MoodBoard- Brand

For a second moodboard, I have applied my colour story to the fashion brand 'Balenciaga'. Although Balenciaga already use Monochromes and Blue tones, This is my vision of how the brand could apply the colour story into their brand.

KD

MoodBoard- Colour Story

Today I have completed my Colour Story Moodboard. The concept has been inspired by graphics, menswear, street style and architecture. This is all for the idea of creating a new monochrome by introducing blue and green tones into the equation. 

KD

Raw Print Lecture: Timba Smits

Yesterday I attended a Raw Print lecture held at Spanky Van Dykes, Nottingham. These lectures are aimed at celebrating independent publishing, where at each lecture there are guest speakers from different magazine publications. 

Timba Smits, founder of wooden toy, spoke on behalf Huck magazine and Little white Lies. Timba gave the audience an insight into his personal and professional career. And what it is like to work for different magazines. I found Timba's talk, creatity, and work ethic highly inspirational, and have definitely learnt a huge amount from this and have another way of looking at different publications.

Visit Timba Smits world:http://www.timbasmits.com/

KD 

Visual Critique essay

Newton’s work has always been considered shocking and provocative especially back in the sixties. The photographer has attracted many controversial and extreme reactions from “the highest admiration to outright condemnation”, as his fashion and commercial work has often been “on the verge of what mainstream society can endure”. “Some people’s photography is an art. Mine is not. If they happen to be exhibited in a gallery or museum, that’s fine. But that’s not why I do them. I’m a gun for hire.” Living up to his ability to shock and cause outrage in controversy, in February 1995 Helmut produced a series of images for an American Vogue editorial, “Hell on Heels”. The editorial directed by fashion editor Camilla Nickerson, featured a series of images demonstrating how high heeled shoes can be damaging. 

I have chosen to talk about one of photographer's Helmut Newton's editorial images for my Visual Critique essay. Within my essay I have decoded the image, discussed what controversy the image caused and whether or not I felt the image worked.

KD

FILM OF THE WEEK: Scatter my ashes at Bergdof's (2013)

Image source

The film by Matthew Miele's, documents the scene of an ultimate fashion fantasy from one of New York Cities biggest department store's; offering an exclusive insight to the legend, the history, the parties, the fashion idols, the windows, buyers, shoppers and many fabulous untold stories from Bergdof Goodman.

KD

Success is in the making for menswear designer Craig Green

In 2012 I first discovered fashion designer Craig Green as I was in amazement to his MA collection, he created whilst at Central Saint Martins. Since then Craig Green has been one of my favourite menswear fashion designers and hugely influential, as when I studied fashion design at college many influences came from Green, for my final major project. 

 I was extremely happy and proud to find out that last night, Craig won the 'emerging menswear designer' award- British Fashion awards 2014.

Craig Green has also recently in November won the British Fashion council- 'NEWGEN MEN' award- where selected emerging designers, are given business and financial support, in order to help them develop relationships with buyers and key press; essentially gaining a bigger recognition for their brands.

I think these are well deserved awards for the designer, and should be receiving recognition for his talent! 

Congratulations Craig Green!

KD

  

Fun week: Exploring new places

This week I have had a fun-filled week visiting several different places in Nottingham, where I haven't been before:

 

Baa Bar

Crazy Golf 

Ice Skating

Christmas market

 

KD

Fashion. Are you in or out?

This week in uni we had a bit of a change and a mix up to our usual timetabled lectures and seminar activities. On Monday we attended a guest lecture hosted by Michelle Hoines-White, Founder of Front Cover cosmetics. Michelle talked to us about some of the issues within the fashion industry and societies. This then lead us into 'the theme of the week': an exploration of fashion and society. 

In Mondays seminar we were faced with the question "Does fashion do more damage than good?". The seminar group was split into 4 teams and assigned a category;2 groups were for the statement from a consumer and industry perspective and the 2 remaining teams were against the statement. Our teams then researched into the statement from 'our point of view', which then lead into a debate that was carried out on Thursday. 

My team was against the statement from an industry perspective. We decided to split the group into 5 different categories:environmental, economic, cultural, social, and political; so that in twos we were able to research each section equally. I researched into the political side. 

Before Thursday my team collated all of the research that we had gathered together, choosing the strongest points that would support our argument. From this we then created a script for debate. 

I feel that the debate was a huge success. For saying this was our first ever debate my team were extremely organised and had managed to source some really strong information and points to put across to our appoints.Equally the other team had some strong research too. From the debate came great discussion about the statement. 

I have really enjoyed this weeks activities and theme, as it was something I have never done before and was thrown out of my comfort zone. I feel that this is something I would enjoy doing on a regular basis as it can help you to discuss and research into different things,that you may have never thought about before.

KD

The Secret World of Haute Couture

For a BBC Documentary, in 2006; Film maker Margy Kinmonth investigated the secretive world of Haute Couture. As she explored the anachronistic and the little explained capsule of the fashion industry; Kinmonth's journey took her from Paris to NYC and LA. 

She was able to meet some of the millionaire customers. Slowly and reluctantly they let Margy into their homes to show off their favourite pieces, also giving their passionate knowledge and appreciation into the industry and their world.

Club member Betsy Bloomingdale, fascinated me the most. 'Its always Chanel for lunch'. Her wardrobe is so well-organised, that she keeps a label on every hanger stating when, where and why she has wore each piece.

As well as speaking to the customers Margy also managed to speak to famous designers: Karl Lagerfeld, Mr Valentino and John Galliano. Margy was allowed to follow the process of a Chanel feathered dress, from being a sketch on a piece of paper, through to being exited on the Haute Couture runway.

Chanel Couture-feathered dress, Spring 2006

It became apparent to me quickly into the documentary, that in the world of Haute Couture, Members of the groups are wealthy, extremely private, discreet and their wardrobe's are the most expensive in the world. Where garments range from €20,000- 6 figure sums The club members look at their purchases as an investment for a collectable form of Art; as the garments are timeless, they buy to keep forever or after a certain amount of years they donate to museums.

It was stated that it is very difficult to become officially accepted into the different social groups of Haute Couture, where individuals have to be very patient, and show great interest in charity work, before they become part of a group. There are many different rules within the Haute Couture world, including a 'fat rule' where it was admitted Karl Lagerfeld had to shed 6-8 stone to comply. 

With the documentary also looking into how Haute Couture has changed over the years. It is a worthwhile watch! I thoroughly enjoyed it and would happily watch again! I now have a better understanding of Haute Couture, and I am mesmerised by the whole different world out there!   

KD

    

TELL ME I'M THE ONLY ONE (Carlos Serrano)

Who knew two of my favourite artists could be on the same track?

Thanks to DJ Carlos Serrano, he has created a genius mash up mix which features vocals from Sam Smith's ' I'm not the only one' and Kanye West's 'Can't tell me nothing'. 

This has definitly been a highlight of my week!
KD

FILM OF THE WEEK: In Vogue- The Editors Eye (2012)

Celebrating the 120th anniversary of 'Vogue' in 2012 Baily & Barbato documented a film, looking at some of the worlds most iconic fashion editorials and images, created by Vogue's iconic fashion editors past and present. 

The film explores the changes and impact that the magazine has had over a century, with stories told through the eyes of the editors themselves. interviews in the film include Anna Wintour, Vera Wang, Grace Coddington, Polly Mellen and many more.

I enjoyed watching this film even more so than I did watching 'The September Issue'. The reason for this being, is that i have now seen behind the scenes access into the fashion Bible in two different angles and now have a full understanding of what a fashion editor is. I found this documented film thoroughly entertaining and inspiring! if your a fashion lover I would recommend you watch this.

KD

London Bound

Today I visited London as part of a FCP course trip. My very busy but enjoyable day in London town consisted of:

• The 'Horst' photography exhibition at the V&A
• Simon Costins- 'Impossible Catwalk shows' at London College of fashion.
• Grayson Perry- 'Who are you?' exhibition at the National Portrait gallery
• Burberry Flagship store- regent street
• Oxford street.

All of todays activities have had great relevant to what I have been learning and interacting with recently on FCP. I would recommend a visit to any of these exhibitions!

 

KD

John Lewis- All things Monty and Technology

This Christmas John Lewis are collaborating with technology in store, as it has been revealed in-store areas will be dedicated to 'Monty's Den'. This is where children will be able to create their own Christmas cards, Bring to life their own toys in 'Montys Magical Toy Machine' and use 'Monty's goggles' to interact with Sam and Monty. John Lewis have been able to create this with help from technology partners Microsoft, Samsung and Google.

Montys Magical Toy Machine- John Lewis Oxford street, London

KD

'Monty's Christmas' is a success for John Lewis

It has been said that the John Lewis Christmas adverts are now as much as anticipated and iconic as the 'Coca Cola- Holidays are coming, Lorry' advert.

This year John Lewis offers 'Monty's Christmas' where the story is of a young boy Sam and his Penguin friend Monty, who do everything together. The message in the advert is simply 'Give someone the Christmas they have been dreaming of'. which without a doubt has touched the hearts of many over the globe.

The department store is selling 43 items of Monty & Mabel related merchandise, in-store and online. merchandise includes a children's book 'Montys Christmas' and everything from gifts bags to jumpers and umbrellas. 

The store is also selling two different sized cuddly toy versions of the penguins retailing at £35 & £95. Just days after the stock went on sale both sized of the Monty and Mabel toy had sold out. shortly after the merchandise appeared on eBay with mercenaries selling them for £199+. 

It is safe to say that John Lewis have succeeded once again with their Christmas Ad campaign. Personally This year's is my favourite.

Watch Monty's Christmas here.

KD

WX711 Kate Spade / New Balance WX811

KATE SPADE for NEW BALANCE

It is news that this week fashion designer Kate Spade is doing a Collaboration with New Balance.

This new and exciting collaboration came about when the Kate Spade brand decided they needed to expand the company. Where previously Kate Spade doesn't do sporty, there is a big gap in the market that they are missing out on, as one of the biggest and hottest trends at the moment is  athletic wear. 

The Kate Spade brand is well known for its preppy and colourful put-together looks, which also has relevance to New Balance. The footwear will be available for New Balance's special line of WX711 and the Coming WX811, featuring Spade's signature bright graphic prints and colours'. The shoes will be available in February retailing at $95 at both New Balance and Kate Spade.
I am very excited about this collaboration as I am a big fan of both brands.

KD

Fancy A Cereal Date?

If you are a lover of cereal, and have ever dreamt going out for a bite of cereal... fantasise no more; your dream may have just come true!

 Identical Twins from Belfast Alan & Gary Keery; are set to open the UK's first cereal café, located in Brick Lane, London. 

'The Cereal Killer Cafe' establishment is set to open on the 10th December 2014. They will serve Over 100 different cereal's from all around the world.

For Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner you can indulge in your favourite bowl, surrounded by cereal memorabilia from the 80's & 90's; With 120 Cereals, over 20 types of toppings & over 12 varieties of milk, on the menu. small bowls of cereal will cost £2.50, medium bowls £3.00 and large bowls are priced at £3.50. 

The unique and quite frankly genius idea of the establishment came to light, when the Belfast Boys were craving cereal for lunch one afternoon, only to find that no restaurant would serve them with their breakfast choice as a main.  

I have never been too fussed at the thought of having a bowl of cereal before; however after finding out about this unique café, I am really intrigued about the idea and I am very excited for my first visit!! 

Visit their Website here.

KD

Burberry's Dreamy 2014 Christmas

This year Burberry introduced a theatrical and dreamy approach into their annual Christmas Ad Campaign. This was for a celebration of everything that makes the Burberry Brand so iconic: The trench, The cashmere Scarf, British weather, music and London's Heritage.

As well as an online video and TV Ad; Burberry have created an interactive billboard on the famous Piccadilly Lights, located in London.

The Ad features Romeo Beckham whom started working with the brand back in 2012. The Ad has also introduced us all to a new Face of Burberry Hannah Dodd. 

KD 

FILM OF THE WEEK: The September Issue (2009)

'The September Issue' is the biggest and the most important issue of the year for fashion magazine Vogue. Filmmaker R.J. Cutler had exclusive access into the world of the fashion bible, where he was able to document Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, Creative Director Grace Coddington and their team, undergo the preparations to produce the 2007 autumn issue.

Vogue was one of the first magazines I had an strong interest for and have as a collectable. Vogue helped me to develop my love of fashion over the years from a young age. I have always had an interest in magazines, graphics and editorials; therefore watching this documentary has given me a great insight into the creative, hard working and critical industry. By looking behind the scenes at vogue, I have gained an understanding of a typical day to day life of an individual working in magazines, and is an area within industry, I am considering entering into myself.

KD

Street Bribery

As part of my first module as an FCP student, I have been assigned a task to create a Street Style photo Essay focusing on one point in particular. 

I have chosen to focus my essay on 'Relationships' and how individuals style's are influenced by their different relationships. I am going to focus on all types of relationships such as friends, mother and daughter, couples and so on.

KD

Magazine Analysis- Dazed & Confused / Article

For a Recent seminar activity, I had to Analyse an image of our choice that we found interesting and wanted to share our opinion on it. These images had to be chosen from a magazine that I was familiar with, in which I chose 'Dazed & Confused'; and a new magazine that I had never read before... which I chose...'Article'.

For this activity I had to answer a series of questions, after analysing the visual communication of the photograph.

Dazed & Confused

1. Take a quick look at the image.
   (Words / praises that instantly sprung to mind)

• Simple but a striking photograph
• Hard to pinpoint what the image signifies
• neutral
• intriguing

2. Note, what kind of is it, and what field or tradition it belong's to.

• Fashion Image for an Article on a Brand

3. Denotation- Systematically list the elements of the image, without making any interpretation.

• Man with his eyes closed
• Expressive hands
• Soft lips slightly open
• Short bleach-blonde bowl haircut with two hoop earings

4. Connotation- What does each element that you have noted signify/suggest/remind you of?

• The facial expression the model is making connotate's messages of deep thought.  
• The facial expression could also quite simply be that the photographer has captured him just as he was about to sneeze.
• His hand posture and movement, suggests to the viewers that he is about to say something.
• His style conforms to the grunge / indie culture and lifestyle. 
• The neutral colours used in the image connotates a relaxed / natural / laid back mood and feeling. 

5.  What is it?

It is a fashion image for a magazine article about Calvin Klein's new menswear label 'Platinum' for AW14. This was for a feature in Dazed & Confused magazine.

Who Produced it?

• Photographer- Dario Catellani
• Stylist- John Clover
• Hair Stylist- Jose Quijano

When was it produced? What else was happening at the time, in the specific field?

• The article was produced for the A/W 14 issue which was published on September 11th 2014.
• Fashion imaging is becoming a lot more simple by using minimalistic approaches and digital ideas, instead of very busy imagery. 

Did any specific ideas or theories inform its production, and Does it belong to a trend or movement? 

• It states in the article that the global creative director for CK,Kevin Carrigan, has always looked at street culture for inspiration, as he thinks that it is where the most progressive new shapes emerge. Adding to this, the article then goes onto say that for CK's latest label there has been major influences from the 80's as Carrigan has experienced the decade's underground, first hand. As well as both of these inspirations, he was also influenced by Artist Joseph Beuys 'Felt suit'.
• ' There was this whole fantasy world of experimental experimentation in the 80's, but it was very personal. people felt free to express themselves, and that was why i was drawn to it. it was an act of self expression.'- Kevin Carrigan
• These influences have quite clearly been translated into the fashion image; as there is a grunge and retro and care-free vibe. This could easily be related to the 80's Trend. 

Who was it produced for?

• Target audience- This is for the readers of Dazed & Confused magazine. The audience of the magazine are people that are interested in youth culture,fashion and photography. Ages ranging from 18-30. 
• Actual audience- As well as the readers of Dazed & Confused, this magazine issue features Pop artist Nicki Minaj, therefore fans of the artist may also have read the issue.

What technology/ Media / Materials have been used and why?

This fashion image is a digital photograph that appears to have been shot in a studio, using lighting and a brown backdrop and flooring that could either be fabric or paper. The image has been printed on a gloss finished page.

Article

1. Take a quick look at the image.
   (Words / praises that instantly sprung to mind)

• Simple but a striking photograph
• Hard to pinpoint what the image signifies
• uses of bold colour but at the same time, using quite harmonious colours 
• intriguing
• English Gentleman
• sophistication

2. Note, what kind of is it, and what field or tradition it belong's to.

• An editorial photograph for a styling feature, in 'Article magazine. 

3. Denotation- Systematically list the elements of the image, without making any interpretation.

• Man looking into the distance
• Glasses in his hands
• Soft lips slightly open
• Smart style- gentleman like
• unnatural posture
• standing in front of a painting

4. Connotation- What does each element that you have noted signify/suggest/remind you of?

• The facial expression and posture of the model looking into the distance, connotate's messages of deep thought and in analysis of something.  
• His style conforms to the sophisticated working class, with his collar and tie, document case, glasses and wool overcoat. 
• The image connotate's a relaxed / unnatural mood and feeling. 
• There is a clear contrast within the image as the model appears to be clean cut and stylish, where the painting in the background is busy and abstract.

5.  What is it?

An editorial photograph from 'The Process' feature in the magazine.

Who Produced it?

• Photographer- Tony Smith
• Art Director & Designer- Rosy Tsai

When was it produced? What else was happening at the time, in the specific field?

• The feature was produced for the A/W 14 issue which was published in November 2014.
• Within Fashion imaging pop colours and art are being used a lot more today, as a visual contrast within a photo.  

Did any specific ideas or theories inform its production, and Does it belong to a trend or movement? 

• Current trends of 2014 include 'Geek chic' & 'adorkable', which these trends have been adopted into a more sophisticated manner. 

Who was it produced for?

• Target/ Actual audience- This is for the readers of Article magazine. The audience of the magazine are people that are interested in menswear,fashion, art, photography, culture and lifestyle. Ages ranging from 20-35. 

What technology/ Media / Materials have been used and why?

This fashion image is a digital photograph that has been shot in the Timothy Taylor Gallery in London, using unnatural lighting and a painted backdrop by artist Eemyun Kang. The image has been printed on a gloss finished page. 

KD

 

FILM OF THE WEEK: Paul Smith-Gentleman Designer

For this weeks watching, I gained a really good insight into the personal and professional world of designer Paul Smith. The documentary is an intimate portrait of the designer, revealing his comical, down-to-earth and sensitive personality, where his quirky design ideas have originated from and how much of a formidable designer he is.

I found the Paul Smith Documentary very inspiring; It came across to me in the film that he never strived to become 'famous' or in fact quite wealthy, he is in the position he is today purely through, talent, motivation, determination and passion about his work and business. 

'I have never been motivated by money, I have always been motivated by the joy of life'- Paul Smith.

KD

The Men Who Made Us Spend

'The Men Who Made us spend' broadcast July 2014, is a 3 part-series documentary for the BBC, where Jacques investigates consumer spending. Over the 3 episodes Jacques reveals how the concept of 'product life span' Brand/ company / product advertisements have an psychological impact on how the consumer responds. This then links into our ever churning consumerism. 

this very interesting and intriguing documentary has opened my eyes to a lot of things as a consumer and it proves how you can be very easily be tricked into buying things in the very materialistic world we live in today!

KD

KatieDelo VS Arno De France

Two years prior to me attending university, I Studied Fashion at city college Coventry; where I learned Research, Design, Pattern cutting and garment construction methods, for fashion design. It was at college where I discovered my interest and passion for menswear fashion. 

For my Final collection in Year 2; I designed and made a 9 piece collection for Autumn/Winter 14 that was influenced by contemporary Art and Sculpture, with also an added influence from avant-garde fashion designer Craig Green.  I kept my collection simple by using a black and grey colour palette, and having a casual street and tailored style. 

Today I discovered the new collection by the French brand ARVO DE FRANCE, much to my amazement one of the looks that was showcased in the lookbook, has a strong comparison to one of the looks that I created for my own collection. Although our influences may have been completely different; I think its amazing to see that our outcomes, have a huge similarity. This suggests that the 'casual street but tailored look' is a trend for this season, as I am starting to see the trend developing more and more and people are becoming a lot more aware of it. 

ARNO DE FRANCE have recently released a Lookbook, introducing their latest collection for Fall/Winter 2014. The Paris-based label, suggest influences of military wear and athletics; in the garments. This season offers a selection of elongated essentials, contrasted with outerwear constantly cut short to accentuate the lengthy base layers. Keeping all things contemporary and minimal the colour palette is of course monochromatic; with the garments having a strong combination of tailoring and casual wear. 

To see the full fall/winter 14 Lookbook click here 

 KD

3 New Blog's I have discovered...

As I am a first-time blogger, over the past few days I have been looking at many different blogs to gain inspiration on how I could set up my blog and also to get a general idea of how the social world of blogging works. Here are 3 blog's that I have selected, that for me,stood out the most. These were for different reasons such as the layout, content and design: 

Garconjon

FaceHunter

Fifi Lapin

KD

Fashion On Film.

Over the past week,I have recently watched two documented films that have followed the lifestyles and careers, of two very different fashion favourites; whom are famous within their own rights. 

I very much enjoy watching films of this genre as it helps me to engage and understand the various lifestyles, and job roles that the fashion industry demands.   

Bill Cunningham New York (Richard Press 2010)

The Famous NYC Biker

Since the 1960's Bill Cunningham has photographed NYC Street fashion in the borough of Manhattan. The wonderful and heart-warming documentary portrays the Visionary cyclist as himself showing us his funny, genuine and kind personality. Over Bill's 50 year Career he has had 2 columns in the New York Times magazine, set a world record of an urban biker and has had over 28 bikes stolen. 

At first, when I started watching the film, I was unsure as to whether I was going to enjoy it as I had never heard of Cunningham or the Film; however I remained optimistic and the film turned out to be one of the most inspiring and and entertaining films I have ever watched.

Any Fashion Lovers I would definitely recommend to watch!

Mademoiselle C (Fabien Constant 2013)

Mademoiselle

Mademoiselle C is a documented film following the journey of Carine Roitfeld; launching her 2 per annum fashion and lifestyle magazine 'CR Fashion Book'. The former chief editor for Vogue Paris, shares a rare inside glimpse of her personal life, such as her preparing to becoming a grandmother and the chaos of the day to day life of her professional world. The film is filled with many famous faces including models, celebrities and eccentric personalities. 

I found the film very interesting and endearing as Carine is a genuine lady that has the same level of respect to all that she speaks to, whether it is her children or a random stranger that she has just met on the street. (The world would be a much better place is everyone had this personality trait). I love the fact that she doesn't have a specific job role, as she can delves into everything in the industry. I would certainly Love her job!

KD