The day I fell in love with Willow

Whilst flicking through my bumper issue of Grazia a few days ago, already weeks behind as my uni work had taken over my life, I stumbled across something amazing.  Mulberry's new addition, Willow.

It is a must-have accessory this season and its dual identity makes it ever more necessary for any fashionista! As I turned the page to see it in Grazia, it dazzled and caused me to run to mum boasting about its uniqueness and my desire to own such a handbag.  Since then it has been widely published in fashion essential print, causing a stir among handbag enthusiasts everywhere!

 Images from Mulberry.com

The Willow's dual identity enables the simple, classic tote to be transformed into the prefect night-time clutch...an essential for all those after-work parties that are not to be missed!

I would be opting for the Nude Willow, should my bank balance suffice! This staple colour will never go out of style and will accompany any outfit making the bag virtually pay for itself right?....cost per wear is a beautiful thing, making purchases more guilt-free ;)

So whilst I am saving up, I am sure that the fash-pack have already got their hands on this timeless handbag...get shopping ladies, it won't be around for long....

Get Dressed For Spring

My second article has been published yay!

I am loving this writing business now, and it looks fab too.  Albeit in a local newspaper...everyone has to start somewhere right?

So here it is >>>>>

Once again it is too tiny to read here on screen so if you fancy a real read it is available at Get Dressed For Spring, page 11. 

I don't get top chose the garments that feature in the article, I am given a choice to write about and I have to turn it into a must-read piece.  There are some great items featuring in this issue though that will set any fashionista up for Spring...even with the dodgy weather we have been having!

So Happy Easter, and happy reading.....

Plus-size lingerie- a catalyst for change?

When doing my usual morning routine of checking Facebook and Twitter in case anything exciting happened over night, then moving onto my emails, I stumbled across one of high importance! It was from the Business of Fashion titled ‘The Fashion Industry (still) Has an Image Problem’, and as I read further down the article it became clear that it discusses my dissertation topic.  At first I was concerned...that had my original idea not been so original or was it just that good that the fashion industry was even considering the topic?

My dissertation looks at consumer perceptions of plus-size, focussing on lingerie and models in advertisements to determine if perceptions can be changed using the media, models and advertising.

Image of My Dissertation

 After weeks of hard graft and research I have concluded that industry should drop the ‘plus-size’ label amongst models and just combine all body sizes to work in unison in the advertising world.....although it must be confirmed that whilst I state ‘models of all sizes’ it is important to recognise health issues and not go too big or small.  Models that exist in industry under the category ‘plus-size’ are not what consumers in the UK categorise as plus-size anyway; they are merely glamorous, toned women that are slightly larger than the size-zero models we are usually succumbed to on the catwalks. 

This means that, whilst Milan Fashion Week showcased very plus-size models on the catwalk, this is not what my research references.  I mean models such as Robyn Lawley and Candice Huffine, who themselves fight back at the label of ‘plus-size’, they have normal body shapes yet are classed as plus-size in the modelling world; in reality they are size 16 and 6ft tall thus their proportions are evened out! 

Image from Daily Mail

 

So what has the Business of Fashion got to do with this? Well the article details that H&M has introduced ‘normal-sized’ (NOT plus-size) mannequins into their Swedish stores and placed them in the lingerie department, however, this was later corrected to being an Ahlens store.  So you can understand my shock upon reading this, it is as if they have read my whole dissertation and concluded the same thing that I have...that women want to see larger models and mannequins to represent the ‘normal/average’ body size!

Image from Business of Fashion

This proves that my research has been worthwhile and relevant to the fashion industry.  The UK consumers that filled out my questionnaires and took part in my focus groups, and even the industry experts who did my focus group, concluded that they want the label of ‘plus-size’ dropped amongst models, so that they could all work together in advertisements and on catwalks.  Furthermore, they think lingerie can be the start of change...the average bra size in the UK is 36D so it is important for women to be educated.  You can wear what is classed as a ‘plus-size’ bra but still have a tiny body size and wear size 8/10 clothes; it is because our perceptions have been manufactured by the industry and our vision is distorted regarding what we categorise as plus-size.

This debate could go on and on but I just wanted to get it out there...that I researched it first!  If retailers are catching onto this idea, maybe it could pave the way for the rest of the fashion industry?

An afternoon with Constance Howarth

Bolton's very own claim to fashion history lies with Constance Howarth, a print and fabric designer who also toiled with dressmaking and millinery too.  It was 1955 that saw her rise to success with a collection of 16 dresses complete with accompanying hats.  Howarth's unique approach had buyers in awe, she wore her own dresses to meetings in a bid to show off her creative skills!  

Constance's inspiration came from trailing through European art galleries and museums, she highlights the value of exploring when starting out in your fashion career.

After studying at the Manchester College of Art, Constance found her place in the fashion world after visiting America.  Her regular trips to Miami and New York inspired designs for the American market, but still using her print designs from the UK.  She took a gamble one afternoon in New York, and invited top department store buyers to her hotel suite.  She displayed her designs in all their glory, with the hope of them purchasing some of her garments.  Much to Constance's surprise, the buyers loved her collection and ordered hundreds! She returned to the UK a glowing success story.

 

With her new found fashion footing, Constance remained in the UK but pursued her dreams in London where her collections flourished.  She continued to supply the American market as well as the UK, working as a freelance designer and taking the 50s by storm!  Constance also won numerous awards for her contributions, including one from Vogue:

Some designs are delicate and feminine, with an almost oriental feel.  There is intricate detail and a strong floral presence in the ones below, my favourite is the simple green leaf print with tiny flashes of bright pink flowers...this would fit perfectly on today's highstreet!

 

Some of her other designs are influenced by geometric shapes, the exhibition explains how Constance became inspired by the 'Cleopatra' film and her visits to Egypt.  This clearly runs through her prints, the colours are bolder and shapes are harder.

With all Constance Howarth's success, Bolton Museum has exhibited her collections and print designs for all to see.  She died last year so did not get to see the towns tribute to her work, however it is a great exhibition and a must see for all budding fashion designers.  Her prints appear modern despite their age, showing her timeless eye and the re-run of 50s nostalgia that is running through the fashion industry as we speak!  Although a small exhibit, it portrays her classic style and success beautifully.

The exhibition displays old newspaper cuttings and photographs so visitors can envisage her whirlwind success.  It is a great contribution to local history and also fashion history too, whilst not a huge name in the design world, her prints are inspired.  Fashion saw a huge soar in popularity during the 50s and 60s and Constance Howarth was a small part of that revolution.

 

Constance Howarth's designs are only to be exhibited until early April 2013 so if you would love to learn more about her then it is a must to get there soon!  It is a great step back in time and her prints could even inspire some new designers.  

Vogue Talent contest

As if I didn't have enough to be getting on with, I think I may have found myself a new challenge...Vogue's Talent Contest.  They run this annually to discover young, talented writers, and the prize is amazing...one week paid experience at Vogue offices, your article published in the Autumn issue and £1,000!! Enough to get any fashionista listening!

Winners of the Vogue Talent Contest have gone on to do great things, some are working for the British Fashion Council and others are now feature writers for Vogue.  It is a prestigious award to add to any CV and very worthwhile if you think you have the talent, previous winners and runners up have been as young as 13!

For any young writers out there, this is definitely worth considering as it could kick start your fashion career.  I for one am eager to enter and it runs alongside my graduating from MMU, so it would be the perfect start to entering the fashion industry.

This year's applicants have to submit 3 pieces of written work, so it is hard going, you have to prove your worth. I suppose though, this will eliminate those who deem it too big a challenge and the elite will be left to fight for the prize!

You have to be under 25 to enter and you must submit 3 written pieces as follows:

1. Write about an experience you have had that you consider appropriate for the pages of Vogue 

    (800 words)
2. Write a short feature article - a cultural or current affairs review, or a fashion or beauty trend 

    (500 words)
3. Write a short interview with a person who is not a member of your family 

   (500 words)

So as I sit and tell you all about it, it has made me even more determined to give it a go, alongside my dissertation and presentations it will be tough but the reward at the end is more than worth it.  So all you budding journalists out there, put pen to paper and get writing!!

Maybe I'll see you at the finishing line.....