Iconic Sunday's - Anna Wintour

Known for her iconic 'pageboy haircut and chilly demeanour', Anna Wintour is one of the most iconic figures in the fashion industry to date. Born in London on the 3rd November 1949 to the editor of the Evening Standard newspaper, Charlie Wintour and philanthropist Elinor Wintour, Anna has become an international icon in her role has an Editor-in-Chief at Vogue magazine and now the Artistic director for Condé Nast (an international publishing company). 

Her first step into the fashion world was working for the company Harpers & Queen in the fashion department. She then took up the role of Junior Editor at Harper's Bazaar in NYC around 1976. Still in her 20's, she left Harper's Bazzar a couple of years later to work for Savvy where she took on the same job role as Harper's. In 1981, Wintour took a job at New York Magazine. 5 years later, she was back in London, and took up the position of Chief Editor of Vogue magazine. 

"I want Vogue to be pacy, sharp, and sexy, I'm not interested in the super-rich or infinitely leisured. I want our readers to be energetic, executive women, with money of their own and a wide range of interests," 

What I really found interesting when reading her biographies was that the film Devil Wears Prada was written by one of Anna's former assistants, Lauren Weisberger. The character played by Meryl Streep was demanding and cold, much like Wintour herself. Anna turned up to the premier of Devil Wears Prada head-to-toe in Prada which surely turned a few heads. 

Even with her cold personality and harsh critiques, Anna has been at Vogue for over 20 years, and continues to keep the magazine as prestige as when it first started out. 

Saskia x 

Fashion Films on Netflix

Netflix is my guilty pleasure for when I want to unwind. I've been watching a few fashion related films which every fashion lover should watch, and it's all on one website! All of these films have different stories, showing you a true insight to the people, the brand etc.

Dior and I 

'I have an idea, but it's very extreme' 

Bill Cunningham New York

'I let the street speak to me, and in order for the street to speak to you, you've got to stay out their to see what it is' 

Iris 

'Try this, try that, as though I'm playing Jazz'

Paul Smith: Gentleman Designer 

'You can find inspiration in everything. If you can't then you're not looking properly'

Advanced style 

'Show people that ageing can be a wonderful thing; that you can still dress up and feel good no matter what age you are' 

Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf's 

'If your clothes are not in that place there's no future'

The Director 

'I didn't expect a life at all like this' 

True Cost 

'I don't want anyone wearing anything, which is produced by our blood' 

The September Issue 

'She ignited the entire industry' 

Chasing Beauty 

'What is beauty and is it worth the cost?' 

I hope that you enjoy these films as much as I did, and also gain more knowledge about the icons and the problems around the world. 

Saskia x 

KIKO MILANO Cosmetics

Every time I am out and about in either Nottingham, Bath, Bristol or Birmingham,  I always pop into Kiko and have a cheeky look inside. And I ALWAYS come out with something. Whether it be an eyeshadow, lipstick, powder or a bottle of nail varnish, this shop just draws me and my purse in.

As you can tell by the name, Kiko is an Italian brand which was founded in 1997 founded by Percassi, an ex Italian football player and entrepreneur. Their slogan 'Be who you want to be' summarises the brand; the array of different colour palettes you find in this store is incredible, suitable to any style. What I absolutely love about this store is as soon as you walk in, you can see everything so clearly. Everything is neatly laid out, able for you to take in all the colours and shades. And the prices, well they are just music to a students ears and bank account; affordable and amazing quality.

If you have never been in a Kiko store, I totally recommend it to anyone who is in love with make-up, and wants to play around with another brand, you won't be disappointed!

http://www.kikocosmetics.com/en-gb/

Saskia x

Iconic Sunday's - Bill Cunningham

 Bill Cunningham is one of my all time favourite photographers. He was born in Boston, U.S on the 13th March 1929. He attended Harvard University, but dropped out in 1948 and moved to the big apple, New York City. He served for the U.S Army, and not long after started writing for the Chicago Tribune- a daily newspaper. During this time he also started writing for Women's Wear Daily, this is when he picked up his camera and started capturing ordinary people's style on the streets of New York.

In 1978, the New York Times published a range of his photographs. He has been writing for the NYT with his column 'On the Streets' for over a decade, capturing a range of fashion trends on the street. In 2008, Bill was awarded the Officier de 'lordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture. He was also awarded the Carneige Hall (where his small apartment is) Medal of Excellence in 2012.

Flicking through Netflix one day I came across a documentary about Bill Cunningham (Bill Cunningham New York) which I recommend to anyone that is interest in photography and fashion. It truly opens your eyes to different styles and trends, and shows what an icon Bill Cunningham is. Even at the age of 86, he continues to take iconic images, and write those famous columns for the New York Times. 

"More than anyone else in the city, he has the whole visual history of the last 40 or 50 years of New York. It's the total scope of fashion in the life of New York." Oscar de la Renta. 

Saskia x 

Market Visual Awareness Project

So for those of whom are interested, before we broke up from University we were given a summative task (this will get marked) which I will explain within this post. 

This will be a brand/retail promotion and visual analysis report which will be presented in a magazine form. I have never used inDesign before so this task will be a challenge for me! I have chosen the subject matter to be Shearling, as this is one of the trends my formative group and I researched prior this task. 

The first task (1A) that we were given was to compare two adverts from brands of two different market levels that feature my subject matter. I chose to compare these two adverts- Lanvin Paris and Mango. 

I had to provide a visual analysis of both adverts, discussing the message of them. How they overlap or differ. This had to be done in 500 words. I found this a little challenging to start with, but as I got into it, it was much easier to look into the image and pick out pieces to write about. 

I will write posts every time I do bits of this project to show you guys, hopefully the final piece will look fab! 

Saskia x 

Berlin Body Love

 On Saturday, plus size model Silvana Denker and a bunch of people all shapes and sizes to march the streets of Berlin to promote her new project BodyLove. Women wrote 'Body Love' over their bodies, wearing nothing but their underwear to prove to people that you can be beautiful any size. We are exposed to so many skinny sized models on social media and in the press, seeing something completely different should open up peoples minds - you don't have to be a size 6 to be beautiful. You don't have to have perfect skin, perfect hair, wear makeup to be socially accepted. 

"Nobody's perfect and that's what makes us special. Love yourself"

In my post 'Fashion Hurts' I touch upon bigger sized models. I think it is so important to teach people that just because you are a size 12+, you're not unaccepted. I love how Silvana Denker has broken the barriers of the fashion world and allowed bigger sized models to become more accepted in the industry, even if it is frowned upon. Denker is hoping that this project will eventually go global, and I am excited to see if it does. 

Saskia x 

Precious (Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire) - Film Review

When I have my lazy days I tend to flick through Netflix for about an hour trying to find something that I want to watch, and eventually I will find something! Today I came across this film Precious (Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire) which is about a 16 year old girl in Harlem, U.S called Claireece 'Precious' Jones who is illiterate and overweight. Claireece was constantly raped by her biological father since she was a little girl, ending up with two children at only 16. Her mother, well, you can hardly call her a mother. She beat Claireece verbally and physically and believes that education is a waste of time. 

Claireece finds a safe haven within an alternative school where she learns to read and write, and also makes her a much stronger person throughout the film. How can a 16 year old go through so much and still manage to go to school and learn, look after a baby, and try to live as normal a life as possible? 

''I'm gonna break through or somebody gonna break through to me.''

Every 2 minutes in the U.S someone is sexually assaulted, 1 out of 6 American women have been the victim of attempted or complete rape in her lifetime. 29% of rape in the U.S are 12-17 years old, these girls are 3 times more likely to suffer from depression, 6 times more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress and 26 times more likely to abuse drugs. (If you want to know more facts please visit this website http://www.rccmsc.org/resources/get-the-facts.aspx) 

I truly believe that the women who survive this are unbelievably brave. To go through such a traumatic experience and still manage to go on with their lives like Claireece, its incredible. I 100% recommend this amazing film, it will bring you to tears and open up your mind.

Saskia x 

Apps Galore

What apps am I currently using day to day?

Instagram - This app is my number one. I am constantly on this, looking at what people have bought, where they have been. I love exploring and finding new brands to look up. There are always such beautiful images to look at.

Pinterest - I started to use this app when I attended sixth form, gathering images to inspire my projects. Now at University, I find this app so useful to create your own board of ideas.

Tumblr - Like Pinterest, Tumblr has become more apart of my life since being at University. I love adding images to my page, making a sort of photo blog.

Evernote - LIFESAVER APP. If you haven't got Evernote I totally recommend it. If you like making notes, but find the note app on your phone a bore, use this. You can change the colour of your text, create lists, check lists and a notebook also. It's incredibly handy!

Blogger - If I am ever out and about and find something which I want to write about on my blog, this is perfect to have

Adobe Capture - I was introduced to this app by one of my lecturers at University a couple of weeks ago. This app allows you to take and image, and then create it into your own colour palette, its brilliant!

KNOMI - I discovered this app a few days a go and I love it already! It's a mixture of Instagram, Tumblr and Pinterest. You can create boards of your favourite products, see what other people are loving and what products are currently on sale for a bunch of different brands

Trendstop - For a quick up-to-date read on current and up-coming trends, Trendstop is a brilliant app

Afterlight - Finally, Afterlight is my go-to app for editing images to post on my blog or Instagram. There are different filters you can use (you can even make your own), its like a mini photoshop on your phone!

So those are my favourite apps at the moment. If I find any more I love, I will make another blog post of my findings

Saskia x 

Iconic Sunday's - Lee Alexander McQueen

Lee Alexander McQueen. One of the biggest icons in the Fashion Industry. During his time, he created over 50 collections, some if his most memorable collections include Savage Beauty, Dante and The McQueensbury Rules. McQueen was born on the 17th March 1969 in Lewisham, London. He left school at the age of 16 with one O-Level in Art, and then went on to work as an apprentice for Savile Row Tailoring. At the age of 20 he decided to join Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design to work as a pattern cutter tutor.

(Savage Beauty exhibition) 

  

Only until 1992 was the brand Alexander McQueen established, Isabella Blow (an English magazine editor) prompted McQueen to use Alexander instead of Lee for the brand. McQueen was known for his theatrical runway shows and out of the ordinary designs. Despite of the horrible ending that McQueen had, I truly believe he was an extraordinary designer, always thinking outside of the box, making people want to see more.

(The last collection that McQueen designed was only 80% finished) 

Sarah Burton was McQueen's right hand designer since 1996, and since May 2010 became the new creative director for Alexander McQueen.  Although McQueen passed away, his legacy still reins on and his brand is still continues to be one of the most respected high fashion brands in our time.  

Saskia x 

Ruins Magazine

I was browsing one of the fashion websites which I regularly read through- SHOW studio (if you've not heard of this website please go have a look!) and came across a new magazine which released it's first issue called ''Growth Euphoria Crisis''. This magazine mixes fashion with politics and culture from different parts of the world. 

The editor of the magazine is called Christos Petritzis. Born in Athens, he works and currently lives in London. I am really drawn in to the idea of this magazine, that its not just about fashion, it's the politics behind it all. Here is the launching video for Ruins Magazine, I will certainly be getting the first issue! 

Saskia x 

Trend Loving Thursday - Lurex

One of the current trends which I am LOVING at the moment is Lurex. Lurex is a yearn which includes metallic fibres which gives the fabric a metallic and shimmery appearance. This trend comes around every year, especially near to Christmas. Lurex has been around for over 60 years; created in 1947 (origin unknown).

Every shop that I enter, there is always products which follow the Lurex trend, recently I have been helping myself to a few of those products (not helping my bank balance at all) which I adore. Here are a few of my favourite products:

URBAN OUTFITTERS

MISSGUIDED

ASOS

ARK clothing

H&M

Saskia x 

Fashion does Hurt

So this morning I had such an interesting lecture about the environment, ethics and exploitation of the fashion industry.

First of all we learnt about how fashion can ruin the environment from making cotton to creating the perfect jean. Fast fashion has been the main cause in the environments destruction. I learnt that millions of farmers and workers are hospitalised each year during the production process of making cotton and the cotton industry also uses forced labour. Although we love our denim jeans, the dyes (from China) which make those amazing shades of blue are toxic, polluting the surrounding waters, causing a higher percentage in cancer than anywhere in the world.

One of the main reasons why I decided to study fashion was because I want to change the way that people think about the 'norm' in fashion. Although I do enjoy flicking through glossy magazines with stunning models with slim figures, I feel that bigger women are not looked at in a positive way. Fashion has many consequences, especially being a women and being exposed to so many photoshopped images every day, you seek perfection. I found out that 90% of women have depression or anxiety because of their body image, and 50% of women smoke because it suppresses their appetite. This actually shocks me. I myself have and still have issues with my body - always thinking that different parts of my body don't look right in what I'm wearing daily. I admire models which are considered 'big', (although I don't agree they are big) and their strength to go against people in the fashion industry that say that 'big' is not beautiful.    
                                                                 

                       

Another topic that we looked at was exploitation of models. I learnt that the photographer Terry Richardson is known for over-exposing models to create a very sexual orientated image. In some ways, this type of photography is viewed as fashionable, but also exploiting women's bodies in such a way can lead to harsh comments and abuse. Imagine if a child saw this image, what would they be thinking?

There are many bad sides to fashion which are not properly highlighted and explained. Just because a women (or man) looks perfect on a glossy magazine page, does not mean that, that is what they look like in real life. Just because a woman has her legs open in an image does not mean they are a 'slag' or  a 'whore'. And think twice before you buy something from a shop, think about how was this product made, were people killed during the process, were innocent children hurt?

I am not saying that the fashion industry is all bad, there are many positives to the industry. But I feel strongly that the negative side should be shown!

Saskia x 

Iconic Sunday's - Audrey Hepburn

After watching Breakfast at Tiffany's and My Fair Lady, I've realised how much I love Audrey Hepburn. From her singing to her looks, she was (and still is) truly one of the most iconic actresses.

Audrey Hepburn was born on the 4th May 1929, she has starred in over 30 film and tv programmes, her most famous however are Breakfast at Tiffany's, My Fair Lady, Roman Holiday and Charade. She managed to win 23 awards in her lifetime, including one Oscar, 3 BAFTA awards and one Prime Time Emmy award.

Aside from her film career as a leading actress, Audrey also was a fashion model and a humanitarian. She starred in magazines such as Vogue and Cosmopolitan, and had a long term relationship with the fashion brand Givenchy. In 1992 she was award the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her humanitarian work. Sadly, Hepburn died on Januray 20th 1993 after a battle with colon cancer.

I admire Hepburn because of her wit, her beauty, her sense of style and her never ending talent. I am excited to watch all of her films and learn more about the person she was.

Saskia x 

Black Friday

For so many years, Black Friday has been a day of madness and savings across the globe. With people getting violent with each other to get the best deals, shops packed full of sweaty bodies - not something I am into. 

Black Friday was first mentioned in reference to the USA financial scandal in 1869. In a business term, when the business is loosing profit, accountants say that they are in 'Red', whereas if the business is making profit it is marked as 'Black'. Yes you are saving money from products, but still businesses are gaining a lot of profit from the amount of products being sold. Since 1960, the term was used to mark the kickoff of the christmas shopping season. 

For me, when I see a discount in store or online, it makes me want to buy more than just one product from the store - there is an immediate buzz when getting something cheaper than it was originally was and a scare that if you don't get it now at a cheap price you won't buy it at all. I have received hundreds of emails from the stores that I love about percentages off products and deals which I could grab 'before it's too late'.

The telegraph has stated today that 'this year, internet scales over the 24-hour period are expected to surpass £1 billion' - that is a crazy amount of money just made in a small gap of time. 

Black Friday is a CRAZE. I think it's mad that some people will go to extreme lengths just to get the TV they wanted, or a pile of clothes that will probably end up in the black of their wardrobes in a few months time. 

Saskia x 

Balmain X H&M

This week the high end fashion brand Balmain debuted it's new collection with high street store H&M. Olivier Rousteing at 30 is the Creative Director for Balmain. Rousteing was born on September 13th 1986 in France. He started as a designer at Roberto Cavalli but at aged 24, he replaced Christophe Decarnin as CD at Balmain.

H&M has collaborated with many high fashion brands such as Karl Lagerfeld (the first H&M collaboration back in 2004) Stella McCartney, Viktor & Rolf, Lavin and Alexandra Wang. Using these high end brands strengthens its 'Brand Recognition''.

This Balmain x H&M collection ranges from luscious velvet bodycon dresses, fun faux fur jackets, the classic black, gold and white combo, and a dash of sophistication. I think it's a gorgeous collection, the prices range from £12.99 to £399.99.

I read that some customers waited for over 24 hours outside H&M to buy the new collection, and some people travelled from over-seas. This brand collaboration truly exploded. Everything online is sold out (cry). H&M are completely meshing high end and high street together, which allows people like me to shop for beautiful products at an affordable price (maybe not the £399.99 jacket)

If you want to read more about this collection or see the products, please take a look at these websites!

http://www.hm.com/gb/balmain
http://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/h-ms-ongoing-high-fashion-experiment

Saskia x   

Is it okay to be a virgin in today's society?

After having an in-depth conversation with some of my flat mates, hearing how them being a virgin creates such a buzz, I decided I wanted to write a blog post on this topic.

Stereotypically, in my generation, we loose our virginity at the age of 16. But for a lot of people, they want to keep their virginity safe. Being in University, a lot of the conversations people have involve sex, whether it's playing a drinking game, or just having a general chat, sex is always involved in some way. Why is it that being a virgin is such a shock?

In some way, when I lost my virginity, part of it was because all of my friends had, and I was the only one in the group who hadn't. That's not the right mentality to have. I think it's so strong for people who have not had sex to stand by that, and show everyone that just because they aren't following what everyone is doing, it makes them no different what so ever. It doesn't make them frigid. It doesn't make them sexually unattractive. It doesn't make them oblivious to what sex is.

Before writing this I read through a few websites which talked about being virgin. One website write a pro's and con's list about being a virgin and quoted this in the con's section- ' When you’re 20 and still a virgin you feel as though you’re missing out on the big secret. Everyone is doing it and you’re the outcast who’s not. ' An outcast? Really?

So in my opinion, yes I think that being a virgin is more than okay in today's society. But many people in this generation think it's something that they can joke about. Just remember that they aren't aliens, they are exactly the same as us, they just haven't done one thing that is apparently the most important thing in a teenagers life.

Saskia x

Dior & I - Film Review

Dior & I was broadcasted in 2014 (the collection was made in 2012), it's a documentary about how Raf Simons, a Belgium man who became the new Creative Director for Dior and only had 8 weeks to create a new collection of Haute Couture. Raf was known as a minimalist, which lead to a lot of criticism from the press, questioning whether this collection would ruin the image of Dior. 'I have an idea, but it's very extreme' Raf quoted near the start of the documentary; that was when things started to get interesting. 

When watching the film, I noticed that Raf is a very shy character. The amount of pressure that must have fallen onto him to produce a collection within the short amount of time he had must have been truly difficult. 

During the film, the French narrator quoted some really interesting facts about Mr Dior himself, such as the house that Christian Dior lived in was a very soft pink, mixed with the greys of the gravel which remained Dior's favourite colours in couture. The house itself influenced his style from the architecture to the environment the house was in. 

The collection that Raf produced was very feminine, creating curves on the model with the fabric, and embellishing floral romance into the clothing itself. It was a truly beautiful collection, and still to this day my favourite collection so far that Dior have created. 

Dior & I is available on Netflix, I 100% recommend you watch this if you are interested in Dior.

Saskia x