Song of the Day

            

Big Fin - More Than Love

Music Mouthpiece

After a brief hiatus by the sea, I've returned for year two at university. Here's something I wrote for my column assignment...

Have you ever heard of that band, “Bumford and Sons”?  You know, the ones that “dress like country bumpkins” with the frontman who’s “married to that boring Carey Mulligan”? No?

Nowadays, the folking 4-piece, Mumford and Sons, are getting more hate than love. Their newly released “Babel” is getting slated, despite the fact their recently announced world tour is selling out. So why is a Grammy-nominated band that is two albums into their career, still getting laughed off by people?

Lately, it’s been deemed cool to dislike certain bands. Even I have been prone to put down a group, despite the fact that I could probably sing along to their greatest hits collection. A prime example being when I was offered a ticket to one of Coldplay’s sold-out shows this past summer, in London. I politefully declined on the basis that I’m not their biggest fan and therefore my attendance may have been a waste. Though in the back of my mind I was worried at the idea of people knowing I went to a Coldplay gig. Societal stigma had me thinking that going to see a world-renowned, ridiculously successful, long-reigning band was shameful.

Similarly, now I’m being told about the bands that are really ‘cool’ to like (Alabama Shakes anyone?) Before even downloading their music, I was reading a track-by-track tweetathon of Alt-J’s debut album telling me why I should love this band. Suddenly, I felt like I had no other obligation other than to be completely infatuated with it.

Would people have been as accommodating had they entered the industry via a different route? What if they had been a by-product of the British talent show empire? And what happens if Alt-J’s hype gets so big, they demand to get carried to a venue in a glass egg? Are we supposed to drop them quicker than you can say Chris Martin?

So it seems in order to maintain our love for you emerging bands, you need to stay fairly underground, don’t wear waistcoats and refrain from falling in love with an award-winning actress. Is that alright with you?

Songs Of The Week

With the release of Spector's Enjoy It While It Lasts, not to mention a couple local gigs from Rough Comforts, I haven't been listening to much else. So have a listen to these Songs Of The Week - and by week, I mean all through the week.

Spector - Never Fade Away

Rough Comforts - Deliver (Acoustic)

Tailored

Today I found that once you've fallen in love with a garment, nobody can deter you from buying it. An example being these pansy print trousers, from Next. Although on the surface they are quite the bold print (something I'm not used to), when paired with a loose fitting shirt, they are just what I need. 

I think I've restored my love for the tailored trouser leg.

Cambridge

Cambridge satchel - £105

When it comes to your bag of choice, there's nothing cooler than a Cambridge satchel. The classic design means you'll never grow tired of them, plus anything that falls under the smart/schoolgirl category is fine by me.

Now, The Cambridge Satchel Company have decided to bring out a pastel range. Available in Duck-Egg Blue, Rose Pink, Lilac and Lemon, the bags are perfect for the following summer months. However, they're only around for a limited time. Maybe this means they will release another collection for Autumn/Winter. I'm hoping for burgundy and bottle green. Anyone else?

Check them out here

Miu Miu

With the weather being far too hot, it makes me wish that colder months would hurry up, so I can don a long-sleeved shirt/embellished shift dress combination like Chloe Sevigny does in this video. Or should I try a tailored suit?

Miu Miu F/W 2012 campaign - behind the scenes

Varvatos

I can only apologise for my absence of late, summer has well and truly stolen me. Though I return bearing gifts, in the form of the new John Varvatos Fall/Winter 2012 campaign video - starring Paul Weller and Miles Kane. Am I forgiven?

John Varvatos Fall/Winter 2012

Songs of the Day

To compensate for a lack of blogging, enjoy not one, but two songs of the day from Rosy Glasses favourites, Slow Club and Summer Camp. Both great songs. Both great videos. Both featuring some ace hawaiian shirts.

Slow Club - Beginners

Summer Camp - Always

Tennessee

Check out this ace campaign video for the Calla A/W 2012/2013 collection. Shot on Valentine's day, the vid was directed by Eva Michon, styled by Leith Clark and modelled by Tennessee Thomas. Enjoy...

Song of the Day

The Like - He's Not A Boy

I'm With The Band

The band t-shirt is definitely a staple in my wardrobe, with Joy Division, Tom Williams and the Boat and The Vaccines tees being firm favourites of mine. Maybe it's the fact it's combining my love of fashion and music, or how they can lend itself to pretty much any outfit.

After seeing model Suki Waterhouse don this Je t'aime Miles Kane top, I was happy to realise it's actually being sold in the Miles Kane online store (and not just a product of a girlfriend customising her clothes). At £20 a pop, it's definitely at the top of the shopping list. 

Gatsby

Is anyone else really excited for this?

Song of the Day

I'm currently working on a group project, creating a 3-minute segment on the ukulele. During this time I've discovered The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. If you haven't heard of them, look them up because they do some amazing covers, including today's Song of the Day...

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain - Teenage Dirtbag (Wheatus cover)

If You're Not Busy...

Click here to read a piece I wrote for The Flaneur about jelly shoes. If anything, the piece includes two references to Destiny's Child "Bootylicious" and for that reason alone, it is worth a read.

Hawaiian Air

I don't know whether it's the fact that summer's approaching, which is making me want to venture into prints, but I've got a thing for Hawaiian shirts. Yes, Hawaiian shirts. There's something about them: the kitsch prints or maybe the 'so right they're wrong' quality they possess. Along with jelly shoes, tie dye and dungarees, they're another piece of nostalgia available on the high street right now.

If you like the idea, but maybe not the prospect of looking like Leonardo DiCaprio, circa Romeo and Juliet, then the shirt dress is the best option. This recently purchased number from ASOS ticks all the boxes - especially with its peter pan collar. 

If you're with me, head to ASOS for a plethora of Hawaiian prints.

Song of the Day

François and the Atlas Mountains - Edge of Town

Joe Simpson Profile Piece: Part Two

Musician Portraits, featuring Justin Young of The Vaccines

The cinematic pieces present in Almost There aren’t all that Simpson can do. His most successful undertaking is undoubtedly the Musician Portraits series, last year. The collection of paintings were of 22 musicians – all of which Simpson was a big fan of. “I had to use some serious Google skills and write persuasive emails. It was often hard getting around management and to ask the musicians directly.”

Throughout the process of getting in touch with his subjects, Simpson came across a pleasant surprise. “I went to see Newton Faulkner at his house and hung out with him for a little bit,” he says. “His heavily pregnant girlfriend came in and I realised that I used to sit next to her at college. I haven’t spoken to her, so I had no idea there was any connection. It was quite surreal.”

Originally the exhibition was held at a pop-up gallery, in Soho. Now it’s going to be shown at the Royal Albert Hall later this year. When I ask him how this opportunity came about, he answers that he was lucky as “somebody from the Royal Albert Hall just happened to pass and had a look - they were really keen for it and they’re going to put it on.” The opening night of the exhibition is even going to include a spoken word session from musician (and one of the subjects) Scroobius Pip.

Whilst waiting for the space in Soho to be ready, Simpson wasted no time and started another project, Everything Is Electrified. He decided to use the obscure subject of pylons – an intentional choice, in order to be able to use minimal source material and no sitters. “I’ve always been interested in bold skies and clouds and started to make landscapes,” adds Simpson. “I wanted to contrast the sprawling natural shapes of the skies with straight, formal and rigid imagery – I want these grand skies, punctuated by these manmade structures. They feel quite cinematic – like they appear in a Spielberg movie.”

Everything Is Electrified

Despite the reaction to Everything Is Electrified as being “oddly positive”, Simpson’s strengths lie in people. His Tumblr website, The Mistakes We Knew We Were Making, is used as “a way of logging images that interest me in some way; to keep as an almost scrapbook.” These images are mostly of people in a melancholy state. It’s this kind of feeling that usually drives Simpson’s work. “It’s a mood that keeps the journey interesting and I think that pain kind of works well within images,” he answers. “You know, because paintings are still and there’s a long time to create it. I think it just fits with the medium. Being slow and measured and just kind of drawn out, it speaks to the process a bit more.”

By always relying on heavyhearted emotions for his art, Simpson looks for light relief in his side projects. “I’m doing little bits and bobs. I’m working on something for a Scroobius Pip t-shirt, painting a portrait of a model - Nina Kenny. I’m also working on a TV advert and making a short film, called Elliot.”

With just under two months left until he leaves for America, does Simpson have any plans on a project to follow? “No, I think that [Across America] will take a considerable amount of time. When I worked on a commission for P&O, I went to New York for 3 days and took loads of photographs. Those kept me painting for at least 6/7 months,” recalls Simpson. “I think it’s good to have a bit of a break and a step back and think.”

Check out Joe's work here

Song of the Day

Alex Turner - Piledriver Waltz

Joe Simpson Profile Piece: Part One

As part of a university assignment, I spoke to London-based artist (and Rosy Glasses favourite) Joe Simpson. Here's part one of a profile piece I wrote...

Joe Simpson

“I think there will be moments of horrible loneliness, but that might make for some interesting art along the way” says Joe Simpson. We are tucked away in the corner of the Ritzy Café in Brixton, where Simpson is based, sipping on our coffees.

Discussion starts with his new project, Across America – documenting his trip around the states through paintings, sketches and photographs. When he returns to the UK, he will develop these into larger oil paintings.

“America seemed like the best place for this project,” Simpson says. “The artists I looked at, like Edward Hopper, include a lot of movie references and are quite cinematic. It’s that kind of art that I want to create and have those American themes.”

The project is being run through crowd funding – a scheme where people buy pieces of art that Simpson will create on location. Yet how on earth does he get people to part ways with their money for something that doesn’t even exist yet? “I thought that it was a nice way to promote it and get people invested in it early. I thought it would be a novel way to do it.”

Having already surpassed the target total on its very first day, it seems that luck is on the young artist’s side. Not to mention a busy schedule. As a figurative painter, Simpson has been working solidly since graduating from Leeds University in 2007, with a degree in fine art. “After uni, I had a few lucky breaks, which meant that I could carry on. I try and treat it like a 9 to 5 job. It’s the idea of keeping on top of it, trying to keep a work ethic, it’s not always easy.”

Almost There

He insists that he prefers to work in projects as opposed to single paintings. “I always feel they speak better when they’re together.” This explains one of his previous bodies of work, entitled Almost There. The series of 12 paintings also incorporate America and the idea of the road trip, but with the added bonus of a soundtrack. Each painting was in association with a different band; a song was written specifically, which matched the scene and mood. This culminated in both the paintings and audio illustrating the subject’s journey.

The paintings were deliberately left to show uncertainty about how they are connected, allowing people to make their own story. “You’ve got this one image and you have to think of a context for it; fill in the blanks,” muses Simpson. “It’s such a limited amount of information; I think that’s what gives painting their strength.”

In all of Simpson’s pieces, ambiguity is a key factor. It’s the sense of an enigma that he’s drawn to. By highlighting the in-between moments, the times where you’re unsure what exactly is happening, it adds much more depth to the scene. Or as Simpson himself puts it, “there’s a bit of mystery to it and it means something to different people. It captures a bit of a mood. I think it’s more powerful if it’s ambiguous.”

The paintings itself are dramatic, in the sense that high-key lighting is often featured. Always using oil paints, the pieces are almost like photographs; as they could be stills taken from a feature film.



Check out part two here

Song of the Day

In the run up to Saturday's Ally Pally gig, here's a classic...

Bombay Bicycle Club - Always Like This

19

Click here to read 19 magazine - created by university student, Georgia Burgoyne. There's a couple of pieces in there written by me, but the whole thing is edited by Georgia herself. This girl is talented! Check it out...

Song of the Day

Lisa Mitchell - Coin Laundry

Sandy

Watching Grease a few days ago, I was reminded how great Sandy's outfits were. The girl looks ace with her peter pan collars, pastel shades and ribbons. Admittedly, much better than her leather-clad ensemble at the end.

ASOS - £48

We were probably meant to prefer someone cooler like Rizzo, or lust after the T-birds, but all I was wondering is where to shop, in order to channel my current style crush. It's probably better not to go all out with the matching cardigans and full skirts, but I think this mint green jumper from ASOS could fit the bill. 

Now I'm off to go buy some ribbon..

Song of the Day

The Pantomime Villains - Hook, Line & Sinker

Beware Of Young Girls

Click here to watch Wren's new video for the Autumn/Winter 2012 collection, modelled by Tavi Gevinson. 

9 to 5

Blazer - £55, Shorts - £38,

After watching The Apprentice on a Wednesday evening, it's evident that whilst the candidates claim to be innovators in business, they tend not to be in fashion. This is why they should get themselves down to Oasis for this tropical print suit. 

It's time to stop the ill-fitting tailoring, cap sleeves and questionable shirt/eyeshadow colour matching. People are more likely to take you seriously (and buy your chutney) if you're donning one of the key trends of Spring/Summer.

However, if shorts are too much for the office, Oasis stocks a full skirt and a pencil skirt in the same pattern. So there really is no excuse. I just want someone to rock a bold print in the boardroom. Anyone.

PS. If tropical isn't your thing, head to River Island for this blazer and these trousers in a lovely blue paisley print. 

Song of the Day

Dillon - Thirteen Thirty-Five

The Newcomer

A profile piece I wrote for university on Louise Wallbanks - a 3rd year fashion design student.

Classic menswear silhouettes that are creating a quirky individual statement: fashion’s latest graduate is set to become a game changer.

‘Sometimes I go out, but the whole night in the back of my head I’m thinking how to cut that jacket.’ It tells me a lot that Louise Wallbanks always has fashion on her mind. You may not know her yet, but she has been quietly working her way through 3 years at the University of the Creative Arts. Sitting in the Epsom studio where she resides, the design student is currently working on an 8-piece line-up for her graduate collection.

Upon meeting, the 24-year-old assures me that she looks tidier when out of the studio, different to her uniform of comfy jumpers, jeans and Converse. An attire to ease the busy lifestyle she now has, ‘I don’t get a lot of time to relax.’ It appears that part of the reason is because work never stops; there are already plans of what to do after fashion. ‘When I’ve passed my sell by date, I really want to illustrate for children’s books. That’s really random isn’t it?’

But first, Wallbanks wants her own line – a decision made after years of internships, including those with Sir Tom Baker and Emilio de la Morena. ‘They were all lovely but you do all this work and the designer gets all the credit for it. I guess that’s how it works as I was just the intern,’ she says of the latter.

Inspiration for the final collection may not be conventional, but that’s what the young designer wants to be known for. ‘Have you seen the film Sherlock Holmes? There’s a bit in the final scene where he becomes the sofa.’ With that known, there’s no surprise that one of Wallbanks’ favourite designers is DSquared2. The way Wallbanks puts together colour on a canvas of well-cut tailoring is prevalent in the work of Canadian brothers Dean and Dan Caten.

Her clothes are a perfect reflection of her personality, which she describes succinctly. ‘I think the type of person that would wear my designs knows his own mind and is not afraid to stand out; nor is he scared of expressing himself in a vibrant and bold way,’ she says. ‘A man who understands and wants a balance between classic simplicity and decorative statement.’

Though with Central Saint Martins becoming a launchpad for careers, with the likes of Christopher Kane and Stella McCartney as past alumni, isn’t she worried? ‘The fashion industry is very competitive anyway, so if you are not motivated to push yourself it would be very hard to get involved, however if it is something you really want, which I do, you will tend to push yourself until you get there.’

I think the children’s books might have to wait.    

Pitt for Prada

Considering the lovely weather, I thought it would only be right to feature another Spring/Summer ad campaign. Click here to appreciate Michael Pitt for Prada's Spring/Summer 2012 menswear campaign - behind the scenes.

The One

Lana Del Rey - Blue Jeans

With her new video, Blue Jeans, Lana Del Rey has reminded us one thing, and that is the one-piece is definitely the coolest thing to don for the summer. Here's my pick of the swimsuits from the high street, in an array of designs and prices...

1) H&M - £19.99

2) New Look - £24.99

3) Topshop - £34

4) Ted Baker (ASOS) - £69

5) Seafolly (ASOS) £85

6) Wildfox (Urban Outiftters) £127

Song of the Day

Lykke Li - Sadness Is A Blessing

Schoolgirl Style for Spring/Summer

As the weather gets warmer, it becomes increasingly apparent that layering a long-sleeved white shirt underneath a black shift dress isn't going to fare well. What's that I hear (probably none of you) cry? How do you incorporate schoolgirl style for spring/summer? Here's how...

1) Relax the silhouette

Dress - Topshop

This dress still has the smart element that you want to maintain, but it's much less structured. The colour is perfect for the upcoming season and the pockets ensure space for your pens and pencils.

2) Never underestimate the sock

Socks - ASOS

You're probably already partial to pairing your socks with your cropped trousers, but there's no reason to leave them behind. There's a plethora to choose from: gingham, lace, or fringed. Team them with your brogues or penny loafers and you'll be top of the class.

3) The collar is your best friend 

Collar - Ebay

As previously mentioned, layering shirts underneath other garments won't be an option when the temperatures are at their highest. Instead, opt for a detachable collar. This means that you can keep your cool, but still look put-together. An A+ for accessories.

New video: Slow Club

Slow Club - The Dog

Song of the Day

Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson - Relator

Bad Girls Do It Well

Here are the final edits of mine and Esther's photoshoot for our styling and imaging project - click here for more details. Click on the images to see them larger.

Flaneur

Click here to read my fashion moment on nerdy specs, just published on the Flaneur site 

New video: Marina & The Diamonds

Marina & The Diamonds - Primadonna

Song of the Day

Klaus - Battlezoo

Song of the Day

LightIsLost - This Time It's Personal

I heard that you like the bad girls, honey, is that true?

Today was the day that Esther and I handed in our styling and imaging project - the photoshoot. We had to choose a trend, reference a decade and aim it for a publication.

The publication was i-D. The trend was pastels. The decade reference was 90s grunge, with a touch of Lana Del Rey.

Here are just a few of the (unedited) photos...

Click the photos to see the images larger.

Hello Spring/Summer!

As it's officially Spring, here's the new campaign video for the Vero Moda Spring/Summer 2012 collection - starring Alexa Chung.

By the way...

Diversity In Fashion has been featured on the UCA website so click here to find out all about it. Even though we're back from Edinburgh, it does not mean we plan to slow down our campaign.

We also now have a Facebook page and we still have Twitter.

Keep following us.

What I bought today...

Socks - Topshop

(Pastel shades. Gingham. Socks. This is perfect)

Song of the Day

Summer Camp - Losing My Mind

(Not only one of my favourite songs off Welcome To Condale, but I got to be in the video!)

Best of the night: Oscars 2012

My favourites of the night...

1) Milla Jovovich wearing Elie Saab Couture

2) Michelle Williams wearing Louis Vuitton

3) Angelina Jolie wearing Atelier Versace

4) Louise Roe wearing Black Halo

5) Berenice Bajo wearing Elie Saab Couture

6) Rooney Mara wearing Givenchy Couture

7) Gwyneth Paltrow wearing Tom Ford

8) Octavia Spencer wearing Tadashi Shoji 

A quick update...

Taken by Esther

Myself and Esther have teamed up for our styling and imaging project, which we shot yesterday. Luckily the weather was kind to us and hopefully we've got some good shots to work with. When the assignment is finished, I'll be sure to post the final product on here.

In other news, I've recently started contributing for The Flaneur and my Moshi Moshi gig review (recently posted on the blog here) was published on the site yesterday also. You should definitely check that one out...

What I bought today...

Top - Mary Katrantzou for Topshop

Work In Progress...

After three days in Edinburgh, I'm exhausted. It was fun to meet all of the fashion design students at Edinburgh College of Art and work with them on the All Walks Beyond The Catwalk campaign. The blog and Twitter are up and running and hopefully we'll be able to gain more and more followers.

To find out exactly what we got up to, visit the blog here
To follow our updates, follow us on Twitter here