Monday 21 April 2014

Immortality and Fashion

When anyone mentions the word ‘immortal’, the traditional train of thought usually leads to living forever, never dying, etc. It is human nature to want to prolong life, the same as it is human nature to want to be remembered forever. So what I am wondering is, what, pray tell, is the difference?

There have been many famous faces throughout history, in fashion or otherwise, who have died well before their time. The most recent example, sadly, being another Geldof.

Peaches Geldof was found dead in her home in Kent, on Monday 7th April, 2014. Like her mother before her, her death was sudden and unexplained, and she left behind a husband and 2 beautiful boys. Peaches was only 11 when her mother, Paula Yates died, and has been known to speak about never getting over it, posting a picture of her and her mother on Instagram, the day before she was found.

There have been many tributes to the 25 year old presenter and writer, mostly by her famous friends, Fearne Cotton, Daisy Lowe, Alexander Chung, Kelly Osbourne and Peaches own sisters Pixie, Fifi Trixibelle and Tiger Lily are some of the key few to Tweet or release statements.

Peaches Geldof is the latest in a long line of celebrities and famous faces to die suddenly and very young, just before her L’Wren Scott, fashion designer, stylist and long-term partner of Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger. The pressures of the fashion world seemed all too much for the American Designer, who was found in her home in Manhattan by her assistant, on March 17th 2014. She had committed suicide by hanging herself in her New York estate, due to debts she had accumulated through her fashion label not making enough money. She had earlier in the year pulled out of Fashion Week because the A/W 2014/15 line had not been completed.

Both cases, whilst extremely sad and tragic, are proof of just how hard living in the limelight can be, how much it can take its toll, and how it is not a career path to be taken lightly. In the fashion industry, especially, even for a designer or photographer, the way one is portrayed and the way one looks, is paramount to the individuals’ happiness and well-being. In a world so obsessed with celebrities, it is becoming increasingly more likely to die young. Perhaps, dare I say it, it’s almost a trend.

Now, I am well aware that this will offend many individuals, but I say this with an extremely heavy heart. Many may think me cynical and extremely insensitive to believe that it is ‘trendy’ or ‘popular’ for a famous face to die younger than they would have necessarily done if they were just a ‘mere mortal’. But when you really stop and think about it, part of becoming famous in the first place is the notion that it will never last forever, no matter how young you dress, how many times you get married or how much surgery you have. Everything has an expiration date, be it time in the public eye, or indeed, life itself.

Another issue I wanted to address is, if someone like Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley or Michael Jackson had not passed away at the time that they did, and they had indeed, lived longer fuller lives, would they be as famous? Isn’t part of Elvis’ legacy the fact that he was a rock star who died from partying too hard? Or the supposed fact that Marilyn had romantic relations with John and Robert Kennedy, and was allegedly involved with some questionable characters in the Mafia?

For someone like Jade Goody, who, in her life, was much disliked for her attitude and drama created in the Big Brother House, having her cancer treatment filmed could be considered to be her way of winning the public back? She too, left her children behind, who have and will continue to grow up with only the echo left by the many videos and pictures.

Each one of the examples above, plus many other famous names, have each left their own individual stamp on the world. Some have left a bigger impression than others, but every single one will be remembered at one time or another, for both positive and negative reasons.

The memory of Peaches Geldof will live on, for young mothers everywhere, for bloggers, writers, budding TV presenters and all round fashion-enthusiasts. She was an extremely burdened young woman who lost her mother far too early on in life. That lack of a mother figure, I can imagine, has left a void, and now, horrifically, that void has been repeated, for her 2 sons. My thoughts are with that incredibly broken family- I hope they can gather the strength to stay together and support each other.

For now, all there is left to say, is that I believe that living forever, whilst it is an extremely attractive notion, would be far too lonely an existence. Being remembered forever, however, even by 1 person; now that is true immortality.

Photo: Vogue.co.uk

Thursday 27 February 2014

My Interview with Lynsey Barlett

Hellooo Fashion beauties!

I am BACK. I've handed in Part 1 of my Final Major Project and am ready and in full swing for part 2!

I am working on my radio show for Northbrook Student Radio; so I am uploading and posting all my previous radio broadcasts and anything related onto here.

Here is an interview with Heart Sussex's Lynsey Bartlett that I conducted for Eastbourne Youth Radio back in 2010. Enjoy!

I shall keep you all posted with everything that I do from now on.

Stay stylish!

Mica


Thursday 2 January 2014

My Final Major Project Blog...

.....Hello everyone!

I've taken a wee break from this blog to write one for my final major project; take a look!



http://micawillgrass.wordpress.com/

Much love <3

Mica x

London Fashion Week S/S 2014

 Bonjour mes amis!

Just wanted to talk about my amazing adventures at LFW S/S 2014....I got some wicked street style (I was photographed myself as well!) Met some awesome people (A rapper/gold salesman-anyone?) I also saw one of my Idols Nick Rhodes; keyboardist and New Romantic hunk from Duran Duran! My favourite band ever!!!!

I went there for online Magazine Noctis and got to see some mind blowing shows; including the Little Shilpa Presentation (a jewellery designer)









Me waiting in the queue for a show! I was photographed by the Bare Faced Movement

I was so tired/ill the entire day- but the free cocktails/champagne definitely helped to take the edge off! I met Sophie; a Photographer for Noctis and we got on like a house on fire. We both took some amazing shots of the all the shows and had a giggle whilst we worked!

More later darlings!!

Mica x x 



Thursday 24 October 2013

My Company Experience....









Bonjour all you Fashion beauties!

It's been forever since I've posted! I have been working as an online editor over the summer, as well as researching for and writing my dissertation, and completing my final major project and 2 competitions projects (I'll post about all that later).

I just wanted to write about the Company Blogging forum that I went to on 24th June 2013.

I met amazing Blogger Susie Bubble <3

Me and Susie :)

Susie and a lovely Company girl!

The gorgeous Company ladies all matchy matchy!

A Company blogger :D

Some keen youths!

The lovely Chelsea Prentis 

Rihannon Ashlee from Fashionrockmysocks.com and Roxanne Nejad from Boohoo.com

Susie Bubble and the beautiful Victoria White- Editor in Chief of Company!



I painted my nails all different patterns; had my hair coloured pink (after the Graduate Fashion Week Company intern competition I entered and was shortlisted for- one of the editors still recognised me!) I picked out my best outfit and made my way to London.


I met so many awesome bloggers; including the beautiful Susie Bubble and Fashionrocksmysocks.com founder and Youtube extraordinaire Rhiannon Ashlee. I also met Victoria White- Editor at large for Company!


I managed to have my question answered right at the end of the seminar and I think I made quite an impression on some people. I especially loveed my Company Goody bag! It was a truly awesome event and I shall definitely be going next year!


More later Fashion Lovers!


Chow!


Mica









Friday 14 June 2013

H&M Presents.....

Hi Fashion beauties!

This week I want to focus on High street brands collaborating with designers; as it has just been released that Isabel Marant is teaming up with H&M. I love H&M as a brand; they’re very aspirational and trendy yet still attainable and affordable. Over the years they have teamed up with many designers and celebrities; which has caused females everywhere to queue for hours in big cities such as Oxford Street and Manchester.
I’d like to talk this week about my favourites picks from previous ventures that H&M has gone into; and speculate what could come in the future.

First off is H&M’s first collaboration in 2004 with the Fabulous Karl Lagerfeld: The collection is very monochromatic and minimalistic; true to his own personal style and that of the LBD made famous by Chanel. 
Next up is the fabulous Stella Maccartney; who teamed up with the high-street store in 2005 and sold clothing that stayed true to her very sport-luxe motif; giving a nice twist to the tailoring.

In 2006 H&M release a wedding collection designed by boys Viktor and Rolk; the advertising campaign was amazing; resembling the figures on top of a wedding cake (accept there’s two grooms) The collection was big and bold with bows and frills and was very limited.

Matthew Williamson release 2 collections; one for women and one for men; my favourite was the S/S 2009 beach wear collection for woman; featuring bright carribean inspired prints; the billboard pictures were very bright and inspired many high street stores to replicate that theme that year.

One of the most fun and fruity collections that H&M have ever released was when they teamed up with Sonia Rykiel; it was very 70s and eccentric; with bold striped jumper dresses and berets; they even sold clothing for girls. Christmas was good in 2009.

Lanvin was one of the biggest partnerships; with women queuing for days on end to grab one item from this very chic and sophisticated collection. The big sunglasses and pearls worn by the models in the advertising campaign was a strange tribute to Coco Chanel, I thought. But still fabulous.

Versace was next in H&M’s sights; with top models with long blonde elvish hair wearing greek-mosaic inspired embellished jackets and skirts; then there was that infamous leopard print/palm tree print that EVERYWHERE copied. Just beautiful.

Japanese Vogue Editor Anna Dello Russo guest modelled in her own accessories collection for H&M just as Paris Fashion Week ended. Including bags and jewellery. She looked stunning posed precariously on a big shoe; looks suspiciously Tim Walker- like.

Finally we have the beautiful Beyonce Carter; sporting H&M’s 2013 summer beachwear in her amazing post-baby body, it’s bright; it’s vibrant, it’s very (Sasha) Fierce.

So now H&M is getting together with Isabel Marant for their next big line; and judging by the images the collection is going to be very detailed; with lots of ethnic patterns and prints. Very exciting for H&M customers.











That’s all for this week. More soon!

Mica


Best Dressed at Cannes Film Festival...

Bonjour Fashion lovers!

Cannes Film Festival Finished yesterday (26/05/13) and I wanted to share with you all a list of my favourite outfits and looks; both male and female.

For the boys:
James Franco chose to be different wearing a medium blue Gucci suit; finishing the look off with a pair of aviators. Very Cool.

During the day time, Justin Timberlake opted for a very nautical but casual look; as if he’d just stepped off his Yacht. His blue checked shirt and double breasted cardigan screamed ‘This is how an ex-Disney star should look’. Whereas in the evening; he looked effortlessly chic in a dark navy suit and bow tie; while Garrett Hedlund went for the brighter navy suit with black dress shirt and tie. Both Saint Laurent and both gorgeous.

Leonardo DiCaprio stood handsomely next to Indian actor Amitabh Bachcham at the event opening; both sporting completely juxtaposed looks. Leo went for a traditional tuxedo and classic slicked back hair- a la The Great Gatsby; while Cannes jury member Amitabh wowed in a glittering jacket and thick framed glasses. What a contrast.

It was lovely to see Actors Michael Douglas and Matt Damon co-ordinate their navy suits with producer Jerry Weintraub; complete with cute little bow ties of course. Because bow ties are cool.
Finally, Ben Affleck’s younger brother and Ocean’s 11, 12 and 13 star Casey Affleck wore a smart blue single-breasted suit; with a very Indie skinny tie. Very chic.








For the girls:
We’ll start with the ever chic Uma Thurman; wearing a stunning Atelier Versace gown; she looked very Hollywood Glam with chandelier earrings and slicked hair.

Jury member Nicole Kidman wore a gorgeous white Giorgio Armani gown; with quite a low neck line and a red pout to the closing ceremony.

Actress Zhang Ziyi wore one of my favourite dresses; an Elie Saab couture sparkler. It cinches in her already tiny waist and is finished off beautifully with tiny dangling earrings, natural looking make up and slicked hair.
British Actress Juno temple looked alarmingly skinny and slightly gaunt in her silky grey number; her metallic shoes are awesome however.

Model turned actress Mila Jovovich looks so chic in Prada; but again too skinny; she’s starting to get a bit of a chicken neck. Her fringe frames her face very nicely.

One of my favourite Pin-up esque women Dita Von Teese stuns in Elie Saab Couture; looking just as young and flawless as she always has.

Actress Zoe Saldana looked stunning in a grey-blue Valentino Gown- you all know how much I love Valentino and her tiny olive skinned-frame pulls it off to perfection. Plus the red pout is a lovely contrast.
I can’t usually look at Kirsten Dunst and not think about Bring it On, but this Michael Van der Hamm number; sculpted cheeks a red pout make her look very sophisticated and grown up! Love the white detailing, simply divine.

Now, I loved this girl anyway; her attitude to fame is just spectacular; she’s the epitome of cool. So no one but Oscar-winning Jennifer Lawrence could have pulled off this simple Dior dress. Her figure is fantastic as well. 10/10.

Brazilian model Alessandra proves she is definitely more than just the face of Next in this shimmering Roberto Cavalli gown; her slender frame looks amazing in it.

Rimmel London girl Doutzen Kroes looks very much the All-American Girl in this flowing Versace dress; wearing no bra couldn’t be pulled off by anyone other than a model.

Eva Longoria’s 2 outfits were like chalk and cheese for me; one was very unflattering and pointed out very much how petite she is; whereas this flesh coloured Zuhair Murad number does wonders for her curves; she has been very skinny over the years but this curvier look definitely suits her. And she even manages a wave fit for Royalty; we bow down to you!

As if I wasn’t jealous enough of Emma Watson enough; the money, the male friends (Rupert Grint anyone?) the killer figure and now the perfect signature pose for red carpet events. This girl has it all; and once again the Harry Potter star wows in a stunning monochrome Chanel dress. Sigh.

Slum Dog Millionare actress Frieda Pinto has definitely come a long way; looking quite the Hollywood starlet in an embellished gown by Sanchita.

This is one of my favourite outfits; I haven’t seen this girl in much but she is beautiful; complimenting her paler skin with this gorgeous cream Elie Saab Couture dress; and of course, the signature red pout. Just breath taking.

Ludivine Sagnier looks so juxtaposed to all the black suits in this lemon yellow Louis Vuitton gown; she reminds me of Kate Hudson in ‘How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days’; simple but beautiful.

Sonam Kapoor wears a very typical, but still very magnificent Dolcen and Gabanna floral princess dress. The purple in the flowers compliments her skin tone; her hair sweeped to the side reminds me of Disney Princess Jasmine from Aladdin. Gorgeous.

Now here we come to Cara Delvigne; apparently she brushed off Leo himself; I am honestly not surprised; the way she pulled off her Chophard jewels at the Great Gatsby Premiere most likely made her untouchable; and dropped a few jaws I can imagine. She is stunning.

Great Gatsby actress Carey Mulligan (I remember her in Doctor Who opposite David Tenant- my does time fly by) looked the 30s babe in the just amazing Dior Haute Couture dress made from Duchesse satin. She very much suits being a blonde; and looks like she is having much more fun too-even in the rain.






















Well that’s it for now, more soon, much love!

Mica
x