|
Wednesday, 19 October 2011 23:01 |
Yesterday I attended the Calvin Klein CK A/W jewellery and watch collection launch to browse the fine and shiny wares that will be available to buy this season. It was not only lovely to spend the day with my lovely Fashion Forward PR Account Executive, Hayley J Ashworth, who had travelled down from Manchester but we spent the day with our two most favourite clients, Rosie Fortescue and Frankie Murray as we sipped champers, tea and mojito's and ate delicious sandwiches, cupcakes and petit fours with our fellow blogger guests. Thanks Vanilla, Great Titchfield Street for hosting the party and thanks Calvin Klein for treating us so well! Damn you Prince Cassius for using your google technique to bag that prize ;-)
This collection epitomises the classic simplicity that Calvin Klein is so well-known for, offering a stunning range of versatile pieces that suit everyone, from your best friend to your elderly grandma. I particularly liked the rose gold pieces, as the softer tone never fails to add a touch of elegance to an outfit.
Now, if you're thinking - these words and pictures sound and look familiar, I confess - I totally ripped off Rosie and Frankie due to time constraints! Check out their blogs, seriously, they're better than mine right now!!
Rosie Fortescue, Made in Chelsea - www.atfashionforte.com
Frankie Murray, Celebrity Stylist and Founder of Swell Vintage - http://frankiemurraystyling.blogspot.com |
|
Thursday, 29 September 2011 21:19 |
|
It wasn’t your typical Saturday afternoon, that’s for sure; but then again different is good and in this case the event was hosted by Bacanal, an invite only events company that began in New York and is now taking over and revolutionising the London party scene. Held at Belgravia’s Il Bottaccio, Bacanal treated guests to a full day of entertainment.
First came brunch which gave you the option of a cheeseburger, chicken or sea bass (Naturally I chose the cheeseburger) with asparagus soup to start and a selection of fruit to finish. Following that was the highlight of the event, Nicole Richie’s UK launch of her Winter Kate collection. Consisting of gorgeous velvet and cute paisley prints, the boho inspired collection was to die for; it featured tops and jackets that you can easily wear and reflected the unique style of Nichole Richie as well as oozing LA street style.
To take us into the party mood, endless bottles of champagne was given out whilst burlesque dancer Banbury Cross performed two Marilyn Monroe inspired routines. The fabulous and very brave lady even poured a full bottle of champagne over herself as a grand finale. Launching us into full party mode was the highly talented Girls Roc; by half 5 we were all partying like it was, erm... Saturday night!
It wasn’t your typical Saturday afternoon, that’s for sure; but then again different is good and in this case the event was hosted by Bacanal, an invite only events company that began in New York and is now taking over and revolutionising the London party scene. Held at Belgravia’s Il Bottaccio, Bacanal treated guests to a full day of entertainment.
First came brunch which gave you the option of a cheeseburger, chicken or sea bass (Naturally I chose the cheeseburger) with asparagus soup to start and a selection of fruit to finish. Following that was the highlight of the event, Nicole Richie’s UK launch of her Winter Kate collection. Consisting of gorgeous velvet and cute paisley prints, the boho inspired collection was to die for; it featured tops and jackets that you can easily wear and reflected the unique style of Nichole Richie as well as oozing LA street style.
To take us into the party mood, endless bottles of champagne was given out whilst burlesque dancer Banbury Cross performed two Marilyn Monroe inspired routines. The fabulous and very brave lady even poured a full bottle of champagne over herself as a grand finale. Launching us into full party mode was the highly talented Girls Roc; by half 5 we were all partying like it was, erm... Saturday night!
|
|
Tuesday, 27 September 2011 07:13 |
|
Imagine the scene. Your hot footing from show to show, in the thick of London Fashion Week. Your tired, you’re hungry, your feet hurt, you’re thirsty and you need to get out of the elements and fix up look sharpe for the next round of shows. What do you do? Where do you go? Well if you’re lucky enough to be a Glam Media publisher, you head to The Trafalgar Hotel just a stones throw away from Somerset House. You take the elevator to the third floor and find yourself at the Glam Bloggers Lounge, in partnership with Rimmel London. Bliss! I arrived with the two Rosie girls in my life of the Fortescue and Moore sort. We rested our tired feet, refreshed ourselves with champagne and soft drinks, snacked on sandwiches and percy pigs to boost our energy, caught up on emails before having our Rimmel London make-over and manicure and gossiped to our fellow glam media blogger crew! A perfect pit-stop thank you to Glam Media and thank you to Rimmel London!
Rosie Fortescue, Made in Chelsea having her manicure. Picture credit to my rubbish camera phone :-)
|
|
Tuesday, 27 September 2011 07:09 |
|
LFW Red Carpet and cocktails press launch for Sex and London City
Friday 16th September, Amika was THE place to be seen at for the kick off of London Fashion Week. These are not my own words. Although I would not disagree after weeks of around the clock organisation to get such a fabulous event ready in such a short space of time for our Fashion Forward PR client ‘Nixalina of Sex and London City’. The evening was a huge success and we received wonderful feedback from all of those who attended. Guests including Alex Reid, Chantelle Houghton, Lauren Goodger, Zarrah Abrahams, Girls Roc, Matt Johnson and JJ rocked the red carpet and took time to pose for all our paps, looking fabulous of course!
It was only right to greet our guests with a true Sex in the City style cocktail – cosmopolitan of course! We had music by the fabulous P, **** and last but not least, Daniela the new teen pop sensation who has taken the USA by storm. It was an evening to remember as our guests, mingled their fashion asses off, you should have been there!
Huge thanks go to Richard Austin Rees and Amika for their generosity and support. Thanks also go to all these amazing dudes who gifted us with some amazing goody bag treats.
Check out the pictures here:
|
|
Tuesday, 27 September 2011 06:42 |
|
It was that time of the year again, Vogues Fashion Night out – the star-strikingly, fantastically fun, buzzing event held annually where all of London's favourite designers, models and most fashionable people hit up London town to mingle, shop and sip on champers.
On Thursday 8th September, I ventured into Mayfair to meet my newest and most lovely Fashion Forward PR clients. Rosie Fortescue (Made in Chelsea) and Frankie Murray (Celebrity Stylist and founder of Swell vintage) we were lucky enough to have a personal interview set up with Rupert Sanderson at his Bruton street store as we shopped the latest collection and contemplated getting our skates on to join his in-store roller disco. Rupert was charming and very humble and it was a great start to our schedule.
Next we hot footed to Stella McCartney. In store amongst yet more champagne and sweet treats, there was a carnival type set up, complete with Popcorn vendor stands, one of those, stick your face through the hole boards and have your own Polaroid snap to take away, we schmoozed with Vogue fashionista’s and browsed our way through the stunning new collection.
Followed by Oliver Sweeney where we were amongst friends and the grand unveiling of the new womens range, which Rosie, Frankie and I just loved!
More champagne and treats followed at Donna Karan and Coach, although we were unfashionably too early to catch up with Gwyneth Paltrow who was schmoozing her way down Bond Street. The streets were heaving, there was a real buzz in the air. Everyone looked amazing and we had just enough time for one more port of call, last and not least, we head to Aspinal of London. Having bumped into Brix Smith-Start outside of their Brook street store, we joined a few more familiar Made in Chelsea faces as we quizzed Mr Aspinal himself about his inspirations of the new and impending range of luxury leather goods.
All in all, we had a fantastically Vogue night out and boy are we ready to do the same again next year!
|
|
Thursday, 08 September 2011 04:53 |
|
What’s a girl to wear...?
I’ve noticed that people don’t really like September. They moan that it’s the end of summer, everyone is back at work/school and Christmas is just around the corner. But what they are failing to remember is that September is actually the best month of the year for two simple reasons; the first is that the SS12 Fashion Weeks show this month and the second is that it is Fashion’s Night Out on either the 7 th , 8 th or 9 th depending on where you are in the world! I mean, September is basically a month long, global celebration of everything that’s pretty.
But what does one wear to such occasions? (Note how this question is always followed by “I have nothing” whilst your eyes glisten at the idea of going shopping...again). Fashion shows are tricky, but at least you can dress it up and there is normally an after party involved so that’s covered but FNO that’s the tricky one! You know that there are going to be celebrities, magazine editors and photographers around so you’re tempted to dress up but at the end of the day you are only essentially having a mooch around the shops. My suggestion would be to go smart/casual. Think Rachel Bilson, Alexa Chung, Diane Kruger, Nicole Richie and Made in Chelsea’s Rosie Fortescue. Keep it simple with a pair of jeans, heels and a long tee or shorts, ankle boots and a cute jumper, maybe a pretty dress and sandals or if you’re heading out after leather trousers and some killer YSLs.
Now that we have covered what you’re going to wear, let’s look at where you’re going to go. If you’re looking for something a bit different then Rupert Sanderson is transforming his studio into a roller disco, Donna Karan is presenting a photographic exhibition and Swarovski Crystallized will have Helena Christensen taking photos of 12 lucky aspiring models. Want something a bit luxurious? Selfridges are hosting Mimi Holiday and have thrown in some caviar and champagne for good measure. If you’re not looking for anything in particular then I would suggest going to as many places as possible. McQueen always promises to be good, Liberties has many something’s happening on every floor and Topshop never disappoint.
OK, so now that we have a vague idea of what we are going to wear and we have some indication of what shops we are visiting, all we have to do is wait for the 8 th to roll around. See you in the shops ladies.
What’s a girl to wear...?
I’ve noticed that people don’t really like September. They moan that it’s the end of summer, everyone is back at work/school and Christmas is just around the corner. But what they are failing to remember is that September is actually the best month of the year for two simple reasons; the first is that the SS12 Fashion Weeks show this month and the second is that it is Fashion’s Night Out on either the 7 th , 8 th or 9 th depending on where you are in the world! I mean, September is basically a month long, global celebration of everything that’s pretty.
But what does one wear to such occasions? (Note how this question is always followed by “I have nothing” whilst your eyes glisten at the idea of going shopping...again). Fashion shows are tricky, but at least you can dress it up and there is normally an after party involved so that’s covered but FNO that’s the tricky one! You know that there are going to be celebrities, magazine editors and photographers around so you’re tempted to dress up but at the end of the day you are only essentially having a mooch around the shops. My suggestion would be to go smart/casual. Think Rachel Bilson, Alexa Chung, Diane Kruger, Nicole Richie and Made in Chelsea’s Rosie Fortescue. Keep it simple with a pair of jeans, heels and a long tee or shorts, ankle boots and a cute jumper, maybe a pretty dress and sandals or if you’re heading out after leather trousers and some killer YSLs.
Now that we have covered what you’re going to wear, let’s look at where you’re going to go. If you’re looking for something a bit different then Rupert Sanderson is transforming his studio into a roller disco, Donna Karan is presenting a photographic exhibition and Swarovski Crystallized will have Helena Christensen taking photos of 12 lucky aspiring models. Want something a bit luxurious? Selfridges are hosting Mimi Holiday and have thrown in some caviar and champagne for good measure. If you’re not looking for anything in particular then I would suggest going to as many places as possible. McQueen always promises to be good, Liberties has many something’s happening on every floor and Topshop never disappoint.
OK, so now that we have a vague idea of what we are going to wear and we have some indication of what shops we are visiting, all we have to do is wait for the 8 th to roll around. See you in the shops ladies.
|
|
Thursday, 01 September 2011 20:44 |
|
We all know the one who forgot to mention he was already with someone or the one
who dumped you over text or even the one who said "I miss you"...which
translates to "I'm horny and no one else will have me. Well now there is a safe
place where we can share our interesting choices in men.
Ladies, allow me to introduce you toBad Taste in Men, Good Taste in Shoes, a
lifestyle brand that sells t-shirts, mugs and shopper bags; future products will
include umbrellas, eye masks and so much more. The concept came when founder
Nazanin Maghounaki went on a shopping spree after a particularly bad break up.
Despite her broken heart she came home with a tall, dark and awesome pair of
shoes; she also came to conclusion that she “does have bad taste in men but
there are a lot of other things that [she] is good at...and that feels a lot
better than crying over spilt milk”. Fast forward two years and that statement
is unifying females all over the globe. I must clarify that the brand is not
designed to encourage man hating but rather to remind you that you’re not alone
and that the only way to get over him is to laugh and move onto the next.
The Facebook and Twitter pages are filled with “the ones who...” and “the
awkward moments when...” The blog touches on the key issues in life such as
being friends with your ex, the one who has two phones and more recently the
f*** buddy.
And whilst BTMGTS is based in Manchester, the brand’s products have been spotted
in Thailand, Dubai and Ibiza showing that “loving the single life, laughing at
our experiences and providing gorgeous things for you and your friends to smile
about” is the only way to forget about the one who never satisfied
you...intellectually speaking of course!
For more information email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
like the
Facebook page (Bad Taste in Men, Good Taste in Shoes), follow on Twitter
(@BTMGTS) and read the blog
(http://badtasteinmengoodtasteinshoes.posterous.com/)
We all know the one who forgot to mention he was already with someone or the one who dumped you over text or even the one who said "I miss you"...which translates to "I'm horny and no one else will have me. Well now there is a safe place where we can share our interesting choices in men.
.
Ladies, allow me to introduce you to Bad Taste in Men, Good Taste in Shoes, a lifestyle brand that sells t-shirts, mugs and shopper bags; future products will include umbrellas, eye masks and so much more. The concept came when founder Nazanin Maghounaki went on a shopping spree after a particularly bad break up. Despite her broken heart she came home with a tall, dark and awesome pair of shoes; she also came to conclusion that she “does have bad taste in men but there are a lot of other things that [she] is good at...and that feels a lot better than crying over spilt milk”. Fast forward two years and that statement is unifying females all over the globe. I must clarify that the brand is not designed to encourage man hating but rather to remind you that you’re not alone and that the only way to get over him is to laugh and move onto the next.
.
The Facebook and Twitter pages are filled with “the ones who...” and “the awkward moments when...” The blog touches on the key issues in life such as
being friends with your ex, the one who has two phones and more recently the f*** buddy.
And whilst BTMGTS is based in Manchester, the brand’s products have been spotted in Thailand, Dubai and Ibiza showing that “loving the single life, laughing at our experiences and providing gorgeous things for you and your friends to smile about” is the only way to forget about the one who never satisfied you...intellectually speaking of course!
.
For more information email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
like the Facebook page (Bad Taste inMen, Good Taste in Shoes), follow on Twitter
.
Written by HayleyJAshworth
|
|
Wednesday, 24 August 2011 20:27 |
|
ManchesterFamed for two Premiership football teams, the Industrial Revolution and Oasis; not so much for its fashion! However, having lived and worked in Manchester for a year now, I feel that Manchester has been somewhat cheated. Everywhere you look there are references to things that were- old mills have become offices, apartments, nightclubs and restaurants; cobbled streets remain intact, locations such as Ancoats and Shudehill still bare the same name and of course The Northern Quarter. This small area found just of the main high street the epicentre of Manchester culture with an array of ‘cool’ independent restaurants and bars. Venues such as Moho and The Ruby Lounge debut up and coming musicians alongside established artists. As for the fashion, Afflecks Palace is a haven for fashionistas looking for quirky one off pieces and Oldham Street houses numerous vintage stores including Oxfam Vintage.
Manchester’s history has always been industrial and her musical tastes have always been influenced by rock’n’roll which is probably why skinny jeans are the most worn item. Worn with every type of shoe, smart or casual, boy or girl, those bad boys rule supreme...think how many times you have seen Henry Holland and Agynes Deyn in a pair of skinnys.
The fashion here reflects the city-eclectic, a mixture of vintage, high street and high end. It’s relaxed and doesn’t try too hard. It’s proud of who it is and not afraid to show it!
GUEST BLOG BY HAYLEY ASHWORTH OF FASHION FORWARD PR
Manchester. Famed for two Premiership football teams, the Industrial Revolution and Oasis; not so much for its fashion! However, having lived and worked in Manchester for a year now, I feel that Manchester has been somewhat cheated. Everywhere you look there are references to things that were- old mills have become offices, apartments, nightclubs and restaurants; cobbled streets remain intact, locations such as Ancoats and Shudehill still bare the same name and of course The Northern Quarter. This small area found just of the main high street the epicentre of Manchester culture with an array of ‘cool’ independent restaurants and bars. Venues such as Moho and The Ruby Lounge debut up and coming musicians alongside established artists. As for the fashion, Afflecks Palace is a haven for fashionistas looking for quirky one off pieces and Oldham Street houses numerous vintage stores including Oxfam Vintage.
Manchester’s history has always been industrial and her musical tastes have always been influenced by rock’n’roll which is probably why skinny jeans are the most worn item. Worn with every type of shoe, smart or casual, boy or girl, those bad boys rule supreme...think how many times you have seen Henry Holland and Agynes Deyn in a pair of skinnys.
The fashion here reflects the city-eclectic, a mixture of vintage, high street and high end. It’s relaxed and doesn’t try too hard. It’s proud of who it is and not afraid to show it!
|
|
Saturday, 20 August 2011 10:33 |
Thursday night was the 'Little Mistress' first ever blogging event, showcasing their eagerly awaited A/W '11 collection for both the demure-by-day chic and the sassy-by-night siren. All the pieces are designed in-house and thus have an attention to detail that makes the clothes beautiful, wearable and unique. I loved the strong forest green and sea blue colours that were on the rails, perfect to brighten up an autumnal evening out on the town. Whats more, the prices are ridiculously affordable. I couldn't believe how decent they were...the dresses looked high-end, whilst the price-tag was more high-street. Fabulous! Oh, and if that isn't enough, they unveiled a new jewellery collection which aids the aesthetics of the clothes. My favourite was a double-finger gem ring...pretty, feminine but with a quirky edge any little mistress would be proud of!
See below photos of last night's event, where my PIFC (partner in fashion crime) Nixalina of www.sexandlondoncity.com and I enjoying a flute of bubbly and some fashionable frolics:
Take a gander at the fab showroom yourself, 68 Great Portland Street, London |
|
Tuesday, 09 August 2011 20:28 |
|
|
|
Friday, 05 August 2011 09:17 |
|
From Chanel’s tweed number to Christian Dior’s New Look jacket to YSL’s Le Smoking tuxedo and Burberry’s trench coat. They have always been a key piece in every wardrobe and have the ability to complete and transform any outfit…
Although it is designed for function, it has always been a thing of fashion. The trench coat, originally designed by Aquascutum for men to wear in WW1, is often used in games of seduction. Mods’ wore tailored suits whilst the Rockers favored leather jackets. Over the past couple of seasons we have worn boyfriend blazers and capes rather than coats that actually keep us warm.
These jackets that are designed to shelter us from the cold and rain have come in a variety of (non waterproof) materials and colours; long length and cropped! I’ve never really thought about it before but what we consider to be a necessity is actually something we take a lot of time and consideration over…I mean do you have just the one type of jacket or do you have a variety that all go with specific outfits?
Here are some jackets at their finest moments…
 
 
 
Get your fashion finest from the House of Sunny London
http://www.houseofsunny.com |
|
Monday, 01 August 2011 10:27 |
|
Women feel sexy when they wear red lipstick, matching nail varnish and show off a bit of cleavage, it emerged yesterday.
A study of 2,000 females, commissioned by Superdrug to celebrate the launch of its new false lash collection, revealed a list of 20 tactics women use on a daily basis to make themselves feel extra special.
A simple spray of their favourite perfume came top with a new hairdo or highlights and a ‘smile’ also ranking highly.
Women also hailed settling down into a warm bath, showing off their well-maintained legs on a night out and wearing a push-up bra to make the best of their assets as quick fixes for getting in the mood.
Incredibly the report also revealed despite having the ability to create instant sex appeal, the average British woman only feels truly irresistible once a week – usually on a Saturday night.
Sara Wolverson, Superdrug Beauty Director said: “This poll clearly indicates that while women know exactly what they have to do in order to feel sexy, they obviously aren’t doing it often enough.
“Maintaining a beautiful polished appearance can take time, something most busy women don’t have enough of.
“But with a little bit of effort, such as a splash of scent, a pair of fluttering false lashes and a big smile, ladies can feel confident and incredible.”
The study found more than half of those polled reckon a simple spritz of perfume was all it took to make them feel special.
More than one third said a new hair colour or highlights made them feel sexy.
The poll also revealed women feel sexier if they spend hours getting ready – with 33 per cent preferring to indulge in a hot bath before applying any make up.
Other contributors to a sexy look include waxing, applying an all-over fake tan and straightening or curling hair.
Exercising religiously helps 19 per cent of girls to feel sexy while 46 per cent think they ooze sex appeal when wearing a big smile.
The average single lady spends 38 minutes preparing for a date, but just 10 minutes getting ready for a day at work.
But the effort to look amazing pays off for many – as an incredible six in 10 ladies claim that at some point in their life a stranger has told them they look sexy. And 71 per cent have been left glowing after being complimented by a stranger.
Sadly, only seven per cent of ladies questioned admitted to feeling sexy every single day of their lives.
Superdrug’s Sara Wolverson added: “Women take tips from celebrities, magazines and their friends on how to look and feel great.
“And as such they spend years perfecting their make-up, getting their hair down to a fine art, and learning what clothes make their figures look amazing, and give them confidence.
“By their mid-twenties most women have a firm idea of their favourite beauty products, and use them to make sure they look and feel sexy whenever they are going out.
“This new research underlines that when it comes to feeling sexy and confident spending a little extra time on your beauty routine not only makes you look great, but makes you feel great too.”
TOP 20 WAYS WOMEN FEEL SEXY:
1. Apply favourite perfume
2. Wear a big happy smile
3. Paint nails
4. Get hair coloured or highlighted
5. Spend hours straightening hair
6. Cleavage on show
7. Indulge in a long hot bath
8. Have legs on show
9. Wear a push up bra
10. Pedicure feet
11. Apply heavy eye make up
12. Exercise religiously
13. Spend hours curling hair
14. Wear red lipstick
15. Wear a tight fitting top
16. Waxing from head to toe
17. Apply fake tan
18. Wear false eyelashes
19. Wear a short skirt
20. Put on tons of jewellery |
|
Thursday, 28 July 2011 16:17 |
|
GUEST BLOG BY TAYLOR TAYLOR LONDON
We have been eagerly awaiting our Ultimate Makeover day to arrive and with an afternoon full of sunshine, last Friday’s Miami inspired makeover took place with our lucky winner Samantha Dobson. Samantha was the lucky girl to be picked at random from hundred of entries. When we heard Samantha’s story, we knew that we had picked the perfect person and someone who truly deserved to be pampered.
The day kicked off just after lunch when a team of fashionistas arrived at our Boutique Salon on Cheshire Street. London Fashion Stylist Karena Sedgewick arrived with some beautiful vintage dresses, alongside two makeup artists and fashion photographer Luke Yates from Way Ahead Photography. Samantha’s hair was cut and coloured by our very own Boutique styling team and Samantha was treated to champagne and cocktails, served outside in newly decorated outdoor cutting terrace.
As part of her prize, Samantha’s professional photographs from the day were sent to her within 48 hours and just for you, we’ve managed to get our hands on a few sneaky pictures from her amazing day….
  
  
 
Thank you to everyone that took part in the shoot last Friday and to everyone that entered into our competition.
Credits:
Location: Taylor Taylor London Boutique Salon, Cheshire Street
Hair: Colour by Amy Nitsopolous and Cut and Style by Francesa Saville
Luke Yates, Way Ahead Photography
Dimpel Patel (Make Up Artist)
Laura Surcombe (Make Up Artist)
Frankie-Ray, Photographer’s Assistant
Karena Sedgwick, Stylist
Taylor Taylor London, 12 Cheshire Street, London E2 6EH
www.taylortaylor.com |
|
Thursday, 16 June 2011 20:39 |
|
After the storming success of Guts for Garters first theme 'The Royal We' they are back with a brand new showcase from the Cob Gallery in Camden, presenting 'Surreal Women'. What can you expect? Well let me tell you, after checking out what was on offer at the recent press launch I can confirm it is even more eccentric, and there are LOTS of usual items filing the shelves within their Camden store. Their theme Surreal Women celebrates the Surrelaist movement. The female came to represent the sublime and the unconscious revealing some of the latest inhibited masculine fantasies.
The first resistance to the male surrealists' projection of the female figure arose in the writings and paintings of marginalised women artists and writers associated with Surrealism. Claude Cahun was a women associated with Surrealism, who changed her name to be both masculine and Jewish in a time of extreme anti-semitism. An inspired cross dresser, she is Guts for Garters muse for this theme. The time is set by distorting expectations and perspective through creating a Surreal landscape that will leave you a little unsteady. As ever Guts for Garters embraces comedy, teases the audience and has plenty of fun.
With a wide range of interior design-wear, art and fashion, its definitely something to go see. From the vagina wallpaper to the feather bodice dress to the garden bed, you will not be disappointed. Welcome to alice in wonderland world!!
  
  
 
  
GUTS FOR GARTERS |
|
Wednesday, 15 June 2011 15:30 |
|
Those of you that know or have followed me for the last 3 point something years, will know that aside from all things Fashion, I have a deep love for contemporary art. This time last week, I had the ultimate opportunity to meet an iconic artist who has not only inspired me from the moment I stumbled across a copy of my favourite trend setting magazine ‘Dazed and Confused’ but whom I have practically been stalking since I fell in love with his stunningly creative portraiture, and saw him from afar working his magic behind the lens of his magical camera at his 2009 exhibition, RANKIN LIVE.
I have read all the interviews, followed his billboards, magazine covers, music video’s and movies and was just desperate to strike off action number 14 from my ‘things to do before I die’ list. Action number 14 was indeed, meet the legend that is John RANKIN Waddle in person.
I am lucky enough to be part of the exciting Swatch/MTV Playground initiative which combines Art and Fashion and quite frankly makes my world alot of fun. When I received an email notifying me that Rankin had collaborated with Swatch to create a collection of 8 new watches and I was invited to the launch party, I actually nearly wet my pants with excitement, no word of a lie!!! To be asked whether I would like to interview Rankin on the evening of the launch event, I nearly fainted.
Rankin says: 'When Swatch approached me to design a range of watches, I was immensely flattered. Like so many people, my first watch was a Swatch - it’s an iconic brand that holds such a special place in people's hearts. So it was an exciting challenge to be given the opportunity to design a Swatch watch myself’
As a child, my first watch was an uber cool swatch with characters on the dial to help you learn to tell the time and from that moment on, I have always been an ambassador for the brand and I was eagerly awaiting the collection to be available to purchase so I could get one of the 777 limited edition pieces wrapped around my wrist.
On Wednesday 8th June 2011 I arrived in Kentish Town with a very dear friend Luke, founder of Way Ahead Photography who was equally just as fanatical about meeting the great man himself. We walked the half mile and arrived at Rankin’s Studio, possibly the best Studio I have been in, and I have been in a few in my days I will tell you! The warehouse style space was light and airy, we were treated to full size versions of the art hanging on the wall that is now the focal point of the Swatch Collection. Moving through the studio were displays of the entire collection of watches to gawp at and then into the main room we were greeted by a room full of delightful and chatty fashion industry professionals who were all enjoying the delicious canapés and free bar.
It took me near on 4 minutes to spot Rankin. 5 minutes before a restraining order joke was made by his team and almost an hour for me to build up the courage to talk with him. What a great evening. Rankin really is everything I had hoped he would be, charming, friendly and down to earth, we chatted for ages with him and his wonderful team, it was a dream come true! I cannot wait to see what is coming next from him. It was an evening to remember and another tick off of the bucket list!
As we departed, we were greeted with a gift – say hello to my gorgeous new Rankin Swatch Watch!!!
  
 
|
|
|
