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Blogger Interview: Red Carpet Style Awards
There are so many great blogs and sources of fashion information on the web. We decided it was high time we interviewed a few of our favourite fashion bloggers to find out what makes them tick. First up, we asked a few questions of the fashion critic behind Red Carpet Style Awards.
Tell us something we don't know about you:
Despite loving fashion, I used to be a tom boy at school. I was always hanging out with boys, talking about football, which I still love to his day. I only got into fashion and girly things when I went to college and discovered boys liked me as more than just a friend to hang around with.
Who is your all-time favorite style icon?
Cate Blanchett. She is always impeccably dressed. I get goosebumps looking at her such is her perfection.
What is the most valuable piece of style advice anyone has ever given you?
My mum said, "Always wear matching underwear".
Three things you're loving right now are:
1. Hervé Léger dresses (pictured below on Victoria Beckham). If only I had to guts to wear something so tight.
2. Roberto Cavalli designing a range for H&M
3. Christian Louboutin Shoes.
Fashgasm: C-Strings will hurt you, as will the Queen
Damien Hirst first made the Platinum Skulls, now he's moved on to making bracelets, this time hopefully not using real teeth.
If you thought a thong could be uncomfortable, the C-string will make your eyes water... Or get you off.
Fashion in film: Jimi Hendrix
We're always interested in how fashion trends are influenced and created; and one influence, we often find, is film. In recent memory there have been subtle influences in Sienna Miller's boho styling in 'Alfie' and later her 60s minidresses in 'Factory Girl' - while 'The Devil Wears Prada' sparked a revival in the blunt-cut fringe.
The hippie era has been seeping back into everyday life by way of 'foho', flared jeans, maxi-dresses and flowing long hair. And with a Jimi Hendrix biopic in the works, we're anticipating that the hippie influences of the 60s and 70s will make even more of a mark.
Nelly Furtado wears a fake designer dress
We recently reported on Nelly Furtado performing in what looked to be one of Christopher Kane's creations – as it turns out, it's nothing but a cheap knock-off.
Celebrities play a massive role in promoting fashion - from upcoming talents to long-established luxury designers. Wearing a fake (on stage and in the press where it's bound to be seen by lots of people) is pretty much an insult to the person who put a lot of thought into designing something creative and unique, only to have it lazily copied by someone else.
Who wants to buy some Prada...
We all love adding the odd piece of Prada to our wardrobe, but British billionaire Richard Caring has certainly found a way to one-up as all: he's looking to buy the entire company.
According to Britain's Sunday Times Caring is currently in "secret" negotiations to purchase the company, but is competing against two private equity firms.
Prada as a company is estimated to be worth approximately £1.3 billion (approximately AU$3 billion), and the company is certainly in good shape. Since jettisoning in loss-making Helmut Lang and Jil Sander labels last year profits have risen 63% seeing the fashion house earning £54 million a year.
ASOS launch a 'Luxe' Range
ASOS, the website you turn to if you want a cheap copy of a celebrity outfit, has launched a 'luxe' range. Still named after the stars, and still copied straight from outfits they've worn, the range is much the same in concept, just more taxing on your wallet.
The pieces appear to be pretty and the quality looks like it could be good - though without seeing the fabric it's always hard to tell. Our question, though: is this a brand extension can ASOS pull off?
Whatever you do, don't mention Chanel
Interview with Nik Philpott of Artsu
Sydney based designer Nik Philpott launched his label Artsu during F.ROCK in 2005. It won him a six month mentorship with Fashion Assassins designer, Alex Zabotto-Bentley. Artsu also had their first solo show during fashion week this year and it has been said that Artsu will be the next big thing. Fashionising had a chat to Nik from Artsu about the future of their brand.
1. You were mentored by Alex Zabotto-Bentley of Fashion Assassin. What were the main things that he taught you about fashion, the fashion industry and how to reach people with your brand? How did you get the opportunity to have Alex mentor you?
I was awarded the mentorship with Alex after winning F.ROCK in 2005 - this is a fashion parade which is held on Sydney's Northern Beaches annually.
The Mentorship was great, Alix, Jenni and Hareth at Fashion Assassin were really helpful in guiding Artsu in presentation of a complete collection to buyers, how to target a particular market and who to approach to get the collection seen. He also shared his extensive knowledge of makers, fabric houses, media and industry contacts, and most importantly showing me what a collection needed to consist of to be taken seriously. Without the generosity of the mentorship, I don't think Artsu would still be going.
2. Where did your passion for fashion begin?
After six years as a screen printer, printing everything from golf balls to 8 colour zoo animal tshirts I had a real passion for printed garments. My background allows me the extensive experience to experiment with techniques no one else is doing or could even attempt, be it through lack of know how or lack of budget. I get a real buzz from creating an individual garment that feels great and looks great. Growing up I would always manipulate my clothes, to get them looking the way I liked them. People enjoy looking good, it gives them an extra level of confidence. I love to create clothes that I love to wear.
Runway photos from Artsu's inaugural RAFW show.
Jane vs TopShop
Jane Shepherdson, who was Topshop's brand director, resigned at a most inopportune time, ten days after the news came out about Kate Moss for TopShop. She has now said that, "It was getting a bit boring"; now we can't take this statement seriously. She goes on however to slam cheap chic saying:
"We should always question if something is very, very cheap and think that if you, the consumer, aren't paying for it, then someone, somewhere down the line, is paying."
Shepherdson has just came on board with People Tree an ethical fashion label, though her remarks seem at least on the surface to be an attack on TopShop which to my mind makes her sound more bitter then sincere.
What do you think of eco fashion? Is it something that you would come on board with?
[source: The Independent]
Gisele Takes a Stand on Sex
Reuters reports that supermodel Gisele Bundchen is taking the on the Church in Brazil, notably the world's largest Roman Catholic country, over its stand on abortion and birth control. She provides the following comment:
Gisele wants people to avoid the itch, amongst other things