B.N.O.C.

Big name on the editorial campus.
That asos model, Cara Delevingne is the latest hottie causing a storm in fashion circles far and wide. A certain Emma Watson about her, don't cha think? Cara gets my vote any day. Hiya new girl crush.

Helen,

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do you think i'm skinny?

The ugly side of fashion seems to finally be having a much needed reality check as designers are urged to ‘handle with care'.

This comes in the light of the news released on Monday that president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), Diane Von Furstenberg has issued new guidelines to ensure that models are treated well during Fashion Weeks. The recommendations mainly regard the models’ health and safety, stipulating that healthy meals and snacks should be provided backstage for models. The guidelines also set out to protect the vulnerability of young models, stating that no model under the age of sixteen is to be hired by any designer. No exceptions.

Summary of the guidelines:

• Educate the industry to identify the early warning signs in an individual at risk of developing an eating disorder through workshops and encourage those who do show signs to seek professional help in order to continue modelling.

• Supply healthy meals, snacks, and water backstage and at shoots and provide nutrition and fitness education.

• Support the well-being of younger individuals by not hiring models under the age of sixteen for runway shows; not allowing models under the age of eighteen to work past midnight; and providing regular breaks and rest.

• Promote a healthy backstage environment by raising the awareness of the impact of smoking related diseases, ensuring a smoke-free environment and address underage drinking by prohibiting alcohol. 

What does this all mean for the industry? Is it a step in the right direction? Or a case of a little too late?

I am of mixed opinion. It is all well and good issuing guidelines but the real test comes down to whether they are actively implemented and to what extent. I think it will take considerable time before every single catwalk show worldwide is governed by these rules. Obviously, its encouraging to see the industry taking active steps to protect models’ well-being but it is a bit late in the day considering how many tragic tales could have had happier endings if something of this sort had been actualized years ago. Isabelle Caro, a French model is the most recent case. The most extreme case at that; she headed an anti-anorexia campaign at Milan Fashion Week 2008, in the hope of getting a law passed by the French government that would prohibit models from working in the fashion industry if they did not weigh enough. She died in November last year, weighing a measely five stone. It amazes me, that so many who had come before Caro (Ana Carolina, sisters Eliana and Luisel Ramos) had not provided the wake-up call the industry desperately needs.

The way I see it; there is no need to go from one extreme to the next as the introduction of special ‘plus-size catwalk shows’ (NYFW S/S ‘11 last year) could have equally detrimental effects on young girls’ perception of beauty. There is a distinct difference between slim and being anorexic. Neither sending a size zero nor a size sixteen model down a catwalk to parade beautiful clothes connotates healthy ideologies.

I could go into an elaborate size-zero versus plus-size debate but it would only be a regurgitation of what so many articles have already discussed so I shall conclude; it is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.

It remains to be seen as to whether all this will work which will only be demonstrated by a decrease in the rate of eating disorder patients but I do salute Diane for flying this flag. It’s about time.

What do you think?

x

BRITISH FASHION AWARDS

I am fully aware that I am a week late with this but turning twenty one with my best mate this weekend amongst other important social calls has kindof took over my life up until now.

I returned to the deserted, cobbled streets of York on Thursday with thee biggest hangover. It is a world away from thr hype of London. Talk about snap back to reality. Severe dislike. But with having had the best experience in London so far. British Fashion awards attendee yes please.

So after all the deliberation what did I wear? I made a last minute (standard) dash to Oxford St. opting for a green silk tulip skirt, H&M with a delicate Meadham Kirchhoff for TOPSHOP blouse and these wedges in black. I accessorizied with this, these plus vintage pendants. My patent navy vintage carry bag completed the look.
Pictures of the whole ensemble will follow in the next post.

My plus one- up and coming British knitwear designer - Bethan Juliff and I, were like over-excited little girls. We had noo idea what to expect.

After collecting a glass of champagne we were shown to our seats and welcomed by an 'exclusive' goody bag. Sitting eagerly, anticipating the start of the show.

Claudia Winkleman presented the main of the proceedings. She fully embraced the current cape trend sporting a black, sheer number. After the formalities she welcomed Harold Tillman - head of the British Fashion Council to speak. He was full of admiration for the British fashion industry and praise for its progression over the last year.

The whole evening was a bit surreal, breathing the same air as Alexa and Naomi eeek. I think it'll be amazing to look back and say I was there when they honoured the late Lee Alexander McQueen with the award for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design. Only rightly.

And the winner is...

Designer of the Year - Phoebe Philo, Celine Creative Director
Model of the Year - Lara Stone
Designer Brand of the Year - Mulberry
British Style Award - Alexa Chung
Accessory Designer - Nicholas Kirkwood
Men's Wear Designer - Patrick Grant of E. Tautz
Emerging Talent - Meadham Kirchhoff (I obviously saw this one coming)
Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator - Nicola Formichetti
Special Recognition Award- Naomi Campbell
Digital Innovation - Burberry.

Alexa was a humble winner saying - 'Oh god, my face really big on the screen, erm well this is awkward'. She looked stunning in an S/S '11 Chanel piece. Bizarrely, she said she'd chose her Chanel gown as she liked “to look like a four-year-old”. Yet, still managed to look so effortlessly stylish.

Naomi Campbell made an emotional acceptance speech, talking about the need to use more varied races on runways. The London born model said ' what I've seen recently is that I've seen it go backwards. We need to raise awareness again and need to start using women of colour more.' Implying that eliminating racial preference is still something that very much needs addressed by the industry. She was very appreciative of the award.

Another highlight was the film shown to accompany Burberry's digital innovation efforts. Never would you think that the iconic trench could be manipulated in some 2000 ways.

It was over in a flash. It gave me such an enlightening insight into the industry and where it all starts from - a spark of genious creativity is what it all comes down to. The high street would be nothing without the raw talent of young, artistic minds. It is refreshing to see them recognised in such a manner. I think the sheer hardwork of designers and their army of helpers is very much underestimated as its often only the glitz and glam of the exterior that we see.

Maybe just maybe, I shall be sat applauding future winners sat between the camps of Mulberry and Burberry one day. But for now I am just thankful for the opportunity.

x

british fashion awards invite.

Yes please. I had confirmation of tickets tonight by a Miss. Harry Waters. Big up.

For anyone who doesn't know, The British Fashion Awards are a long-standing ceremony (established in 1989), organised by the British Fashion Council, held anually celebrating the success and creativity of the British fashion industry. This year, the venue of choice is the Savoy theatre in Westminster. And I, and my privileged plus one will be there too, breathing the same air as Alexa and friends.

The ceremony recognises those who have made outstanding contributions to British clothing design during the year. The awards include that of British Designer of the Year, Best Accessory Designer, Best Menswear Designer - you get the picture. The ceremony is pretty much an excuse for a celebration of the reputation and development of the British fashion industry. I cannot wait.

The selection panel comprises that of a collection of renowned fashion editors and store buyers. 

The nominees were announced at the beginning of September. Victoria Beckham faces tough competition from the likes of Mulberry, Pringle and Burberry for the Best Designer Brand of the Year Award. I'm personally backing Burberry.

A slight change to the proceedings this year in that they are opening the voting for the British Style Award to the public. You can cast your vote here but you must be registered with the British Fashion Council to do so.

Included in the running are: Alexa (obvs), Cheryl Cole (why?) Daisy Lowe, Lily Cole and the usual suspects - VB, Emma Watson, Stella McCartney.

Models Nominated (+David Gandy)

 Roise Huntington-Whiteley and Lara Stone

The dress code is black tie, whattowearwhattowear.

Excited doesn't begin to cover it.

x

red head.

Chill, not going to suddenly turn this into a beauty blog - truthfully I don't have enough care / interest / knowledge of the subject.

This is my latest (unhealthy?) obssession. But don't actually think I currently have the balls enough to actually materialize this wish. And as I've teased my sister for years for being a 'ginge' it'd be massively hypocritical of me.
My hair is unbelievably dark. Bored of it.

Decisions decisions..

x

LONDON CALLING

I have just returned from the best week in the Capital city. I only went for pure crack and the chance to maybe catch Wimbledon.

In between drooling along Carnaby street at all the vintage prettiness my funds couldn't stretch to, courtesy of my best mate who works for the people behind CLOTHES SHOW LONDON, I was a (very privelaged) dresser back stage for stylist Alexis Knox.

I ended up drinking white wine spritzers with Dave Berry, rubbing shoulders with Paloma Faith and getting up close and personal with MY Brazillian male model; Roderigo Dentist to be precise. You may recognise him from that infamous nekkid Walker's advert.

Lovely, lovely man. Not to mention hot hot hot. As was his mate Raphael or "you can call me Raph". Infact this went for everyone I met, not even one exception. It was very 'babe' this and 'darling' that. Not going to lie, I loved it. The emphasis was on having the best time and we did exactly that.

A few sneaky peeks behind the scenes..

Make up by Benefit

So many shoes

Inspired by Emma Bell

Inspired by Emma Bell

 Whistle for a hottie.  

Milano

I did not want to leave the fashion frivolities behind. I can't wait to set-up camp there.

London will call again. I'm sure of it.

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