Next years house

It's really nice these pic's don't do it justice. Hopefully it will be tidy when we move in.
I have established that i will not be a photographer.

Tower of London

Styling and Imaging - photo shoot

PR Internship

Had a couple of weeks before semester 2 starts so I've been busy finding work placements for fashion week and the summer. So excited that i start helping fashion designer Eun Jeong with the PR in the run up to and during LFW. Watch a preview of Eun's SS 11 collection below.....

Designer name: Eun Jeong

Origin: Korea

Career highlights: “There are many: winning Fashion Fringe 2008; working as a part-time tutor on the Fashion Design course at Kent Institute; developing my own label ‘1st element by hong eun jeong’; designing uniforms for Hyundai Department store staff in Korea; illustrating for an international textile magazine.
I designed three collections in Seoul, Korea and became a manager of the overseas business department at D.S Textile in UK at the same time as running my own label in the UK.

Design background: Eun graduated from Kent Institute with a BA and then completed her MA at Central Saint Martins. She was manager of the Overseas Business Department at D.S. Textile in the UK.

What are your design signatures? “Draping and tailoring.”

How would you describe the Eun Jeong woman? “She isn’t shy. She looks and feels proud of herself because her clothes are unique.”

What's new for you this season? “I’m using digital print for the first time. I have finally achieved the perfect print through a process of trial and error. I am really looking forward to showing the new collection with this new direction.”

Where do you go in London to seek ideas for a forthcoming collection? “London is such an inspirational city, I'm not sure where to start! The V&A is a fantastic place to seek inspiration - I honestly learn something new every time I visit.”

Mary Katrantzou - a/w 10-11

British style is unique and inspired. Recent years have seen an influx of new designers descend on LFW catwalks to give us a glimpse of the future. With digital technology a revolutionary visual language of geometric prints and vibrant colour is being invented and it is shaking the London fashion scene to its core. Mary Katrantzou,  an innovative print and textile expert from Greece via Central Saint Martins is at the forefront of this creative explosion. Her rare combination of energy, attitude and distinctive style has set her on an extraordinary path toward success.
From the giant jewellery and perfume bottle inspired creations of previous seasons that found their way on to the high street as part of a capsule collection for Topshop MK traveled back in time to an 18th Century  court of spellbinding opulence to transform her aw ‘10 silhouette. The ’excessive and decorative’ collection has stayed true to her troupe l’oeil signature style making this season’s pieces recognisably hers but they have now evolved to possess a sensuous sophistication that sets them apart from the rest. With a variety of skirt lengths, high collared vest-jackets and Napoleonic nipped in coats MK successfully sculpted a tailored look for the modern woman. While romanticism was revealed through an array of ruffles, frills and cascading half trains of tulle or lace the real genius of the collection was found in the intricacy and attention to detail throughout. A treasure trove of jewels, pearls, statement accessories and gold embroidery were sprinkled over a regal colour palette of deep blues, pinks and greens.  Ruby red lips gave the collection MK’s seal of approval and the chiming bells of the show soundtrack heralded the arrival of fashions new golden girl.   

1920's A Decade of change

If there is one concept that defines the twenties it is freedom and change, post WWI  optimism took over every sphere of human activity and sparked incalculable alterations, most notably for women who began to find their voice and express themselves more than at any other time in history. During this decade women liberated their bodies from constricting clothing and moved into the modern era with a daring fashion revolution that signalled the start of the roaring ‘20’s, fragments of which exist in our wardrobes today.

   The transition into this brave new fashion world was rather a slow one, reluctance to adopt the radical celebration of style and individuality was replaced by a passionate embrace of the innovative by 1925. Silhouettes became boyish and young as breasts were flattened with bandeau bras  and corsets were abandoned in favour of loose and comfortable clothing. The garments that were now free of restriction possessed a distinct awareness of the body enabling subtle emphasise of the woman underneath. For the first time in centuries women showed leg lightly covered by silk substitute rayon stockings. These were visible as a result of raised hemlines to knee or calf length, skirts utilised slits and pleats to allow movement, particularly ideal for new dance styles such as the Charleston. Twenties fashion was undoubtedly bold and the term ‘flapper fashion’ became used to describe and represent women who had attitude and projected it as they adorned shorter skirts or even trousers, pouted ox blood lips, Eton cropped their hair and openly consumed alcohol.

   The fashions and styles of this exhilarating decade were carefully carved out by a number of designers that were exceptionally popular at the time, Jean Patou, Elsa Schiaparelli  and the late, great Coco Chanel. Chanel remains inspirational and admired, during the twenties she was the epitome of ‘flapper’ and promoted it with a passion. Her silhouettes were soft and fluid as she worked primarily with jersey fabric but without corsets or waist definition, the use of neutral tones such as cream, navy, black and sand created a simplicity that captured the palpable essence of the decade.

   It was a time for ideas and image reinvention that enabled the forward looking woman to possess a new kind of style as they constructed a vision of themselves that entwined their personality with the fashions of the time. One of the most appealing looks of the twenties was the cloche hat over cropped hair, made incredibly popular by actress Louise Brooks, this accessory was initially a radical one however as the forehead  became unfashionable the cloche hat became standard by the end of the decade. Footwear was completely revamped and the twenties brought exciting changes as shoes were finally acknowledged as a fashion accessory. Now that footwear was on display beneath shorter skirts or wrap over coats they began to appear as much more striking statement pieces that have influenced the styles of today particularly ankle straps and peep toe heels.

   The twenties were certainly a decade of immense change in many ways, the explosion that came after the war was a joyous one affecting ideas and opinions the world over. Nothing was left untouched by the tangible mood which was one of liberation and positivity. The face of the fashion industry would never be the same again and we were now blessed with the works of some awe inspiring designers. The immense power, excitement and style that originated during the twenties was a profound historical event that paved the way for female independence and celebration of the body and individual identity.

mannythemovieguy.com - Image

IRVING PENN June 16 1917 - October 7 2009

Irving Penn was undoubtedly one of the worlds most extraordinary men, an outstanding 20th century visual artist who lived his dream and had a sensational career spanning seven decades. Penn never lost his creative brilliance, his vision or his ability to capture and convey the beauty and simplicity of the world and all the objects within it. This genius is encapsulated in every photograph he ever took whether the subject was a celebrity, aborigine tribesmen, cigarette butts or San Francisco hippies the images projected such deep and powerful emotion that his work became incredibly distinctive. Penn wanted his work to speak to its viewer and initiate reaction, he gave his photographs all of the passion, energy and creativity he had within him so much so that he revolutionised the fashion, art and photography worlds and became immortal as his work will last through the ages.

  Penn discovered at an early age that he possessed artistic talent and attended the Pennsylvania Museum School of Industrial Art from which he graduated in 1938. One of his first career achievements was having drawings published in Harpers Bazaar which was and still is one of the most popular and influential fashion magazines in the world. As Penn evolved gaining understanding of visual communication and the effect it has on the public his career as a photographer blossomed. He initially became known for post World War two feminine glamour images before venturing into fashion photography particularly for industry leader Vogue magazine during the early 1940’s. In 1944 Penn left Vogue to join the US military in Italy and journeyed to India where he developed his skills. Vogue welcomed him back in 1946 to continue his unorthodox yet inspiring fashion work and undertake travel assignments, his association with this publication would last for many years.

  In 1953 an unassuming plain studio in New York opened its doors and Penn turned his attention to portraiture adopting a rarely used technique that would see him become a pioneer as he was able to use it more effectively than any other photographer. Subjects pose against simple white or grey backdrops, carefully organised even sometimes unusual arrangements were used to create striking composition and a calm, skilful and focused approach fused with soft and sensuous natural light became a recipe for greatness. By photographing for hours at a time Penn was able to allow a relaxed subject to open up and truthfully reveal the secrets of their souls through emotion and expression, as a result each image contains the energy and personality of its focus. Penn’s photographs had deep meaning, his feelings, nature and appreciation for natural beauty leaked through the lens and every click of the camera was purposeful, honest and always had the viewer in mind. In a 1991 interview with the New York Times he explained that he was constantly trying to ‘intrigue, stimulate and feed’ the spectator. This is evident in the way that his images evoke curiosity, penetrate your thoughts and entice you by drawing you into them with warmth, sharpness and detail. It is this unique creative power that has ensured Penn’s place as a master of photography, he has inspired others to attempt the technique he championed  and  many have continued his legacy by exhibiting his images or publishing books to celebrate his life’s work.

  An impressive career was only one aspect of Penn’s life, he was blessed with a happy personal life and loving family that had a profound impact on what he created. Irving Penn fist met Swedish model Lisa Fonssagrives at a fashion shoot, the two were married in 1950 and Lisa, his soul mate and collaborator for 42 years remained his favorite subject until her death in 1992. The couple had one son, Tom Penn now a respected designer and Mia a daughter from Lisa’s previous marriage. Irving Penn passed away on 7th October 2009. It is important to recognise and celebrate the remarkable achievements of a phenomenal man who’s lifelong commitment to beauty and excellence will never be forgotten.

P.S - This piece was part of my portfolio for Uni, i just found it and remembered how much i enjoyed looking at Irving Penn's work and writing about his life.