Following on from the last post - Rankin Reminiscing!

In my last post, I displayed some of the exquisite beauty looks seen in Paris 'Couture Fashion Week S/S 13'. So as promised I have added some of my previous work from my Photography A-level showcasing the distortion of ones identity through make-up.

Rankin

My main source of inspiration throughout my A-level project came from the work of renowned photographer Rankin.

His extraordinary work has been featured on the front covers of some of the worlds most celebrated publications such as Elle, Vogue, Harpers Bazaar and GQ. As well as shooting within his work famous icons including Queen Elizabeth II, Kate Moss, Vivienne Westwood, The Rolling Stones & The Spice Girls to name a few.  His incredible work always amazes me, as I'm sure you will agree from his images!

Couture Fashion Week! - Beauty Review

Couture Fashion Week S/S13 took place last week in Paris, showcasing the fashion world's key designers and their most extravagant creations of the season. Although these designs will unfortunately be out of most of our budgets, it allows the designers the opportunity to show us their most dramatic and creative pieces.

However, it's not only a showcase of the most lavish clothing in the world, but credit must also be given to the beauty teams involved in the exciting process. Some of the hottest hair and make-up can also be noticed on the catwalk from the biggest names in beauty such as Dior and Chanel.

I'm always in awe at the inspirational looks that these talented beauticians are able to create. I'm extremely interested in fashion photography so I find it especially intriguing to always notice what look each designer has gone for and the intricate detail that is used within make-up and hair to portray each trend.

Below are some of the beautiful looks which were noticed during Couture Fashion Week:

In my next post, I have decided I will add a little of my own work back from my Photography A-level (3 years ago now!) so that you can see how I incorporated beauty into my shots, as well as a little brief background into who my main source of inspiration was throughout my work... which I will update this week, so stay tuned! :)

Jaw Dropping Jewels

Due to this week's heavy downpour of snow and being cooped up indoors for 3 days straight, this gave me some additional time to spend concentrating on my dissertation.. or in other words- some extra time for some online shopping.

Whilst spending too many hours with my eyes glued to my computer screen browsing all different types of things that I definitely cannot afford, I came across online some beautiful jewellery and so I thought I would present to you all some of my favourite jewellery brands - through little moodboards that I've put together showcasing some pieces I particularly admire as well as a little bit of brief background history into each brand.

Lizzie Fortunato: 

Lizzie Fortunato is an accessories line based in NYC designed by Elizabeth herself and operated by twin sister, Kathryn. The sisters' statement jewellery has become synonymous with unique, ahead of the curve accessories and exquisite craftsmanship. Their collection is stocked amongst high-end retailers Internationally such as Harvey Nichols and have been featured in renowned publications such as Women's Wear Daily, Vogue, Elle, Harpers Bazaar and the New York Times. I especially adore their handcrafted collars which feature such intricate detail.

1. Open spaces chain and leather necklace, £475
2. Triple box chain and thread bracelet, £105
3. Cosmic view woven necklace, £480
Available from: Lizzie Fortunato, Matches Fashion

Monica Vinader:

Monica Vinader's beautifully created jewellery label is inspired by the Spanish designer's love of gemstones, pearls, nature and travel. The collections feature custom-cut, semi-precious stones which range in a variety of stunning colours. This definitely has to be one of my favourites, the whole range of stones are so immaculately created and tantalizing to look at.

4. Lace stacking ring, £110
5. Nugget cocktail earrings, stone, £330
6. Fiji Calm Bracelet, £113
7. Siren cocktail ring, £190
8. 'Create your own', 18" Lungo necklace, marie pendant, mini luna pendant, large nugget pendant, £560
9. Lace Cocktail Earrings, £350
10. Nugget Cuff, £390
Available from: Monica Vinader

Mawi:

Mawi was launched in 2002, by the designer herself who originated from Manipur, North East India. Mawi gained an early appreciation for sewing, knitting and crochet which has been a key influence on her craftsmanship throughout her work. After studying a degree in Fashion Design in New Zealand she relocated to New York to work at Isaac Mizrahi. She eventually met her husband Tim in London, who also became her business partner as he had also grown up to develop a keen eye for vintage and antique collectibles. 

Since then, the luxurious and contemporary brand has built itself up Internationally and been noticed by major companies such as London Fashion Week, The British Fashion Council and now features in prestigious stores such as Selfridges, Barneys, Libertys and Browns, as well as creating a lot of attention from stylists and editors worldwide. This year the brand will also venture even further where they will launch SIR, a mens line. I am also a huge fan of some of the divine promotional work that is captured in order to expose their signature aesthetic.

20. Rose gold spike necklace with crystals, £486
21. Box chain double spike ring with solitaire, £270
22. Crystal shard and tube earrings, £225
23. Amethyst shard and large crystal bangle, £585
24. Large spike and cabouchon pearl earrings, £245
25. Twin gemstone and claw set spike necklace, £575
Available from: Mawi

They may be expensive but they are extremely breathtaking to look at! Now I just need to start saving up the pennies... unless anyone has a spare few hundred pounds lying around??

Cheap VS Chíc

Following on from my last post regarding S/S 13 key shapes, colours and trends, I have identified through my monthly take on 'Cheap VS Chíc' some popular clothing that fits in with some of the core trends...

1. The first two trends identified are in fact very similar, showcasing items which feature optical illusions and 60's inspired monochrome prints, notified as simple yet bold. Most of these statement outfits seem to be very co-ordinating; featuring striped coats layered over a matching dress or skirt and blouse. A lot of long sleeves and falling hemlines were apparent worn with attitude and showing off a sharp rock'n'roll edge.

I am a huge fan of this popular trend which has already started to swarm stores. Two items I have most recently bought which attracted my attention were:

2. Another popular emerging S/S 13 trend 'Do the Slouch' is very much about relaxed silhouettes, and loosely fitted materials such as layered silk organza featured extending below the knee. This look can be noticed from the Stella McCartney collection, who of course added her touch of feminine sportswear, if any designer has influenced fashion's current obsession with sportswear, it's Stella. Key items featured wide-shouldered suits, slouchy trousers and loose blouses.

3. The third look I found, makes it evident that white is going to be extremely prominent this season. 'Reveal and conceal' is the new way to wear this shade in varying textures and tones layered together. A contemporary appeal of laser cut, fold backs and cut out styled garments will grace the trend. White jeans are also essential and the best bit is that you can match them with a causal or smarter top to make the change from day to night!

4. Print and pattern is always important, and this season is no exception looking at all different perspectives of the artistic trend including of course the reoccurring animal print theme. Possibly for the slightly younger consumer, seen on the catwalk by designers including Just Cavalli, Sonia Rykiel, Valentino and Salvatore Ferragamo.

5. Lastly, I had to add in these beautiful shoes below. Low heels are in for S/S 13 but that doesn't mean they have to be ugly! Check out these beauties by Pierre Hardy or a more affordable imitation by H&M (they also come in different colours).

S/S 13 Key Items; Shapes, Colours and Trends

Key Shapes For S/S 13

Blouses and Tops: Sports inspired vests and sweats will again be popular this summer due to the following of last Summer's London Olympics, Japanese-style wide-sleeved woven kimono tees and boudoir bralette tops can also be identified.

Knitwear: An emphasis on airy knit structures and weightless transparencies. As well as bold coloured stripes and graphic patterns.

Skirts: In this season's collections it's noticeable that skirts take priority over trousers for once, showing off longer lengths and fuller shapes. There is also emphasis on asymmetry, with angled architectural wraps and thigh-high slashed hemlines for a subtle play on conceal and reveal.

Key Colours for S/S 13

Colour throughout these trends include a versatile palette of whites paired with vivid brights, a renewed emphasis on blues and greens as well as adding dusty pastel shades in order to update last Summer's successful mint tones. 

Eighties Clubwear Must-See Exhibition

A definite must-see this coming Summer is the launch of the much anticipated exhibition:
'Club to Catwalk: London Fashion in the 1980's' at the V&A Museum, London.

This installation will illustrate how the London's Eighties club scene had a revolutionising impact on the international fashion world. Over 85 creative outfits will be displayed by the likes of renowned designers such as Vivienne Westwood and John Galliano, alongside clubwear worn at the time.

In order to celebrate this iconic era of music-infused fashion, the first floor of the exhibition will showcase designers that have been inspired by the capital's underground nightlife, whilst the second floor will display Eighties clubbing attire; divided into different genre's such as Goth, Rave, New Romantics, High Camp and Fetish.The exhibition will also include accessories as well as archive magazines that helped generate the trends to a wider audience.

This exhibition will be open from 10th July 2013 - 16th February 2014, so keep your eyes peeled on the V&A website linked in below from June 2013.
( www.vam.ac.uk )

London Exhibition's Continued...

Following on from my last post regarding current exhibitions in London. The second one I visited this Winter was the 'Valentino Exhibition' which took place at Somerset House. This venue is a major arts and cultural centre which is located in the heart of London by the Embankment.

I was extremely excited when I heard about the opening of the Valentino installation as I am a huge fan of the legendary Italian designer and his exquisite work. The exhibition focused on celebrating his work by showcasing over 130 of his beautifully created haute couture designs worn by famous icons such as Jackie Lennedy, Onassis, Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Gwyneth Paltrow.

'The details (within the exhibition) are incredibly intricate, though outside the runway shows and events, the dresses have rarely been seen, so to be able to showcase these designs at Somerset House, where they can be seen in great detail by the public, is very unique.' Valentino

The craftsmanship of Valentino's work is seriously spectacular and an exhibition not to be missed, so make sure you get your tickets before it closes at the beginning of March!

Visit the Somerset House website for tickets o click on the link below:
( http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/visual-arts/valentino )

If you don't get a chance to see the exhibition then catch a sneak preview in the video below:

Imagery from the exhibition: