Shooting Stars

Ok - sorry about the delay but work does come first! As I said in the previous post I was knee deep in Graduate Fashion Week, and I promised to give you a few names to keep and eye on. Now for once me and the Judging panel were in similar agreement with the overall winners from the colleges but some didn't make it to the final gala that I felt should have.

First and Foremost Ria Thomas, she won the Pringle of Scotland Knitwear award. I saw her Nottingham Trent show earlier and the week and thought she was something special - I expect we will see her on the LFW sched very soon. She definitely impressed me the most. The overall womenaswear award went to Nabil El Nayal who presented a very grown up, geometrical collection and the award was well deserved. The overall winner went to the menswear designer Jessica Au, with her Kenzo floral print menswear. Personally it didn't really rock my style boat but you can see she is a very strong talent. However what was a surprise to me was that the delightful Paul Smith/Techno/Public School boys collection by Krishna Chavda didn't make the judges cut. Personally I really enjoyed the presentation and I though it was fun without being showy, however its classic lines with a twist I guess didn't impress others in the same way.

Good luck class of 08 - in the changing market you are going to need all the help and support you can get.

xx
WS

Will the Graduating Class please stand for Commencement!

Yes I have been having one of those weeks - it was all rather 'Too" Fashion. I am prepping for a shoot, which is making things crazy - but to top that all off, it was the much publicized launch of Chanel at Dover Street Market last night (for those rubber neckers: Spotted, Agnes, Henry Holland, Katie Grand, Sarah Bailey, Bronwyn Cosgrave, well lets face it the fucking who's who of London fashion). I stayed for only a fashion moment before heading off to the Matches Circus evening and even covered an Art Exhibition (Grayson Perry, Peter Blake etc) - so I was plum tuckered to say the least.

No let up today, as the Gala Evening for Graduate Fashion week was on. I will say a big kudos to River Island as sponsor of the event. It is covered brilliantly and they have big plans to take it forward. It is also helpful to see everyone in the same place - it is rather like the Fashion week tents but all new, raw talent. Yes, there are some weaker students and you have to sit through things that might be your cup of tea (or are genuinely crap) however that is what a good editor does - EDIT.

There is a good deal of support for the event, the usual suspects BFC, but also it is sponsored by NatMags (the UK outfit of the Heart Corp). Sadly several of the Journo's who would usually turn out stayed away to go to the Royal College Gala tomorrow night but Extra Kudos to the Evening Standard crew, who were being well on top of it (which can't be said for certain other publications).

Anyway - if I weren't propping my eyes open I would give you the Grads to keep and eye on but I will save that for the next blog as Cinderella needs her sleep.

Girls, that is just a no no!

So I had some time to kill between appointments and tottered on down to the lovely Notting Hill exchange. Bagged myself an out of season Mulberry boating blazer for a £5 which is a bargain in anyone's book. It will go great with a wife beater and jeans and perfect at that price.

However, while slipping into the changing room the interns/fashion assistants saunter in from Wonderland flogging the castoffs from the fashion closet and desperately trying to put food on the table. Now we were all there once, I remember returning the M&S press gifts (back in the day they were worth £50) and could feed you from M&S food for a whole month if you were careful. However, words to the wise to the younger generation. Yes we all know you get paid pittance. We were there once too. Do not however show up at the local vintage/pawnshop with samples in a designer carrier bag that is clearly marked to the attention of the Fashion director of the MAGAZINE!!!!! It is so so not form - and if you aren't careful, people have been fired for less as you never know who is watching!

R.I.P. Y.S.L.

I can't quite believe it. I am actually reeling from the news. I guess it doesn't help when I am right in the middle of the The Beautiful Fall by Alicia Drake. He was only 71. A mere 5 years older than my parents. I know he had retired, I know - he must have known that it was coming. It doesn't make it any easier.

Here is the news on the AFP - For me I will remember him for all of my mother's lovely handmedowns, my silk black peasant top, my red autumn pie crust blouse, and last but not least my favourite black croc slingbacks.

R.I.P. Y.S.L.