Life In Fashion

The Spring Fashion Show 2012 - Backstage

2012-02-09T05:05:00.000-08:00

WHAT A NIGHT!
Had such a fantastic experience and loved every minute of it!
It was manic, crazy, fun, exciting, nerve racking and AMAZING!

Thanks to @chloejace for the pics.

And thanks to everyone that organised www.springfashionshow.co.uk

Can't believe its all over and done with!

More pics to follow

Clutching at . . . Bags

2012-02-02T17:19:00.000-08:00

I have mentioned it A LOT already but I am so pleased to be taking part in:
'The Spring Fashion Show 2012'

I am also pleased to say that my accessories range will be walked down the catwalk too.

To celebrate I am offering 15% off everything in my Etsy shop. Enter 'Springfashion12' at the checkout point.

Visit my Etsy shop here: www.etsy.com/shop/RiannaPhillips

Enjoy!

Your mum

2012-02-02T05:10:00.001-08:00

As its my mums birthday today I thought I'd share this doodle that she did. She doesn't know I've scanned it and blogged it MWAHAHAA! (evil laugh)

Kaleidoscope Eyes Vintage

2012-02-01T16:08:00.000-08:00

Am liking this shop I found on Etsy: Kaleidoscope Eyes Vintage

Check it out: here

Sections

2012-01-31T02:51:00.000-08:00

Pattern pieces for the fashion show

busy busy

Oyster January 2012

2012-01-27T06:09:00.000-08:00

Lunch Time reading
I love their styling, fonts . . . just everything!

Oyster Jan 2012

The Spring Fashion Show 2012

2012-01-26T08:42:00.000-08:00

Last week I found out some freakin brilliant news!
I managed to get a place in The Spring Fashion Show 2012 woo! The event is being held at The Pitcher and Piano, Deansgate locks, Manchester on the 8th of Feb. If you are around then come and check out the show. Tickets are £9.

See the full website here: http://www.springfashionshow.co.uk/index.htm
follow the event on twitter here: https://twitter.com/#!/mancfashion
And see the facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/springfashionshow

I am now cooking up a few treats for the show. I will no doubt use some of my graduate collection too, any excuse to get it on a catwalk!

Below are some really bad quality pics of a calico mock up, all experimenting for now:

Dip dyed mini clutch

2012-01-25T04:43:00.000-08:00

Dip dyed pink and grey cotton drill combined with metallic silver.

£36.30
Can be bought here

Fold Over Clutch Bag

2012-01-24T05:18:00.000-08:00

Just in the midle of editing a load of bag images and this randomness just fell into place.
Its weird but I quite like it!
Get the bag here

Delay

2012-01-20T17:10:00.000-08:00

Before christmas I did a Fashion market in The Northern Quarter(Manchester) at a place called The Soup Kitchen. See the original post about it here.

So finally here are a few random little snaps I took of my stall. They are a bit fuzzy because I only took them on my phone. It was a crazy fun day and I met some great people. It was weird to be behind a stall and actually see the buyer because im used to just selling over the internet!

See my etsy shop here

Had some fantastic news this week, will be blogging and tweeting my head off about next week!

Whistles Spring/Summer 12

2012-01-20T03:44:00.001-08:00

If you know me, you'll be aware, i'm Whistles obsessed.

SS12

Norwegian Wood

2012-01-17T15:07:00.000-08:00

Came across this lovely site Norwegian Wood through Etsy, the very talented Angie Johnson is the brains behind the business:

See the shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/iheartnorwegianwood

You can see the website here: http://www.norwegianwoodonline.com/

The style 2nd from the top will be available from Topshop (oxford circus) London.

Nailed

2012-01-16T03:15:00.000-08:00

Picture is a bit fuzzy, but this is a nail look i tried lately.

Grey background (Grey Day by Models own)
Gold stripe (Champagne by Models own)
Purple (Dark Angel by Mac) cuticle area

Worn with my stack set of rings, rose quartz blinder, and 2 rings I have inherited over the years

Three Floor

2012-01-12T04:42:00.000-08:00

Like this brand Three Floor

And of course I am in love with that head piece

Lily and Lionel

2012-01-10T15:39:00.000-08:00

All in the sale over at http://lilyandlionel.com/

Loving all of this print design

CC SKYE

2012-01-09T04:38:00.001-08:00

I've had a CC SKYE tab open on my laptop for about a week!
It's still open now, no signs of me closing it any time soon.
See their online store here: http://www.ccskye.com/shop.php

The Clutch - Buy Me

2012-01-06T18:10:00.000-08:00

A - £46.55
B - £36.57
C - £36.57
D - £46.55
E - £53.20

All available here with world wide shipping

B & C the same size as pictured here

Peep Peep

2012-01-05T04:41:00.000-08:00

Scrolling through Street Peeper

Check out the amazing street style site here: http://streetpeeper.com/

Set

2012-01-03T08:31:00.000-08:00

Loving my new KG by Kurt Geiger set, bought in the sales.
Im a bit obsessed with pouches this size, the make up bag size. Am slowly building a collectionof them. My all time favourite is my plain black Mulberry one.

Sass and Bide at The Outnet

2011-12-31T07:33:00.000-08:00

Sale wants
All Sass and Bide
All from TheOutnet

Pedro Lourenço

2011-12-28T15:29:00.000-08:00

Pedro Lourenco SS12 Ready to wear

WANT!

Nails

2011-12-21T15:32:00.000-08:00

How my nails are looking this week

Want, Have, Need

2011-12-17T17:39:00.000-08:00

Compiled in the grid is a number of objects I either have, want or need.
One in particular I am hoping santa will deliver.
I have been living in that Marc by Marc Jacobs knitted sweater dress, it's the easiest thing to wear.

Pamela Love bronze and Quartz crystal bangle - here

Ipad 2 - here

Karen Millen studded Ipad case - here

Marc by Marc Jacobs knitted sweater dress - here

Helmut Lang paneled stretch denim leggings - here

Pamela Love bronze triangle earrings - here

'Crystallite by Rianna Phillips' Large portfolio studded clutch bag - here

Giuseppe Zanotti studded toe cap ballerinas - here

Whistles mini triangle ring - here

cliché

2011-12-16T16:18:00.000-08:00

cliché: The first time I have posted an image of myself. All in the name of my bag design.
I dont intend to make a habit of this!

One of my bags on a night out.
Worn with Jimmy Choo for HandM black beaded dress.
Next wedge ankle boots
Spikey stack rings seen here
And extremely old bangles

Toot Toot! Planet Notion . . . .

2011-12-16T03:58:00.000-08:00

Bit of horn tooting going here!
Am pleased to share with you this article that has been published on PlanetNotion today (the sister site of Notion. They have been celebrating accessory designers all week and my bags have rounded the week off nicely!

Check it out here:
http://www.planetnotion.com/2011/12/16/fierce-ldn-rianna-phillips/

Helmut Lang Spring 2012 Ready to Wear

2011-12-14T02:58:00.001-08:00

Helmut Lang Spring 2012 Ready to Wear

Print design inspired by contemporary artist Richard Serra

I'd have every piece of this collection if it was up to me!

Notion - The Fashion Issue

2011-12-12T01:51:00.000-08:00

I came across this editorial months ago in Notion and immedietely loved it, all the pages are now stuck on my wall to keep me inspired.

Pics of the xmas market to come

Photographer: Mark Cant
Stylist: Alexis Knox
Model: Evija Kreismane
Make-up: Yuka Hirata using Mac

Clutch Bags Complete

2011-12-09T17:36:00.000-08:00

I have already mentioned it a million times on twitter and blogged about it too, but today its the xmas markets at The Soup Kitchen in the Northern Quarter in Manchester. Its on from 12pm till 6pm and there will be 20 something stall holders. I will be there with my bags so here are a few snaps of whats up for grabs.
If your in manchester come and check it out!

Christmas Market at The Soup Kitchen, Northern Quarter, Manchester

2011-12-05T02:10:00.000-08:00

Here are a few quick snaps of the bags that will be for sale at the christmas market which is taking place at the soup kitchen in the northern quarter in manchester this saturday (12pm-6pm).

Since I graduated Ive been developing the bag I designed to accessorise my collection. Ive had a few bag requests and this lead to making lots of different variations. Some are embellished (I can't resist a bit of embellishment!)
There are lots more designs and I will be taking pics and posting soon.
All of which will be available to buy on saturday.

They've come a long way since the dip dyed stage I posted about here and the zip colouring here and then the tricky sewing together bit here!

Here is the flyer for this Saturday, come and check it out!

Harper's Bazaar December 2011

2011-12-01T02:36:00.000-08:00

Photographed by Mark Segal
Styled by Joanne Blades

Stack

2011-11-25T02:47:00.000-08:00

Bought this beautiful little spikey ring set the other day

Henrik Vibskov

2011-11-22T04:54:00.000-08:00

So father christmas, please see above

that is all!

Source:
Farfetch.com
Henrikvibskovboutique.com

Surface design

2011-11-14T07:44:00.000-08:00

A quick scan of the latest bag surface, yet to be sewn together.
Had some fab news today about the bag journey, will share soon.
Along with some images of a few completed bags

Alexander Wang Resort 2012 ready to wear

2011-11-11T01:27:00.000-08:00

All of this collection is amazing! I dont think there is one piece I wouldn't wear.

The coat is the highlight for me.

Source: http://www.alexanderwang.com/

Dip dyed

2011-11-09T07:16:00.000-08:00

I have been experimenting with colour for the surfaces of the bags I am making. I love this raw state that they are in after being through various washing processes. Some have been matched with metallic leatherettes and a few with the zips I posted about here.

More pics to come

Collecting

2011-11-08T06:09:00.000-08:00

Magazine clippings ive been hoarding

The return of THE ZIPPER!

2011-11-07T03:19:00.000-08:00

Some of the bags I am in the middle of making are having extra special zips.
Above is a picture of some zips in the mid dying process. They have been dip dyed, bleached, washed and tye dyed.

About a billion years ago I was zipper obsessed and manged to get nominated for the Up and Coming designer of the year competition, North West at the Triangle in Manchester. All the outfits were made from zips.
The zipper outfits also appeared in a few photoshoots which you can see here and here.

I must be going back to my zipper routes!

Florian Jayet - Fashion Mode

2011-11-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

A few unshared snaps from London Fashion Week.
The fashion Mode runway was incredible, one in particular really inspired me.
Florian Jayet had a collection that managed to bring a dark and gothic tone to crisp white fabrics. The jewellery was also a big highlight for me. The head set in the last pic was stunning.

Source: first 5 pics
thefashionscoutsept09.blogspot.com
and
www.fashionmode.co.uk

The rest: My own

Filofax

2011-10-28T02:22:00.000-07:00

Collecting bits of fabric, planning, thinking . . . . . . . . .

Iceberg

2011-10-23T09:14:00.000-07:00

Knit, sequin, print . . . . . full stop.

Under n Over

2011-10-20T01:28:00.000-07:00

Found this image on MPDClick, the bag is from a contemporary mens accessories store called Under n Over.

Marketa

2011-10-19T05:23:00.000-07:00

After seeing a post by Queen Michelle over at Kingdon of Style I became intriqued about the brand Marketa. Her full name being Marketa Psenickova. She studied accessory design at university and after graduating, worked with Casa de Rodriguez and Cha Cha’s House of Ill Repute. She now has her own beautiful range of handbags and sells in selected boutiques across New York and a few online stores that us Brits can access here and here.

So above are the images from Queen Michelle's blog post after she kindly gave me permission to re-share them. THANKS CHUCK!

Keeping me inspired

2011-10-14T05:15:00.000-07:00

scrap-bags.blogspot.com

themoccasintelegraph.blogspot.com

a-pattern-a-day.blogspot.com

baggubag.com

somethingtrendy.blogspot.com

pierrefrey.com

etsy.com

Evil Twin@asos.com

cb2.com

My Own

themoccasintelegraph.blogspot.com

My own

My own

Originally found at lecheapcestchic.com

themoccasintelegraph.blogspot.com

A crazy collective mess that has accumulated on my desktop.
Some of which are pinned on my pinterest boards here

If anyone re-posts or uses my print designs please credit and source.

Circular Star

2011-10-13T11:00:00.000-07:00

A little something I made just after I finished uni

if re-posted please link the source and credit

2 in 1

2011-10-12T13:07:00.000-07:00

So . . . . . here are a few quick snaps of one of my bag designs. I will no doubt start lining them with digitally printed fabric too. For now this one is just lined in black. I also have branding ideas on the go.

You can see one of my other versions here.
These will eventually be purchasable, however if you really would like one quick let me know and I'm sure I could work something out. Each style will be priced differently due to variation in leather/pleather costs but they start from around £40. All designed by me and a selection are hand dip dyed.

Also had a minute of madness with my nails. I like to create colourful patterns on photoshop so I see my nails as another surface to fill with colour!

Bag . . . Nails . . . . DONE!

Just Cavalli Spring 2012

2011-10-10T08:15:00.000-07:00

The print . . . . . OH THE PRINT!

Harvey Nichols Manchester Autumn Winter Fashion Show Review

2011-10-07T15:18:00.000-07:00

(are these Lara Bohinc shoes I spy above?!)

(Beautiful venue, Manchester Town Hall)

(DKNY)

(3.1 by Philip Lim)

(Givenchy)

(Acne)

(Sportmax)

(Balenciaga top, Jonathan Saunders skirt)

(Mary katrantzou)

The row opposite

(bus back to harvey nicks, an interesting picture of me taken by my boyfriend! Not sure what happened to the camera?!?! But I like it!)

As I mentioned previously I went to see the Harvey Nichols Autumn Winter Fashion Show.
The night was fantastic! And best of all the outfits put together were all a bit inspirational.

My favourite section was 'Collage Prints', i'm a massive Mary katrantzou fan and the dress they picked for look 1 of this section was a stunning piece from her Autumn Winter 11 collection. The other winner winner piece for me was the 3.1 by Philip Lim beaded tunic. Right up my road that sort of thing!

Saw a beautiful post on illustrator Lisa Stannards blog about the show and her interpretation of the outfits . . . . here.
I love the way she's done the 3.1 by Philip Lim beaded tunic outfit, she's also just posted a picture from her first year at man met uni, which makes me miss Manchester School of Art EVEN MORE!!

The show was held at Manchester Town Hall which was stunning! I was only in their a few months ago for my graduation but never saw any of the grand rooms scattered in history!

I have got all sorts of articles that are sat on my desk top ready to be posted but I have been strapped for time. Have been to Tenerife for a week and am now very busy back at work (Interning as a junior designer at Ringspun, Manchester). The actual offices where the Ringspun design team work are really interesting. Walls scattered with ramskulls, memorabilia, art etc. So the pics I've taken will be posted at some point.

At the moment I am working on the label Elvis Jesus which is owned by Ringspun. Fun times! Have learned a great deal about branding ideas and am getting better with my Illustrator skills (I'm a photoshop girl through and through!)

And whilst all of this is going on I am designing and sewing a line of bags, inspired mostly by the blogging world. Inspiration behind this project . . . . here.

I CANNOT wait to share the images of these bags and the development of testing and sampling.

George Angelopoulos

2011-10-03T11:37:00.000-07:00

Did anyone else have a propper good nosey at all the amazing exhibitors at London Fashion Week?! I think I actually enjoyed the exhibition more than the fashion shows because there was such a mixture of creative design and you could get a good close up view of the products. There were a few in particular that stood out to me, one was the handbag designer George Angelopoulos. I was lucky enough to meet him and have a natter with him about the inspiration behind his stunning collection. He was so enthusiastic and excited about his creations and I can't blame him, they were freakin well gorgeous!

Top of my list is that gorgeous slightly larger bag that was held captive in the glass draw of the display case (6th pic from the top), i enterpreted the metalware as a skeletal structure but I suppose everyones translation would vary. I'd also happily settle for one of those luxe menswear bags in the pics 8th, 9th and 10th from the top (all from SS10).

I have borrowed the clippet below from his profile page on the London Fashion Week Website (here) as he explains it best what influences him and the type of consumer he designs for.

Design signatures: “The aesthetic is influenced by architecture and futurism, experimenting with geometric forms whilst creating innovative design. The essential feature of the label is product craftsmanship and precision finishing. Each piece has an association with an historical place, time or individual that presents a story to the customer."

How would you describe the George Angelopoulos woman? “She has a strong personality, her own sense of style and likes to be adventurous.”

Name three things that are inspiring you for spring/summer 2011: “Architecture, early 20th century Futurist paintings and dynamism.”

How do you see the brand moving forward and developing? “I aim to establish the brand and expand into different markets through hard work and dedication.”

Above are images from his SS11 collection, mens SS10 collection and snaps taken by me at the exhibition.

You can find his bags stocked online at:
www.harveynichols.com

And also check out his online lookbook here:
www.georgeangelopoulos.co.uk

C'mon George get one sent my way!

clutchy clutch bag

2011-09-25T02:09:00.000-07:00

So . . . . . after gathering lots of images, info and research I finally mocked up my first bag.
Using metallic silver leatherette left over from my final year uni project and hand dyed fabric that took quite a few washes and colour combinations here it is! Its lined in black cotton but I might experiment with lining it in printed fabric.

I've cut other shaped bags too, same shape as theses here but im yet to sew them together.

Im going on holiday for a week today so I am a bit tempted to test it out whilst im away.

Happy Sunday!

All in the name of Research

2011-09-23T06:39:00.000-07:00

I have been collecting images for months now of clutch bags, researching different shapes, sizes, fabric, zip colours etc.

I have been sampling a few different styles and colours this past few days and can't wait to eventually share the progress images and outcome.

Im not sure where all of these are from so If you spot one that is your or you know where its from let me know and i'll credit them.

I do know that some are from streetfsn.blogspot.com and one is from 5inchandup.blogspot.com

Ashish Show Review

2011-09-18T13:49:00.000-07:00

Well . . . . . . .
I am back from London fashion week and I had an amazing (eye opening) experience. I saw a few fashion shows and one in particular that blew me away was the Ashish show. Everyone that knows me is aware that I am obsessed with embellishment and sequins, so not surprisingly I really enjoyed seeing these heavily sequined items from Ashish.

I also thought the dusty pink eye shadow and dark red lips look worked really well with the clothes and can only wish that one day my lace up boots wil sprout daisies!
The press release sent to me describing this collection was both whitty and pretty funny! :

This gardener's daughter has more than green fingers. And, like the plants she nurtures, she'll burst into flower as summer approaches.

Until then, she decorates herself with a profusion of blooms - from blowsy roses on a battered straw fedora to sequinned sunflowers that Van Gough would give a second ear to paint.

She may be floral, but she's not flowery, despite wearing more flowers than a herbaceous border. In fact, the shapes she wears are simple - shorts, sweats and shifts, each one decorated with prize-winning specimens.

But this garden is no romantic idyll. Each flower is displayed against a graphic backdrop - from the sun-warmed bricks of the walled garden to the dappled shade on the lawn at twilight. Or sharper still, the strict geometry of a nautical stripe and the monochrome squares of a chessboard, provide a clear contrast.

If anything, she likes the showier blooms - from saucer size Oriental poppies that emblazon her baggy jeans to the French marigolds on a crisp cotton shirt.

Naturally, as the fairest flower in the garden, she's not averse to a spot of weeding out the competition, by donning an asymmetric sequin sheath that leaves little to the imagination.

So when she brandishes her secateurs be warned - she's not thinking of flower arranging....

Invite

2011-09-16T03:20:00.000-07:00

Above are some of my favourite pieces from a past ashish collection (Spring Summer 2010)
Am so excited to be going to their fashion show tomorrow at London Fashion Week.

Will be seeing:
Ashish
Fashion Mode at the Fashion Scout show
Zoe Jordan
William Richard Green
Atlanta Weller

Will be posting pics about the experiences soon.

(And thanks to a certain somebody for giving me a few of her tickets, home made gift coming your way!)

Harvey Nichols Manchester Autumn Winter Fashion Show

2011-09-15T03:02:00.000-07:00

Had an absolutely amazing night last night at the Harvey Nichols Autumn Winter Fashion show.
It was held at the town hall in central Manchester however if you had v.i.p tickets you were wined and dined at the restaurant at Harvey Nicks. Me and my boyfriend had a 3 course meal with champagne and cocktails.

The fashion show itself was fantastic. I enjoyed the looks they created and now need the Acne purple shift dress that is pictured above in the first pic.

There were so many pieces that I recognised from catwalk photo's so it was great to see them upclose. For me the best pieces were:

a) The 3.1 by Philip Lim beaded tunic - so much embellishment I LOVED IT! - 6th pic down from top
b) The Joseph black sleeveless long coat - last pic
c) And the Mary Katrantzou strapless print dress - Print design HEAVEN! - 2nd pic from the top

I took loads of pics (from my front row seat woo!) which I will post soon.
Havn't got my camera with me right now.

Pics from: www.bodyconfidential.co.uk

Clutch

2011-09-13T08:35:00.000-07:00

Images found whilst researching bag shapes for the development of my bag line.
The last image to the right is a pillow case but I still think its very fitting!
There is a mix of: KG by Kurt Geiger, Claire Vivier, Asos, Matthew Williamson, Capulet and more!

Prabal Gurung Spring 2012 - New York Fashion Week

2011-09-11T12:45:00.000-07:00

Not one element in here does me wrong

New York Fashion Week 2011

2011-09-10T09:54:00.000-07:00

Cynthia Rowley

Luca Luca

Nicole Miller

Rag and Bone

Some pics from New York Fashion Week 2011

Kimberly Ovitz Fall Winter 2011

2011-09-08T07:37:00.000-07:00

The pics above are a bit blurry but im loving hints of neon at the moment.

Came across this nude and pink neon image last week:

Deserted

2011-09-07T05:56:00.000-07:00

Found at http://bentrovatoblog.com

Photography – Anna Cone & Christopher Nelson
Styling – Van Van
Make Up – Iris Moreau
Hair – Sienree Du for Unite Eurotherapy
Model – Brea Peck @ LA models

Just a bit of light paper work

2011-09-05T03:24:00.000-07:00

A task from last week. I sorted out masses of fabric samples into categories.
Had a bit of an o.c.d moment at Ringspun!

Obsessed with sass

2011-09-02T02:46:00.000-07:00

yes im still going on about sass and bide, these upclose shots of the collection posted previously make it more real and even more colourful

Autumn + Winter + Colour + Print = Sass & Bide

2011-08-31T02:45:00.000-07:00

My kind of Autumn/Winter collection

refreshing print and colour

Sass And Bide AW11-12

Snippets

2011-08-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

Snippets of what I've been working on at home recently,
Prints inspired by geometrical shapes and patterns.

Since I've been working 9-5 ive been getting used to the new routine and worked less on my own print design. Bank holiday time has been the perfect excuse to chill out and do some print making!

Internship - Photoshoot

2011-08-26T07:35:00.000-07:00

Behind the scenes of a photoshoot that took place last week.
There is a growing list of clothes I want from this collection!
Model Anna looked great.

Enjoying the internship so far, learning a lot and taking everything in.

Leather Strips

2011-08-24T10:02:00.000-07:00

Amanda Norgaard for Bliss Lau Fall 2011 Campaign by Eric Guillemain

source: FGR

Acne AW2011

2011-08-20T02:55:00.000-07:00

I'll have all of this please

Roberto Cavalli SS2012

2011-08-18T01:07:00.001-07:00

So far so good, enjoying the internship and already learning a lot!
Pictures of a photoshoot I tweeted about to follow soon.

Just came across Roberto Cavallis colourful new collection and am in 2 minds about it. Some of it is crazy but the prints are drawing me in. And the leather jackets are all a bit gorgeous.
I'd love to clash a jet black leather jacket with some insane girly print.

Internship

2011-08-15T23:17:00.000-07:00

Today I start a 6 month internship at Ringspun in Manchester

feeling excited!

Images of Ringspun from ASOS

Minerals

2011-08-14T14:16:00.000-07:00

Source: http://mineralia.tumblr.com/

Have been adding images to my Pinterest account.

The board called Diamond Structures is growing quickly.

Manchester Graduate Fashion Show 2011

2011-08-10T16:25:00.000-07:00

Finally got hold of some images from Manchester Graduate fashion show, I got them from fashion designer Rachel Jewkes who's work was also on the catwalk at this event.

The fashion show was at Manchester Science and Industry Museum on the 22nd of June. It was a fantastic day, a great way to finish off my final year at uni.

You can see pieces from the collection in my portfolio post or website.

I also made a collection of digitally printed scarves which will be up for sale eventually, just before I finished uni I took full advantage of the print facilities and printed loads more! I must have about 30 now!

Below is the print design list which numbers and names the main collection created for the final year project, all of which are now digitally printed onto georgette and crep de chin scarves. Plus more designs from past projects. Keep posted, there will be better pics of them soon.

I wore Print 6 - Nuts and Facets to a job interview the other day, it definately brought me luck! That print is actually a scan of the bag made to accompany the collection.

Etro Spring Summer 2011

2011-08-07T15:52:00.000-07:00

This clutch bag is stunning!

My print obsessed eyes were caught by this Etro collection.
I wouldn't exactly wear everything in the range but I would definately frame it and put it on the wall like a piece of art!
The bag is the highlight of the collection for me, the gold metallic envelope edge is the perfect finish.

Will be adding a lot of this to my Pinterest boards, check them out if you havn't already

Kat Maconie

2011-08-04T08:43:00.000-07:00

This collection of very amazing Kat Maconie shoes came in at TheOutnet.com early this week.
Im slightly in love with the metalware used, especially the loops in the first images. I used all sorts of metal objects in my final project and am looking for new ways to use them in my bag adventure.
You may recognise some of these little beauties from the Felder Felder catwalk pictured below. Alex Vanthournout has done a post about Maconie's latest collection and the flat shoes are amazing! Check it out here.

My little arrival by delivery this morning! They are the pair second down in the pics above.
I have a big posh party to attend tomorrow night so am going to wear these. Annette if your reading this I hope your excited for your big weekend!

Mara Hoffman Resort 2011

2011-08-01T16:32:00.000-07:00

The bag above, THE BAG!!

Im not a massive summer person (Love layering up in the winter) but this resort collection by Mara Hoffman stuns me. The very first pic with the flowing dress is amazing!
To me the prints are a mix of aztec and tribal.

Givenchy Backstage

2011-07-27T16:17:00.000-07:00

Can't get enough of this collection
Love the frame prints

Bags in practice

2011-07-27T15:02:00.000-07:00

Since I designed this bag to accompany the final year degree collection, i've had a few requests off people wanting to buy one for themselves. I will eventually put the collection of bags in an online shop via my website. There is also a collection of digitally printed scarves ready to be photographed for the shop. Its all very exciting and since Ive left uni I've enjoyed carrying on the design journey! (sad!) I actually can not switch off that print design switch in my head . . . . example.

The lining of the bag pictured above is digitally printed, a few people wanted the actual outside of the bag printed instead, some with embellishment and some without.

So this week I have been doodling and drawing, coming up with possibilites for the print and maybe new ideas. I embellished this particular bag with steel nuts and faceted diamonds but Ive been sampling other ideas. Will post about them soon.
Which of the bags above would you buy?

I have an interview tomorrow for a fashion design internship.
Wish me luck!

Balmain Resort 2012

2011-07-25T16:15:00.000-07:00

I had to get these out of my laptop and onto my blog, as soon as I saw this collection it fascinated me. It looks tribal but still has that Balmania effect.

A few of the pieces really remind me of givenchy's autumn winter prints, a lot of people are also saying its very like Emilio Pucci. This is Olivier Rousteing's first collection at Balmain so the world is probably waiting with bated breath. According to style.com Elvis was a reference point for one of the evening jackets which was beaded in red, navy, gold, and white and trimmed in gold chains.

What do you think?
Personally I think its amazing!

Mary Katrantzou Autumn/Winter 11-12

2011-07-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

Both amazing print and surface design

Christopher Kane Aqua Envelope Clutch Bags

2011-07-20T16:37:00.000-07:00

Im sure I had something just like this when I was little, from Toys R Us.
It did not cost anything near as much as these but it was very similar!

If I had one of these I would be that really unlucky person that popped it at a party.

Christopher Kane Aqua Clutch bags, small and large, available here for £550

Coinonia Fall 2011

2011-07-20T04:08:00.000-07:00

The last image is the best, the coat with leather sleeves.

Sass & Bide T-shirts

2011-07-19T03:56:00.000-07:00

Such an easy way to display t-shirts.
Sass & Bide can do no wrong

Source

Switch Off

2011-07-18T08:13:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I should just switch off my digital print brain.

Trip to Eastbourne

Moody sky . . . . . . . would look great on an oversized vest top

Falguni Shane Peacock SS11

2011-07-16T14:43:00.000-07:00

Have just randomly come across this collection by falguni shane peacock, am blown away!

There is every element in there that I am obsessed with, print design, embellishment, pattern cutting etc.

This week I have been taking in the sun whilst visiting east sussex, making new print designs and have constantly been adding new images to my Pinterest boards. Its very obsessive.

I am gathering inspiration to create digitally printed scarves and bags. Am also developing and experimenting with a few of the garments created for my final degree project.
These will appear on my blog and website in the next few months.
Keep an eye out for all the development posts.

2011-07-14T17:50:00.000-07:00

Now I have the time I have finally got the chance to update myself with technology.

Follow me on Twitter and I am loving Pinterest.

Above is a few examples of the boards I have been putting together.

If you are a designer it is a great way to collect all your images and visually explore research.

The image above is a print design that features on my work board.

Givenchy Autumn Winter 11-12

2011-07-11T15:51:00.000-07:00

The Print design in this collection amazes me.

Draw In Light

2011-07-09T06:43:00.000-07:00

Draw In Light

Pre Spring Summer 2012

I find this collection so inspirational,

the colours, shapes and fabrics.

Source: Draw In Light

Nature vs Fashion

2011-07-07T05:45:00.000-07:00

I am in the middle of putting together a research board for a competition that leads to a year internship.

These fantastic images are from the fashion forecasting site mpdclick.
They show how strong the links are between garment shape/construction and inspirational nature

Source: MPDClick

graphical

2011-07-01T16:10:00.000-07:00

Sky Ferreira by Hugh Lippe for StyleCaster

Sorce: fgr

Photo Shoot - Collectively

2011-06-29T15:32:00.000-07:00

Recycled dress (above)

I never got round to putting up more pics from this day so here we are.

I put a few of the main dress up here but here is the rest.

This shoot is collectively the work of a photographer, model, make up artist, hair stylist, jewellery designer and print designer.

The shoot has pieces from my 'upcoming designer of the year' collection 2010, the zipper collection 2009 and even a few dresses that were made from recycled camisole tops rescued from a department store (before they got chucked in the bin!)

Photography - Robert Kicka

Textile Design for Fashion Degree Space

2011-06-24T06:33:00.000-07:00

Pics from my degree space.
This is how I presented my work at the degree show.
I had to go into uni yesterday to take it all down which was very sad!
But i suppose its the start of the next chapter of my life.

Manchester Graduate fashion show went really well, as soon as I get pics I'll put them up.

The first pic is of a row of digitally printed scarves which I will either sell on this blog or my website in the next few weeks.

I think I will do a post with the print designs so you can see exactly what is printed onto each scarf. Some are made from georgette and some are made from crep de chin.

If anyone is interested in buying one let me know, they will be from £60-£70 each.

Manchester graduate fashion show

2011-06-19T16:46:00.000-07:00

I feel as though I never actually handed my work in as I am embellishing like a crazy lady.
This is the half finished skirt that was inspired by the waistcoat.

Manchester Graduate Fashion Show is this wednesday and I am in the middle of preparing the collection.

Get tickets for the show here.

Portfolio pages

2011-06-15T14:53:00.000-07:00

The past few months at uni have been mental!
I can't believe im on the other side of it all now.
Here are some pages of my portfolio, although after seeing all those amazing portfolios at graduate fashion week I know just what I'd do now to change it all.

Next wednesday is the Manchester School of Art Graduate Fashion Show which is being held at manchester science and industry museum. It will be a really good show so all of you manchester bloggers should head down and support us manc designers!

You can buy tickets for £8 here

Kelly Dyer - Colchester School of Art and Design

2011-06-13T13:38:00.000-07:00

I was instantly drawn towards the work of designer Kelly Dyer on the Cochester stand at Graduate Fashion Week.

She used recycled leather and jewellery to make some of these amazing pieces above and I was really amazed at her photo shoot images.

You can see the progress of her work at http://kelly-dyer.tumblr.com/.

I'm hoping that she puts the leather cuffs up for sale that were on display and nominated for the Mulberry accessories award. (hint hint!)

Well done Miss Dyer, your work was incredible!

Graduate Fashion Week 2011

2011-06-10T05:37:00.000-07:00

All the people that had their work in the fashion show representing manchester met had to sit on the stage whilst everyone filtered into the theatre.
I dont think they were very happy about this decision, although Amy looks like she's having a good time!

Did anyone else see this guy onstage?! He was so funny acting like a teenage gangster
Loved his attitude

A selection of my favourite pics from Graduate Fashion Week.

As I am from Manchester School of Art a lot of the pics are students work from my uni but there are a few from other uni's that caught my eye.

I loved the Moschino collection that a student did (Pictured above) I'm not sure what uni they were from but it looked fantastic, I think they might have been from Leeds?! Anybody know?!

Well done to Amy Bant from my course (TD4F) for her amazing knit collection getting onto the catwalk, I am in love with the socks she knitted that had additional knee cap panels along with the traditional heel panel. They are amazing and i am waiting patiently for a pair.

More images of students work to follow
(Kelly of Colchester I'm talking about you!!)

Last days in the studio

2011-05-31T14:22:00.000-07:00

A sentimental post about my last days in the studio at uni!
We had to paint the walls white in preperation for the degree show. Some people were covered in paint by the end of the day, amy (pictured below) looked like she had been rolling around in a paint pot!

Maddy

Lydia dancing on a table

Our tutor Alex embracing the d.i.y!

Reach for the stars nathan!

Since there is building work going on at our uni, they decided to decorate the boards surrounding the building site with images of the students. Each student had there picture taken and then they were given the chance to edit the image of themselves however they wanted:

Kate

Amy

Tutor Alex

Hannah

Kate

Maddy

Lydia

I love this skirt!!

And a lovely little close up of kate and kate!!

Another one of the last days in the studio.....

Our brew making area got a bit disgusting at times!

Bend those knees ladies!!

My little work space:

Our tutor Julie crawling on a table!! very graceful!

1 week to go . . . .

2011-05-29T16:07:00.000-07:00

Next friday is the final hand in date for my final year at uni.
Been working very hard the past couple of weeks.

On the 6th of June I am heading to London for Graduate fashion week and will be on the manchester met stand with my friends. Can't wait to see everyones work and the catwalk shows.
Here are some pics from the photo shoot a few weeks ago.
I was very pleased with the embellished waistcoat after the many hours of hand sewing on all the rivets! Thanks very much to second year photogarphy student Luke Sampson for taking all the pics and also model francesca from boss models.

More pics yet to come.

Any bloggers heading to GFW?

xxx

Emptying the archive 3 - Sachin & Babi

2011-05-26T17:51:00.000-07:00

Emptying the archive 2

2011-05-22T10:52:00.000-07:00

More images Ive been hoarding for my sketch book during the research stages.

Alexander Wang

Alice and Olivia £320 Net-a-porter.com

All Saints

Emptying the archive

2011-05-19T12:47:00.000-07:00

My laptop is full of images from my final year project. So as random as they all are, I am getting them out into the open!

Some images are mine, some are not

Photo shoot

2011-05-18T16:58:00.000-07:00

Quick snaps of the shoot today

was really pleased with the outcome and will post the images soon