RANDOM | THINGS THAT MADE ME HAPPY TODAY

On a sunny Tuesday when you're battling a deadline nice little things are like the golden ticket in a Wonka bar. So here are my golden tickets for today...

Despite the odd crazy heatwave sprinkled here and there like garish coloured sprinkles you can't help enjoy, we cannot deny it folks... Autumns here and it's getting chilly. This is a perfect time to get those needles and yarn out and, if like me, you find that you've forgotten a few trick over summer then these tutorials by Wool And The Gang are just the ticket (gedit?). These guys make knitting cooler than an ice bath in Alaska and they recently collaborated with Giles. I am also silly excited about the prospect of knitting with jersey. (There are more nice things on my tumblr btw)

                        

The release of the film IDA. Too beautiful and intense. Pawel Pawlikowski is a genius. It's showing as part of the BFI London Film Festival too. 

                        

Also new Michael Pitt film!

Now to add some colour to this rather grey mix, check out Hilary Sloane's stunning photography. Look!

     

     

This outfit at Paris fashion week is everything...

from Because I'm Addicted

                                

FASHION | NEW TALENT LFW S/S 2015

It is always so much fun to collaborate with friends. I am really excited to share some of my favourite new designs by the Fashion Scout winning graduate designers that I came across at The Freemason's Hall at London Fashion Week. I am even more excited to share these illustrations the ridiculously talented Emma McMorrow. These pieces are so much fun and Emma has captured this beautifully in her illustrations.

Camilla Grimes 

The Manchester School of art will always be in my hearts as I studied in Manchester and lived with students at the school. The work that comes out of here is always exciting and often tongue in cheek. Camilla Grimes is the epitome of this it seems. This pink parka with sequined poodles on it made my inner 8 year old scream with joy and my actual 28 year old self seriously consider a new winter coat. 

Keiko Nishiyama

Hailing from Tokyo, designer Keiko Nishiyama creates prints that make you gasp (with joy). Her latest collection depicts a stunning underwater seaworld and I was particularly struck by her inclusion of this striking sculptural headpiece. Maybe not one to wear down to Morrison's but boy would it be fun to wear to a party!

Cassandra Verity Green

Just look at this bag by Central Saint Martin's Cassandra Verity Green. It is so simple but has a futuristic element kind of like if Barbarella was to work was to go work for a cool advertising agency in 2016. For her graduate show this London based knitwear designer sent these bags down the catwalk with fish in and this unexpected element paired with the fun pastel furs made this a totally stand out graduate show. You might prefer to keep your keys in it but either way you know you want this bag.

EVENT | ROGUE OPEN STUDIOS 2014

It's great to get to go behind the scenes and see where creatives work. Open studio events are a special opportunity to see creative processes and practices in action and meet the talented people who dedicate their time and energy to their amazing work. This weekend (19th-21st September) a very special studio is opening it's doors. Housed in Manchester, Rogue Studios is home to a gaggle of over 90 of the north's most creative individuals working across a range of disciplines.

My lovely pal, ridiculously talented maker of the most covetable jewels, Jade Mellor, will be there so go say hi. I challenge you not to desire all her precious gems. 



You can tour across three floors of Crusader Mill, a creative hotspot teaming with ideas and inspiration. Tonight is the launch party so go along and chat to the diverse range of artists, enjoy a tipple and make the most of this opportunity to have an insight into this incredible space. Also, there will be a chance to catch some special exhibitions, collaborations and purchase or commission the unique work crafted in the studio spaces. Go, go, GO. 

Opening Party: Friday 19th September (6-9pm)
Open Weekend: Saturday 20th – Sunday 21st (12-5pm)
By appointment: Monday 22nd – Sunday 28th (12-5pm)

More info here. 

FASHION | LFW SS14 - QUOI ALEXANDER

Sometimes you stumble across a designer whose craftmanship leaves you stood mouth open eyes gawking in awe. Central St Martin's Quoi Alexander is one of these designers and his London Fashion Week debut was a total triumph.

Influenced by Xu Bin, an artist who in the 80's created scrolls in a language similar to chinese, Alexander's creativity seems to know no bounds and his focus on detail is unrelenting. His debut catwalk show left an electrifying buzz of excitement as it was hard not to be fixated by the woven armour he sent down the runway. For this new designer this is the start of something beautiful for sure.

                       

FASHION | LFW - ONG OAJ-PAIRAM

So London Fashion Week came around and it was time to look at all the beautiful clothes once more. As the leaves start to drop so did the Spring/Summer 2015 collections masking any thoughts of the dark cold nights ahead this winter. I only attended a couple of shows and exhibitions this year but discovered some exciting new designers who I'll share on here over the week. 

The first one I'm going to mention is a young Thai born designer who sent some fantasy pleated dresses, sculptural skirts and highly covetable separates down the runway during his Fashion Scout show at The Freemason's Hall on Saturday. 

Brighton University graduate Pairam developed his skills working for Proenza Schouler in New York and Roland Mouret in London before setting up his own Label in November 2012. He has a real talent when it comes to experimenting with cuts that are flattering, bold but wearable and is definitely a designer to keep an eye on.