Merry Savings

I can't believe how quick Christmas came around, and we're at that stage already of saying farewell to 2010 and hello 2011. For now, forget the past and think ahead to New Year's Eve. Whether you're celebrating with lots of alcohol and friends or having a quiet one with the family, there's no excuse not to get dressed up for the occasion, after all 2010 was an outstanding year for fashion. If you've not bought your New Year's Eve outfit yet then you've been wise to wait for the sales because I've found a few pieces that will tempt the eye and leave you looking and feeling a million pounds, without spending it.

Make sure you shop around (there's still time) because the best things will be in the  places you wouldn't expect to find them. Don't impulse buy, instead choose investment pieces like that black maxi dress which you can dress up or down, plus a black dress will never age. Keep away from bright garish colours, save them for Spring, we're still in the Winter season so darker hues are good (navy, black, greys) If you do want to add colour, do so with your bag or jewellery. Luxury is key so opt for rich fabrics like silk, lace and velvet. Keep the sequins and glitter to a minimum, it looks tacky and I can guarantee they'll be on the floor by the end of the night. One last thing, be positive and smile! If you believe you're the best dressed, others will too. Happy partying!

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The Love of Zero

The Love of Zero directed by Robert Florey tells a story of love between a girl (Beatrix) and a trombone player (Zero). I stumbled across this video whilst carrying out research for my personal fashion project which is based on the 1920/30s. The film is impressionistic that expresses psychological reactions, which allows us to empathise with the characters. It is the set that I admire most which is prepared with paper scenery in different perspectives, and it reminds me of the sets created by Andy Hillman for Tim Walker photo shoots.

I created a mood board having been inspired by Florey's film. Keywords considered: monochrome; fantasy; movement; damsel; surreal

(please note: although creating the mood board myself on photoshop, I do not claim any of the images as my own)

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Long live the Queen

Tribute to Alexander McQueen by Nick Knight (Music by Bjork)

She was McQueen's right hand for 15 years and she knew him better than anyone so it was fitting for her to be assigned as Creative Director for Alexander McQueen. Sarah Burton showcased her first womenswear Spring/Summer 2011 collection for the design house in Paris and it was the most anticipated show on the bill. Burton has a lot to live up to but she intends to stay true to his legacy and this collection just proves she is capable of doing that. It was a beautiful show with an earthly and pagan-like atmosphere - the initial inspiration for the collection being raw power of nature. Although you can identify this is a McQueen show, I noticed less angst and aggression that would be apparent in Lee's work, it was much softer with emphasis on feminine shapes. The craftsmanship and detail was stunning ranging from hundreds of hand-painted feather butterflies to delicate leather ivy leaves and tailored suits with horse-hair spines. What's your opinion on Sarah Burton? Do you think she's done it justice?

My top 5 from this collection:

            

         

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Lady is red.

 Embrace the warmth this Winter - go red.

Karen Elson

Lily Cole

 

Tiah Eckhardt shot by Holly Blake for Dazed and Confused

My beautiful ginger friend Holly photographed by me.

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I've spent quite some time away from The Velvet Plum but my days/nights have been filled with heavy amounts of college work and I now have a job at a coffee shop which gets very tiring. I've also just set up a blog to display purely my art work, so I'll be splitting my time between the two. I've not posted anything on my new blog yet, but it wont be long before it's up and running so check it out and follow: Welcome Home.

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