One International Women's Day, 2 Inspiring Ladies!

I know I'm a little late to the party here, but a weekend without a laptop and playing big sis to my 2 year old brother took priority (and how couldn't it? He's just so damn cute!). Despite this, International Women's Day is a holiday I hold close to my heart. As a self-proclaimed feminist I feel it's my duty to keep flying the flag for women, and argue with those who say that feminism is not needed in this day and age. We still are underpaid, we still live in a mans world, and we still go through trials and tribulations daily simply because of our gender. 

Meadham Kirchhoff + The V&A//Fashion in Motion

So I've just gotten back from the show and all I can say is, wow! It was fantastic. I've been to Erdem before at the V&A and it doesn't come anywhere close to this. There was a hell of a lot more thought put into it with props, lighting and general aesthetic. I don't want to go on too much, just look and admire the photos I took!

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. 

The Return of Streetwear

They say that fashion has a 20 year cycle: we repeat the same trends, only 20 years later. This has certainly rung true for streetwear clothing with brands like Stussy making a return on the highstreet in Topman, since their initial birth in 1980, and Adidas rereleasing the Torsion Integral S with two new colour ways. 

Stussy

Problems of a Fashion Promotion Student

Trend: PVC

PVC ain't for everyone, I personally have been rocking the sex worker aesthetic since I first learnt what it meant to shock your dad. But PVC doesn't have to be right out of an Ann Summers catalogue or the Red Light District. It can be fun, flirty, refined. Plastic doesn't mean tacky - think feminine silhouettes juxtaposed with boxy shapes. Here's my pick of inspiration of how to wear this seasons hottest fabric:

Lady Gaga for Versace

Is it a model, is it a young Donatella Versace? No, it's musics most talked about woman Lady Gaga. You either love her or hate her, or maybe you adore one of her multiple personalities and dislike the other - however there's no denying she grabs your attention. 

Meadham Kirchhoff @ The V&A

Following her success with her Topshop collaboration, Meadham Kirchhoff has been chosen for the next Fashion in Motion show at the V&A. It will consist of four free catwalk shows on December 6th, featuring the highlights of their collections.

"When approaching every collection or garment, we secretly hope to make something worthy of being seen in a museum, so for us it is an honour to present a show comprised of hand-picked pieces from our favourite" - Meadham & Kirchoff

It's a sure thing that they have achieved this of their designs, which are not only jaw-dropingly out-there and theatrical, but also beautiful and stylish. They were established in 2002 and have acquired the Emerging Talent Ready-to-Wear award from the British Fashion Council. Their fantasy world has captured the attention of many and I for one will definitely be getting tickets to see this! Their collections tell stories of whimsical and dark tales but maintain a sense of style that can be admired by many, whether you wear it or not.

Caryn Franklin x All Walks Talk

Today we were lucky enough to have a talk with fashion commentator Caryn Franklin, former Fashion Editor of i-D and now co-founder of All Walks Beyond The Catwalk - the campaign that challenges fashion's idea of beauty and encourages diversity.

Conscious Fashion Gift Guide

It's that time of the year and the C-word is on everyone's lips: Christmas. Another C-word that has been on the tip of our tongue for a while, especially those in the design business is Conscious. Those buying presents for their fashionable relatives or friends should consider the idea of buying an item of clothing that cares. An item that gives again. There are many brands that have cottoned onto this idea and produce brilliant products that help charities.

AR Wear - Anti-Rape Pants

AR Wear is a up and coming project led by New Yorkers Ruth and Yuval. AR stands for Anti Rape, and this is their big idea to give "confidence and protection" to women. They are crowdfunding their project using Indiegogo. The pants are said to give a barrier against the attacker, they are impossible to remove by anyone other than the woman wearing them, and also impossible to cut through. The incentive for the campaign is that is it proven that most rapists will be deterred by some sort of resistance and will lessen the chance of a rape taking place. But what is the real message here?

Becky is Myth-Busting: The Elusive "Thigh-Gap"

It's the current buzzword of the fashion-industry, following Australian plus-size model Robyn Lawley's comments on it after the backlash she received when shown as the covergirl for Vogue Italia. Facebook commenters named her "hefty" and "too fat" - and why? Because her thighs touched.

Bailey's Stardust @ The National Portrait Gallery

David Bailey - he put the sex into photography. The inspiration behind the film Blow-Up, he made photography cool and fashionable, he's something Terry Richardson wishes he was. Known for being Vogue's photographer in the 60s and lover to Jean Shrimpton and husband to Catherine Deneuve, he is still regarded as one of the best photographers of all time.

Lou Reed++Imperfect Day

It was whilst browsing Twitter I found out the news of Lou Reed's death at 71 on the 27th of October. It was strange because just the night before I sat with my 18 year old brother and boyfriend, listening to Perfect Day and reminiscing about all the memories we had of that song - myself and my brother would sing together on the way home from school and remembered how once it was raining, and as soon as we started to sing Perfect Day, the sun came out through the clouds and the rain stopped! It was a bizarre tribute to his death, before it even happened. 

Moschino X Jeremy Scott

The latest news on the block is that outlandish designer Jeremy Scott has been named the new creative director of Moschino, announced last night. His first collection will be showcased in February at Milan Fashion week, an event which will be eagerly awaited by those loyal to Moschino and fans of Jeremy Scott's own line. He is taking over from Rossella Jardini, who has led Moschino since it's original founder, Franco Moschino, died in 1994.

Jeremy Scott 2012

Suits you, sir!

After my "brief" hiatus from the world of blogging, there's plenty to talk about already. As always, a lot of happening in the world of fashion, and there ain't no rest for the wicked so I will just get stuck right in with talking about the staple of every working man's wardrobe - The Suit.

Ralph Lauren + Beaux-Arts

Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts school has housed some of the most influential designers of today, from Valentino to Givenchy and well-known impressionists such as Monet and Matisse. It is a hub of creativity and innovation in fashion and art.

Trend: Camo

The camoflage trend seemingly always makes its rounds every few seasons. Be it traditional, neon or with a feminine twist it's a pattern that never goes out of style. It is a paradoxical thought that to stand out next season, wear camo, but with the new takes on the military staple, it's hard not to.

Jonathan Saunders

Paris Couture Week: A Reflection

In a world where we're increasingly becoming more used to fast fashion, it is nice to have a little break and venture into the world of couture once in a while. Whereas us students could probably not even afford a thread on the garments, there are others out there splashing £80,000 on a dress.

The clients of couture love the shows as it gives them an opportunity to actually wear their lavish garments, as for the most part the only people who have an occasion to wear these are huge award-show winners like the Oscars. Paris Couture is now becoming more of an event than ever, with parties being held in the designers houses, the clients can dress up as they please and not look out of place. 

It seems that this idea of dressing up becoming a sparse occasion has taken it's toll on couture, which is less about ball-gowns now than it would have been 50 years ago. Whilst this might be disappointing, it really shows how times are changing and perhaps dress is becoming more casual. I have noticed it in my everyday life, it's quite rare to see a woman in heels.

Besides this, couture is still exciting and a wonderful event! Here is my round up of pieces:

Shopping Mecca

There's plenty of new arrivals this year for acclaimed shopping streets Regent Street and Conduit Street.  The first J Crew outside of North America is set to be placed on Regent St this year, being a favourite of Michelle Obama and a very fashion-forward, casual brand. It will be located on 165 Regent Street, previously home to Burberry. It will be interesting to see the reception that this American brand receives in a very British street. The CEO says "If you can't make it there, you can't make it anywhere".

Another exciting store opening is Dior on Conduit Street. There is a lot of buzz behind this new addition due to the sheer volume of rent to be paid! For ten years lease on the 3,300sq feet, Dior will pay £308,500 a year, which is the highest rent to date on the street. It is expected that many other luxury brands will follow suit, and Conduit Street will soon become another well-known shopping location.