Calvin's called in Moss for the 'Re-Issue project', and we're all over it. Literally.

 

One thing the third trimester of pregnancy has certainly done for me is create a little more time. And that time I am now filling with food, furniture painting and of course, fashion blogging! Not a bad way too live I must admit, perhaps minus a horrific case of baby-brain; so without further ado...

 

The topic we're all talking about, everyone's scribbling over and newspapers are going nuts for.

 

It's our favourite cocktail for a fashion collaboration of cool off the catwalk models and designer.

The ingredients are as follows,

Calvin Klein Jeans 

Justin O'shea

Michael Avedon

and of course, you can't have an iconic Klein capsule without a little Moss-appeal, but this time, no ones thinking about Kate.

Back in 1992 Kate Moss was shot for the campaign by Herb Ritts and catapulted into the spotlight as the Heroin Chic Super you could find in a pair of boyfriend jeans and a Calvin crop top. Over a decade later, her younger sister Lottie Moss is following in her siblings footsteps and taking the fashion world by storm one bambi like limb at a time!  And ironically, even the photographer is following from within the family with Michael Avedon (son of Richard Avedon who shot model Brooke Shields for Calvin Klein also back in the early 90's) being the man behind the lens for Lottie's 'Re-Issue' with the Fashion House. 

Moss, Avedon and co have been called in to almost re-launch the iconic spread for the collaboration between Klein and online hub Mytheresa.com entitled; The Re-Issue Project.

With the capsule's campaign reminiscing the Moss Boyfriend Jean, Calvin Klein sweatshirt, Brooke Shields skinny jeans and 'those' denim jackets. Of course all being heavily branded with iconic CK logo, it's no surprise it's all been approached so personally.    

Some people may criticise that it's a little cliché to have a sister-act scenario on such a scale, but personally, those people are talking total tripe. When Kate met Klein and that relationship was put in front of the camera a seriously high standard for clothing campaigns was set, and who better to challenge that than her own flesh and blood.  

Lottie Moss, at the just-so age of 16 is who Avedon is quoting as someone that "truly represents the essence of the Calvin Klein girl," and I must agree with him. The soft skin, 'those' cheekbones, bambi like frame and intriguing English rose features just fit the all American label like a glove, or jeans in this instance. It is almost like History is happening for today's tomorrow instead of back in yesterday's decade!

You can understand why buying director of Mytheresa.com; Justin O'shea is so chuffed over their collaboration with the company for this almost re-revolutionised campaign.

Looks like it's been a promising start for the Moss that is Lottie.

 

 

 



When is it finally no longer about good taste and finally time for the elasticated waste?

Firstly, massive apologies to the online world of the word for my absence over the recent months, life works in mysterious ways and mine has been that of a rollercoaster lately. All to be revealed!

But back to the blog and it's whimsical title. 

Don't worry ladies, I'm not slumping into a fashion breakdown, however stressed and disorientated life makes me feel I will always find solace in shoes and style but I have reached a crossroads in my life, especially when it comes to what too wear everyday.

And that crossroads shall be coming out of the delivery room in around 4 months time; yes, I am having my first baby.

Forgive my poor excuses for keeping up to date in the fashion world but this news back in January came to quite the surprise, I'm normally not accustomed to being startled by coloured lines, I'm an artist in my own right and appreciate striped fabrics. But believe me when I say the sensation of emotions overwhelms you when you're staring down at the two particular lines on a pregnancy test symbolising a positive; I'm not kidding. OVERWHELMING. Planned or otherwise I don't think you are ever prepared for the news when it comes to a baby.

I have always wanted to be a mum, from a young age I have only ever had a small amount of goals in regards to my personal life, they were to find my Prince Charming, (cliché but come on girls you are lying if you have never said those words) figure out what Love really means whether that is love for a person, a place or a pair of shoes, but thirdly, to become a woman.

For me being a mum isn't just about conception, contractions and comfort blankets; it's about balancing yourself as a woman and your duty of care to the life you have brought into the world as 'mum'. A lot of people I have spoken too since beginning my journey into parenthood have all said the same, "you can't learn it in a book", "you can't wear clothes like that when babies here" and so on and so forth and in a way, I am sure they are right, but at the moment we haven't even chosen a name never mind chosen our opinions on how to do it all!

My biggest task at the moment as a young woman who, I have to be honest has never really had to think about what I am wearing on a daily basis, I now suddenly need to! Don't under-estimate what I am writing, I am enjoying the challenge.

But a challenge it most certainly is.

Sorry to brag but if you are a woman like myself you have the ability to fashion up anything style-savvy at the drop of a hat, however, when your hips are widening, stomachs swelling and your bust is just beyond control the task is not so simple.

High wasted trousers? Toss them out of your mind for now, it wont happen, trust me I have tried with so many pairs and styles.

Leggings? Don't be stubborn go for maternity maybe sooner rather than later, my advice there though, wear a longer top with a vest underneath to avoid any 'sagging' while your bump builds itself up. You'd be surprised how uncomfortable some days are during early stages of growth!

Those extra inches under your feet? Be brave but not bonkers, it's scientifically proven that it is good for you posture to wear heels regularly but when you're pregnant; safety over science! I still wear mine but only if they're sturdy, safe when it comes to support and easy to walk in. If you're feeling the strain in your back before you have even got out of the shower, don't be silly when it comes to your shoes. Keep it flat.

Jeans, in fact any form of denim? Great! As long as they're elasticated or at least with that faithful maternity band, all is a.okay! Fortunately all areas of Denim are in right now so you can pass it off easy.

When it comes to jeans I've found, as long as you're confident to expand with your waste band, denim is a winner during pregnancy. Again, like leggings, if the band gets higher, the hem can fall lower. It's as easy as that. AND if you can't afford to 'stretch' out the pennies for the maternity label, buy a strip of elastic and create accordingly. Stay tuned!

 

There are so many things that change during pregnancy that they do not cover in the manuals the Midwife gives you, even if they do they're a lot less honest than you would expect. And when it comes to the rules of what to wear, the print just isn't available.

Which is where I come in; through this magical journey of hormones, height in appetite and broken waters I am determined to prove that you can expand your style as well as your waste line when it comes to growing with your bundle of joy.

After all, clothes in a way cast a spell over you, they make you believe that you can concur just about anything life throws at you because what's on your back says more about who you are than you could ever put into words. So if it means I have to take my Vogue into delivery for a moment of calm and want to give birth in an oversized Celine, I will and why not. Fashion is meant to grow with you through life and style should evolve depending on your chosen path, bringing a life into the world only makes that part of the journey more exciting.

 

 

 

Wing Power... The Gaultier Way.

I had been feeling for some time while lying low amongst the shadows of the fashion world that Couture was really loosing it's brilliance and breath taking characteristics, almost like the recession had drained the personality out of the designers never mind their pockets! Fashion has recently become more and more about the merchandise, the product and the publicity of the houses they represent than the beauty and the pure craftsmanship that goes into it all. 

Fashion needed to grow with change yes, but not loose the fairy tale aspect that came with. Fashion is something everyone can be part of, buy a part of that luxurious mega brand that is 'Fashion' whether it's a pair of Levis Jeans, Chanel No5 Perfume or a Calvin Klein two piece. It's all the same, it's all style but it's not couture. 

And that is what was becoming upsetting, the division between Haute Couture and Ready to wear  was fading, true fashion classes were merging together. I am not a snob, by any means, however there really is something magical about seeing real couture against any other aspect of the fashion industry, it really is something dreams are made of. Even I, the biggest foodie out of everyone I know would starve for a week just to slip straight into Christian Dior or Valentino! 

However I must admit, and I am almost ashamed to admit after being an avid Valentino Giravanni fan for as many years as I can remember, this year, my winner of the wonderland that is couture is Jean Paul Gaultier.

I'm a naturalist at heart, and this collection really brings together nature's beauty and French design perfectly. There was even a cheeky appearance of beauty Dita-Von Teese and you can never go wrong with an appearance from a burlesque icon on a couture catwalk in Paris!!!

 

 It's not that Gaultier was the best of S/S14 because to be honest there was some serious show stopping collections that really have just stolen my imagination entirely, Chanel for example was just remarkable! I must admit I'm a little squeamish regarding the term 'couture trainers' I must say, but then maybe I am just too old fashioned for a young one. 

Gaultier, I don't know how or why, maybe it;s the use of all the butterflies; has really won my vote this season and it's a refreshing change to see a little creative imagination on the catwalk that isn't all ultra-high tech or extreme. Even if his bridal entry is about 10ft high and ends like a pair of pants. 

 Going through the images from WWD one thing I did love was the colors, the beautiful sharpness and depth of the pallets throughout the collection just complimented one another perfectly, then again anyone who teams vibrancy with black puts a smile on my face. Over all the best way to describe Gautlier's collection for SS14 would be in one word, successful.

It's the right amount of playful-creativity and couture brilliance. It contains tailoring, couture, a crazy wedding dress and even a corset embellished with enormous exotic butterflies. 

Can't adore much more than that in one day really can you?!

Blog On!

Happy New Year all... Remember me? It really has been a while since I last signed in and got personal with my audience! 

I am sorry, unfortunately life has been more than just a roller-coaster ride over the past 8 months, it's safe to say that it really has drained the life out of me never mind my creativity.

But never mind, it's a new year and it's an opportunity to walk forward both feet first and just crack on, it's a poor effort using new year as an excuse for that 'fresh start' everyone raves about having once the clock strikes 12 and all the fire works go off but last year I failed to rely on just fate from my own actions so as of the 1st of January I have done nothing but evaluate my life and contemplate any changes that need to put into place regarding bad habits, one of which lucky for you guys was getting back to blog! 

There really is something therapeutic about tapping away ones inner feelings and observations aimlessly just to self-express and maybe get the odd recognition because actually sometimes it's not just a bit of babble about fashion and all things around me. 

I started the blog mainly because it was start of the curriculum at college a couple of years ago and safe to say since then I started to see it as a bad habit after leaving said course which was probably really unfair, but then if you found anarchy like I did you would probably start giving up on the nice things too. 

And I do consider blogging a nice thing; so between us, I have missed it. 

Ironically I am now back in education and attempting to complete it this time too! Foundation Degree In Fashion through Chester university, I was very fortunate to be accepted I must say, I was prepared to get on my knees and grovel at one point for my last chance. Even if my marks are terrible and I don't gain any chums or trophies it's about taking part and crossing the finishing line that counts these days! I gave up at the first hurdle last time, it would be a shame to conform to yet another idiotic idea wouldn't it?! As I have made a resolution to work on my bad habits it would be poor sportsmanship to choose sparingly which ones I actually try to change! 

I have learned that life doesn't offer second chances very often, when you make your bed you are expected to lie in it and shouldn't presume it'll go any other way, so being given such an opportunity as this to get back onto the studio and learn I haven't taken lightly. Yes I will admit as usual my attendance is sparing and life is still just as manic but they are bad habits that are just part of my make-up and I doubt I will really ever get rid of either as easily as I can control whether or not I do something with life, sadly we can't control everything. 

The great thing about fashion for a person like me is that you can be part of a community if you wear the right disguise and hide what's really going on around you, whether that's your struggles in your personal life or that nasty spot that's appearing on your forheard right before fashion week! Pretty much anything is possible just by throwing together whatever you feel like and pretending its a 'look' you're going for. 

In reality guys everything I wear matches my lively hood and lifestyle, it all comes either from a charity shop, someone else's wardrobe and I've even picked things out the sale rack maybe a million times! It's just life to not live in Harvey Nichols or order everything from Net-a-Porter like the shiny people do, it doesn't make me or the millions alike any less fashionable we just haven't reached that row of the show yet! We're the ones that appreciate what we have a hell of a lot more though I assure you.Even Vivienne Westwood has been known to shop out of the odd jumble bin in her earlier years!

I think it's accepting what has happened in my life over the last year and admitting that I probably could have done thing's a little differently but NOT dwelling on them and just moving forward that has pointed me back in the direction that is right for me. If you're not willing to accept your falls and grow from them whether it's in Fashion or any other industry you will never make it too the next season. 

I look forward to growing with you all while I blog and share over the coming seasons. 

Topshop: 'Made In Britain'.. And for their next trick?!'

I don't mean to sound so aggressive toward the high street, especially mega brands such as Topshop, but sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind. 

After my previous post about comparing the high street I really have delved deep to find what is in, out and to be quite frank; everywhere.

For the journey I started at the point where I would personally go to first for High Street fashion and that is Topshop, Sir Philip Green's most successful store nationwide and quite probably almost world wide too since it has been highly represented by the likes of Alexa Chung, Peaches Geldoff and various members of The Saturdays and most recently almost completely kitted out girl group; Little Mix in their video for single 'Change your life.'

Living where I live it's hard to shop with a little diversity as it's very small place and everyone tends to follow one another like chickens in a Coop when it comes to how they dress, especially the girls; there for our local high street stores tend to all stock the exact same kind of styles... It's heartbreaking and completely mind numbing, so I tend to do most of my shopping online in the comforts of my own home, no noise, no hassle and no clones to irritate me as I browse. 

However, in this instance, I did browse in public as I needed to see what was hot or not right now and what the high street had to offer, my findings? Disappointing to say the least. 

Everything has become so simple for Topshop, they produce what they know people want, they know a lot of people will pay whatever they need for it and that's that! And it's so wrong, I must admit when I looked online I was slightly more encouraged to smile about the brand. 

The reason being, on their 'collections' section there is a number of different sub-styles, one of which is named 'Made In Britain', I was intrigued and am apparently to believe that pretty much all the clothes on the section ARE made in Britain, the disappointing part... IT'S ALL SO DRAB! Nothing jumps out and makes me think, now that! That is British style at its best. Instead its all slogan t.shirts, beany hats and plain tailoring/skirts etc. I'm not constantly slagging off the fashion industry I promise, I love it, I just love style more and there IS a difference. If we could just combine the demand for mass produced fashion and one off genuine style the British Fashion scene would be back as big as it once was... It's credibility is no where near what it was in the 60's through till the 90's and its a shame. Together us as the un-heard and un-recognised need to work together to put true Brit style back on the map!! 

Back to Blogging.

HELLO!!!!

Remember me? Been a long time I know but I have decided regardless of being at college or not currently to go back to the blog world. 

A lot has happened since Summer 2012 and Spring 2013 but don't worry I wont be a sadist and bore you with the details after all, I am here to write about fashion and all things fabulous and if I was to be perfectly honest the only fabulous and fashionable occurrences in my life recently have been walking through various town squares past stores such as River Island and Topshop admiring their fabulous window displays of this season's new staple pieces for those who are fashion forward... Sadly, I continue to walk on and continue with my day leaving the excitement of the high street behind me my purse is now only Primark friendly these days!!!

One thing that has caught my eye recently is how pretty much everything looks the same!!! Fashion broadcasters I call out to you, see me as a spokesperson for the regular woman; What's going on?!

"Fashion fades, good style remains;" Coco Chanel, a quote which has since been proved reliable as thus far the seasons started pretty poor in my opinion on the high street, everyone looks like Armageddon actually took place in December and have all been reborn as clones, what happened to creating style? Where's the chic individuality we all once craved gone? And more importantly, why is everyone accepting this?!

I am not for one moment what I would consider the most fashionable of females but I do pride myself in not being like everyone else or someone that religiously follows the trends! Vogue is my bible and I will follow the likes of Anna Wintour and Janet Street Porter until their days are done, but as far as high street fashion and it's continuity to deliver mass-produced, poorly cloned adaptations of the Couture world and High Fashion runways; I am not a sheep, so I shall not follow the heard.  

Have you missed my slightly anarchist tone of writing toward the fashion industry?! I have! I love fashion, I love the arts, I love the idea of timeless, brilliant style. I just feel that the world is slowly lacking in it, good style is almost as endangered as the panda bear! In fact, Panda's probably have a better idea of style than some high street junkies, monochrome has never done wrong!!! 

So, for the next couple of weeks I shall be rinsing through High Street names such as Topshop, River Island, Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge and New Look to see what's in the style guide what you can find just about everywhere!

Stay Tuned! 

Toi Silhouette c'est manifique!

Don't worry boys and girls I'm still blogging in English, my French is not that advanced sadly. But, the title does involve a word I think we can all understand. 

Silhouette. 

As part of my brief I'm having to write about and research into the design principles, as they relate to all areas of art... I got those very words from the brief itself. 

The first Silhouette I have looked into is the famous Hourglass. 

When I say famous I'm referring to the high profile the hourglass figure comes with thanks to famous iconic women such as Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren and more recently Super Model Lara Stone, Plus Size model Crystal Renn and T.V siren Christina Hendricks. 

All beautiful and I mean, breath taking women. 

But this Silhouette blog isn't about our NATURAL hourglass shape, it's about the one our clothes give us. the hourglass any girl can have whether she be short, tall, curved or skinny. Every girl deserves even as little as five minutes to be dressed like a Hollywood sex symbol. 

I have a real love for the hour glass; it's chic, its simple and really sexy. But then who wouldn't want a figure like Marilyn Monroe. 

My young sister is the hourglass out of the two of us, she was blessed with beautiful long blonde hair and bombshell curves, sadly I'm the tall, flat chested one of the family, I've got what I would say is a good sized bum but its still only a handful...Hardly the hump a man can hold on too! 

Anyway, you see where I am going with this? Some women have it and some women need help. No bad thing and it's certainly nothing to worry about, this is where I bring the fabulous Stella McCartney into the equation. 

Cast your minds far back into 2011'way back when', as they say and that is when this fabulous British designer created a beautiful solution to either enhancing your hourglass or giving you one just for a day, all from the crafty use of the right kind of Silhouette. 

Remember now? The beautiful mesh and black dresses which after the canny playing around with a few lines here and there, McCartney managed to create garments with a sculpted silhouette to give the illusion of a heart hourglass, and lets be honest, if you can give super model Natasha Polly an hourglass shape you  really have achieved what you set out too! 

For me it was the only way I could understand what the term 'Hourglass Silhouette' meant in design terms by looking back at this collection because I can't lie, when I first read it I was totally baffled, and even after my lecturer went through it with me I wasn't 100% certain I knew where she was coming from! 

McCartney also very cunningly also used natural skin tone material in areas where any woman's body would naturally curve in at the waist whatever her size contrasting with either red, white or blue and gave the illusion of a nipped in waist and the outcome really was quite outstanding. 

The evidence? Two of the great British kate's, Moss and Winslet. 

Here is the perfect examples on how any woman whether she be a skinny super model or voluptuous screen siren or maybe just your sister! Anyone with the right amount of confidence to work the ultimate man-made, or in this case, stella-made Silhouette can have it all.

Enjoy your cake AND eat it girls, the clothes have got your back when it comes to that extra half an inch. 

Technology is not as scary as it looks if you just give it a chance...

Until today I was the biggest technophobe you could ever meet, I hate technology and it isn't very fond of me either I have always felt. 

I always had in my mind that there were two types of people in the world, those who succeed and those that don't. That was what my mum always taught me the whole way through high school, then I came to college!!! 

The motto is still the same concept wise but I changed a few words, there ARE two types of people in the world, those who can use computers and those that can not. 

I am one of those few that just can not get my head around it. Especially things such as Illustrator and Photoshop.

Both equally as essential on my course and ironically both equally baffling to me! 

Personally if I could I would write everything by hand, use a dictionary and use camera's that need developing using film instead of everything being digital, usb and auto-checked. 

But, perhaps I'm just old fashion OR! I just haven't given myself and technology a chance to get to know one another well enough...

Any one would think I was stubborn like that... 

Anyway, today, as part of my 'I've come back to college so I may as well do well while I'm still here' philosophy I tried really hard and paid more attention to my CAD class than I think I ever possibly could have done in my life, and I have to say, I really enjoyed it once I figured out what I was doing. 

I still think polaroid camera's and fine art are more my thing but this modern technology stuff isn't half bad! 

This you see above is genuinely my first EVER attempt at Photoshop, I know it isn't amazing or really exciting to look at but I am personally quite proud of the achievement. I feel a bit like that grandparent everyone has that discovers texting for the first time and think's it's a revelation 10 years too late but still! Better late than never at all with these things! 

I wasn't entirely sure what to do for my photoshop assignment so I chose a place I like and an image I like, so, before you there is Camden Street Market and a Brit-Punk fashion model.

The background layer I did not alter but I did import the Brit girl onto the image using a lasso tool and dragged it over from one image to this one. 

I'm thinking next time I need to be a lot less safe and a lot more confident with what I'm doing but for now, I'm quite happy with the results and I someone somewhere will agree, it isn't half bad for a beginner. 

Fingers crossed anyway! 

Belle Elle Collections

There's something about a glossy Fashion magazine that genuinely does something to all the nerve endings down my spine, walking into a newsagents or supermarket and seeing them all stocked up high along the shelves makes me feel like anything is possible. They really are "shining beacons of hope" as Nigel quotes on my favourite film The Devil Wears Prada. 

And he is so right to say that, when I look through a fashion magazine whether that be VOGUE, ELLE, HARPERS BAZZARR or even just COMPANY I really do feel like I am part of the glamour and the expensive lifestyle that comes with the high fashion industry, not to mention my mind just explodes with excitement over all the beautiful ensembles and paragraphs of praise for all the new seasons collections. 

I think the most exciting 'new' thing for me, and say new in a very loose term, I just have not been purchasing and collecting as long as I have VOGUE. Elle Collections, it's possible one of the greatest inventions publications have come up with in my eyes. 

It is the perfect way to bring fashion week, new designers and trend forecasts into anyone's home. It's how I would describe wealth feels, when I hold this magazine and loose myself in its pages, anything feels possible, it really inspires me in so many ways. 

(And since my college summer homework is all about 'what inspires me', seems like a pretty good reason to enjoy my inspiration...Ideally attending the actual fashion shows would be better but I'll leave that in my dream world box not my reality one for now!) 

What I love about Elle Collections is that it puts as much enthusiasm into each and every designer, shoe and accessory and doesn't scrimp on attention to detail either. Quite often I find a lot of fashion publications concentrate to much on what not to wear, and who doesn't look good in something than what actually is beautiful, which in my opinion, when it comes to fashion, it is pretty impossible for any woman to not look breathtaking in couture or ready to wear.

Isn't that the whole point of quality? 

I'd recommend the magazine purely because it feels special in itself, yes it's not cheap, but lets be honest, apart from Primark nothing is cheap when it comes to fashion! 

I just love how it presents every leading designer of the season and give dialogue on the shows, the clothes and the people who make it happen. It's like the ultimate season journal. And it looks pretty too!!!!

Publications like this always make me feel better and boost my moral if I'm feeling a little deflated, which I wont hide from you, I have done over the past week or so but there is always a silver lining and light at the end of the tunnel, I have not yet reached the light but fashion is always, and will always be my silver lining to any situation. Except financial perhaps, that becomes a little awkward! 

But anyway, regardless, try the magazine out, try and find 'that' feeling about fashion that everyone should share! And if it's not for you, what's stopping you picking a different form of learning/reading material up next time you're getting your ciggies from the shop or carton of milk for breakfast cereal? Two perfect situations for reading, at breakfast or with a coffee and cigarette, both suit myself perfectly and on that note, I think it's time I went for mine. 

Enjoy.  

Androgyny Shoot planning.

You may remember from around late June time? or was it July... I am not entirely sure to be honest, either way, the month is irrelevant at this moment in time. I'm more bothered about the month on its way over, September is only days away and that is when the new college term starts! It's not even the new term that frightens me, it's the new college year! The LAST college year...

Anyway, moving on...

As I was saying...

June/July I completed my final garment, it was based around Androgyny and Vintage Vivienne Westwood with a message about feeding super skinny models to try and bring attention to the still increasing level of young adults and teenagers suffering eating disorders influenced by the fashion industry and media. 

In September I will be shooting my final garment how I planned to present it on the catwalk, well, how I would have in an ideal world anyway. 

With it being Androgynous I figured being original was the only way forward, so I wont be modelling my work on a dainty, beautiful and idealistic female model. But a male model, a tall, broad and unusually featured young male. 23 to be exact at 6ft2 with big blue eyes, a pout that would give Kiera Knightley and Kate Moss a run for their money and cheek bones that even Andrej Prejic would pay for... See where I'm going with the comparisons? They're all females, well, except Andrej but then again as a fellow Androgynous model he may as well be female. 

It was Andrej Prejic that inspired me in the very first place way back when as they say so it seemed ironic to end where we started off, with a man, that has features of both feminine and masculine that doesn't wander on to the trans side of life! I would like to make that quite clear yet again, cross dressing, transsexualism and Androgyny are all COMPLETELY DIFFERENT looks and can not be confused at this stage. 

Anyway, my head shots and experimentation's for the final shoot once back at college are as follow. Let me know what you think!

Nothing Gray about TOPSHOP

I've been a fan of the Punk Scott pretty much since she came on the fashion radar, now her compilation is set with TOPSHOP I must admit I am pretty over the moon!!! First Katrantzou and now her! 

Sadly I don't have the kind of lifestyle or bank account that enables me to shop at the top if you like but I do however really appreciate a good fashion collaboration.

I can't decide if its the acid bright infusions, punk style shirt, leather jackets or swing dresses that make my hairs stand on end but either way I'm excited!!! 

Gray really inspires me because she's just so unique and unusual, as a designer and a character.

Anyway.... the collection in pictures for all to enjoy is as follows!

 ~ This one is a personal favourite above, I can't decide if it's the combination of loose fabrics and high shine fabrics or the way it all just clashes together in all the right ways, either way, I WANT!

Frankly speaking I think...

I know it's a Sunday morning however, time for a little riddle. 

What do the following all have in common? 

Amy Whinehouse, Kate Moss, Pete Doherty, Marilyn Monroe and Kurt Cobain? 

Guessed yet?

Here's a clue, they're all statements in fashion or have made some form of iconic image that has been manipulated to create 'styles' in the fashion world. But that still is not the answer to my riddle. 

Give up?

Drugs.

All of the above are beautiful and talented in one way or another yet have either been corrupted or in worst cases killed by the most evil of things on the planet, I say this because it is so unpredictable, swimming in a sea of sharks is a predictable evil as you understand that in a split second you could become dinner. Drugs, a completely different form of evil.

You're probably wondering why on earth I am blogging about something as un-fashionable as Drugs but all will be revealed. It's a form of irony writing about drugs though in a way if you think about it, look at how many fashion symbols and style icons have been influenced or involved in the witchcraft that is so deadly; Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss, massive super models that rose in the 1990's, Kate being the creator of 'Heroin Chic' THE look in fashion for the time...Not so chic in reality if you look at what it did to her, natural and unusual beauty ruined by illegal and legal sole destroying, skin decaying substances that wrecked her from the inside out, all for that short term 'high'. 

Pete Doherty, some would blame him for Kate's corruption, but personally I don't, it is very easy to be around someone her has a bad habit/addiction and not be lured into the world of unknown highs and colourful surroundings. Yes he drugs and yes it is wrong but he is one of the most unique and talented, intelligent musicians in the UK not to mention one of great style yet he again has been wasted and ruined by the worst of demons. America also, home of Hollywood and the talent that built its reputation, in movies and music. Marilyn Monroe, whom I wrote about recently, also lost in a world out of her own control as a way of escaping what was reality, fame and fortune; affairs and loneliness drove one the biggest beauties and icons into the ground (literally) from overdosing. Kurt Cobain, an icon in style and music committed suicide on April 8th 1994 after recently being dispatched from rehab for drug addiction, people ignore his wife, Courtney Loves warning and concern over suicidal behaviour from her husband after being released which in the end proved right, just goes to show that once you become attached to something it's too hard to let go, especially when it's all you know and a lifestyle.  

I think personally though, the one thing that hit me hardest when it comes to beauty, good style and pure talent being ruled and ruined by drugs is Amy Whinehouse. A woman that truly inspired me for a very long time musically and with fashion while I was growing up and it was heartbreaking to hear the papers chant and call her names, pushing her further into a world of mass destruction and pain, when really all the girl wanted and needed was HELP!

I've learnt recently, the hard way, that most of the time people that take drugs are often just insecure and/or crying out for help and have no one to turn to or no where to escape too so use substances to create that comfortable world that they can run away too when times get tough or uncomfortable.

My name is Georgi and my boyfriend is an addict, it makes him sound like a bad person I'm sure, he is a father of one, has the face and body of a male super model and a talented writer, painter, chef and a friend to anyone. For the last 10 years he has been dealing with an unhealthy Amphetamine and Speed addiction. As well as having habits in possibly every other substance you can possibly imagine, they've taken his life from ups and downs and all over the place, matches his personality at the moment to be honest. The problem with drugs is they consume you and control your brain to believe that there is only one way in life and that is the wrong way... Drugs way... The escape way. Truth is, that is far from the truth in reality. But drugs and substances are experts in converted reality into fantasy and before you know it you're trapped. 

Luckily my boyfriend is seeking help and is being admitted into rehab, but it isn't the first time, he's one of the lucky ones, and it is better late than never. It's hard and horrible to watch the person you love and adore be pulled apart by something so unnecessary. Amy wasn't as fortunate. I sometimes wonder if we hadn't had 'Heroin Chic', super models, musicians and celebrities dabbling in bad habits would there be less of an issue now, would the younger generation still find it as fun and exciting, cool even to try?

No one can answer that.

We can only learn from mistakes. 

And hopefully, and I truly hope this everyday now, people will begin to realise that they have so much more to give if they just try, no one wants to see even more talent wasted on such a painful situation to be in. 

Amy Whinehouse once said, "They tried to make me go to rehab, but I said no..." maybe if she'd gone, or someone had done what I did for my boyfriend and dragged her there the lyrics would have ended slightly differently, now we will never know her next chapter. 

The Magic That Was Marilyn

50 years is a long time for any girl to keep a beautiful reputation going. But in true iconic style, Ms.Monroe has quite literally done it with her eyes closed.

I will admit, when it comes to iconic females Marilyn Monroe was one I knew very little about, until my very own bombshell my baby sister boo became her biggest brit-girl fan.

She, like Marilyn, very blond, naturally beautiful, intelligent and always knows how and when to use her image when necessary. I remember the first film we watched together staring Ms.Monroe.... 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes' 1953 directed by Howard Hawks co-staring Jane Russel. It was beautiful. The costumes, the characters; everything. 

It's so strange to believe that a woman so spell binding and enigmatic was only with us for a heartbeat. 

Yes she was a film star, icon, business woman and mistress to many a rich man, but what really was the obsession with Marilyn. 

My personal answer, she was a real woman. All be at as I have said already a very unusually beautiful one, she was real all the same. Her big Hollywood smile was what made 'the Hollywood smile' famous, the peroxide hair, captivating curves and cheeky 'girl next door' out look on life. I don't know many women who would not love to admit the only thing they wore to bed was Chanel No'5! 

In a way that's what made Marilyn Monroe so new and beautiful, she was iconic in her own way, yes she was another Hollywood wonder of the 20th Century but her looks and personality took it to new heights. 

Even after her death in 1962 she still continued to flood people's imaginations with inspiration and idea's, Andy Warhol for example, did the piece 'lips' inspired by that very smile. 

How many women of this day and age can we honestly depend on being the next icon due to such beauty and style without them being surgically enhanced or photoshopped an inch from their life! 

No words can describe such a beauty as Ms.Monroe, except in my eye's my sister. (But that may just be a little biased...) 

Collar & Sleeve

I keep using the phrase, 'Keep Calm and Carry On' when it comes to my college course at the moment but I honestly have to say it is the most fitting. Not because it has anything to do with being British, purely because the best thing to do at a time this is to just breath, take a step back, calm down and carry on! I've learnt this probably more than anyone over the past few weeks. Yes, I admit I have needed a day or two breathing space to calm down as I was beginning to become very unwell again. BUT! We're back  on track and I will NOT be beaten.

So, a belated blog for Monday!

Pattern Cutting catch up.... My Shirt.

Again, with this I could physically kick myself as I have actually enjoyed doing it, yes its stressful but so are most things we do in life! Due to time I am only making samples for my shirt i.e the cuff, sleeve, pocket and collar. I've really enjoyed piecing it together I must say, feel like I've let the team down though once again after not going in yesterday and today but again, you yourself is the only person that can read your body and mine was telling me if I didn't calm down I'd never get to the finish line.

Monday, the collar wasn't too difficult because I had already started it so the collar stand was ready and waiting.

All I had to do was attach the colour pieces either side of the stand, flipping the top of one side over so that it's held inwards with a 1.5cm seam allowance and then continued on to sew a 1cm seam right around the bottom edge of the colour.

Flip the collar so the stand is over the top and the collar is tucked neatly underneath. Neaten any untidy edges and you're done!

The Sleeve is a work in progress to be continued....

 Preparing Shoulder of Shirt.

 Cutting the Sleeve from my own pattern of a Bishop Sleeve.

Attaching the Sleeve to the Shirt.

Feed The Birds II

A lot of people have been asking me where exactly 'Feed The Birds' came from.

Here is your answer!

Feed the Birds is a play on words which I think I have mentioned before. I was really inspired by 80's designer Katharine Hamnett once again in this brief due to how she uses fashion to put across a political matter/message. Mine may be more Gareth Pugh than Politics but it's the same concept.

As part of my research in the beginning I looked into super skinny models within the fashion industry and the issues in which role models and images such as size zero can create.

I personally don't see an issue with 'skinny' women nor do I see an issue with 'curvy' women, the whole point of fashion and good style is that it suits YOU and who YOU naturally are! But I do have an issue when you see images of obviously malnourished and unhealthy models and supposed faces of fashion parading across magazines sending out a bad message and setting poor examples to young girls and boys in some cases of how to look! It's wrong. Skinny can be sexy, but scrawny just can't!

While researching I found out some seriously haunting facts and it really opened my eyes to the reality of what the fashion industry influences on more drastic level than just how we wear denim this season! I know it did me when I was going through high school, I suffered from Anorexia for about 2 years and even now constantly battle with my weight and self esteem issues, and it turns out I am not alone! Over two thirds of teenage girls and young adults suffer from some form of either eating disorder or have an issue with their body weight and image and it more or less always comes down to what they see on the catwalk or in glossy magazines.

So, my slogan 'Feed The Birds' is a little bit like my own form of Hamnett. To bring a message across that it has to stop!

The slogan isn't just around eating disorders though, there is a lot more too it.

I don't know whether it's my nature to just accept someone for who they are or whether I have just been nurtured to always be curious but understand that everyone is always different and sometimes that means they have different preferences in life, one of which can be their sexuality.

My concept of eating disorders and super skinny models then developed on how fashion influences and hides other issues within young society.

One of the leading ones being homosexuality and other sexuality preferences. I was prompted to look further into this when I met my current boyfriend who had actually been gay/bisexual for most of his teen years and looking through his photo albums had used how he looked, especially his hair to help him figure out who he was and also whether or not being homosexual was what made him happy in life and would for years to come... Turns out it didn't (obviously) but that isn't always the case, sometimes young adults struggling to cope with their sexuality or even their gender use their body, style and personal image as a form of escape from what they know is really who they are, it's almost like a living experiment. Statistics show that almost half of young men who suffer from eating disorders such as bulimia use their weight and image as way of punishing themselves for being 'gay'. This isn't always because they're ashamed of it, quite often this is due to the amount of pressure young men especially feel to be 'manly' and often suffer horrific forms of bullying as a consequence should they admit the reality. This is all so wrong so I decided that the best way to incorporate this part of my concept would be to use the colours from the gay pride flag within my T-Shirt design. Which is why the text of 'Feed The Birds' is in the 7 colours of the rainbow.

I know it wont exactly do a lot in the sense of having an impact on said issues but it's a start and it has really inspired me, I'm not saying I'm going to be anywhere near as iconic and influential than Hamnett but it's certainly given me food for thought for the future.

Eye Spy With My Little Eye, Something Beginning With D...

And sadly I'm not talking about super model David Gandy!

D is also for DRESS! My Final Garment and Dress of Stress as I am now calling it when my friends ask me what I am currently working on, because quite frankly...IT IS! Is getting nearer and nearer to becoming complete...

Due to time I've had to modify my design and work with what I have that fits a tight time scale, so instead of using eyelets and safety pins I'm using good old fashioned braces. (Androgynous AND Affordable, what more could you ask for.) It's not ideal but nor is it an issue in my eyes, one because the braces cost £0 as they're out of my very own wardrobe and they also fit nicely with my original concept so everyones a winner!