Photoshoot

Steven Klein's work 

 Vogue 2013 

Famous photographer Steven Klein has created these images using a natural background with beautiful, colourful flowers.  In all three images the models are wearing formal, structured wear. I think the contrast between the scenery and the garment make the outfit come alive .

Photoshoot 

Elie Saab

Elie Saab

ELIE SAAB

The designer Elie Saab is a self taught fashion creater who was born in 1964 in Lebanon. His interest in fashion started at a young age where he created clothes for his sisters. Gradually he started to sell his creations to women in his neighbourhood.  In 1982, at the age of 18, he opened his first couture boutique in Beirut. The women attracted to his garments were from a high class society.

In 2000 he presented four collections (haute couture and ready to wear) for two seasons. His collection was so well received he set up a boutique in Le Triangle D'or.

In His 2015 Spring/Summer collection bold coloured garments broke up the playful printed dresses.  My favourite garment is in the top image, where deep tones of blue and turquoise remind me of the sea. As well as the orange, tropical colours resemble small sea creatures swimming at the bottom of the dress, trying to work their way up. In contrast the monochrome stripes are powerful and dominant against the flowing print. The other models wear monochrome stripe shoes as well, to  match their dresses.

  

The black jumpsuit has intricate and delicate lace forming the top with free flowing sleeves where as the shorts are plain with big pockets. Overall I think atmosphere the designer is trying to create is a relaxed one, he wants the women wearing the dress or garment to feel at ease and carefree.

Georgia Hardinge

Georgia Hardinge

GEORGIA HARDINGE

Born in London, Georgia Hardinge early life and international background has given her the oppunity to travel. This has allowed her to develop a wide range designs and collections. She went to Parson School Of Art and Design, where she won the best designer award for her graduate collection. 

After gaining experience in the industry Georgia Hardinge launched her label in 2010. She began to build her identiy as a sculptural designer. Throughout her designs you can clearly see the reference from architectural and structural shapes. She works closely with a pleat specialist to develop particular techniques from new technological fabrics, paper sculptures, and textile treatments.

My favourite collection so far from Georgia Hardinge is Spring/Summer 2015. The models do not have to move, as the contrast of colour between lime green and navy, is so vibrant. It makes the print pattern come alive. In the first image the print is produced onto a top which is paired with a structural navy skirt. You almost don't notice the architectural shaping within the skirt but I think it fits perfectly  with the lively print. What is prominent in the photos is the paper behind the models forming a background. Two images have ripped paper behind the models but the other two have backgrounds  which are clean and form some kind of shape. Although in the third image; the shape is formed  because the model is holding the paper.  I think this enhances the printed kimono as it mirrors the shape of the garment. 

Georgia Hardinge for River Island 2013, was a 14 piece collection that sold in 20 stores and online nationwide. What I particually like about this collection is the depth of the print within the monochrome garments. In this photo, the blouse and long skirt on the right remind me of staircases tangled together. With the monochrome garments they look quite distressed compared too the dress in the middle, which looks fresh and delicate. 

This dress has a structural piece similar to origami, attached over a soft, light weight fabric. I think the structural piece draws attention to the figure of the model. Almost like a bone structure underneath the skin. The model photographed here looks quite awkward, fitting in with the distressed atmosphere. Also the model's hair is covering her eyes suggesting the designer wants us to focus  mainly on her creations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VNcXUifQW8

Emilio Pucci

Emilio Pucci

EMILIO PUCCI

Emilio Pucci born in Naples on the 20th of November 1914, is famous for his vibrant, geometric prints.  In the first two images the famous model Verschka Von Lehndroff is photographed. 

He started his career unexpectedly in 1947 while on the slopes of Zermatt. A photograph of a ski suit he designed for a female friend featured in Harper's Bazaar. Following this photo Emilio Pucci opened a boutique in capri where the influence of his Mediterranean culture is clear throughout his garments. 

In this spring/summer 15 collection, I love the freedom of movement the models have while gracing us down the runway. The soft, delicate material has allowed them to look comfortable and at ease without any restriction. Although the last two dresses have jewels around the neck suggesting to me some kind of firmness. 

The wide range of colours throughout this collection suggests this brand are really thinking of different audiences. In the first image the colours and print are subtle, increasing up from a mellow orange/yellow, to red then onto blue hues. Where as Kendall Jenner is wearing a tribal infused dress in a tropical yellow, with snippets of animal prints, placed vertically down the dress. A complete contrast to the first dress. My favourite dress in this collection  has to be the last one because they have created two different prints in contrasting colours but fused them together.  

Even though the 60s designs are similar to this 2015 collection, with there wide range of colours and prints. The differences are clear, as the model Veruschka wearing the hood and bikini in the first image shows a strong and powerful print. My eyes get drawn up towards the hood, but I still get lost in this repeated print. In contrast the three dresses on the 2015 runway are less structured. I think this is due to the drape of the material making the dresses flow when worn, creating a relaxed atmosphere. 

Who are you?

Who am I?

When deciding which subculture I fitted into, I actually found it quite hard because I like so many different interests and ideas. Although I don't know many people who can just fit into one identiy.

 

Being part of the Afro/Caribbean culture; one of the first ideas which popped into my head was Notting Hill Carnival; I go every year. London shuts off certain roads for floats, music, costumes and different styles of food.  For two days different communities come together to celebrate their culture. My grandparents are from Montserrat in the Caribbean and even though I have never traveled there I always imagine Notting Hill Carnival as a chunk of the island. The yellow fabric with the black oval prints remind mind me of the carnival as its busy and bright.

Folk

The first image shows one of my favourite outings, having a picnic in the park with friends and family during hot summer days. 

Florence Welch is one of my style icons, pictured here with her floral flowing dress,  contributing to the boho/folk trend. 
Although florals are continuously seen on the catwalk every Spring/Summer, I think Giambatista Valli and Marni have shown oriental flowers at there best, because the prints are bold but also elegant. 

Indie

  

I like wearing coloured converses, denim jackets and also going to gigs. Although I don't think it makes me part of the indie subculture as I'm not invested enough I like too many other styles and events. I also like bright coloured prints but particularly floral. Where does that fit within a subcultural? I think I am still deciding who I want to be.

All about London

Selfridges Preen 

Exploring London's diverse shops lead me first to Selfridges where both designer and high street live. Preen's geometric shapes stood out the most especially with it's bold colours although the gold headpiece distracted me from the detail of this garment.

  Oxfam Boutique 

This boutique's window display showcased this crochet dress against a newspaper mannequin showing how quirky and fun vintage shopping can be. 

Dover Street Market

On the first floor of Dover Street Market's store the garments were displayed against bare brick walls and wooden cabinets making Junya Watanabe's black collection in particular look powerful.

Burberry

Burberry was my next shop where high ceiling's and mirrored walls reflected the famous caramel coats. I Like the printed scarf against the coat creating an alternative look.

BlueBird

The minute I stepped foot into Bluebird I was overwhelmed by how much space was layered out particular for just one garment such as the jacket dangling down from the horses mouth.  However the lights hanging down from the menswear department was the real beauty, this made sure I could see every little stitch and detail on any item of clothing.

Liberty

Walking into Liberty felt like an experience rather than being in an actual shop, this historical building with the vintage staircase adds character into all of the item on sale. What I LOVE most is Liberty's wide range of prints. The cotton materials shown in this image would be perfect for a dress in Spring/Summer 15.

Topshop

My final destination was Topshop where Marques Almeida's collection took centre stage in Oxford street's branch.  The green two piece stood out for me against the shocking pink furry bag.