Sunday 26 May 2013

Cinema Against AIDS

 

Thursday saw the 20th annual Cinema Against AIDS benefit which raised over $25 million for amfAR, a charity which works to fight HIV/AIDS.
 
The night included a fashion show with a gold theme, featuring outfits from well-known and up-and-coming designers. There were a lot of stunning women's looks including a show-stopping satin dress from Armani Prive and a classic  gold skirt suit from Channel.
 
However, it was the men's looks that really interested me, while some of them were beautiful there were a few outfits that were more eye-watering than eye-catching.
My favourite outfit from the night was by Tarun Tahiliani. rather than being brash the gold theme was channelled through a subtle shade of grey with a hint of metallic. The simple jacket with a neru collar and plain piping was perfectly understated and combined perfectly with a pair of loose, dull gold trousers, reflecting the designers Indian heritage but blending it with a western tailoring style.
 


 
 
On the other hand some of the mens outfits took the gold theme to the opposite extreme. Thom Browne's outfit for the show was completely bewildering and seems like a list of all the sartorial errors it is possible to make.
- metallic three piece suit
-matching tie
-anchor prints
-exposed stomach
and the grey fluff escaping from his trousers.... what are me meant to make of that? Thom Brown is a designer known for his bizarre creations but this outfit is something else!


May 23 2013

Wednesday 15 May 2013

Let Work Out

 

It's currently the middle of exam season and some of you may know (especially those that follow me on Pinterest http://pinterest.com/GHardingFashion/) I am a bit of a fitness freak. My favourite way to spend revision breaks it to head to the gym or do some Pilates, so I thought I would share the clothes I want to be working out in this summer.

Sweaty Betty is one of my favourite brands for workout clothing. Their designs are really colourful and fun,  they would make anyone want to go and work out. For me the best piece in the summer collection are these ombre running capris, they have a classic shape  but the quirky detailing, I especially like the pink piping on the side seam, make them stand out.






Sweaty Betty Ombre Capris http://mysuperficialendeavors.blogspot.co.uk/




Nike is a  name synonymous with work out clothing and there is a good reason for that; their clothes are functional, comfortable, attractive and reasonably priced. There are some parts of your gym bag that aren't worth skimping on and a good sports bra is one of them but Nike prove that they don't need to be ugly. This constellation print bra is so eyecatching you might be tempted to wear it on it's own, but it also offers support and  is made from moisture wicking fabric to keep you comfortable.


Nike Pro Printed Sprots Bra
 
 
 
 
 
 I couldn't write about workout clothes without mentioning my current fitness inspiration Cassey Ho, not only does she create great Pilates workouts (POP Pilates) but she also designs a fitness range.  This includes a line of inspirational tops in a range of bright, fun colours. So if you need and extra motivation to get down to the gym you can pop on one of these to get yourself going.
 
 
 
 
 
Dream it DO IT Lacey Muscle Tank in Coral/Sky
Blogilates Top

Wednesday 8 May 2013

What's Next?

So I have just handed in my final project of my second year and so I'm starting to look forward to my placement year which I will be starting in June.

I have managed to secure a placement with Temperley in London in their pattern cutting department, which will be an amazing opportunity and I can't wait to start! Although I specialise in menswear at university I am going to be working for a company which sell very feminine women's clothing, I think this will really help me develop as a designer and pattern cutter as it will mean I have experience in both areas.

Temperley London Pre-Fall 2013
http://www.fashionising.com/runway/b--temperley-london-pf-13-36893.html


A placement year is not compulsory on our course but I think it will give me a greater insight into the industry and will hopefully make me more employable, it seems almost impossible to get a job without this kind of experience. However,  there are a number of challenges associated with internships and placements as many are not paid and a number of companies including The Arcadia group have run into trouble in recent years and have now started paying their interns.

Last summer I worked for a small children's wear  company over the summer, although I learnt a lot from it, especially the stages involved with staring up a business, I don't think it was worth the amount I ended up spending on transport and living in London. So although gaining work experience is an important thing to do I think it is better to work with companies which have an established internship programme to ensure you are getting the most out of your time and not just working for free.

I'd love to know what you think of internships, did you do one? are you planning on taking a placement year? Do you think they are worth it?

Sunday 5 May 2013

Twisted Tradition Project

This is the final stage of a project I have been working on for the last few months. It is based around the ideas behind the Slow Fashion movement promoting the use of environmentally friendly fabrics, ethical manufacturing and lower levels of consumption.

Below are the flat drawing boards and a few illustrations of the collection I have designed which is aimed at men between 30 and 50 incorporating punchy colours, tradition fabrics, reflective tape 9 for the avid cyclist) and detachable elements to make  garments multi-functional and trans-seasonal.

I would really appreciate any feedback you can give me on my work.





Flat Drawing Board

 
 
Illustrations
 


Flat Drawing Board