Nora Nona
Thursday, 8 April 2010
Wednesday, 7 April 2010
next to nothing.
The barely there trend is already in full throttle while spring is still somewhat elusive. The high street is teaming with soft tones and beige hues flitting from grey, honey, caramel and biscuit and back to that pinky peach colour I haven't quite put my finger on yet. Equally, the beauty counters have nude tones for nails, lips and cheeks in abundance. I have hopped on the trend with my mink adorned nails [which are currently chip free but who knows how long that will last].
But back to the point in hand. Nude is a trend im not sure how to approach. Every hue I have tried on seems to look odd on me. This may be a mental obstacle which is encroaching upon my decision making. I have a penchant for black and grey. Pink, peach caramel and honey are just tones which induce screams from within me. My slightly olive skin and dark hair just don't seem to agree with nude. And images such as the following do not help me in my quest for the perfect colour for my colouring. But as the rain keeps falling, I think I still have time to spare.
I LOVE these images from CITY magazine. Underwear and outerwear, nudes and soft, romantic lighting induce a dreamlike state.
Tuesday, 6 April 2010
the soft approach
Jennifer Aniston in the May 2010 UK issue of Harpers Bazaar. The soft, hazy photographs scream SUMMER.
POPPING up all over the SHOP
The pop up shop does exactly what it says on the tin. A fleeting and momentary existence, and increasingly a synonymous sign of something cultural in our midst. A hub of temporary activity, and sometimes an obscure and unexplained location which jars with the normal preconceived notion of a shop. The idea is certainly not new, it has been around for a few years, a fledgling phenomenon that occasionally rears it's ugly head in a press frenzy of excitement. But recently, the pop up shop, space and exhibition has been here there and everywhere, with a cultural kick up the backside. Spring has been blossoming quietly while the likes of Harvey Nichols, Sketchbook Magazine and the BFC and Bicester Village have all been causing quite a stir in the fashion and art worlds.
Back in March Harvey Nichols, caravan container style shop popped up at Hanover Square, with the best of a brilliant bunch of Harvey Nics fourth floor goodness. With contemporary fashion on the move, the white container, complete with quirky exterior, eye-catching artwork, offered up a host of fashionable finds, with a take on the traditional vending machine, a photobooth and a veritable selection Kidrobot figures and Assouline fashion books.
I see the recent prevalence of the pop up shop as some sort of signifier - a big flashing beacon of contemporary consumer culture. We want it fast and fun. Disposable is key. We all [supposedly] have disposable incomes. We want disposable fashion. And our culture is the essence of disposable. Disposable, in my head, was always the code for cheap and cheerful. Like a disposable camera. The sheer entertainment, and often excitement that would result from a plastic, throw away camera always amused me. The rise in the more serious and long-lasting digital camera [although a friend of mine once mistook my silver snap clicker for its cheap plastic counterpart and threw it across the floor - needless to say my camera is now fighting for its life and continues working with a vast amount of sellotape holding it together] somewhat took the patience is a virtue esque feeling out of photography when the picture was instantaneously placed in front of us. But that too illustrates the very backbone of our culture. We want to see the image now instead of waiting a week and eagerly walking to boots to collect what we hope will be some photographic gems. Everything has to be instant and constant in equal measure.
This is another recent shop which has popped. The BFC and Bicester Village have collaborated in the form of this boutique, to showcase and support some fabulous British fashion. And in keeping with the Bicester Village outlet image, all boutique finds have up to 50% off [which for my empty purse, still isn't enough]. With designers including Emma Cook, Hannah Marshall, Erdem, Osman, Preen, Louise Amstrup and Mark Fast, Bicester Village and the BFC are really blowing the British fashion trumpet with this six week wonder.
Disposable shops now seem to be at the forefront of the fashion trail. In this instance its less cheap and cheerful, and more exclusive and elite. A sense of situation snobbery exudes from the pop up shop. The idea of the pop up shop is very 21st century don't you think. In a time where fashion rules the world [well not quite but sometimes I think it's not far off] and the media industry has exploded with social networking, it seems there has been a real social transgression. Once upon a time it was important to get the right people talking, now it's how many people can you get talking, or tweeting. So while the pop up shop is all about the fuss it makes among the bloggers, journalists and pr's, and how much press it instigates, it's core flash mob mentality and elusive nature makes it inaccessible to most.
And the latest pop up is already in full bloom. With a sale by date of mid April, the Sketchbook magazine pop up shop in the heart of soho is less of a pop up shop and more of a pop up space/exhibition/visual adventure and learning experience.
Back in March Harvey Nichols, caravan container style shop popped up at Hanover Square, with the best of a brilliant bunch of Harvey Nics fourth floor goodness. With contemporary fashion on the move, the white container, complete with quirky exterior, eye-catching artwork, offered up a host of fashionable finds, with a take on the traditional vending machine, a photobooth and a veritable selection Kidrobot figures and Assouline fashion books. I see the recent prevalence of the pop up shop as some sort of signifier - a big flashing beacon of contemporary consumer culture. We want it fast and fun. Disposable is key. We all [supposedly] have disposable incomes. We want disposable fashion. And our culture is the essence of disposable. Disposable, in my head, was always the code for cheap and cheerful. Like a disposable camera. The sheer entertainment, and often excitement that would result from a plastic, throw away camera always amused me. The rise in the more serious and long-lasting digital camera [although a friend of mine once mistook my silver snap clicker for its cheap plastic counterpart and threw it across the floor - needless to say my camera is now fighting for its life and continues working with a vast amount of sellotape holding it together] somewhat took the patience is a virtue esque feeling out of photography when the picture was instantaneously placed in front of us. But that too illustrates the very backbone of our culture. We want to see the image now instead of waiting a week and eagerly walking to boots to collect what we hope will be some photographic gems. Everything has to be instant and constant in equal measure.
This is another recent shop which has popped. The BFC and Bicester Village have collaborated in the form of this boutique, to showcase and support some fabulous British fashion. And in keeping with the Bicester Village outlet image, all boutique finds have up to 50% off [which for my empty purse, still isn't enough]. With designers including Emma Cook, Hannah Marshall, Erdem, Osman, Preen, Louise Amstrup and Mark Fast, Bicester Village and the BFC are really blowing the British fashion trumpet with this six week wonder.
Disposable shops now seem to be at the forefront of the fashion trail. In this instance its less cheap and cheerful, and more exclusive and elite. A sense of situation snobbery exudes from the pop up shop. The idea of the pop up shop is very 21st century don't you think. In a time where fashion rules the world [well not quite but sometimes I think it's not far off] and the media industry has exploded with social networking, it seems there has been a real social transgression. Once upon a time it was important to get the right people talking, now it's how many people can you get talking, or tweeting. So while the pop up shop is all about the fuss it makes among the bloggers, journalists and pr's, and how much press it instigates, it's core flash mob mentality and elusive nature makes it inaccessible to most.
And the latest pop up is already in full bloom. With a sale by date of mid April, the Sketchbook magazine pop up shop in the heart of soho is less of a pop up shop and more of a pop up space/exhibition/visual adventure and learning experience.
Sketchbook is a quarterly magazine that specializes in creative things, from fashion and illustration to design and culture, weather established or emerging, there is a strong emphasis on features, photography and even more so, illustration. To coincide with the release of the 2nd issue of sketchbook, the whole idea is existent because of the sheer determination and commitment of undergrad student, Rachel Menashy, who proposed the idea for her third year university project back in November. This is much more than a shop. And your money wouldn't buy you much in here anyway. Because pennies are not in circulation, the previous exclusive, what money can buy you bubble has popped. Instead a sense of active encouragement and inclusion emerges from the baby blue door. With a whole host of to die for lectures and workshops and a multitude of visual treats on display, it is well worth a trip.
Is it that our attention spans are shorter than they used to be? Do we get bored too easily? Have we become programmed to expect change on a continual basis? Are we just a generation of fast movers and thinkers, who have become so used to the constant stimulation on offer. We are bombarded daily with images, to sell, to attract and to pleasure [and to make us part with our cash] and we have, and can have anything at the touch of a button [mostly]. We are so accustomed to the notion that nothing is out of reach, and we needn't wait for anything, and we can have everything NOW. This is what makes the pop up shop so interesting in my mind. Because the whole essence of the pop up is that it flourishes upon our high speed, short term, disposable culture. Yet in its sheer impulsive state, it is impossible for everyone to encounter its existence; miss it and you miss out.
As part of the internet generation, the disposable generation, and the generation that sometimes doesn't understand that patience can be a virtue, one saying resonates in my head from my younger years; you snooze you loose.
Sunday, 4 April 2010
EFFing hot
Kaya Scodelario is not a name that rolls off the tongue with ease, and it isn't a name I instantly recognised. But the Skins actress, who plays Effy, it turns out, is a bit of a beauty under all the drugs and grunge.
Looking absolutely stunning modeling for the April 2010 ASOS magazine, she has a girl next door look in her eyes - a bit of a contrast to her usual on screen antics.
Looking absolutely stunning modeling for the April 2010 ASOS magazine, she has a girl next door look in her eyes - a bit of a contrast to her usual on screen antics.
Friday, 2 April 2010
so educated.
cover girl for the April/May 2010 issue of WONDERLAND, Mulligan is a fashion favourite at the moment with her classical style and pixie crop. an effortless fashion icon with a simple yet mesmerizing beauty.
Paper or Plastic?
actually I'd prefer some leather, croc skin and a few peacock feathers if im honest. but you cant really carry your food shopping in these bad boys. Bags are a fashion staple, a basic and something of a must. For me they are in the same league as a white vest; an essential item. However bags are one step higher up my fashion hierarchy for the functional factor - they hold my things..... and I have a lot of things.
And there are some much coveted and well crafted brands coming to the forefront of the bag world. While your Mulberry's and Miu Miu's are classics, your Wilbur and Gussie's, Angel Jackson's and Rocio's are your new kids on the block. With peacock feathers, snakeskin and satin, colour and texture are my spring favourite. As long as the sun shines soon.
And there are some much coveted and well crafted brands coming to the forefront of the bag world. While your Mulberry's and Miu Miu's are classics, your Wilbur and Gussie's, Angel Jackson's and Rocio's are your new kids on the block. With peacock feathers, snakeskin and satin, colour and texture are my spring favourite. As long as the sun shines soon.
Tribal is a trend that will take you from spring to summer effortlessly. These walnut carved clutches are drop, dead, gorgeous. They may be small but they pack a mighty punch. LUST have.
Rocio Honey Clutch
Rocio Rameses Clutch
K Wick are my new favourite. Made from vintage snake and lizard skin in brighter than the rainbow hues, with gorgeous gold chain and clasp details, I think they are the perfect match for floral frocks. I want the orange. No the blue. Or maybe the orange.....maybe both?
Texture is key in my spring wardrobe. Lace, ruffles, zips, layers. And what a perfect selection of bags from Angel Jackson to compliment my layered up textured outfits. With snakeskin satchels and peacock feather totes and sequin evening bags, its time to take your pick.
Pearly Queen Satchel
Snakeskin Lianto Bag
Feather Lianto in Black
And her Vintage Collection completely pulls at my heart strings.
Last but not least, if your looking for a clutch look no further than Wilbur & Gussie with their gorgeous bright satin clutches all with quirky details giving them their own personality. My favourites are the orange with the gold turtle and the red "love" clutch.
Decisions. Decisions. Decisions.
..........ERDEM
While most of us have been busy battling with torrential rain and some gusty winds, attempting to make morning decisions like what is the appropriate jacket, is and umbrella worth the fight and what shoes will keep feet warmest and driest, ERDEM has been busy winning the BFC/VOGUE Designer Fashion Fund award.
With 8 extremely talented and hotly tipped candidates announced back in January, the competition was always going to be fierce. But yesterday it was announced that ERDEM was the deserved winner of the award, which was conceived as a key initiative to celebrate the 25th anniversary of London Fashion Week, and to participate in the legacy program to enhance and assist the continued reputation of London's fashion talent's.
The prize includes £200,000 and access to top level mentors within the business. To help ERDEM develop his business further the BFC will develop a unique and specific program to assist him reach his business goals over the next 12 months, while the supportive network which he builds throughout the program will provide him with the support system required to make the transition between creative design business and global fashion brand.
His collections are a constant visual treat with their wonderful design structure and attention to detail, strong silhouettes which manage to maintain a fun and feminine feel with the use of colour and print.
A definite face of the fashion future. I'm just waiting for british summertime to kick in before i do florals and bare legs.
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