A selection of mood board we prepared for shoot day! These are important for the model, directors and also the stylist, as a reminder of the tone of voice in which we want our model to portray as well as all the physical aesthetics, that are involved within the running order. All in preparation for our short fashion film project, in which we were given the colour 'Brown' to base our film on: developing this further we have looked at the colour brown as and Indulgence colour, which a fun and sweet tone of voice, our innocent model indulgences on film. 

DOAFSDO, x

Stolen Inspiration Palette

Above are three images taken from a lecture from Michelle that i found really appealing and inspiring. Within the visual awareness module we have been experimenting a lot with photoshop and learning new skills and software within these programmes, but i think its important to not forget the beauty within physical mood boards and not just mood boards of edits created on Photoshop or Indesign. I love texture and things that are tangible and art that you can touch, feel and appreciate. I believe this is really relevant for our brand as we are a brand that cares for your delicates and fabrics in the terms of a washing collection. As development and a post production idea i have experimented with media media and working materials into imagery; hence why i really like these two sets of imagery and believe they are really good examples of combining image and mixed media within work.

This is a piece of imagery stolen from one of Tims lectures when looking ar various ways in which you can alter imagery in post production.

Dior & I

Tonight i went to the Broadway cinema in Nottingham for the first time and its the nicest idyllic little cinema ever. The screen room must of literally been made up of around 30 seats, so great view from all angles, and the bar had a really nice atmosphere that you can pop in for drinks!

The film Dior & I documented Raf Simons 6 week journey to creating his frisky Haute Couture show with Dior in 2012, coming from Jil Sander and previously designing ready to wear, menswear this was a challenge for Simons. But seeing the transition and relationships built within the Dior family gave a really interesting insight into the fashion house. Raf works really closely with Petior who is his right hand man and moved with Simons from Jil Sander to work with the Haute Couture collection.  

The location in which the collection was displayed was a beautiful private house that Dior hired and filled the entire walls and ceilings with flowers in different colours and shades depending on the room, the Art direction of the set up of the show was my absolute favourite aspect of the film. Although i did gasp when the most sublime materials and embroiled fabrics were delivered to the fashion house in order for to ateliers to created the garments with. The designs were spectacular and everyone within the house at Dior are so so talented, some of which have worked there for over 40 years! The location and make up where my favourite, with a simple yet innovative idea for the art direction but due to the sheer amount and quantity of flowers.. it made the show more than memorable!

Well done Raf; still going strong with the Dior fashion house!

Tastemakers!

Ive always worked visually. I could read a book and only 20% of what i read i will actually process but if i watch something or begin to initially research with visual context i digest the information and later process it much easier. Hence why i have made a shed load of mood boards focusing on key designers from various decades to help with my fashion history knowledge! 

McQueen you Dream!

Savage Beauty

When it was announced that tickets for 'Savage Beauty' the long awaited exhibition that was to showcase collections from the late great Alexander McQueen, had gone live, whatsapp messages were flying everywhere and we pounced online to make sure we secured tickets for the opening week! Having a midweek break with Wednesdays off from lectures we took full advantage to book for the 18th March which was the day after what would have been Lee McQueens 47th birthday! I feel so thankful to have visited on the opening week, although it was busy the atmosphere was ridiculous and this was even before we entered the exhibition.

A portrait of Lee Alexander McQueen opened the exhibition which was created by his brother Gary McQueen. As an opening this gave me absolute goosebumps and nearly brought me to tears after gazing at the propelling portrait that transcends from a skull, a close association with the brand McQueen, to a portrait of lee the designer himself. I reminded myself of the crazy talent that lies behind the name Alexander McQueen when i recently revisited Lee's work watching 'McQueen & I'; a documentary of his creations and life. 

''I'm a romantic schizophrenic''

McQueen successfully created Powerful feelings and emotions through catwalk resulting in a theatrical experience and not just any fashion show. Dark imaginings, merge wonder and terror, incredulity and revulsion, the erotic and untamed. McQueen was above all driven by his fascination with the beauty and savagery of the natural world. 'Highland Rape' the collection that 'branded' McQueen as a British 'hooligan' opened the exhibition in an industrial like warehouse environment that was a palette of grey. In regards to concept this is one of my favourite collections from McQueen. It was obscene but so honest, and the raw way in which it was displayed alongside his MA work from Central Saint Martens was a good consistency. This collection is also where the infamous 'bumster' trousers were introduced to the fashion world.

           ''I want to empower women. I want people to be afraid of the women I dress.''

The appropriately named exhibition 'Savage beauty' revealed McQueens Savage and complex immagination combined with gothic romanticism. Often basing his work on dark subjects you could evidently see how McQueen drew inspiration from the Jack the Ripper Murders - 1888, the structure in which he cut and tailored his elaborat jackets were similar to fashions from the 19th century. Romantically gothic collections that exploit a paradox of relationships. Oscillating between life and death happiness and sadness, good and evil. Bird feathers making up entire dresses or enhancing already flamboyant shoulder structures, McQueen admitted the vulgar and grotesque content from directors Alfred Hitchcock's film, 'The birds' was the inspiration behind some pieces within the Gothic romanticism collection that was displayed in front of gold ornate mirrors in a very dark room, with only  various highlights on the garments.

                              ''I want to be the purveyor of a certain silhouette or a way of cutting so that when I'm dead and gone people will know that the twenty first century was started by Alexander McQueen.'' 

I took odd notes whilst exploring the exhibition, but this is a literal piece i wrote. - I literally feel like i've stepped into a fairy jewellery box. I don't know where to look its unbelievable and here I am gazing into my phone writing my initial reaction!!  You can watch as many catwalk shows for many hours, but you can never appreciate a real McQueen garment until you see it; combining the garment as well as my memory of watching the shows has created an emotional intensity of McQueens true talent for me.

McQueens catwalk presentations often play between victim and aggressor. Cabinet of curiosities displayed McQueens work created with Headdress designer Phillip Treacy and Jeweller Shaun Lee. Positioned in the centre was the legendary piece of art that was the white tube dress from his SS99 collection where in which two robots, that took two weeks of choreographing, spray-painted the dress worn by model Shalom Harlow. Some say the piece had very strong aggressive sexual references. McQueen himself explained that ''The Finale of this collection was inspired by an installation by artist Rebecca Horn of two shotguns firing blood-red paint at each other.''  

               "Fashion can be really racist, looking at the clothes of other cultures as costumes, that's mundane and it's an old hat. Let's break down some barriers."

                         

Romantic Naturalising Collection. "I use flowers because they die. My mood was dark and romantic at the time."

Plantos Atlantis was the final collection displayed by McQueen. He was worked with Nick Knight and SHOWstudio before he died to create the fashion film entailed 'Plantos Atlantis' before he died. Words to describe the collection would be Futuristic and holographic. The inspiration- an ice cap would melt meaning waters would rise on earth and humanity would go back to from whence it came. Inspired by Charles Darwin, on the origin of species, you can begin to make sense of the narrative from McQueen on adaptation of mankind. In the projected fashion film you can understand how McQueens work was moving forward with the digital age and how he was using his imagination combined this with developing technology to his advantage! It was said to be considered as one of McQueens greatest achievements.

I'm already planning to see the exhibition again in June around my birthday i honestly enjoyed it that much, so if you haven't already booked i highly recommend it; or i might book all tickets! Hands down the best exhibition i have ever been to! As you can see absolutely beaming… Tourist geek of the day!

With Love, DOAFSDO, x

Chanel Who?

It was all about Valentino today! Ben Stiler and Owen Wilson, stars from the fashion based comedy film entitled 'Zoolander' made an appearance down the catwalk today to close the Valentino show and struck the signature 'Zoolander' pose. Genius. In terms of publicity stunts they've played it too safe, for too long! Valentino are recognised for the beautiful couture dresses. But in juxtaposition this stunt is something that will spread brand awareness in an alternative way then exposing just the dresses!

The collection was a mono mix of the Valentino signature red, with a classic black and white to make up the colour palette. Sheer mesh was used to make entire dresses which were flamboyantly structured through the use of layering of the fabric. Big big fan. Bearing in mind the show was on the same day at the Chanel show as part of Paris Fashion Week, it was about time someone did something about Chanel being the talk of the town after Karl Lagerfelds last two shows being mentioned EVERYWHERE. One involving a feminist protest with models charting and holding slogan signs down the catwalk. Valentino had to pull something out of the bag to become most mentioned of the day and i think they succeeded! Oh and Chanel's set design involved a relaxed bar set up… as you might not have heard? 

What do you think, Tacky or Tactful? With Love, DOAFSDO, x

Weird (& not so) Wonderful

Spotted at London Fashion. Yes this is a someone wearing inflatable hair with an inflatable bag and a small inflatable dog- who is wearing a dress make entirely latex. The weirdest thing i saw at London Fashion week, not so wonderful in mu opinion, but this character got a fair amount of attention and was something to talk about.

Maybe next time leave all your latex at home.

Street Style Spotted at LFW

The idyllic Somerset house was the location of London Fashion week once again, situated along the Thames, near Strand! Around the back of Somerset house is beautiful seating that overlooks onto a beautiful view of the Thames River and all the tourists hotspots that build the skyline; with the sun shining on Tuesday it was a lovely place to relax, juxtaposing the hectic rush that is amongst the classic white walls of Somerset House, along with various other locations around London, where designer shows were being held over the week!

Whist i was extremely lucky enough to attend the event and view the showcased collections in Somerset house, i took full advantage of all the luxury treatments they has to offer. It would have been ludicrous not to snap a few street style photos whilst wondering and exploring.  Fashionistas were in full force in the courtyard of somerset house- here a few from the day!

#warmsophistication #fur #teddybearwarmers #redlipclassic #streetstyle

#purplevelvet  #fur #pinkhair #seventiespastels #flaredfun #streetstyle

#doubledenim #blackonblack #trainerclassic #manbag #streetstyle

#ombrefur #ornateacessories #indianfeathers #sandytones #leatherthrousers #streetstyle

Street Style is defiantly something i want to document more continuously whenever i am out and about,  who knows the images collected might come useful in the future or over the next three years of my course! 

With Love, DOAFSDO, x

Fragrance Trend Booklet

Creating a fragrance trend booklet was this weeks brief! After a Indesign tutorial on Tuesday, i knew this wasn't going to be an easy task to turn around in just under two weeks! After my experience with Photoshop, i now understand that with practise using these crazy clever programmes,  you will slowly progress and learn your own style of creating. Playing around with various tools and settings, after time i did find your feet; also after pestering my course friend for several hours, i got there. I find its the minimal basics that i struggle, searching YouTube, 'How to Crop an image' has never been a highlight!


Fragrance Trend Booklet Feedback

What went well?
 The Feedback i received from fellow students on things that went well were the fact that they liked the cohesive design throughout my trend booklet and in particular the trends that i had chosen, were unusual to other trends noticed within the seminar. Especially the way in which the front and back covers correspond and work as a pair opening and closing the collections of images. Trend prediction was also something to mention, highlighting the 'Out of this World' trend showed examples of something that has been noticed in recent campaigns, but there is not an explicit overload on the trend, considering this a trend forecast, meaning it is something to look out for!

Even better if?
Feedback in which i received in regards to my booklet and what i could consider for next time was the numbering of pages at the top and bottom margin space; the spaces do not correspond with the working guidelines within the page, as they are outside of the guide. Make sure numbers are within margin or reconsider layout.

I think these are fair comments and I'm happy that the trends in which i picked were considered good choices and different to other trends that were evaluated. Now i understand Indeisgn a little better as a programme i will reconsider my layout for next time, but overall i am pleased with my final outcome for a first time! Im sure it will be a great comparison for Indesign creations come third year! :)

Here are some final images of my trend booklet...

VIEW MY TREND BOOKLET ON ISSUU

Above is a link of my final trend booklet on Issuu so you can appreciate the text and layout using the online portfolio publication software! Avoiding pixelated areas and text is much clearer to read!

Who run the world? Photoshop.

I've heard on various radio stations today the 'news' that some images of the phenomenon Queen B that is Beyonce have been leaked online earlier today. Images were posted online that were prior to a photoshop touch up; images from a Loreal campaign revealed Beyonce with blemished skin and dare I admit.. Wrinkles! How can this be? The Queen of pop at the age of 33 daren't have a single wrinkle- i meen have we been lied to this whole time? No. In fact we haven't. A bit of bad lighting has revealed that her skin isn't immaculate, but is this really something to kick up a fuss about, personally I think not. She is human. I think the people in question here should be Loreal and the editing team behind their promotional campaigns. Which leads to the following debate as to who owns the rights to this image and the truth behind the product in which it's promoting to sell. In this case a lipstick- not a facial skincare product, foundation or moisturiser. 

After studying photography for a few years, I know more than anyone that with the right lighting and equipment you can shoot portrait images in an accurate way that reduces the editing and touch up process. With Beyoncé in front of the camera I'm sure she's not a challenging portrait to work with! Its a bad angle from one of the most talented and beautiful women around; let's face it the images arnt even that bad..

#prayforbeyonce 

.. Or so that too far? With love, DOAFSDO, x

KANYE X ADIDAS

As New York Fashion week has commenced, i feel its crucial to mention one of the most talked about catwalk shows over the last week; we are currently looking into celebrity endorsements within seminars and lectures so i am considering this as very good timing. Exploring the way in which celebrity endorsements work within a brand, but on the other end of the spectrum how they sometimes fail and are a massive no go! Of course, the recent endorsement I'm referring to is 'Yeezy'- as he's parading back into the fashion industry. A considerable amount of time has passed since the 'leather sweatpants were my thing' fiasco! But this time around i think Kanye Wests collaboration with Adidas, has been accepted and positive reactions have steamed since the show; its been everywhere! Some have said 'Genius' in reviews since the show. Personally, I'm honestly quite impressed since watching the 12 minute video- (which is available on various internet search engines!) The tone is very compelling.

A dialogue from Kanye opens the show expressing how he appreciates Adidas as it 'Enables creators to  create' - i suppose unlike Nike, where there is still speculation that they dropped Kanye West last year just before the Red October 2 sneaks were due to drop in Nike stores! Oppps. Kanye says otherwise, something regarding money? I suppose even Kayne has to watch the weekly shop…

In regards to the collection being X Adidas there was no  obvious Adidas logos featured on the garments; various 3 lines were featured to bring in waistlines here and there, but nothing that would scream Adidas to me. I believe there was so much media attention for this collaboration before and defiantly since, that although logos aren't obvious throughout the collections, this is going to flash dollar signs for both partners, due to the pure fact Kanyes name is embellished onto those labels!

Now, theres a bunch of people you wouldn't want to kick out of their seats..

Back to the show. Kayne speaks out of his views that, 'he and others are constantly growing, making mistakes, constantly trying to express ourselves and actualise our dreams', his tone was believable and i actually appreciated what he was saying. His dialogue faded into crying from North West that brought things back around to the fact Kanye is a father now, this might have something to do with his respectful and some might say, sublime words. After 9 minutes of visuals and music, 'Wolves' the first track taken from Kaynes album starts playing. Fading into the last minute of the show Kanye appears walking down the centre of the models wearing his collection. Sia the crazy beautiful vocalist features on the track and starts singing in perfect timing of Kanye approaching to discreetly bow. Cool and Composed he was dressed all in black. It was completely different to anything I've seen before and yes, i loved. Fairplay Kanye. Just leave leather sweatpants alone. This can be your new thing. 

If your a fashion student its 12 minutes well spent. Otherwise if you have a spare 5 minutes? Catch the first & last few minutes of the show; i think its worth it! 

With Love, DOAFSDO, x

Ruby Rose

A conversation in a seminar today reminded me of this beautiful video from model and DJ Ruby Rose. Ruby says she is inspired by her struggle with gender presentation and fluidity. This video presents her with long blonde locks, that she later cuts, then scrubs down her skin to reveal her arms covered in sleeve tattoos. A truly beautiful representation of people who struggle with gender presentation on a daily basis. A beautiful & brave short video that really opened my eyes on the subject. 

Fairplay Ruby Rose, With love, DOAFSDO, x

Valentines Venture!

Sharing my Love yesterday..Take note of these loveable stamps. 

Valentines day was yesterday and i spent the day with one of my Uni loves! I think its a lovely day for all the lovers out there, and i think the only people who complain about the date are people who are not maybe 100% happy or content with themselves! Its a day of sharing the love and letting people close to you - males, females, best friends, family and all the oh, so special people you have in your life on a Whatsapp group! Its' about letting those people know you are thankful and love them dearly. Ive received Valentines gifts and flowers when i was what.. 16? But I've never had a Valentines day that has meant a great deal to me, so its that approach that you can't miss what you've never had! Could i saw lots of moaning on Social Media yesterday.. i think embrace it. Anyway, we took the day of PINK in our stride; so it was Pink lips from me, and pink and glittery cake decorating later- a lovely little day venturing around Nottingham and trying out another coffee shop along the way!

But First Coffee… 

JUNKYARD NOTTINGHAM

Briddlesmith Walk was the home to the coffee shop we visited today! It reminded me of a little bar you would find off of Bricklane, Shoreditch. Located near the LaceMarket and Nottingham Contemporary its in the middle of one of the more artsy areas of Nottingham; the coffee was divine! The beans are sourced from 200degreees another coffee shop in Notts that we are yet to try, I'm a big fan and might even bring my girlfriends from home here for lunch next week!

To Cobden Chambers?

Half and half today. Black on the bottom and pastels on top. These boots are my newest favourite thing from LaModa and they are the comfiest thing ever. They are knee high but I'm wearing them with tights here as i thought with a shorts skirt they might be a bit revealing for a cold February afternoon. Tied with metallic skirt, my skull embossed pastel pink and studded back, which i discovered in a charity shop from home for £7.99 and then of course this multicoloured pastel fuzz ball from Boohoo.

Then these are the cute little cupcakes Mellie and I made in the evening! Whatever romantic things you've been doing, whether its swanning over Mr Grey or dressing Pink, i hope its been lovely!

Happy PINK day! <3