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