House of Hackney: A Printspiration!

'You may be already be familiar with their theatrical Hackney Empire print, featuring a ‘carnival’ of creatures playing instruments, smoking shisha and drinking cocktails, but House of Hackney has now become one of the most desirable London brands since its launch in 2010...'

Read more of my article on Mayamiko Moments

Thank You Dr Martens NCL!

I'm so thrilled to mention I have a winning fashion film chosen by Dr Martens from a commissioned uni brief!

Last semester included a project assigned by Northumbria University Design School, the huge industry players Dr Martens and Newcastle lifestyle PR company OPR. I had created a PR strategy and promotional film based on DMs current campaign #STANDFORSOMETHING, with a twist for the Toon and posted it a couple of months ago!

The 60-odd Students from my Fashion Communication course all took to the creative opportunity so well and I'm sure it was one of our favourite modules since beginning uni in 2012. I loved developing my promotional strategy and creative concept - it definitely helps thats Dr Martens is such an admirable brand for me and I could explore its truly unique reputation!

Newcastle newspaper The Chronicle reports the win myself and fellow FashComm-er Courtney Stevens shared. Being invited along to the store was an absolute treat and the team were so generous as I was also spoiled by a £150 DMs voucher and a week for my film to be played in the Newcastle Monument store!

You can't blame me for being like a child in a sweetshop at the opportunity to pick anything from the DMs store to take home with me as a gift. I couldn't bare the thought of walking away without the absolutely drool-worthy bag I had fallen in love with when filming (it actually features in the video at 02:48!) My new beauty is a black/brown and burgundy backpack, which doubles as a handy tote, in the silkiest leather I've ever laid my hands on. Also with gold fastenings, a roomy interior and that smell that resembles cows in a field, I couldn't resist!

(I also picked up a classic tartan scarf and a cute leather coin purse)

I'm so grateful for the NU Fashion Communication team, Dr Martens NCL and OPR for this opportunity and thankful for their generosity! x

LCM Favourite: A. Sauvage SS15

MAYAMIKO MOMENTS

'British designer A. Sauvage presents his vibrant Ghanaian roots in his latest LCM collection and much to our delight at Mayamiko Designed; his philosophy of 'Dress Easy' was enhanced by flamboyant colour clashes, ethnic images and botanical prints...'

Read more of my article for Mayamiko Designed here

Scrunchie Mutt

What would you do at the beginning of summer, knowing you've got four months to keep yourself busy before returning to university? I'm dusting off my Janome and making something fun, pretty and that will hopefully make me some extra pocket money.

Following the success of the homemade hair accessories my FashComm girls and I had made for fundraising earlier in March, I took to my regrettably neglected hobby of sewing (or 'habber-dabber' to my sister) to make more delightful scrunchies for the overwhelming and unescapable 90s trend of the summer!

Never doing anything half-heartedly, I've become overly excited and enthusiastic about the prospect of my new 'mini company' Scrunchie Mutt. You can find my handmade products on the Big Cartel Shop and little updates on its Facebook page!

Each scrunchie is handmade, of high quality and has a name that reminds me of people I know. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have making and branding them!

Thierry Boutemy x Opening Ceremony

'Moving away from the traditional recipe of fashion collaborations, including celebrities or a high fashion meets highstreet brand alliance, Opening Ceremony explores a new formula for its most current co-op...'

Read more of my article on Mayamiko Designed's brand new blog

Interning: Mint Velvet

#onehecticweek with #relaxedglamour

Mint Velvet is quickly becoming a favourite fashion hotspot for yummy mummies and style seekers across the UK. With an expanding collection of stores and House of Fraser concessions, the beloved brand is popping up all over and has a loyal band of sophisticated followers, including Kate Middy!

Catering for the more mature female market has some difficulties. With an alternative range of bodies and tastes to suit, the highstreet has often missed the mark with uninspiring and unflattering pieces. After doing some researching and writing an article on this often neglected subject, The Forgotten Age, a brief, but insightful internship with Mint Velvet allowed me to appreciate the brand's depth and value for these women. It turns out they're spot on when it comes to style for women who know what they want.

It was a delight to find the MV HQ to be in my hometown of High Wycombe. As soon as I came home for a long weekend, I jumped on the chance to contact them and I was thrilled to be invited into the offices as a PR and marketing intern, awesome!

During my time there in May, the Mint Velvet marketing office was rushed off their feet with prep for the AW14 Press Day, ensuring to give their guests the most valuable sneak peak at the coming collection!  I was on goodie bag duty and made up 200 Mint Velvet bags, with gifts from brands such as Dermologica, PopChips and Carmex as well as a handout with inspiration and fashion illustrations of the new collection. I was also on hand to run out and grab some final decorative bits, prep some sample garments and collect everything together ready for the following day.

All the details and decor were planned and packed off to the lavish Sanderson Hotel in London and everything was ready to be set up in the hotel's spa. First, the team had a well-deserved dinner at the brilliant Suka, the Sanderson's resident Malaysian kitchen, to refuel for the long evening! I wish I had taken a picture of my yellow coconut curry to show, but evidently, I was too lost in it...it was soo gorgeous!

On Press Day, the team were up and at the venue bright and early, making final adjustments and perfecting the presentation of the new collection. The spa looked incredible as soft white curtains surrounded the simple, yet luxurious decor and the delicious A/W pieces. 

Helping out with the last adjustments

Left: My domain at the door: welcoming fashion press guests

Top right: One of the graceful golden mannequins dressed in a key item of the collection- the most adored sequinned navy jumpsuit

Bottom right: A darker themed rail and the hygge, a snug area for the sublime AW14 casual wear as well as amazing manicures and hand massages

MY PRESS DAY OUTFIT

I was attracted to the Ida Cowl Back Tunic because of its grungy abstract print of black and stone, with a wave of azure...but I was sold when it hung like silk and I felt the breezy shell cut. It came a bit lower on my legs than it probably should of, but this made it fabulously oversized! Paired with black Topshop Joni jeans, a black bandeau and smart patent DMs, I was cool and comfortable for the all-day event.

This top is now newly in and available to buy on the Mint Velvet website - £69 

Some of my other roles in the office included updating the Mint Velvet press portfolio and sample database as well as collecting inspiration for AW beauty and the pretty pastel Easter 2014. It was a little strange to be working with darker, more wintery items during sunny spring days, but it was refreshing and I absorbed the images, colours and patterns we'll be seeing in the coming months!

I was in the office for 7 working days, but the timing of this experience couldn't have been more perfect, as the exclusive Press Preview event during this time was so exciting, eye opening and creatively-charged. Mint Velvet was founded in my home county of Bucks and working in its HQ showed reason for its growing success. Its tight-knit, social and passionate team creates a relaxed atmosphere in the office, which motivates and compels its prosperity. I'm sure each member has developed great adoration for the brand since its formation and flourishing success. It was therefore natural that I too felt an emerging sense of admiration for Mint Velvet during my short, but very sweet, time there.

Dr Martens #STANDFORSOMETHINGNCL

POSSIBLY THE BEST UNI MODULE EVER

I come to the end of my 2nd year and a huge sign of relief passes the group as we're not quite sure how we did it this semester. 

As part of the current #STANDFORSOMETHING Dr Martens PR campaign, this module (my favourite yet!) commissioned the development of our own EPR strategy and fashion film for the brand- to create a unique strategy, whilst maintaining DMs much loved brand aesthetics and attitudes.

I gladly called upon the loyal, creative, fashion-conscious students of Newcastle-upon-Tyne to celebrate the 1st birthday of its primary store. QR codes are hidden around the city, and when scanned, a sparkling array of Dr Martens prizes can be won. Here, my 3 minute fashion film introduces some of Newcastle's preppy residents and some key competition locations!

Scrunchies for Sale!

Handmade scrunchies in lovely spring patterns! Sold about 50 yesterday to raise money for the Fash Comm graduation publication. They are so easy to make and the fundraising group had a lovely girly day chatting and sewing. I couldn't resist the lilac gingham one and the pink hearts one!

Working at Fashion Scout

LFW AW'14

As a fashion student, it's important to get as many internships and work experience as possible during the years of study. If you are a fellow aspiring fashion professional, you can probably relate to the pressure from your tutors and peers to compete in this demanding, fast-pace industry, even before you have graduated...

You have probably also heard of many undergrads who have applied and worked at Fashion Week, with Fashion Scout or with the BFC, for one season at least. I had and this worried me... 'Should I have this under my belt already by second year? How hard is it to apply? Who do I even speak to?' It's much easier than you think, here are some tips and insights if you're thinking of applying to work for Fashion Scout. 

I found that applying mid-January for the February Fashion Week was enough time for them to get back to me (they actually replied 2 days later!), but it would be useful to do it earlier. 

I was then able to choose to work either for 2 weeks (setting up/building and working during LFW) or just LFW (as either front of house or backstage). I chose a group and confirmed my attendance, and the team sent me more info and a volunteer handbook 10 days later. I decided to be part of the front of house team because I thought it would be more interesting as it would allow me to interact with guests and see the shows after seating people. 

Each day, you are advised to wear black so it's easy to identify the team - I wore skinnies and a simple black Zara top some days, or a velvet skirt and a crop top on others. I often find it difficult to wear all black, so accessorised with a colourful scarf, watch and scrunchie too. ALWAYS wear comfy shoes - I made the mistake of wearing brand new Topshop trainers on the first day and they killed! I made sure that I took my black Doc Martens with me most days, just incase my feet needed some sanctuary. My black Hershel backpack was the perfect size during the day, but wearing something with pockets is a good idea for after you have dumped your things.

As front of house aid, you'll be setting up one of the 3 catwalks that will be used throughout the day. This involves putting the white benches in place, making up good bags, placing them on the f-row, as well as laying sponsors flyers and press releases on the benches. Odd jobs are also given to whoever is willing - these are a nice change from the setting out and clearing up shows, so jump at these chances!

Models' briefing before the FAD show (my favourite show of the week)

Once everyone is seated, the team are able to watch the shows, which is the best part of the experience! You see so many interesting, uniquely-dressed people at the shows and this is a real treat for the eyes.

Miss Pandemonia and Prince Cassius

Veronica Basharatyan finale

I found working backstage really fun also, but reaaaally stressful. For the Kiev Fashion Days show, I was pulled backstage to make super quick changes of black stilettos between the models coming off the catwalk, to the ones due to go on 10 seconds after. I have never had such a scared sweat on in my life, but it was actually so exciting too!

Another one of my favourites - backstage at Mimi Fasi with patterned Mad Men-esque pieces

The team are also really generous with breaks, for which you can do whatever you like - I looked around what was going on at Somerset House, which I will definitely be trying to get involved with in the near future, as it looked like such an inspirational hub for the week. The team were also treated to makeovers and manicures courtesy of the mobile Rimmel double-decker which certainly went down well as the week wound down. I was also sneaky and sat in a scene the Made In Chelsea crew, Binky, Louise and Mark Francis were filming, which was exciting at first, until I realised how fake and constructed the scene was ha!

Mark Francis was EXACTLY the same in 'real life', which made my day

Fashion Scout volunteering is valuable, but I'm hoping to work for the BFC or Graduate Fashion Week next to get a more varied experience during LFW. If you're going on your own, like me, it's a great way to put yourself out there and talk to everyone. It sounds obvious, but you do meet lots of like-minded people who are just happy to be there and are all there for the same kind of experience. I would recommend applying for a season, but having confidence when you are there allows you to get much more out of the experience than you would think!

A Mini Publication

As part of an Editorial Journalism module at uni, FOLK is the outcome of months of research, planning, writing and photography. Focusing on identity, diversity and ideals in society, my mini magazine explores concepts of flexible visual identities, ageism in fashion and body image. 

Error? See the mag here

The Forgotten Age

What does beauty entail? Top Family Fortunes answers would include confidence, lovely eyes and a slim build, but another likely, more debatable, answer would be ‘youth’.
Words and graphics by Rosie Sparks

     Fashion and media industries orbit the easily influenced and highly powerful youth culture. Advertising and pop music sing out to young generations to enthuse their exciting, carefree existence. These years are often said to be the best times of your life, and we appear to reach an age for these experiences to be considered by society as unsuitable. Conformity pressures are associated with adolescence, but older women may certainly be victim to conventionality, as society often gives them frumpy housewife stereotypes. Messages in the media drive the idea that physical ageing is undesirable and almost curable. Younger models present fashion trends and TV adverts include older female models often in domestic settings: presenting germ-ridding products, catering for the family and having weight and appearance concerns. Many women, however, continue to celebrate their individually and visual personalities with fashion.

     78-year old New York boutique-owner Lynn Dell truly inspires. Her flamboyant style is a frequent feature on AdvancedStyle, a blog that celebrates mature flair. Lynn has a colourful perspective on this part of her life and motivates her clients each day with her motto ‘dress for the theatre of your life!’ She encourages fashion risks, ‘making mistakes is the best thing! I am lucky enough to have the day to dress how I like, so I’ll keep going until I can’t stop!’

     When women come into Lynn’s extravagant boutique, the team inspires clients to find something wonderful. ‘We get people who say ‘I’m too fat, I’m too old…’ but we tell them to try something new…everything doesn’t have to match, just be creative!’ She considers women aged 40+ through the eyes of the industry, ‘[society] ignores people over a certain age. We have the taste, but every young girl wants to look like her friend Suzie with long hair.’ Lynn believes these women have potential to explore their inner glamour. ‘They are neglected by themselves. We can’t focus on ‘what I don’t have, what I don’t look like’. You make life fun and enjoyable, as so many things aren’t fun!’ Lynn’s beauty essential is for all ages: ‘Once you put a smile on your face, everything looks good!’ Her belief in women is touching and her poise, radiance and enthusiasm for life and style shone through her words.

     Channel 4 aired a hit documentary FabulousFashionistas in September, and was a stark contrast to previous productions of 10 Years Younger and How Not to Get Old. A group of 6 women, with the average age of 80, exhibit their infinitely energetic, optimistic and spritely outlooks on life. Each woman’s ethos manifests in colour, independence, and fearlessness. Gillian still loves to wear mini skirts, and although the public may think ‘who does she think she is?’ she replies ‘I don’t give a toss!’ and maintains her performance arts career aged 87.

     When shopping with my 53-year old mother Christine, she leaves each shop, feeling ‘anxious, depressed and frustrated’. She states she feels most confident when feeling she looks nice, but this is problematic. ‘It’s hard to find the styles to suit my body as it’s changing, but there’s also not enough styles for older women who don’t feel old!’ For the highstreet to deliver to these women, both entities must be open and engaging with one another. Drapers claims 45% of 45-54 years olds prefer researching purchases in store than online, compared to 38% of 18-24 year olds. If this is the case, why are current retail environments accustomed to marketing towards, and serving younger consumers?

     A recent survey for FOLK magazine revealed over half of the British women aged 40-60 asked, a reassuring 73% expressed they own a personal style. 90%, however, claimed their fashion choices to be ‘safe’ purchases. Safety is not necessarily negative – attraction to familiarity and wishing for comforts are natural human traits, but it may be the limited encouragement and confidence to try something new that is socially influenced. Credibly, over half of these women expressed feeling of neglect and being unvalued by the fashion industry.

     All respondents stated they often question if clothes are ‘too young’ for them. An assumption that mature women do not and cannot remain part of the fashion scene may restrain their self-assurance and dampen the acceptance of ageing in this industry. With all respondents investing in anti-ageing cosmetics, hair dyeing and vitamin supplements, it may indicate that they, and society, favour a youthful look and believe signs of growing older should be postponed, or eliminated all together.  Conclusively, 63% of these women admitted to feeling pressured from the media and fashion industry to remain youthful looking.

     Fortunately, high fashion is beginning to embrace the wrinkles and lead the way with older models. Models commonly retire before the age of 30, but Daphne Selfe, 82, and Isabella Rossellini, 60, have recently graced advertising campaigns for Dolce and Gabbana and Bulgari, respectively. Jacquie Tajah Murdock, 82, modelling for Lanvin, claimed ‘it wasn’t until I was in my 40s that I began to see my beauty.’ This year, M&S celebrated the beauty found in all ages of women, in ads featuring Ellie Goulding, Tracey Emin and Grace Coddington, amongst others, in a presentation of timeless style and female unity.

     Yves Saint Laurent famously said ‘fashion fades, style is eternal’. With age comes maturity, and the knowledge of one’s self.  Older women must deem their individual characters as perpetual, and proudly present this by fashion and active lifestyles. Insisting to dress down after the age of 50 is absurd. No woman should be prescribed the dowdy, shapeless option, rather than taking her own inspired initiative to make a truly desired decision. Believe ‘why the hell not, I may never have the chance again!’ because this may be the ticket to eternal vitality and passionate promotion of the self for years to come. 

Article part of Editorial Journalism university 

module, exploring the theme of 'identity and fashion'.

Mayamiko Designed

Back in September, I had the pleasure of discovering an ethically produced, African designed
 clutch bag by Mayamiko Designed.

Since then their products and brand ethics have captured me, as I've worked with them on their social networking presence. The Mayamiko Trust cause is so admirable, producing stunning clothing and accessories with traditional African design techniques. Each week 'til Christmas, I've been putting together some highstreet edits, featuring the latest A/W fashion from the highstreet complemented by exclusive Mayamiko products.

Take a look, be inspired and grab yourself some gorgeous, ethical 
products for wonderful Christmas presents this year:

Ida clutch in flaming hearts print - £25

Mirror print t-shirt by Eloise Rapp - £25

Pencil skirt in blue chitenje print - £40

Ida clutch in Indian chitenje print - £25

Ida clutch in Sun Chitenje print - £25

Fab Fashionistas

See life through the eyes of 6 women with infinitely youthful perspectives. Bridget, Gillian, Daphne, Sue, Jean and Lady Trumpington are a group of extraordinary women. With an average age of 80, the group share a spirited and optimistic outlook on life, despite many of them being widowed and the expectation society has for them today. They have not faded into the background or turned into ‘little old ladies’ as they have matured, but retained the same interests they have always had, including a love of fashion and keeping up appearances.

Bridget claims she has always been one for experimentation with colour, shapes and styles, but it is now much more noticeable to others now as she is older. Understandably, it’s a surprise to see such a boldly dressed elderly woman walking down the street, but she does it for herself and exclaims ‘It’s nothing to do with looking younger…. I think I am a bit of a show off!’.

Gillian still loves to wear mini skirts, and although much of the public may ask ‘Who does she think she is?!’ as it is associated with those closer to adolescence, she says ‘I don’t give a toss!’ and remains in a full time performance arts career at 87.

All women have refused to give into the mental concept of ageing. Yes, they may accept the physical attributes of a maturing lady, but they embrace these and demonstrate their young minds with sprightely attitudes and activities. Dancing, jogging and doing yoga, even being independent by doing the weekly food shop alone and going to the hair salon, in their 80s is seen as unsuitable for their age. Nevertheless, they all succeed each day by claiming each morning as the beginning of a new day. Seeing everyday as another to live in the future, these women have more appreciation for their vitality than a lot of teenagers I know!

It is not necessarily the style that these women have which is so admirable, as I agree, not all women must be fashion-queens with a taste for exotic colours and textures, but it is their mindset that is so infectious. It seems to me, they have never believed they have been getting older, and when I watch them talk about the things they continue to love and live for, I trust they haven’t felt older than 21 in their lives.

With a history of elderly mental illness in my family, it is impossible to believe that there can be people in their mid-80s, the age of my own grandma, who are so psychologically agile. It is scary to imagine my mother or myself ‘losing our marbles’ sooner than we would like, but these women give us faith for the dismissal of invisibility our older generations face. If that means doing yoga, wearing whatever I like and doing a bit of BrainTraining now and again, it sounds like a pretty sweet life.

Watch Fabulous Fashionistas here

Identity Exploration

As part of a current Fashion Communication module, we explore the concept of identity and diversity within society and the fashion industry, to create our own mini-magazine presenting these issues. My processes are recorded in a new Tumblr:

Shiny Shiny

Sparkly socks and patent Zara loafers for an interview in London.

FOOTAGE

Contemporary Design Influences
Fashion Film

@Elis_Finlayson

@sophiegavins

@Greta_Galilee

Creating Liberty x GHD

So excited about this concept I'm working on for uni - a collaboration between Liberty London and GHD for a limited edition range of hair electricals! What could be better than Liberty floral hair straighteners??

An Interview and a First Date

An internship interview and a date watching Deaf Havana at Union Chapel in London today. Topshop embroidered blouse, H&M printed trousers, French connection black leather jacket, Topshop green bowling bag.

Holly Fulton

'FASHION SHOW PRODUCTION'

EXPERIENTIAL DESIGN IN FASHION 

My new obsession with Scottish designer Holly Fulton is indulged during this uni module. These boards explore her vibrant, Art Deco-inspired collections to help me produce a fashion show concept. I'm hoping to present her love of colour, cityscapes and playful imagery in a visually exciting way, including the sparkle of city glamour and spirit of the working woman.

Penn, the Teller

"Sensitive people faced with the prospect of a camera portrait put on a face they think is one they would like to show the world. ...Very often what lies behind the facade is rare and more wonderful than the subject knows or dares to believe." Irving Penn, 1975