Tuesday 31 January 2012

David Beckham for H&M

It seems that fittie father of four David Beckham is the latest celeb to jump on the H&M bandwagon with his own underwear range to be released on the 2nd of Feb this year. 


Need I say more??



Friday 27 January 2012

Bums, Bikinis and Mountains of Cocaine

Today university has inspired me to research deeper into the international fashion scene. In small groups we were given a location to research and were told to find aspects of fashion that intrigued us.


My location? South America.


Never before did I realise just how exciting the South American fashion world actually is. Researching countries such as Brazil, Argentina and Columbia, I find it interesting to compare these areas to those in Europe; where skinny models are still widely thought of to be the perfect choice for catwalk shows. However, South Americans still believe in perfection. In a recent video by 'Vice' magazine, it was revealed that the majority of models in Columbia have received breast/bum implants, promoting a message dissimilar to that of Europe's that curvy models are always the first choice. It seems that most girls have surgery by the time they reach 17, many of them asking their fathers to save up for their 16th birthdays. This famous Latina booty and accentuated form is referred to as "Narco Beauty", hence there is a lot of underwear/swimwear on the catwalks of Columbian Fashion Week from brands such as 'Leonisa'.


South America is also known for its somewhat glamourised view of drugs. Part of the set at Columbian fashion week was mountains of "fake" cocaine. Is it just me or does anyone else think this is a bit OTT?

Anyway, through my research I've spotted two new designers which I love!

1) Samuel Cirnasck. Known for his elaborate and theatrical catwalk performances; his latest collection was inspired by the Natalie Portman film 'Black Swan'. My aim in life is to one day attend an event where I WILL be wearing a dress like this!




2) Coven. Knitwear designer who uses embellishment to make creative and stylish clothes.






Wednesday 25 January 2012

Woman In Black...and White

Recently, it seems I have developed a bit of a "thing" for monochrome. The moment my student loan came in I spent a whopping £90 on just three items from River Island - all black and white. My first day back at uni was spent shopping...hence another black and white item was purchased. 
I believe my fascination with this colour scheme has been influenced by my love for Chanel. For years now I have been completely enamoured by Chanel's classic style, the mostly monochrome colour scheme reflecting striking glamour whilst maintaining a sense of simplicity.
As I got a new camera for Christmas I decided to style and photograph my friend Bek wearing all my recent monochrome purchases to satisfy my black and white addiction.



















Saturday 7 January 2012

Marc by Marc Jacobs Resort 2012

LOVING Marc Jacobs' new Resort 2012 collection! The collection which will be released before Summer encompasses two of my most favourite things - polkadots and the colour red. 
Whilst the polkadot phase hit the catwalk in 2011 with designs by Stella McCartney, one would have thought that polkadots are "so last season darling". But this is not so! Jacobs' designs are pretty, sophisticated and timeless; therefore it's safe to say that I believe polkadots will never go out of season.






 As I previously mentioned, I also love the colour red. It all started last September, when my mum bought me my first ever Chanel lipstick - "Passion". Since then, I am now apparently known  for wearing red lipstick and heels. My lecturers have even pointed out that I focus a lot on the colour red in my photography. Perhaps I'm just attracted to the glamour that the colour represents. I love Jacobs' collection as the pieces are simple yet striking, and I'm sure wearing a piece that bold would make me ooze with confidence. 




Thursday 5 January 2012

2012

So here it is, the start of a new year. 2012 is going to be BIG. It signifies the year the Olympics come to London and, supposedly, the year the world will end. However, on a less depressing note, 2012 brings a fresh start to the fashion industry.

Going out to celebrate the turn of the new year with friends at good old Toast, Lancaster's infamous nightclub, the fashions of 2011 became evident with animal print, bold colours and sequins being worn by the majority.


Kelly, Lizzie & Beth in animal print
Me and Meagan in sequins!

However, after the first viewings of the Spring 2012 collections it seems there are new trends on the horizon!
In terms of colour, pastel pinks, neutrals and whites will make a comeback this year. Moving on from the animal print trend, safari styles are set to be big, with designs from Donna Karan and Oscar de la Renta leading the catwalks.

             
Oscar de la Renta
Donna Karan

Also, 2012 sees the return of femininity with detail and embellishments, perhaps my favourite trend forecast of 2012 so far as I too have a feminine style. Examples of this come from designers Prada and Dolce & Gabbana.

               
Prada
Dolce & Gabbana
  
 Something different to hit the fashion industry is the new sports style with designers such as Versace bringing a new meaning to sportswear for stylish, sporty women around the world. Whilst I don't see myself as the particularly "sporty" type, I am a fan of the structure and fit of the clothes. I'm also not particularly a fan of baseball caps, however even these managed to hit the catwalks this season on multiple occasions!
Vercace
Last year saw the return of the 1940's glamour trend. This year however, fashion is moving back in time once again to the 1920's. In particular, designers such as Roberto Cavalli show off latest designs with drop-waists and sequins, imitating almost flapper-style dresses. Perfect for nights out!

                     
                                 Roberto Cavalli

This year promises exciting times for fashion. Along with these trends, new ones such as loose fit jeans and bermuda shorts are set to be big this year. However, personally I'm not a fan of the baggy look. Despite this, I can't wait to see if any of these trends really take off, or if anything else crops up throughout the year! Fashion really is ever changing.

So bring it on 2012! I'm determined to make the most of every opportunity that arises. Travel in particular will be a big part of this year for me, with a trip to New York in Feb (running alongside NY Fashion Week) and a trip to Barcelona over Easter already planned, I can't wait to experience new places and especially new fashions! 

Happy New Year everyone!! xxx