The curse of the designer label...

Versace for H&M. Cue the high-pitched screams of budget fashionistas worldwide, as the chance to own their very own Donatella designs becomes a stark reality.

The Italian label announced in June of this year that they would be working with the Swedish brand, in a bid to bring a little bit of pizzazz to the high street. But do we really need it?

If I am completely honest with myself, I am a sucker for all things designer. The more expensive it is, the more I WANT it. The more high profile the label, the more inclined I am to drool over an item that is certainly never going to grace the inside of my wardrobe. Yes, you can sit there and call me shallow, but ask any fashion-loving girl, or boy, out there and deep down I bet you my prized Chanel glasses that they feel the same way. We’ve all got a case of  ‘I want what I can’t have.’

And so it poses the question, are we only buying this stuff for the recognition, regardless of whether we like it or not?

Having already previewed the collection for H&M, I can tell you that it’s nothing to write home about. Think bold prints, vibrant colors and enough lashings of leather to last you a lifetime. In fact, think Donatella Versace; because every piece is reminiscent of something you would see her flaunting.

But you know what? I can guarantee you that I will be spotted on Princes Street, queuing outside H&M on November 17^th when the collection launches, just so that I can lay my eager hands on a piece of ‘iconic Versace history’ as it is being dubbed. Even if it is just the cheapest of the lot at a £19.99 ring.

But even as I say that I am kicking myself for being such a mug! That’s what these businesses are relying on, the idea that high prices equals high fashion. And if we can get it at an ‘affordable price’ then we really are complete idiots for not jumping through hoops to purchase it. And I say ‘affordable’ because on average I would splash out fifty quid on a really lovely dress. Donatella wants £179 for hers.

And the only reason Versace is considering this collaboration is because of flailing profits. After years of saying they would never move into the high-street sector, as they prided themselves on being ‘ultimate luxury’, they now are moving forwards with it, full steam ahead. No doubt this is a knock-on effect of Alber Elbaz’s Lanvin for H&M collection last year, after it sold out within minutes. Versace have seen the effect us peasant shoppers can have on their profits, and they are jumping on that commercial bandwagon.

And so are they just taking advantage of our naivety? I think so. But will I continue to swoon over things I’m not that keen on, simply because they boast a high priced label? Most certainly. I am such a fashion victim.

Pure Fashion

So on Saturday, I took myself along to the Gallery on the   Corner, found in Edinburgh’s Dundas Street, for what was promised to be a gorgeous exhibit of designer Catriona Garforth’s ‘Pure’ Collection.                                                               

Having already written a feature on it for the Edinburgh Reporter, I had the inside scoop on what was to be expected, but oh my goodness, those clothes! Talk about a picture not doing them justice, they were absolutely stunning. Of course I had already had a snoop about Catriona’s website, so I had an idea of what the designs looked like, but I literally fell in love with them at first sight (and it wasn’t just the free glass of champagne going straight to my head, though that was appreciated).

Models floated about showing off Catriona’s creations, which looked so lovely on them I was struck by an overwhelming urge to demand one in my size!

One dress, from the ‘Madame Butterfly’ collection really caught my eye, the ‘Madame Butterfly Coffee Dress.’ Can we get an oh la la? Because it so deserves it. The chiffon, lace and silk dress positively screamed glamour, while adding in an edge with the boned bodice and brown leather piping. Had I not just spent my whole months salary on an inter-rail ticket around Europe, I would have been sorely tempted to grab it off the mannequin and claim it as my own.

Sadly, this was not to be, and I was left to admire the clothes in the devastating knowledge that I would be unable to take them home with me. Though I did settle for trying on a gorgeous little tweed bodice with the all important trademark brown leather piping, that finished the piece off perfectly.

It had been my first experience at a fashion exhibit, and one that I certainly enjoyed. Along with getting to meet the charming designer herself, I also got the chance to witness the exquisite creations of her talent. Her detailed craftsmanship and the appealing uniqueness of her pieces leaves me in no doubt that she will continue to make a name for herself in the fashion world. And here’s hoping that I will eventually get my hands on one of them!

                                               
Designer Catriona Garforth, visit her website at www.purebycatrionagarforth.co.uk

Lady In Red

I recall seeing the Marchesa Fall 2011 collection back in February and being left breathless at the beauty of one particular dress. The silk organza illusion gown featured gothic red embroidery with a studding train that captivated me as it floated down the runway. But I found myself wondering just how this masterpiece would translate to the red carpet.

Step in actress Rachel McAdams. She managed to look dramatic and romantic at the same time, proving to be one of the best dressed at the Cannes Film Festival in France this week. Though I may be a bit biased, as I have a total girl crush on her! But seriously, I dare you to find someone that looked as stunning as her, she hit the nail on its fashionable head with each outfit she has worn so far. From said Marchesa gown, to the ‘oh so cute’ Maxime Simoens white couture dress. Whilst other stars such as Salma Hayeck may have gone for all out Hollywood Glamour (and well, might I add), my idol went for the chic, simple look in this one. And it worked like a dream. Some might think playing it safe, but those thoughts would have been blasted out the window as she wowed in that transfixing red number, and later as she rocked a gold Monique Lhuillier trouser-bustier combo, going against the red carpet grain of the dress.

SIGH. I just want to be her. Or at least have all her clothes.

The Festival Fringe

As the countdown to summer begins, celebrities are paving the way to the ultimate festival fashion must haves. Forget wellies, anoraks and those old clothes we aren’t afraid to get dirty, this year it’s all about fringing, hotpants and the maxi. Better start praying for some sunny weather then, hadn’t we?!

Although we may be tempted to pull out our comfiest and baggiest items from the back of the wardrobe, remember that festivals are the summer seasons catwalk. Which is very good in theory, but if I recall my experience at 2010’s T in the Park, my rucksack was full of extremely undesirable leggings and old vest top ensembles. In fact the one day I did strut about in denim hotpants, the heavens opened, and I was forced to stay in the tent for the remainder of the stay with tonsillitis and a cold. A big fat fail.

But the celebs at Coachella made it all look far too easy.  Fair enough, the festival is in a bloody desert, therefore guaranteeing sweltering hot weather, however they still managed to make me boil up with envy. Try as I might, I couldn’t go one hour without getting dirt/spilling drink/falling in a puddle at the almighty T.

However, if I manage to make it to the music extravaganza at Balado this year, I will definitely be paying a lot more attention to my wardrobe. As I already mentioned, fringing is nudging its way back into the limelight. It was used in the twenties to make entire dresses (think flapper, showgirl type outfits), and now it’s proving it has stood the test of time by re-branding itself for the 21st century in the popular form of embellishment on crop tops, bags, shorts...the list is endless. From top designers to the highstreet, the craze has spread like wildfire.

So as you cram your rucksack full of necessities such as baby wipes and the extremely important dry shampoo, spare a thought for festival fashion. Think positive as you pack a gorgeous tribal printed maxi dress (Warehouse have brilliant ones), or your denim short shorts. And of course the crop vest with fringe embellishment (Topshop are full to the brim with them). And rest assured in the knowledge that whilst it may not be a scorcher of a weekend, it most certainly will be a stylish one...

YES for Online Shopping

Gone are the days of trying on hundreds of outfits in those tiny square cubicles that shops like to call ‘dressing rooms.’ No longer do we have to risk knocking ourselves out as we battle to try on the seasons latest must haves in those enclosed, claustrophobic spaces, which always seem to have TERRIBLE lighting. I constantly look awful in those ghastly mirrors; therefore I am choosing to blame this on the lighting.  Please don’t try to tell me different, I am rather happy in my little bubble of denial.

No longer do we feel the need to spend money on items we are unsure of, convincing ourselves that ‘we just need to see it at home, in our own surroundings, you know?’ Don’t get me wrong, I am not judging at all. My goodness, I’ve done it more times than I like to count! And it ALWAYS ends up with me forgetting to return the items and ending up with a dress hanging in my wardrobe that I am never going to wear. With me seeing pound signs every time I catch a glimpse of it, as I imagine the money that could have been spent on a pair of essential shoes instead, had I just refunded it within those 28 days....

Yes, this is all a thing of the past thanks to online shopping, hurrah for the online generation! I can now order as much as I like (well, as much as my bank balance allows, which is always a lot less than I would ideally want) and try it on in the comfort of my own home. Where the lighting is ideally suited and I can pair it up with accessories I already own, saving me some much needed cash.  Consider my mother, for example. She has a wedding coming up this summer and ordered £700 worth of dresses to try on. Yes, that’s seven HUNDRED pounds worth of cream and green outfits. Can you imagine how long it would have taken had she been trailing around the shops looking for the suitable attire, with me following (a second opinion is always needed when shopping by foot, to reassure you it is just indeed the lighting making you look fat), it would have taken FOREVER. Instead she was directed to the exact location for formal dresses and was able to decide within half an hour of them all arriving on our doorstep. Again, thank god for online shopping.  (In case you’re wondering, she chose this one from Laura Ashley, looks gorgeous on her!)

So all in all, It would seem that this cyber world has improved our overall shopping experience. And it’s very helpful too! I've noticed many websites are now offering a ‘wear with this...’ section, in which it chooses out an entire outfit based on the item you are looking at. Yes, it’s a sneaky way to get you to part with your cash. But hey, if it helps a girl complete an outfit, I’m all for it!

Tim Berners-Lee, from online shoppers everywhere, I offer you our gratitude for making it so easy for us to stay fashionable! Bet you never considered that when you first created the first World Wide Web browser....

McQUEEN Kate

Now what kind of fashion lover would I be if I didn’t dedicate the time towards discussing the breathtaking dress donned by Kate/Catherine on her wedding day?

For starters, it was MCQUEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was beyond excited when it was revealed Sara Burton had designed the masterpiece, such an achievement for her and the label (which as you may have guessed, is my fave!). And what an achievement it was, the dress was absolutely stunning. Such a timeless style that will not be looked back upon in the years to come with horror, as I do with Princess Diana’s dress.... (Sorry, Elizabeth Emanuel, it just doesn’t do anything for me!)

But the best part was that she wore the dress, the dress didn’t wear her. An extremely important point to consider. It enhanced her beauty, it did not steal it. She was the perfect blushing bride, so composed and elegant. Everything a royal should be.

But back to the dress....the detail was absolutely exquisite. I had to rewind and see it several times before allowing myself to take the whole design in. For that wonderful craftsmanship was so intricate and beautiful that it deserved several viewings, as well as prime place on my fashion collage that sprawls over my entire wardrobe. I especially loved the thought that had gone into the lace detail; roses, daffodils, thistles and shamrocks were worked into that gorgeous ivory silk tulle to insure no corner of the United Kingdom was left out in the cold. How nice! And the ‘Sweet William’ flowers that were included in her bouquet were indeed, just too sweet for words! Someone find me a William pronto.

All in all, Kate hit the nail on the head. And this isn’t just my opinion, it is a view shared by the entire fashion industry. Burton’s design has sent an outcry of praise rippling through the creative world, and rightly so. It is a dress that will define a generation of fashion (I sincerely hope anyway).  The demure, yet captivating elegance of the dress will hopefully steer this decade towards a more classical look, drawing on the inspiration of fashionistas such as Grace Kelly. Of whom reference had to have been drawn on for this occasion, the similarities can’t just be coincidence right!? Even so, Kate certainly held her own in that to die for dress. I’m sure it wasn’t just me who gasped in awe as she stepped out the car, surely the whole world shared a collective swoon?

In the words of Julien McDonald, ‘A style icon is born!’

Ps. Apparently because of the success of the Burton/McQueen design, all products stemming from the collection are to go up in price, dresses, shoes, SCARVES. Better get a move on if I want to buy that one I’ve been pining for eh? The bank balance will only stretch so far...

King Kanye....

'In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.' Coco Chanel

Is this the start of a new trend, men rocking out in women’s clothing? If anyone can launch it, it’s Mr West.

I’ll admit, when I first heard about him appearing at Coachella in a Celine silk shirt from the Spring/Summer 11 collection, I was dubious. But I was AMAZED at how fierce he looked in it, he totally owned it, and I have a feeling this isn’t going to be the last we see of this womenswear as menswear trend.

To be fair, us females have already made the clothes of the opposite sex look fabulous on us, (think boyfriend jeans, oversized shirts and girl boxers) so it’s about time men took the initiative to mix things up a bit. And mix it up Kanye did. His appearance at the California based music and arts festival has been the talk of the town, with it appearing to be a love it or hate it situation when it comes to his chosen attire.

Not one to play it safe, he is certainly no stranger to having his fashion sense closely followed by the public, and I commend him for stepping outside the box with this one. I can safely say that I LOVED loved loved it, despite having read some critics say otherwise (pffffft, obviously they don't know good style when they see it!).

But seriously, I think Kanye's outfit is a step in the right direction when it comes to fashion. It's preaching tolerance, and acceptance of styles that may seem alien to you. Perhaps his appearance in Katy Perry's E.T had a resounding effect on him? Ha!

Or maybe he just liked the shirt? Who knows. Ross Gellar couldn't pull it off, but Mr West you can! I am all for the idea of fashion shedding its labels and venturing into this new area.  If women can make the men's collection look good, why can't it work the other way round? It's definitely one to watch...

Tasteful or Tacky?

Whilst pouring over the april issue of Vogue, a statement from Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana’s question and answer feature jumped out at me. In regards to leopard print, they declared... ‘On a woman, it’s fine every season...it’s the new neutral.’

It got me thinking about my first memory of the animal print, in which my mother declared it was ‘cheap’ and ‘tacky.’ And I am afraid to say that this stuck with me throughout the years. Whilst friends donned their animal inspired dresses, I took pleasure in walking beside them in my classic LBD. It is only recently that I have noticed myself warming towards it, and even actively seeking it out.

Are the Dolce and Gabbana gods accurate in their statement? Is leopard print replacing those essential neutral items that take up the ‘ready to wear’ space in our wardrobes? In my opinion, YES. First becoming popular in the 1960’s during the United States ‘hippie movement,’ it has grown arms and legs and now features heavily on today’s fashion scene. Givenchy’s leopard print bomber jacket from the spring/summer 2011 collection is a fine example of the modern-day infusions the trend has been given, and a sneak peek into the high-street shops will do nothing to deter my opinion that the leopard print is becoming a steady fixture that we can wear with anything. Zara is just one of these locations, where you can find the cutest little peeptoe slingback leopard print sandals that I have had my eye on for weeks now. It’s a pity they squash my toes to within an inch of their life. Oh well, they’re for fashion I suppose, not function.

But my new found fondness for this fashion has allowed me to spice up my wardrobe, and although my mother continues to find it flamboyantly tasteless, I find myself agreeing with the D&G boys wholeheartedly on this one.

Alexander McDREAM

So I had convinced myself that should I get the placement at Vogue, it would finally be acceptable to buy myself the £140 Alexander Mcqueen scarf that I've been dreaming of owning for MONTHS now. Sadly, since Vogue decided this was not to be, I'm left with a fashionable misery cloud following me around.


Looks like i'll need to find another reason for justifying paying that amount of money for a scarf on my student income. Mcqueen remains my Mcdream for now......

Quest for an internship...

Getting a placement in a magazine is something that all budding fashion journalists must dream about constantly, I certainly know that it is all I ever think about.

So the day that I get a rejection email from Vogue, my friend is informed she has an interview at Elle. Over the moon for her...not so much for me. And off it sent me in a panic to send email upon email to every fashionable magazine I could think of. In my rush I think I may have sent cover letters for grazia to cosmopolitan and vice versa....so I can't say I am holding out much hope.

The rejection from Vogue was to be expected, if truth be told, Im suprised they even informed me. I expected never to hear from them afer wistfully sending off my CV (by recorded post I might add), is is pathetic that i'm honored they took the time to reject me!?

Oh well, heres hoping that some magazine decides they want me (pretty please fashion gods, make it happen!)

Backstage at a Fashion Show...

So about a week ago I had my first experience working backstage as a dresser at Ooh Fashions Spring/Summer '11 show. I'm not going to lie, I felt like Lauren Conrad, especially when the DJ blasted out some 'Unwritten.' I wrote the whole experience up as a feature for an assesment at uni, but thought why not just post it on here too? So here it is...

Ooh Fashions spring/summer ’11 show, hosted at the Ghillie Dhu in Edinburgh’s West End, promised to be a stylish night with certain panache, boasting some of Edinburgh and Glasgow’s finest up and coming designers.  As a fashion show amateur, you could almost be forgiven for assuming the event would take no more than a few hours preparation on the day itself. You would be undeniably wrong.

The world of fashion is looked enviously upon as being the home of all things glamour. An enchanting place where the beautiful and talented of humanity can inhabit, and have the rest of us mere mortals gaze longingly on.

But if you dare to step behind the curtains of this fashionable world, you will see that it belongs to a team of hard-working, everyday individuals such as you and I. Dare it even be suggested that they are even harder at work than the rest of us, as they strive for perfection in an environment that accepts nothing less.

Ten hours before the catwalk snatched the room’s attention, the troupe of backstage helpers (known as dressers in fashion speak) congregated for a briefing from Ooh Fashions creative director, Gary Anderson.  Ten sets of apprehensive and vivacious eyes settled firmly on him, as he described the chaos and thrill of working behind the scenes of a fashion show;

“The day’s going to go really quick, be prepared for everything. This isn’t the set of ‘The Hills,’ it is real life and I want you snappy and on the ball. No room for tears and tantrums.”

Drinking it all in, each dresser learned they were to be assigned a model, which they would take responsibility for when it came to the fleeting changes between each designer’s showcase down the runway.

The talkative and charming nature of Gary had been replaced with an authority and sharpness that led to no uncertainty who was the intelligence behind this whole production. He held command over the room, and was always in the vicinity to deal with what materialized to be a constant stream of queries and concerns that were forthcoming throughout the stretch leading up to 8 o’clock.

Was he stressed? Of course. None of those involved would have held the slightest resentment against him had he spoke out of turn, or indeed more harshly than was called for. He had an immense amount of pressure weighing down on him, yet kept an immaculately serene and professional head throughout. A class act if ever there was one; take note Galliano.

The fittings of the models proved to be second from top on the days stress meter. As Dennis, from Dennis Mcinally Photography expertly captured behind-the-scenes images, panicked designers fleeted about making those last minute alterations to the styles they had dedicated their creative talents too.  The room seemed to ring out a chorus of ‘Gary’ being sung, as dressers discovered the looks for their models were too big, or too small. Followed by where does this tie, and how should this look?

Finally with the fittings done, looks put in to order, and the models sent to hair and make-up, it would be time for a break. But no, there are no breaks in fashion darling. The monotonous tasks of filling gift bags and icing cupcakes were still to be executed.  Double checking, and then triple checking that the models outfits were in order became second nature, the fear of being the broken link in the running order making sure of it.

The calm before the storm set in from 3 o’clock. With everything appearing to be under control, the welcoming treat to the taste buds of a Boots meal deal beckoned.  Oh yes, nothing but glamour for those back-stage grafters, as the models were treated to a civilised tea party.

Not that the tea did anything to calm the jangling nerves that 17 year-old model, Claire Pickens, spoke of; “the atmosphere backstage is electric, everyone’s slightly nervous and feeling the pressure with the quick changes,  which are going to be challenging. But I’m so excited about being set loose on the catwalk with these beautiful clothes.”

A slow but steady paced afternoon began to grow momentum come 6’oclock, as the dress rehearsal got underway.  For the first time, the dresser’s eyes were opened to the intensity and pressure bore upon them as they raced against time to make sure the models were ready for their fashion parade.  Attention to detail was thrown out the window as last minute cries for ‘tit tape,’ safety pins and ribbon were heard echoing around the small space backstage.

But all too soon the guests were seated and the lights dimmed. There was barely enough time for me to gaze in admiration at the vintage inspired gold satin gown from ‘Psycho Moda’, before it was swept away and strutted in front of the marvelling crowd. The one exception to a fashion show that always oozes glamour and sophistication. Panic ensued, models returned from their walk tearing off their beautiful attire and delving into the next garment that awaited them.  With adrenalin coursing through the veins, time hurtled by in the form of naked models dashing backstage, as dressers greeted them with the modern glam designs of ‘Carolyn Baxter’, distinctive yet effortlessly chic creations of ‘Tea At Aunties’ and the confections of ‘Ten30.’

There was barely enough time to get a whiff off the sweet scent of couture before the exhibiton of fashion came to an end. Spectators were heard applauding, sighs of relief were momentarily released, and an overwhelming sense of pride and exuberance washed over the room.

The evening had gone without a hitch. Clothes were returned to ecstatic designers, congratulations were offered to an elated Gary, and I was left to reflect on the whirlwind that had been my first fashion show.

This world is not for the idle and passive, it takes no prisoners. It does, however, craft a tireless work ethic, and requires an unflagging passion for the tasks you complete. There is no glamour to see here.

However, a select few of us did finish the night off with cocktails at a chic little local bar...

C’est la mode.

Hello blogging world...

Aaaaah, my first ever blog! So my university lecturers having been talking to my class for a while now about starting up our own blogs, but I could never really figure out where to start. So eventually I decided to blog about the thing I love the most, which is fashion.


I don't claim to the most fashionable person around, nor do I know the ins and outs of the industry. But all I know it is something that I love, although it often brings out a certain amount of envy in me.


Fashion is something that is constantly changing, it is exciting. And this blog will follow my thoughts through it's changing identity, as I discuss the trends I am a fan of, the ones I am not, and my struggle to break into the fashion world.