Update - again

Sorrrrrrrry!

I’ve been way TOO busy and my personal blogging has lacked completely. But you probably didn’t need me to tell you that. I have three university assignments to complete and I haven’t even touched two of them. But you probably don’t care about that. Actually, I thought people liked reading personal stuff when viewing blogs but a Huffington Post employee spoke about blogging in a talk held at university and told us to not ramble on about our “depressing” and “crazy” lives…something which I’m doing this very minute.

I promised in my last post that I’ll post links of my posts from TheStyleColumn, so here are the ones catered towards high-end fashion trends:

1) Alexander McQueen SS’12 Review:

http://www.thestylecolumn.co.u k/2011/10/14/heaven%E2%80%99s- touch-alexandra-mcqueen/

2) Print & Pattern (but you’ll see a little of my thechiquelady print and pattern post is similar to this):

http://www.thestylecolumn.co.uk/2011/10/18/trend-loving-print-and-pattern/

3) Gothic Glory:

http://www.thestylecolumn.co.uk/2011/10/28/gothic-glory/

4) Capes:

http://www.thestylecolumn.co.uk/2011/10/31/trend-loving-capes/

…and the rest will be pasted as I complete them. I’ve just submitted a post on the ‘velvet’ trend luring about. You know the material everyone moans about because it looks grannified or as some boys like to say, “sissy”? Yeah, that. You’ve probably guessed that I neither think it’s grannified or sissy or whatever other insult you’re going to chuck at it. Christian Louboutin have some awesome velvet shoes and Tony Burch has a burgandy blazer which is tempting, but not so tempting as the price tag.

As many of you know, I’m now an intern at TheStyleColumn (wooo). I’m having an amazing time…the team members I’ve met so far have been extremely helpful and friendly.

Rammah, the CEO of TheStyleColumn, I first met at my interview (well, duh) and I gratefully got the impression that I won’t be making tea for her 24/7 as part of my tasks. She warmed me into the team really well and got me all excited for the internship. Rammah if you ever read this, it doesn’t mean I won’t ever make you tea!

There’s a girl named Amrit Bansal (read her posts on TSC, she’s a talented amigo) who eats McDonalds…yes, McDonalds and not a piece of lettuce! Nice to know not ALL girls who work in fashion sip on green tea and selective salad options daily. I first met Amrit right after she (bless the poor girl) took the 120+ steps UP at Queensway station…pain, pain, pain. :( Here’s a link to her personal blog: http://tillyslittletreasures.blogspot.com/

And there’s Vaskar, or ‘witty’ as he likes to call himself. Such a kind person! Nice to know not all people in fashion only shout “do the dustbin!” to their delegates. Vaskar’s cool because I am HATING wordpress at the moment, I simply cannot align my images correctly. So I just end up emailing the pics to Vaskar so he can do it. I’m learning slowly and surely. (by the way, he’s another talented amigo, read his work too.)

I haven’t met anyone else properly yet, but I look forward to meeting them!

To be perfectly honest, I’m not sure why I gave these introductions. But now that you know them too, if I ever mention their name to you…you won’t be confused. And for those friends of mine who claim they read my blog but really don’t, I’ll now know when you give me the :S face on mentioning a co-workers name. 

I have some cool press events coming up! I’ll be at the ‘Three Floor’ collection preview tomorrow. It’s a brand new website…lucky me for being able to take a sneak peak at what will be going up! I’ve had a look at the lookbook, it all looks very promising. I’ll be completing a post for TSC about the launch tomorrow evening. So I’ll paste it to you here on Saturday, hopefully.

On November 23rd, I have a Christian Louboutin event, woohay! I doubt I’ll get free shoes though.

Update

Hi guys,

Just a quick post to apologise for my inconsistency of blogging.

I must admit, I didn’t have the slightest clue that people actually read my blog regularly. It feels pretty good to know that my work is worth some of your time. I don’t want to lose the readers I do have so I’m going to update you a little about my current hectic life…

I’ve been REALLY busy juggling between starting university and a new internship. I’ll be a fashion intern for TheStyleColoumn, who’ve received a lot of attention since London Fashion Week, so I’m extremely excited to be a part of a growing and successful team.

University is going all well. When I first started, I found it a little overwhelming - being dipped into a pool of hundreds of faces I hadn’t seen before. However, I’m getting the hang of it now and really enjoying it. My course is actually amazing and I’ve never met a bunch of such friendly people!

On that note, I’d like to take a few seconds thanking my supporters, friends and family in forwarding my blogs to others. I’ve received some really cool compliments and couldn’t have done it without you all. I honestly appreciate each and every thing.

Once I’ve properly fixed a personal schedule between interning and university, my blogging will be much more up to date. I’ll post a link of my published articles from TheStyleColoumn here too. It’ll be like you’re reading my work and getting the best of both sites. Plus, there’s plenty of talented workers who are too working for TheStyleColoumn and their articles are definitely worth a read. 

xxx

LONDON FASHION WEEK SS12: ASHISH AND JONATHAN SAUNDERS

From the feminine shapes of the SS’12 Jonathan Saunders collection, to the bold colours of Sass & Bride and the perfect t-line cuts of Burberry Prosum, London Fashion Week has come to its flawless end with James Long perfectly proving that print and material variation isn’t just limited to the ladies.   

Before I discuss the highlighted trends of this fall, I’m going to present a few pictures from one of the most craziest catwalk presentation I have ever witnessed. From the moment I saw the first model enter the runway, I knew it’d be a marmite situation - one would either love it or hate it. I absolutely loved every sparkling second and to be honest, if any designer was going to give it the absolute most, it’s no surprise that it would have been Asish.

Models were bombarded head to toe with colours, sequins and (mainly floral) prints. Lose overhauled t-shirts/vests, baggy shorts and lose fitted dresses were dominated with oversized poppies and sunflowers, fluttering a sportish casual look, but tied in with a little glam as sequins gave off an effortless smart appearance.

           

Shapes were minimal and simple as Ashish’s dreamy, flowering motive was kept as the dominating trend throughout, leaving sequins to work off a charm. Neat and uncomplicated hairdos were contrasted with gothic dark lips and eyes on models. And just when we thought he’d done it all, Ashish left an interesting stomping impression by inserting flowers within boots - a literal head to toe look.

                                            

Likewise Ashish, Jonathan Saunders was far from showcasing a simple-coloured collection. Lemon yellows, grass greens, burnt orange and soothing blues gave character to elegant cuts and shapes, representing a classic London lady. The odd chunky knit and boyfriend styled blazer was layered with knee length skirts and dresses, leaving a sporting sixties twist.

           

Evidently not wanting to limit his collection to day-time casual, Jonathan Saunders stepped up the classic ladder with a range beautiful t-line dresses (t-line are very popular this season) matched with subtle ditsy prints. Saunders keeps it simple with nudes, blacks and fitted full sleeves.

           

Saunders kept the feminine touches throughout his collection with extra vintage touches. Think flowing skirts and dresses mixed with either tie-dye effect or round neck jumpers.

           

*Images taken from WireImage subscription package

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LONDON FASHION WEEK SS12 - Paul Costelloe

Asides the hustling and bustling of excited fashionistas readily taking their seats, Paul Costelloe started London Fashion Week this morning (9AM) with an impressive collection, what a superb way to kick off the LFW vibes.

Nudes, whites and greys combined with a sixties touch and flirty, bouncy shapes dominated the collection as models gracefully strutted the runway. Costelloe’s use of silk and chiffon created an effortless look.

                                          

                                        

Adding a twist to his collection, Costelloe added black and white stripes with large white button fronts to create a classy feel his S/S’12 collection:

                                                                      

Deep greys going on light silver added the perfect glam factor. This season we see a glimpse of the beautiful, adroit woman. Perhaps that’s why Costelloe answered “slim, trim and intelligent” on being asked how he would describe the ‘Paul Costelloe woman’

                                        

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK SS12: VERA WANG

Paying intricate attention to details, layer and shape, Vera Wang showcased her latest collection yesterday (13/09/11) at New York Fashion Week. It isn’t one of my preferred collections from the designer herself, but I’ll admit that there’s a lot of unique style and imagination within the depth of her looks.

That’s what everyone loves about Vera, her ability to create outfits which settles neatly on a body but yet holds sophistication. It’s exactly why we’ve seen celebrities such as Anne Hathaway and the Kardashian sisters showing off in her custom made designs. Vera knows what will look good.

Where I love the play of nude in some and then the odd splash of colour in other looks, I much rather see a part of the collection with less layering and ruffles along the waist; a little looks good but it’s an inch or so too long. I’m not quite sure where she was going with it all, it’s probably a personal dislike but until I see someone pull off the look, I’m not too keen.

                                                 

Asides the unexplained stated above, I’d give it a straight 4/5. We expect something new and different to be produced and shown down the runway from each and every designer and this is exactly what Vera Wang has done. She hasn’t duplicated or gone with a flow, she stayed original and originality is the start of all great fashion.

                                               

*Images from WireImage

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Ethical Fashion: Henrietta Ludgate

According to the Ethical Fashion Forum, “…ethical fashion represents an approach to the design, sourcing and manufacture of clothing which maximises benefits to people and communities while minimising impact on the environment.”

The concept is brilliant. It’s literally a designer doing what he/she normally does, but working at a greater benefit for the people, communities and environments. What’s there to complain about that? Nothing, and that’s what makes it all the more attractive.

Most certainly, there has been a lack of attention towards this smaller niche and to be fair, I’m not sure why. If it’s for the benefit of ourselves and others, shouldn’t we be lovin’ the idea up more? Perhaps the media is one to blame, or maybe the worldwide known designers. If D&G and Chanel revert at least 30% of their attention towards being more ethically friendly, no doubt a bulk of other designers would follow behind. Or maybe the world is full of selfish and thoughtless people. I’m thinking a combination of all three.

I first met Henrietta Ludgate a couple of years ago. She was the first designer I had worked with so I was a little reserved and scared at first. Your first work experience or internship is always the daunting one because you have absolutely no idea what to expect. My mind was racing with the worst possible thoughts - “that’s it, she’s going to make you do all the horrible tasks Unsah, be prepared to stay till 9PM”. You know, you just can’t blame me for that. All my expectations were built from watching “Running in Heels” and reading “The Devil Wears Prada”. And Google searches. Have any of you noticed how Google searches tend to panic you more?

Well, I was completely, utterly, foolishly, stupidly wrong. It was all the exact reverse of what I had initially thought. She’s such a lovely lady and never was I ever given the ugly task I had expected.

Henrietta had first introduced me to the idea of ethical fashion. I hadn’t heard too much about it beforehand. Made from the best of the Scottish Textile Industry, her collections are bold and represent the classic British woman. Henrietta’s eye-catching sculptural and architectural designs are for the true individuals, attached with Scottish tradition.

                                                                                                               

Model: Chrystal Holgate
Photography: Pete Repeka (www.petereka.com)

By far, my favourite is her daring hot pink mini dress from A/W’11; it’s symbolic and iconic, holding strong personality. I’m confident that all the Henrietta Ludgate followers are well aware of ‘the pink dress’, which is evidence of mere talent. Many designers become obsessed with what the fashion world demand, to the extent whereby they forget or mislead their true morals behind their collection. Sticking to ethical fashion and own originality, Henrietta Ludgate has proven to be a huge success, growing ever more.

                                                                                                       

www.henriettaludgate.com

http://www.facebook.com/HenriettaLudgate

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TREND SPOTTER: New York Fashion Week S/S 12

 

With hundreds of designers getting ready to showcase their work down the runway for Spring/Summer 2012, it’s that classic fashion time of year again. As per usual, New York sets off the vibes with some exceptional collections.

Bursts of vibrancy and ditsy printed patterns aren’t something collectively new to us but it’s by far one of those trends which attach on for at least a couple of seasons, especially the patterns and prints. We’ve seen high street retailers such as Miss Selfridges, Dorothy Perkins and Top Shop showcase the likes of several bright and loud colours (red or green jeans, anyone?) over the past few months and options for patterns have been absolute limitless: floral, ditsy, tribal, animal, stripes, polka and checkered. Designers of NYFW S/S’12 have advanced their insights and creativity to showcase us a little more of what we all love and demand.

You’re going to hear a lot about Nicole Miller from this blog because I simple adore her approach to trend and style. Where some designers tend to bore me over at least a few of their collections, Nicole Miller’s imagination always tends to co-exist amongst her designs. This season she has made exceptional use of prints and colours by combining them both together. Generally, I find the combination of two loud trends a little too much; it gets messy, too busy and then the whole focus of the outfit is torn apart, but Nicole has created a true fashion line here.

                                            

                                            

* Pictures taken from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

                                                                            A few more of my favourite outfits from NYFW S/S’12 so far:

Helen Yarmack, who has perfected the colours with fur, which I found quite interesting. It wouldn’t be something I see many wearing on a daily basis but hey it’s the runway and it does looks pretty well together!

                                             

* Pictures taken from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Marra Hoffman made brilliant use of tribal prints:

                                           

General Idea. It’s not all limited to ladies y’know:

                                          

* Pictures taken from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

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Messy Shopping

                                                                                                   

*CLUNK*, and there goes my pride. Have you ever accidentally dropped something when in Harrods? It’s highly embarrassing. You could probably hear whispers from two floors above, if unlike me, you’re not busy dropping a MAC lipstick and literally rushing over to the perfume section before an annoyed pretty face beauty employee gives you the evil look with her pretty-loaded mascara eyes.

*CLUNK*, and there goes nothing. Have you ever accidentally dropped something when in TKMaxx? It’s okay. You’ll find other stuff on the floor in a few seconds anyway, if like me, you’re busy dropping a lotion bottle and literally standing because it’s the norm.

Isn’t it weird how peoples attitude change as they walk into a particular store? The above is by no means my exact behavior, but I’ll admit that I’d be much more weary to brake a glass in Harrods as opposed to TKMaxx. I mean, breaking is breaking at the end of the day, right? You still have to pay for the item, still have to apologise and still have to face the stares from people passing by. Sometimes when you walk into a ladies store, the male members that you’re shopping with prefer to wait outside. I think our manners do that too.

Even though we’re partly at fault ourselves, I’m going to chuck a fair blame on the other side. I’m really questioning as to why stores such as TKMaxx refuse to use the neat and tidy approach? They sell *Ted Baker too. Sure we’d like to find a coat that’s priced £20 below its original price, just not when it’s on the floor with black shoe prints forcefully marked in. Ted Baker at Harrods sounds expensive and luxurious; Ted Baker at TKMax doesn’t, when both stores are as genuine as one other.

By all means, I’m not a professional business savy person but if you have a retail environment such as Primark, it’s perfectly understandable to find ripped and ragged clothes. Primark sell budget fashion and accessories, (and increasingly beauty) so it isn’t that much of a deal or surprise if cotton is found stringing out of a cardigan. But surely finding a designer cardigan does bad on behalf of the designer. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think the designer had made two sets of their collection: one to look good and one to look bad.

Many argue that it’s the case of the actual shopper. The audience Harrods attract is quite different to the audience TKMaxx attract. Agreed on a surface level, obviously Harrods is made for the richer. Disagreed that it has anything to do with the personality of the shopper; does this go to say that Harrods shoppers are mannered and TKMaxx aren’t? That’s a complete judgmental opinion and rather ridiculous. Being more well off doesn’t automatically give you a sense of morals. Of course, from a political/sociological approach, one would argue about the upbringing and so on but I’m not going to get into that controversy. My point: as long as a company gives off a professional approach, no matter what the main target market is, a degree of professionalism is most certainly given back, regardless of whether designer items are being sold or not.  Harrods staff tend to be available as soon as requested with the highest of manners, many other retail stores have irritated staff who often discuss loudly amongst one another about how they cannot wait to finish their shift.

Either the designers need to rethink where their luxury collections are being dispatched to or such companies need to re-evaluate how they’d like to be perceived. I sure wouldn’t like my stores to have a cut reputation purely because employees aren’t able to handle the neat-looking vibe. Turnover for the retail companies are high enough, use your revenue to refurbish and impress.

* I’ve used Ted Baker as an example, any designer can be perfectly applicable here.

By the way, ranting and debating isn’t what I normally do, but it felt quite perfect today…if I must say so myself.

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Hello world :)

“You’re an inspiring (fashion) journalist, get yourself t a blog now!!”, they say in a more barbaric manner to me. It’s true but not so true too. Correct that I should have settled a blog many months ago. If you ask me why I haven’t, I refuse to give you a reason; perhaps because I simply don’t have a reason. Incorrect that I’m an “aspiring” journalist. I like to think myself of already being a journalist, if you please.

I’ve met enough aspiring ones in the past, more so from those working within the niche of fashion. Have you not seen the statistical ratio of the number of *aspiring* fashion journalists in conjunction with the actual number of jobs available? Well, no, I haven’t either. But I’ve worked enough over the past two years - writing/blogging for fashion related companies, running LONG errands and being rejected by many other companies - to know that the industry has an overflow of talented individuals who want to strike to the top.

Take it like this; I’d sound much more professional if I wrote a cover letter to Vogue blagging how I am a fashion journalist of two years compared to begging them and bragging how I’m going to be one in a few years. The latter would probably make me the equivalent of a fashion junkie who knows nothing about fashion and who hasn’t got her backside up to make a cup of tea for a designer in the past. As stupid (and completely sad) as it sounds, those with a little knowledge about the fashion world know that the making of “a cuppa” really does show your dedication. Hard core dedicators, like me, have even gone to the extreme lengths of doing the rubbish rounds twice a day for a week (…was the worst experience of my life, I’ll tell you all another day).

I’m sure some wonder why I bother at all; I’ve been interning so my pay doesn’t exist, it’s actually not all about glam and you need to pretty much suck up to the elite. Why don’t I just take the easy route to an easier career? Three reasons. One: I enjoy the writing, running around and researching about the next big thing, I get a thrill out of it. Two: I’m not in it for the glitz and glam, I’m in it because I merely enjoy fashion (although the fashion shows and photo shoots that I have been invited to have been AMAZING). Three: Am I really anywhere near the top to already be complaining? I thought not. Interning isn’t something new, there’s probably at least a good hundred other girls/guys who work just as hard as me.

So ride on m’ladies and fellas. Welcome to my blog about my normal-but-somehow-always-busy life :-)

The Chique Lady
xxx

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