BFW September 2012

My second experience at Bristol Fashion Week was very different from my first. This time I was actually part of it, assisting The Mall stylist Emmeline Stevens in the Pamper Zone. Although much of my time was spent doing this I was still fortunate enough to catch the show, and what a show it was!

There is something about the autumnal palette that makes clothes look so beautiful. Rusty hues, rich purples and deep greens begin to find their way into your wardrobe and make everything seem a little more interesting.

These colours and many more could certainly be seen on the catwalk at BFW, as well as the hottest trends and looks for the current season. Energetically introduced by Mark Heyes and Andrew Barton, each scene perfectly demonstrated the various styles that are emerging this A/W 12. From ‘Downton Chic’ to Oriental this autumn really is offering a look for everyone. It appears to be all about experimentation and as always making a style statement!

For me there were two standout scenes, the first being the Alice Temperley at John Lewis acted as the perfect display of designer fashion at affordable prices. Both beautiful and effortlessly stylish, the featured pieces floated down the runway able to speak volumes for both designer and wearer.

The second was the Parisian scene, with a mix of stripes and black this makes for a very classic, very chic and very cool style. This look is just about simplicity and confidence...

Upon reflection it seems that once again BFW has gone to show that whatever your budget, fabulous fashion really is available for all. No matter what your style, size, shape or age. Everyone can look and feel good!

Cabot Circus Fashion Show

A few weeks ago I was invited to attend the Cabot Circus Fashion Show. With Cabot being home to such outlets as Garment Quarter and Harvey Nichols. This was an event not to be missed.

As sun shone through the glass roof down onto the catwalk, the centre filled up with fashion lovers and stylish shoppers. With a seat reserved next to the catwalk I had one of the best views in the house. It would have been rude not to take advantage of this, so I whipped out the old iPhone and took as many shots as I could of the short but super stylish show.

Here are a few of my favs...enjoy:)

Ted Baker - Bath In Fashion

I recently had the chance to assist at a Ted Baker show in Bath, working alongside the lovely Emmeline Stevens from The image Consulting Company. The evening was a great success and proved to be an invaluable experience for myself...a budding stylist, writer and fashion lover:)

The event was photographed by Taylor Barnes Photography.

Follow the link below to see some of the shots.

http://www.taylorbarnesphotography.co.uk/ted-baker-show/

Bristol Fashion Week - Live Blogging Event

I recently attended a fantastic event at Bristol Fashion Week as a Live Blogger.

The show was a non stop display of fresh fashion and colourful creativity.

After sipping some bubbly and admiring vintage Vogue in a pretty pink marquee,  I made my way through to the runway, where hosts Andrew Barton and Mark Heyes began the show. Kicking off with a summery scene from John Lewis, the pair then led us through each collection, pinpointing the latest trends and looks for the coming season.

Although there were many looks from many brands, the key trends stood out, confirming their influential role in SS12 fashion.

-Pastels and ice cream shades...
-Sports Luxe (Olympic mania!)
-Tribal Prints
-Classic 50's and First Lady fashion
-Nautical Inspirations

Some of my favourite scenes included the Festival Fix from USC and Perfect Paris from Hobbs. However, the finale concluded the show perfectly. SS12 is all about the Best of British. With the Olympics at the tip of everyone's tongue right now, our little island will fall under the global eye in a matter of weeks.

So maybe some seriously stylish hosts can give the world something else to look at as well as the games!


For a look at the official images click on the link below...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/77900073@N06/sets/72157629569639779/

Paris Moments.

Pretty balcony entwined with blossom. Girl on the Metro strumming at string's. Lars in the lobby. Man roasting nuts. Help finding hotel. RM Cafe. Salmon roti - tres bien. Hats and scarves. Mustard and Navy.

Early espresso et pain au raisin. Search for sacre-coeur. 8. Bracelet. Hand over money. Too much. Away. Metro Chatelet. The Louvre. Crazy Lulu and a world of knowledge. Sphinx. Paint. Mona Lisa. Lunch by the Seine. Shoes off. Sunglasses on. Drake and Lauren Hill. Rue St Honore. Drip with money. Smells like diamonds. Fauborg. Chanel. Chanel. Iced Tea. Starbucks. Maria Zem. Talk about Paris. Talk about London. Meet tomorrow at 1? Chatelet? Tour Eiffel and Notre Dame. Rush hour. Boulangerie. Cheeky Moka.

Blurry head. Beaming sun. Petit dejeuner and several cigs. Chatelet. Dusty books. Racks of reading. The style of rebels. Mangue passion et meet with Maria. Notre Dame. Coloured windows. Silence. Flittering candles. tour Eiffel. Nicky Minaj. Wander by river. Cig and capture. Base of tour. Begin to climb. Knees weak. Palms sweaty. Climb more. Lift to top. Easy does it. Done. No words. No breath. Just look. Pic with Maria. Beautiful. Painfully romantic. Champs elysee. Class divide. Run the world. With their money. L'arc de triomph. Stroll through street. Riverside rest. Final pic with Parisian friend. Le pont neuf. Travelling alone? Oui. Glide on Seine. Seeing lights. Lovers litter the banks. Vino rouge avec friends. Padlock bridges and a sweeping light. Sparkles. Paris sparkles. Diner a la RM Cafe. Tres bien. Paris c'est mignifique...when not alone...

Un petit trip to Paris...

So next week I am going to Paris, a city I have always wanted to visit but have never got round to...

Although the city is famed for the eiffel tower and being the city of romance. I am going for the fashion. Seeking out those hidden gems of fashion history. The cobbled boulevards, quirky markets and the beautiful Chanel flagship. Considered the centre of fashion and home of couture, I can hardly contain my excitement. All I need is a copy of Vogue, a coffee and my camera.

Fully aware of my tourist status. I am going to take full advantage of it. The Louvre, The Seine, I'm doing it all.

I can't wait:)

We'll Take Manhattan - Fashion Flipped On Its Head...

After having recently watched We'll Take Manhattan - a drama detailing the infamous relationship between photographer David Bailey and model Jean Shrimpton, I have found myself getting seriously interested in this specific period in fashion history.

It was during the early sixties that British fashion was put on the global map. At a time of radical and free thinking, London born photographer David Bailey emerged. With his unique approach and eye for distinctive beauty, Bailey grew to dizzying heights whilst working at British Vogue during the sixties. His first Vogue  shoot was a bridal spread with a young, unknown model, Jean Shrimpton. However, it was his defining second shoot "Young Idea Goes West" that thrust him and favoured model Jean Shrimpton into the limelight and secured him as a one of a kind photographer. By photographing relaxed and edgy poses against a gritty realistic New York backdrop, the pair produced ground breaking images that were strikingly fresh and set to change how fashion was photographed and executed forever.

Bailey's technique and style has influenced the approach of photographers to varying degrees ever since. Allowing them to continuously push boundaries and be free and creative in their approach. Challenging the very ideals behind fashion imagery and artistic traditions.

These images still inspire and excite today and will continue to for generations to come... reminding those with artistic and creative passions that there are no limits and if you feel you have the power to change something, then it can be done.