Monday 23 March 2015

The Big Pink - OOTD

Shearling Pink Biker Coat Grunge OOTD

Shearling Pink Biker Coat Grunge OOTD

Shearling Pink Biker Coat Grunge OOTD

Shearling Pink Biker Coat Grunge OOTD

Shearling Pink Biker Coat Grunge OOTD

Shearling Pink Biker Coat Grunge OOTD

Shearling Pink Biker Coat Grunge OOTD

Shearling Pink Biker Coat Grunge OOTD

Shearling Pink Biker Coat Grunge OOTD

Shearling Pink Biker Coat Grunge OOTD

Shearling Pink Biker Coat Grunge OOTD

Ok don't freak out! Yes I am wearing pink. I'm still a bit surprised myself. 

Raglan Slogan T-Shirt - H&M 
Cut-Out PU Leather Skirt - Pretty Lavish 
Shearling Collar Biker Coat - Missguided
Silver Cleated Sole Shoes (only black available now) - H&M
White Packpack - New Look

So I was browsing the Missguided sale one day and stumbled across this coat. Usually, I wouldn't look twice at a pink coat, but there was something about the shade and the cut that stopped it from looking so 'girly'. I could actually see outfit potential, and ways in which I could add my own touch of grunge. The shape is also quite new for me too. I'm stuck in the mindset that because I have curves, everything I wear has to be fitted, but I'm slowly realising that actually, some shapeless garments can also look quite flattering. 

I think my hair helps with a coat of this colour. It's a good contrast and sets the tone for the rest of the look. It's faded a lot, and can barely be recognised as purple, but I'm actually enjoying the two-toned blue at the moment. 

As for the top and the shoes, they're the kind of pieces you walk past in a shop and think 'Oh come on, it would be silly of me not to.' The word mermaid gets thrown around a lot in reference to my hair, so I thought the slogan was very apt. 

I don't think I really need to explain my mentality behind buying the shoes. They're shiny, they're the same shape as the classic Dr Martens 1461 shoe, AND they have cleated soles. Need I say more? They're surprisingly comfortable, and actually, go well with a lot (I got them soo muddy whilst taking these pictures). 

I'm still getting my head around the fact that I own a pink coat, but I'm really looking forward to coming up with some looks that make it work for me. 




READ MORE

Saturday 21 March 2015

Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty Exhibition at the V&A

Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty Exhibition V&A

 I must have typed and erased twenty or so sentences just trying to come up with a way of explaining the way I feel about Alexander McQueen.

I still remember the very first time I became aware of him and his extraordinary talents: I must have been 15 at the time, bored at home and aimlessly flicking through the endless reel of channels Sky had to offer, when I stumbled upon Fashion TV. I wouldn't usually have given the channel a second thought, but I found myself mesmerized by a fashion show unlike any I had seen before. As a teenage emo kid, I had relished in rebelling against the norms of fashion, sticking screws through my school tie and buying as much of Camden my pocket money could get me . My idea of  'fashion' at the time was whatever the popular kids who used to bully me were wearing, so obviously I'd never taken much of an interest.

It was McQueen's A/W 2008 The Girl Who Lived in the Tree collection that I was watching and I was transfixed by the depth of his imagination. The idea that fashion could be so dramatic was new to me. Don't get me wrong, I'd seen couture gowns before, but they never evoked any emotion in me, only a desire to feel what it was like to wear something so exquisite. With McQueen it was different. With each garment I was reminded of historic eras and figures, exotic lands, and fairy tales from my childhood. I longed to know and understand the story and influences behind the collection. I wanted to get inside his head.

McQueen once said 'I came to terms with not fitting in a long time ago. I never really fitted in. I don't want to fit in. And now people are buying into that.' For a lot of 15 year-olds, fitting in and figuring out who you are is a huge social headache that can make things pretty shitty. So to stumble upon someone who was so highly respected and successful in the fashion industry as a result of rejecting conformity and exploring the components of himself and his imagination that set him apart from others was not only comforting, but inspiring. 

I followed and immersed myself in McQueen's past and present work, amazed that there was no end to his talents and lust for challenging conventions and making people think. 

There was a huge black hole in the world of fashion after his sudden suicide in 2010.Having followed his work so closely, I always got the impression that his mind never stopped and that his thoughts were sometimes quite chaotic. I think everyone mourned his talent and was saddened at the fact that such a personality had been lost. 

I was gutted when I found out the Savage Beauty collection was going to the Metropolitan Museum in America. Considering McQueen was British, and a lot of his work showcased how proud he was to have lived in London, I do think it's a shame that we've had to wait four years for the exhibition, but now that it is finally here, I implore anyone with a love of not only fashion, but art, expression and creativity to go and see it.

Featuring pieces from his early fashion career that have never been showcased before (not even at the Met) this retrospective exhibition is an opportunity to see up close collections that are mind blowing when viewed from behind a computer screen, but up close are simply surreal and outrageously intricate. 

Even though the drama of the shows themselves are gone, the V&A have done a spectacular job of recreating the tension and thrill, with music from the shows playing as you take in not only the clothes, but the striking rooms in which they are set. From a cavern with walls covered in skulls and bones to a room that looks like it's been lifted out of a royal palace, the garments look at home in these settings. 

You can't help but spend a good 5 minutes on each piece, trying to glue it to your memory, hoping you never forget the razor-sharp tailoring or the astounding craftsmanship. 

I do have a few gripes with the exhibition however. Firstly, some of the pieces weren't lit as well as they could have been. I can't be alone in wanting to see the shoes of an outfit, yet many of them were impossible to see due to the lighting only focusing on the main garment. Lighting was also an issue when it came to trying to read the notes that went along with the collections, which were almost always impossible to read. But the thing that upset me most, was that McQueen himself was missing from the exhibition. Those behind the exhibition have failed to mention the context behind each collection, which I feel is crucial to understanding the person behind the creations. McQueen used his work as a way of making controversial points about societal topics he was aggressively passionate about. That grit is absent, and as a result I feel we as viewers only get half of the story. 

Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty Exhibition V&A


READ MORE

Monday 16 March 2015

Little Black Dress - OOTD

casual grunge ootd with slogan t-shirt dress

casual grunge ootd with slogan t-shirt dress

casual grunge ootd with slogan t-shirt dress

casual grunge ootd with slogan t-shirt dress

casual grunge ootd with slogan t-shirt dress

casual grunge ootd with slogan t-shirt dress

After having a manic week in London on work experience, a casual outfit of the day was on the cards.

Beanie Hat - Primark
PU Leather Jacket - Missbehaver
Vintage Plaid Shirt - Rocket 
Little Black Dress Slogan Tshirt Dres - Chiara 
Over-the-knee socks - Asos
Boots - Dr Martens

So if you read my last week's 'Important Two Weeks Ahead' post, you'll know that I've had a very busy week commuting to and from London doing work experience at New! Magazine and as a result I've struggled to find time to post as regularly as I usually do. So apologies if it has been a bit of a ghost town on here.

Reaching a new level of tiredness inspired me to do a more casual outfit of the day post.However,  I do struggle to do casual in a stylish manner; it's usually just pyjama bottoms and an old oversized t-shirt so even this was a bit out of my comfort zone. 

I had this Little Black Dress slogan tshirt dress on my Pinterest for ages, but when I saw it was in the sale for £4 it was a no brainer really. I could see it dressed both up and down, and thought it would be a handy but simple addition to my wardrobe. 

I love how wrap-around shirts are becoming a statement feature, and I really think this vintage plaid one that I picked up years ago from Rocket helps to cut into the monochrome and bring some colour ( and it kept my bum warm). 

This is a really basic outfit so there isn't much to say about it really other than if you play around with a few basic bits in your wardrobe you can actually come up with something new and even bring an edge to something you thought was stuck in one particular style. 



READ MORE

Tuesday 10 March 2015

Milan Fashion Week: A Summary

The Italians are know for their passion, their romance and powerful expression, and at this season's Milan Fashion Week, designers poured their hearts into their collections, allowing us to feel as they felt. From celebrations of motherhood to sensuous displays of the female body, these collections encourage us to express ourselves and our emotions through our clothes. 
Here are my favourites: 

DSquared2
If you want to know how to make the garments of Canadian Indian Tribes fashion forward, than look to DSquared2. The influence shouts out at you through a hodgepodge of mismatched layers, textures and styles. This collection features the obvious components of tribal garb, from draped ponchos and peasant dresses to tribal patterns and trims, tassels and fringing galore. However throw in some sparkling jewelled accessories and heavily embellished sandals and you've got yourself a collection that people can't take their eyes off. 

Salvatore Ferragamo
Salvatore Ferragamo demonstrated a sleek exploration of geometry in their latest collection. Lines and rectangles in a variety of forms featured a range of fabrics from leather to tweed. The look was very lustrous and tactile, with sheer chiffon inserts and fluid silk dresses. contrasting with wooly capes and ponchos. 

Trussardi
The androgyny of this collection was edgy and dark. With short, slicked back hair reminiscent of the 90s, the sleek silhouettes of the models were constructed out of minimalistic leather in neutral , earthy tones of grey, beige, teal and brown. Oversized coats billowed over feminine dresses and camisoles whilst boned tops and corsetry maintained an element of rigidity and form. 

Dolce & Gabbana
In a collection titled Viva la Mama, Dolce & Gabbanna celebrated mothers of the world with a unique runway show that not only featured stunning garments, but baby bumps and toddlers too. I can imagine it must have been quite hard to focus on the collection with so much cuteness and emotion going on, but Dolce & Gabbana made sure their pieces not only stood out, but reflected the concept of the show. The rose is a signature motif for the designer duo, and was out in full bloom for this collection. 40s style skirts and white shift dresses were embellished with embroidery, sequins. lace and innocent Crayola scribbles, whilst others featured prints of the Madonna and child. With a predominantly female audience, I don't think there was a dry eye in the house. 

Emilio Pucci
There's a definite love for velvet going on this season. Velvet blazers, capes and hot pants featured in the Emilio Pucci collection, and contributed to the 50s vibe. The monochrome psychedelic prints might have had a part to play too. Oh and the thigh high boots. AND the flared trousers. So basically the collection oozed 50s glamour. 

Antonio Marras
Collections like this demonstrate why fabrics are the dominant feature. The use of upholstery fabrics and tapestry prints set this collection in a realm of formal bohemia. The symmetrical embroidery is romantic yet meticulous, whilst the hues of pale pinks, dusty blues, crimsons, and blacks keep it feminine. 

Roberto Cavalli
Animal prints are a given when it comes to Roberto Cavalli. In this collection however they blend in with the other prints. They are not the main feature. It is in fact the textures and silhouettes that do the talking here. Knitted and silk dresses adorned with ruffles, frills and ribbons make for tangible garments that billow and move as if alive, contrasting with the rigidity of military parkas, cargo skirts and corduroy. 


Ermanno Scervino
Houndstooth rules this collection. You'd think it'd be boring seeing garment after garment of the same pattern, but the variety of creative ways in which it is displayed keeps you guessing. There was no overarching style that tied this collection together. It is more an exploration of fabrics, shapes and patterns . 

Versace
We're all aware now that the 60s and 70s are going to be huge for next A/W, but just in case you hadn't got that already, Versace made sure it was crystal clear. Red thigh high boots with mini dresses, bell bottoms and capes are as retro as it gets. The Greco patterns are bold and psychedelic and brilliantly cut into the loud primary colour palette. 

Emporio Armani 
Emporio Armani went sat in the middle of feminine and androgynous with a relaxed tomboyish collection. Drop waist and swing dresses on top of trousers with masculine footwear is a look I can see Alexa Chung and Kristen Steward pulling off brilliantly.  The jewel tones of amethyst and ruby are feminine enough to balance the collection out. 


Philosophy
In stark contrast to the above collection is Philosophy's ultra girly and elegant mix of Victorian lace and sheer ruffles. The pastels and creams gush innocence whilst the dungarees and high necks bring a vintage feel. 

Dondup
An effortlessly cool collection consisting of androgynous styles mixed with grunge femininity. 

Prada
There was a youthfulness to Prada's collection that reminded me of school. The 60s flavour was sweet, with salmon pinks, pea greens, mustard and teal. These jarring colours were playful and prim but crisp as a result of sharp lines. Empire line dresses were ladylike and reminiscent of the 'doesn't she look grown-up' days. 

Just Cavalli
Another take on the 70s trend with fluffy skirts and fuzzy coats. Spirited florals and textural maxis contribute to a vintage look that is free-flowing and frivolous. 

Philipp Plein
A monochrome collection with a solitary flash of orange that mixes the sports luxe trend with evening-wear pieces. 
Black snakeskin and leather were the central fabrics, with panelled bras, bomber jackets and understated mini and maxi dresses in both matte and shimmering versions of the textile. 

Francesco Scognamiglio
Tank dresses and negligees in powdery lilacs, pinks and blacks left little to the imagination with lace and sheer organza exposing the female form. Calling this collection sexy is an understatement, but it's been executed with class and sophistication.   

Alberta Ferretti
Viewing this collection is like being transported through time, with a glimpse at some of the most iconic eras in fashion. A variety of historic styles have contributed to pieces that would not look out of place on a Brothers Grimm princess. I say this because despite not being able to pinpoint a specific period of time as the influence behind this collection, there's definitely a Germanic feel. The folksy ruffles and frills and royal colour palette contribute to the opulence whilst the lavish embroidery and embellishment demonstrate incredible craftsmanship synonymous with historical fashion. 

Luisa Beccaria
This fashion season there have been a lot of vintage looks, but none as sultry and sensuous as this one. There's something about the charcoal palette and light, delicate, translucent dresses that's alluring. You'd also expect the beret's to throw the look off completely, but they actually cement it. 

Stella Jean
Inspired by the Indian Himalayas, this collection is bold, bright, and full of print. Textural and sturdy overcoats and puffed up and out skirts create voluminous silhouettes which contrast with the blanket and pleated maxi skirts which billowed down the runway. 

Vivetta
A groovy selection of pieces reminiscent of the early 70s, but channeling a Nordic vibe with fresh, airy hues of white and blue and floral prints like those found on traditional Scandinavian dresses. The attention to detail can go unnoticed if you're not looking, but everything from the floral prints on the shoes to the quirky pop-art style collars builds a look that is youthful and charming. 


All images are from Vogue.co.uk

READ MORE

Wednesday 4 March 2015

London Fashion Week: A Summary

Just like last week, I'm doing a rundown of my favourite collections from the most recent fashion week, and this time I'm drooling over what London had to offer. London fashion week is always my favourite because there are so many collections inspired by British culture and traditions, but also it's so exciting to try and predict what we're all going to be wearing this time next year. An embracing of the gothic continues on from NYFW, but this time touching on either the romantic or the rebellious. Rules are broken in the realm of the silhouette, and texture and layering are woken from their boring slumber and given a fresh new look. 

Pam Hogg
Pam Hogg AW15 London Fashion Week
Like something out of a kinky Brothers Grimm fairytale, the models strutted the runway in mesh bodysuits, capes and dresses made for femme fatales with dark souls. Silhouettes were exaggerated and switched from feminine to androgynous in a heartbeat. 

Bora Aksu
Bora Aksu AW15 London Fashion Week
I was mesmerized by the geometric patterns created by the intricate lace in this collection. There's definitely an underlying touch of goth going on here, but the muted lilac palette brings a romantic softness. There's fluidity in the fabrics, but the lace paneling and constructed silhouettes produce a female warrior. 

Paul Costelloe
Paul Costelloe AW15 London Fashion Week
It's so refreshing to see some new shapes emerging in collections like this. What would have been a rather unremarkable collection is turned into something spectacular with the use of ruffed necks, dropped-bell sleeves, tiered hemlines and oversized silhouettes. The two tone colour palette featuring greens, mustard and maroons only works to make the garments even more alluring. 

Fyodor Golan
Fyodor Golan AW15 London Fashion Week
Any collection featuring My Little Pony motifs has got my attention. Yes there's a kitsch, Cutester vibe to these garments, but there's also genius architectural sculpting that constructs an ultra-modern form. Mix these two factors with some contrasting textures, a candy palette and kaleidoscope prints and you've got something quite special. 

Sass & Bide
Sass & Bide AW15 London Fashion Week
I love a collection that flits from one extreme to the other. All of these garments ooze a grungy sexiness, but it's the proportions that are key. Lengths dart from maxi to mini whilst over-sized and super skinny have an on-stage battle. 

PPQ
PPQ AW15 London Fashion Week
Just one look at this collection and you're instantly aware of a reference to something classic. The New Romantic touches are prominent with the ruffled collars, structured shirts and monochrome palette but the sleek lines and minimalist simplicity brings it forward 25 years.  

Ashley Isham
Ashley Isham AW15 London Fashion Week
Any dramatic collection has my attention, no matter how eccentric, however it is nice to see one that's got the right balance of drama and practicality. The drama is there with the veiled headpieces and Disney villain capes, but it's the   jewel tones, the tailored coats and exaggerated blanket stitching that I take away from this collection with a longing to see them commonplace next winter. 

Sibling
Sibling AW15 London Fashion Week
If you're aware of Moschino's SS15 Barbie collection, I wouldn't blame you for thinking this was some sort of punked up parody. I did. In fact I prefer it. The pink and black palette is a classic punk combo, but the latex, mohair, beading and sequins not only separate the collection from it's punky cliches, but work to create a fierce rebellion of its own.

Julien Macdonald
Julien Macdonald AW15 London Fashion Week
These modestly sexy and edgy pieces ooze a Gothic glamour. Texturally rich garments that feature silks, lace, PVC and sheer / fishnet panels give a collection with a predominantly black palette body and substance, whilst the rare bursts of jewel tones are exhilarating. 

Simone Rocha
Simone Rocha AW15 London Fashion Week
If you're watching Wolf Hall at the moment, you'll get this collection and all its Tudor references. All the components for a classic Tudor costume are there, from tapestry and tweed textures and opulent hues to bodices, frills and ruffles. However the playful way in which Simone Rocha has pieced them together, with raw edges, and shapely figures merges two distant eras together. 

Gareth Pugh
Gareth Pugh AW15 London Fashion Week
Gareth Pugh collections make me squeal like an excited little goth girl. Words like gothic, weird, eccentric and dark just do not do his works of art justice. It just makes me so happy that designers like Pugh are continuing what Alexander McQueen started, with collections that shock, inspire debate and make people question fashion and it's 'rules'. This collection is no different. Nightmarish and threatening, this all black ensemble is strong and powerful. Of course texture is the only way to make a colour palette like this mean something, and Pugh goes all out. It's one of those collections that I can't even begin to describe, because I feel my words don't do it justice. 

Preen by Thornton Bregazzi
Preen by Thornton Bregazzi AW15 London Fashion Week
Finally some 70s references. 70s was huge at NYFW. In fact it was the center trend I feel. But in London, the revival has been more muted. This dark, romantic take has a folksy edge. The bodices, high necks and fluted cuffs are reminiscent of the vintage Victoriana look that's been hovering around, whilst the tiered skirts and ruffles in asymmetric forms and primary shades exudes freedom and naturalness. 


Issa
Issa AW15 London Fashion Week
Another monochrome palette showcasing how texture can be utilised to it's fullest potential. Clashing prints are teamed with fringing and shaggy outerwear to create a sexy, sultry and understated collection .

Sophia Webster
Sophia Webster AW15 London Fashion Week
Bonkers. Pure bonkers. But why the hell not? If you're showcasing your latest shoe collection, why not go all out with everything else?  In a circus-style foire, Webster's shoes and accessories featured feathers, leopard print, glitter and tartan, whilst up top was an unconventional display of all things spherical. 

Matthew Williamson
Matthew Williamson AW15 London Fashion Week
Bohemian is given a fresh awakening with the help of Matthew Williamson. Of course you have the definitive components such as embroidery, beads and sequins, but it's the colour palette that screams at you. Williamson does away with earthly hues and replaces them with vivid and intense teals, pinks and crimsons. The silhouettes are classically Seventies, with high necks and silky, slim lines contrasting with voluminous jackets. 

Vivienne Westwood Red Label
Vivienne Westwood Red Label AW15 London Fashion Week
You can always rely on Vivienne Westwood to deliver. She's a household name with a signature style that will never grow old. Here we see punky notes of animal print, sequins, lace, and tartan in a homage to British punk culture, however the collection is more refined and delicate than the expected middle-finger style you'd anticipate. 

Antonio Berardi
Antonio Berardi AW15 London Fashion Week
The unification of formal and casual in this collection is hard to get your head round, but it works. Sparkles, frills, and peplums appear on informal everyday garments e.g parkas. Yet the pieces are sculpted to create feminine and elegant silhouettes and feature embellishment and graphic prints that are a feast for the eyes. 

Roksanda
Roksanda AW15 London Fashion Week
This collection is about attention to detail. The raw hemlines and carefully woven knits compliment the bold tones of royal blue, burnt orange and raspberry whilst the chunky furs are simply sumptuous. 

Burberry Prorsum
Burberry Prorsum AW15 London Fashion Week
Burberry Prorsum went for delicate vintage in this collection. The patterned patchwork and folk dresses and of course suede in deep, earthy tones of teal, maroon and olive create pieces suitable for any Stevie Nicks wannabe. 

Giles
Giles AW15 London Fashion Week
Other collections have touched on the Gothic Victoriana look, but Giles grabbed the style with vigor and ran with it.  Strict silhouettes and crisp folds and pleats with ruffled collars create a textural haven and only emphasise the intricacy of the graphic prints featured upon them. 

Ashley Williams
Ashley Williams AW15 London Fashion Week
Taking the rebel theme to new heights, Ashley Williams' collection looks like the Bratz dolls met with the cast of Clueless and shared each others wardrobes. The pink sheepskin coat stole the show, with an over sized bucket hat to match. It would be a rather girly affair if it wasn't for the black lipstick and statement black heels. Slogans and metal band t-shirt graphics also featured heavily in the collection with dashes of femininity such as puffy blouses and sheer lace mini skirts thrown in. 

Ashish
Ashish AW15 London Fashion Week
To finish off the post is another take on the rebellion trend.  Pretty Woman-style red boots and sequin embroidered 'SEX' slogans work to flaunt sexuality in an unapologetic manner. Combined with camo, tie-dye and leopard print, and you've got one big shout out to the style and sexuality of the 90s. 

All images are from Vogue.co.uk


READ MORE