If you’ve been a follower of PP for some time you’ll know I’ve been a longtime fan of German label Reality Studio. I own a jacket that I wear constantly. It’s been awhile since I’ve perused any of their collections, and an intriguing glimpse of their upcoming A/W 12/13 collection on Stil in Berlin prompted me to revisit. Images from Reality Studio’s site from their A/W 11/12 and S/S 12 collections

If you’re like us, you always have a need for wearable, versatile pieces – except they can’t be boring. This week we welcome two new designers who have found the key to this balance. Miss Alice is an Israeli label by Alice Dahan that never fails to nail the perfect slouchy drop crotch trouser, and perfect feather light cotton knit tee, shape changing bag, and well you get the idea!

Symmetry Goods by husband and wife team Ted Byrnes and Gena Tuso (two AMAZINGLY talented people who are super nice to boot) ably demonstrate that scarves can be not only immensely cool but they can do more than just wrap around your neck a couple times. We currently carry two styles (see the Hemingway above), but Symmetry made a Special Edition Lytton Scarf just for little ol’ Pour Porter. They let me pick out the plaid fabric! Definitely very excited about these two new labels – be sure to click over to scope the goods

Fi and Kain of ffiXXed were some of the first designers we contacted to carry at the shop. Since then other retailers have started to pick up their line and each collection brings a new refinement to their design philosophy. We’re huge fans of their work and I can honestly say they are not only really amazing, creative types but they’re fantastic people as well. It’s so much fun to hear what they’re up to, because it’s always something dynamic and motivating. (Sneak a glimpse of portions of their awesome living space below. Kain painted all of the floors white!). All images provided by ffiXXed.

They were kind enough to take time out of their busy schedules to participate in our Designer Interview series, and we’re happy to now be able to share it with all of you!

1. Show us your favourite piece of art – contemporary or otherwise

Sculpture by James Deutscher

2. Favourite place to sit and read a good book

3. What’s your favourite hot weather dessert recipe?

Strawberry Parfait at Shiseido Parlour, Tokyo

Strawberry Parfait

• 4 cups sliced strawberries, divided
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup fat-free ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup amaretti cookie crumbs (about 8 cookies)
• 1/2 cup frozen reduced-calorie whipped topping, thawed
• 2 tablespoons slivered almonds, toasted

Directions:

• Place 2 cups of strawberry slices and granulated sugar in a blender or food processor, and process until smooth. Set strawberry puree aside.
• Combine ricotta and next 4 ingredients (ricotta through vanilla) in a medium bowl; stir well with a whisk.
• Spoon 2 tablespoons cookie crumbs into each of 4 parfait glasses. Top each portion with 2 tablespoons strawberry puree, 1/4 cup strawberry slices, and 3 tablespoons ricotta mixture; repeat the layers. Drizzle the remaining strawberry puree over each serving. Chill for 2 hours.
• Top each parfait with 2 tablespoons whipped topping and 1 1/2 teaspoons almonds.

4. You’ve been dropped in the middle of Antarctica – design a piece of clothing or an accessory either from materials you’d find there, or elsewhere that you feel is the perfect compliment to the environment and sketch it.

Penguin warmers!

5. Draw a picture of your favourite houseplant.

6. Assuming you have a little free time in between the crazy hours you work on your collections, is there anything else creative you’ve been working on in your free time? If so share what it is and a picture if you can.

We have been experimenting with porcelain dinnerware products, with varying degrees of success. This is dishware made in collaboration with James Deutsher.

7. If you could publish a colouring book, what would be in it?

Rappers with tattoos and corporate logos.