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.

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.

Same Blog, New Name!

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. 

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

I CAN AFFORD CHANEL.

Well, the title may seem misleading as being a poor student I probably still won't be able to afford any collection by Karl Lagerfeld. My budget will pretty much only stretch to Primark right now!

However, the prospect of a less expensive offspring of Chanel excites me incredibly!

Yesterday, a page was launched on www.net-a-porter.com to launch Karl Lagerfeld's new collection 'Karl', which will be released on 25th January next year. The site shows previews of the collection - monocrome colours, pleated skirts, and tailord suits; pieces clearly showing similarities to those of true Chanel.

The new collection has already raised hype, with a countdown on the main page counting down the days until the collection is released. People who are interested in the release can sign up to 'Karl's Kult' where they receive emails about the collection and the chance to enter competitions.

There is also the opportunity to download a new iphone app, where people can play 'Find Karl' (imagine Pacman without the creepy ghosts) where you have to collect all of the Karl heads before the timer runs out. The winner will win up to £1000 to spend on www.net-a-porter.com, with Karl choosing the winner himself next month. 

Another exciting element is to 'Karlify' yourself, by uploading a picture wich will then transform you into an aviator and white collar wearing, white headed man. Supposedly. Again, Karl will choose his favourite in January.

So there it is, another exciting collection to look forward to! It seems Karl Lagerfeld seems at home with making collections for people who can't afford the elaborate prices of Chanel. In 2004 Karl was the first to collaborate with international fashion brand H&M, with the aim to create mass appeal for the brand. However, he claimed he would never work with H&M again. 'Accusing the Swedish retailer of "snobbery" for producing minimal numbers of his designs, it had defeated his intention of making clothes available to the thousands of people who could not afford to shop at Lagerfeld Gallery, Chanel or Fendi.’

I personally can't wait to for this new collection, so my student loan can go away if it thinks it's going to get in the way of this post-Christmas indulgence!



Evita. My Fashion Icon.

Ok ok ok, I think it's about time I write this on here. Some people who know me, in particular Miss Victoria Fawcett, know that I seem to have a little obsession with Evita. It's not really an obsession, more of a fascination I believe. It's not so much about the musical film either (starring Madonna) but more so the life of Eva Peron herself - a true fashion icon.

 At the age of just 15 Eva Peron moved to the city of Buenos Aires in Argentina (also known as the Paris of South America) to live her dreams as an actress. It was here that she fell in love with Juan Peron, who became President of Argentina a year after they were married. She was an inspirational and powerful woman. Starting off as an actress, her links with politics soon led her to successfully push for a woman's right to vote and the legalisation of divorce. She particularly specialised in helping the poor classes, spending millions to improve their lives.

She is also inspirational in the fashion world. Similar to Gabrielle Chanel, Eva was one of the first Argentine women to wear trousers in public. What she was most known for, however, was that she wore clothes designed by some of the world's most influential designers. As Eva did so much work for the lower classes, apparently many designers would hide the fact they designed for her, worrying that this would annoy some of their most elite clients.

She was loved and loathed in Argentina. Some of the upper class thought of her as a hypocrite "for wearing Dior and diamonds whilst allying with the poor". However, the majority of the lower classes found her an inspiration with her "rags to riches" story.

After her premature death in 1952, Eva Peron still has influence over the fashion industry. A 2010 collection by Jorge Ibanez was inspired by Evita; with fabulous ball gowns, hats, diamonds and lookalike models. The whole show oozed Eva's glamour, and there was even a dramatic ending. Valeria Lynch, the first Argentine singer to play Eva Peron in Andrew Lloyd-Webber's musical production 'Evita' sang 'Don't Cry for Me Argentina' on a balcony overlooking the catwalk - wearing an Ibanez suit of course.

Eva Peron is definitely my favourite icon of past times, as I admire her dedication to society and the fashion industry. Upon being asked what he would have designed for Eva if she were still alive today, Ibanez replied without hesitation "I would have made her a black velvet dress with a touch of crystals. It would have been fantastic." A dress which I believe sounds the epitome of early 20th century glamour.

Jorge Ibanez himself with models from his 'Evita 2010 Collection'

Colour Story.

Christmas is two weeks away, I'm going back home to sunny sunny Lancaster (or maybe not) next week and FINALLY most of uni's first semester deadlines are over! Thank God for that.
The project I've enjoyed the most, and I'm probably most proud of is Photography.
The last photoshoot I did was named Colour Story. Focusing on the colour red, I went for a wander around freezing Newcastle (which ended up turning into a lunch date with my friend Bek in M&S) snapping anything that caught my eye. Of course, using Bek as my muse.

FINAL PRINTS