style.ized: May 2009

5.29.2009

today's inspiration: moving images

recently discovered the seasonless style of Isabella Oliver. More inspiring, though, than the classic, chic silhouettes is the effort and detail put into their ecommerce site. I mean what can you normally expect from a product page: description, fabric content, price, hopefully a zoom view? At Isabella Oliver, not only is there a zoom view of several styled shots along with a flat sketch, but also a mini video of the model on set -- you can actually watch the clothes move. It's just brill. I can't count how many times I've been mislead about how a garment really hangs on a body by a craftily styled photograph. Then when I order it and try it on it fits like a tent.

Some of the videos are better than others I have to say, in a few you're just kind of watching the wind toss the fabric around a little bit, while in others the girl will do a full twirl or even a little runway strut. Still, it's g e n i o u s. Don't really know why more sites don't try this. If you're going to hire a model and have a proper photo shoot, you might as well bring along a little video camera too!

The brand posted this video on YouTube which gives a decent example. Or just click on the links under some of the product images I've posted below and watch the clothes come to life: