Marques'Almeida

London designers Marta Marques and Paulo Almeida have been creating runway-worthy distressed denim as Marques'Almeida since they met at Central Saint Martins. Discovered by Opening Ceremony, their fresh take on denim has gained major traction in just a few seasons. The duo's bio states they "subscribe to the Helmut Lang school of thought, where 'fashion is about attitude, not about hemlines,'" but their frayed, devil-may-care hemlines are precisely what I like.

They elevate the idea of distressed denim with inventive shapes like draped denim bandeau tops and simple yet striking raw-edged tees and shift dresses, some with innovative touches like metallic finishes. And they're also getting in on the recent resurgence of fun fur.

Their designs walk the line between classic and on-trend, and achieve a balance of minimal and statement-making — something with a lot of appeal to those who love basics with a twist (and, of course, denim). They're a little bit 90s, a little bit heritage Western. So, attitude, yes, but understatement too.

They're set to release a Topshop collection (preview it here) featuring their signature rips and frays, as well as knits and faux furs that will be perfect for fall (if it ever comes - it's 84˚ as of this writing). So mark your calendars for October 9th!

Street style photo via Garance Doré