A  Tim Walker Girl:

She would be:

i.          Adventurous yet a daydreamer

ii.     Love the outdoors and the countryside

iii.  Love fashion, yet not follow the trends, inject her own style, often with classic or retro pieces

iv.   Fun loving and loves fantasies

v.       She would adore quaint and beautiful pieces

vi.   Mix pastels with brights

vii.                                   Strive on elements of surprise

viii.                               Quirky yet with a feminine touch

ix.  She would probably drive a classic car such as a Figaro or a updated modern classic like a VW Beatle

x.     She would mix highstreet (Topshop) with designer (Paul & Joe, Luella, Chloe, Stella McCartney , Marc Jacobs) with classic vintage pieces

xi.  Interests would include photography and illustration

xii.                                 Dream holiday would be to escape to the English countryside in a period property or cottage

xiii.                             Would enjoy the theatre (Wizard of Oz), cinema (Indie films, Tim Burton, Disney,) and travelling (road trips)  eat out at traditional restaurants or those with a them (Bob Bob Ricard)

I made a moodboard of what I believe a Tim Walker girl to be.

I collected imagery from various places, one being a great little blog who I believe the writer encapsulates the Tim Walker aesthetic perfectly.

http://kissesandcrossstitches.blogspot.com

Her name is Lavelle and she is a visual merchandiser from Manchester. Post after post I came across another interesting image that would fit well with my idea of a Tim Walker girl. She introduced me to Swedish blogs called Elinkan who takes whimsical photos of her outfits (she is the one in the yellow dress and tights) & Niotillfem  who looks at interriors and throws amazing parties all documented (the teacups are from there). Also found images of Jamie Nelson, with a few unknowns of interiors and photography all within the context of my imagined Walker girl.

When putting the board together instantly model Valentine Fillol Cordier came to mind.  Not only is she completely naturally beautiful it shines through in an effortless way. I’ve recently become in ore of her and her various editorials she has featured in, they are always quirky yet femine, she adds something special to each shot, a flick of her locks or an inviting glance. I predict she is a model to watch.

Last but not least FiFi Lapin, my favourite bunny fashionasta who chose a Matthew Williamson dress in regards to Tim Walkers book –Pictures (also a fav read). 

Miscellaneous Uni briefing notes...

On Monday (5.01.10) we had a really interesting lecture/ introduction to our new brief for this term. It started with us viewing the McQueen s/s10 catwalk show then followed by Lady Gaga Bad Romance video. This obviously threw up a lot of similarities between the two footage, one main one being Gaga kitted out in McQueen with the now Gaga synonymous towering heels.  Another major link being that Lady Gaga’s  ‘Bad Romance’ was debuted at the closing of McQueen’s Paris Fashion Week catwalk show.

The plan for McQueen’s groundbreaking show and the explanation for the massive mechanical cameras zooming up and down the rails was that the show was to be broadcasted live via his website however the streaming was interrupted for most due to Gaga twittering just before about her new record being included during the show and the sheer numbers of GaGa fan’s logging on crashed the server. Which was a huge shame for those fashionasta alike who awaited patiently to be apart of an actual McQueen show live,  the prospect to see Karmen Predaru strutting down the runway in her Alexander McQueen reptile print assemble, being able to draw judgement at the same point as the Vogue Editor would be scribbling down her notes and thoughts was quite exciting. 

Gaga outrageous style I guess is appropriate with the McQueen aesthetic and this partnership is beneficial for both parties. Gaga not only gets free clothes she is a walking, talking advertisement doll for the McQueen brand. Opening it up to a new market who may not necessarily be McQueen admirers or ever buy a £5000 dress but may well buy into more accessible areas such as perfume or accessories, e.g the skull scarf. 

As you can see from the images below these are three different consumers all wearing the McQueen skull scarf, it has become less distinguishable to place these consumers into brackets, as marketeers tend to do. All three illustrated here are wearing the iconic scarf yet one of them could of paid £300 where as the other could of possibly paid £90 from a discount designer outlet. This means to determine the individual into a certain consumer bracket you need look deeper to help differentiate them but looking at what bag they are carrying or what phone they are using is it an iphone or a blackberry, what is there lifestyle? 

 (Source for images L > R: Jenny's Xanga Site,  Fashion Gal in DC blog , Lookbook.nu . 

We then moved on to look at Bruce Webbers short film for YSL- Fall/ Winter 10/11- Ain't nothin' like the real thing. Webber a famous photographer has shot similar controversial campaign footage's such as the banned CK Jeans ad's of the 90's. A noticeable theme run's throughout his work, wonder if you can see it from these to video's below.  

When asked our opinions my initial reaction was I didn't really get it. Although beautiful cinematography and conceptual ideas i agree with one commentator that they are not really sure on the link with YSL. I felt that to use such an amazing artist such as Marvin Gaye doesn't really seem to sit with the imagery conveyed, but that is purely my opinion. Fashion Films are a new creative medium that apparently seeks to connect the audience with the thoughts and inspirations behind the collections.  

So as trends go, everyone is doing it and Prada have recently released a short silent, black and white film by pioneering chinese artist Yang Fudong . His website describes his work as compelling images of a distant life, video as expansion of reality, which is a good summary of what is shown below in Prada's 'First Spring'. I could appreciate the beauty of this film reel signifcantly more than Webber's it had a fantasy aspect to the storytelling and lead you on a journey slipping into Muccia Prada's visonary world. 

This was my favourite comment on the video by DefinitionXbattl: or, in a less cynical view, shows Pradas interest in modern activity, such as film, and a serious effort to grow. Growth visually, with their clothes, shows, & now movies like this..but also growth in a more mental or conscious way, something Prada, esp. Miuccia, has always been about. I hate when ppl call or refer to fashion as "art," but I think Miuccia is one of the very VERY few who take a real step into that direction, and literally give us more than clothing, which is why I <3 her :)

....I agree with that fully. 

Prada states that it is 'inspired by the Chinese adage that the whole year's work depends on a good start in spring and this film represents an exciting new direction for Prada's visual communications at the start of this decade.' 

Like stars you will shine above,

Forever eternal and true,

Your spirits live on in the hearts of loved ones,

Every memory cherished too.

Exit Through The Gift Shop

An ingenious title by an ingenious artist. I am actually so excited by this and the trailer has just wet my appetite for more, giggling at the little captions that were popping up I can see this film as being a must see for 2010! 

Prolific street artist Banksy is to debut the film this month at the Sundance Film Festival, although was originally set to be part of secret schedule speculation rose after Banksy himslef left a few little images on the walls in Park City where the festival is due to be held. 

Banksy has said to explain his debut as “The story of how one man set out to film the un-filmable. And failed.” As always you can only expect the out of ordinary and the plot sounds as intriguing as the artist himself. Banksy’s publicist told the guardian, “It’s a film about a man who tried to make a film about me. Everything in it is true, especially the bits where we all lie.” Although it is unlikely to reveal any substance to the person behind the pseudo the combination of director Thierry Guetta (also a street artist, aka Mr. Brainwash) and Banksy is sure to be an alluring one,  most probably tantalising the audience throughout with the prospect of subtle clues. 

Bizarrely Rhys Ifans narrates the 85 minute film, which John Cooper (Director of the Sundance Festival) describes as "one of those films that comes along once in a great while, a warped hybrid of reality and self -induced fiction while at the same time a totally entertaining experience. The story is so bizarre I began to question if it could even be real… but in the end I didn’t care. I feel bad I won’t be able to shake the filmmaker’s hand and tell him how much I love this film. I think I will shake everyone’s hand that day and hope I hit on Banksy somewhere. I love his work in all forms." 

Exit Through The Gift Shop will have its world premiere at the festival on Sunday as the Sundance Spotlight Surprise and will subsequently be released in UK cinemas on 5 March.

1xtra Presents... Alicia Keys: 'Hear it for London!'

WOW! what can I say, Alicia Keys was truly amazing still can't believe I was one of the lucky few to win tickets. Here me Live on Twin B's 1xtra show nervously giggling throughout: 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00q0h3p/Westwood_Tinie_Tempahs_in_with_Twin...pass_out!/

I have been a fan of Alicia Keys since I can remember so it was a dream come true last night when I attended the exclusive 1xtra Presents at the legendary  BBC Maida Vale studios. Arrived so early that we had to walk the block for a few minutes, excitement was building and I really did not know what to expect. When we entered the studio I realised how personal it was going to be with only a few hundred attendees many famous 1xtra/ radio 1 DJ's, Press and of course us lucky competition winners. 

unfortunately we weren't allowed to take photos or film while she was performing, so only got a few...

When Alicia came out it felt so surreal, she was so close and you often felt that she would give you a personal smile. Her set was amazing she did about 10-12 songs that blew the audience away. 

 Alicia doing her thing- image via Punch Bowl Blog 

I couldn't possibly tell you which was my favourite song as to me they were all so incredible but I would say that Un-thinkable (I'm Ready) and Empire state of mind (part II) which she broke down to different levels, they were definite stand outs. she looked gorgeous in a casual understated look of skinny grey jeans, killer boots and a black body top, minimal make-up, which her beauty shown through. She would introduce each song with a personal message or emotion that she  has attached to that song, not only did she do all her past hits, all with a new AK twist, even adding in some much loved reggae beats. She also performed many tracks of her new album, The Element of Freedom 

Her band and backing singers I must also mention were also amazing on the night. image via RWD mag 

She seriously gave me shivers down my spine, many of the ladies in the audience were connecting with her and admiring her incredible voice while many of the men I think we admiring her in a very different way with heckles coming from the back when she took of her jacket, boys will be boys I suppose. 

excuse the awful filming! but this is part of the wonderful Interview with Trevor Nelson who opened the questions up to a few of the competition winner who had some great questions for Alicia. In this video she talks a bit about her inspiration for the new album and where the name The Element of Freedom came from. I agree with Trevor also when he mentions how this album really has a different sound ('global sound') to any of her previous albums, yet still equally as impressive.



Alicia Keys is so humble yet you have to admire her strength and passion for what she does. She is worthy of where she is today, she is a talented superstar who is not there just for the fame but is there because she loves what she does and i think that is a quality that is rare in this day and age. She is my idol and last night only confirmed to me more why I love her and it is a night i will never forget, i mean how could you!


I am truly appreciative of having the honour to even been given the chance by 1xtra to come and witness and be a part of such a special (& iconic) night. Thank you so much BBC 1xtra!


Make sure you tune into Trevor Nelson this Saturday (23rd) on BBC Radio 1 Xtra – Alicia Keys special 7.00pm-9.00pm bbc.co.uk/1xtra and catch the full session on Mon 7pm. Video online on Sat (look out for me dancing and singing away!)

Get Ya Bargains Here!

Have you been a bargin fashionasta in the good ol' January sales this year? 

To be honest I usually avoid most of the sales especially the January ones, too many crowds, tooo much mess, sales assistants have given up hope, never anything in your size and you get tempted into buying alot of things you don't actually need, how can u resist when it has £50 off! 

Been snowed in for what feels like a decade in itself so have no ventured into the highstreet for a while now, so pretty much been doing my window browsing on the internet (above are a few of my best picks). However web shopping has not come without its frustration as many sites will show these fantastic products- click on it... out of stock! it's like they are teasing you at least in the shop when its gone its gone, so you never see it to want it. 

I want to know have you managed to get a hold of any bargains! I guess key to sales is focus on classics that will last you along time or at least a few seasons, I brought myself some Bertie heels (pictured above) justified them as i struggle to find shoes to fit (in reality snow has stopped me strutting my stuff in them so still not worn), got a All Saints Tee not to dissimilar to the one pictured- loved the cut out back (still braved it in this cold!- I mean you can always layer), a digital print puff sleeve top from Oasis (looked better in the picture!) oh and some boring ol'  emilio cavallini tights from John Lewis (one fits one doesn't and I'm only 5ft1 how small did you need to be?). So didn't go too mad (this time)....  

Louis Vuitton to hire Tony Blair... (yes I know!)

If it's not bad enough that the Governments mess has made it near enough impossible for any fashion graduate to get a job, they are now taking them too!!

Politics and fashion is not one that is often associated with each other (other than Sarah Browns mild attempts) and if like me you will have to re-read this next statement several times...

Louis Vuitton to hire Tony Blair (Via The Telegraph, UK)

yes I know!! think it is actually more shocking than Ivana Trumps lips, well if it has quite sunk in I'll try my best to explain what the Telegraph details: 

Basically Tony Blair's palling up with French billionaire Bernard Arnault during his time as Prime Minister has really paid off (quite literally) apparently they are in discussions over his new advisory role with the luxury goods firm Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy. Mr. Blair has not been suffering the doom of the recession thats for sure in fact he has not been without a job since he left office in 2007 and disparate  "advisory" positions have been believed to have earned him at least £15 million. So we won't be seeing Tony down our local job centre que anytime soon then, but hey Tony that nice sum of money would help out our desperate banks hey, but oh yes of course you got out of that one quick!

It seems Mr Arnault has been giving Tony his own hand outs and reportedly has made the Blair's quite comfortable, now, where to start:

• Blairs sons Eaun and Nicky both got a luxurious internships courtesy of Arnault (not quite like the work experience we know) they had accomodation, bodyguards and a chauffeur-driven cars all provided for at a believed cost of at least £40,000 for Euan's two month internship. 
• This may be mistaken for something out of The Hills but daughter Kathryn also benifited from Arnaults genoristy and was allowed to stay in his 20million pad in Paris during her time studying at The Sorbonne.
• Not to forget the millionaires essential yatch, 'Amadeus', which played host to the family in the Med while they popped in to see the Pope in 2007 and it was there port of call (excuse the pun) for the duration of there stay while attending the  Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008

It leaves a bitter taste doesn't it, I mean what hope is there for the rest of us mere mortals! the privledged will always be able to lead their privileged lifestyle (with or without any style credential) but they cannot however exclaim that they ever got to were they are off their own merit, silver spoon and all! 

Emma Watson puts her best leg forward!

(image from the huffington post)

This made me smile seeing the new Burberry ad campaign! Not only does the misplaced leg (or is it just hid behind his?) look slightly off so is the same family portrait fact that she is posing with her brother. The Guardian saw it as " actually a bit weird", must admit you wouldn't usually see most of us posing that closely with our brothers but given a £million ad deal hey, why not! What's your thoughts? Enter the pole on the Huffington Post is it a photoshop blunder or is just very cleverly bent and obscured by her brothers leg? 

(image from WGSN twitpic) 

I think they look very alike, some families get all the looks! 

Girl Meets Dress

I’ve always loved the idea of these borrowing websites yet always remained dubious that it is one of those to good to be true factors. For a special occasion it always seemed a perfect idea to borrow a dress as on so many occasions I have splashed out on an expensive dress that gets stuck at the back of the wardrobe after one or two wears. Special occasion pieces test there limits of how many times you can wear it without people noticing it’s the same one worn as the last event. I don’t think I could ever justify buying a designer dress for just that reason (unless I was going to meet the Queen, which in itself is highly unlikely) and if I did I would want to wear it all day everyday, even to bed for it to pay for itself. Designer dresses are so alluring, pure quality and glamour, what girl does not want to feel amazing on a special night out or an event.

GIRL MEETS DRESS, reconciles such fashion conundrums perfectly with an array of designers available from quirky Marc Jacobs, to ultra feminine Temperley, to daring McQueen there is a perfect dress for everyone. Below are my favourite choices:

L-R: 3.1 PHILLIP LIM, TEMPERLEY, LUELLA , HERVE LEGER, RICHARD NICOL

Worried about little catches to this, well fear not, I had a few of the same preconceptions which luckily the fantastic Website, put my mind at rest finding out that your are able to try up to 3 dresses for free (- Shipping fees), choose from over a 100 designers, Borrow from just £24 and keep for 2 or 7 nights and simply when your are done send back the garment in a prepaid package where they even take care of all the dry cleaning! Sounds Perfect!

My major concern is, night out, expensive dress, sounds like a receipt for distaster but Girl Meets Dress has this covered where you are able to now take out insurance for the dress at a meer £7! There all those worries out the way free to enjoy wearing your dress.

Now all I need to do is just find an event to go to.

Want to find out more and be tempted by more gorgeous beauties visit www.girlmeetsdress.com