DOES ONE SIZE FIT ALL...?

I really like the concept that Terry Richardson has worked into the latest issue of V magazine. In the feature 'One Size Fits All', Richardson has photographed the latest looks for spring 2010 on both a typical size zero model and a plus size one, proving that they can work on any figure! Being, not a twig, but a size 10/12 girl myself, I do find that some clothes just don't suit my figure, but is that really true or is it because we are only familiar with tiny shorts and crop tops being paraded on stick thin models as apposed to the size of an average girl in the pages of our fashion magazines?

Recently the argument against size zero has risen again; with Mark Fast choosing to use size 14 girls in his shows this September and Alexandra Shulman writing to designers demanding they send larger sample sizes...now this... It will be interesting to see what happens in a couple of months during the a.w 10/11 shows...

ONE TO WATCH: JOSH WELLER...

Singer-songwriter, Josh Weller, had his first taste of fame in 2006 when he used to perform in a group headed ‘Josh Weller and the Availables.’ After moving to London in 2008, Weller later began work as a solo artist, playing small venue gigs and house parties. Josh has recently been featured on fashion and street style blogs as a notable style icon: It may have been his melodic Elvis-Costello-style pop rock songs that got him noticed, but it is more likely to be his iconic vertical quiff hair style, geek-chic glasses or maybe his vast collection of vintage bow ties one of which he is always seen sporting.

Weller’s witty, fun and thought provoking lyrics are inspired by the works of Woody Allen and Richard Pryor; comedians which he says have a strong influence when it comes to song writing. This is reflected in his satiric latest single ‘It’s Christmas and I Hate You,’ featuring Paloma Faith, another rising pop musician, who also happens to share Josh’s vintage inspired style.

Josh’s style takes the classic, tailored look of legendary Hollywood and Broadway ‘Rat Pack’ stars, such as Fred Astaire and Frank Sinatra and gives it a contemporary-cool, eccentric edge. Dress sense is something that Josh is often asked about, so much so that he fears it is becoming more important than the music he makes. Last month Josh told Clash Music that his style ‘...came about purely from the music I like… It is a reflection of who I am and I sometimes feel that if my music was a person then it would probably dress like me.’

Josh is currently finishing writing and producing his debut album, which is due for release next year, so watch this space...

(This is part of an article I wrote for Mpdclick)

THE BRITISH FASHION AWARDS...

Firstly, no I wasn't there...I wish (my invitation must have got lost in the post or something...?) But some really really cool people were... Kate Moss, Georgia May Jagger, Vivienne Westwood and Grace Coddington (my inspiration) were among the most stylish Brits out in force last Wednesday night to celebrate the best of British fashion talent at the British Fashion Awards 2009. The night, held at The Royal Courts of Justice in London and sponsored by Swarovski, saw an array of designers, editors, stylists, models and industry VIPs united by their love for fashion and outstanding creativity.

The event presented 11 awards in total including Collection of the Year, Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design and the special, new for 2009, London 25 honour which was won by Kate Moss.

2009 certainly has been Burberry chief creative officer, Christopher Bailey’s year: If his latest Burberry collection being the most talked about show ever, due to the brand’s triumphant return to London fashion week this summer and receiving an MBE from the queen wasn’t enough, he also managed to bag 2 awards on the night. Bailey collected the prestigious BFC Designer of the Year as well as receiving Best British Designer Brand, for Burberry; a well deserved recognition for all his achievements for the fashion house.

After a slight tumble off the stage into the Orchestra pit below, model Karen Elson presented American Vogue’s Creative Director and ‘The September Issue’ star, Grace Coddington, with the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator. In her acceptance speech Grace portrayed a modest outlook and a trivial look of confusion after questioning if she was truly deserving of the honour, stating that she doesn’t design the clothes, she doesn’t do the make-up, she doesn’t wear the clothes, so why was she winning the award? Grace might not recognise her own creative greatness but her amazing eye for style means she is undoubtedly one of the most inspiring and talented stylists of our time.

The British Fashion Awards, seen as the ‘Oscars’ of the fashion industry, was a brilliant way of rounding up the year’s celebrations that commemorated 25 years of London Fashion Week.

[This is part of an article I wrote for mpdclick during my on going internship...]

(from left: Kim Jones, Kate Moss, Vivienne Westwood, Grace Coddington, Daisy Lowe, Christopher Kane, Christopher Bailey.)

IMAGE SOURCE: http://www.britishfashionawards.com/

A NEW WONDERLAND...

Althlough I have 3 months to wait, I am so so so excited about Tim Burton's contemporary adaptation on the traditional fantasy tale, 'Alice in Wonderland', which is due for release in March 2010.

The film extends on Lewis Carroll's original story, portraying a grown up Alice who returns to Wonderland, only to discover it has changed into a darker, scarier place under the reign of the dark red queen. This almost 'sinister' approach is typical of Burton's style, which I love!!!

ONE TO WATCH: WARPAINT...

At the moment, everyone is loving LA based band ‘Warpaint’ and so am I! The band was founded a coupe of years ago by Emily Kokal, Theresa Wayman, and Jennifer Lindberg. Lindberg’s sister, Shannyn Sossamon (yes that’s right- THE Shannyn Sossamon!) used to play drums, although still performs with the band occasionally and even appears on tracks ‘Elephants’, ‘Stars’ and ‘Beetles’ on their debut EP ‘Exquisite Corpse’; a beautifully composed record, which has been mixed and edited by Red Hot Chili Peppers’ guitarist and LEGEND John Frusciante! (It just gets more and more exciting doesn’t it?)
Warpaint has just recently re-released 'Exquisite Corpse' last month (and available to buy on CD on 7th Dec) most likely due to their rising interest and popularity. They described their sound to Dazed and Confused as ‘an eclectic collective of people and sounds running and dancing and screaming and crying!’ My personal favourite track is their cover of Mary Wells' Motown classic, ‘My Guy,’ which, is just like the girls themselves…Beautiful!

The girls are currently recording their new album, which is due for release in late spring next year so they are no doubt going to be working the festival circuit next summer!

THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE...

So The September Issue is out on DVD; I didn’t get a chance to catch it previously at the cinema so instead decided to buy it. Various reviews tagged it as ‘the real Devil Wears Prada’ which of course it is; portraying Editor in chief, Anna Wintour not as a fictitious ice woman like Meryl Streep’s character, Miranda, but as a real life stern, stubborn, ‘hardballs’ business woman.

“I don’t find her to be hidden, I just don’t find her to be accessible to people she doesn’t need to be accessible to… she’s busy and she’s not warm and friendly; she’s just doing her business.”
Tom Florio, Vogue Publisher.

Above, just one of the many fascinating and interesting quotes I got from the documentary… Not only did I find watching it entertaining but also educational; an insight to how a magazine works and the roles of each editor helped me gain a better understanding of this industry and made me even more determined to be part of it.

At the forefront of it all is Anna, who quite possibly has the biggest influence on fashion in the whole of the industry. The September Issue highlights this, when she tells world renowned designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier and Yves Saint Laurent’s head designer, Stefano Pilati, what she really thinks of their collections and what they should (and shouldn’t) put in their shows. It’s her brutal honesty and emotionless approach which has allowed her to not only succeed but survive this harsh industry.

“You have to learn the way to beat your path through to make yourself felt and make yourself necessary and find a way that works for you for Vogue. Because a lot of people have come and a lot of people have gone, they just couldn’t take the heart break; you have to be fairly tough to withstand that.”
Grace Coddington, Vogue’s Creative Director.

Some fabulous advice from Grace Coddington there… I think it is Grace who I find the most inspirational and aspire to be like. Her passion for her work and fashion itself is so strong and so genuine, even after over 40 years in the industry… and everything she produces, every image and every ‘look’ is so original and inventive (you would have thought after 40 years she would be starting to run out of ideas!)

“Grace is without question the greatest living stylist, there’s no one better than grace; no one who can make any photographer take more interesting, more romantic, more just stunningly realised pictures than grace… She comes from the idea that fashion is this world of play and make believe; it’s as if some one has gone to the dressing up box and found the most wonderful personal things and put them together.” Sally Singer, Vogue’s Fashion Director

(The 'Vogue team': Candy Pratts Price, Anna Wintour, Grace Coddington, Virginia Smith, Sally Singer)

I could actually talk about this forever but I think this post is already quite long enough now… but if it fits in with my topics/themes, I would definitely love to include some of the inspiration I have gained from The September Issue within my dissertation or other projects this year…

An inspirational sign off…

“In my early years as a fashion editor, I worked with Norman Parkinson, who was a really big photographer and he taught me to always keep your eyes open, never go to sleep in the car or anything like that, just keep watching, because whatever you see out of the window or wherever, it can inspire you…”

Grace Coddington

JIMMY CHOO, SHOES AND 72...

A lot is going on at the moment in the world of Jimmy Choo…

After their successful collaboration with Hunter this June (which provided us with the most glamorous festival wellies EVER) Jimmy Choo have also lined up a capsule collection with high street retailer h&m which is set to arrive in store on 14th November, with not only shoes and accessories on offer but a full clothing range too!

Most currently, the luxury footwear label has joined forces with the Elton John’s Aids Foundation, to launch Project PEP; a collection of shoes and accessories designed by Jimmy Choo with 25% of net sales donated to the charity. This initiative will help the Simlela Rape Centre in Cape Town to stay open day and night providing 24 hour/7 days a week access to the vital life saving treatment ‘PEP’ that has to be administered within the first 72 hours of exposure to HIV.

(Jimmy Choo for Project PEP collection)

A social media campaign named ‘You, Your Shoes and 72’ has also been set up and there is a chance for us to get involved too; Jimmy Choo wants people to submit photos showing their best shoes and the number 72 to raise awareness of the PEP project. The winning images will be showcased at the global launch of Project PEP, which will be held at Selfridges in London on October 29th… the winners will also receive products from the Jimmy Choo collection.

Enter here: http://www.jimmychoo72.com/

SHOWstudio: FASHION REVOLUTION EXHIBITION...

The other day, I decided to take a little trip down to London to visit my big sis, Emma, who has just recently moved down there to start her MA in Journalism at LCC. We shopped, partied and had lots of fun, but I also wanted to do something productive and worth while so I dragged her along to Somerset House for the SHOWstudio exhibition, ‘Fashion Revolution’.

The first thing we were greeted with was the dreaded room of mirrors (warning: not suitable for the body conscious!) followed by a giant polystyrene sculpture of Naomi Campbell, on which exhibition visitors can post their thoughts or doodle using a digital screen and a projector.

Visitor participation and interactivity was a key theme to the exhibition, with live photo shoots and model castings using SHOWstudio viewers, as well as interactive screens and a highlight of mine which consisted of a seat and a telephone; at selected times during the exhibition, visitors can use the telephone to contact various different models who have been styled by Simon Foxton using garments by various different designers.

Emma’s highlight was the ‘Sound of Clothes: Synaesthesia’ an extremely interesting concept which incorporates image and music to describe clothes: using one of Nick Knights photographs of a Balenciaga jacket, Composer, Nick Ryan and a full on orchestra interpreted a different element of the garment with a different sound depending on the textures and surfaces! Amazing!

Film is an extremely big part of SHOWstudio projects and experiments, and there is an intensive archive of fashion film available to view at the exhibition (I could literally have stayed there for hours and hours) from the surreal fashion fantasises to those with an important political and moral message, pioneered by many iconic figures within the industry, such as Vivienne Westwood, Gareth Pugh, Viktor and Rolf, Nick Knight, Ruth Hogben, Kate Moss, Tim Walker…the list goes on…

The link between fashion and film is a huge interest of mine (Emma had mixed thoughts though, describing some of the short films as ‘too Zoolanderish’) and SHOWstudio has been a great source of inspiration… [Reflection: I think it would make a fantastic topic for my dissertation which I am to write this year…]

ONE TO WATCH: THE XX...

I am totally in love with this band at the moment; The XX...

To be honest I don't know much about them currently, apart from that I love the fronted girl/boy combo, I love their self-titled debut album (which only came out last month) and I love their chilled out, almost melancholic compositions, such as ‘Shelter’ and ‘Night Time.’

The band are currently supporting Florence + the machine, on her tour this september and are scheduled to support Friendly Fires in the US later this year... so you just know they are going to be big stuff!

RANKIN LIVE...

‘Rankin Live’ at the Old Truman Brewery, Brick lane, is almost two in one… The first being a collection of Rankin’s most memorable and magnificent photographs during his 22 year long career, from his self portraiture to a corridor of famous faces and even sections dedicated to his iconic model muses such as Heidi Klum, Kate Moss, Courtney Love and girlfriend, Tuuli…

[I loved the series Rankin titled 'SofaSexy', in which he turned a simple cheap sofa into an erotic object of desire...which I guess is what a good photographer does; creating something or someone ordinary into something beautiful and interesting!]

(image source: www.art-dept.com/artists/rankin/.../sofasexy/portfolio)

…The second being ‘Shoot Me Rankin’, an on going project in which ordinary folk (like you and me) can take part in a live photo shoot with Rankin and have your portrait added to the exhibition! And for those who don’t receive that lucky golden ticket, there is a retro photo booth so you can DIY:

[Reflection: Immensely interesting, incredibly inspiring and so so so much fun = Most definitely one of the best exhibitions I have had the pleasure to view.]

(Gallery wall as part of 'Shoot Me Rankin')

A FASHIONABLY LATE NIGHT...

Vogues Fashion Night Out last night, became a fabulously fun night out for me and a couple of friends and fellow fashion students, Peg, Emily and Katie...

Frolicking around London’s west end on a fashion and shopping high (and I might add rather tipsy by the end of the night), we started our evening on Oxford Street, led into Oasis by a pink Oscar style carpet (v. glamorous eh?) and greeted with many free cocktails and choccies. We were soon trying on sparkling outfits in Topshop and enjoying yet more free drinks at Urban Outfitters whilst having a sneaky peek at Simon Preens new collection.

(Real live models in Louis Vuitton's window)

A surreal and chance meeting with Noel Fielding led to an interesting conversation about his favourite shoe designer, with a name that you would rather expect to belong to a Mighty Boosh character; Archie Eyebrows… (check out his website www.archieeyebrows.co.uk, the shoes are actually amazing and very ‘Vince Noir’!)

Brown’s was full of London’s young fashion elite (of which we all decided we aspire to be part of one day) with Henry Holland, William Tempest, Jonathan Saunders and Pixie Geldof amongst those present…

In Burberry, I enjoyed the strongest vodka and tonics I have EVER had whilst talking to one of the writers for Vogue about my love for fashion journalism (he oddly recommended I wrote a piece on this blog on avoiding Mosquito bites as insisted Alexandra Shulman would read it as is apparently an avid follower..?)

After queuing for what seemed a life time, we finally were in Chanel, spectating on a live photo shoot with the fabulously brilliant and beautiful Daisy Lowe and Erin O’Connor… [Reverie: How amazing would it be to have fashion icons like themselves to model for my degree FMP photo shoots…?]

(Erin O'connor modelling Chanel's new A/W '09/10 collection)

IN LOVE WITH LOVE 2...

...So the second issue of Love (Conde-Nast's answer to an alternative fashion mag) came out today, so of course I ran into town to buy it!

Named New Blood; the young and the reckless issue, it is slightly depressing that all the cool, successful people featured are under the age of 21! (makes me wonder what I am doing with my life..?)

A mixture of fresh talent, and up & coming celebrity (and none celebrity) kids are the topic for features and interviews, including Miley Cyrus, the Jonas brothers and Tavi, the 13 year old blogger and fashion writer, as well as articles on the Willis' sisters and Taylor Swift which after reading I discovered was written by Paul Tierney, my mentor and teacher during my fashion journalism short course at LCF! A brilliant issue!

ONE TO WATCH: LITTLE JINDER

(Image source: http://www.myspace.com/littlejinder)

I first came across 20 year old, Josefine Jinder, a.k.a Little Jinder, about a year ago, shortly after the release of her debut EP ‘Polyhedron’ signed by New York label, Trouble and Bass Recordings. A remixed version of the record followed a couple months after which included baseline bangers from artists/DJs/producers such as AC Slater and Drop The Lime (T&B Crew)… *Download DTL’s mix of ‘Eat My Fears’: it’s amazing!*

Since then her success in her Scandinavian homeland has flourished, with a rising fan-base in NYC also. Her music style, to me, sounds typically Swedish; by that I mean its poppy-club-electronica sound is rather reminiscent of fellow Swedes; Robyn and Royksopp.

Apparently after recording single ‘Youth Blood’ last year, Little Jinder discovered she had enough motivation, inspiration and ideas to create a full length debut album, which she is currently working on and should be on release at the beginning of next year.

FASHION'S NIGHT OUT...

In a few weeks, VOGUE Magazine hosts an exciting global late-night shopping event, where department stores, highend designer boutiques and high street shops, join forces and open their doors to the public, as well as industry professionals, for an evening of glamour, entertainment and serious shopping. ‘Fashions Night Out’ will take place on 10th September 2009 and will occur in 13 of the world’s most stylish shopping cities; NY, London, Paris, Milan, Shanghai and Madrid to name a few…
In London, stores will each be hosting special events, as well as limited editions and one off pieces which will be on sale for the one night only, such as a specially designed VOGUE t-shirt available to buy for only £10 in many of the participating stores on the night; all profits go to UK charity for the homeless, Crisis.

For more information and a list of confirmed participating stores so far visit: http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashionsnightout/

BACK TO THE 90's...

Grunge is back...

...So expect an overload of Nirvana and Pearl Jam graphic vests in Topshop as well as an up in sales for military style boots and oversized plaid shirts… Lucky for some (me) who already own that attire…

FASHION AND FILM...

Isn't it just brilliant that film and fashion seem to be getting a closer link these days...

Recently fashion designers are presenting short films as apposed to traditional cat walk shows (quite possibly as it costs alot less to put on, but also I guess to add something new and fresh into the way fashion is communicated.) Gareth Pugh and Alice Temperly both used this concept for their A/W 09/10 collections...

I mentioned previously the latest fashion-focused film to be released, 'Coco Before Chanel,' and of course we have all seen fashion chick flicks, 'The Devil Wears Prada' and 'Confessions of a Shopaholic,' but now something very special to reach world wide cinematic exposure; A documentary following the fabulous Anna Wintour (Editor in Chief of US Vogue) and her team as they put together histories biggest issue of Vogue; 2007's September Issue...

ONE TO WATCH: BETH JEANS HOUGHTON...

(Image source: http://www.myspace.com/bethjeanshoughton)

Beth Jeans Houghton is more than just another aspiring pop star; she is a nineteen year old acoustic songstress, whose guitar skills are self taught and whose alternative stage-attire is self made. The teen-folkie has been previously described by major music magazine, Mojo to have “a considerable talent, with a remarkable voice and rare star quality.” Mpdclick notes Beth Jeans Houghton to be at the forefront of a new sub genre of music labelled neo-folk, a key influence with many more to follow.

Her music is created with a combination of impeccable guitar work and smooth melodies which is in-fitting with Beth’s own beatific voice. Neo-folk is becoming an ever more popular style of music in recent years, demonstrated by the likes of Fleet Foxes, Bat for Lashes and Bon Iver, who Beth recently supported on tour. Houghton brings an original glam edge to her own form of folk, drawing in various different styles and influences such as the psychedelic sounds in ‘Sweet Tooth Bird,’ which is expected to feature on her up and coming debut album. Beth has been quoted to say “I plan to dip my toes into many genres before I quit this mortal coil.”

Her most recent festival appearance was at Wireless, at London’s Hyde Park earlier this month, where she was seen sporting a military style hat and a black and metallic gold bandeau top, surrounded by her equally cool backing band titled, The Hooves of Destiny. Catch her this summer at a selection of approaching UK gigs and festivals.

(This is part of a feature I wrote for mpdclick.com)

COCO BEFORE CHANEL...

"They share the same history, sensibility-and shoe size! Audrey Tautou's latest role as legendary designer Coco Chanel is a perfect fit..." (VOGUE, Aug 2009.)

This is one film that I have been dying to see, ever since I heard of it in the making last year! If you are as keen as me you will still have to wait a couple weeks though, (release date is 31st July) however in the mean time I recommend buying/ renting 'Lagerfeld Confidential' to explore the life of Chanel's most current creative director and head designer, Karl Lagerfeld as well as to see how the french fashion house works in the 21st century. Also pick up this months issue of Vogue (aug 2009) to read the films review and interview with Audrey Tautou, who plays Chanel in the movie...

(my review of the film to come...)

'SURFER BUTT'...

I have just purchased a print of Mario Testino's 'Surfer Butt', a portrait of Kate Moss and one of my favourites of his work... It will shortly be hanging up in my newly decorated room! :)

One of Testino’s renowned photographic styles is his profound portraiture. His impressive list of iconic subjects to date has included ‘everyone who is anyone’; actresses, models, musicians and even royalty, some of which he has collaborated with on more than one occasion.

This, probably one of Testino’s most famous portraits, was taken in Los Angeles for Harpers Bazaar in 1996. It unsurprisingly presents a young Kate Moss, the same year she won Vogue’s ‘Model of the Year’ award, a grounds for her becoming hugely influential in the fashion world as well as a stylishly, iconic subject for Testino’s photography. Perhaps this is the main reason Moss appears to be the focal point of the image; positioned centrally leaning gracefully yet effortlessly on a four-wheel-drive truck and prominently lit, which causes her white top to almost gleam.

As you look attentively at her innocent looking face, the eyes can not help but go unnoticed; you automatically follow her sight trail and observe the aimed area, eventually realising the not-so-innocent Kate’s cheeky glimpse at the car’s wing mirror, which presumably presents her with a reflection of the background to the image; an undressing surfer’s bare behind! This feature of the photograph is the motive behind the legendary naming of the piece, quite simply, ‘Surfer Butt’.

Subtle detailing is what makes this photograph so intriguing; just one quick glance and you miss all the small, but certainly not by any means unimportant details, which together create a suggestive narrative to the picture. For example; a carefully positioned surf board or a pair of bikini bottoms that are so casually slung over the car’s door both indicate the sunny L.A setting. A closer look at the car’s mirror and you spot another reflection that is depicted, creating an almost ‘mini photograph’ within itself.

Semi-nude males and a hint of nipple showing through Moss’ sheer top, provokes a rather ‘raunchy’ theme and generates plenty of sex appeal. However, Testino has cleverly avoided this theme from appearing trashy or vulgar by slyly romanticising the over all image through the use of his artistic black and white shot...

A BAG WITH A PAST...

On a recent trip to Dover Street Market, Rei Kawakubo’s answer for an interesting store concept, I discovered amongst the glorious array of designer vintage, a small, dainty handbag, placed unaccompanied on a single shelf. This, a most appropriate setting for the accessory, for it retained aspects of both vintage and high-end designer fashion; Designed by Ilaria Venturini Fendi (granddaughter of the top fashion-house’s founder, Adele Fendi) the bag was created out of recycled fabrics from an assortment of various vintage pieces of furniture.

‘Carmina Campus’, literally translated ‘Chants of the Field’ from Latin, was set up by Ilaria in 2006 using both her creativity and eco-minded self to influence and educate the fashion world about the necessity for conserving the environment as well as the need for remaining stylish.

When glimpsing sight of this twee, modest object, that is so delicately positioned on the shelving display, an almost nostalgic sentiment is emitted; a wonder, a speculation, or perhaps a prediction of where and when the various strips of fabric of which it is constructed with began their lives. However, a serious buyer does not have to just guess their bag’s past, as every item in the collection has an identifiable code and photograph, which is kept on file by the company, detailing the original forms of the fabrics used and even how long the bag took to design and manufacture. It is this charming little feature that causes a Carmina Campus accessory to be most desirable.

The idea of a recycled piece may be off-putting for some, suggesting connotations of an unwanted second hand item. However, to me, it outshines the majority of other high-end designer bags and accessories, simply due to the element of rarity which is possesses; because each item in the Carmina Campus collection reuses old, yet good-conditioned fabrics, from various different sources, each bag is completely unique and an entire one off.

This particular bag was created using an ensemble of floral prints, embroidery and delicate trimmings, which through appearance are reflective of the old fashioned era they originally came from and remind me specifically of a ‘Mary Poppins’ style carpet bag I own, which was passed down to me by my grandmother. However, I should mention, when styling a complete outfit around this statement bag, it is probably advisable to not over do the ‘granny chic’ look by teaming it with a floral dress, pearl jewellery and big knit cardigan!

Find out more at http://www.carminacampus.org/

UNDERCOVER...

Today I visited the Fashion and Textiles Museum to view their exhibition on the history of underwear; 'Undercover'.

It was fabulous, with an in depth look at how underwear has evolved through the ages, in all different areas; from corsetry to the supportive sports bra...

...I highly recommend it to anyone, especially if you study lingerie or swimwear design at university!

For more information visit the FTM wesbite: http://www.ftmlondon.org/exhibitions/

THE BEST FEST...

I have just got back from Glastonbury Festival, covered in mud, extremely tired and most certainly in need for a nice long bath!

It was all worth it though; the line up certainly didn't dissapoint and I had a most brilliant time listening / watching / dancing to some amazing bands, singers and DJs!

(Blur: A major highlight of the whole festival, especially this emotional moment for lead singer, Damon...)

(My 2 favourite festival stage outfits: Both Natasha Khan (Bat for Lashes) and Karen O (Yeah Yeah Yeahs) wore colourful, eccentric playsuits over leggings aswell as brightly coloured eye make up & face paint...)

BACK TO THE 80's...

Last season we saw an 80’s influence on the reoccurring legging trend with the introduction of printed patterns and colourful designs, now it seems 80's style is taking over other areas of fashion...

The 'skinheads' of the 1980’s were a major sub cultural style tribe, quite obviously infamous for their skinheads but also their attire, most notably; extreme acid-wash denim, and clumpy Dr. marten boots. This look was seen on our movie screens a couple years ago with the release of Shane Meadows' ‘This is England’, but now it is too being seen on the catwalk:

For the autumn/winter season high street shops (Topshop, River Island and Schuh to name a few) have began to bring out their own version of the original 80's Dr. martens boot:

GRAPHIC GEOMETRIC...

Take a brief look around you; Shapes, lines, patterns, they are everywhere from the architectural design of a building to the structure and silhouette of a tailored suit. And now they can even be seen swanning up and down the catwalks, in the form of graphic geometric prints on a variety of dresses, t-shirts and swimwear, to name a few.

As an artistic industry, it is no wonder fashion exposes a close link with other ‘arts’ and draws inspiration from them; in this case being the postmodern art movement of ‘futurism’, where artists such as Balla and Malevich used a clever composition of repeated line and shape creating bold geometric patterns. This same stylistic approach to patterning can be detected within Alexander McQueen’s spring / summer ’09 collection, where his repetition of diamond and triangular shaped outlines and crafty placing of colour and shading created an almost three dimensional appearance, reminiscent of a dazzling gem.

(Alexander McQueen s/s '09 collection)

However this slant of kaleidoscopic, geometric patterns is nothing new to fashion house, Pucci, who is renowned for it. As his last show as creative director for the brand, Matthew Williamson certainly didn’t disappoint and delivered the classic ‘Pucci print’ in a mass of bold pinks, oranges and blues, which contrastingly sat so perfectly against the dark skin of model, Jourdan Dunn.

(Pucci s/s '09 collection - model: Jourdan Dunn)

This seasonal trend has continued to develop and has already trickled down to the shop floors of the high street. Topshop’s take is a little 80’s with a lot of colourful zig-zagging lines on leggings and daring graphics printed on over sized t-shirts in an array of psychedelic colours. Whilst, brands such as Karen Millen and Dorothy Perkins have kept things simple but sweet, adapting the geometric trend using recurring circular patterns in shades of black and white.

(Topshop's 'Geometric Print' leggings)

Pucci’s answer to Matthew Williamson’s successor, Peter Dundas, states that he will carry on this trend into next season, as it is essentially the heritage of the brand. Plus, perhaps a striking pattern and bright colour is what fashion needs right now, avoiding the ‘recession doom and gloom’ that has clouded us all for far too long now. “It isn’t right for Pucci to do a low key collection in these times” Dundas proclaims, “In fact I think we have an advantage right now, because when times are tough, you want some sunshine, no?”

CHECK IT OUT...

-Make sure you take a trip to the Tate Modern in London’s Bankside and visit the ‘futurism’ exhibition (beginning in June I believe) to familiarise yourself with the ‘original geometric trend’.
www.tate.org.uk/modern

-Graphic designer turned musician, M.I.A’s ‘Kala’ album art work (designed by herself) resembles the spring / summer trend with its bold use of colour and repetitive patterns.
Buy here: http://shop.miauk.com

-Barcelona’s most fabulous piece of modern architecture, the Flower Market’s, outer exterior is compiled of various multi coloured stripes, bearing different directions to create interesting geometric patterns, decorating the side of the building.
Antigua de Valencia, número 1, Barcelona.

FROM FASHION AND BACK...

The other day I visited the exhibition on Hussein Chalayan at the Design Museum, London. It showcased his most memorable pieces from his swarovski crystal laser dress to his most recent collection 'Inertia' inspired by the concept of speed...

MY NEW LEGGINGS...

I am becoming quite obsessed with graphic print leggings at the moment... beginning to build up quite a collection now! I recently saw these in Topshop and thought they were amazing!

But for someone who has a particular insecurity surrounding her legs, an ownership of over 20 pairs of leggings, a garment which is renowned for its body-shape-revealing-tightness, may seem slightly bizarre. My fanatical collection of the twenty-something pairs consist of both vintage and brand new as well as the weird and the wonderful. A splash of colour, a bold print or possibly an unusually shiny fabric most definitely attracts interest to an area where attention is most unwanted. Well, in my case anyway.

This rather contradictory way of dressing is reminiscent of how stereotypically some people, who expose themselves as loud, bubbly and confident are actually secretly very timid, self conscious and insecure, who are just simply trying to cover that all up and ‘act the part’. But could a fashion garment be used in the same way… as a concealed defence mechanism?

As a child, growing up in the 90’s, leggings were often a key piece in day to day wear; just as they are now. Memories of my leggings back then are rather vague, although I can vividly remember my mothers. My favourite, a nautical inspired pair; bold blue jersey with large red and gold coloured prints of anchors, ship wheels and ropes, which gradually descended down her leg, a style which I would long to own and wear during today’s fashion. Perhaps I have never fully unleashed this particular garment from what I perceive as my own personal style, in a desperate attempt to seize these treasured childhood memories. But is it really possible that someone can successfully and fashionably relive, at age twenty, their same style and fashions that they displayed between the ages of 5 and 10?