jealous

Skylar Berman is a ridiculously cool baby, with an amazingly stylish mother.

Damn you Missoni pushchair! I want one!

I think I may need a child first. hmm.

Alexander Wang - Cruise 2012

Sportswear Personified.

Alexander Wang showcased his Cruise 2012 collection yesterday and it was a rather urban affair.

Coming straight from his Accessories Designer of the Year awards at the CFDA's last week, Wang showcased his collection in New York.

Colour blocking, slick zip -front jackets, tracksuit slouch pants and swimwear were the key looks throughout.

It's no surprise that women across the globe are sporting swimwear pieces as undergarments and this was translated within his collection.

Though not incredibly inspirational, Wang's label is booming, due to his street savvy commercialism. 

I personally love the layered colour blocked jackets. A sure fire hit on the high-street.

and.. and.. and.. Wang is opening his second flagship store in beijing. It's a good day.

BIAD Private View

This was it. When it all comes to an end.

It's really hit me this evening just how much I am going to miss being here in Birmingham and studying something I truly love, but what I do know is i'm equipped with exactly the right tools for me to thrive in this pretty cutthroat industry. (Round of applause for the staff)

 That said, we all attended the BIAD private view show, where family and friends were allowed to view everyones hard work and celebrate the end of our university lives. The whole university were part of the evening, with students ranging through Fashion Design, Architecture, Costume Design and Photography.

BIAD Private View - Theatre Design

What I can say is.. BIAD really did excel themselves in the standard of work showcased. I went around lots of different departments to get an insight into what other students were doing, and I was blown away by how much talent the uni has.

 BIAD Private View - Fashion Design

Alexander Mcqueen Copy Cat?! Almost identical.

Not to blow our own trumpets, but as far as i'm concerned the new FRM exhibition stands were by far the best space to showcases everyones projects. Very professional.

Also a big congratulations to everyone that won a FRM award!.. it's a shame that not everyones incredibly hardwork was recognised, it was a little deflating for most.. but then again i'm happy our Disneyland Paris Excursion was a highlight. I'll be remembered for something.. eh?

I can't speak on behalf of everyone but certainly from myself, there has been a noted change in the way the course has been run in the past year, and it's definatley not gone unnoticed. Great support from all tutors, so thankyou to all of you.

Givenchy Resort 2012

Ricardo Tisci's Fall Collection for Givenchy was another sure hit oozing wearability and sophistication.

The prints and colour ways are beautiful and the sportswear undertones seem apt for a resort collection.

Favourite piece: Definatley the 1950's navy, double-silk dress with swimwear style bodice. gorgeous.

Givenchy - Resort Collection - Style.com

A very confident and directed collection. Heres hoping the menswear debut will be just as fantastic.

swanky swanky

I didn't think Topman, Oxford Circus could get any better. Until now.

After adding a whole new floor in menswear in the past year, Topman was out for a very bright future. The latest development is in the form of a personal shopper service... which is free of charge.

The Express is their quick fashion fix.  This half hour session is good if you know what you want, or have a rough idea and you need some help tweaking it.

The hour long Edit is a bit more extensive.  This is perfect if you are looking to get to grips with the key styles of the season, or if you’ve got an event like a big night out for which you’d like to find the perfect look.

For the ultimate wardrobe overhaul, it’s the Experience slot, which is a 2 hour bespoke personal shopping session tailored to you.  For this, you let them know in advance what you’re looking for and their in-house fashion expert will research a range of looks and accessories for you to try.  The ultimate objective is to create a capsule wardrobe that suits your lifestyle.  

And... if this doesnt excite you enough, all this is done in a super slick, newly created zone. 

 Such a fantastic development. So many men are left bewildered by the sheer amount of choice the high-street offers, and this is a perfect platform to get more men interested into buying into fashion and style, and understand exactly what is right for each individual.

I'm gonna give it a try.. even if it is just to see the room.

For more information and to book an appointment:

Tel: 0844 322 1390 or Email: personalshopping@topman.com

The Duchess dresses like Waldorf

Katherine, Duchess of Cambridge seems to be dressing rather well lately. I havn't decided if it's luck or if she actually shows true promise. But certainly as of late, Kate has excelled herself in the style stakes.

The ARK Gala dinner was no exception, where she chose a beautiful pearl Jenny Packham dress with Swarovski crystal detailing. Funny enough, this same dress was worn by none other than Blair Waldorf in an episode of Gossip Girl.

I hear you ask.. is the future queen of England a fan of GG? All I can say is for her sanity... I hope not.

Nevertheless, The Duchess Of Cambridge wears it perfectly, oozing sophistication in the simple,striking and clean cut gown.

I'm looking forward to seeing what she comes up with next.

travel essentials

Despite feeling only slightly better after my bout of Bronchitis, I seem to have been left with a rather unfortunate cold, which isn't made any better by the fact I'm on a 2 hour train back to Birmingham. 

The only things getting me through this.

did you hear it click?

Though not even slightly relevant, this video completley and utterly warms the heart.

I promise i'll get back to proper posts, this just had to be shown.

I adore old people, and Rita is a babe.

words of wisdom.

"Work really hard! Dedication and commitment will get you to the top. And… don’t forget to be polite to everyone because you never know who you’ll meet on the way down..." - Emma Hill, Mulberry.

sound, sound advice.  take note kids.

beWITCHing

Emma Watson - US Vogue July 2011

Emma Watson - US Vogue July 2011

Some people get all the luck, take Emma Watson, she's not only a critically acclaimed actress but a Burberry clotheshorse, the face of beauty gian Lancome, dedicated style icon and now, Miss Watson has bagged her first US Vogue cover.

All this at the age of 21 makes me feel like a chronic underachiever. That said, we can't begrudge Emma's success, and credit definatley where it is due.

As of late, US Vogue have left me feeling a little dissapointed with their choice of covers however, after several months, Anna Wintour finally hits the ground running.

The burgundy and orange work together perfectly, showcasing a summery and sophisticated vibe. The cover headlines, while still impacting, have been reduced in number and increased in size, which somehow works quite well... and is a damn sight better than previous issues.

The editorial inside follows the same line. Very intense colours and quite a lot of metallics.

and.. she's wearing the amazing Tom Ford chain mail top. mmm.

pwwwetty huh?

I wanna be adored.

If only we all looked like this.

life is art.

All The World's A Stage

I got all cultured this afternoon. Yes, you hear right. Cultured.

I went to a fantastic production of 'Hindle Wakes' at the Capitol Theatre in Manchester starring none other than my older, actor brother Ryan. Yes.. we are quite the 'arty farty' siblings.

I always try and see him in as much I possibly can, and often being at the opposite sides of the country it can be pretty difficult however, this time it was possible. This particular stage production was directed by Joyce Branagh, the sister of hollywood actor and director Kenneth Branagh and is set in Lancashire in the 1900's.

The story is set in and around the town of Hindle when the cotton mines are closed and the workers take to their holidays and revolves around a holiday affair between mill hand, Fanny and the boss's son, Alan. 

 Despite being set during the early 1900's the contemporary edge on the characters attitudes and behaviour really stand up today, centuries later. 

On a fashion/costume/design point of view, Olivia de Monceau created a beautiful set and wonderful period costumes, and as always, i'm a very proud brother.

A really fantastic period romp!

BIAD Exhibition Preparation

Preparation COMPLETE.

The BIAD Fashion Retail Management Exhibition is ready to start.

After 3 years of intensive learning, the work is almost finished and though there are a few loose ends to tie up, the end is in sight. 

This year, we have the privelege of showcasing our work in pretty impressive exhibition booths, which allow each student to have their own space and freedom to do with what they wish. I spent alot of time conceptualising my space, knowing I had full control over how I would showcase my work.

I wanted to reflect my concept within my exhibition space without detracting from my work. My concept is all about clean lines, geometrics and a masculine aesthetic and therefore this has been transported into the exhibition space. I wanted to keep the space clean and certainly in this case... less is DEFINATLEY more. 

Really pleased with the outcome of my space. It reflects my concept like I set out to accomplish without detracting from, but complimenting my work.

 Also... a BIG thankyou to Joe Miles who printed my large exhibition poster! Really great quality!

Come to the private view! Amazing standard of work from everyone in FRM!

BCU Media Exhibition

Like the good friend that I am, I went to the BCU Media Exhibition this evening to support a few friends who were showcasing their work.

'Exhibit This' featured a broad selection of student specialisms ranging through photography, journalism, radio and television. These selection of students had the pleasure of showcasing their final works in the Zellig building located in the heart of the Custard Factory. A fantastic location, for a fantastic selection of work.

One particular students work which really encapsulated a great concept and breadth of work was by 'Holly Roberts' who produced a fantastic film entitled 'Abberance' which showcased various different short stories intertwined by one key theme. Beautifully shot. 

 Holly Roberts - Abberance Film - BIAD Exhibition

Take a look at www.amardproductions.com if you don't believe me.

Phillipa Duke's directorial debut didn't go unnoticed with a fantastic documentary highlighting peoples views on tattooing. Whether you love them or hate them, the bottom line is... it's artwork adorned on the body. Really lovely shot. Interesting and thought provoking.

Birmingham really is filled with amazing design, media and art based talent and it really does put it into perspective when you attend student events like this one.

A real treat! If you attended you will know what i'm talking about!

tumbleweed

I was unfortunatley left a little bored after I saw the menswear winner at Graduate Fashion Week.

I completley appreciate the workmanship, and in no way am I denying his win, but what would this blog be if I didn't voice my opinion? 

The excecution of the collection is immaculate however, I personally feel it didn't seem fresh and though his use of historic patterns were commendable, I was only left feeling like it had been done before.

The black panel detailing and vent on the jacket are great but it seems to be overlooked. I do however love the black knee-length trench.

Felix Chabluk Smith - Graduate Fashion Week 2011

Maybe i'm overlooking something which the judges didn't?

Then again, who am I to judge?

a newcomer is born

The seventh annual Graduate Fashion Week Gold Winner has been won.

Rory Longdon, a graduate from Nottingham Trent University won the prestigious award as well as scooping a £20,000 prize.

The gold award winner is 'chosen for demonstrating exceptional facility in design, cut and construction, and excellent use of fabric and colour' - Graduate Fashion Week, 2011.

I was blown away by the sheer workmanship of his collection. Instantly wearable, and though a simple idea, the collection translated into a very cohesive and immaculately constructed set of garments. I adore the fabric choices and the zip detailing is an interesting touch.

Rory Longdon - GFW 2011, Gold Award Winner Collection

Congratulations Rory! I'm sure a very bright future is ahead of you.

Sheffield Showcase Project

Just gained some summer work experience!

I will be working in partnership with the Sheffield Showcase Project as a Visual Merchandiser. The aim of the project is to showcase South Yorkshire design talent in an outdoor exhibition within the city centre, which in turn will generate more foot fall for the high-street. 

I feel really passionate about celebrating young design talent, as so much is wasted due to lack of funding or just not having access to the correct facilites. 

The week long project is funded entirely by Sheffield City Council and is in partnership with Creative Sheffield and The Source. The dynamic initiative will offer a platform for local businesses and creative individuals to contribute to the improvement of the city by showcasing their wares within the exhibition.

I think it will be a fantastic opportunity to gain some more experience working within a field I feel very passionate about.

Things are on the up!

dissapointment

To say i'm dissapointed is definatley an understatement.

Today is supposed to be my scheduled day at Graduate Fashion Week. The event where fashion students up and down the country showcase their hard work. After weeks of looking forward to going, mother nature decides to strike and give me bronchitis. Well... the early stages of bronchitis anyway. Apparantly I have inflamamation of the bronchi. (who knows?!)

That said, i'm tooked up in bed and writing this blog post with very little energy. Though i've not managed to get there, I know my friends have made sure my work has been shown, even for a little while.

That's what friends are for eh?

Thankfully, it wasn't an assessed trip, and though i've missed out on the experience of showcasing my degree work, I can atleast say I have been before and seen it for myself. It's just a shame that I wasn't lucky this time.

Hopefully i'll feel better soon. For the time being, i'm happy to be in bed. hmph.

Right Hand Man.

I'm going to miss this one! Why is it coming to an end?!