Black Friday: Why?

An American tradition, on the following Friday after Thanksgiving, Black Friday marks the shopping frenzy that becomes when prices are discounted, and essentially starts off the Christmas shopping season. Sounds harmless, but with it becoming known for it's trampling of shoppers, even shootings, what is the point? All of this for a bargain? And why now, has it been adopted by the UK?

Asda, of all places.

Problems of a Fashion Promotion Student

Kermès

Drawn by artist and head of creative development of Bobbi Brown, Donald Robinson fused together fashion with The Muppets to create Kermès, the doppleganger to Kermit the Frog. The loveable character is not left lonely as he has also created an incarnation of Miss Piggy: Miss PiGAGAy. Donald Robinson's Instagram is full of these loveable, witty drawings.

Small Business Saturday

On the 7th December people will be encouraged to support the small businesses local to them with the event Small Business Saturday. It has been adopted from America who do this as a yearly event on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, established in 2010, and has been extremely beneficial for small businesses. Last year, $5.5million was made in sales for small businesses and has generation long-term custom for them. They want to bring this to the UK.

So, why? Well as you can see from above, it will be very helpful to generate business and money for locals. Other than that, our nation's small businesses provide nearly two thirds of private sector employment, and almost half of private sector turnover.

It has support from big businesses such as Facebook, O2, Lloyds, Twitter and many others, as well as backing from Ingenious Britain and Start-Up Britain.

Hopefully this gets you thinking about checking out the little man more often and think twice before you go into Starbucks! Here are a couple of my favourite spots for independent businesses:

1. Brick Lane Coffee

This is where I always grab a coffee when I'm in Brick Lane! They do a huge range of different drinks including my all time favourite Chai Latter with Almond milk, and also cater to those of us who are veggie or vegan. The interiors are really fun and it all feels very cosy.

2. Boxpark

This is a great place to find small businesses and pop-up shops. It's like a shopping mall specifically made for that purpose, and it's also a lovely design and has very cosy places to sit with a drink or some street food and watch some live music.

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.