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Wednesday 29 May 2013

LONDON COLLECTIONS: MEN SS14

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The NEWGEN winners for SS 2014
It's that time of year again. Every year fashionistas flock to Somerset House for fashion week but come June it the boys turn. The bi-annual event features menswear designs from some of Britain's top designers, it emphasises the creative and commercial importance of emerging British talent as well as those already well established. The event showcases the true breadth of British fashion talent from emerging eye catching designs from innovative brands to sharp Savile Row tailoring. The showcase is relatively new, this season being its third but it has had great success in the past.
There will be 48 shows from Saturday 15th to Tuesday 18th at various venues around London. There will be shows from huge names such as Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Rag and Bone, Dolce and Gabbana among smaller names such as Christopher Raeburn, Agi and Sam and Lee Roach. 
British Fashion Council have annoucned seven of the brightest emerging menswear talents, with the help of support initiative NEWGEN MEN sponsored by Topman, some of those selected have won the opportunity to showcase their work for the very first time these include Agi and Sam, Astrid Anderson and Nasir Mazhar. Those selected returning for their second year are Lee Roach, Matthew Miller and Shaun Samson, so keep an eye out for these names they're your ones to watch this season. Martine Rose has won the presentation sponsorship. 
I'm looking forward to seeing the work of these new designers but also of Christopher Raeburn who's ethical sporty fashion has made an appearance at the event since its inception, Burberry Prorsum who always keeps up with a very British heritage feel and also JW Anderson who caused quite a stir last season with some of his questionable designs. Make sure to follow Vogue, Elle etc on instagram as they always keep up to date with these things!  photo Matthew-Miller-AW-2013-London-Collections-Men-copy-CHASSEUR-MAGAZINE-12_zps8bbfca14.jpg
Matthew Miler AW 2013

Tuesday 28 May 2013

PENROSE MAGAZINE ISSUE ONE

So for our final term of year one we were put in to groups of 6 to create a magazine, we chose to appeal to both male and female, of young age, it is a magazine mainly for students with a focus on London. We kept it minimal and clean, I was the art director! I don't think it needs much of an introduction so here it is and let me know what you think!

RAVENSBOURNE AT GRADUATE FASHION WEEK, LESS THAN A WEEK!

5 DAYS TO GO!

It feels like its gone so quick but in less than a week its eventually Graduate Fashion Week! If you haven't got your tickets yet its likely to be too late as they've gone like hot cakes, but I am actually visiting next Monday to see the Ravensbourne show so I will be sure to take a few snaps and post on the evening! It's my first Graduate Fashion Week so I am really excited! Also, they have just announced Green and Blacks as an official sponsor so you can kick back relax, watch the catwalk show and enjoy a nice tub of ice cream! What could be better.


Saturday 25 May 2013

NOT YOUR AVERAGE CAR BOOT

I've worked at my share of car boots in the past and I can't say I've ever had a brilliant time, they are mostly full off cheeky people trying to get something for nothing it can be rather annoying. However the right car boot sales can be gold mines for vintage clothes, jewellery, handbags and records etc. But I bet you've never been to a car boot quite like this one before. 
This year the Vauxhall Art Car Boot Fair celebrates in 10th anniversary. The fair is held at Brick Lane and features work from some of Britains most successful artists from Emin to Turk. Every artist will have a pitch giving you the chance to collect an iconic piece of artwork at a bargain price! They have promised to make this year unforgettable and more special than past events to celebrate its 10 year legacy. 
Moreover in the Born Hectic Tent of Fun you will get just that, there will be games and amazing prizes, all whilst supporting charity! Whats not to like? If, like me, you've never grown out of pass the parcel this is one of the new exciting games that will take place in tent. With exclusively donated art work and envelopes in between will you be the lucky winner? 
They're also bringing back the ever famous Handbag Disco!A combination of guilty pleasures, pass the parcel and a high end raffle and everyone who enters will be a winner. Disco goers will buy a ticket to go inside the 70’s style disco tent and dance around a pile of handbags to classic disco tracks played to them by a stellar line-up of great DJ’s. All the handbags will be disguised inside cover bags and when the music stops the dancers grab a bag and exit. Outside the tent they can reveal which bag they have bagged! Fabulous arm candy already in from top designers including Jimmy Choo, Anya Hindmarch, LK Bennet, Alice Temperley, Orla Kiely, Cath Kidston! Don't tell me that doesn't excite you.
Get down to Bick Lane on Sunday 9 June with a pocket of cash for your chance to walk away with some once in a life time items! The events starts at 12 and finished at 6, admission to the car boot only is £5. So keep the date free!
Follow @artcarbootfair for updates
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THE DEMISE OF STREET STYLE

There is no doubt that over the past decade street style has greatly increased in popularlity and become a major influence in the industry. You can't scroll through a blog or magazine without seeing street style infleunces, its like reality tv for fashion, but much better. Although first popularised by Bill Cunningham decades ago, street style still remains thanks to the likes of The Sartorialist, Garance Doré, Carolines Mode and Tommy Ton. However what started as a cool and niche art form, has quickly become a mass produced commonality. It is now used by fashion magazines for its style, staging everyday people in fashionable clothes from their advertisers, not what they just wear on the street, which is what it is supposed to be. Moreover, the style has been manipulated for advertising campaigns.
So is it the era of street style coming to an end? It is a trend, and we all know that trends have expiry dates, particularly when they start to gain mass popularity and reach the 'mainstream'.
Both Chloé and Parisian label Mo & Co. have played the street style card recently in ad campaigns and lookbooks. Do you think street style is dying? If so, then whats next?  
Carolines Mode (http://carolinesmode.com)
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Garance Doré (http://www.garancedore.fr)
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The Sartorialist (http://www.thesartorialist.com)
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Tommy Ton (jakandjil.com)
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Mo & Co A/W 2011
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Chloé Resort 2012

RAVENSBOURNE AT GRADUATE FASHION WEEK, NOT LONG TO GO!

9 DAYS TO GO!
If you've been keeping up with my blog then hopefully you've been keeping up with Graduate Fashion Week. Its edging ever closer now guys, we've got just over a week left till the day comes!
If you've been following the official twitter (@OfficialGFW) or Rave's fashion twitter (@R13Fashion) you'll most likely be up to date with all the goings on but if not I'll do my best to fill you in!
There will be various talks from industry insiders from Susie Bubble to Colin McDowell, who will be hosting several industry talks with big players in the fashion industry such as print-genius Mary Katrantzou and Henry Holland, tickets are going fast so grab the last few here!
Also, for the very first time, GFW is going global! The  event will showcase the work of graduates from 16 of the worlds most prestiguous universities from Parsons, New York to the Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design. Each school will be represented by one graduate, and the winning collection will be selected by a judging panel headed by Sara Maino, senior fashion editor at Vogue Italia. As you can imagine, tickets for this are flying out to so make sure to nab a few whilst you can!
We're all very excited here at Ravensbourne as all of our tickets have now sold out! Better luck next time if you've missed out its going to be very exciting! Perhaps most exciting, one of our fashion gradates Natalie Finch has beaten UK fashion students and won the opportunity to have her own pop-up shop at GFW! Make sure you get down to Earls Court to check it out on June 5. Here's a little sneak peak at Natatlie's collection, check out her twitter (@NatalieFinch)
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Wednesday 22 May 2013

HÈRMES FESTIVAL DES METIERS AT THE SAATCHI

Just a few months ago, the Saatchi played host to one of the biggest French fashion houses of all time, Chanel.The Little Black Jacket exhibition was a huge success, so the question thats arisen now is; is this the start of a fashion takeover at the Saatchi? 
They have now partnered with another prestigious French house, Hèrmes. Renowned for their beautiful leather bags and silk scarves, the latest exhibition looks at the craftsmanship behind their products. 
I hadn't read much about the exhibit and only heard about it the day before so I went in with a completely open mind. All I can say is I wasn't  disappointed. I find some exhibitions quite tedious, some bore me to sleep if I'm honest and I can whizz round them within half an hour. Do not expect this here. 
Hèrmes have got some of their most skilled craftsmen together to show you, the public, exactly how they make their luxury items and it really is so interesting. From tie making to creating the iconic Birkin everything you needed to know about Hèrmes accessories is here. 
It was incredible to see the skill and patience that goes in to creating their most well known pieces. The Birkin, for example, takes 25 hours to create and each bag is created by just one person. They said that from a line up they can pick out who made which bag!
There was also a woman creating a Hèrmes diamond encrusted bracelet and another pulling thread from the infamous scarves to create different textures, the detail and precision was incredible One part that really amazed me was the woman who created the drawings for the silk printed scarves, being extremely unskilled in drawing myself, things like this never cease to amaze me. The patience and attention to detail was awe inspiring. They said it takes 600 - 800 hours to draw out a simple pattern and about 1200 hours for a detailed pattern such as the Indian lady seen in the photos. To have that much patience and skill really emphasises how much effort is put in to these products, it is so refreshing to know that luxury does still exist, it seems you really are getting your moneys worth with Hèrmes products and they have proved this in magnificent style. 
The tables were laid out as they would be in the work shop, it was beautifully authentic and the use of French craftsmen shows how important heritage is to the brand. 
So much thought was put in to the exhibit from the carpet to the ceiling. It was so different from the Chanel exhibition, and I feel a lot more exciting. I have never been to an exhibition like this before, it was so exciting and I hope more fashion houses plan to host exhibits like this in the future.
Being a student I found it great that the exhibit is completely free (yep, you heard correctly!) so I suggest you get down there asap. It finishes on the 26th May so hurry as you do not want to miss this! 

Sunday 19 May 2013

SEXISM SELLS?

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'Hipster Sexism' is a phrase described as 'the objectification of women but in a manner that uses mockery and paradox'. Basically, it uses irony to subjugate women, for this reason it is deemed acceptable. It is rooted in the idea that sexism is an outdated and archaic institution in which people do not engage in anymore, thereby making the demonstration of sexism seem satirical and ironic. In short, a way of taking the piss out of sexism. Also falling under the banner of hipster sexism is the use of words such as sluts and bitches, which seem to just fall in to every day conversation so casually these days.  Maybe you've heard this phrase before, I must certainly hadn't but when I looked in to it more, I certainly recognised the examples and we probably all do. Generally images that we are presented with every day.
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Firstly, and probably most notably, is American Apparel. We all know how much trouble AA get in to because of their over risqué advertisements. But I feel that this from AA now is just a given, we expect nothing less from them now. I understand it's all meant to be a bit of fun, but is it really okay? But lets be honest, it's got them a name and it makes them memorable, which is what every brand wants right?
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Another example you're most likely to be familiar with is the work of photographer Terry Richardson. I remember the days when you couldn't scroll through tumblr without seeing at least one of Terry's infamous photos. He's shot some of the biggest people in the world from Obama to Lindsay Lohan, but he is probably most known for his overtly suggestive photos featuring females. Does art make it ok? Its been rumoured that he has in fact sexually assaulted some of his subjects in the past (this took a dark turn didn't it) which makes me think,he is just a classic sexist in ironic clothing.
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When it comes to these extremes I find it frightening, this is seen as okay by most. I just see no turning back from here, its pushed down our throats every where. In music, particularly rap, being called 'bad bitches' has become a compliment, thanks Kanye I love ya but it sure aint respectful. In cinema, a most recent example I can think of is bizarre 'hipster' movie Spring Breakers. Nothing screamed hipster sexism like this. Relatively young and trashy(each to their own) disney stars prancing about and squatting in the street in bikinis with guns, potty mouths and bad attitudes. Who respects girls like this? Are we supposed to find this funny? I'm not the most serious type and I do love a laugh but this was just too far. So, is sexism okay if we can (nervously) laugh at it? You tell me.. 

MY MANIFESTO

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Everyone has rules they think of through lifestyle and through fashion, so here's mine.

1. BE HUMBLE
So you just discovered the cure for cancer? No, so what makes you better than everyone else? Nothing bothers me more than arrogance from insignificant people. A little confidence goes a long way, but arrogance on the other hand is rarely seen as a good characteristic. 
2. BE COMFORTABLE
No, I don't mean leave the house in joggers with no make up, make an effort but if you feel comfortable and confident in your outfit, it will show.
3. DRESS FOR YOUR SIZE
Continuing from point three, ladies some of us need to face the fact: we do not all have the figure to pull of body-con or tiny levi cut offs. Shift a few pounds first or save these for the smaller of us, you will feel more comfortable and look much better at the same time. Just because its on trend, doesn't mean it will suit you.
4. ALWAYS MAKE AN EFFORT
I know some of us think that leaving the house in a onesie is fine but personally I think its a crime, even if you dismiss fashion make an effort. What you wear will effect other peoples perception of you. Plus, it really isn't hard to throw on a t shirt and a pair of jeans to go to Tesco.
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5. IF ALL ELSE FAILS, GO FOR BLACK
I wear black the majority of the time, its not safe and can be accessorised with colour. You cannot go wrong with black its chic and slimming.
6. DON'T OVERESTIMATE YOUR CAPABILITY TO WALK IN HEELS
There is absolutely nothing, I repeat NOTHING, worse than a a beautiful woman in beautiful shoes, stumbling all over the place. IF you're not highly skilled in walking well in heels go for a mid heel (most definetely not kittens) or a heeled boot which are much easier to walk in. 
7. BE ORIGINAL
Find your own style, no one will respect you if you matching your outfit to an exact replica of someone elses or someone famous for that matter. Oh lets wear this stripe tee with denim dungarees and espadrilles. Leave it to Miss Chung.
8. FIND YOUR PERFECT PAIR OF JEANS
I personally am always in a pair of jeans, they are the perfect piece of clothing to wear with pretty much  anything. I suggest you find your perfect pair and stick to that. I have 4 pair of Topshop Leighs and this will probably only increase.
9. BE A LADY
Sometimes I wish we could jump back to the 1950's when men were men and women were women. Too many women don't understand simplicity and class these days, remember your manners, cut down on the swearing and most definitely NO farting or burping. Not in public at least. 
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10. LESS IS ALWAYS MORE
Especially when it comes to accessories. No I don't mean in clothes. A little jewellery can go a long way and I'm not a huge statement jewellery fan. Wearing necklaces, a watch, eyerings, rings and bracelts is always too much. Go for simple understated jewellery. Preferably in silver.
11. DREAM BIG
Think big, aim high, work hard. Success will come to those who work for it.

BE COOL

Todays food for thought; what makes things cool?
Something I find difficult to pinpoint and a question which I think the answer would vary from person to person. Often used as just as 'oh yeah thats cool' or 'I might be late.' 'okay cool'. But what actually is cool and makes things cool?
According to Urban Dicitionary (the giver of knowledge don't you know) cool means; something that is very good, stylish, or otherwise positive. It is among the most common slang terms used in today's world.
Obviously, if something is fresh, exciting and on trend it will usually be described as cool but it seems to me that now, in our internet blogging generation being big on 'tumblr' usually means being hipster cool.
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It seems to of gone through stages, from listening to the smiths and finding all your clothes in oxfam and claiming it 'vintage' to creepers, nebulas, crystal castles and dark clothing. Then to street wear, hip hop, air max and beanies and suddenly discovering that you've always loved skateboarding, obviously. 
It's somewhat hard to keep up with whats considered 'cool' as its constantly changing, it can be quite a headache, everything seems to just be phases that pass every 6 months. Think of  2011, Supreme and Odd Future were the IT things to be in to, I used to think I was so cool being in to stuff like that and now its just completely passed and no one particularly cares anymore. Moreover, a lot of things seem to loose there coolness as they become more popular. I feel somewhat pretentious using the word 'mainstream' but it does seem true, i.e. when a small independent band you like starts showing up in the top 10 it looses all its charm and 'coolness'. 
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I come from a town near Birmingham, this is where I find things worse, everyone there thinks they're too cool for school. A lot of snubbing from girls with hipster hair and stick on bindis who think they're a million times better than you and go to the rainbow (the 'cool' spot in birmingham) every weekend. Get to know half these people and they have rubbish part time jobs in retail, mostly topshop, I don't mean to cause offence but to me this isn't cool. 
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I used to think I knew what was cool, I spent every day on tumblr and went out to cool spots all the time, but since moving in to higher education I don't find time for this stuff anymore and so I don't really understand what other people find 'cool' anymore. 
I still think 'cool' can be used to describe say a really good film or piece of music, 'ah it was really cool' but in people I personally find someone cool if they have a successful job, beautiful clothes and house etc. but are also humble and have worked for what they have, I thinks thats cool. If someone can tell me interesting stories about what they've done and what they do I could probably talk to them for hours. But thats just me! So, what do you think makes things cool? 

Friday 17 May 2013

GATSY? WHAT GATSBY?

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For a few years now theres been one movie that everyones been waiting for. And yesterday The Great Gatsby was finally released word wide in cinemas. I have been eagerly anticipating its release so obviously made sure to see it on its day of release.
I generally HATE movie reviews as everyone has different opinions, whats great to one person is terrible to another I find it best to get your own opinion, so with that in mind I urge you to see the movie for yourself. 
I have read the book only once I did enjoy it but I know some viewers are so familiar with the book whereas I had only a vague memory of it, people who love the book are generally saying Baz hasn't done it justice so with this in mind I wanted to think of the two as separate things.
Now I am a big fan of Luhrmann's work so my opinion may be more biased than others. His extravagance and exaggeration makes his style, some people like it others don't, I do so I was looking forward to the movie. The first part of the film seemed so fast paced I felt out of breath at some points but that was the purpose I understand to show the extravagance of the era, I think this was done well and the visuals were beautiful. It takes a downturn in to tragedy towards the seconds half, but obviously I don't want to reveal any of the story if you haven't read the book or seen the film yet! Like most of Luhrmann's work he likes to take us on somewhat of an emotional rollercoaster, laughing one minute to near tears the next.
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Most people seem to be upset at the soundtrack, the fusion of period film with modern rap music seems to of upset some. I heard that whilst creating the film Luhrmann became a big fan of the Watch The Throne album by Jay Z and Kanye West, the main reason why he brought in Jay Z to create the music for the film. Maybe its because I'm a fan of Jay Z and Kanye and most of the artists featured that the music didn't hugely bother me? I can see it bothering older audiences but not the younger generation. In some places the music did seem like it didn't hold much purpose but this was minor and didn't hugely bother me, in fact I'm a fan of the soundtrack. After all a lot of Hip Hop is influenced by 20's jazz.
Moreover I love Leonardo Dicaprio and felt he was the perfect Jay Gatsby, but he generally aces his characters most of the time. Still not sure if he'll receive an oscar for this performance, I doubt it. He looked great too, but perhaps I'm biased. I'm no film buff but the film hasn't received great critic reviews as of yet so I'm doubting the academy will be particularly impressed, it will no doubt be a contender for costume and visuals. 
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More on the costumes, being in fashion this was another reason why I was dying to see the film and it lived up to my expectations. I'm not a huge Prada fan but Miuccia's work for the film was flawless, the costumes were beautiful and perfectly reflected the era and the extravagance of it. The exquisite Tiffany jewels sparkled at you so intensely sometimes it felt as if they were there in front of you. 
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By the time I left I felt like I knew Gatsby and I felt sad for him, but at the same time I left wishing I could visit a Gatsby party. Overall, I think that Baz did a good job, sometimes people don't get his style but I love it whenever I watch him films I feel like I'm in some bizarre wonderland, perhaps if I knew the book better I would of liked it less but putting that aside I really enjoyed it and would definitely see it again. I read something recently on The Guardian from Luhrmann saying he is well aware that his style is not everyones cup of tea.
Oh one last thing, I saw this in 2D and would personally stray from 3D, I don't feel its necessary in a film like this. 

SEE BY CHLOÉ

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Ask anyone who knows me well and they will tell you that I am an absolute perfume fiend. I find it such a beautiful things, the packaging, the bottle its such a beautiful precious thing. I saw advertisements for Chloé's new perfume in countless magazines but didn't think much of it. I have been a fan of the Chloe fragrance for years, I first bought a bottle in an airport in Barcelona on a school trip about 5 years ago, since then it has become my signature fragrance, one that I receive a bottle of pretty much every christmas and have been told reminds people of me. So I had high hopes for their new fragrance 'See By Chloé' and I wasn't disappointed. It's getting to that time of year when all my perfumes start to run out so when I smelt a sample of See by Chloé in my recent Elle, I straight away knew I needed a bottle in my life. That day I snapped one up and have been wearing it regularly since!
It is, I think, the perfect daytime spring fragrance. It's not too heavy, which I find Chloé to be sometimes, with lovely floral tones, its simple and safe which I personally always find good for day fragrance. 
The bottle is lovely also, very elegant an feminine, it fits in perfectly with my other perfumes. It is a little heavy but maybe thats because I got the bigger size! At £49 for 50ml Its not particularly cheap either, if you're range is £20-£30 I suggest you look elsewhere.
I think this is the perfect scent for those long spring and summer days, it makes me think of flowers and fields and dusk, now we just need some nice weather to accompany it!

LITTLE WHITE JACKET

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Recently I posted about looking for my perfect spring coat, well a couple of weeks back we had a mini heatwave so I went from looking for a spring coat to looking for the perfect spring jacket. I'm always in black so found looking for a jacket relevant for spring was quite difficult especially as all I could find was blazers and this wasn't what I had in mind. As I posted in April I found this textured cardigan from Zara and fell in love, unfortunately I can't bring myself to pay £70 for a cardigan in my current financial state, I am hoping it will go in the summer sale then I can snap it up! For the mean time however I went for this similar style from TRF in Zara. More like a jacket than a cardigan, I love it! So why has the sun gone in again?! Isn't that just the way. Know I just really want to find some vests and tops to wear underneath as all I seem to own is blouses so heres some of my picks to go with my new jacket along with some cringy blog selflies ha! Also I got this super cute iPhone case for 2 pounds of ebay, thought I'd share it with you.
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L-R Sleevless Flower Top, Animal Print Cami and Embellished Cami all from Topshop. 
Top with Sheer Details, Silk Vest Top and Plain Tank Top all from Zara