White Christmas

I hope everyone is ready for a white Christmas!! I know it is not snowing yet but time will come....

I would like to share some beautiful white Haute Couture with you to get you into that glittery, white christmassy mood. 
As you can probably tell i love a bit of embellishment and sparkle and these embellished trousers shown below by Antonio Berardi are A-M-AZING!!! i want a pair so much..... in my dreams, if only i was like a foot taller.. haha

Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!!!

Ashley

Jan Taminiau  fashion  shoes 

Givenchy fall 2011

Pattern vs. Historical Fashion

Pattern in fashion, is a very important aspect, it could make or break a collection. For my final collection I want to use a lot of pattern and texture, while the silhouette being inspired by historical costume. Two designers who are very good at this are Vivienne Westwood and Yinka Shonibare.

Vivienne Westwood has always been inspired by historical fashion and replicates 18^th century corsets in her collections along with her “mini crini” [her reinvention of the crinoline], emphasized waists and her innovative draping. If you take away the fabric that she uses it would all look very historical, but because of the modern and unusual way she uses fabrics it makes the garments. For example if we look at the way she uses tartan: the way she drapes it and styles it, the traditional Scottish-ness is forgotten because you are drawn to the “je ne se qua” of her pieces. Vivienne westwood just has a flair to innovate she is a living legend, and has her individual style, you can look at one of her pieces and automatically know that it is hers because of the impeccable drapery and folds, or her use of fabric.

Vivienne Westwood "Mini Crini"

Yinka Shonbare is another designer who often uses English colonialism to inspire his collections but the fabric he uses are traditional African fabrics. Which automatically juxtapose the garment’s. You can see where it was inspired from but the use of fabric modernises it and your eye is drawn to it for this reason as it is unexpected.

Yinka Shonbare use of Caribbean print

This is what I would like to achieve through my collection I want it to be inspired 19^th Century riding wear but I want to juxtapose that silhouette by using modern weaves and fluorescent threads/ribbons to achieve that shock factor and make you wonder why has she done that? By doing this I would hope that it makes you think of the safety restriction that were often forgotten about in the 19^th century, but now a days is very important through the sport.

Ashley J

Design an outfit for Leona Lewis

Here was my entry for a TalentHouse competition to design an outfit for Leon Lewis. 

I Designed an Open Back Jumpsuit made of antique gold tweed an turquoise twill, with lots of panelling and a feature zip and surcingle.

Ashley J

Ribbon Neck Piece

One Of my most recent project was creating this fabulous Neck piece which I created to compliment  a summer coat.  It  is a bit wild and Fun, but it was a very rewarding piece, after all those long nights of continually folding ribbon. If I can remember right I think there is over 100metres of ribbon even maybe 200 metres [it was a while back I cant remember]. But here are some photos. Enjoy!

Model: Emma Clare Cummings

Photographer: Jaime CJ

Stylist: Jaime CJ

Accessory: Ashley Duncan

Ashley J x

Mare Machines

Mare Machines is the name of my final major project, what I have been working on recently and have a hell of a lot of work to do until I reach the end, but it will all be worth it.

“Humans are enslaved like horses and horses are made into machines”

- Anna Sewell, Black Beauty.

My collection is based around this quote, essentially meaning that people have turned into slaves to society because they choose to conform to what is considered acceptable and the norm and because of which are slaves much like what horses are to a certain extent. The silhouette is inspired by 19^th century riding wear and I want to combine this with modern day endurance riding. Endurance riding is Long distance riding starting from 10K rides all the way up to 160K rides, so a lot of work is need to get you to this level. By incorporating aspects from the endurance riding I want my collection to be comfortable, wearable and juxtaposed tweeds with flourecents. 

I want to create a high fashion collection for A/W RTW. This will be aimed at a successful business women/ celebrities such as Helena Bonham Carter. 

19th Century Side Saddle 

Endurance riding 

Endurance Ride

STAG White Junk Pop up Shop

This Saturday past, Aberdeen seen the second Stag pop up shop. Held at Korova   on Bridge street 1-6pm. The theme was "White Junk" so the girls decorated the venue with white junk: old tyres, traffic cones, white walls and the beautiful white collection of dresses made by graduate Sian Parker.

This time the shop was vintage free and full of new and up and coming designers like Heather Grant and Hannah Duncan along with Accessory designers Kelly McAllister with her unique chain mail jewellery and statment pieces. And SOS (Save old Stuff) a unique label which re-uses old jewellery incorporating them into photo frames and wedding bouquets made to order so you can choose your colour scheme and if there was a special necklace or ring you wanted to incorporate to make it more personal. 

There was so many things going on it would take to long to tell you all, but  had a great day I bought a cute little dress from Jaime CJ, some Christmas cards from Alison Bell with some cheeky comments written on them, had my hair styles by profile hair and got a glitter tattoo from Doris. 

Overall it was a good day and I think the Stag girls did well while also selling there "Fawned of" collection of printed t-shirts, jumpers and dresses.

If you weren't there this time, make sure you keep up the STAG Duo to see what there next event will be....

Ashley J

Kevin Morris:  Sculptor

Kelly McAllister 

SOS (Save old Stuff)

Heather Grant

Something About Mary...

Mary Portas is an expert in the retail department, she has the knowledge every new business want to know! She is most famous for transforming Harvey Nichols and there world renowned window displays. Since then she opened a PR company Yellowdoor, which has been very successful and worked with many big brands. She went on to make a few TV series' transforming fashion boutiques, bakeries and even antique stores to a successful business. 

Now Mary has dove in head first with her whole reputation on the line to see if she really is as good as she says she is. Mary has launched her own brand "MARY" through House of Fraser. The Brand is aimed at women over forty and it is a lifestyle brand....a place where you cant only get staple pieces to keep you stylish through the seasons but you can also buy your coffee, stylish home accessories and maybe even a cheeky dildo (if she was allowed). She is a headstrong women who doesn't like the answer NO, with this in mind she has certainly pushed the boundaries of House of Fraser, she hasn't got everything she wanted, but just about!

From recently being involved in the David Nieper Competition, creating a 5 piece collection  for the over 50's.  I have realised that this market is in desperate need for some life to be injected into it .... I think it is great what Mary has done! Also loving the way she has used models that are the age she is targeting to, I think this makes all the difference!! And the women look chic and confident she doesn't make them look old she makes them look 10 years younger.  She has tapped into a great market while achieving a modern, contemporary shopping experience! A definite see the next time I am in London Town!

Ashley J 

Fash@G Presents...

Fash@G are hosting a Charity Fashion Show to raise money for the end of

year degree show with a silent auction held during the evening.

We would love to invite you to join us to see the works of our collection of talented students at this event.

Collections of work ranging from Coco Chanel themed garments, to locally sourced cashmere's from the Johnston's of Elgin brand. They are made from blood sweat and tears (literally). Pin pricks and all aside, these collections are a must see!

 The Auction: Info on the Auction to follow..

Tickets cost £10 and can be purchased from anyone in the Fash@G course. Or note your interest here and someone will contact you to give you more details. There are plenty car park spaces at the Thistle Hotel Altens, so parking is not a bother. Tickets can also be purchased on the door, however it would be best to secure one soon as they are going fast. The show is set to start at 8pm, doors open at 7pm so to get a good seat and view, turning up before hand would be ideal. Drinks will be given out on the door on your entry, and there will be a bar open also.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Ashley J

Ooh Fashion Show!

I Arrived in Edinburgh yesterday, greeted by a massive gust of freezing cold wind!! Winter has arrived people so get your woolys on!! I will be..... Any way I was in Edinburgh to attend  the Ooh Fashion Show held at the Green Room. Showcasing New and Established brands, designers, boutiques and millinery! 

I have got to admit I had No idea what to expect. First impressions the Venue was very nice and had a nice we red carpet outside. When we arrived the place was packed, we managed to get front row seats. There was a good mix of people, the atmosphere was good I think everyone was excited and apprehensive to see what was going to come next.

The Show was opened by the wonderful Jenivieve Berlin Millinery who showcased some amazing hats and headpieces in bright colours and beautiful feathers. This brand is young and edgy, somewhere you would go if you wanted to stand out from the crowd. I think all 3 hat designers [Jenivieve Berlin, Rene Walrus and Karen Ried Designs] that was at the show was the highlights of the night,  they were all completely different  but exciting. 

The whole show was very commercial I thought there would have been more new designers there However there were a few that stood out, for example 21st Century Kilts were a surprise as they take a whole new approach to suits and kilts. Making Amazing kilts from Pin stripe suiting or Checked suiting and using layering opposed to you usual tartans i thought they were very Chic!! Another one that stood out was "Those were the days" Vintage. As I'm not keen on Vintage myself I thought they did very well, by finding those little treasure coves of a find. Beautifully draped dresses, Bright fun Colours juxtaposed with the Cosy country look. Loved every outfit even the "Virgin Mary" Wedding dress which was a shocker to finish the collection. 

Overall the Show was a Great success, the show lasted a good 1hour and 30mins. Unfortunately we never seen the finally as we had to dash to catch out train back up to Aberdeen. 

Running all the way from the Green Room to the Train station in heels and the freezing cold I think I died a little inside .... however we did make it home safely to the beautifully freezing Aberdeen!

 Jenivieve Berlin Millinery 

 Karen Reid Designs

 Rene Walrus

 21st Century Kilts

"Those were the Days" Vintage

Hope you enjoy 

Ashley J

White Junk

So here we go again....ROUND TWO!

The STAG Duo are back with a vengeance with there second Pop- up shop "The White Junk Party" this event will be held at Korova, Bridge Street, Aberdeen between 1-6 pm on the 12th of November. It is £2 a ticket or £3 on the door and can be bought here or at one-up on Belmont Street. it is going to be quirky fashion event showcasing fashion designers, jewellery designers, vintage clothing and the most amazing cupcakes you have ever tasted made by yours truly Hannah Bakes Cakes!! So get your glad rags on and be ready to be style hunted by the in house photographer. This event will be the place to be before a great night out, where you can buy your one off out-fit and get you hair styled by Profile hair for the night ahead of you!

After the last pop up in August was such a success we cant wait for the next one as its going to be bigger and better. 

In August the Girls created the first fashion pop up shop in Aberdeen, showcasing fashion designers Jaime CJ, Laura Sherriffs and STAG's baby sister Fawned Of...which by the way I still want my mustard trousers pleaaaase... . Also on the list of ones to watch are Kiss My Kunst a fantastic t-shirt and accessory designers along with textile brand Feet and Tea mothered by Alison Bell. 

STAG stands for Scottish talent and graduates so the event is also used to promote recent graduates, so Stag see this as an opertunity to exhibit the recent works from Grays School of Art fashion graduates. The collection exhibited below is made by the lovely Carolyn Edmonson, inspired by Scottish fishwives. I wonder who will be next to show at the pop up shop....just keep thinking White!! 

Be there or be Square!!

Ashley J

Fashion Videos

So here we go, I'm not you typical person who trails through you tube looking for random videos, but here is a few videos I have found that I just love. the Lanvin advertisements have got to be my all time favourites, they just make me laugh. Some more videos similar but just as good are done by Miu Miu and Prada. They all a have there own style and essence but I just think they are so cleverly done and they make you watch to find out what's going to happen next. I hope you enjoy!!

Ashley J

Jen Collee

"Midnight"

"Romeo"

"Silver II"

"Aquilla"

Jen Collee gained her BA (Hons) in Fine Art at Glasgow School of Art in 1999 and has since exhibited her work across the United Kingdom. 

 She currently works from her Edinburgh studio and regularly contributes to the Visual Arts Scotland exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy and shows her work at both the Glasgow Art Fair and Edinburgh Festival. Her paintings, of animals and horses in particular, are both dynamic and sympathetic, reflecting the presence and character of the subject with an understanding eye and deft technical skill. Her equine paintings are reminiscent of the painting of George Stubbs and Richard Stone Reeves and she shares their enthusiasm for the subject. Jen is a keen horsewoman and her passion and knowledge is evident in her work. 

http://www.flaubertgallery.com/

She is currently exhibiting at Flaubert Gallery in Edinburgh. So hopefully if I get the chance to go down to Edinburgh to have a look. As at a first glance her painting look amazing very fee and loose and you can feel the drama and atmosphere from the painting. 


Featured in the January 2011 edition, VOGUE Magazine said: "Jen Collee's New large scale equine paintings, in particular, are both dynamic and sympathetic, reflecting the presence and character of the subject, with and understanding eye and deft technical skill" and prompted new enquiries and sales to clients in the UK, Europe and the USA.

"Acteon" 

Ashley J

Glen Moore

'Rutting Stags'  Metallic acrylic on canvas, 122cm x 91cm

Glen Moore is another Artist that is exhibiting at the Flaubert Gallery in Edinburgh.

Andrew Glencairn Moore

Glen was born in Paisley in 1966 and has spent a significant amount of his life immersed in the Scotch whisky industry.A self taught artist who has had brief spells living on the Island of Skye and Islay, now lives with his wife Louise in a converted Steading on a sheep farm in the Campsie Glen, North of Glasgow.Much of Glen’s inspiration comes from the familiar everyday sights that surround him.Glen works in both oils and metallic acrylics. 

'Scratch That Itch' Metallic acrylic on canvas 122cm X 122cm

"Horsepower" Metallic acrylic on canvas 122cm X 122cm

 'Horsepower II' Metallic acrylic on canvas, 122cm x 122cm

Ashley J

Hermes

Hermes is one of the most dominant fashion leaders with the equestrian influenced high fashion and one of the oldest. Hermes initially started off as a saddler company making leather goods, saddles and cavalry in 1837 by Thierry Hermès and has stayed strong even 173 years later. They are also one of the world’s last high-end companies that still remain independent by still owning 73.4% of the company. The first woman’s wear collection was first shown in Paris 1929.

Throughout the years Hermes have had many creative directors including Martin Margiela from Spring 1998 until Spring 2004, when he was then replaced by Jean Paul Gaultier and just recently who has stepped down from the position and Christophe Lemaire whom recently designer for Lacoste has taken over who made his first debut as creative director in Autumn/ Winter 2011. Equestrian style is at the heart of the house of Hermes, the metaphor of hacking jacket, Jodhpur, stock and riding boot is never far for from the fashion collection.

One of Hermes most iconic shows I want to talk about is Jean Paul Gaulter’s final collection for the company in Spring / Summer 2011. I thought this show was spectacular and truly inspiring. He did everything right from setting an electric atmosphere, by having the guests sitting in anticipation until the black curtains were unveiled to reveal a wood chip catwalk with dressage horses in the background while the show began with flamenco music with the models stomping down the catwalk thrashing whips wearing cordobes hats (traditional Spanish hats often used in riding and in bull rings). The audience was in awe with so much to look and the collection was amazing with leather bodices and tailored trousers and skirts inspired by a blacksmiths aprons. Inès de la Fressange, the 51-year-old mother of two and former model was the finally to Gaulter’s show when he ran down the runway and tackles her to give her a rose. An extravagant way for Gaulter to leave is mark on the Hermes brand, a show never to be forgotten. This is the show that made me look into equestrian fashion in more depth as well as my continuous interest with horses.

Looking back to previous Hermes Collections, equestrian isn’t always the main influence of the collection but generally sportswear is the inspiration. However JPG always manages to stay true to the brand by incorporating a classic Hermes print, sharp tailoring and the use of leather. However nowadays Hermes isn’t just known for its clothes they have famous leather handbags the Kelly and the Birkin, also the Hermes scarf, which is instantly recognisable by the bold prints and finally there saddlery. There newest innovation is there Talaris Saddle which is a state of the art saddle made of carbon, titanium and leather only weighing 1.5 kg. As Hermès artistic director Monsieur Pierre-Alexis Dumas said, "This is at the heart of the essence of Hermès, which is about marrying TRADITION and INNOVATION." Little to our knowledge Hermes is on top of their game in every aspect of their company and this family business is still thriving to succeed, by being innovators of fashion and equestrian. Hermes also sponsors some equestrian events mostly in America by donating prizes or sponsoring jumps/events.

Gaultier has used some historical references through his collection, mostly references of men’s 19th century riding wear and 19th century corsetry. He has used the corsetry influence in the leather wraps over a crisp white shirt, just to synch the waist in, in a boxy respect maybe also inspired by a blacksmiths apron. And Jean Paul Gualtier has used quite manly shapes in the blazers which looks inspired by a shooting costume jacket; however he has simplified it down. I think he has taken inspirations from all areas of equestrian by looking into the history of the Hermes brand and looking to what they are best at which is fine saddlers. But he has totally transformed this theme to something modern and chic.

Ashley J