Too Many Tights!

One More Sleep To Go!

Alright - a huge sorry to people waiting for gear. It's coming - I promise! I've just been a little distracted... and our printers took forever on the last run.

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COLLECTION UPDATE

Finalised! The collection will be called: The Return of the Ice Queen. Here's what you can expect to see in Part 1 of the new collection:

1. The Slinky Bodysuit

2. The Biker Jacket

3. The Teardrop Laces Jacket

4. The Teardrop Laces Leggings (Side)

5. The Teardrop Laces Leggings (Back)

6. The Gold Liquid Cages

7. The Silver Liquid Cages

8. The Gold Chained Bodysuit

9. The Silver Chained Bodysuit

10. The Velvet Spartans

... and by popular demand, I'll make the Sheer Spartans available as well. Which will halve the amount of email I receive. ;)

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It comes with a story. Like an actual story.

... but I have to warn you, it's a little graphic in parts.

See you tomorrow beautiful peeps!

xx

jL

In the Time of Chimpanzees I Was A Monkey

Well the majority consensus seems to be - white is alright. 

Grey is okay. 

But I say black you must not lack. Leave it with me peeps, I'll see  what I can do.

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COLLECTION UPDATE

4 Sleeps To Go!

Shot for 5 hours yesterday. Was up sewing until the small hours of the morning on the night before. I was so over tired I spent the afternoon throwing up (yes peeps, one small letter separates sewing from spewing). It's a glamorous world.

Moving right along...

I made two slouchy shirts; they're really easy pieces to wear. You just throw them on over a boob tube, or bra or whatever. One is sheer... one is lace. :)  You will love.

The new collection will consist of the following pieces:

1. Sheer Slinky Bodysuit
2. Biker Jacket
3. xxxx xxxxxxx xxxx
4. xxxx xxxxxxx xxxx
5. xxxxx xxxxxxx xxxx xxxxxxxx
6. xxxx xxxxxxxx xxxx xxxxxxxx
7. xxxxxx xxxxxxx xxxx xxxxxxxx
8. xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxx (side)
9. xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxx (back)
10. xxxxxx Spartans

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1. And the first nominee in the Too Busy to Do Photoshop Properly category is... Chanel!

Is it just me or is this meant to be like... barnwear? "Honey, I'm wrapped in chiffon and I've got my Chanel heels on... I'm just going out to the barn to shovel horse manure, okay?"

Bizarro.

2. Kesha - no I'm not doing the dollar sign. These leggings are cool, but the Hippy meets Hogwarts thing is not floating my boat. Metaphorically speaking.

 

3. The ubiquitous Abbey Lee, and her pet gap. Those stay-uppy things are fantastic. Those undies... I'll guarantee weren't designed by a straight male. 

"Yeah, I like a woman's crotch to look like it's wearing an apron made satin curtains... let's give it a go!"

 

4. The wonderful Moohoop, who is a regular here. She says that she's practising her dramatic turning around.

 

Ticks on both counts. There is drama, and turning around. There's a tip for you - if you need to turn around dramatically, do it in spartans. Don't worry, they'll be back...

5. Frida who confirms all my aforementioned beliefs about Swedes (obsessive blog readers will know what I'm talking about!). Loving the knee detailing and that nude colour...

 

I totally owe her a pair of Stay Ups. Sorry! Getting there...

6. I love yellow tights, not loving Ed Hardy style designs ... so I'm torn.  

 

But I do love chinese girls who are certifiably mental... so I guess I'm going to have to go thumbs up here.

7. Here's another reason why comic illustrators are a far better source for fashion inspiration than anything else... Helmet Girl by Jeff Wall:

 

8. I'm surprised by how cool I think these blue tights are. Sucker for stripes I s'pose. Via.

 

9. Okay.. can you keep a secret? Dammit - I can't. Here's a sweet styling tip for you; it's a little experiment I did with the beautiful AM.

Blend the following:

• Black Milk Lace Shirt
• Black Milk Ultralow back gold bodysuit

xx

jL

So Lazy I Almost Stop

Wow - that stuff went fast. To the squillion people who asked... the sheer spartans were the first to go.

Okay - I'll make some more. Gotta be righteous.

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COLLECTION UPDATE

7 SLEEPS TOP GO

Crazy times...

The Biker jacket isn't ready... aaargh! Like 99%

The Sheer Slinky bodysuit isn't ready... aaargh! Like 98%

I did two shredded bodysuit styles yesterday - because everyone keeps asking about them. I majorly stuffed one up - there was barely enough fabric to cover the nipples. Ooops. Sweet styles though.

I made a Lagerfeld inspired wrist accessory. I don't even know why...

I'm making a whole bunch of boob choobs for a shoot on Saturday. Like eight of them. This is madness (this is Sparta!)

And I got two toys yesterday... I'll get some pics for you tomorrow. Beautiful big toys. :)

Okay, shouldn't tell you this but I can't resist. I'm having a crack at a laced up PVC piece. And when I say laced up I mean fully laced - ankles to waist. Damn, if I can pull this one off - wowser. (Do people say wowser? I say it.)

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1. A pic of Lindsay Lohan. You'll just have to trust me on this one.

 

2. Solange...

 

The lesson I take away from this picture is ... that zips are really really hard to stick into stretch fabric. The lesson you take away from this pic is entirely up to you... ;)

3. How can I say this... I really really really like where we were going with these babies below... but the cushions are confusing me.

  

White is cool. I love white legs. I should do white. Okay - you guys call it - yay or nay on the blanco, amigas!?

4. Found this on FaceBook. 

 

Epic win. 
 
5. Several people have made me promise to stop designing new things and just get the collection ready with what I have already done. But... I got this great idea for a lace dress. Don't tell.

;)

xx

jL'

 
 

Sale Update

All gone.

xx

jL

The Dreams In Which I'm Dying Are The Best I Ever Had

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!! 

50% off Seconds & Samples Sale

Tomorrow I'm going to go through all my old gear which has been hanging around on racks and get rid of it!

I'll post the styles and sizes here tomorrow. So if you want to pick up some half price seconds and samples - stay posted. And yes, there's a LOT!

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COLLECTION UPDATE

- Just made a shredded jacket and a shredded bodysuit. :)  

- Still working on the Biker Jacket. Just gotta get the neck right... then should be awesome.

- Making 6 boob choobs for a photoshoot. Don't ask me why.

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1. Got some pics from the wonderful Charlot of I Kissed Charles.

If you had told me when I was creating the silver spartans that one day Dutch indie pop stars would be wearing them while whacking a cowbell - I would have been pleasantly surprised.

 
 

From a concert in Groningen. I've never been to Groningen, but I think it is somewhere near Wollongong.

2. Nice to get a plug at Styleite:

I’ve never seen a blog completely dedicated to tights and I’ll never need to look for another one, because I can assure you this is the best. As a designer for Black Milk Clothing (specializing in tights, what else), this blogger knows all there ever is to know about tights. She gives great advice about tights from all walks of life and even lets her readers try a few pairs out. I’m not talking your classic black pair, I’m talking crazy prints, unthinkable fabrics, and millions upon millions of inspirational tight photos, with a few “dont’s” thrown in. She features celebrities, editorials, and personal style photos that make you want to burn all of your pants and search high and low (or blackmilkclothing.com) to find the best tights out there.

Well, such praise makes a girl like me blush. ;)

3. Daria Werbowy rocking out some lace front PVC leggings/pants. That's not a bad idea actually, because the lacing at the front can take up a lot of the stretch and give you a better fit. Damn - why didn't I think of that?!

 

Hmmmmm.....

4. From Fashion Week, House of Baulch.

 

WARNING: Pedantic fashion designer critique ahead

• Get rid of the front seam
• Get rid of the knickers
• Dont' use dark thread on the arm seams
• Straighten the twisted seam on the left arm

Cool goldy bling though.

5. Via Garbage Dress.

... because even futuristic androids have to clean dishes when they don't pay their bill.

6. Started to get some pics of the Stay Ups... from the beautiful NS (who gets invited to way cooler parties than I do)

  

Note to girls with the Stay Ups - flick them under your heel at the bottom, they will make you look taller! 

6. Artwork by Dan Stafford Via Lost at E Minor. Concept for a catsuit for the future maybe?

 

:)

xx

jL

 

This Is Probably Not A Love Song

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COLLECTION UPDATE!

Eleven more sleeps to go...

There will be 10 pieces in part 1 of the collection.

I can't wait to show you guys the Slinky Sheer Bodysuit - it's sooooo hot. Yet refreshingly cool. I sound like an ad.

Not sure if I've mentioned this, but the new collection will feature TWO (count 'em) catsuits. A black one... and a lace one. Really cute. And brings the va-va-voom like nobody's business.

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1. I just finished watching Valentino: The Last Emperor. If you're into fashion, definitely check it out (although if you're down to your last couple of bucks and have to choose between that and The September Issue... go for the September Issue.)

Valentino is kind of obnoxious - which I found quite encouraging, because I've managed to offend pretty much everybody who I've talked to this week. I feel like Godzilla, and my relationships are Tokyo. Smash, crunch, pop.

Valentino has his red dress, I have ... well, black leggings. Like the Stay Ups. They were, but are now not. 

 

Wow. You're doing it ... right.

2. I was thinking about using stitching as a feature, but on shoulder pads, not legs. Found these on Style Bubble. I hope that strap at the front of the shoes holds, because gravity is not on your side, darling. 

 

3. Everyone wants to be Hollywood - the fame, the glitz, the glamour, the shark heads... 

Recognise my song reference? No? Press play below, barbarian!

4. And this years hottest accessory - ummmm... a tiger? From Photographer Alice Hawkins:

 

I think they skinned Elmo to make those sleeves. Sorry, that was a little wrong.

5. Note to catsuit designers of the world... no good can ever come of a centre front seam. Don't make me spell it out, peeps.

  

My catsuits are made from one piece of fabric. I'm quite proud of that.

6. Asymmetry and leg lengthening via the Lingerie Addict. This is one of those pics where the girl is like "I'm so not going to play this thing, but I'm holding it and looking fine!"

 

7. What the heck is this - half of half a leg of sheer spartans?!

 

7. Woolly socks over lace leggings? I say nay. Say it with me - "Naaaaaay."

 

8. Observe:

  

Okay, so I've let you guys know about the Slinky Sheer bodysuit. I can guarantee you several things

1. It will not leave your nipples exposed
2. It will not have a patch on the bottom of the cups covering you nipples in order to not expose them (see above)
3. There will not be a visible tag at side (hello!?)
4. Or a white rubber band sticking out the back (hey, don't look at me, I have no idea why it's there...)

I think this Slinky Sheer bodysuit is the must-have item of the collection. Seriously, you will love this thing. Girls who try it often say - 'Wow - it feels like I'm naked!' ... like, in a good way. 

And is it just me or in the photo above does it look like those jeans come with a drink holder that attaches to the crotch?

Moving on...

9. This is so messed up - doesn't this guy on the right realise that the gold button on his jacket is clashing with the silver accessory on his wrist? Crazy!

 

xx

jL

Q&A

A little while ago I was asked to do a Q&A thing. I was very naughty and didn't do it. So I'll do it now. Ready?

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1. Hi hi, how's it going?

It's hell, darling.

2. Tell us a bit about yourself and how Black Milk came about.

I am a young asian girl. Black Milk came about through a physical manifestation of a abstract concept that entered the space time manifold ex nihilo.

3. What would you describe as being your 'design philosophy'?

Thou shalt not suck.

4. So, what is your favourite source of inspiration at the moment?

Revelation 12, 13 and 19

5. What kind of work goes into releasing a product?

Sometimes I do a drawing.

6. From the looks of all the amazing activity on your blog (http://toomanytights.typepad.com/), 2009 was a massive year for you - what do imagine or hope 2010 to be like?

The year 2010 will probably see my demise. I will spectacularly self destruct in a ball of flames. You will read about it in the newspaper and shake your head. Perhaps even shed a tear.

7. And where do you think you'll be this time in 5 years?

FIghting for the resistance, wearing a headband. 

8. Apart from design, what other things take your fancy?

I like gunpowder, dynamite, gasoline. You know what they all have in common? They're cheap. I also like long walks on the beach, licking strangers, and wiggling people's tummy fat. I'll wiggle yours if you come close enough.

9. And for the next Q&A-ee, what's a random question you'd like to ask?

Are there girl angels?

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There you go. I hope you learned a little bit more about myself and Black Milk. :)

xx

jL

p.s. Just did 8 printed bodysuits today! They are killa. I just hope you guys like space travel, human anatomy and oriental artwork....

Hey Boy, Hey Girl, Superstar Fashion Designers - Here We Go!

COLLECTION UPDATE

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Metallic Silver Stay Ups - out. :( Don't worry, they will be replaced by a sweeter style. Thought I'd give you a sneak peek of a pic from the shoot though...

 

Photography : Oliver Camden Black
Model: Kate @ Viviens
Hair Stylist : Belle Meares for Fadi's Hair
Wadrobe Stylist : Ashley O'Shea
Makeup : Katrina T. & Melanie L.

Strapless Lace Catsuit... is back in! Girls put it on and say - "I love this!" Pause. "But how would you wear it out (without getting arrested)?" And my answer is... I don't know. Not my problem, darling. But it's hot, so it's in.

Lace top... maybe becoming a lace dress!

And the collection will be in three parts. Kind of like Lord of the Rings, but with less orcs.

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1. Stop the press - reports have emerged alleging that Terry Richardson is sleazy! What?!

 

(And his pecs don't seem to want to hang out with each other)

This news has shocked me - I mean, who knew? Mr Richardson has defended himself by saying that the girls he photographs (and does other things to) are 'having fun'.

Note to self: any behaviour can be ethically justified if it's 'fun'. Got it.

I don't get it. I work with a lot of models. If I was sleazy and dirty with them (I'm not), I would get a reputation and everyone would be repulsed by me and not invite me to their parties. Okay, they still don't invite me to their parties, but you get my point.

How do these guys get away with it?

Most of the girls I work with a very trusting, too.

Although, having said that, I have had some very awkward conversions with some girls. Ones where I start chatting about legwear without adequately convincing them that this is what I do for a living. They look at me with a look that says "Why are you talking about hosiery, you creepy freak?"

On a side point - knowing a bit about fashion makes it a lot easier to talk to girls at parties. Note to all the guys out there - if you want to be able to start conversations with girls easy, learn about fashion. That's free, peeps.

2. Found this very interesting pic on Kingdom of Style (who gave me some love too, xx). I really wanted to do some knee detail stuff but just never got around to it.

There was some discussion in the comments section about the seam in the knee panel. I love it when people talk construction... oh yes I do.

Gotta say to the people that leave the comments along the line of "That's nice but way too expensive!" We designers really appreciate your opinion. It means a lot to us that you express your opinion, we wish you suckcess in everything you do.

3. Thanks again to everyone who entered the Stay Ups competition. A few girls sent me pics of Black Milk gear which I loved (and I totally wasn't biased - promise!)

I got two pics of the Anatomist leggings:

  

(Hope your foot gets better soon SW!)

And lots of Spartans...

  

Yes I will rerelease the spartans. Sometime. :)

4. Got this very encouraging note from the beautiful AZ today:

I tried on another label of leggings the other day and had to take them off as soon as they were on, they were ridiculously uncomfortable compared to yours. Once you go BlackMilk you really can never go back x

Amen, sista!

5. Well, fashion week has kicked of in Melbourne (I think). What I love about Australian fashion events is that they are so original. We do things OUR way. Take those bunny ears for example, original, baby! Who else ever thought of that, eh?!

 

What's that you say...? Marc Jacobs did that over a year ago? Okay, scratch that.

Damn.

xx

jL

 
 
 
 
 

Winners Are Grinners...

We have winners!!! 

Thank you so much to everyone who entered - you guys are awesome. :)

You know what totally sucks (and one of the reason I have been reluctant to run these comps in the past)? That everyone can't win. 

And the winners are (open envelope, crinkle, crinkle)

• Helen
• Silke
• Yumi
• Natasha
• Jessica
• Vicky
• Kart
• Michelle
• Kristabel
• Emma

There were soooooo many more I desperately wanted to put on the list... but gotta limit it to ten.

Congrats to the winners. :)

For all those who didn't win, I'm giving you an internet cuddle right now. You feel that? A little tighter now. Okay - that's enough. Awk-ward...

And for the winners - I EXPECT LOTS OF PICCIES!!!!

I was impressed by the beautiful\talented HA who sent me this:

 

Look familiar? 

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COLLECTION UPDATE

1. Biker jacket

This piece is the bomb (do people still say that?), and it's battling it out with the Sheer Bodysuit as the centrepiece of the new collection. 

It has 5 zips worked into it. FIVE ZIPS BABY! And none of them are for pockets...

2. Shot some pics with the amazing KD last week. I call her the Ice Queen. Short blond hair, fierce eyes. Love.

3. I'm working on some innovative ways to present the collection. I think it's not that exciting to simply show you guys a bunch of photos and say - "here they are, buy them if you like them". Kinda not really getting outside the proverbial box.

So I have an idea... it's a little bit crazy. But everyone I have talked to about it has liked it. So expect something different with the launch... :)

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1. I love being a fashion designer. I really do. I don't ever want to go back to stacking Coke fridges for a buck again (long story). However, I've had one of those weeks. You know the ones?

I've been tempted to quit fashion design and try something else like... oh, I don't know... terrorism. Less stressful. And if people frustrate you, you just kill them.

2. What's with the grandma's wallpaper print trend that I'm seeing so much of at the moment?! Look at these bike pants:

3. Some sweet printed pantyhose via Susie Bubble. I have had a few cracks at printing pantyhose... maybe I should give it a go again. 

 

... or I could just leave the pantyhose to Bebaroque:

 

That's a very flat bottom.

4. I love yellow tights. Kinda like having bananas for legs. In a good way...

 

5. Don't you just hate those cute, stylish, fashionable bloggers who look good in everything, and make the rest of us look like trolls!? Curse you Jessie!

No, she rocks. I'm just jealous. Looks like she lives somewhere cold.

 

6. The ever stylish Moohoop, living the good life in Italia... apparently turning heads. Yeah, really.

 

7. There are certain looks you can appreciate, others that just nail it. For me - this is just perfect. Vogue? Harper's Bazaar? Uh-uh, a geeky retro 80s video game movie. Sweeeeeet.

 

8. Printed bodysuits.... oh yes, you know these babies are coming!

     

xx

jL

Stay Ups Competition

Evening peepies,

The Stay Ups competition is about to close... last chance to email me some piccies and win yourself a pair. Don't be shy now.

 :)

xx

jL