Isabella Blow Exhibition: Fashion Galore!

…And "Fashion Galore" it certainly was. I cannot think of a better expression to have described this exhibition. It was a celebration of an absolutely extraordinary woman who had a careful eye for style that most can only wish for. She had been the nurturer of the most wonderful modern designers that the world has seen, from McQueen to Treacy, to Chalayan. Her provocative and awe-inspiring style is one that will be imprinted in our hearts forevermore. 

Dear Santa (My Dream Christmas List)

Style Inspiration: Alexander McQueen

I first experienced this collection quite young when I was bought a book on the history of fashion, which talked about the most influential people, collections and movements in fashion. I think the initial shock of seeing the word "rape" to describe fashion is definitely what made it memorable along with the image - a red haired girl with plaits and different coloured dreadlocks, with an open knit jumper exposing bare breasts and a lace skirt exposing her knickers. I think I somewhat related to it with my Scottish heritage and the collection was described as "England's rape of Scotland". I have always been fascinated by things that were slightly disturbing and using that in fashion was even more intriguing. I think I liked the way it explored taboos. Anyway enough of my rambling let's post some photos!

TREND: Church

When browsing the trend forecasts and looking back at the most recent fashion week, I've been drawn to the "Church" trend. I've always been drawn to religious imagery as I love the grandiose power of it and also the emotion it evokes in even the most Agnostic of viewers. I think that large scale depictions of religious icons always feel very omniscient and allow you to feel that there is a presence of a higher power, especially with buildings such as Sacre Coeur chapel.

I think that these fashionable takes on religious iconography not only help evoke that feeling of supremacy but also aesthetically appear like the paintings of Michelangelo and Raphael. There are also fashions that remind me of church in other ways such as the "Sunday Best", vicar collars and nun habits.

I've collected some images which are both from recent collections and past collections, other editorial imagery and non-fashion imagery as this is something I want to explore through editorial in our group magazine as a stylist.

Alexander McQueen AW2013-2014