WE LOOK LIKE WE DO BECAUSE WE CAN NOW... Can't we?!

Firstly, Merry Festivities and all that jazz! Hope you're all ready to send 2011 in to the distant past with a bang tomorrow night...

Personally, I can not wait to see the back of this year, I'm not one for sharing my personal life especially over the Internet, however, this year I can honestly say has been quite a roller coaster. With plenty of ups and downs; right and wrong turns. BUT! That is what I hear makes us stronger in the long run. Hopefully 2012 will be more a case of learning from my mistakes instead of proceeding to make new ones.

But enough of the philosophical festive wishes.... FASHION IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT!

A word a lot of friends of mine refer to me as is 'Androgynous' I personally have never really understood why, however it gave me the inspiration for my next styling brief. And, funnily enough, the more research I have done the more I have begun to realise why the label is used so loosely around many individuals as well as myself.

One of my favourite models has always been Agyness Deyn, we have a few things in common for a start, for example, the very short hair, Manchester roots and more importantly a rare enjoyment of vintage music and the wearing of Doc.Martins.

Freja Beha Ericson is yet another super model I adore, her facial structure for a start is totally hypnotic yet quite striking for a girl to process!

It was girls like the above that lead me along the line to androgyny, Annie Lennox was the next pit stop, and can you blame me! What a unique and truly stunning woman who's style isn't just masculine, but completely timeless. (Very similar to Coco Chanel I would say, who was the founder and chief of all women finally being given the freedom and opportunity to release their inner male!)

But anyway, going off on a little tangent there, I chose androgyny because I feel it's something that is still finding difficulty being accepted into society, especially at the youthful age of 18. (Which for the record is my own age and I'll let you in to a little secret, I have battled with my looks all my life and still do today.) Everyone, in and outside of fashion is always fascinated by the possibility of the unknown outside earth, however, when it comes to the 'abnormal' within our own society, suddenly it becomes less appealing! A lot of people find it difficult to understand why a girl might cut all her hair off and wear nothing but drain-pipe's and loafers and a boy might decide to grow his hair longer than the neck line and insist on being totally clean shaven no matter how soft his features look. (NOTE! sexual preference have nothing to do with the topic, that is a social era!) And this is where the title of my blog comes in, Androgyny is something I am proud to be related to as it shows that even today with all our human rights and freedom of speech, being a little extraordinary isn't always acceptable. But who wants to be a nomad all their life?!

Look at the late Alexander McQueen, a man who's name flew to fame for knowing no boundaries. And we as fashion whore's, followers and trend-setters should embrace that!

I found while researching and also while growing up in a way, that even though it's 'cool' to be 'kooky' its not recommended if you want to lead an easy life.

Just because you don't look like the ordinary doesn't mean you shouldn't be accepted or seen as beautiful, it's about believing in who you are and if society and social standings don't appreciate that, then, pardon my french but FUCK THEM! Doing my research and looking into things more and more like I am doing threw my studies is really helping me appreciate not only myself but also what it means to value what you have and to accept things for the way they turn out, whether that means you're another Martin Cohn and have to deal with every tom, dick and harry thinking you're a woman everyday of your life, or someone like myself who is either snubbed at for looking just that little different and a little taller than most or just taken for a lesbian. (I have nothing against that what so ever, but when you're far from and mistaken for it all the time, it no offence ladies, gets a little tedious!)

I look forward to posting my final designs/photographs up here because it would be interesting to see how many of you appreciate the unusual for what it truly looks like in the flesh instead of the airbrushed facade we live with every other day...

(Just food for thought...)

My very own RED BALLOON...

My last blog post caused quite a stir and attracted a fair amount of attention! But, I'm standing by my word and saying that that my darlings is what fashion is all about, there is nothing wrong with a healthy debate and mixture of opinions in my eyes!

But, since I really spiced things up a bit earlier in the week I thought it would be nice to cool it down a little just before Christmas.

This shoot was inspired by the french film 'Le Ballon Rouge' made in 1956 and is possible one of the sweetest and most touching films I have ever seen, and one of my favourites is Edward Scissorhands so that is saying something! I was introduced to Le Ballon Rouge' as college, we were given it as our 'word' to then go on to create a styling shoot inspired by that and any other influences from the film.

I went on to use Sophia Coppola's Miss.Dior Cherie ad from 2008 as my main theme, the story is so nonchalant and sweet that it really appealed to me.

Both these films inspired my collection of photographs, however I didn't want to just replicate the film and Dior advert (however I loved the idea of using a red balloon, as well as a blonde like in Dior) my story is about a youthful relationship between a local beauty of no social standing and is ignored/neglected due to her unique personality; then there is the introduction of the local rich boy who is completely infatuated by her and desperately is seeking her attention. YES! It is a complete cliche and very corny, but that's what I wanted, very out of my comfort zone as I am a bit of a miss-fit when it comes to being romantic. I really enjoyed this project however was extremely nervous about actually taking and planning the shoot as it is something I have never done before, it would be interesting to see if anyone can see this in my photographs. (Remember I am the novis of all novis photographers so please be gentle with me...)

Thank you to my beautiful younger sister Alexandra and her good friend Jake for being my models for the days shoot.

S

E

X

College is really intense at the moment, to be honest with you I am genuinely finding it hard to cope but as the old saying goes, a winner never quits!!! We have been looking in to styling in our new brief, have to admit I thought I would hate every moment of it as photography isn't something I am personally good at or interested in. However, surprisingly enough I am really enjoying it.

You probably can't really tell with my blog as I like to keep work and play separate, however as a person, I am not shy it is something I have never really been, especially when it comes to the topic of fashion, sex and the cosmopolitan way of life.  I think this is why I found the above Stylist Brett Bailey so appealing. 

He's Bold, New, Quite Erotic and very Confident when it comes to his work ethic. These photographs are from his story for LoveCat Magazine titled 'Stardust with Abbey Brothers'. I have used it for inspiration for my own story based around the explosion of a life style. (Photographs will be on here very soon!!!) 

What I love about this particular story is the way he portrays a glamorous Hollywood life style but in a very provocative way, the more uncut version of glamour. The sexual confidence the models have and the way they are dressed runs so many different options and ideas threw your mind and I think that's what inspired me for my own story, which hopefully when the photo's are complete you can see and experience yourself. I like Bailey, feel that you shouldn't hide away in the fashion world, whether you have a rather androgynous style like myself or a fetish for the fabulous it doesn't matter, it's about what you do with it and having the confidence to do almost anything. There should be no limits and that's probably one of the biggest things I have learnt from my styling brief due to looking at stylists like Bailey as well as many others. 

It's no longer about what you wear, it's about how you wear it. 

I Have An Issue I need to Discuss With You All...

It's nothing personal don't worry, when I say issue, its a magazine reference not a personal opinion!
Finally catching up with college however stressful it may be becoming, but I do love a challenge so wont be backing out of this one just yet.

Today has been a real treat though, we're starting to look into styling and the styling of a story with in a magazine spread so who better to study than my personal bible and high priestess VOGUE AND ANNA WINTOUR! Yes, today was lovely as we watched one of the best independent movies of all time 'The September Issue'. A quick recap of the movie, it's about the 2007 American Vogue September Issue which stared Sienna Miller on the front cover, it was and maybe still is (I need to check) the largest published issue of VOGUE to date.
The movie was all about the making of this particular issue as well as what is needed to create the modern bible.


From watching the movie, which I have seen many many times before, I actually learnt so much more than I would have thought. The effort that goes in to even just a simple photograph, the hours of planning and number of people it takes for just one photo shoot of one story in phenomenal. 
I really enjoy looking in to stories with in a magazine, so much inspiration is taken from them.
In 'The September Issue' you are literally taken around the world to find the perfect enviroment for the perfect photograph...
It's made me, someone who is passionate about fashion, like my idle Anna I live and breath for what I do and wont let a thing get in my way to get what I want, right down to the last button whole. But looking at all of it in full, and what it takes in the real world, It's made me stop and think that critisism is always constructive, taking time is essantial but taking too long costs money. All these things as a student you don't always think about...but that's the best part I feel that has come from today... I now know that even if I get it wrong first time now, It's going to be worth it in the future because I'll know how to get it right.

 

ADVICE FROM A WISE ONE

Something I always remember when comparing High Street and Couture Fashion is a quote from a designer I completely adore and admire to the highest level possible...VALENTINO.
He is the ultimate couture designer, I watched a documentary on the very genius as well as the film based around one of his last shows before his retirement a couple of years ago.
He gets so passionate about the politics of good style for example how a woman should never been seen flaunting her ankles under an evening gown, how offended it made him feel just thinking about it.




When you compare religions like that to high street do's and dont's, not to mention the very attitude towards high street is a lot more free and liberated in the sense that less is more couldn't be further from the truth...the more flesh you flaunt the better!!!
(Just goes to show how different these two worlds are doesn't it!)



So for me, Couture equals class, sophistication and timeless elegance. However, for High street really is being a peacock about yourself and getting out what you have, opening up your wild side and showing it all off in the most eye catching, show stopping way possible... (Not worrying about a little cheeky ankle showing in the process!)

Take Two To Trot Over To Japan For Vogue Fashion Night Out...

Henry Holland once said "Do me daily Christopher Bailey" well, I can't promise you the genius himself, but I can promise two minutes of just pure Burberry excitement that took place only a handful of days ago.

I am a very fortunate fashionista in training these days as my Auntie Penny is manager for Indie band 'The Crookes' a group of talented young boys who have taken vintage indie pop right into the world of today with more of bang than a pop to be honest... ANYWAY!
The boys were given the opportunity as part of their tour to travel over to Japan avec Burberry to perform in front of Japan, and the rest of the worlds finest in fashion. You may recognise them from Burberry's summer session a few months back where they played live along side another favourite music group of mine One Night Only.

In this clip you may, well I hope you do, recognize a few familiar faces, such as the man behind the mac Christopher Bailey, as well as E.I.C of American Vogue Anna Wintour (A woman who I could quite easily say I worship!) and many other fascinating faces, but I'm not spoiling any further.
I had to blog about this event as I personally found it so exciting and just by watching the two minute video I felt as if I was part of the crowd....It truly was a little piece of heaven.

So please, do watch, listen and enjoy... It's fashion, fabulous people and gorgeous music, what more could you ask for!!!

Burberry Celebrates Vogue's Fashion Night Out in Japan

Looking at lucky Louise...

I've had to take a break from photography today, it really isn't my 'fortay' as they say but I'm trying to broaden my knowledge slightly further from the trusty pen and pencil! It's an experience I can tell you, I never realised something so small could be so complex! (All I'm doing is photographing shirts, jackets and shoes for a college drawing assignment!)

Anyway, less rambling, more blogging...

Looking at my title you're probably puzzled, well, cast your minds back to London Fashion week, I published a blog shortly before hand begging you to look out for my three most favourite British designers, so I truly hope you did and enjoyed their collections just as much as I did.

However, this blog is not about Henry, or Mulberry or even Burberry; it is about that little lady I recommended you kept your eyes peeled for, Louise Gray.

I always keep my eyes open for Louise ever since I read an article about her in a supplement magazine a couple of years ago, she was reported even then as the new edge on the island and I think they were bang on. Louise reminds me of the ultimo version of Vivienne Westwood, why?!

Because she's edgy, she's got really original and exciting ideas when it comes to fashion and she isn't afraid of expressing herself as well as her collections with colours, textures and a miss-match of pattern!

Louise Gray's London Fashion Week show was for me, really enjoyable, it was exciting, theatrical and the pieces them selves were so empowering. The words that came to me as I watched the shows play back on my computer in our poky office (not quite the live cat walk but still, you don't get to go to those in your Jim-jams with a brew do you?!) were that her inspiration this season just had to be theatrical punk. It sounds so wrong when you say it, however, with the textures, shapes and colours used there is no other way of explaining. Even down to the small details such as the hair, the wistle earings and the way the models were dressed, they all looked so careless and the clothes looked like they themselves just were not interested in being where they were. It's like the garments had an anichism of their own almost. Rebelling against the ordinary, yet still oozed style.

The models make up was so kitsch as well, with the dusting of stars and sparkle down their faces and messy hair, as well as the fantastic hair pieces that were in heart shapes or looked a little bit like balloon animals. (The ones that when you were younger and you went to that one party and there was a clown that insisted on making you a dog out of long balloons; personally I hated those parties!) The scenery reminded me of Mr.Blobby, the way there were just coloured circles floating everywhere, which I suppose goes with the whole theatrics of it all.

All in all, it was another typically great show by Miss.Louise and I just feel more and more excited now by the prospects of the rest of collections to come. The theatre behind her collections and that sort of modern punk vibe you get really appeals to me, and I think anyone who has a keen interest and love for fashion should agree with me there. If I could interview anyone for this Blog, or even just for pleasure, Louise would be up there on the fashion front, just so I could have a peak as to what goes threw this creative mind of hers. She really is lucky to have such a talent!

On Your Marks...Get Set...GOOOO!!!.....WOH-WOH-WOH, STOP!

Just by looking at my title you're probably wondering am I writing a blog, or running a marathon with a dodgy start?. Well, no not exactly, it is still a blog, and the blog is still on fashion. (I haven't suddenly changed my passion in life to sports.) No, they're basically the words I would match to my life over the last couple of months.

I feel like I have been running the ultimate race, and still am and am no where near the finish line!!! College has been crazy, being ill sadly didn't help as now that I am better and back on my feet and online again, it has come to my attention that I am worryingly behind, but determination is the key with these things so I'm back charging on.

That's what us Brit girls are about isn't it, once you've fallen off the saddle, the only thing left to do is to hop right back on again and up your game plan.

Back to fashion!

My 40's era is done after exploring Surrealism, the New Look, Nazi invasions and how to make your own hosiery with a piece of chork and well shaven legs when you can't afford to nip down to Marks and Spencer's! Safe to say I have really enjoyed it, however, like the genuine 40's woman probably felt after the war, I'm glad it's all over!

So, now that is all done I was left to chose my next adventure and where I fancied going with it.

As well as fashion I have a huge love and interest in music, not so much current tunes (even though I do love some of the indie bands at the moment such as The Crookes, Bombay Bicycle Club and The Jezables < check them out!!!) But more vintage sounds, such as The Smiths, Vintage Madonna and The Jesus and Mary Chain so, after listening to a good bit of 'there is a light that never goes out' I thought why not do the obvious and look even further to where it all began, it being my obsession with Vintage.

So, I have chosen to study the 80's. A lot of my personal style is very 80's influenced, more of a Morrisey/Pretty in Pink look though and less Madonna/New Romantics.

I love how the 80's changed the way we do things and how fashion was addressed and you were given a whole new freedom when it came to style and how people could dress, music became even more rebellious - influencing the fashions of the time, and designers such as the great Vivienne Westwood were launched onto our society, as well as legends such as shoulder pads!!

It's an Iconic era and I am bursting with excitement to get started.

Any excuse to go to Vintage shops, listen to The Smiths and watch hours of films such as 'Desperately seeking Susan' and 'Pretty in Pink' is a good enough one for me. Don't you agree?

YOUR WARDROBE NEEDS YOU!!!...To refresh, re-wind and get a whole 'New Look'.

My mini venture back into the 1940's opened a whole new corridor of doors! It was all for the love of art and fashion of course (related to a college project we're doing at the moment.)

The 40's was a strange time for the world, not just the British.

High fashion came to a halt sadly for a few years, due to the war breaking out. Well known french designer Coco Chanel reported at the time that ''The war was not the right time for fashion''. And she was sadly right.

But when one door closes, two more open.

I never knew that much about the war, history was never a passion of mine. But one thing I am enjoying on this particular era is how fashion came out stronger and took a turn for the better.

It goes back to one of my favourite sayings, and it is so true; what doesn't kill us only makes us stronger.

The most iconic year of the 40's for me was long after the war in 1947, when french genius and fashion romantic Christian Dior brought out the 'New Look'.

It was feminine, it was brilliant, it changed the way women everywhere dressed and presented themselves. Self confidence was re-born again. That was what was so great about Dior at the time, the war had been so full of utility clothing and un flattering shapes and style. Women, and Men for that matter had to change the way they dressed dramatically threw the war and it was designers like Christian Dior and also in a way people like Norman Hartwell and Coco Chanel, they brought fashion back in action and made women everywhere remember who they really were at what gems they had to offer.

Whether it was a tight waist, full skirts, lower necklines or just the genuine originality of his designs, Dior certainly knew what women of the new age should be wearing and how they should be wearing it.

The look was at first only available those of high society HRH Princess Margaret appeared on the cover of VOGUE in 1949 wearing of the Dior 'New Look'.

'The New Look' is reported to be one of the most timeless pieces of fashion since it began (a long with the classic Chanel suit, Givenchy's Little Black Dress...) but then in my opinion great style never out dates!!!

Bettinia Grazziani in Christian Dior.

Susan Abraham in Dior while traveling to Paris.

One of Christian Dior's earliest sketches.

Missed me?! . .

If I was to be truthful, which I always am, I'm one of those people that was born incapable of lying to anyone about anything; blogging has just completely thrown me, at the beginning of the month I didn't even know what it was... thought I was getting the hang of it, then came the middle of the month, my personal life entered the ultimate coma and my mind down the same road. Inspiration to get out of bed, never mind write was rare. For this I apologise and am pleased to say I'm back, fresh, fighting and more myself with new and exciting ideas I hope you will enjoy, whoever you may be.

Merci, Grasias, Thank you, Grazi, Danke, Spasiba, Dank u (Bedankt).....


Now, back to FASHION!!!

The October issue...well, it's still September however!

This blog, titled the October issue, is due to an article I've been reading in the current issue of British Vogue today. If you have purchased the issue, check out the 'Fashion Invaders' article, its a comparison between Scandinavians subtle yet striking style and the forever in my heart French chic... That statement is the biggest clue as to what I am writing about today, on this truly British Autumn day as the weather is freezing, wet, windy and just plain terrible. I would give anything to be sat in a Paris cafe by the seine sipping a decaf munching on a warm pain Au chocolat, BUT ANYWAY! back to fashion.

This article has really grabbed my attention because french fashion is probably what first sparked my interest in what I adore, for example Coco Chanel is my favourite designer of all time and who I consider a huge idol to myself and probably many other fashionistas in the world!
I don't know what it is about the french but I have always loved and tried to steer towards there pretty, feminine shapes and that effortlessly chic look. For example flat doll pumps with a-line mini skits and round neck jumpers are something I especially love the look of. The whole concept of taking something as complex as the female form and just by applying fabrics and couple of fastenings, it is then turned into something as simple and elegant as you see strolling around the streets of Paris and beaches of St Tropes.

Scandinavian style is something that has only recently caught my eye, I adore its quirkyness and cuddle up cosy feel that it gives. Nearly every Scandinavian fashion designer, house or label is representing some of the best knitwear and winter tailoring you can buy! One of my personal faveourite faces of fashion is Freja Beha Erichsen at the moment and in my opinion she is the perfect example of a modern Danish woman. On the desiger side of life, I highly recomend looking up Acne if you do not already know them, which I hope you do!!! A less well known name, well names, that I really enjoyed browsing over were Heikki Salonen ( a new designer whom sticks to monochrome shades and simple lines within the designs) and shoes, a girls (and guys) best friend I love Camilla Skovgaard's designs, especially this season...her wooden look ankle boot plat forms are to die for in my opinion, so check them out!

Heikki Salonen A/W11



Last but not least, the French side of the article, en france il y a mode manifique! - which is french for in france there is fantasitc fashion. The article covers style, interiours, Pin-Ups, music, scent and Screen Hits so make sure you buy your issue and check it out! My blog just doesn't do it justice no matter how much I try.

French style expands more and more every year where everyone who is anyone, or maybe even no one special at all is wanting a piece of chic. The french are so seductive with the way they look, you just need to think about there 'Pin up girls' and know that even the most disaplinned of men would go weak at the knees. Especially when you look at those like Vanessa Paradis, who's tiny frame, intense features and glowing gold hair got her a place on the Chanel stakes not to mention a dashing compainion to boot!
It's designers like Chanel, Chloe and recent addition to the scene The Kooples which is fabulous new house based in Paris with a brilliant concept and stunning tailoring as well as much more avaliable! If I could I would...

Summary, as long as you've got chunky kitsch knits, a tailored midi skirt and smouldering make-up on you've basically got Scandanavia couvered! As for the faithful French chic, just pack your pumps from Repetto, get that tailored jacket out you never know what to wear with, stick a flippy dress underneath it (sprits a little Coco Madamoiselle under your jaw line) and you'll be the perfect parisian before you've even put the kettle on!

The Kooples.



Country Bumpkin..OR..Country Queen?!

I've always had a kind of fondness for country casual chic, I am at heart a Manchester girl, which we all can agree is far from the country side in every way.  But since I have spent quite a large percentage of my life in the country side, Cheshire I may add which is pretty much fields everywhere you look! I think it is my curiosity as a person that has made me admire the way the Cheshire set dress and have become quite fond of it.

It isn't just Cheshire though obviously, my boyfriend is from a farming background of Shropshire and just by spending time with him and his social circle I have noticed key items that create the perfect country casual chic, instead of country bumpkin bore.

My key tips for this look, if you're interested as it is never a bad look in the Autumn/Winter season are:
-High top, flat leather boots.
-Polo neck jumpers.
-Sheep skin leather bomber jackets.
-Jodhpurs/skinny leg trousers (not denim though.)
-Chunky knit jumpers, or, a long in length, thin knit cardigan, it's all about wrapping up warm this season as a cold suits no one!
-Tweed and plaid textures/patterns.
-Fur coats.
-Quilted jackets and neck-a-chief's, this is something that must be like attending church on a Sunday if you're catholic when it comes to completing the countryside chic image...VITAL!

Designers to focus on that have quite often passed this brief are, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Alexander McQueen and Dolce&Gabbana also joined the parade in Autumn 2010. If you really fancy going hardcore with your look, I've found that the brand Country Casuals has always got what you need on offer.

 Burberry Autumn/Winter 2011

Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2010

Tommy Hilfiger Menswear 2011

Ralph Lauren Autumn 2011

London fashion week!!! My favourite week in the year...Apart from new york fashion week, and milan, and paris...

2011, London Fashion week is upon us at last, its probably the one thing I really look forward to this time of year, even Christmas doesn't overwhelm me with this level of excitement. So many 'Best of British' designers all in one place at the same time, with equally amazing and breath taking shows yet entirely individual to the designer!!

The shows I am most looking forward too are possibly three of my most loved designers, all British...I think deep down British fashion has almost had the most impact on my taste and admiration to do well in the fashion world, there is something about it, the sophistication of a British designer just shines differently... Don't you think?!

firstly, Mulberry I am personally a huge fan, especially of her handbags but her collection all ways has my full attention especially in the Autumn/Winter collection, that's when I think the true richness of Mulberry comes out

Secondly, Burberry Prorsum Christopher Bailey does this label justice every year, and for what I have seen so far from the Autumn/Winter '11/12 collection no one will be disappointed at fashion week!

And thirdly, someone I am always thirsty for Henry Holland ESPECIALLY as it is his first show on schedule at London Fashion week so, like a young teen at her first boy band performance I really could burst with pure excitement, you would be mad not to feel the same...or at least look into why! He truly is one to watch!

Last but not least, while I was browsing the line up, a few new names, well, ones I hadn't personally heard of before such as David Koma a new designer from Georgia and J.W.Anderson who is a menswear designer from Ireland, but the one that really caught my eye, possibly because of her similarity to British heroin Vivienne Westwood.

Louise Gray . This new gem is lined up on the ''NEWGEN show sponsorship at London Fashion week'' studied and St Martins and Glasgow school of art and textile design. Her designs are new, quirky yet really refreshing. I can't explain how in words, you will have to have a look for yourself but the way her garments fall together with the many different patterns and colours.. a quick taster for you, her 2012 Spring/Summer collection is themed on; Freedom, technology, mirages and sunny days. Personally, that sounds like a pretty promising place to start!

In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different....

Coco 'Gabrielle Bonheur' Chanel.

Personally, if I am being honest, I think I owe my discovery and genuine adoration for fashion to this very icon. Even for a student such as myself, I find that it is traditional yet timeless designers such as Chanel that inspire us to do so much risk taking in fashion today.

Chanel, not only a beautiful and iconic woman, but she was also a daring one, a woman that took her generation by the brass and changed it for the better, it's almost like the factt that she couldn't go out and work for herself and be her own person, she had to be someone else's first, made her feel the need to rebel against the entire sex and free women everywhere from the tight grasp of such a sexist imprisonment, and instead of going about it threw politics, she chose clothes.

Coco Chanel didn't\pay any attention to what women were expected to wear, instead she focused on what they shouldn't and what made her feel comfortable, ignoring all traditions around her, she created a world of exquisite designs and a very, for the time, individual style.

For a brief period of time she was a hat designer for private clients with whom she made acquaintance with threw Etienne Balsan; the rich lover she lived with for while. This hat making then turned into a small boutique business which eventually branched into casual and sportswear, and then finally thanks to the funding of her first love Arthur Capel 'Boy' (a wealthy business man from England Chanel began an affair with who sadly died in a motoring accident) she opened her fist fashion house. "Maison De Couture Chanel".

To me Chanel isn't just a designer or someone that once had an idea and did something about it, she is an inspiration and to me iconic. She changed the fashion world as we know it, and even today her key ideas and style is seen all over every street we live on. Take the 2.55 bag for example is something that made a statement by itself, and her first collection tugged on so many heartstrings that it was not surprising ''Maison De Couture Chanel'' became such a success.

The key to being part of Coco to me is not just the tweed suits with braided edging, or even the striped blouse from one of her many trips with Boy to the seaside where she watched fisherman bring in there catch at the end of the day. Its the way a Chanel outfit shares her true love for life with you, and the romances she was having not only with the gentlemen in her life but also each and every texture, silouette and idea she was working with. Her creations just oused elegance and had an almost french etiquette about them. It's like she was almost being polite with her fashion rebelion. Coco may have been a head of her time, but she certainly got there in style.



Gareth Pugh

UHU GARETH PUGH... quite literally, we all want his attention when it comes to admiring his designs, ever since his first show in 2006 he has captured the eye of the fashion world with his legendary fashion-as-performance-art concept. His first collection stood out with its inflatable clothing and almost out of this world creations varying in all shapes and sizes.
His main colour theme you may notice is monochromes, black and white... harsh textures and eye catching patterns.
Very modern, theatrical and clean are probably the only things all the different years and seasons have in common, the rest changes from one mind blowing design to the next.

Personally my favourite collection Pugh has shown so far is the A/W 2011 collection, it's chic and modern edge is less theatrical and more high fashion but still has that fantasia edge to it. The sudden use of marine blues and metallic embellishment really brings a new light to Pugh as designer and also what is still to come from the ultimate magician of fashion.

5th september, first day at fashion college, no big deal...right?!

After working for the past two years on the high street and going from one college to the next trying to decide which course was right for me I think I have finally found the 1st prize winner!!
London road is a lovely campus with students to boot... As for the fashino course i can not wait!

I have never written or even read a blog before, so bare with me I'm the ultimate fresher to the online world!!!
(I couldn't even opperate a mac this morning!!!)

Threw the year I'm hoping to take you, the readers, followers etc (if there are any) threw a journey of what hopefully will be an insite to the stylish eye of myself and what tickles my fashion fancy. . . gallery visits, museums, catwalk shows and maybe even just specific clippings from my all time bible VOGUE, who knows... either way. it starts and ends here...

bon appetit x