Fashion Refined goes to Graduate Fashion Week
Fashion Refined is a campaign that aims to create awareness of the issues surrounding throwaway fashion and reduce the purchase of cheap, low quality clothing that often results as landfill and cannot be recycled. A woman on a budget cannot afford to buy cheap clothes - Fashion Refined aims to encourage the purchase of quality clothing that can surpass fleeting trends and serve as a wardrobe investment.
The concept has been chosen as one to represent the University of the Creative Arts, Epsom at Graduate Fashion Week. The video below displays the guerrilla marketing tactics involved. The tag that is being placed around throwaway fashion has the Fashion Refined logo on branded ribbon, a safety pin, and a tag that says 'In a few weeks this will break. Here's a pin for when that happens.'
22/05/2010
22/04/2010
Gucci & Mark Ronson
Sneaker in our midst.
The store has finally arrived in Covent Garden - Gucci's Icon Temporary store created in collaboration with music man Mark Ronson has opened it's doors to sell 18 exclusive pairs of sneakers, 2 for women, 15 for men and one special Gucci Ronson style.
After the release of their Gucci iPhone app (and it's success) and their Facebook page, Gucci's attempt at enticing a younger audience seems to be working, except that they're not necessarily buying the sneakers. Brands are trying to become a voice in a consumer's head, but are they going about it in the right way? When I think of sneakers, the first thing in my head would be Gucci because of this campaign and because I study fashion, but what about the next person? Would they think Nike?
Burberry for example created 'Art of the Trench', promoting their iconic trench coat - Hermes always promote their scarves. So how successful will Gucci be in promoting sneakers when they're better known for their leather and, more recently, that covetable white Panama hat? Not that I have anything against Mark Ronson, but he just seems like a bit of an odd choice to attach to Gucci, is that just me? It seems like Gucci is rebranding itself in a completely different direction, with the only common element being the green and red flashes of colour.
The store has finally arrived in Covent Garden - Gucci's Icon Temporary store created in collaboration with music man Mark Ronson has opened it's doors to sell 18 exclusive pairs of sneakers, 2 for women, 15 for men and one special Gucci Ronson style.
After the release of their Gucci iPhone app (and it's success) and their Facebook page, Gucci's attempt at enticing a younger audience seems to be working, except that they're not necessarily buying the sneakers. Brands are trying to become a voice in a consumer's head, but are they going about it in the right way? When I think of sneakers, the first thing in my head would be Gucci because of this campaign and because I study fashion, but what about the next person? Would they think Nike?Burberry for example created 'Art of the Trench', promoting their iconic trench coat - Hermes always promote their scarves. So how successful will Gucci be in promoting sneakers when they're better known for their leather and, more recently, that covetable white Panama hat? Not that I have anything against Mark Ronson, but he just seems like a bit of an odd choice to attach to Gucci, is that just me? It seems like Gucci is rebranding itself in a completely different direction, with the only common element being the green and red flashes of colour.
19/04/2010
Dress Size Down
Vanity Dress Sizing.
Have you ever tried on a dress in what you think is your size in one store, then when you went next door you find you're a size smaller? You could be a victim of 'vanity sizing', where stores design and make clothes that are a little larger than the actual size, making you feel better about buying from them. After all, how many of us like the size label when it's a little bit smaller?
M&S have been found guilty of tampering with their sizing from their online products - this would really annoy me if I'd just bought the wrong size each time and I should have gotten one smaller...
An M&S spokesman said: 'We are not sweetening the sizes or softening the blow for anyone but we tweaked the sizes on our website so they are based on an average body.'
However, the altered sizes have mainly occurred in shops that sell to a more mature audience, and so it could be argued that their reasoning is that a size 12 for a 20 year old is very different to an age 50 size 12.
Until not long ago, many stores were using the old 1950s sizing for their clothing - can you imagine how much our bodies have altered over 60 years? But changing the sizes to up to two inches bigger and calling it the next size down? It may make you feel better, but it's really not true. If you say you're a happy size 10 in M&S, but you're actually a size 12, are you going to decide to eat more unhealthily and become a 14? Well it's ok, you can still fit into a size 12...
Have you ever tried on a dress in what you think is your size in one store, then when you went next door you find you're a size smaller? You could be a victim of 'vanity sizing', where stores design and make clothes that are a little larger than the actual size, making you feel better about buying from them. After all, how many of us like the size label when it's a little bit smaller?
M&S have been found guilty of tampering with their sizing from their online products - this would really annoy me if I'd just bought the wrong size each time and I should have gotten one smaller...An M&S spokesman said: 'We are not sweetening the sizes or softening the blow for anyone but we tweaked the sizes on our website so they are based on an average body.'
However, the altered sizes have mainly occurred in shops that sell to a more mature audience, and so it could be argued that their reasoning is that a size 12 for a 20 year old is very different to an age 50 size 12.
Until not long ago, many stores were using the old 1950s sizing for their clothing - can you imagine how much our bodies have altered over 60 years? But changing the sizes to up to two inches bigger and calling it the next size down? It may make you feel better, but it's really not true. If you say you're a happy size 10 in M&S, but you're actually a size 12, are you going to decide to eat more unhealthily and become a 14? Well it's ok, you can still fit into a size 12...
15/04/2010
Primark Padded Bikini
Politics and Primark
David Cameron has commented on Primark's padded children's bikini's as 'disgraceful'.
'There is a classic example today where Primark are apparently pushing padded bras on seven-year-olds, which I think is completely disgraceful. The sort of country I want is one where it is not just the Government that feels outraged about the early commercialisation and sexualisation of our children, but companies should stop doing it, they should take some responsibility.'
Primark have since removed the bikinis from the shelves and have donated any profits to children's charities.
Gordon Brown has also commented, saying 'All of us as parents can recognise there's something wrong when companies are pushing our kids into acting like little grown-ups when they should be enjoying being children.'
Am I the only one that thinks it's not Primark's fault, but the women and children who buy the product? So they create padded bikinis, but having a kid wear a bikini anyway shows that kids want to look grown up. It's one thing selling the product, but surely these politicians should be worried about the women buying them for their kids...
David Cameron has commented on Primark's padded children's bikini's as 'disgraceful'.
'There is a classic example today where Primark are apparently pushing padded bras on seven-year-olds, which I think is completely disgraceful. The sort of country I want is one where it is not just the Government that feels outraged about the early commercialisation and sexualisation of our children, but companies should stop doing it, they should take some responsibility.'
Primark have since removed the bikinis from the shelves and have donated any profits to children's charities.
Gordon Brown has also commented, saying 'All of us as parents can recognise there's something wrong when companies are pushing our kids into acting like little grown-ups when they should be enjoying being children.'
Am I the only one that thinks it's not Primark's fault, but the women and children who buy the product? So they create padded bikinis, but having a kid wear a bikini anyway shows that kids want to look grown up. It's one thing selling the product, but surely these politicians should be worried about the women buying them for their kids...
14/04/2010
Jean Charles de Castelbajac
Close Encounter of the 5th Kind
Jean Charles de Castelbajac is set to take over 5 windows of Selfridges.
"I would like to dedicate my window's works to my dear friend Malcolm McLaren, who was an alien in the world of rock 'n' roll," Castelbajac told Vogue UK. "I am thrilled to prepare this beautiful installation event with Selfridges because I think it is the only department store in the world which seems to be curated like a contemporary art museum."
The 'exhibition' will take place between the 30th April and 30th June. One not to miss.
Jean Charles de Castelbajac is set to take over 5 windows of Selfridges.
"I would like to dedicate my window's works to my dear friend Malcolm McLaren, who was an alien in the world of rock 'n' roll," Castelbajac told Vogue UK. "I am thrilled to prepare this beautiful installation event with Selfridges because I think it is the only department store in the world which seems to be curated like a contemporary art museum."
The 'exhibition' will take place between the 30th April and 30th June. One not to miss.
02/04/2010
American Apparel
Panic in the Streets of London.
The American Apparel Rummage sale causes riots and police as only 30 people are allowed in.
You may have heard about the event on facebook,which currently has 28,711 attending, where American Apparel decided to hold a rummage sale in Brick Lane market with up to 85% off and some items selling for just £1. Knowing the quality of AA and how all their garments are made in America, this was no Primark sale. I wasn't surprised by the amount of people that would have shown up, but it's interesting to see how it turned out. You almost would have expected women pulling each others hair like in Confessions of a Shopaholic, but this went beyond a tug of war. As only 30 people were let into the venue, queues meant restless people, in the cold and rain I might add, who just weren't happy.
The police shut down the event site and demanded everyone leave the Brick Lane premises for their own safety. American Apparel are attempting to re-open for the Easter weekend, and in the meantime have offered discount codes on the website.
There's no telling what this will do to the label. Although AA have managed rummage sales across the globe, the definitely didn't anticipate the British public as well as they could have. We are all rioters at heart, just look at the days and nights of the football.
In terms of the brand, it could go one of two ways. 1st, the public hate them for letting them stay out in the cold and rain and risk their safety. 2nd, and more likely after how much AA are trying to make this up to their facebook fans, is that they'll be even more covetable, and this will just be something to publicise them better. If anything, it might make people realise that they won't have a rummage sale in the UK ever again, and so they might as well find a store and buy the full priced one.
So that's really the question, is any publicity in the end good publicity?
P.S., discount codes are:
AALNDN10 gets you 15% off our UK webstore for the next 10 days! (redeem code at checkout).
Please Take 25% OFF anything in our UK site (use code LNDNRMG25) or print this for 25% off at our UK retail shops... (exp 1 wk, not valid w/ other offers)
The American Apparel Rummage sale causes riots and police as only 30 people are allowed in.
You may have heard about the event on facebook,which currently has 28,711 attending, where American Apparel decided to hold a rummage sale in Brick Lane market with up to 85% off and some items selling for just £1. Knowing the quality of AA and how all their garments are made in America, this was no Primark sale. I wasn't surprised by the amount of people that would have shown up, but it's interesting to see how it turned out. You almost would have expected women pulling each others hair like in Confessions of a Shopaholic, but this went beyond a tug of war. As only 30 people were let into the venue, queues meant restless people, in the cold and rain I might add, who just weren't happy.
The police shut down the event site and demanded everyone leave the Brick Lane premises for their own safety. American Apparel are attempting to re-open for the Easter weekend, and in the meantime have offered discount codes on the website.
There's no telling what this will do to the label. Although AA have managed rummage sales across the globe, the definitely didn't anticipate the British public as well as they could have. We are all rioters at heart, just look at the days and nights of the football.
In terms of the brand, it could go one of two ways. 1st, the public hate them for letting them stay out in the cold and rain and risk their safety. 2nd, and more likely after how much AA are trying to make this up to their facebook fans, is that they'll be even more covetable, and this will just be something to publicise them better. If anything, it might make people realise that they won't have a rummage sale in the UK ever again, and so they might as well find a store and buy the full priced one.
So that's really the question, is any publicity in the end good publicity?
P.S., discount codes are:
AALNDN10 gets you 15% off our UK webstore for the next 10 days! (redeem code at checkout).
Please Take 25% OFF anything in our UK site (use code LNDNRMG25) or print this for 25% off at our UK retail shops... (exp 1 wk, not valid w/ other offers)
29/03/2010
FTBC
Fashion Targets Breast Cancer campaign.
The FTBC, first established by Ralph Lauren in 1994, has their new breast cancer campaign featuring Sienna Miller, Claudia Schiffer and Kylie Minogue, a recent sufferer of breast cancer.
In order to boost the campaign, fashion retail stores such as River Island, Coast, M&S and Superdry have created a collection of items that will donate 30% to the FTBC.
You can view the collection here.
As far as charities go, the FTBC is one I'm close to not only due to it using fashion to create their campaign, but because I'm a supporter of any charity that donates to improving the lives of those with cancer.
(From the About Us page on www.fashiontargetsbreastcancer.org)
The FTBC, first established by Ralph Lauren in 1994, has their new breast cancer campaign featuring Sienna Miller, Claudia Schiffer and Kylie Minogue, a recent sufferer of breast cancer.
In order to boost the campaign, fashion retail stores such as River Island, Coast, M&S and Superdry have created a collection of items that will donate 30% to the FTBC.
You can view the collection here.
As far as charities go, the FTBC is one I'm close to not only due to it using fashion to create their campaign, but because I'm a supporter of any charity that donates to improving the lives of those with cancer.
(From the About Us page on www.fashiontargetsbreastcancer.org)
Fashion Targets Breast Cancer (FTBC) was established in 1994 by Ralph Lauren, after his friend Nina Hyde, Fashion Editor of the Washington Post, died of breast cancer.
In 1996, FTBC was launched in the UK by Breakthrough Breast Cancer. FTBC now celebrates its 14th year; our iconic t-shirt graces most women’s wardrobes and it’s been heralded as the most fashionable charity campaign in the UK.
The campaign is fortunate enough to have received support from some of the world’s most famous fashion icons. Photographers Mario Testino, David Bailey and Ellen Von Unwerth together with stars including Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Gisele, Jerry Hall, Helena Christensen and Lily Cole have all very generously supported the campaign.
To date the campaign has raised over £10.5m in the UK alone through the sale of the famous target t-shirts and other merchandise, sold for us by our loyal and much-loved high street retailers. In the UK, M&S, River Island, Warehouse, Topshop, Coast, Laura Ashley, Superdry, My-wardrobe.com and Whistles all help FTBC raise vital funds for Breakthrough Breast Cancer and we are extremely grateful for their help and support.
Breakthrough Breast Cancer would like to thank all our fashion icons, high street partners and FTBC customers for their continued support over the last 14 years. We look forward to another hugely successful campaign for 2010.
16/03/2010
Topshop Auction
Celebrity Bid
Here it comes, a chance to bid for celebrity clothing donated to high street chain Topshop. You may remember a few months ago the dresses were up for hire from the Oxford Street store, and now they're on auction in aid of Age Concern and Help the Aged.
Dresses in aid of a charity have always been known to sell for more (or so I'm told) than the original selling price, but the attendees of the auction will be interesting. Although the dresses have been worn by celebrities, will celebrities come and buy them? Perhaps in aid of charity, but I think the public will be the ones bidding for these golden dresses. Either way the intention for Topshop is the publicity, the intention of the bidders are the dresses, and the charity is just a bonus!
In other news, John Galliano has replaced Donatella Versace as the chairperson of Fashion Fringe Covent Garden, stating that he is looking for someone with their own handwriting that's a bit of a rebel. Like Donatella, Galliano will be holding the position for two years.
Here it comes, a chance to bid for celebrity clothing donated to high street chain Topshop. You may remember a few months ago the dresses were up for hire from the Oxford Street store, and now they're on auction in aid of Age Concern and Help the Aged.
Dresses in aid of a charity have always been known to sell for more (or so I'm told) than the original selling price, but the attendees of the auction will be interesting. Although the dresses have been worn by celebrities, will celebrities come and buy them? Perhaps in aid of charity, but I think the public will be the ones bidding for these golden dresses. Either way the intention for Topshop is the publicity, the intention of the bidders are the dresses, and the charity is just a bonus!In other news, John Galliano has replaced Donatella Versace as the chairperson of Fashion Fringe Covent Garden, stating that he is looking for someone with their own handwriting that's a bit of a rebel. Like Donatella, Galliano will be holding the position for two years.
13/03/2010
Asda 100 day guarantee
Buy it, wear it, take it back
Asda has taken an initiative to curb the 'Primark effect' of throwaway fashion by giving their clothes from George a 100 day quality guarantee.
Asda is confident enough in the quality of their clothing that they don't think the new plan will be taken advantage of, but they don't really mention the fashion side. Although fast trends aren't as quick as 100 days, what's stopping a woman buying a dress, wearing it, then taking it back? Although some would prefer it wasn't clothes from Asda, there are still some women who would do this. It's almost a rental service as well. If you've bought George clothing and you're a little strapped for cash, return that impulse buy from last month as it's a no quibble guarantee. It'll be interesting to see how successful this will be.
Asda has taken an initiative to curb the 'Primark effect' of throwaway fashion by giving their clothes from George a 100 day quality guarantee.
Asda is confident enough in the quality of their clothing that they don't think the new plan will be taken advantage of, but they don't really mention the fashion side. Although fast trends aren't as quick as 100 days, what's stopping a woman buying a dress, wearing it, then taking it back? Although some would prefer it wasn't clothes from Asda, there are still some women who would do this. It's almost a rental service as well. If you've bought George clothing and you're a little strapped for cash, return that impulse buy from last month as it's a no quibble guarantee. It'll be interesting to see how successful this will be.
10/03/2010
Louis Vuitton Autumn Winter 2010/11
Le Classique Vuitton
Bringing back a classical element of style, Louis Vuitton envisioned Grace Kelly travelling the big cities of Europe, beginning with Rome and ending in Paris. Beautifully placed around a fountain in the city of Paris, hemlines dropped, bows were put on shoes, handbags were hand-bags and hair was tied back into a simple pony tail. Now either the shoes were hard to walk in, or the only off putting thing about the show was the girls galloping and strutting like horses instead of gracefully dancing. I'm going to have to try and find myself a black velvet belt with gold buckle though.
"I'd rather embrace it than fight it" - Marc Jacobs on the digital takeover.
Marc Jacobs doesn't use twitter, facebook or any such sites personally, and when he talks about live streaming it seems as though it's not his idea. It's the same from last season really - it's a marketing ploy made by the company and Jacobs has seemed to have just said "I'm designing the clothes, I don't want it streamed, but I don't have a say, so do it so I can keep designing the clothes." I think Marc Jacob's own brand is going to be the only one that won't be live streaming his collection next season.
Bringing back a classical element of style, Louis Vuitton envisioned Grace Kelly travelling the big cities of Europe, beginning with Rome and ending in Paris. Beautifully placed around a fountain in the city of Paris, hemlines dropped, bows were put on shoes, handbags were hand-bags and hair was tied back into a simple pony tail. Now either the shoes were hard to walk in, or the only off putting thing about the show was the girls galloping and strutting like horses instead of gracefully dancing. I'm going to have to try and find myself a black velvet belt with gold buckle though.
"I'd rather embrace it than fight it" - Marc Jacobs on the digital takeover.
Marc Jacobs doesn't use twitter, facebook or any such sites personally, and when he talks about live streaming it seems as though it's not his idea. It's the same from last season really - it's a marketing ploy made by the company and Jacobs has seemed to have just said "I'm designing the clothes, I don't want it streamed, but I don't have a say, so do it so I can keep designing the clothes." I think Marc Jacob's own brand is going to be the only one that won't be live streaming his collection next season.
09/03/2010
Ungaro Fall 2011
Lindsay falls farther from Ungaro
Lindsay Lohan has been confirmed to have not taken part whatsoever in the creation of the Ungaro Fall 2011 Womenswear collection that showcased in Paris fashion week, instead leaving the creations to Estrella Archs.
The brand's owner Asim Abdullah told Women's Wear Daily backstage: "She's not involved in this collection."
Emanuel Ungaro Autumn Winter 2010/11
Although there were harsh criticisms on Lohan's designs last season, the collection did sell well. However, as they've shown from this year, publicity is still publicity. Despite not attending the show and attending Dior's instead, there was still talk about the Ungaro label. It will be interesting to see how the sales compare to last year without the aid of the Mean Girl.
Lindsay Lohan has been confirmed to have not taken part whatsoever in the creation of the Ungaro Fall 2011 Womenswear collection that showcased in Paris fashion week, instead leaving the creations to Estrella Archs.
The brand's owner Asim Abdullah told Women's Wear Daily backstage: "She's not involved in this collection."
Emanuel Ungaro Autumn Winter 2010/11Although there were harsh criticisms on Lohan's designs last season, the collection did sell well. However, as they've shown from this year, publicity is still publicity. Despite not attending the show and attending Dior's instead, there was still talk about the Ungaro label. It will be interesting to see how the sales compare to last year without the aid of the Mean Girl.
04/03/2010
Diane Von Furstenberg for Claridges
The Hotel Fashionista
Claridges in London has just announced a collaboration with designer Diane Von Furstenburg to redesign the interior of some of the hotel's suites using her iconic block colours and prints.
"One of my fondest memories was when I was in London as a young, independent businesswoman and stayed at Claridge's. I knew I had made it. To me, Claridge's is the most glamourous hotel in the world; I regard it as my home away from home. I am honoured to become part of the hotel's legacy and rich design history."
Vogue.co.uk
Although fashion is given a lot of stick, it's amazing how the art of fashion can branch across other industries and can be incorporated into anything. When you consider fashion in this way, it's more about style and class rather than the fast paced clothing industry.
Claridges in London has just announced a collaboration with designer Diane Von Furstenburg to redesign the interior of some of the hotel's suites using her iconic block colours and prints.
"One of my fondest memories was when I was in London as a young, independent businesswoman and stayed at Claridge's. I knew I had made it. To me, Claridge's is the most glamourous hotel in the world; I regard it as my home away from home. I am honoured to become part of the hotel's legacy and rich design history."Vogue.co.uk
Although fashion is given a lot of stick, it's amazing how the art of fashion can branch across other industries and can be incorporated into anything. When you consider fashion in this way, it's more about style and class rather than the fast paced clothing industry.
03/03/2010
Milan Fashion Week
Milan Closing
I know I'm writing more about Dolce & Gabbana, but quite frankly other collections were simply boring. They all had the same plain wear just different colours. However Christopher Kane gets a mention for the Versus collection: thank God someone decided to add bright colour for Autumn Winter 2010/11 - I was dreading a dull Winter this year.
Anyway, back to Dolce & Gabbana -
First watch this video
Then watch this one
I've had a look around and it seems as though Dolce & Gabbana is the first to live stream their show from the iPhone. Not only is the fashion show becoming more accessible to everyone via the Internet, but now it's available while out and about. However, how convenient is it? I guess those with an iPhone can take up to an hour out of their working day for lunch/coffee and instead of chatting with anyone pull out their iPhone like a fashion obsessed hermit and watch the show, but seriously, if you've got the time to do that you've got the time to eat lunch infront of a large screen computer and watch it at dolceandgabbana.com, don't you? This just seems to me to be advancing for the sake of advancing. Stefano and Domenico want to be a step ahead, even if that step ahead isn't really useful to them. Don't get me wrong, if I had an iPhone I'd be watching it on that as well as on my laptop because I'm that much of a fashion hermit, but in terms of watching I'd prefer a larger screen.
This is how Burberry got it right, through going bigger, not smaller, by broadcasting their Winter 2011 show in 3D in cinemas around the world.
But anyway, back to the show. Although there were beautiful pieces throughout, what interested me was the parade of suits that came down the catwalk at the end. The film noir of the making of at the beginning hinted at the skill in tailoring that Dolce & Gabbana use to embody their Sicilian woman, but there is irony in their working.
When you see this parade of powerful women in subtly different jackets wearing either silk pants or lace shorts and simple court shoes, you think wow, that's who I want to be, part of the pack of beautiful, strong women. I mean, give them red lipstick and it's the Robert Palmer video. The irony, however, is that this parade of powerful, beautiful women are in fact wearing suit jackets - clothing originally designed for men. Is this how feminism comes about in the 21st century? Through wearing men's clothing and pulling it off better? I hope so.
I know I'm writing more about Dolce & Gabbana, but quite frankly other collections were simply boring. They all had the same plain wear just different colours. However Christopher Kane gets a mention for the Versus collection: thank God someone decided to add bright colour for Autumn Winter 2010/11 - I was dreading a dull Winter this year.
Anyway, back to Dolce & Gabbana -
First watch this video
Then watch this one
I've had a look around and it seems as though Dolce & Gabbana is the first to live stream their show from the iPhone. Not only is the fashion show becoming more accessible to everyone via the Internet, but now it's available while out and about. However, how convenient is it? I guess those with an iPhone can take up to an hour out of their working day for lunch/coffee and instead of chatting with anyone pull out their iPhone like a fashion obsessed hermit and watch the show, but seriously, if you've got the time to do that you've got the time to eat lunch infront of a large screen computer and watch it at dolceandgabbana.com, don't you? This just seems to me to be advancing for the sake of advancing. Stefano and Domenico want to be a step ahead, even if that step ahead isn't really useful to them. Don't get me wrong, if I had an iPhone I'd be watching it on that as well as on my laptop because I'm that much of a fashion hermit, but in terms of watching I'd prefer a larger screen.
This is how Burberry got it right, through going bigger, not smaller, by broadcasting their Winter 2011 show in 3D in cinemas around the world.
But anyway, back to the show. Although there were beautiful pieces throughout, what interested me was the parade of suits that came down the catwalk at the end. The film noir of the making of at the beginning hinted at the skill in tailoring that Dolce & Gabbana use to embody their Sicilian woman, but there is irony in their working.
When you see this parade of powerful women in subtly different jackets wearing either silk pants or lace shorts and simple court shoes, you think wow, that's who I want to be, part of the pack of beautiful, strong women. I mean, give them red lipstick and it's the Robert Palmer video. The irony, however, is that this parade of powerful, beautiful women are in fact wearing suit jackets - clothing originally designed for men. Is this how feminism comes about in the 21st century? Through wearing men's clothing and pulling it off better? I hope so.
26/02/2010
D&G
Snow Day
If there's one thing I love about D&G as well as Dolce & Gabbana, it's how Stefano and Domenico grab one thing, be it lace, a print, denim or in the case of the AW 10/11 snowflake and reindeer knitwear and apply it to about 60 outfits in themed colours. They stick with it and create a huge choice of clothing that although it all looks the same, it'll suit everyone.
If there's one thing I love about D&G as well as Dolce & Gabbana, it's how Stefano and Domenico grab one thing, be it lace, a print, denim or in the case of the AW 10/11 snowflake and reindeer knitwear and apply it to about 60 outfits in themed colours. They stick with it and create a huge choice of clothing that although it all looks the same, it'll suit everyone.
London Fashion Week
LFW AW10
If there's one thing I loved about LFW this season it's the psychedelic prints that came about. I've always said that if you have a print on a garment, the pattern should be plain, and luckily Basso and Brooke kept this in mind, pairing prints with fur and simple shaped clothing. However, if you have very structured pieces the fabric should be plain to best show it off. Otherwise you're just going to Alexander McQueen wear which can really only be worn on the likes of Lady Gaga in Bad Romance or Naomi Campbell at the Fashion Relief for Haiti show. Richard Nicoll gave an understated but beautifully crafted collection, creating a certain style you can't really put your finger on, but you love all of it put together. Iris Van Herpen joined together elements of McQueen and Pugh as well as Kane to produce a costume style suitable for a Luc Besson film.
Basso & Brooke AW 10/11
Richard Nicoll AW10/11
Iris Van Herpen AW10/11
Images from style.com and fashion156.com
If there's one thing I loved about LFW this season it's the psychedelic prints that came about. I've always said that if you have a print on a garment, the pattern should be plain, and luckily Basso and Brooke kept this in mind, pairing prints with fur and simple shaped clothing. However, if you have very structured pieces the fabric should be plain to best show it off. Otherwise you're just going to Alexander McQueen wear which can really only be worn on the likes of Lady Gaga in Bad Romance or Naomi Campbell at the Fashion Relief for Haiti show. Richard Nicoll gave an understated but beautifully crafted collection, creating a certain style you can't really put your finger on, but you love all of it put together. Iris Van Herpen joined together elements of McQueen and Pugh as well as Kane to produce a costume style suitable for a Luc Besson film.
Basso & Brooke AW 10/11
Richard Nicoll AW10/11
Iris Van Herpen AW10/11
Images from style.com and fashion156.com
25/02/2010
Burberry Prorsum Autumn Winter 2010
Burberry Beautiful
Before I get to updating my blog with the wonders of London Fashion Week, I first wanted to pride my page with the likes of the Burberry show as it deserves a special mention, and I can't wait until I've posted my LFW report to put it up.
The show was both live streamed across the world and shown in capitals in 3D in cinemas, and so it was hard to miss out on such an event. After the popularity of the previous collection it made sense for Burberry to continue showing their collection in London to relate to it's heritage.
The clothing itself was beautiful, and pretty much the Menswear of AW10 shaped for a woman, so I'm very pleased with that. I'll have to save up some money to afford the navy military jacket or the 1940s style pilot jacket with sheepskin lining.
But did the hype bring the clothes out more? Looking at the comments that were posted throughout the duration of the show, it seems this was the first online fashion show for many people, who then said 'I love Burberry'. Well, if you love Burberry, why didn't you see the previous online show?
This was apparently the only show that Anna Wintour, editor of American Vogue, flew out for, and so immediately becomes a covetable show to watch. It makes you think how creative marketing can really make a brand stand out, even if the clothes aren't everyone's cup of tea. All Burberry need to watch out for is having everyone love them so much that they won't want to anymore.
Before I get to updating my blog with the wonders of London Fashion Week, I first wanted to pride my page with the likes of the Burberry show as it deserves a special mention, and I can't wait until I've posted my LFW report to put it up.The show was both live streamed across the world and shown in capitals in 3D in cinemas, and so it was hard to miss out on such an event. After the popularity of the previous collection it made sense for Burberry to continue showing their collection in London to relate to it's heritage.
The clothing itself was beautiful, and pretty much the Menswear of AW10 shaped for a woman, so I'm very pleased with that. I'll have to save up some money to afford the navy military jacket or the 1940s style pilot jacket with sheepskin lining.
But did the hype bring the clothes out more? Looking at the comments that were posted throughout the duration of the show, it seems this was the first online fashion show for many people, who then said 'I love Burberry'. Well, if you love Burberry, why didn't you see the previous online show?
This was apparently the only show that Anna Wintour, editor of American Vogue, flew out for, and so immediately becomes a covetable show to watch. It makes you think how creative marketing can really make a brand stand out, even if the clothes aren't everyone's cup of tea. All Burberry need to watch out for is having everyone love them so much that they won't want to anymore.
20/02/2010
NY Fashion Week
Highlight of my day
Marc Jacobs delivered a very understated collection, seemingly inspired by the grey dress worn by Maria in The Sound of Music when she meets the children. Very straight forward cuts and shapes with curved hems and texture added using fur. Adding to the trend set by Burberry, grey socks were worn under heels, and accessories included leather and fur trimmed bags. Surprising for Marc Jacobs, but perhaps I’m too used to his Marc by Marc Jacobs collection of bright colours and boyish shapes.
Autumn Winter 2010/11 from Marc by Marc Jacobs had some beautiful bags, almost Gucci style with the tri band straps and patent leather with a gold plague. These bags are the first to really tempt me since the Gucci Autumn Winter 2008/9 bags.
Michael Kors delivered more classic style with his 1940s pilot style, but unfortunately it seemed a little too close to Burberry's menswear collection as well as being similar to collections in 2006/7 with the leather belts. Although gorgeous, it's been seen before, and you might find something similar lurking in the back of your wardrobe (or you could piece it together by only adding a few more items to your collection).
By far my favourite, as per usual during New York Fashion Week, has to be Marchesa. Creating perfection yet again with lace, beading, transparent fabrics and silk, Georgina Chapman said she was inspired by Lola Montez, performer and courtesan in the 1800s. With Moulin Rouge style combined with flashes of bright coloured fitted dresses with running corsages around the frame, Marchesa has provided it's usual glamour and goddess beauty.
Images from style.com
Marc Jacobs delivered a very understated collection, seemingly inspired by the grey dress worn by Maria in The Sound of Music when she meets the children. Very straight forward cuts and shapes with curved hems and texture added using fur. Adding to the trend set by Burberry, grey socks were worn under heels, and accessories included leather and fur trimmed bags. Surprising for Marc Jacobs, but perhaps I’m too used to his Marc by Marc Jacobs collection of bright colours and boyish shapes.
Autumn Winter 2010/11 from Marc by Marc Jacobs had some beautiful bags, almost Gucci style with the tri band straps and patent leather with a gold plague. These bags are the first to really tempt me since the Gucci Autumn Winter 2008/9 bags.
Michael Kors delivered more classic style with his 1940s pilot style, but unfortunately it seemed a little too close to Burberry's menswear collection as well as being similar to collections in 2006/7 with the leather belts. Although gorgeous, it's been seen before, and you might find something similar lurking in the back of your wardrobe (or you could piece it together by only adding a few more items to your collection).
By far my favourite, as per usual during New York Fashion Week, has to be Marchesa. Creating perfection yet again with lace, beading, transparent fabrics and silk, Georgina Chapman said she was inspired by Lola Montez, performer and courtesan in the 1800s. With Moulin Rouge style combined with flashes of bright coloured fitted dresses with running corsages around the frame, Marchesa has provided it's usual glamour and goddess beauty.
Images from style.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)