The Virtue of Style

Simply Styling

2012-01-21T16:01:00.003Z

The Marks & Spencer archive is held at the University of Leeds, and as part of a project for it moving to its own shiny new building, the fashion design students were asked to take up a styling project using vintage M&S pieces mixed with the current collections. Each group chose a different type of model, from students to 86 year olds!
Here's a few photos from the day of the shoot.

You can find out more in the Daily Mail article here or in a short video put together by the Yorkshire Post, here.

My own photography.

Inspire Me Friday

2012-01-13T07:54:00.000Z

Images via I Don't Want Realism, Style.com and RNDM.

Farewell 2011

2011-12-31T18:41:00.002Z

It's been one of the best years of my life to date.
A photo diary of twelve pictures, one for every month of the year....Happy New Year!

January; flew to Los Angeles to take up an internship with Wildfox Couture.

February; the first of many memorable trips to San Diego rekindling a great friendship and making many amazing new ones.

March; Spring Break in Las Vegas.

April; Getting lost in the hill tops of Bel Air.

May; A trip to paradise..an amazing opportunity to travel to the island of Oahu, Hawaii, drawing my five months in America to a close.

June; The American flag cupcakes at my homecoming party.

July; A summer spent getting fit with a great friend.

August; A trip to Lisbon, Portugal, one of the most creatively inspiring cities in Europe.

September; Back to reality...and University.

October; A busy month as the work set back in gradually..but leaving just enough time to catch Gym Class Heroes live.

November; One of my greatest achievements of the year, to have my sketches featured in a trailer video on the i-D Magazine website..even if only for a second!

December; A total of four days off with no uni work at all for Christmas..and where better to spend it than in London with my amazing family.

So all that remains to be said is, start the new year as you mean to go on...which for me is in Yamamoto, with a glass of wine...and Photoshop & Illustrator at my desk.

Happy New Year!

My own photography and work.

Yamamoto/Chanel Christmas

2011-12-28T22:31:00.002Z

December.

My own photography.

Sundae Sunday

2011-12-04T16:15:00.002Z

Lately.

My own photography and work.

Inspire Me Friday.

2011-11-25T08:03:00.000Z

Images via TFS, RainbowWildfox, Weheartit, Alice Point and Violet Pills.

i-D

2011-11-18T13:58:00.002Z

Very excited to have my sketches featured in the i-D Online Cinderthriller trailer!

CLICK HERE to view the video!

My own sketches.

Rush.

2011-11-03T11:32:00.002Z

Busy busy busy busy busy busy busy busy busy busy busy busy busy busy busy busy...

My own photography and work.

Palm Springs is for lovers

2011-10-11T01:09:00.003+01:00

So.Much.Fun.

Via Ilovewildfox

Peace Sign/Index Down

2011-10-04T10:05:00.003+01:00

A few from my life over the past few weeks.

My own photography & work.

The Fall.

2011-09-29T22:48:00.003+01:00

Made some jewellery :)

My own photography & work.

Skull Candy

2011-09-24T16:53:00.001+01:00

Beautiful, beautiful....headphones.

My mum bought me a pair last Christmas, and they are the best headphones ever!

Via Streetfsn

90210

2011-09-17T12:41:00.001+01:00

Beverly Hills!

My own photographs.

ASHISH

2011-09-15T18:36:00.004+01:00

Absolutely gutted I can't get to the Ashish show on Saturday! Procrastinating and going through the entire Ashish archive instead of doing work..almost as gutted as missing the Burberry show in February!

Huge thank you to everyone who emailed me with invites for shows and after parties.

Via Fashion Foie Gras, Fabfrocks & The Daily Telegraph.

Wake Me Up When September Ends

2011-09-11T20:30:00.002+01:00

A few inspirational shots. Fashion week next week :)

Via I don't Want Realism I Want Magic! and A Bold Statement.

CobraSnake Sundae

2011-09-04T22:42:00.004+01:00

Without doubt the coolest person I've ever worked/had dinner with.

I love going through his albums on TheCobrasnake.com, reminds me of when Alastair Allan used to run DirtyDirtyDancing, one of my all time favourite places for inspiration.

Here are some of my current favourites, although I did just preview a few from ID festival in San Diego this weekend (which is meant to be awesome), and they look amazing!
I also love seeing my friends and people I've worked with from LA pop up :)

ps. Samaire Armstrong's hair is so hot!

Via The Cobra Snake aka Mark Hunter.

On The Street: in Lisbon

2011-09-01T18:34:00.001+01:00

Apologies for lack of posts, I've been away in Lisbon for the last few weeks! Definitely goes up there with being one of my new favourite European cities. So inspirational, and the street style was amazing. I didn't capture nearly as many looks as I'd have liked to, but here's a few shots :)

My own photography.

Shenae Day

2011-08-15T18:38:00.002+01:00

I just love Shenae Grimes!

via WeHeartIt.

90028

2011-08-11T18:47:00.004+01:00

Hollywood. The neighbourhood I moved into when I got my first apartment. I was living in an amazing one bed apartment with a swimming pool in the front yard, in between the red ribbon church at Franklin/Highland and the Magic Castle Hotel. I had to walk down the Walk of Fame to get my local grocery store.
Insane.

My own photographs.

Cut Out And Keep.

2011-08-08T22:49:00.002+01:00

Felt creative whilst moving into the flat a few weeks ago :)

My own photographs.

Hibernation.

2011-08-05T00:08:00.002+01:00

So after spending a while updating and revamping the layout for my blog, I was just getting onto the header..when uni decided to spring a surprise project on us..so looks like I'll be spending the rest of summer in hibernation..these seemed appropriate!

I wish I could knit properly like this!

Via Janetteria

Summer In The Cities

2011-07-31T12:40:00.003+01:00

Liverpool, Leeds, London.

My own photographs.

50,000

2011-07-28T17:02:00.000+01:00

Wow..50,000 page views since my very first post on Monday 26th October 2009! I can't thank you enough for continuing to support my blog by reading, following or even just passing through. In particular I'd like to thank you all for the lovely comments you shower me with!
For those who didn't know, I originally started the blog for a university module for which I successfully passed..and with a first! So thank you for all your support in helping me achieve these results :)

Also thank you, to everyone from the industry that has contacted me with offers to events, catwalk shows etc along with textiles/design teachers asking permission to use my work in lectures, and those that just wanted to say they enjoyed reading my posts!

In celebration, I have decided to revamp The Virtue of Style in due course, and I'm considering a new header as well.

50, 000!

PS. I'm getting a lot of inbox love at the moment..(the main themes being to do with my year in industry, my course at Leeds and which celebrities I saw in LA haha!) I will answer all soon, and thank you for the messages and your kind words!)

We heart it

Wildfox Swim

2011-07-24T15:55:00.005+01:00

An amazing way to have spent my last day with Wildfox, helping out on the brand new Swimwear line shoot..enjoy.
Anja Konstantinova, shot by Mark 'The Cobrasnake'.

I love Wildfox

Ju-Lie.

2011-07-19T00:25:00.005+01:00

July inspiration :)

We heart it, Olsen's Anonymous, Drastic Plastic, Elle.com, tattoologist, VIII XXIX.

D.A.N.C.E

2011-07-13T14:53:00.005+01:00

This month I've had the pleasure of working along side some huge names of the dance world. I've been filming in London for Streetdance 2 3D, the sequel to the UK's first urban dance film which showed in cinemas last summer. The film isn't out until next year so I can't say/show you too much! But I can say I've been incredibly lucky to watch and work with dancers such as Sofia Boutella, Rich & Tone the Talauega brothers, BirdGang, Flii Stylz and George Sampson (even though I'm not really a fan!)
Most of you will know Sofia Boutella as the girl from the Nike dance adverts or perhaps from Michael Jackson's Hollywood Tonight video. The Talauega brothers are responsible for the ridiculous choreo during the battle at the end of Step Up 3D as well as Save The Last Dance and many artist's tours and music videos including Michael Jackson.
Flii Stylz is one of my favourite choreographers, and his show reel includes music videos for Chris Brown, Usher, JLo, Black Eyed Peas, Aaliyah and Missy Elliott to name but a few! As well as commercials for Gap, Mitsubishi and Pepsi. He has also danced alongside Beyonce during world tours and appears in the music video for MJ's Rock My World!
Check out Flii's show reel here.

A couple from set:

My own images.

Personal Space.

2011-07-11T13:18:00.002+01:00

Some inspiration for decorating my new flat when I move in properly next week.

Drastic Plastic (inspiration), Miss Vu's Flickr, We Heart It, bear♥

07/04

2011-07-04T21:40:00.002+01:00

Happy 4th of July, Wildfox style :)

Image courtesy of Planet Blue, sweater - Wildfox Couture.

90291

2011-07-01T09:34:00.003+01:00

Venice Beach..I love you.

Images from my camera.

Yohji Yamamoto

2011-06-30T20:38:00.003+01:00

After studying Yamamoto last year for a project on non-wovens, I went to check out the exhibition at the V&A. Highly recommended, the pieces on display are amazing, and his back catalogue is so awesome. He is fast becoming one of my all time favourite designers.

Images courtesy of the V&A website.

Outside The Box

2011-06-29T17:42:00.002+01:00

Great idea!

Images courtesy of weheartit.

92092

2011-06-27T19:16:00.003+01:00

First of the Californian posts, LA --> San Diego.
La Jolla, Pacific Beach & San Clemente.

Images from my camera.

COTTON CANDY.

2011-06-26T20:59:00.003+01:00

Candy floss, cotton candy, Harajuku Barbie hair...current fave.

Images courtesy of Tea For Two and WeHeartIt.

California Dreaming

2011-06-26T19:10:00.002+01:00

So I have a serious back log of photos from America to post, but there's too many to fit all into one post so I'll post them slowly over the next month so it's not California overload!

I found these in Forever 21, but apparently they're going to open one in London on Oxford Street sometime this year...I hope it's not true!

Image from my camera.

This Black & White Town

2011-06-21T18:01:00.002+01:00

Taken in Shoreditch and at my friend Harriet's house in Waterloo.

Images from my camera, by myself & Harriet Woollard.

Aqua

2011-06-20T10:55:00.002+01:00

LOVE. When simple studio photography and good styling becomes incredibly effective. And somebody get me those shoes!

Images courtesy of Aqua.

Juin: Inspire

2011-06-19T09:03:00.000+01:00

Images courtesy of weheartit, little plastic horses, TFS, nova style, hypnotic fascination.

Cakes & Books

2011-06-18T15:23:00.006+01:00

I went to Camden for the first time in ages this week, it's changed so much! There appear to be statues of lions and horses in places that there definitely weren't statues of lions and horses before..either way, it's the first time I've been since the canal market reopened after the fire there a few years ago.
I picked up some amazing battered out, hand bound leather sketchbooks from a stall down there, I can't wait to fill them up with beautiful pictures and personal sketches!
Here's a few personal photos from recently.

I made the cakes for my homecoming party the weekend I got back from America which was 'American' themed! My Vogue collection is slowly getting taller and taller, especially with all the American copies I brought home in my suitcase!

Images all from my camera.

GFW

2011-06-18T12:26:00.002+01:00

A few from Graduate Fashion Week, courtesy of free tickets from the lovely Paige!
Check out Miss Paige's page :)

Images from my camera.

Almost Famous

2011-06-08T20:54:00.006+01:00

Wildfox Couture, the photoshoot lookbook for Fall 2011. Almost Famous theme, shot at San Marco's High School in Santa Barbara, and all on my first weekend in LA!
A few of my favourites..

Images courtesy of Kimberley Gordon, for a full list of credits (including myself!!) go to Kim's blog @ ilovewildfox.com

:)

Shot by Emir Eralp.

Hawai'i

2011-06-07T19:56:00.002+01:00

I love these as a series together. Taken at Sunset Beach, Oahu, Hawai'i.

Images from my own camera.

Back To Being British

2011-06-07T19:37:00.001+01:00

Where did five months go already!
Thought this picture from the Keds campaign of Mischa seemed appropriate after all the OC adventures within the last 5 months!

Image courtesy of WeHeartIt.

Take Me To Hawaii..

2011-05-12T08:06:00.000+01:00

Images courtesy of weheartit.

Rodeo Drive.

2011-05-12T08:00:00.000+01:00

Daria on iconic Rodeo Drive, just outside of Chanel. Beautiful.

Image courtesy of Little Plastic Horses.

Braidy.

2011-05-12T07:49:00.000+01:00

Images courtesy of Fashion Gone Rogue & Little Plastic Horses.

PILOT

2011-05-10T06:55:00.002+01:00

A little while ago I was asked to do some extra work in Upland, just outside of LA. It was for the title sequence of a new series coming out in summer of 2011, based on the blog of Marissa Ross - Tangents and the Times.

It was so much fun to film! Check it out here.

Image and video courtesy of Marissa Ross.

Beautiful Blues.

2011-05-03T07:02:00.001+01:00

Colour of choice..reminds me of the sky here!

Image courtesy of Little Plastic Horses.

April Showers.

2011-04-22T04:32:00.002+01:00

Images courtesy of weheartit.

Wishful Thinking

2011-04-08T07:17:00.002+01:00

LOVE.

Jeffrey Campbell Litas...mmmm.

Images courtesy of We Heart It and NastyGal.

Sofi Needs A Ladder.

2011-03-17T05:16:00.002Z

New favourite!

Some Other Female Interest.
Something really fun about her style. She always has good leggings as well.

Images courtesy of SOFI's facebook page.

March Hare.

2011-03-16T06:17:00.004Z

Today is 2 months since I arrived in LA. Where is the time going?

Images courtesy of Little Plastic Horses & We Heart It.

BLONDE AMBITION.

2011-03-08T08:00:00.003Z

Courtesy of Little Plastic Horses.

Burberry Beauties

2011-02-23T08:26:00.003Z

I was offered tickets to the show over the weekend. Sigh.

Lindsay Lullman. Those cheekbones!

Images courtesy of Style.

50k For A Verse, No Album Out?

2011-02-14T03:23:00.004Z

Serious love for Nicki Minaj right now. Go Givenchy.

Image courtesy of US Magazine, as scouted by Harriet Woollard.

GET ME TO CLASS.

2011-02-10T08:10:00.002Z

I NEED TO DANCE.

How have I never come across Triple F.A.T Goose before. And I need those men's shorts. Siiiiick!

Images courtesy of the TFG website.

Misfit.

2011-02-02T07:53:00.001Z

Image courtesy of Acceptable tumblr.

January Blues.

2011-01-28T04:24:00.004Z

I don't think so.

Images courtesy of DLSW, Fluff, What Is Reality Anyway & Weheartit.

Welcome To Los Angeles

2011-01-24T05:27:00.003Z

This weekend I've mainly been hanging out with Zippora Seven, Kristy Kaurova and Valeria Efanova :)

Burberry Beach.

2011-01-13T13:36:00.003Z

Happy New Year, only 13 days late..
I've been so busy, haven't had a chance to check in at all. It's under 48 hours til I fly to LA for a new adventure interning at Wildfox Couture..and I'm nowhere near ready.

Here's a quick update!
2010 brought a lot of things for me, most excitingly the internship in LA of course, but also to feature on the set of The Kings Speech, working with Emma Cook (some of the garments I made are up on the website now!), and designing some lingerie that will hopefully be coming out in La Senza soon..(photos to come once I'm settled in America!)

Over the Christmas period I gained a new member to the camera family..a very nice Canon digital SLR, which I cannot WAIT to get out and about with in California. I was also offered the opportunity to go to London Fashion Week to a selection of shows in February..and I am very gutted that I won't be here to take that offer up, although I'm hoping it might be possible to go in September when I'm back instead! In the mean time, I've just seen the new Burberry ad campaign shot on Brighton Beach, so here's a few from the preview.

I can't wait to hit a sandy beach in 23 degree heat..my first stop is going to be helping on the set of the next Lookbook..in Santa Barbara, possibly my favourite place in California!

Posts will probably be a little sparse until I get myself sorted in a house with internet, but for now, Happy New Year, may it bring you prosperity, love and happiness!

Images courtesy of the Burberry Facebook Page.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T23:59:00.001Z

Merry Christmas everyone :)

Image courtesy of Chiara of theblondesalad.

Inspired by the younger generation?

2010-12-19T21:35:00.003Z

I'd love to know people's thoughts on 10 year old Will Smith's daughter Willow's fashion sense.
She's had a lot of publicity recently, some good, some bad. But I personally absolutely love her, even if she is a bit of a diva already...at the age of 10!

Images courtesy of hellobeautiful.com and live.drjay.

Rhinestone Eyes

2010-12-14T21:01:00.004Z

I was working at Topshop Sunday night, when everyone started getting excited and talking about Cher having come onto our floor. Being that it was the xfactor weekend I assumed everyone was talking Cher Lloyd..but after walking past a strange looking woman in a cowboy hat coated in rhinestones and massive dark sunglasses..I realised we were actually talking about THE Cher.

Anyway it reminded me of when I was about 9 or 10 years old and she released 'Believe'. It was number one for about 7 weeks, I used to watch Top of the Pops religiously on Friday nights and really remember loving that song!
She had some cool takes on the hippy thing as well.

I think I might go and see her new film with Christina Augilera - 'Burlesque' - now, just for fun!

Images courtesy of ew.com

Overdue Olsens

2010-12-11T23:40:00.006Z

I've been really busy again the last few weeks, but it's finally all drawing to a close and my seven day week ends with an entire week off soon :) This week I finally got to experience Jamie Oliver's restaurant - Fifteen - in Old Street this week (for my 21st birthday !) and I would definitely recommend it, especially the pasta! And of course the cocktails.

Can I also just say a huge thank you to everyone that commented on the post below to tell me the artist and song title I'd been searching for. Amazing response, and very much appreciated, thank you ! :)

Anyways, I figured it was about that time for a quick Olsen's post. Enjoy!

The middle one is definitely an all time favourite photograph.

Images courtesy of weheartit.

Do you want to go to the plage with me?

2010-11-29T21:15:00.003Z

Dreaming of warmer weather..

Do you want to go to the plage with me,
I'm going down down down there, four in the morning,
most beautiful girl I've ever seen,
going down down down, my love is calling..

Beautiful lyrics, beautiful vocals, beautiful song. It's from the Topshop playlist but I can't find out from anyone what it's called.
If anybody knows who sings this or even just a song title, I'd be so grateful! I've searched everywhere but I can't seem to find it!

Images courtesy of (1) weheartit and (2) my old camera.

Live.

2010-11-24T07:42:00.000Z

Gorillaz at o2 Arena London, November 2010. Some of the most amazing graphics I've ever seen!

Images from my camera.
T-shirt designs copyright of Jasmine Virtue !

Lanvin

2010-11-23T20:58:00.000Z

Lanvin for H&M! Exciting :)
A few favourites from a Lookbook perspective.

Courtesy of Fashion Hedonism, Wolfie C and Pinkspider*.

November Has Come

2010-11-07T14:54:00.003Z

I've been ill all weekend. And I really want some ice cream.

Images courtesy of weheartit, anangelsrevenge, ilovewildfox, frenchfrosting, tattooligist and facehunter.

The Carnage of Kate

2010-11-02T21:36:00.010Z

Words by Jasmine, photographs by Johnny Wallace.

On Monday 1st November, Kate Moss launched her final collection for Topshop. All week, posters had been displayed around the store and in the window displays with 'See you on Monday at 7pm, love Kate x' scrawled across them.

At 6pm, the queue was at least 100 deep.

The crowds had gathered by 7pm, the DJ arrived with a suitcase full of vinyl for the evening, and soon there were excited cheers and cameras and phones flashing away at the arrival of Sir Philip down the triple escalator, shortly followed by Ms Moss, coveting the blood-red lipstick look and a sweeping full fringe.
The store was so busy with people shoving left right and centre to get a glimpse of Kate that I'm pretty sure no one was actually looking at her collection supposedly based on 'her own wardrobe'. However a lot of people were very happy to see her bring back several previous limited edition items such as the panther dress and her iconic fringed jacket.

As for her 'DJ set', I'm not even sure she made it up on to the podium. She was only on the shop floor for around 20 minutes before she left!

Either way, the highlight of the night for me was the mysterious DJ with the ridiculous hat. It was so nice to hear old skool motown and funk, with James Brown, Cream and The Stranglers thrown in the mix, as opposed to the angsty girl band mix tape they have been blasting on repeat for the last 3 months!

Huge thank you to Johnny Wallace for capturing the moment and giving me permission to share these! Images copyright of Johnny Wallace.

Estoy Con La Banda

2010-10-30T22:16:00.003+01:00

My life is flashing past at the moment..every waking hour I wish I was in bed! But it's very exciting, if somewhat ridiculously exhausting! I'm still on track to have worked over 80 days back to back before I get a single day off, and it's getting pretty stressful the closer we get to Christmas and ultimately, January when I leave for LA!
This week I've been designing for my placement and at Topshop..there was a staff competition going on to re-design the uniform t-shirt which I entered very last minute just for fun..and managed to come joint 1st runner up! I won a Topshop voucher for it, and apparently my design goes up on a board somewhere which they showed in our briefing yesterday morning.

So, my family have been in Spain this week and so brought me home a Spanish Vogue..this is my favourite editorial from the November issue.

Great editorial with some really cool knitwear.

Ps. I'm working the Kate Moss launch on Monday night for her final collection for Topshop! Apparently she's DJ'ing and also dancing in the window displays?!

Images courtesy of Fashion Gone Rogue.

Red October

2010-10-20T20:17:00.003+01:00

Inspired.

Images courtesy of Face Hunter.

Chantelle

2010-10-14T23:15:00.002+01:00

Blogging is likely to be a little sparse over the coming months due to the fact I'm currently on placement Monday - Thursday, then picking up shifts at Topshop Friday - Sunday, so literally no days off til Christmas!
I've just started interning at a textile agency in Old Street that design lingerie, nightwear and loungewear for John Lewis, River Island, New Look, La Senza as well as French companies Galleries Lafayette and Chantelle.
I've drawn up around 100 designs already, and this week my most exciting task was for Chantelle's Autumn/Winter 2011 collection. Obviously due to copyright reasons I can't post my design ideas, but it's a really exciting project and I can't wait to see the samples!

Image courtesy of Couturesnob.

Ce qui se produit à Paris?

2010-10-04T21:46:00.004+01:00

As always, Galliano was a clear favourite (and always will be!), alongside Viktor & Rolf, Issey Miyake and Alexis Mabille. I was however, slightly disappointed with Ricardo Tisci and even Decarnin. Givenchy just didn't inspire me like it usually does, and whilst I love the toughed up punk version of Christophe Decarnin's newest offering, I couldn't help but feel the cut & shaping was just so similar to previous seasons.

Phoebe Philo was, as usual absolutely spot on with the cut & styling this season. Love the simplicity yet complex cut going on at Celine for S/S 2011.

But surprisingly, this season, it's actually Watanabe that's stolen the show(s) for me. The twisted nautical theme has such an original feel to it..how does he always manage to do that?

Sheer genius in every sense. Deconstructionist cuts never cease to amaze me.

Also; not usually being a massive fan of the typical Italian designers..(Cavalli and Versace excluded!), having just written a press release for Armani, I have to say I was quite inspired by the Femme Bleue theme!

Images courtesy of Style.

Fashion Favourites

2010-09-30T21:40:00.002+01:00

Favourite looks for Spring/Summer 2011 so far..of course I'm still awaiting Balmain and Celine!

Top line (from left to right): Hannah Marshall, Issa, Acne, Burberry Prorsum, Todd Lynn, Mary Katrantzou, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Richard Nicoll, Heikki Salonen.
Bottom line (l to r): Todd Lynn, Osman, Dsquared², Rodarte, Doo.Ri, Badgley Mischka, Burberry Prorsum, Basso & Brooke, David Koma.

Images courtesy of Style & Glass Magazine.

Somerset House

2010-09-29T02:02:00.004+01:00

A few from outside London Fashion Week..the atmosphere was absolutely buzzing, and there was some serious inspiration on offer! Models and other such beautiful people were hanging around left, right and centre, I saw Carrie Munden which ultimately has made my entire life, and Eddie Jordan even managed to walk in front of my lens right as I pressed the shutter!

Images all from my camera.

Burberry S/S 2011

2010-09-25T07:40:00.000+01:00

The final picture sums the entire collection up for me!
Oh and I spy with my little eye..Melissa Tammerijn...(it's not an obsession I swear!)
Absolutely stunning collection, the cut on the trousers is amazing. I love The colour palette as well.

Images courtesy of weheartit and the Burberry Facebook page.

September September

2010-09-22T20:18:00.008+01:00

A mixture of inspiration from BIG hair to tattoo art to Abbey Lee's fresh platinum blonde look.
PS. Ashley Stymest fancies my cousin.

Courtesy of: Fashion Canvas, Wildfox Facebook Page, Le Fashion, Tattoologist..
And with particular thanks to my 100th follower at The Raw Power
.. :)

Unique S/S 2011

2010-09-20T12:05:00.004+01:00

I love that Topshop are the only high street brand to have a slot at London Fashion Week..and the Unique colletion failed to disappoint once again this year. I still don't think any season is ever going to top S/S 2010 with the shark prints for me personally, but this season certainly comes close! The atmosphere in the flagship has been absolutely buzzing this weekend too, with loads of models popping in between shows. We've had the shows set up to play in store which attracted a great deal of attention as well! These are some of my favourite backstage shots.

Also... the perspex wedges are amazing!

Images courtesy of Inside Out.

'20' White Room

2010-09-15T22:58:00.003+01:00

I really wanted to catch the Maison Martin Margiela exhibition on at Somerset House this summer, but unfortunately I was really busy and missed it (by a day as well!) Having moved home for the rest of this year now, I started redecorating my bedroom in June, and MMM's white objects were what directly influenced my decision to go for a white theme. That and the fact that I'm far too indecisive to pick a specific colour scheme!

MMM's exhibtion '20'

My finished bedroom

Images courtesy of MMM's facebook page & my camera.

NY Fashion Round Up

2010-09-12T13:14:00.004+01:00

Spring/Summer 2011 is upon us as New York fashion week unveils its collections. Favourites so far include Alexander Wang's almost entirely white collection, and Jason Wu's ladylike yet quirky tailoring.

Jason Wu S/S 2011

Alexander Wang S/S 2011

But Prabal Gurung's collection is going to be difficult to top as a winner for me this week. I was first introduced to Gurung's work thanks to my friend Lax at uni several months ago, and this season he hasn't failed to please. A selection of primary colours and precision cuts, there's something completely fresh about his S/S 2011 collection. About time!

Prabal Gurung S/S 2011

Images courtesy of Style.

Topshop A/W 2010

2010-09-07T12:02:00.003+01:00

My favourite trend from Topshop's A/W collection - Dark Nouveau. A mixture of glamour with grunge, a black, charcoal + nude palette, and Melissa Tammerijn modelling!

Images courtesy of Topshop.

Victoria for Turkish Vogue

2010-08-25T20:39:00.003+01:00

Picked up a copy of Turkish Vogue on my recent trip to Ölü deniz. There are some stunning shots of VB in there!

Images courtesy of Celebrity 89.

Festival Feel

2010-08-21T14:18:00.003+01:00

Inspiration courtesy of Wildfox Couture's trip to Coachella. This time next year hopefully I'll have my own photos to share !

Images courtesy of Wildfox Couture.

And All That Jazz

2010-07-20T19:16:00.003+01:00

Prada launch a range of Swing Sunglasses, combining 1950's glamour with the simplicity of Prada's 1990's collections. I love the 'jazz' style that's been created through these!
You can catch them from October in most Prada boutiques!

Image courtesy of Prada via Glass Magazine.

Just Kate

2010-07-16T10:47:00.002+01:00

I was never a huge fan of Kate Moss. I don't agree with the surrounding idea that she's some kind of amazingly original trendsetter. I think she's just well informed and knows how to apply knowledge in reality. But don't get me wrong, she's done some pretty cool things in her time, and I think she's a great model.
So how exciting when I bumped into her at the Topshop HQ last week whilst delivering some shoes there! She's just as gorgeous in real life too!

Image courtesy of Trendland.

It's Been A While

2010-06-18T12:17:00.005+01:00

I've been so busy the last month or so, I haven't had a spare moment to update!
Having moved out of my house in Leeds and back home to London, I started almost as soon as I got back at my first placement for my year out in industry.
I'm currently based in Dalston, Hackney working for Emma Cook. It's a small, homely studio in the same building as Christopher Kane, and on the same floor as Peter Jensen and Shona Heath. Emma Cook is a really small company too, with just Emma herself, her assistant and me there most of the time, so it's pretty demanding!
So far I've done everything from toiling and collecting the Resort shoes from Topshop HQ to helping on the set of the Resort 2011 shoot with my new favourite model - Melissa Tammerijn. She was such a nice person, really fun to work with yet so professional at the same time.

Images courtesy of TFS.

Styling Leeds

2010-05-05T14:19:00.003+01:00

A friend on my course has recently been involved with a new project called Styling Leeds. She's taken some fantastic shots this weekend of street style in and around Leeds city centre. Here are a few of my favourites:

Become a fan on facebook here, and view more of Amy's work here.

Images copyright of Amy Gibson.

Roma

2010-04-23T23:13:00.003+01:00

Images are my own.

Miu Miu

2010-04-06T13:49:00.004+01:00

Finally having a chance to catch up on collections from last months Fashion Weeks..Miu Miu is the favourite so far..beautiful collection!

Sourced from TFS.

Rue des Archives

2010-03-31T17:23:00.003+01:00

If you're ever going to Paris and are interested in underground art and fashion, I'd highly recommend Rue des Archives. It's quite literally an archive road. The most amazing set of antiques shops and vintage book shops can be found on this beautiful little street. I went to check out an exhibition I saw a review for in Dazed & Confused - "Live Alive" at the Brachfeld Gallery. It's a collection of t-shirts designed to look like the old school classic rock t-shirts you could get from gigs like ACDC Def Leppard and Led Zep. The Rodarte is my favourite!

Images from my own camera.

Sparkle

2010-03-28T17:42:00.003+01:00

Elle Russia, last summer.

Via Wildfox.

California, California, Here We Come...

2010-03-24T13:00:00.003Z

When life closes a door, it opens a window..so jump!

Images from Wildfox Couture and Google Images.

TVoS Travels: Part 6

2010-03-20T12:01:00.003Z

Finally, I've finished uni for a month! This is an incredibly overdue post, but Pierre-Jean from So Black Tie took this for me in France a while back. It's the view of les Iles d'or.

Image copyright of Pierre-Jean Manfreo.

There's Only Alice

2010-03-12T22:33:00.003Z

I love Alice Dellal.

Only Alice

Tumbling Down The Rabbit Hole.

2010-03-06T11:02:00.004Z

Last night, the anticipation finally ended. Tim Burton's take on Alice In Wonderland most certainly out stood its high expectations, in storyline, character and most of all, in costume. The 3D film demonstrated the darkness of Tim Burton, but in moderation in keeping with the Disney aspect. Still, it showed no disappointment whatsoever. Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter and Stephen Fry as the Cheshire Cat stole the entire film for me, and newcomer Mia Wasikowska was very impressive as Alice.

The fact that the Jabawockee, Jub Jub bird and the Bandersnatch were all present in the character line up made it even more magical. (I hate that the original Disney cartoon only hinted at the Jabawockee through the Cheshire Cat singing a small section of the poem!)

But what really made the film were the costumes. Perhaps it was the Edward Scissorhands reference as Johnny Depp creates a tiny blue dress for Alice at the tea party, or maybe Alice's red dress at the Red Queen's castle. Either way, tulle with silk, feathers and lace, pleats, ruffles and raw edge hemming...costume designer Colleen Atwood without doubt gets 10 out of 10 for design here.

Ps. Look out for Alice's shoes in the opening scenes of Underland!

On Stage and Fashion156.

Un peu de Paris

2010-03-02T14:42:00.002Z

I've been so busy with work lately I've not even had time to upload the Paris photographs..but here are a few, finally!

Images from my camera.

Jaeger London - Autumn/Winter 2010

2010-02-22T18:10:00.003Z

A subdued colour palette, velvet, zips and an excellent cut are the features that best sum up Jaeger London's Autumn/Winter 2010 catwalk show. A contrast between a sharp, tailored fit and an experimentation with drape gave the collection a classic, yet up to date feel. A set of earthy colours defined the main pieces, with subtle injections of colour via an unusual print, almost resembling a patchwork pattern.

Detailing on garments was original yet innovative, with a vast amount of attention being focused in this area. Zips were used as decoration, horizontally across knees and thighs on trousers, creating interest as well as a close fit. Perhaps one of the highlights of the collection was a pair of slim-fitting velvet trousers sporting the zip decoration, as modelled by Freja Beha Erichsen.
The use of a technique similar to laser cutting was apparent on several pieces, allowing colour from garments underneath to show through.
Cinched in waists are looking set to be big news once more for Autumn/Winter 2010, and Jaeger London encouraged this trend fully. Closely fitted waist belts accompanied dresses and high waisted pieces, refreshing the page on the hour glass figure.

The catwalk set a focused and serious atmosphere in the room and this was matched by an intrigued audience, who appeared to be eagerly anticipating each outfit. Beautiful tailoring of trousers and jackets in particular attracted much attention, and will no doubt consequently result in a sell out collection!

Images from the LFW live stream show.

Award Winning

2010-02-19T17:22:00.002Z

..and very overdue.
Apologies to everyone who has kindly sent me a blogger award in the last few weeks! Here are a few of them:

TAG TEAM:
As awarded by Lydia over at Bang Bang You're Dead. Thanks! It goes something along the lines of answering questions and then tagging blogs you like afterwards.
So here are some answers to some questions!

FAVOURITE
Band/Artist:
Would have to be the Red Hot Chili Papers..all time favourite!

Video:
I love the behind the scenes and making of videos at Wildfox. Spring 2009 was my favourite but the current season one is pretty fun too :)

Movie:
Ooh too many. I love Constantine, Amelie, The Butterfly Effect, Leon, Wall-e...

Book:
Alice in Wonderland..so much inspiration from that story!

Designer/label:
John Galliano will always be my favourite designer, but I love Balmain, Rodarte, Balenciaga and Stolen Girlfriends Club too.

Festival:
Reading!

TV Show:
I don't watch a lot of TV, but I love the OC and recently have become addicted to 90210!

Icon:
I wouldn't really say I have one, but I tend to look to Ashley Olsen, Samaire Armstrong (generally from OC times!) or Juno Temple in times of fashion need.

KREATIV BLOGGER AWARD:
As awarded by The Trendy Fashionista. Thank you!

I'm passing this award on to the following blogs:

bear♥
Electric Feel
Life In Fashion
Fluff
Ten Fifteen Saturday Night

and finally

BEST BLOG AWARD:
As awarded by Cindy of Cindy Whitehead. Thank you!

I'd like to pass this award onto the following people:

Raez of Cheap Thrills
Lilee of Zebra and Meerkat
Paige of Love Life... Love Fashion
Annie of Fruitcake You
Laura of A Daisy Chain Dream
Kristie of The Society of Style
Kira of KIRAFASHION
Michelle of Glisters and Blisters
Tayler of Fashion Layne
Ms Fitz of Ms Fitz!!

Images from stylelikeyoumeanit.

Back To Reality.

2010-02-16T16:45:00.003Z

What a shock to arrive home to such devastating fashion news.
Alexander McQueen 1969-2010 - R.I.P

Au revoir..

2010-02-09T23:55:00.004Z

..jusqu'à la semaine prochaine!

And when I return from Paris, I promise I will get back to all the blog awards that bloggers have kindly contacted me with the last few weeks.

Bonjour Paris!

Image from dirtylittlestylewhore.

Here Comes The Sun

2010-02-07T10:38:00.003Z

This completely sums up Spring/Summer 2010 for me. I wish I could wear my hair like that!

Image from WGSN.