PENROSE MAGAZINE PROMO VIDEO

So a few days ago I showed you a magazine I had created for a university project, here is a short promo video I created for that magazine using Final Cut Pro, check it out

Ravesbourne Footage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YBj_2G_BME

All other footage: Shot by Elizabeth Fowler

Music: Friendly Fires - Paris (Aeroplane Mix)

SEXISM SELLS?

'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 It is rooted in the idea that sexism is an outdated and archaic institution in which people do not engage in anymore, thereby making the demonstration of sexism seem satirical and ironic.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.

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?

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.

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.. 

THE SUNDAY TIMES RICH LIST 2013

As you may or may not know, The Sunday Times Rich List was released last week, I personally always find things like this mega interesting. God knows why I find reading about people with £13 billion in the bank interesting I will never know but hey. 
I always find the fashion list interesting, some things really surprise me such as the likes of brand such as Sports Direct being present half way down the list.


(source: http://josanamendes.fashionbubbles.com)
Topping the list rather unsurprisingly (or maybe youll find it surprising I don't know) is Galen and George Weston and family, owners of massive high street chain Primark and Selfridges at £6.7 billion. Knowing how popular Primark is and how little they pay for labour etc. makes sense that they are raking in the big bucks. 

(source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/financialtimes/5880517570/)
Falling short of the top spot and coming in at second is the king of the high street Sir Phillip Green. As owner of Arcadia group, Topshop/Man, Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge, BHS, Evans to name a few. 
(source:  http://blog.stlukes.co.uk and http://www.retail-week.com/companies/sports-direct/)
Past number 2 it began to surprise me. In at 3 we have Sir David and Frederick Barclay owner of Littlewoods, worth £2.25 billion. Sports Direct comes in at number 4, yep you heard correctly!

THE SEVEN P'S OF PROMOTION

Our second project to complete over easter I felt a little more comfortable with. We had to create a 12 page zine illustrating the 7 P's of Promotion (those unfamiliar with marketing/promotion might wonder what the hell I'm babbling on about but look at the magazine and you'll see!)

We had to follow the style of an illustrator so I went for Hanna Muller as her illustrations are so perfect and delicate I love them! Mine do not do her justice at all but I gave it a go, check out her work if you aren't familiar!

WORD PLAY

Once again we were set a photoshoot task for over the easter holidays. We were given a set of words from which we selected five, we then had to illustrate that word through fashion photography. As always I had my lovely friend Laura on hand to help with the modelling! Let me just say I am NOT a brilliant photographer, I can appreciate beautiful photos but am not particularly skilled in shooting them myself! However I think a couple of these came out much better than I'd anticipated.