ANIMAL RIGHTS

Submit yourself, to the allure of the Panther Ring. Goodbye to unnoticeable gemstones and the teenage fetish of heart-shape rings. Instead, try wild on for size; subtly uncage all your inhibitions from your fingertips. Let the next clutch bag you carry, on your night out be enhanced by the untamed presents of the powerful panther. Let the panther protect you from boredom, by giving the usual office look a better reason to come out of your wardrobe. Melt in luxurious gold this summer, while being ambushed by emerald green gems and onyx coals. Know your animal rights; live seductively on the edge or at least look the part with one of these dashing showstoppers. From Cartier to Topshop, there a panther sits patiently, just waiting for you to unleash him.

BEGINNERS LUCK: REBECCA THOMPSON

Rebecca Thompson, the sage and witty 22 year old from Southport, who studied over at Manchester School of Art, tried to convince me that she had no interest in becoming a fashion designer from early on. But I knew better, after seeing how this River Island Gold Award winner brilliantly taught the white swan to stand up and walk the runway. The movement of white was a joy to watch, as she allowed it to consume a woman's frame in sheers and pleats without ever overpowering the body. A neckline that usually stood stiff was made loose by elegant lace bows and frills. Legs were casually harnessed in comfortably tailored trousers. She suspended the rules of sophistication, which say, the words elegant and comfort do not belong in the same sentence. In this collection, Rebecca helps women to go beyond the norm, to achieve that special look, they've always dreamt of getting.

THEN AFTER THE TEXT MESSAGE...CAME THE INTERVIEW..

GETTING THE RAW MATERIAL..

LG: Is it safe to guess that becoming a fashion designer was your dream?

RT: No, not actually. I never wanted to be a fashion designer; I only learnt how to sew when I started school at Manchester.

LG: So why fashion, why is fashion so important to you?

RT: As cheesy and cliche as it sounds, I feel fashion is a part of who I am, almost my imaginary friend. I carry it arround everywhere with me. Everything and anything can inspire me and there is no greater feeling than being around beautiful clothes, be it in the shops or at a show. It might sound crazy but I'm sure any fashion enthusiast will totally understand.

CUTTING THE CLOTH..

LG: What was the inspiration behind your Graduate Collection?

RT: My inspiration is that of 1930's Eastern European Jewish children's wear, from before the war. A combination of historic and modern cultures are within my collection.

LG: Well given how your inspiration derives from historic children's wear, exactly, what kind of woman were you designing for?

RT: A West London woman, older not really young. Someone who is confident and comfortable in her own skin.

LG: So tell me, what are a few backstage secrets or tricks you use to prepare for a show?

RT: The key to a successful show is to communicate really well with your dressers. I tend to make really elaborate dressing cards that are clear as to the style I wish to portray, hopefully successfully prompting the dressers to execute the look correctly!

HER GUILTY PLEASURES..

LG: What's your guilty pleasure, what is your absolute favourite piece to design?

RT: lol...Well I am a huge "on the stand" person. I love to be playful and experiment.

LG: Very creative, but besides yourself, who are some are favourite designers?

RT: For me it's Betty Jackson and Nicolas Ghessquiere, head designer of the House of Balenciaga.

LG: Now, I'm gonna do a little check own your on personal style, fill in the blank for me: 

During the day, you can catch me wearing ______.

Later on that night, you can find me in ________.

RT: Okay well, during the day you can catch me wearing anything baggy, comfy and simple. Flats only, heels in the day never! Later on that night, you can find me in heels, with my hair and make up done.

LG: Name something of your mother's personal style or wardrobe that you loved and admired?


RT: Both my mum and my gran loved Chanel No. 5 perfume. It was always a smell that reminded me of being grown up. Hopefully when I grow up I can pull it off too.

LG: In that case you would love my entry Memories That Sat On Our Dresser. Now fess up, where does your Lipstick Sleep At Night? (check out my February and March entries)

RT: lol...well in any Marc, by Marc Jacobs, I love his handbags!

LG: Bring it back, bring it back! What fashion trend would you like to see brought back?

RT: Bring back the childlike silhouettes of Chloe 2006, I'm nostalgic already!

ANYTHING YOU WANT TO ADD..

LG: Well it has been a real pleasure speaking with you. Before we go, can you give me a verbal sneak preview of what's next for you and anything else you would like to add.

RT: I will soon be starting my placement at the Royal College of Art and moving to London, so I am very excited. And I just want to say that I love the competition and I am honoured and blessed.

GRADUATE FASHION WEEK PART II

The class of 2010, graduated with pleasingly curious collections that wowed and wooed at Earl's Court earlier this week. Some were so mind blowing, that one soon begged the question: Were they really fashion amateurs? Young designers from around the country were set out to educate a woman's body on how to play with shapes and volumes.

Letting the heart on their sleeve show, for all to see, as they bravely designed in colours so rich and energetic, that even the brightest of rainbows seemed plain. They raised the bar in fashion; just enough to make those resting comfortably in the industry, stretch a little by giving back to back applauses.

Emily Sharp, University Arts College of Bournemouth

This was a Peter Tchaikovsky ballet inspiration, which spun black and white geometric shapes, into a spectacular catwalk performance.

Charlotte Smith,Manchester School of Art

Fruit residue was sure to be left behind, on the pair of scissors that made shapes out these life size woollen pomegranates.

Jessica Nicol, Manchester School of Art
Preferring the "hands off" approach, Jessica showed skill, with these softly drooping hand waving petals.

Poppy Warwicker-Le Breton, Manchester School of Art
Eyes gathered around these billowing knit skirts that calmly rebounded with each step.

Jack Duffy, Bath Spa University

Behold the new face armour of 2010, as collars stood tall against mid-cropped jackets and high waist skirts.

Leisemarie Schulte-Kitzing, Middlesex University

A tale of sweet sorrow was brought back to life in this moving collection. Romantically set behind a sheer veil of perfumed roses, which were then gently flatten by a tan leather vest.

http://www.pearlyphotography.com/

HEADS AND SHOULDERS

Alexandre Herhcovitch definitely gave us a taste of the Brazilian sun, with this 50's inspired S/S 2010 Swimwear Collection from Rosa Cha. It was good old fashion modesty, designed for the modern day woman. A dazzling one-piece affair, in eye swimming colours of water cooler blue and candy striper black. Some basket weaving their way across the torso, in juicy lemon and tangerine. Next, playing peek-a-boo with polka-dots, on head scarves and shirt tails. These were the new summer holds ups; the perfect swimsuits for women, whose head and shoulders wanted to "show and tell" in colour. Finally, hoping to make a splash not only on the catwalk, but on your local beach this June.