(UN) FASHION - TIBOR AND MARIA KALMAN

Taken from the book (un) fashion these images show how clothing can be completely different in other parts of the world. There is a willingness to change, stretch and dress up the body, the use of actual objects as part of the physical appearance. We tend to be so symmetrical, we keep make up only to the face, we wear matching earrings, these images however push the boundaries, people feel the freedom to continue to paint the entire body as though it is a layer of cloth and use their everyday objects such as keys for accessories.

COMPLETED HALF SCALE BODICE TOILE

Finally... my completed bodice toile. Over 6 weeks this is what I have been working towards in pattern cutting and manufacture. Having never created a pattern before, never made a garment from scratch I am pleased with my outcome, although not perfect I have developed my skills and learnt a lot within this time.

ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS WATCH ME PROVE YOU WRONG

"EVERYONE WANTS TO DO FASHION, AND WHENEVER SOMEONE SAYS IT... I JUST THINK, AND ANOTHER PERSON. FACT IS ITS TOO DIFFICULT TO MAKE IT WITHOUT MONEY OR LIVING SOMEWHERE LIKE LONDON."

"BUT ISN'T THAT ART, SURELY ITS NOT FASHION?"

The more I mature, the more I realise we all have our own opinions and passions. Sometimes I overhear people make these comments that touch a feeling inside of me. More then anything these comments make me think, because everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

Art and design. Encapsulating fashion, drawing, styling, fine art, architecture, graphics, music, photography. For me all these things and many more fall together in the end, they all inspire one another and in my beliefs for something to be 'fashion' it does not mean that someone, the average person would wear it on a daily basis, it doesn't mean it should be comfortable or acceptable within society. For me there are no rules, we can put anything on the body, this is proven with other cultures using every day objects for their own take on fashion. As much as I love wearable clothing and the classical designs I am also forever amazed by the less wearable and statement clothing, whether it be made from cloth or other materials. This type of fashion also stems down into highstreet fashion, by being tamed down into more wearable clothing.

In my mind there are fine lines, at the end of the day they all fall into the same area, they all interest me and they all influence my work. I don't believe in rules of what someone should wear or shouldn't. We should celebrate individuality, and as fashion has such power why not use it to make a statement?

SIMONE SHAILES - KNITWEAR

Researching into knitwear, graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2008 Simone Shailes presented chunky knitwear with volume, texture and shape.

KANYE WEST SS'12

Kanye West presents his first collection in Paris, showcasing some garments that I personally think are stunning. Style reviewed the collection suggesting there is room for massive improvement which I don't doubt... who wouldn't want room for improvement? Also commenting on the creative musical career he has behind him, and implying that for now he should perhaps stick to just that. There are heavy zips, embellishment, beading and applique which will add weight to the garment however I love a lot of these details. The boldness they create on the ready to wear collection gives it the diversity to adapt.

Here are the images of my favourite looks from the show...

MORE OR LESS - NANNA VAN BLAADEREN

I LOVE CHUNKY KNITWEAR

Whilst researching knitwear designers I came across this collection of intriguing forms, inspired by natures organic shapes using thick woolen yarns of and off white colour. These images remind me of hibernation.

MARK MAWSON : AQUEOUS FLUOREAU

Mark Mawson is a photographer based between London and Sydney where he works with advertising agencies and magazines. This collection of images look almost sculptural, the colours and shapes created  are beautiful and remind me of those used in some SS'12 collections.

THE BEAUTY IN THE HORRIFIC DISASTER

The world always seems to captivate me, it seems so uncontrollable and so powerful yet we all live our lives here and probably fail to notice it every day. After coming across the pulitzer prize winning photographer Patrick Farrell I found images which show the sheer beauty in the countries which have suffered the pain. There is a sense of togetherness which I can feel just from looking at these images, a sense that life is perhaps more appreciated in devastation than at any other point of life. Many people I know wouldn't cry whilst having their photograph taken, we are perhaps more materialistic and unappreciative of life.
Patrick Farrell encapsulates the beauty and the devastation all in one image. 

Roseline Genilus plays outside her family's one-room house near a storm-battered school bus in Gonaives

This young girl finds the strength to be happy within all of the devastation which surrounds her, the amazing thing is that she probably doesnt even know how strong that actually makes her.

A woman in flooded Gonaives tries cleaning clothes and dishes in muddy water

PHILLIP LIM SS'12

Phillip Lim presented a different palette of colours, in Spring Summer 2012 we will be seeing pastels. 

'FAKE FUR IS WRONG, THATS WHY I WEAR REAL FUR' - THE DEBATE

Rivers all over the world are polluted green, red, pink...any colour which isn't natural by the chemicals used to make fake fur. These rivers tend to be within the less wealthy parts of the countries where clean water is perhaps more appreciated and valued than here in the UK, so why are we ruining the lives and towns belonging to these people? The water that was once respected by these communities is now uncared for and used as a bin, as the contamination is so uncontrollable.
None biodegradable materials and oil based chemicals are used to create this fake fur that many seem to think this the better option, this makes the creation almost impossible to decompose in landfill. Ruining our earth in the manufacturing process, possibly causing harm to those wearing it who breath in the chemicals which have been suggested to cause cancer, and finally when we are finished wearing the clothing it sits on our earth for many years causing environmental problems. 

Real fur is a durable, natural and sustainable material, because of this it is biodegradable and doesn't cause the problems like landfill. The fact is that animals will always die, due to prey, disease, the earth would not be able to provide for animals if they lived forever. In the cycle of life animals die, we as humans die and none of us living things stay here on earth forever. I do not support at all the cruelty to animals, I love all animals and would never harm one. I also believe we have a right and responsiblity to protect our earth... therefore fake fur is damaging, as long as animals are treated with the respect they deserve there should not be a problem with using the surplus once life has finished with them. Humans donate organs... some of us choose to use our bodies once they are no use to us. 

ANNE HOLLANDER - SEEING THROUGH CLOTHES

Anne Hollander has looked at the body and its history through art. She suggests there are three stages of development to how cloth is put on to the body.

Drapery is a basic but beautiful way of putting cloth onto the body, there is reference to this through historical images which show lengths of fabric on the body and letting the cloth fall naturally. Piecing includes cutting and sewing in a basic way, the fabric is cut to fit over peoples heads and against the body in a way which reflects the shape of the body dealing with each individual limb.The last stage she suggests is tayloring, this is the construction of clothing and fabrics to a highly skilled level, altering the fabric to bespoke conditions and adding zips to sculpt the body and change the shape with padding etc...

LADY GAGA - MARRY THE NIGHT

Viewed in a trance, re-winding and re-watching. Managing to capture the purity of emotion and mental anguish, or perhaps torture, alongside the mass of stunning fashion presented. I appreciate GaGa for her faith in dreams and being an example that even at the bottom people can get where they want in life. She seems to be a workaholic and her personality amazes me, being such a complex character with many strong views, she has a lot to express to the world. A fan of art and fashion she helps designers who are not as well known by giving them the opportunity to showcase their works which are always truly amazing.

The video manages to keep me glued before the song even sets in.

SAVAGE BEAUTY

Passing through Waterstones today, actually in search of a present for my grandfather... the transforming face of a skull and Alexander McQueens face. I knew at the price of thirty pounds I couldn't leave it.

The book has interviews with Sarah Burton, quotes from Alexander McQueen and images of his incredible work. 

His work always seems to inspire me in some way or another, I'm sure in the future I will be referring  to it for research.

TRENT VINEYARD - GIRLS ROOM

This female only event happens every year, however tonight was the first time I've attended. With women of all ages searching through both new and reusable old clothes and jewellery, the atmosphere made the night the most successful. Some stalls selling hand made trinkits or jewellery and a fashion show with music and dancers. The women stood with confidence and supported one another.

This made me think about what I would do if it were my show and gave me inspiration and ideas.

Although I wouldn't replicate the styling or clothing used, I would however like the strong atmosphere and feeling of an actual event.

Here are some images from the show

BRITISH FASHION AWARDS 2011

Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen - Designer of the year



Stella Tennant - Winner of the model award



Victoria Beckham - Designer brand award

IF I COULD TELL YOU THE WAY IT IS

Artist - Tracey Emin