Graduate Fashion Week 2013

Hello all you Graduates and Students!

I want to give you guys a glimpse of my experience when I went to Graduate Fashion week on Monday 3^rd of June 2013.

I went to see the International show, and there were some amazing students from all over the world. Berlin, New York, Denmark, Turkey, Paris, Pakistan, Rome, Florence, Milan, Israel, Tokyo and San Francisco are just some of the cities that were featured in this spectacular showcase.

The show was a flurry of embellishments, flowers, and leather, strapped up arms and legs, and some really inspirational punk-esque music. My favourite collection was by Chisung Ihn from Bunka Fashion Graduate University in Japan; the leather assymetric skirts, the metallic wedge boots, and the studded helmets were just some of the cutting edge fashion forward pieces shown from that incredible collection. For me, seeing that raw talent coming from Japan just fuels my belief that Western Countries like the UK and America should definitely look for Eastern nations like Japan and China, now more than ever. They’re technology, creativity and flair is extremely advanced; as well as the discipline they drive into children from a young age. You will never see a Japanese Student misbehaving in say for example Brighton on a foreign exchange programme.

The highlight of my day, however, was going to the George stand in the centre of the exhibition to meet the some team members from Company Magazine; I was shortlisted in their Graduate competition to co-edit the October Issue. I had to send them an idea for a new trend; be it through a moodboard, PDF, series of images, or any other kind of visual document. I sent them the PDF document I created when completing my Fashion Forecasting Project for the beginning of my second year of university. They obviously liked it as I was asked to come to the sponsor’s stand with a couple of feature ideas and a cover star. I and 14 other shortlisted girls had to cut and collage our own Company cover out of previous issues onto an A5 piece of card; the sky was the limit creatively and we had to use words and pictures. My cover was very edgy and art-inspired; and had a theme of childishness and looking to Japan and China for ‘Fashpiration’ (a word they coined). It fit very well with my ‘Nextism’ trend (a word I coined) and featured ex Disney Channel presenter and Music Diva Christina Aguleira as the Cover star. Another part of this workshop was to be interviewed by features editor Lena De Casparis, artistic director Tanita Montgomery and George at ASDA brand director Fiona Lambert. I loved meeting them all and sharing my enthusiasm and ideas about what the October issue could provide for readers; as well as explain to them what my cover collage was all about.

Overall, a truly unforgettable day; filled with creative excellence, artistic passion and a real hope for future talent. Every Fashion Students’ dream come true. 

Met Ball 2013

Howdy all you fashion lovers!

I wanted to share my opinion on the ‘Punk Chaos’ theme taken on by celebrities and famous fashion faces alike at the 2013 annual Costume Institute Gala in New York, known as the Met Ball.

I have to tell you, out of the picks of crazy couture and wacky dresses, there were only a few that I really liked; the rest were either a bit bleh, or I could do without to be honest.

The most horrifying thing of all, is that 2 of the women sashaying on the Met Ball’s red carpet this year were in my list of Iconic women that I am currently taking a break from whilst I think of more, and, I didn’t like what they were wearing (Gasp!)

I know it’s supposed to be punky and daring, but, come on Sarah Jessica Parker; do we have to see that much? Her weird socks/boots things totally clash with the big floral mess of a dress; and why does she feel the need to wear a massive feather on her head? You’d think she’d learn after the SATC wedding incident. Carrie would not approve….

Beyonce has an amazing figure, we all know that (she says gritting her teeth); but why would she swamp in in that unflattering black thing. Quite frankly it looks like 2 pieces Gok Wan has just stuck together with ‘a gorgeous studded belt; you work it girl’ (sorry Gok I still love you). And she has matching gloves; just ick.

Now Anne Hathaway has definitely come a long way since her Princess Diaries days (I still love the brown frizz); and she definitely suits the blonde pixie crop better than her fellow ex-Disney star Miley Cyrus (I mean, what is going on there Miles? I know you want to push yourself as far away from the Hannah Montana image as much as possible, but have some pride girl!) And Miss Hathaway definitely looks good with (a very tangoed) Valentino on her arm, and on her tiny frame.

Ah, now on to the Wests (Kim, Kanye and bump). Kimmy looks quite glamorous, although I’m not too keen on the middle parting, plus, she’s HUGE; which isn’t a bad thing by all means, it’s just a lot of flowers to take in.

Ah Miss Stewart, a smile! Shame it’s teamed with a frumpy silk jumpsuit, minimal make-up and boyish hair style. You need to step it up if you want to rival a certain Miss Perry….

Now I’m going to be nice, and compliment the fabulous Anna Wintour on her beautiful Chanel Couture gown. Very elegant yet edgy.

Next are three very lovely ladies in bold and bright yet tasteful Roksanda Ilincic, I especially love the yellow beauty worn by Joely Richardson.

Now we have the lovely Ivanka Trump; the former model and business women is radiant in green Juan Carlos Obando; I bet Donald and Ivana are very proud of their fashionable daughter.

Alexa Chung is up next and looks very elegant in Erdem; teamed with her very natural hair and make-up, (as per) and some cute black sandals covering the end of her tiny pins.

Heidi Klum is one of my favourite look; the bronzed beauty goes very classic yet chic in a Marchesa dress.

You wouldn’t think she’d been through a nasty separation/divorce from major actor and Scientologist Tom Cruise; as Katie Holmes wowed in a flowing white Calvin Klein number. No little Suri by her side; instead a very nicely attired silver haired gentleman; oooh!

Uma Thurman brought some old-fashioned Hollywood Glamour to the Mel Ball this year with a Zac Posen Fish tail silk dress, finished off nicely with her flaming red hair and an equally red pout. Very beautiful.

Now Sienna Miller does ‘Punk Chaos’ very well; almost too well in fact. Her spiky head band and cropped jacket; juxtaposed with the silky smooth white dress is just stunning.

Miss Minogue shines in a monochrome Moschino dress. She’s very small in height; but small things do come in small packages!

Well, well, Taylor Swift, someone’s grown up immensely; long gone are the boho, Southern girl days; she’s all woman now; in a very revealing black J Mendel gown.

Now here is an example of a child star gone wrong if I ever did see one; it’s all just so…. much Miley; the red pout is probably the best bit; the spiky Vivienne Westwood inspired hair and Marc Jacobs netted dress is all a bit too much I think.

From bad to worse; 54 year old Madonna horrifies in a Givenchy outfit and black Jessie J looking wig. Madge; you’re not in your Vogue days anymore; no matter how many young males you date. So let it go honey.

Well that’s the lot; hopefully they will have some better looking costumes at the Cannes film Festival.

Until next week!

Mica

Penelope Garcia

I am a big fan of Television shows, and modern day Television being the way it is, means that America own most of the air waves. Something that has been an on-going favourite of mine is Crime Drama Criminal Minds. It’s about a team of FBI agents belonging to a section called the BAU, and their jobs are to get into the minds of serial killers.

My main focus of today is one of the characters, BAU Techie Penelope Garcia. Confident, lovely, bubbly, and very fashion forward, she’s a friend and confidante to all of the other BAU team members.

She stays positive throughout all the horrible things she witnesses; she has an amazing sense of humour, and is inexplicably clever.

I love her kookie sense of style, even more so as she is quite a curvy woman. What I especially like about her is that even though she isn’t a stick insect, she still grasps the attention of the very handsome agent Derek Morgan.

Her geek chic glasses, her wacky hair colour which always changes, her brightly coloured lipstick and her theatrical clothes style; you just fall in love with her instantly.

Here are some images of her best looks, enjoy mes amis!

Short but sweet <3

Mica 

Women I look up to, Carrie Bradshaw

Hello Fashion Lovers

Wanted to talk about another woman I admire, Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw, played by Sarah Jessica Parker.

Now I don’t normally talk about fictional characters, but as woman, Carrie Bradshaw is a big role model for me. Her fashion sense, her sense of humour, and, most importantly, her relationships.

Her love life and the things she learned over the 6 series, have taught me a lot about how to view relationships.

But most importantly, her love of fashions, and especially shoes, is something that I can totally understand.

I want to talk about my favourite outfits that she has worn over the entire 6 series, plus the 2 movies. Now I can honestly say that this is probably the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do!

Outfit number 1:

This is one of the first looks you see her in, in the very first episode. She has just has sex ‘like a man’, and walks past big whilst scrambling around on the street after she drops her purse. Classic Carrie.

Outfit number 2:

The naked dress; Lest we forget that famous dress that first enticed Mr Big into bedding her, which also made an appearance on the m11 bus advertising her column. It’s tiny to fit her equally tiny frame, skin coloured and very silky. Hence, the naked dress.

Outfit number 3:

This edgy newspaper print dress was worn whilst having lunch with Mr Big, and completely flipping her lid after she found out that he was marrying Natasha, or, as she called her “The stick figure with no soul”.

Outfit number 4:

This next outfit was very much the ‘Shabby Chic’ after her and Mr Big broke up, the fur coat (faux or otherwise) is an excellent way to cover up your emotional baggage yet still look fabulous.

Outfit number 5:

This was in her ‘straight her days’ and was worn in the fetish episode. What you don’t see is her top hat and whip. Yet she keeps it classy, amazing!

Outfit number 6:

This cute little ensemble; complete with cow boy hat truly portrays Carrie’s childish side, and was a perfect way for her to meet Natasha for the first time. Even if she was sick.

Outfit number 7:

This is one of my all-time Carrie favourites, the tiny jewel encrusted knickers and blue trench coat, teamed with the ‘Big hair’ and ‘Big eyes love’ was gorgeous. And I loved the guy who played one of the famous Duo Dolce and Gabbana.

Outfit number 8:

This outfit is from her short hair days, around the time she published a book and dated fellow novelist Jack Burger. Shame they didn’t last he was cute. As is the colourful ensemble our fair Carrie is wearing.

Outfit number 9:

This is the outfit with the many many pearls. She also wears Aidan’s engagement ring there, silly girl. Just put it on your bloody finger. Love the pink, though.

Outfit number 10:

This outfit is going back to the earlier series, and is a gorgeous summer trend that I would like to take up this year.

Outfit number 11:

This Oscar Del La Renta beauty was bought for her by her Russian man, Aleksandr Petrovsky, they ended up slow dancing in McDonalds, cute or what?!

Outfit number 12:

One of her stunning Paris gowns, she was a vision in dusk, with layers and layers of Ruffles. Très Chic.

Outfit number 13:

This outfit is so French it’s amazing, a mixture of Vertical and Horizontal stripes. She looks like a Mint Humbug! In a good way though.

Outfit Number 14:

This dotty number cinches in her tiny waist and flatters her perfect pins. Teamed with a trench, gorgeous heels and the most outrageous cuffs, très magnifique!  

 Outfit number 15:

Ah, the tuxedo, worn to her gay best friend’s wedding, Stanford Blatch. I loved her head piece the best. So fashion-forward.

Outfit number 16:

Then there’s all the Middle Eastern marvels in SATC 2- this turban is to die for, and the pale asymmetrical dress is lovely.

Outfit number 17:

Another Arabian beauty, this time she’s a vision in cream. Just wonderful.

Outfit number 18:

This Abu Dhabi inspired outfit is ready for the evening, she’s looks almost regal as she sachets past the pool.

Outfit number 19:

This final beauty is just as blue as the pool she had been next to days before. In this part of the film Carrie has arrived back in New York and has brought the best of Abu Dhabi with her. Perfect.

Well that’s my fabulous female for this week, I’ll write again next week, possibly with another!

Stay fabulous!

Mica x

GABIFRESH: GabiFresh x swimsuitsforall Galaxy Bikini

GABIFRESH: GabiFresh x swimsuitsforall Galaxy Bikini: The first official shot from my capsule collection for swimsuitsforall is here, and it's of my favorite suit! The galaxy print bikini i...

So proud to be curvy because of this girl! :)

Bloody Gray Press day-24/04/13

 To my understanding, PR companies are known for their fluff and spinning, as coined by the famous pair from ‘Ab Fab’, “It’s PR darling!” (Even as I write this I can’t help but smile at the thought of Jennifer Saunders in designer gear smoking like a chimney and drinking like a fish). I had not, however, been personally involved with a PR company or met anyone who works in PR. I imagined the life of a Public Relations representative to be quite glamorous. Jetting off to gorgeous locations and going to chic parties at posh hotels meeting lots of fashionable people and drinking expensive champagne.

As you can imagine, when my Animate boss Sarah asked me to go to a Press event for the Boutique PR company Bloody Gray, I jumped at the chance to be a part of this glamour. And I have to say, that for my first Press day, I was very impressed.

Held at the Sanderson Hotel next to Oxford Street (!), my newbie blogger sister and I waltzed right into the lobby, welcomed by a rather handsome doorman. The décor was very edgy but classy, we were welcomed by a Red Lips chair, made famous by surreal artist Salvador Dali, also contained within the lobby was a low hanging swing chair suspended from the ceiling, a very long love seat, which quite frankly looked Roman. Finally at the bar were chairs with eyes decorated on the back of them. It was a real treat for the eye.

We were directed to the lift, with 3D galaxy print gracing the walls; which made me feel like we had just walked into space; and were welcomed to the Penthouse Suite (!) with a glass of champagne and a smiling face.

The room was arranged beautifully, in such a minimalist way that is true to Bloody Gray’s style. The railings stuffed with edgy and quirky clothes, and the window sills and tables encrusted with hand-made bespoke jewellery. It was all too much to take in all at once, so had to be looked at and absorbed carefully and individually.

I met Anna-Marie from Bloody Gray and her right hand woman, who were both lovely and very friendly. They welcomed us and answered all our questions, pointing us in the right direction.

My favourite clothing designer was Bas Kosters; their edgy and quirky fashions are very cartoon-like but their elegance and eccentricity really scream “Screw you world!” The A/W collection The Rebellious Shadow really encapsulates this brand ethos and identity; with the bold graphic prints and vivid colours; an impressive collection.

My favourite jewellery designer was Maria Piana, her bespoke hand-made pieces are so beautiful and unique, but are easy to wear every day and can be dressed either up or down; depending on the occasion. Her beautiful necklaces would be my top choice, they shape the neck perfectly whilst striving way ahead of current trends; her pieces are really in a league of her own. And to think her primary career is a dentist? Amazing!

Overall, the atmosphere was so lovely and everyone we met were so friendly and helpful, there was a wide array of talent in that room and I know they are all going to go far in all their endevours.

As the cherry on top of the cake (literally); we both received a goody bag containing handmade chocolate brownies, and even a special bloggers cupcake! Which was unfortunately squashed in my bag, but none-the less was still very tasty.

I just hope I get to go to another Press day soon!

Much love fashionistas!

Mica