Third Year is going way too fast, its really scary to think that just on friday, we handed in our dissertations. It was 'only' a draft, but it still came to 6000 words, not including the MASSIVE bibliography, list of images and abstract. The time is literally rushing by, and yet there is still so much to do.
My Dissertation topic was something that I am very interested in, it is a comparison of the Blog and the written form of Fashion Writing. I looked particularly at the Vogue Blog and the Vogue Magazine. Found out many many things i didn't know about the Vogue magazine, like for instance that it was first published in 1916.
I am now juggling 'only' about 5 or 6 projects, which is soo much easier, and yet I feel that I am not as stressed as i should be. I keep having a cup of tea and ignoring the problem, hoping it will go away, its only when I really think about it does it make me nauseus.
Our assessments are on the 5th and 6th of December which is not far away at all. Oh sleep i will miss you, I think I have taken it for granted all of these years and now I will have to do without.
At least i will get a break for Christmas... or not. Have to go to actual work, and still carry on with my uni work... Dissertation Deadline is the 25th January, which is still really early.
I'd like to say I'm going now to do some work, but I think I am just going to go for a nap, so I can get lots done later
Wednesday, 21 November 2012
Monday, 15 October 2012
Stressed is not the word :/
We joked about being stressed and sleep deprived when we were second years. We toyed with the possibilities of spending all day drinking tea and chain smoking. We all said that we would have no time to go out, no time to spend on ourselves, but we didn't really believe it.
And now... three weeks in, this has all come true. I never ever thought that I would live in a world where I didn't have time to dye my hair, pluck my eyebrows and, heaven forbid... Shop.
I am sure that all third years can relate to this post, all of my friends are stressing about their workload and I'm sure we can all play the 'Who's course is worse' game, but I can obviously only relate to Fashion.
I know for a fact that in an Art-based course, inspiration is key. We can stare at a blank piece of paper for hours, but without the motivation we can do nothing. Some days I would quite happily trade drawing, moodboards, patternmaking and toiling for reading a book, or doing an essay. I'm not saying that this is easier, of course, there are days when I am glad for my creative work, glad that drawing, doodling and colouring is actually classed as work.
The sheer quantity of work required for third year is also a shock. We are supposed to do 8 hours of University work per subject every week. We have 5 subjects so 8x5=40 hours.
Count in the weekends, I have to make sure I do 5hours and 42minutes of work every day. I have a job and a work placement, as a lot of students do, meaning that this isn't always possible.
Count in the fact that our dissertation is due in on the 19th November as a first draft and (not that I'm counting obviously) but thats exactly 5 weeks from today. And i haven't started. Stressed is not the word. I also have two other deadlines before this day stressing about whether or not we are going to have a Fashion Show or not. Sometimes I feel like I am drowning, and I'm sure I'm not the only one.
I knew that Third year would be difficult, stressful and sometimes downright scary but I still feel that it will be worth it. I hope. I'm sure we will see.
And now... three weeks in, this has all come true. I never ever thought that I would live in a world where I didn't have time to dye my hair, pluck my eyebrows and, heaven forbid... Shop.
I am sure that all third years can relate to this post, all of my friends are stressing about their workload and I'm sure we can all play the 'Who's course is worse' game, but I can obviously only relate to Fashion.
I know for a fact that in an Art-based course, inspiration is key. We can stare at a blank piece of paper for hours, but without the motivation we can do nothing. Some days I would quite happily trade drawing, moodboards, patternmaking and toiling for reading a book, or doing an essay. I'm not saying that this is easier, of course, there are days when I am glad for my creative work, glad that drawing, doodling and colouring is actually classed as work.
The sheer quantity of work required for third year is also a shock. We are supposed to do 8 hours of University work per subject every week. We have 5 subjects so 8x5=40 hours.
Count in the weekends, I have to make sure I do 5hours and 42minutes of work every day. I have a job and a work placement, as a lot of students do, meaning that this isn't always possible.
Count in the fact that our dissertation is due in on the 19th November as a first draft and (not that I'm counting obviously) but thats exactly 5 weeks from today. And i haven't started. Stressed is not the word. I also have two other deadlines before this day stressing about whether or not we are going to have a Fashion Show or not. Sometimes I feel like I am drowning, and I'm sure I'm not the only one.
I knew that Third year would be difficult, stressful and sometimes downright scary but I still feel that it will be worth it. I hope. I'm sure we will see.
Monday, 20 February 2012
London fashion Week - Peter Pilotto
As I eagerly anticipated the live launch of the Alexander McQueen collection at London Fashion Week (Only four and a half hours to go... eeeek) I decided to check out the other designers that had already shown their Autumn/Winter 2012 collection.
One of the designers I was particularly intertested in was Peter Pilotto. Their Spring Summer collection this year was amazing and Elle Collections named them as someone to watch in the upcoming season.
Peter Pilotto comprises of Peter Pilotto, the brands namesake and Christopher De Vos. They won the Best emerging talent award at the British fashion Awards in 2009.
So I decided to check out their new collection and let me just say... I was NOT disappointed!
Puffa Jackets with optical illusion stripes, and metallic fabrics opened the show. Beautiful, realistic floral prints in a multitude of blue shapes mirrored their obsession with prints last season, except this time they really did steal the show. Some of the jewel patterns were so detailed it was difficult to see that was flat and what was 3-Dimensional. Peter Pilotto continies to blur these lines for the audience. Amazing technicolour stoles were worn to create a clash of colour texture and prints. Everything screamed hi-tech futurism, some pieces almost bordering on sportswear.
A lot of the pieces created a hint back at the bondage trend we saw quite a lot of and is starting to creep back at Mulberry this season. Thick black straps make simple outfits look complicated, contrasting with the rainbow prints and sequins.
And how could I forget the super-embellished dresses towards the end? With cut out mesh pieces and cute keyhole necklines, these dresses are a huge contrast the the beginning of the collection, and yet it moulds together seamlessly. Theres not one thing I dislike. I like the different panels that make up each outfit, the different fabrics used for each, the exaggerated cap sleeves, the disconnected raglan sleeve, the almost-but not quite-peplum and most of all the SHOES!! Gorgeous Pointy, heavily embellished stilettos were worn with each outfit, perfectly made to match and tipping this collection from good to great.
All images courtesy of vogue.com
One of the designers I was particularly intertested in was Peter Pilotto. Their Spring Summer collection this year was amazing and Elle Collections named them as someone to watch in the upcoming season.
Peter Pilotto comprises of Peter Pilotto, the brands namesake and Christopher De Vos. They won the Best emerging talent award at the British fashion Awards in 2009.
So I decided to check out their new collection and let me just say... I was NOT disappointed!
Puffa Jackets with optical illusion stripes, and metallic fabrics opened the show. Beautiful, realistic floral prints in a multitude of blue shapes mirrored their obsession with prints last season, except this time they really did steal the show. Some of the jewel patterns were so detailed it was difficult to see that was flat and what was 3-Dimensional. Peter Pilotto continies to blur these lines for the audience. Amazing technicolour stoles were worn to create a clash of colour texture and prints. Everything screamed hi-tech futurism, some pieces almost bordering on sportswear.
A lot of the pieces created a hint back at the bondage trend we saw quite a lot of and is starting to creep back at Mulberry this season. Thick black straps make simple outfits look complicated, contrasting with the rainbow prints and sequins.
And how could I forget the super-embellished dresses towards the end? With cut out mesh pieces and cute keyhole necklines, these dresses are a huge contrast the the beginning of the collection, and yet it moulds together seamlessly. Theres not one thing I dislike. I like the different panels that make up each outfit, the different fabrics used for each, the exaggerated cap sleeves, the disconnected raglan sleeve, the almost-but not quite-peplum and most of all the SHOES!! Gorgeous Pointy, heavily embellished stilettos were worn with each outfit, perfectly made to match and tipping this collection from good to great.
All images courtesy of vogue.com
Friday, 17 February 2012
My New T-Shirt!!
Well I was sitting in the most boring lecture ever again, thinking about designer clothes and doing a presentation about how much designer clothes cost to manufacture and the amount of mark- up the retailers put on when I realised I needed a break.
Going on the topshop website, I have been dreaming about the Mary Katrantzou collection ever since it was released.
She is a designer I really admire at the moment, clashing a multitude of prints that are both incredibly colourful and amazingly realistic at the same time. Think under the sea, rainbow colours and beautiful scenes.
So I bought a t-shirt :) in my defense, the delivery was half price so it was practically a bargain. I blame my friend Aimee Watt for disappearing for about 30 seconds and not stopping me. But here it is:
Going on the topshop website, I have been dreaming about the Mary Katrantzou collection ever since it was released.
She is a designer I really admire at the moment, clashing a multitude of prints that are both incredibly colourful and amazingly realistic at the same time. Think under the sea, rainbow colours and beautiful scenes.
So I bought a t-shirt :) in my defense, the delivery was half price so it was practically a bargain. I blame my friend Aimee Watt for disappearing for about 30 seconds and not stopping me. But here it is:
Isn't it beautiful :)
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Shoes, Shoes, Shoes!!
For some its handbags, others jewels and for the majority of womankind; it’s shoes; An obsession… And Spring/Summer 2012 is no exception. Can a woman ever really have too many shoes?
I feel that this question is something that is very close to my heart, and my purse, having recently (last week) gone out and bought myself two new pairs, whilst at the same time asking myself and my flatmate “Why can’t I have both?”
Both pairs are beautiful and totally impractical; The perfect combination? And I always tell myself that because my feet are such an odd size (size 3?) That I really must buy them when I find a pair that fits. Two pairs is just a bonus.
When leaving the shop I thought to myself, “I don’t feel guilty at all.” Just happy: unlike with handbags and clothes and jewellery. A beautiful pair of shoes can put a smile on a girls face quicker then pretty much anything.
I’m talking about shoes not only because of my newly re-surfaced obsession, but also because of the amount of shoes on the catwalk at the moment. The huge variation between the shoes, no two designers shoes collections are the same. There seems to be more emphasis on shoes this season. The shoes make the outfit, not the other way around and plain black stilettos are a rarity; A thing of the past.
Take for example Prada. A collection that is typically summery with pastel colours, prints and tube tops and lead your eyes down to the models footwear. Beautiful, bespoke creations adorn their feet and it is plain to see that the shoes have been made for this outfit. They have flames and thin metal heels. Anything plainer would have been an abomination; a crime against fashion. Each time I see the ‘Prada’ shoes I fall in love over and over again.
Gone were stilettos as the theme of thicker heels spread across the catwalk like wildfire, Chloe introduced a metallic, snakeskin sling-back and yet something which concept seems so wrong has never been so right. The heel (slightly thicker than a stiletto but not quite the clumpy heel of past trends) was outdone only by the front (loafer crossed with delicate evening shoe) and the Perspex used on some of them immediately stole the show.
The runway at Alexander McQueen was as beautiful and shocking as only McQueen can be. Gorgeous snake skin strappy sandals dominated the footwear of the models. Seemingly quite ordinary, one glimpse of the side of these extravagant sandals revealed a wedge heel that curved inwards, making them look impossible to walk in. These heels were covered in curved ridges and were sumptuous colours, making them appear almost shell-like.
And of course how can we have a post about shoes without mentioning the infamous ‘flatforms.’ Will they catch on? As seen on the catwalk at Nicholas Kirkwood among others, I for one am dubious about this painful looking fad. I am however excited at any prospect of looking taller without the pain of 5 inch heels.
Another chance to buy shoes you say?
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
Designer of the Month
I have decided that from now on I will do a little 'Designer of the Month' piece every month, picking out a designer that has probably been overlooked by Vogue, but I feel deserves some recognition.
This month I have decided that Mulberry will be my designer of the month. This is mainly because the s/s collection recently was really exciting and innovative. Some other reasons for this are who else could team up chiffon and pvc and get away with it. I doubt even Vivienne Westwood would dare do that. Sportswear made from tweed fabrics; hoodies with sheer, floor length skirts and lemon yellow?
Any yet the models with their voluminous hair and dogs on leashes pull this off. I particularly like the lace maxi dresses combined with waterproof macs and ribbed leggings.
Anoth thing that seperates the Mulberry collection from all of the other collections of this season is the prints. I know that this season is all about prints, yet Mulberry take the classic 'zebra print' and totally turn it on its head. Here, zebra print meant a print made entirely out of tiny little zebras, meaning that they have the upper hand in the print wars commencing on the catwalk.
Its very fresh, very summery and just what the fashion industry needs.
This month I have decided that Mulberry will be my designer of the month. This is mainly because the s/s collection recently was really exciting and innovative. Some other reasons for this are who else could team up chiffon and pvc and get away with it. I doubt even Vivienne Westwood would dare do that. Sportswear made from tweed fabrics; hoodies with sheer, floor length skirts and lemon yellow?
Any yet the models with their voluminous hair and dogs on leashes pull this off. I particularly like the lace maxi dresses combined with waterproof macs and ribbed leggings.
Anoth thing that seperates the Mulberry collection from all of the other collections of this season is the prints. I know that this season is all about prints, yet Mulberry take the classic 'zebra print' and totally turn it on its head. Here, zebra print meant a print made entirely out of tiny little zebras, meaning that they have the upper hand in the print wars commencing on the catwalk.
Its very fresh, very summery and just what the fashion industry needs.
Images from Vogue.com
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
Fashions New Years Resolutions
During the lead up to the big NYE I began thinking about a suitable New Years Resolution that I could adopt, and actually keep, and I decided that my New Years resolution would be to write on my blog more frequently. Keeping to the theme of New Years resolutions I began to wonder what the Resolutions would be in the fashion world, and decided to come up with some of my own.
In 2012 Fashion will…
- …Live in the twenties
You though last season was bad? Just wait until the s/s 2012. The Great Gatsby is everywhere. This season may just turn out to be one long period drama. There was fur and fedoras at Gucci. There will be cocktail dresses, art deco inspired beading and drop waists. Roberto Cavalli plays around with pleats splaying from drop waists, and a sexier flapper dress with a plunging back neckline. He mixes this with exotic psychedelic tribal music to make a modern twist on something so iconic.
Roberto Cavalli Spring Summer 2012
Gucci Spring Summer 2012
- …Have fun with prints
Prints will be everywhere next season. You name a designer and they will have prints somewhere in there collection. Be they the head-to-toe prints at Matthew Wiliamson and the patchwork effect at Miu Miu or the animal prints used at Victoria Beckham and Mulberry. The prints range from tiger print (make that a print made of individual tigers; not tiger-skin patterned,) to prints of cats, birds and Mary Karavantzous’ dresses that make you feel like you are actually under the sea.
Matthew Williamson Spring Summer 2012
Miu Miu Spring Summer 2012
Mary Karavantzous Spring Summer 2012
- …Dress like you could be in the Olympics
The countdown has begun. Everyone is in anticipation for the Olympics. Sportswear is going to be a huge trend in early 2012. Alexander Wang uses performance fabrics in an innovative way. Mesh fabrics are used for pockets and entire panels rather than being confined to the inside of athletic apparel. Felipe Oliviera Baptiste uses zips to create a practical performance garment; turning function into fashion, as the zips are kept chunky and contrasting. Some are zipped up and some are unzipped to create interesting garments and making them totally open to personalisation.
Alexander Wang Spring Summer 2012
Felipe Oliviera Baptiste Spring Summer 2012
- …Make you think you are living in a fairy tale
Louis Vuitton keeps things very innocent and naïve. Romance is used in a delicate feminine way. Floaty Chiffon skirts, puff sleeves, macramé and delicate lacework all create a season contrasting the x-rated collections of last year. There’s no bondage, studs or leather; just something we read about and dreamed about as children. Purity is shown in the simple white maxi dresses at hermes, elegant knife pleats and conservative necklines. Delicate lace, loose white dresses and story book capes all took centre stage at Miu Miu.
Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2012
Hermes Spring Summer 2012
Miu Miu Spring Summer 2012
- Push the boundaries
Be it Chanel’s iridescent glamour or Christopher Kane’s ingenious take on collars and necklines. Each piece was an optical illusion in itself. And Optical Illusions were rife among designers. Both Gareth Pugh and Balenciaga pushed the boundaries of what Fashion can be and how it can be attained. Balenciaga used metallic fringing, top heavy silhouettes and huge innovative hats to create an entirely modern collection whilst Gareth Pugh continued to do what he does best; Futuristic and complex designs consisting primarily of black and white. These designs are much more wearable than previous collections, incorporating, looser floaty clothing as a contrast to the caged restricted clothing also shown. There are metallics, funnel necks, and of course, pointy hats; Wouldn’t be a Gareth Pugh collection without them.
Chanel Spring Summer 2012
Christopher Kane Spring Summer 2012
Gareth Pugh Spring Summer 2012
- And yet be essentially classic
Valentino uses a mixture of decadent lace, simple shapes, whites, nudes, and black to create something both eye-catching and understated. Something that would never look out of fashion. The little black dress of this seasons collections. Stella McCartney sticks to what she knows in a quintessentially British sportswear meets daywear collection. Drawing on her upcoming collaboration with Adidas for the Olympic uniforms, here lace and delicate edging meet high performance fabrics in minimalistic colours such as white, blue and aqua.
Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2012
Stella McCartney Spring Summer 2012
- Will be all about candy colours
Seen at Prada, Louis Vuitton and Alexander McQueen. Spearmint green, baby blue and lemon. It all looks like a blast from the eighties. All the colours contrast, with fabrics used such as broderie Anglais and crochet flowers. It all seems a bit dated. Team this with the striking knife pleats, crisp cotton shirts and exaggerated jewellery and it somehow seems perfect. This summer think ice cream shades and seaside glamour.
Prada Spring Summer 2012
Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2012
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