Nick Knight's Fashion Revolution.

So i went to check out the exhibition yesterday and was pleasantly surprised. A few people i know have been to see it and have raved about how good it is. It really gave me a new appreciation for the work photographers do and that a visual image can be executed in so many ways. I now know there is certainly much more to photography than just the picture itself.
The mose exciting part of the exhbition for me was the live studio, where members of the public can watch whilst the genius himself, Nick Knight shoots his projects. I was just in time too see designer Paul Smith, and a model whose name i don't know. I was so amazed to see how quickly the process happened, he just took his camera and starting snapping away without a second thought, giving a few directions in between. The results were just incredible. Okay, to you and me, they were just simple black and white pictures, but if you look more closely you see the just how well they were excecuted. The light, shape and form that was created in just 5 minutes was wonderful to see.
I would recommend it too anyone with an appreciation of fashion and photography. It ends on the 23rd so hurry quick.

If only i had a time machine...

I would go back to the 1940s in a second. The red lips, fabulous hats and cinched in waist...just beautiful and so so glamorous.

(Images from google search)

Shopping frustration.

Okay, so being a penniless student and living of a student loan makes buying food shopping difficult, let alone clothes. It has been a real struggle for me, the self confessed shopaholic to avoid spending money i don't have. So why oh why is it that there are sooooo many things i want?! Topshop have some fabulous pieces at the moment, and im currently lusting after a floral sailor blouse and a lace top, amongst other things. Meanwhile ASOS' shoe range has got me in a spin. I'm really hoping for some Christmas money this year to hunt for theeee perfect outfit for New Year...even though i still have no plans *sigh*
Anywaaaay, if i haven't mentioned already, Stella McCartney is one of my all time favourite designers, and one day i will be able to afford to wear her clothes. Is it just me or was her S/S 2010 collection just so pretty? It was feminine, fun and flirty, with the right kind of edge to keep it from looking to girly girl. I have my eyes on one of her floral ruffle dresses and a rather cute black and white striped jumper dress, with the most adorable floral motif on the front. If only i had lovely long legs to pull them off...

(Images from Stella McCartney online & Vogue.com)

British Fashion Awards

So they took place last night...i could hardly sleep thinking about it!
Overall, i was pleased with the winners, but some seemed a little obvious? if that's the right word to use. I was chuffed to see Christopher Bailey win Designer of the Year (and Designer Brand!), i know Ive said previously i wanted Kane to win for many reasons, but with Bailey's work at Burberry particularly for the last few seasons, he is without a doubt a worthy winner. Like most people i absolutely adored his S/S 2010 collection, it was just incredible. Besides, Christopher Kane did win an award too for Collection of the Year, which if i may say...was bang on. Loved it.
Now for Model of the year...Georgia Jagger. Whilst she is absolutely beautiful and worthy of the accolade i stand by the fact that Rosie Huntington Whitley should've won...what do you think?
Kate Moss won London 25, and that's kind of what i mean by it being a tad obvious. Of course we all know who she is...who doesn't? But in my eyes it should have been Vivienne Westwood, or Twiggy perhaps? That's who i voted for anyway. But well done to Kate.
I'm so so happy to see that Grace Coddington one the Isabella Blow award, i think shes fabulous and a total creative genius too. Plus, any woman who can stand up to Anna Wintour is a winner in my book! I loved watching them bickering in the September Issue...was hilarious!
<3

(Image from britishfashionawards.com) 

Kane for fashion 'Oscar'

Fashion, has always been one of Britain’s fortes. We pride ourselves as being the home to some of its greatest talents. Therefore, what better way to celebrate that talent than with the British Fashion Awards? Our very own Oscars if you like.

Many are awarded on the night, but always the one gathering the most attention is Designer of the year. Luella Bartley was awarded the accolade last year- and quite rightly so; her quirky, school girl inspired designs had everyone talking. But who should it be this year? Personally, the only individual that springs to mind is Christopher Kane. His contribution to fashion, particularly in the past year has seen him go leaps and bounds over any other designer. His collaboration with Topshop caused a riot amongst the fashion hungry; all of whom (including myself) were eager to get their hands on anything with his name on it. Next, comes his newly formed friendship with mother of fashion, Donatella Versace, (forming the most unlikely of collaborations) with Kane co-designing the Italian brands ‘versus’ collection.

Kane is the master of reinvention. From his A/W09 designs to his S/S10 ‘Checked Collection’- all have cemented him as an innovator of fashion.

Vintage hoarder or High street devotee?

Too many (myself included), trawling through vintage shops is like being let loose in Aladdin’s cave. Vintage allows us to express our individuality and gives us an opportunity to dip into a fashion filled pool of nostalgia.

But which one are you? A vintage hoarder or High Street devotee? Whilst most will pick a side and stick to it, there are those of us who are constantly stuck between. Because, despite it being criticized for being ‘samey’, the high street is the most reliable source for every style, shape and size you could possibly imagine; and with designers and celebrities jumping on the band wagon, its never been easier or more accessible to replicate their looks. It’s also a safe haven for women, as opposed to Vintage which, requires masses of confidence and the right kind of attitude. If you don’t get it right you could risk looking like you’ve dressed in the dark (that lime green blouse was only acceptable in the 80s).

However, if done properly, vintage can look fabulously authentic. Of course, there’s no law against mixing vintage with modern pieces; like a loaf of Hovis, ‘best of both’ can often be the most pleasing.

A flourishing fixation with florals.

Whether they’re graphic, antique, bold or brocade, I just adore florals. From Liberty’s traditional print to Cath Kidson’s kitsch variety, they are and have been the desired print since their birth more than 100 years ago and have remained in bloom ever since.

But why is it we are so obsessed with florals? Is it their nostalgic qualities or simply their pretty aesthetic?  For me, it’s both. Granted, the florals of my childhood rather resembled those you would expect to find on a carpet from the 70s - which were of course printed all over the equally questionable dungarees, my mother insisted on dressing me in- as opposed to the fantastical, feminine designs that have blossomed onto the catwalks.

Whatever the reason, no longer are we afraid of the print that we have seemingly avoided after a long hate affair with our grandmother’s curtains. Now the print goes hand in hand with desirable, attractive clothing; seeing its popularity grow ever more by the decade.

Despite not particularly being a focal point at fashion week this year (much to my disappointment), the likes of Dolce&Gabbana, Luella and Erdem still incorporated florals in their SS 2010 collections- good news for all floral fanatics like me.

I was in a Chanel state of mind.

Paris: known for high fashion, glamour and the Eiffel Tower. I do love a city where as you walk down the street spot women head to toe in Chanel, accompanied by the stylish attitude it requires. So any opportunity to revisit is one I’ll never turn down. Despite being a short trip this time (only a day) means that squeezing everything in completely impossible. However- having not been before- a visit to Chanel on Rue de Cambon was firmly on the agenda- the most important of destinations for the fashion-conscious.

Always the optimist, I was secretly hoping Karl Lagerfeld would appear from his headquarters above us, but was sadly left disappointed.

As i had expected, i had the door opened for me and was greeted by faces full of smiles. I thought to myself, I could sure get used to this. However, the smiles soon went away when the assitants realised I didn't qualify as a potential customer- being a penniless student meant those £450 pumps were just out of my reach. Admittedly, I felt a tad intimidated being amongst the oh so chic shoppers purchasing their quilted 2.55 bags (I wasn’t envious at all…) whilst I was too afraid to sit on the tweed clad sofas, which were naturally accompanied by leather cushions...

Note: do not enter without sufficient funds.

Back to the ‘60s with Twiggy

In swinging London, only one model was on everyone’s lips; her common cockney prose, quirky features and waif like frame, made Twiggy a much loved figure in the 1960s and has since become a national treasure. Therefore, when I heard that The National Portrait Gallery had opened an exhibition in her honour- ‘Twiggy: A life in Photographs’- showcasing her life in front of the lense, I brought it upon myself to go and delve into the life of an icon.

Upon my arrival, after admittedly getting lost on the way- accidentally (and rather embarrassingly) going to The National Gallery; curious as to why all the portraits were from no later than the 18th century (I certainly gave the gallery assistant a few laughs). I was pleasantly surprised to notice the variety of people as I observed the room, one side of me were fashion students scribbling in their notebooks and on the other were women reminiscing to one another about their youth: “Oh I had hair exactly like hers, she looked so wonderful”

Despite being rather small in quantity, collectively the photographs displayed an immense assortment of enjoyment, energy and awkwardness. Photographed by the greats, we see Twiggy transform from a sweet, child like Barry Lategan girl, to a fully fledged - Cecil Beaton approved – model.

Certainly one I would recommend.

P.S...

I'm a total blogger newbie if you hadn't guessed already. It may take me a while to get used too...technology is not my friend.

The shows over...already?

I have been soooooo impressed with this year's Fashion Week's; whilst London was a little more demure than it has been in recent year's, it suits the grown up look pretty well...however, that being said it would have been nice to see another Hussein Chalayan dress that turns into a table moment! It did however manage to cling on to a bit of quirkiness thanks to Vivienne Westwood- we can always rely on you Viv.
I thought Burberry and Christopher Kane were amazing this year; Christopher Bailey really outdid himself with this collection; i mean those stunning sequin dresses...wow. The draped skirts, trench coats and pastel shades were just beautiful, oh how i wish i was there in the front row...*sighs*.

Whilst i love love loved London; Paris blew me away. Who would've thought it? Chanel in a barnyard, accompanied by Lily Allen...Whilst i can't say i was feeling the clogs much, everything else worked; the dresses were just too gorgeous for words.
Alexander McQueen: One Word...Genius. I think his collection may have made my heart skip a beat.
Is it just me or does Lanvin just keep getting better and better? I was stunned by Albar Elbaz' work this year; a total design god if you ask me. The draped skirts (as you may have figured out i have a thing for them), Grecian and beaded dresses, the chiffon and not too mention the shoes. Yes please.

(Pictures will be posted momentarily...as soon as ive figured out which photos im allowed to use from which sites! If anyone knows a little help would be appreciated :) Thanks! <3)