House of Laurus - Press Event

Last week I attended the 'House of Laurus' Press event held in Henrietta Street, Covent Garden. Laurus PR looks after clients across Fashion, Lifestyle and Health and Beauty. Big thanks to the Lovely PR girls who showed me around, see below some of highlights of the event... 

Chantelle French luxury lingerie brand for autumn/winter sees a muted and sophisticated palette of chocolate, browns and champagne. My favourite piece is the lace bustier top right. Stocked in all major department stores including Selfridges & Harrods. http://www.chantelle.com/ 

Sister brand to Chantelle, Pasionata is aimed at the younger 20-somethings, fun & flirty with low plunging and balconette style cuts. Bar Rafaeli models the range who has again been linked to Leonardo DiCaprio, She looks pretty amazing see below: 

    

http://www.passionata.com/

Patrick Cox, famously known for his shoes should be equally known for his leather goods range which was launched back in 2002. This coming autumn/winter collection is made up of some stunning colourful pieces, which I was informed by the lovely Laurus PR that the price point has infact been lowered this season, so more accessible for everyone which is a bonus, prices start around £135. The envolope clutches top left are my personal favourite of the collection.  Embellishment of hardware details were key, from zips to tassels also with Patrick Cox metal symbol emblem that makes it a stand-out feature. http://www.patrickcox.com/ available in all major department stores.  

 

http://www.patrickcox.com/

  

Nougat London is a newly appointed brand to Laurus PR client list. It is a collection I would say for the older woman, yet with incredible embellishment and detail on each garment.  http://www.nougatbodytohome.co.uk/fashion/

Rakish Heels, are a little from the norm with each pair of shoes having a quirky feature of some sort, usually focusing around the heel. The shoes allow the wearer to be creative and individual with their footwear. They have the fantastic feature of leather heel covers which can be worn on or clipped off to reveal the original brightly coloured heel, effectively two shoes in one (what more could a girl ask for?)! It is such a great idea! Prices start from around £100 http://www.rakish-heels.com    


With thanks to Laurus PR

Hairy Business- A/W 10/11 Trends

Fur was everywhere to be seen on Autumn / Winter 10/11 catwalks. The tactile material moved from the garments to the accessories from puffs of fur bags to compact fur edging through to tufts of visible fur used as embellishment on footwear. 

Fur Ball

 
• Sphere shaped fur bags are a key shape
• They come in a variety of shades and colours, with even leopard print being sound at Louis Vuitton 
• Most designers embraced fake fur this season
• Sizes vary from Giles large comical eye bag to YSL compact fur clutch. 

Fur Shoulder

• Verstaile hands free bags
• fur often extending up the strap
• varies from a full fur bag to just fur trimmings and embellishment 

Handful of Fur 

• Elegant classic shapes are updated with the use of fur
• All have rounded, tubular handles
• Again colours vary with Louis Vuitton using a two-tone fur. 

Fur Packages 

• Good things come in small packages so it seems
• statement fashion pieces - allowing to be on trend with minimal effort
• alternate ways of carrying a bag from Hermes ingenious perched umbrella bag to Reed Krakof's strapped brace assemble with fur pouches. 

Centaur Boots

• Calf high fur boots
• Yeti, Apres Ski and Eskimo styles. 
• Shade of fur fading into a darker shade at the bottom 

• Inspiration for the designers this season could of possibly come from, Inuit and Explorer boots which would be covered in fur to help keep out the wet and cold.
• 70's ski-wear come-back lead to the re-incarnation of the fur boot
• Interesting fact the UGG boot (love 'em or hate 'em) came from the principle of WW1 pilots who would wear boots that were called FUGG boots apparently due to there unusual appearance. Australian surfers then adopted to using the FUGG boots to keep there feet warm after surfing and ta-da the birth of the phenomenon started. 

Touches of Fur

• Fur embellishment on shoes has been an emerging trend from the street style crowd, with WGSN documenting fur inners from back in 2008. 
• From a full fur plumage to sproutings of random trimmings of fur, these change the overall silhouette of the shoes. 

This is a trend I saw appearing across the board, however still relatively a micro one. Wedged boots with cut out soles, from exaggerated toblerone shapes on Viktor and Rolf boots centre, all the way to mini crimples at Chloé. Possibly developed from the likes of the maroon vintage 70s Christian Dior boots (top left).  A sister trend to the sculptural heel seen a few seasons ago, this trend looks to be set to develop further. 

Gotta Love a Mid-Season Sale

This little mixture of sale items has been put together for weeks (so I hope some of these bargains are still around!) can't believe I spent the time to do it yet not post it up!! been rather busy, and thats no excuse, realising there is just not enough hours in the day! Having to do another blog for my uni assessment of my current placement, If your interested you can catch up with what I have been up to on my Intern placement here. 

note to self: I will not neglect this blog in the process! as I hope the task of actually completing another one each week in order to get assessed does not drain all of my enjoyment out of blogging!

so on a lighter note.... have you managed to pick up any good bargains in the mid season sales? to be honest I wasn't aware they were even on until I stumbled across some tan, leather ankle boots from River Island, 1/2 price! still trying to work out if I can justify to wear boots in Spring still? 

POLYV♥RE

1920's Music Hall by What Katie Did featuring Marchesa dresses

Items in this set:
Marchesa | Feather silk dress | NET-A-PORTER.COM, 5,320 GBP
What Katie Did, Raw Silk Sophia Corset, 140 GBP
What Katie Did - Music Hall Mae Corset, 120 GBP
Nude Bow Penelope Wedges, KG by Kurt Geiger, 120 GBP
Urban Outfitters - What Katie Did Harlow Underwire Bra, 35 GBP

He did it! Won 'Ad of the week!' Well done Choon!

Doritos - King of Ads - Episode 7 - Always roll your R's from Doritos on Vimeo.

I thought it was an April fools joke when I found out, but how gullible am I???

"April May Choon did i win the ad of a week ? or this is a April fool day ? lol"

http://choonin.blogspot.com/

Son of Rambo...

Can't say I know much about this illustrator, Rambo, but WOW, WOW!

check out Rambo and more of his work here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=207077&id=618665155&page=7

Philip Treacy's LiveStudio residency

I have been meaning to blog about this for a few weeks now. I was absolutely glued to my computer screen for the whole day on 25 March watching Showstudio's live streaming of  internationally acclaimed milliner and accessory designer Philip Treacy. During his session he answered questions submitted by viewers while creating a unique one-off headpiece, which he described as a 'feathered salad' reminiscent of the Sarah Jessica Parker headpiece she wore for the SATC premiere.  The hat is available to purchase from the SHOWstudio Shop. 


The streaming was alluring viewing, watching a master at work, it was a fantastic insight into the process of millinery, (although Treacy dislikes that term, he likened it to being described as a florist). The intricate details and the time consuming nature of creating a head-piece was astounding. I adore hats and now after watching the streaming I want to embrace them on occasions other than for a wedding. Strong personalities such as Grace Jones and the amazing Isabella Blow have graced Treacy's creations with pride (he discusses more below). Like most designers Treacy had an arrogance to him which at times came across as slightly disheartening as he would blaspheme at viewers submitted questions that he deemed as stupid or irrelevant. Which seemed slightly out of line as  if you agree to to do a live Q&A surely you have to come to expect to receive the most obvious of questions and of course get many repeated submissions from those who would of just tuned in. The Show Studio staff however dealt with it with grace and professionalism aiming to note down a positive response for each and every question. Yet like most designers bluntness, Treacy was compelling and  it made for intriguing viewing. 


See a selection of questions  that were asked below, including a number of them from myself... 


to view the complete Q&A seesion with the great man himself visit the Live Studio sessions page 

Mr. Treacy carefully cutting the feathers into a range of various shapes for his head-piece.

Do you enjoy creating it with your hands as much as inventing it in your head? Do you separate those processes?

• the best bit is making the hat.  that's the most exciting part.  the physicality of making is the exciting bit

• What is the inspiration behind your headpiece today? or is it just a creative process that develops as it goes along?
  a bit of both really.  today, I am making a bit of a feather salad. it's like cooking with different materials. 
  
  Philip Treacy photographed  Martha Sitwell, wearing Alexander McQueen  featuring one of his iconic hats against a background scene of Ascot opening Day, which was painted by James Pollard and dates back to 1836,  to kick off the action for Royal Ascot 2008.
  Are the months leading up to Royal Ascot a busy time of year for you?
  What do you think?  It's like Christmas for us.
  
  
  when did you realize you want to work in fashion and what is your first fashion moment?
  Weddings. Everyone just looked so amazing, like a couture show to a child. But in terms of my first major fahsion moment was designing for Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel, and seeing Linda wearing this bird cage that I had made, that was pretty exciting.
  
  
  How did you come about working with lady gaga?
  I was afraid of Lady Gaga, because she reminded me very much of my freind Isabella who had died. When I would see a picture of her I would think it was Isabella. Then Alexander McQueen called me and told me that I had to work with her. She wanted the same hat in three different colours, and I did not have time to make three. But she wore it, and did not take it off for an entire night, so I thought that she was a dedicated follower of fashion. She is young, and very tallented. She is fun and she looks great in hats.
  
  
  Yourself and Steven Jones are two of the worlds leading milliners, are you both fiercely competitive?
  No, becauase he does his thing and I do mine, he has his way of working and i have mine. It is better to have lots of hat designers than none. But I do not find it flattering when people copy my hats, all the manufacturers copy my hats. You spend a lot of time and energy and money making something, and somebody comes along and says 'Oh, I like that!'
  

  

  Philip discussing about the antique tea box he found in Battersea market (I do believe). He is a found collector and admirer of antiques.  
• • what's the first designer piece that you purchase ?
    A red Claude Montana Jacket
    
    
    Obviously you like Andy Warhol very much. What makes you like him? 
    I love Andy Warhol. I have a friend called Lisa, and she introduced me to Andy Warhol in the Library. But I don't have any unfortunately.
    
    
    [funny they mention Warhol as do you not think Philip Treacy has a slight look of Andy Warhol?] 
    
    
    Considering your views on X Factor etc etc, do you have anything to say about your fellow countrymen Jedward?
    I love them. At least they are entertaining.
    
    
    What is the weirdest thing you've put on a hat?
    Dustbin lids for Alexander McQueen.
    
    
    My head is massive and I can never find a hat I like that fits. Do you design with head sizes in mind? That head on the table looks awfully small.
    Most people with a long head think they have a big head, but it's just a long head
    
    
    • 
      
      
      
      What was your relationship with Isabella Blow? What role did she play in your career?
      She was my best friend, great friend. She was the funniest person I have ever met. Most fashion people are uptight about how impprtant they are. She was hillarious, highly cultured, exquiste taste and very encouraging to me, to Alexander McQueen, she invented our careers. We were a double act, I made the hats and she wore them.
    • do you ever feel sometimes that you don't feel like creating hats anymore?
      
      
      I do. But I love hats more than anything else. I have a job in a zillion. I am lucky to have this because i have an oportunity to influence how people see hats in the 21st century. The most interesting people wear hats, and they come to me! And its fun, one day Lady Gaga, then Prince Philips wife! or Posh. People trusting me to make somthing for a major moment in their life is amazing. And hats make people look good.
      
      
      • Are there any hats you despise? Not designers, more specific styles.
        Stetsons, I hate them. Madonna in a Stetson, I hate that. It's so unauthentic. But i do love stetsons in texas on texans. Its like architecture, but not those tacky cheap ones.
      • 
        Who is Philip Treacy behind all the hat making? What makes you happy?
        I am happy now, and I am making a hat. I am happiest when I am making a hat. Everything else is a nightmare.
        
        
        
        
        How do you feel when you have made the perfect hat?
        You never make the perfect hat. there is always something that you could do better.
        
        
        • Hi Philip and team, how was it working at Chanel?
          
          
          
          
          Karl Lagerfeld is insane. A brilliant designer, he designed in a very causal way. It was really exciting to work at the House of Chanel, but he made it exciting.
        • Isn't this anonymous question-asking all a bit Blind Date for you?!
        • I am enjoying it so don't get cheeky!
        • 
          When you don't have SHOWstudio and us viewers pestering you, how do you like to work? Do you listen to music (if yes, what kind), have people around to talk to or you prefer the quiet?
          I like very dreamy, techno, house music. Thats the best music to design to because its a visual kind of music. It is exciting.
          
          
          
          
          Lovely to see you...lovely to hear you..Is there any one you haven't made a hat for yet who you would love to? From Katy England xxxxx
          I love Katy England!
          I can't really think of anybody. The most exciting one recently was Elizabeth Taylor, that was a trip and a half. She was fascinating.
          
          
          • Out of all the hats you have desinged for lady gaga what is your favourite?
            
            I like her telephone hat. Its fun because its made form fabric, technically it was a bit of a nightmare, but it looked good, and it was funny being on her, when she was singing about a telephone!
          • As we all sit here in awe watching you live at work, who would you most love to watch a live streaming of?
          • 
            
            
            
            I would have to think about that..
            
            
            Hi Philip. Do you work mostly with feathers, or do you use other materials. If so, wich is the most unconventional material you've used? Carlos, Chile.
            I use every type of material; plastics, glass.  But I like materials that are weightless and light.  And I like high tech materials.  There are many new and modern materials that are exciting.
            what was the first hat that made you thought.....I wanna make hats?
            • 
              
              
              
              Well, what happened is, I was a student, in Dublin at the National College of Art and Design and I had a tutor who I told I had a hat.  I had constructed this old thing out of straw and parts I bought from a junk shop and when I showed it to her she bought it.  So...I thought...there must be something in this.
              
              Philip with his assistant Mr. Goran who acquired much attention from the viewers
              
              
              who is your assistant? a little trimming of hair. HE IS HOT!
              
              
              Mr. Goran. He is not really my assistant.  We just hang out a lot.  And we are disciples of Grace Jones.  Mr. Goran is Grace Jones' assistant in actuality.  And she only hires hot guys.
            • 
              
              
              
              Isn't that the same technique you used for Sarah Jessica Parker?
              You're right.  But they thought it was a pineapple.  
              
              image from MSN lifestyle 
              Where did you go on holiday recently?
              
              
              
              
              Los Angeles.  We went to the oscars with Grace Jones last week.  I like work and holiday mixed in so that then you're with the locals.  You're not just a tourist.
              
              
              To veil, or not to veil? That is the question.
              Veil.  To the floor
              
              nearly finished 
              
              
              do you ever get university students to intern with you, if so how do you apply?
              • Apply to jutta@philiptreacy.co.uk
                
                
                
                
                I never wear hats like these. So I really wonder how you fix a hat on a head? by ribbons? by clips? or anything else? Do you invent your own wearing method, or are they traditional ones?
              • 
                
                
                I invented my own.  What we do is make a line that goes into a persons hair so that the hat is balancing but so that the line can't be seen. It gives the appearance that the hat is balancing.
                
                
                Any tips, quotes or advice you believe in or live by?
                Don't be jaded. Jaded is very very boring. Fashion college is full of lots of jaded students, well, they think they are jaded.
                
                
                I'm ensconced in our office down below your feet tapping away at my computer, but I'm very interested to hear your views on one of my favourite people in the world, Mr Antony Price, as you've collaborated with him a great deal. Alex Fury, SHOWstudio.com
              • 
                
                
                
                He is a commedian.  And he is very clever and funny.  He also grew up on a farm, near birds like I did.  And we go to the national chicken championships together.  And he is a brilliant designer.  he can be a bit negative.  I mean he is not a negative person.  He can just be a bit negative in a funny way.
              • 
                
                
                hi philip. you have tried your hand at some other things a sports range and interior design. what did you most like about these other mediums? were they more difficult than making hats...what was your motivation and inspiration when it came to these?
                With interior design its like creating an atmosphere, creating amovie set. And the most exciting thing is spending somebody elses money! In the begining I thought it was some complex meduim, interior design, but its not, it is just taste. Also, its fun! When you go to a hotel these days you want to be transported from your normal boring life. So it has got to be fun.
                
                What is the longest amount of time you have taken on one piece of work? Stevie
                Weeks sometimes. Not on something like this
                
                
                Do you think the term Couture should be in someway protected...so Tesco and Primark can't missuse it
                Oh no! I love couture at Tesco! I think Primark and Tesco using the word Couture to describe any of their products is a little bit far fetched..
                
                
                When you've made a piece (or two) for Grace Jones, do she have any input in the design or do you just present it to her?
                She doesn't usually have input into it.  I just give her hats that make her look fabulous.  She is a very good person to work with.  Putting a hat on Grace Jones is like working with living design; she brings it to life. 
                
                
                Cheers from students and faculty here at the School of Fashion Design in Boston!!! We're curious what you think of the live streaming experience? Fishbowl or Forum?
                I have the kind of wierd sensation of being observed but it's not so in your face as you would in a TV studio. 
                
                
                
                Image from Daily Mail 
                
                
                Isabella Blow
                Inexplicable.  It was like having the best fun you've ever had in your entire life, everyday.  She was completly irreverant and didn't suck up to anyone.  She taught me about beautiful things.  There was a journalist asking me really stupid things one day and she told me to simply tell them that I believed in beautiful things which sounds really full on but it's exactly what it's all about. 
                
                
                What are your views on the growing population of the blogging network that is causing controversy at the moment.
                 It's hilarious.  Fashion is entertainment afterall. and kids are approaching it like an art form these days.  Whereas before, the people who should see fashion shows should be the general public.  they wouldn't believe it.  they would love it.
              The completed hat
              
              
              All other images via own screen grabs from live streaming