Thursday 29 July 2010

Trompe L'Oeil

I don't know about you but I am very partial to some Trompe L'Oeil - as you probably know looking at my final collection. I came across this beautiful dress today on the Selfridges website - ah I love the email updates they send...
It is a Duffle Coat printed Tee Dress by Paul Smith. I love the attention to detail and how the illusion continues on to the back with the hood. It is similar to the effect I was trying to achieve and I have just fallen head over heels with this outcome! Just imagine it paired with some simple nude heels and it's a complete outfit!

Best Wishes
Fashion Fantasist xx

All Saints

A while ago I visited Westfields and bought some lovely things which you can see in my post Shopping Trip. Whilst I was there I dipped into All Saints. After discovering a beautiful ball dress for my sister and some other printed dresses online I wanted to see what else there was to discover. There really were some beautifully printed pieces. Unfortunately I think I am toooooo short!!! The Tshirt I tried on was way too long to be a Tshirt but too short to be a dress. Also although they use interesting pattern cutting, sometimes doing it deliberately wrong just doesn't work. Oh well I think the prints are gorgeous - So if you are tall and looking for something a little bit different I highly recommend All Saints to you.

Speak Soon
Fashion Fantasist xx

Thursday 22 July 2010

Imagination

Sarah-Jayne Guest is a recent graduate from Loughborough University in Printed Textile Design. She has worked for design brands such as Elle and Selfridges and has now launched her own - SJGuest Designs. At the beginning of July I came across an interview with Sarah Guest and instantly fell for her artistic flare. Her work combines mixture of random objects in a drawn playful style. Here is a selection of her print works and soft furnishings.
I contacted Sarah because I wished to know what led her to such interesting playful outcomes and where she found her inspiration. "Lots of inspiration! The collection is called imagination, it aims to be fun and has no serious undertones. I mix together imagery from a variety of sources, boot sales, markets and occasionally the zoo. - I love the work of Alan Aldridge and Missoni. They have been strong influences and inspiration. Other than that it has really just been about having fun. - I love interiors and the ideal of making a house a home so I guess that explains the application."

Here is the chair cushions that first caught my eye in The Guardian.
Hope you have found these beautiful and inspirational - personally I like to try and find all the different objects in the prints - they are such fun!

Speak Soon
Fashion Fantasist xx

Tuesday 20 July 2010

Bristol Rockstyle Press Event

Last Wednesday (14th July) I attended a press evening for Bristol Rockstlye hosted by Miss Bristol - Amy Willerton and H1 Hair and Beauty. I was very excited as I had never been invited to a press evening before and as my twitter followers know I had a lot of trouble deciding what to wear...but in case you are interested here is the final outfit choice.
The evening was hosted at View Art Gallery, which was somewhere I had never been. It was a great airy space and the exhibition that they had was really interesting. It was called 'Urban View' and it contained new urban and contemporary artwork from UK and international artists. Once I was there I was greeted with a glass of champagne and tables of Molton Brown goodie bags and canapes. The hosts were Tyrone Jones creator of H1 Hair and Beauty and the lovely Amy Willerton both mingling and having their photograph taken. There were photographers and models making the rounds in local designer gear. There was also a live music performance by Louis and Josh - a preview of the event.
Now to fill you in on Bristol Rockstyle... Thursday 19th August 2010 at 31 Corn Street, Bristol. Miss Bristol and H1 Hair and Beauty salon are bringing together their combined experience of the fashion and beauty business to raise money for The Variety Club through a fashion show with a difference.

The event is part of a spectacular launch party by H1 Hair and Beauty, a brand new salon which combines hairdressing, beauty treatments including a nail bar and tannin studio under one roof situated in a lovely period premises on the corner of Gloucester Road and Zetland Road. H1 Director Tyrone Jones has previously worked in the national hair and beauty media and has links with many of the country's top fashion brands.

Amy Willerton has been involved in and modelled in many Bristol and Bath fashion shows and is currently aiming to be Miss England 2010. Her younger brother suffers from a rare chromosomal disorder and sever autism and she wanted to raise money to help The Variety Club change the lives of disadvantaged children.

The professional choreographed show will feature local designers and high street brands and will include additional entertainment.

Amy said, "We wanted to put on a fashion event which will demonstrate that Bristol has talent and creativity to match that found in London but just like H1 we will make it affordable and accessible. Working with each brand we will create the essence of this on the catwalk. I wand to know and feel that the audience has had a fantastic evening. Knowing that it will also have helped less fortunate children in the UK will make all the effort worthwhile."

Tyrone added, "H1 is an exciting new form of salon. The surroundings are stunning, the atmosphere will be sophisticated yet fun and best of all - you can have the full range of hair and beauty treatments in one salon. You'll get London style treatments at realistic prices.
We wanted to have a launch party with a difference and have bought this fresh new thinking to the fashion show. We've been delighted at how many companies have jumped at the chance to show their products for such a great cause. "
I also did a mini interview with Miss Bristol/Amy just to find out what it is like being Miss Bristol, her personal style and what she wants to do next.

What is it like being Miss Bristol?
Amazing! I'm so proud and blessed to represent the city I love. I have had so many opportunities available since becoming Miss Bristol to become part of my local community and meet people from all walks of life - and use my title to benefit them in some way! I think it's healthy for cities to have positive role models connected to them - I believe in becoming the change you wish to see in the world and I want to help inspire people to achieve their dreams - As living as Miss Bristol is mine!


How would you describe your personal style compared with Miss Bristol?
I think I reflect my own personal style through what I wear when I've got my crown on! But I suppose I try to keep things a lot more neutral as I want people to be able to relate to me. I'm a girly girl and Miss Bristol gets to wear some awesome dresses - so there's no problems on my end on style alterations! I can't wait to see the stunning gown local designer Gilly Woo is creating for me to wear at Miss England :DHow did you get involved with event organising?
I have been involved with many fashion shows based in Bristol and Bath etc over the past few years and through this have gained a lot of knowledge into the organisation of events. Social networking has allowed me to make the contacts needed to make this show come to life - but boy has it not been easy!! I have been lucky in teaming up with the H1 team on this as Tyrone has been my rock with offering advice and keeping me organised! The end result will most definitely be worth it and hopefully the money raised for the Variety Club will make a massive difference to the lives of many disadvantaged children across the UK.
Go BRISTOL ROCKSTYLE!!

What do you plan on doing after your reign as Miss Bristol is over?
I've just began my gap year and my Miss Bristol reign will end in April of next year. In an ideal world I would love to be Miss England at that point and be continuing my work but on a national level! But I wont think about too much as this competition is extremely difficult and each and every finalist in her own right has a reason to win! What I will most likely do is travel - I'm desperate to see the world and I would love to do some projects abroad to help benefit other communities across the globe. Then off to university I suppose!!

Also a rather cheesy question - favorite fashion designer or shop?
Right........ I really don't know! I work at Hollister part time- and I adore the clothes there! So that would currently be my favourite shop on the days where my eyes can see through the darkness!! My favourite designer would be Miss Gilly Woo - She is an asset to Bristol fashion and has the most incredible designs with so much imagination - she will be showcasing her underwear collection at Bristol Rockstyle! I would also like to mention Charlie Crozier of Amour Fou - because her designs are so personal and carry a story always - She will be showcasing her designs at BR - and I can promise you this section in particular going to be so so exciting!!


Overall it was a really enjoyable evening!!! Aaaaaaand I got a free goodie bag! :)
For tickets head to the Bristol Ticket Shop and search for Bristol Rockstyle. Also if you wish to vote for Amy for Miss England head here!

Best Wishes Fashion Fantasist xx

Sunday 18 July 2010

Hat Trick


I love these whimsical lights. I wish I had a high ceiling abode where these could hang.
Jeeves

Wooster
I liked these light shades so much I contacted Jake Phipps, the designer, and asked about the inspiration, 'The idea originally came from Rene Magritte's painting of the faceless businessman - 'The Son of Man'. The names Jeeves and Wooster were after PG Woodhouse's most famous characters.'
Jake's website also has lots of innovative furniture and lighting designs which I think you might enjoy exploring here!
Best Wishes
Fashion Fantasist xx

Tuesday 13 July 2010

ByRogue

Elegant Knuckle Dusters? I am skeptical about such things but then an email from ByRogue landed in my inbox. These rings are something else - elegant, interesting and unique. The jewellery by ByRogue is inspired by 80's music and hip-hop mixed with an underground street vibe. What makes it special and stand alone from other brands is that they incorporate true design tricks learnt from the roots of Bali's incredible silversmiths who have dedicated their lives to making beautiful pieces.


Alice
Frankie
Black
808
I think my favorites are Alice and Frankie. They are sold in Selfridges and Kabiri shops in Covent Garden and Marlybone. Also if gold isn't really your thing they do make them in silver on request.

One thing I am finding really interesting about blogging is finding out about designers that I may not have ordinarily come across and I am very glad I have :) Check out the ByRogue Blog and they are also on twitter!

Speak Soon Fashion Fantasist xxx

Layer Up In New York Paris Tomorrow

Have done my first stint of guest blogging on the lovely Madeleine Gallay's Blog In New York Paris Tomorrow. Please check it out my post Autumn Leaves and Hot Chocolate - Hope you enjoy it! :)
Best Wishes
Fashion Fantasist xx

Monday 12 July 2010

Layer Up

Looking forward to Autumn and Winter already... Although I dislike the cold it really does offer a greater variety of clothing and outfits. Woolly jumpers layered up with coats, scarfs and hats. Really looking forward to new Topshop collections there looks like there are going to be some interesting trends this winter.




I love everything about this out fit! That blouse may be at the top of my Christmas list!


If I am honest I really like all these outfits. I also think that with a bit of thrifting and shopping around they could be recreated. The colours and wools are autumnal hues and I think look very chic and warm. Can imagine kicking through leaves and drink hot chocolate in any of these looks. But I will be enjoying summer until that point - who knows how long it will last, but I will not be wishing it a way. Hope you have had lovely weekends!

All images are from the Topshop Website.

Speak Soon Fashion Fantasist xx

Friday 9 July 2010

Blushing Pearl

You know how it is when you hop from one blog to another and then you come across a talent. That happened to me the other day I came across Blushing Pearl by Marsinah a talented print and letterpress designer.



So I got in contact with Marsinah and found out about her and her work.

I am a designer and letterpress printer born and raised in Southern California. Having just moved to Seattle, Washington, I've been exploring my new surroundings and absorbing the sun as much as I can :) Blushing Pearl is my design studio. I started my career working in the Fashion Industry. Though I would still like to work in fashion, I have grown to love the art of Handmade through Letterpress printing. When I can or if I have access to metal or wood type, I like to set my own type. Most of the time I design my own artwork and then letterpress them on pillowy soft 100% cotton fibre paper. I have just finished designing my own website. It was a daunting task and I lost A LOT of sleep over it. But all the hard work has paid off!

I really like her work the colours and line really works. My favorite is the bird card and the Baby Shower invite which is very sweet.
If you wish to have a browse and maybe buy some of her lovely creations stop by her etsy shop.
Also check out her blog and she's also on twitter :)

Enjoy this sweet discovery
Speak Soon Fashion Fantasist xxx

Thursday 8 July 2010

U.W.E Final Show

Well this was a pleasant surprise! Noticed on facebook one of my friends had posted this video. It is a back stage style video of our fashion show which was on the 22nd May. What makes it even nicer is that the music track is the tune I used for my collection when it came down the catwalk. Also there are some little snippets of my collection :) - can you spot them?



Enjoy Fashion Fantasist xxx

Wednesday 7 July 2010

Shopping Trip

I went to Westfield in London on Sunday and I thought I would share my purchases with you! :)
Shoes from Aldo
Shoes from Barrats
Jersey Floral Dress from French Connection
Front
Seaming that looks like corsetry
Back
Ted Baker Jersey Biker Jacket Amazing sale item £129 reduced to £69!!
Front
Back
The beautiful lining
Back
Shoulder Detail

Hope you have enjoyed my random purchase update!
Best Wishes
Fashion Fantasist xx