Cross my Nutter

This 'first entry' is going to be bulging so that everyone is satisfied with my return... You can skip to the pictures though because phwoaaar:

 

[I having been searching for the designer of these but it's tricky. I will update you if I ever find out] 

The image is taken from Harper's Bazaar, Spain, June 2011, from the shoot entitled 'Resaca Punk'. Photography by Txema Yeste and styled by Juan Cebrian. I found this via Corridor40 which is a really really reaaaaally cool blog, I truly recommend it. You want to accentuate the heels themselves so I'd keep it simple with a pair of skinny jeans; dark blue or black; and then pump up your upper half with denim/ leather/ colour/ studs. 

I think crosses are becoming a thing or me since I just bought this:

 

And the size is too big... It is in fact from the men's section in Topshop (a bit of a cross-dresser, me), because some of the jewellery there (especially the rings) is banging. Sure the women's section is all pretty-pretty but I love

 It's all 'Vintage-Levis' type cool, right? (Speaking of which, I am hoping to buy some a-may-zinging vintage Levis shorts in Convent Garden soon- I'll show you when/ if I buy them).

But now, I want to show you something interesting which only very few can offer to you. Okay, that's bullshit; it's a 'Tommy Nutter' exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum so anyone can go (GO GO GO)- but I was fortunate enough to attend the opening evening alongside Zandra Rhodes (almost peed myself when I spotted her), Ringo Starr, and Cilla Black....

I'm not going to post any pictures of the exhibition pieces directly (spoilers), so if you live in London go have a look yourself, and if you don't then I'm sorry but I'm not even sure if I am allowed to post the pictures. However I will talk about Tommy, because he was incredibly important in progressing the men's world of fashion. His name, itself, is incredible. I'd love to have the surname Nutter. He was born in 1943 and died in 1992, famous for his contribution to the change in men's fashion. By the 1960s, the tailoring of Saville Row was out of date and plain boring amid the new, modern and swinging London and hence the fashion world witnessed a growth of extrovert and loud styles, trends and designers. Tommy teamed up with Edward Sexton, whose exquisite tailoring would contribute to the personality and approach of Tommy to create the Nutters of Saville Row, opened on Valentine's day 1969. Tommy's support was huge; backed by James White, Peter Brown and Cilla Black, his clothes were donned by the likes of Twiggy, Lord Montague (whom I know as the Viceroy of India, following my extensive A level History revision :p), Mick Jagger and The Beatles. You will know the purple suit worn by Jack Nicholson as 'The Joker'? Yep- Tommy Nutter.

Or even the eclectic suits of Elton John?

Some of these are even featured in the exhibition. 

Tommy himself was most proud of the fact that he dressed three out of the four Beatles for the famous album cover, 'Abbey Road. (George Harrison wanted to cross in denims)

I most enjoyed how the exhibition not only honours the legacy of Tommy and shows us his impressive contribution to Saville Row, but it also highlights the evident connection of those who wore his suits: his clients, and the custom-made garments themselves. Every item on display is a donation, thus why some of Ringo's suits are on display, or Elton's. Also, thus why I was there in the first place.

My taste in fashion has not stemmed out of nowhere. I have a Dad who also loves his clothes. It was about seven or eight of his Tommy Nutter suits which he lent to the museum for the exhibition, gaining us an invite, and the moment we entered, we spotted four. We got a bit excited, but who wouldn't?

The exhibition will run until 22^nd October 2011, open Tuesday–Sunday 11am-6pm:

The Fashion and Textile Museum, 83 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3XF

Ticket prices for adults £7, students and concessions £4 and free entry for under 12′s.

 

Tommy with his dogs in NYC

 My Dad, with the stupid grin looking at the camera, amongst the fashionistas of the evening

I think that I shall leave this post there. Next time fellow Modes xx

"You had me at hello"

Yes; I am back. This time I am back for good, and things will be different. From now on I will also be uploading blog posts from my blackberry. This means that I will be posting more regularly, and hopefully I'll be encouraged to snap and upload sneaky pictures on the go. Although content will be pretty much the same, I will be posting more often, and in smaller chunks. (Though of course don't hold me to that- I could just get carried away). Please keep following, and spread the word, 'cos I promise I will no longer Stray From The Blog. xx

Its possible to Love Someone

Pretty good artist I happened to find on my internet travels;  Let me know your opinions.

Anyhow, I'm now back at school, but because of my New Year Resolutions (which SHALL stay intact and which will not fall to pieces similarly to the majority of resolutions in the world) I will keep updates regularly. As I spent hours of my first day back at school working on my textiles book, I discovered that hiding myself away in my room for days on end seems to have payed off (my teacher was quite pleased with me) and I also discovered some impressive artists.

These lavish pieces are by Afet Halil, a 'textile designer'. There is little detail about Halil on the web, so I'm afraid I cannot provide you with much. However, I can quote the designer; 

'My final collection is an energetic range of conceptual showpieces for couture. The robust use of colour from flamboyant to restrained plays a central role in the work. I am especially intrigued by the interaction between the textile pieces and the body's movement. I capture and emphasise this through my use and manipulation of a diverse collection of fabric, creating a harmony between the very delicate and the bold. The combination of luxurious fabrics and the unconventional materials adds an unexpected element.'

I think his range is beautiful and elegant. The soft, fluid fabrics and intricate details (which I hope are clear- the pictures are bad quality, I apologise) create stunning pieces. 

 These are some of  
 Sandra Buckland's creations.  They are similar to Mark Fast, whom you may find in a few posts down :) I really love these... The colours are simple, the pieces themselves look soft and comfortable, but the intricacy and mass of shapes and folds and curls create art itself. Some of the pieces stand out incredulously as you can see, but I love this senselessness, the sudden solidity. 

To finish this brief post, I would love to show you these heavenly images...

Reblogged from ">Topcoat, this is Denisa Dvorakova by Johan Sandberg for Marie Claire Italy January 2011. Shows how powerful white really is. You can ramble on about colour (as I have done in my textiles book :/) but white is phwoar- worthy. 

Quick News- Emmanuelle Alt, aged 45 and who is known for her rock n' roll style including large shoulders, skinny jeans, and giddy heels, is to head French Vogue. Congratulations! A job many would kill for, no doubt... (not that I'm um... speaking for myself... or anything...)

Bye for now :)

btw...

Happy New Year, let it be a good one :)

sometimes

In two days I go back to school.... about 5 days after the majority of my friends woop.
This hasn't been the best holiday, I have spent the majority of my time sorting out things- homework, art, my room, christmas shopping blah de blah. Oh and I've spent way over 50, 60, maybe 70 hours, watching Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Don't judge me? just loook;

 See? Who can resist! Ok, sure, I cried a bit when this happened:

Ok Fine I cried a lot. What? SPIKE died. He SACRIFICED HIMSELF. Buffy FINALLY ADMITTED HE LOVED HIM. It means a lot to me :( who can not love that black leather coat? Nait me thats for sure. Maybe why I loved my Buffy DVD boxset so much at christmas. And, talking of leather and christmas presents...

 

Thankyou my dearest mother and brother :)

The non- pannelled one will be slightly trickier to pull off, but I'll have some fun playing with that one... comment any ideas if you wish :) ah yes, that reminds me- next post I promise to include an outfit or two.
In other news; Spotted, the first man I've seen wearing an Alexander McQueen scarf and BOY did he look good. (get it? see what I did there? the BOY? yeahh) He did it minimal, and I apologise for not taking a photo, my phone was broken at the time. However thats an encouragement to all men out there- be bold, take a step, be fashion fearless. Aside from the cheesy, 'cos that was kinda gross, not long after this bit of spotting, I came across my favourite pieces in all the world. Touching them and seeing them up close was far better than damn google. It was like a whole new universe, a beautiful galaxy, that's right.... CHRISTOPHER KANE

Look at that beauty..Galaxy-print silk-chiffon biker jacket for a whopping £1,670. I saw it at the shop, and sadly, I had to leave it at the shop.
I love his new pieces and -Shock Horror!- I have begun comparing his beautiful chiffon galaxy- print scarves to Mcqueen's skull print ones. Eek
Christopher Kane is seemingly part of the 'Under the stars' fashion idea which you can find if you click here at net-a-porter for a pretty nifty A-Z on the latest. A, K and U are definately worth having a cheeky look...
And for more talkage of stars, these gorgeous Yolanda SPIKEs Louboutin peep-toe pumps are making me starry- eyed. (I'm goin' straight at it with these puns... see the 'SPIKE'? wittay)

Yes or no- go for you? Sure, they're a little 'The Simpsons Movie' meet 'Confessions of a Teenage Drama- Queen' but I go for all that shiz bang.
Oh and I just realised that Louboutin, shortened, sounds like 'lube'. Haaa.
My humour now being satisfied I think I should go and finish the rest of this holiday with more work (onto the catchup essays I'm afraid) and starting to watch the 'Angel' series? Hell yeah :)
Bye for now :)

My Sincere Apologies

So... I haven't posted in quite a few months...
This means that I will have to dedicate myself to you to make up for it, lucky you eh? ;)
So updates woo!
First off, GCSEs went very very very well. I won't post my results but lets just say that I'm pleased :) Starting A levels now and what a struggle! Hurtwood House, my new school, is absolutely amazing. Everyone here is lovely, the school is increadibly relaxed and less strict, which is amazing for me because it reduces stress, yet I still want to work hard. And the atmosphere here is incredibly energetic- the school is full of amazingly talented performing artists.
My current subjects are English, Maths, History and Textiles. Textiles is similar to art but uses a lot more medium, and involves the exploration of fabrics using sewing machines, fashion, etc... Very useful for me.
But enough about me. I'm here to talk about fashion, clothes, anything else interesting, and I intend to enlighten you. First off, (ok, a little bit about me again- eek), During the summer after my GCSEs were finally OVER, I was lucky enough to have work experience at Mark Fast, the knitwear designer.
You may have seen his collaberation with topshop...

 

Personally, I think his designs are beautiful. He's original, creative, and his collections are sheer, loose, and although they bear all without some sort of garment underneath, they have a formal and classy edge- perhaps because of their appealing and attenuating shapes. 

Mark himself was lovely. I would never have thought in my life that I would end up sewing, and listening to Justin Bieber with Mark Fast. 

I would also like to note my experiences. What I found was not what I was expecting. The offices may not have been as classy or perfect as 'shown on television', but the few people who worked with Mark were lovely, friendly, and passionate. I experienced friendly everyday chat in a work office, and it inspired me to look towards fashion design as a career. I also realised that you don't need to be the designer to be involved in the designing aspect of the fashion industry, (which is perfect for me as sadly I don't quite think I have the skill to design), but there is an array of other jobs available. 

The one downside of the work experience? took me over one hour to get there, and  over one hour to get back. It was worth it though, and I even walked away with some gorgeous leggings which Mark kindly gave to me- now part of my pride and joy collection in my wardrobe :)

OK, now collections. Well, actually I intend to skip this part because I see no point in repeating other countless bloggers (It's probably all been said before) and I'm MONTHS late. However I want to give you some examples from some phwoar worthy designers that I have found. Here ya go:

We Are Handsome

I find that these are similar to Christopher Kane in terms of graphic prints, but I love graphic printing and We Are Handsome provide suave and good- looking options for swimwear at the beach.

Dion Lee

A new designer from Australia, I believe a lot of his work seems like a perfect combination of Christopher Kane, Mark Fast, and Alexander McQueen. I love his sleek tailoring and his choice of a limited palette. 

Quote from Dazed Digital- 

Dazed Digital: What was your starting point for the collection?
Dion Lee: I was looking at abstracting traditional tailoring techniques.  Internally, in a tailored jacket you have those layers of horse hair that gives it structure. So we're synthesising that into the different meshes that have been layered. The idea was to turn that internal element into something more decorative. They all create this tertiary pattern when you overlap them.

DD: Where did the Rorschach ink blots come from?
Dion Lee: Controlled tailoring is what the label has become known for in Australia but that is one part of what I do. So I really wanted to try something that was more free and fluid. I was attracted to the ink blots because there was this idea of subconscious and allowing things to happen more freely. I love that they are open to interpretation. Then I also really wanted to work with more soft sculptural elements like with layers of pleats. I wanted them to have a freedom to them but to still have a sculpture to them.

DD: Do you think of your work as being more attuned to tastes in the Northern Hemisphere?
Dion Lee: There is more of a culture to supporting my work in Europe but I definitely don't want to emulate European designers. I'm actually embracing what is Australian in the clothes. My strong point is tailoring and the reaction I've come up with in Australia is that a lot of my work is too heavy and hard to wear and so I have softer pieces such as loose blazers where arms can slip in and our easily. Tailoring doesn't always have to be heavy and hopefully there's a real sense of openess and fluidity. 

Ok well two brands for now, but I will include more in later posts which I PROMISE will come! But looking at the designers I've mentioned, my taste in fashion is clear. Manipulation of fabrics (which I've been looking at in my textiles work) and the use of various tailoring techniques are most appealing to me. I also like very defined ideas and creations- the swimsuits are so simple but they engage so much.One of my favourite designers, McQueen, summarises what appeals to me so much:

Alexander Mcqueen

Loving the classy gold elements that trail through his clothes. These are some of my favourites in the new items, but there's always the nagging feeling in the back of my mind that it is not all McQueen, himself, who designed these. R.I.P

I think I will sum up this post here. It's currently a snow day at my school, thus why I had the incentive to create this post. The snow is dam beautiful (therefore some white fluffy inspired posts soon I hope) but I have no camera and I'm stuck in the middle of nowhere with food rations for crying out loud! I love my school but boarding in the countryside can be tricky. Bye bye

For your entertainment.

If you recognise the title then I Love You.
If you don't, well, have fun researching ;)


Anywho... quick post for ya, I have lots to do and so little time! I've had both biology exams, my english literature, 2 out of 3 chemistry exams, my spanish reading and listening, and ahoy- Spanish listening tomorrow.
Lots more to go, many more late nights, a lot more exhaustion and despair.
Meh.

On the other hand, I was reading style rookie, and she informed me about Terry Richardson. I had heard of him, but I was yet to discover. I will not post images here because there are SO MANY. So either look on Tavi's blog (style rookie), or go to his website. But basically his pictures are very raw, crude, and crazy. I think some are absolutely amazing, some aren't so special, but yeah... worth having a look.

Aandd... here are some more amazing songs. It's Bobby Mcferrin, one of the most talented musicians of all time. He uses only hisvoice to create an entire song, and it sounds strange at first, but listen to a few and you will grow to love his sheer brilliance.

phwoar phwoar phwoarr 

OK, sorry for the shortness of the post, and the lack of fashion maaaaaaagic. But really- enjoy Bobby :)

melts your mind away

Phwoar. The music is catchy, and the video plays with your head. What's not to like? 

The simplicity is pretty dam beautiful. Who would wear this in the street? Well, I'd try ;) Sadly, I have no idea about the designer, photographer etc... If anyone has ANY info please please share, merci.

YES, LADIES AND (gentlemen?)- THIS IS NICK HOULT. Ok, yes he is fairly recognisable- PLEASE EXCUSE MY IDIOCY- but I did not recognise him. Yep, that's one good ad. I love the vintage feel, and that sultry little look in the second one. Tom Ford? Genius

(2010 Campaign)

And here's a little something to leave you with- If you try to fail, and succeed, which have you done?

Tut tut

I have to apologise, for I am a very, very, very bad blogger. I'm as bad as Karl when he tried to bring back clogs, I'm as bad as the owner of crocs (their name isn't even worth looking up) when they tried to bring these to our stores:

Or as bad as supergrass when they announced they're splitting up (Oh, for the record- there will be no Mamie at their last ever gig :( I came to my senses and put GCSEs before a concert). Or (and do not fear- this is the last 'or') when Busted decided they will reunite- but without Charlie.
Come on! Without Charlie? The life and eyebrows of the trio? Gah.
But yes, I am a bad blogger, I have neglected you for a month. Partly due to my computer dying and crashing and basically being a pain, partly because I FORGOT (yeah... so far revision and learning for my exams not so great), and partly because- well- my exams!
Except you don't want to hear about those so va va voom lets move swiftly onwards.

A few outfits perhaps? 

 

All vintage (stolen from the lovely madre hehe)-

Kenzo suit (the matching trousers and blazer)- oh there's a gorgeous silky loose shirt to match too yay

Ralph Lauren Trousers (the silky silky oh so smoothy, elongating the legs CRAZILY, ribbed black creations)

Checked shirt- No idea... but the tag says Resource, Amsterdam.... hmm. okey dokey. Btw this is the lovliest thing to wear. It's very fluid and loose, and its perfect to keep you warm, OR as a thin thing in warm weather. Ooh, and it has a matching top- basically a t-shirt but a lot more loose and a lot more 30s meets 80s.

Beige Suede Shoes with tiny kitten heels- Joan & David. I love these- comfy, unique, and chic (gah what an awful word but here its appropriate and cool like pink lemonade :)). They look quite dirty in the photo hmmm... Ok I admit I'm a retard and I was CARELESS and wore them to a busy show but the darker area is TINY and wouldn't be visible in the photo so tis the shadow, k? 

Aaand not my Mum's- cheap black strappy vest (Forever 21?) and belt- car boot sale wahey. 

Soo, yeah, I tried to hop in with the pastels and block colour ride, ooh and that whole 'summery loose trousers for a smart- casual effect' thing those mags have got goin' awwn. Unusual of me to go trend- loony but I guess it was an excuse to bring out that belt (which when I bought was way too huge for me but it was pretty- and what do you do with pretty things? HAND OVER YOUR GOODS FOR THE GOODS. geddit? Man, I'm gonna be broke when I'm older).

In other news (though you have probably already seen this... meh)- THIS IS FASCINATING. That's a strange sentence there... but seriously! I dislike the new Prada spring/summer but I once I click that little play button I cannot for the love of mango juice (WE ARE OUT OF MANGO JUICE OMEGEE) turn my eyes away:

Maybe it's the music, or the fact that I HATE the hair and make up and and ew tacky see-through plastic bags and ew come on! You are supposed to be prada! Or... maybe its the confidence oozing out of that girl... Anyway despite the flaw-, the clothes look good, she looks good- good video! Correction- awesome video*

I will return, I PROMISE! In the meantime go check out bryanboy :) Nightynight...

NEVER

Oops, almost forgot!
In the latest Grazia magazine, we've been told that gladiator sandals 'won't be getting much of an airing this summer'.
Hpmh. Well, excuse me, but I bought mine (late on the trend but whatever) before I went to Greece, then I wore them in Greece, then I got back and London gave me rain and cold and I had to ignore them, UNTIL NOW. Woo. And THEN (long story here) Grazia tells me they are not acceptable. Sorry, but toughy, deal with it.
I'm sticking with my sandals. I repeat: Woo.
Your opinions? Do you approve... or not? 

You're not supposed to.

Amidst my sad, lonely revision, I heard a sad, lonely tale. Supergrass- one of the most amazing bands ever for 17 YEARS *ahem ahem thats dedication and brilliance*- are splitting up. This is worse than Kanye taking over the stage, or turning up in the same outfit as Kelis to a party. I remember the day when they first enlightened my ears.
It was the song 'St. Petersburg'. An instrumental delight, and a song of music talent and genius. It's literally Einstein music.(oh by the way, be prepared for mass linkage in this post mwahha)

Just listen to that instrument combination. Ahh <3 Almost better than Rubicon Mango Juice (which- um, Mum? I love you, and I ADORE the way you think of me and buy numerous cartons for me everytime you go shopping, but, revision is boring, and rubicon is delicious, and I can't stop drinking it, and I'm starting to feel sick, but I can't help myself, so yeah, maybe slow down on the purchases? :p)

Anyhoo. Supergrass have a tour coming up soon, and, Supergrass, you are NOT supposed to split up and this is NOT meant to be your last tour, because daym I wanna see you live, but your tour in June is splat bang in the middle of my GCSEs and this is careless to one of your most dedicated fans. wah. 

You should take note from your songs :)

(^It's hilarious and tuneful (yes not a word- but I've deemed it appropriate) and just Supergreat (Geddit? The pun? :p))

OH, and to finish off my Supergrass rant, you'll all probably recognise this number:

Wooo. Love it :) And also excusing the dodgy haircuts because they're splitting up and they need some love and care (and probably some Rubicon mango juice to cheer them up! :))

Ok, I'll stop boring you now. So in other news: NEW OUTFIT UPDATE. Wahey. I finally stopped being lazy and took a few photos. 

Shoes- Irregular Choice

Skirt- Thrift (aka. Vintage, but I just love the American word 'thrift' hehee)

Top- Gift. It was one of those squares and you put it in water and booom, it's a t-shirt. Hhaha

Belt- TopShop

Denim Jacket- H&M

I like this outfit 'cos it's simple but different. You can wear the tops in two ways, as you can see. But I prefer it when it's rolled up and shorter because it increases the length of the skirt, and therefore emphasises the vintage style and lengthens the legs. However, when longer, it creates an interesting outfit shape with the poofy skirt and increases your curves.

Reason for the denim jacket? I like mixing themes- so I mixed modern with vintage. Well, the jacket can be considered modern in some ways. And it'll do. It also brightens the look up and moves away from the dark colours. Anyhow, let me know what you think with comments and whatnot :)

Oh and before I say tataa, take a look:

C'est MIU MIU at Because Magazine. Spiffy eh?

Ok must dash now. Back to chemistry revision and la di da; I won't bore you with details. 

Byee!