IN A NEW YEAR SPECIAL TOPMAN GENERATION TRANSFORM AMY CHILDS INTO A DANDY BOHEMIAN ROCK STAR FROM ANOTHER ERA

Amy Childs has been given a makeover like never before. Topman GENERATION’s unique photoshoot turns Amy into the face of a mysterious and mythical bohemian rock’n'roll band from the mid-70s. With Art Direction from Editor John-Paul Pryor, Fashion photographer Michael Hemy (Tom Ford, Dazed & Confused, Louis Vuitton) turns the instantly recognisable star of TOWIE, and current show It’s All About Amy, into a sophisticated 70s glamour puss, tipping an aesthetic nod to the reportage-style glamour of Bob Richardson.

Adorned head-to-toe in classic vintage sourced by much talked about stylist Melissa Thompson (AnOther Magazine, Dazed & Confused), Essex siren Amy Childs is joined in her fictional rock’n'roll troupe by her vampish male bohemian cohorts. This is Amy Childs as you have never seen her before; this is Amy Childs, Voodoo Child.

See Amy Childs on Channel 5 in her show “It’s All About Amy” on Thursday December 29, 2011, at 10:00pm. “It’s All About Amy” on Channel 5 will be back in the New year from January 12, on from 11:00pm.

Topman GENERATION: www.magazine.topman.com

HARPER’S BAZAAR: GREATEST HITS

GLENDA BAILEY IS ARGUABLY ONE OF THE MOST PROMINENT WOMEN IN FASHION. SINCE BEING MADE EDITOR- IN -CHIEF OF HARPER’S BAZAAR SHE HAS TRANSFORMED THE MAGAZINE. IN CELEBRATION OF HER TEN YEARS AT THE MAGAZINE, SHE HAS TEAMED UP WITH CREATIVE DIRECTOR STEPHEN GAN TO PRODUCE A COLLECTION OF THE MOST STUNNING PHOTOGRAPHS TITLED ‘HARPER’S BAZAAR: GREATEST HITS’. JENNIFER BUTLER SPOKE TO GLENDA BAILEY ABOUT HER NEW BOOK.

Why did you decide to release a collection of photographs featured in Harper’s Bazaar and why did it seem like the right time now?

I wanted to celebrate the work of all the fantastic photographers, stylists and writers that I have been privileged to work with at Bazaar over the last 10 years. When Stephen Gan and I started at Bazaar a decade ago, we wanted to create a joyful tribute to the world’s best fashion, talent and artistry each month.

How did you choose the pictures that went in to this book? Are they personal favourites?

As I edited the book last summer, I was struck by how many remarkable images I had to choose from. I have so many favourites, but in particular; Jean Paul Goude’s fantastical portraits of Naomi Campbell, William Klein’s portfolio of designers and their team (Lanvin’s Alber Elbaz brought a bus full of people), Peter Lindbergh’s cover of Kate Winslet hovering over the Manhattan skyline, Demi Moore and the giraffe, Marc Jacobs and Winona Ryder recreating ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf’ and sending the Simpsons to Paris (Marc Jacobs even got a tattoo of his Simpsonized self on his arm)

Why did you decide to realise a book of pictures rather than features of interviews?

We included a feature or interview from each decade in this book, but we had a lot of brilliant work to choose from, which leaves another opportunity for the next book!

What do you look for in a photograph to make it onto the pages of Harper’s Bazaar?

It must be iconic and epic.

What photographer have you been most proud to work with? Did you have any lifelong dreams?

Richard Avedon – I got to meet him on the first day on the job at Harper’s Bazaar, and it’s been a highlight of my career.

Harper’s Bazaar: Greatest hits is published by Abrams and Chronicle and available now at Amazon.

Words Jennifer Butler  Images Harper’s Bazaar

RAUN LAROSE: FOREVER YOUNG S/S 2012

AGENT2 FEATURED THE FANTASTIC DEBUT COLLECTION AND INTERVIEW FROM RAUN LAROSE LAST SEASON AND WE BRING YOU HIS LATEST COLLECTION FOR S/S 2012

 

This Brooklyn based, young and upcoming designer is destined to be a big name and has been on the AGENT2 ‘One to Watch’ radar for quite some time now. His latest collection sees an exciting progression since we last saw him and Raun states:

“For this collection I was inspired by my childhood.  I retraced the steps of my youth in search of things that were the most memorable.  Backpacks, comic books, and thoughtful pairing in sport attire.  As a menswear designer I strive to expand the concept of contemporary mens fashion through innovation. To challenge myself and explore new techniques, giving fruition to one of my key looks.”

 

To add to the buzz around Larose, Vogue Italia recently named as ‘fashion’s future’ in their menswear category.

Words Graham Gartside Bernier

LONG X BOY EXHIBITION PHOTOS

AS MANY OF OUR AVID READERS ARE PROBABLY AWARE, WE ARE MASSIVE FANS OF PUNK HERE AT AGENT2 AND THE FANTASTIC COLLABORATION BETWEEN LONG CLOTHING AND BOY LONDON IS NO EXCEPTION!

We just had to bring you these amazing images from a series of shots by London photographer Teddy Fitzhugh that were taken to celebrate the Long x Boy collaboration earlier this year.

The collection focuses around a group of friends whose lives embody a distinct attitude and spirit found in both brands. The photos intend to provide a reflection, not only of their relationships with each other, but also of the distinct connection between the clothing and their lifestyles.

Check out the rest of the series here.

leavetheboyalone.com | longclothing.com

 

 

 

VAUXHALL FASHION SCOUT: ONES TO WATCH S/S 2012

TAKING PLACE AT THE VAUXHALL FASHION SCOUT VENUE OF FREEMASON’S HALL, ONES TO WATCH SHOWCASED THE DESIGNS OF FOUR NEW UP AND COMING YOUNG DESIGNERS AND UNSURPRISINGLY, THE QUEUE WAS SNAKING DOWN THE STREET IN BOTH DIRECTIONS BY THE TIME I ARRIVED.

First out on the catwalk, Central St Martin’s graduate Alice Lee had knitwear cleverly laced with leather and fabric to produce an almost chainmail effect, used to most striking effect in circular headpieces. It was this lacing which produced the effects in the pieces rather than patterns or seams; from empire lines on dresses to stripes on sweaters. Jewellery including bangles and collars were produced with the same method and the result was a collection that managed to be unusual and innovative as well as wearable.

Phoebe English’s collection was composed of a series of deconstructed pieces with trailing threads, ripped away hems and dip dyed fabrics. A nod to 90s grunge was present in the monochrome palette and clumpy flat shoes combined with the hair; either slicked back completely or hanging long and straight over one side of the face. The boxy cuts and plain colours seemed simple at first, but they served to show off the incredible hand detailing in the fabrics; tiny pleats in shift dresses and feathery edges which looked like swan down on the white pieces.  For me this English was the standout of the whole show, grunge elements having always been a weakness of mine.

The only one of the four not a graduate from Central St Martin’s, Malene Oddershede Bach also stood out from the rest of the show for her use of vibrant colours; reds, blues, yellows and pinks all featured as the binding glue of a collection comprising of many different styles. There were unicolour shirt and suit combinations, mini dresses over chiffon maxi skirts, billowing shoulder and embellished tops, each look paired with perfectly matching heels for an ultra coordinated approach. It seems that yellow is to be the colour of s/s12 and Bach used it to maximum effect in a vivid leather biker jacket with double zip detailing.

Taking a more avant garde approach was Shao Yen, another graduate of Central St Martins. A spin on the traditional little black dress saw a piece composed entirely of loose knit fringing in a rigid yarn which stood away from the body in dramatic spikes.  There was more than a little of a bondage element in the collection, with leather straps containing the body and asymmetric tailoring exposing thighs and breasts along with transparent fabrics and platform heels. The collection wasn’t the most easily accessible of the four but it certainly demonstrated an unusual and interesting style.

All very different but very talented designers, Ones to Watch certainly lived up to its name and I eagerly await the next season’s offerings from all four showcased.

Words Tamsin Worrad 

LFW: BERNARD CHANDRAN S/S 2012

 

THE MUSIC ACCOMPANYING MALAYSIAN DESIGNER BERNARD CHANDRAN’S SS12 SHOW WAS A MIX OF CLASSIC DOO-WOP AND MODERN HIP HOP WHICH SLOTTED IN PERFECTLY WITH THE THEME OF THE COLLECTION, INFLUENCED AS IT WAS BY THE GLAMOUR OF THE 1950S BUT WITH A CONTEMPORARY EDGE.

Instead of directly using the shapes and styles of the decade, Chandran instead took inspiration from the effort and creativity that went into the fashions of the times. Everything screamed high octane glamour, with luxe metallics and thick fringing featuring heavily throughout. Mimicking 1950s cat eye glasses, the models wore bright blue eyeliner which worked to eye popping effect on dark skin. The era influence become more evident as the show went on, when classic prom dress silhouettes appeared with detailed ace cut out sections it was a floor length black satin dress with thigh high side split which to me represented the ultimate in elegant evening wear. Black lace gloves toughened up the ladylike looks along with bright pops of colour to modernise the vintage theme and the overall impression of the collection was one of nodding to the past whilst continuing to look to the future.

Words Tamsin Worrad  Images Christopher Dadey

LFW: BELLE SAUVAGE S/S 2012

 

HAVING GONE TO SEE BELLE SAUVAGE’S SHOW IN FEBRUARY 2011, I DECIDED IT WAS TIME TO WORK BACKSTAGE AND GET SEE HOW THEIR CATWALK SHOW WAS RUN. AS WELL AS GETTING A FIRST GLIMPSE OF THEIR SPRING/ SUMMER COLLECTION.

After a few footwear malfunctions and stress surrounding how to get the clothing over the large hats the lovely models were wearing, the show was off without a glitch.

As usual their beautiful silhouettes ad flowing dresses prove that they are a glamorous label to suit every body shape.

Pink, blue and yellow printed dresses graced the catwalk, with a red leather number to add a different dimension to the strong prints.

 

Japanese inspired floral net dresses floated down the catwalk. The highlight was undoubtedly the tight blue abstract dress with pale blue chiffon and killer splits up the side. With a cut out low back, the dress was desired by all the ladies backstage and in the audience.

 

Padded shoulders gave an Amazonian look on the models, giving a classic Belle Sauvage futuristic feel. The line was girly, fun and beyond beautiful.

Words Jennifer Butler  Images Rob Sheppard 

 

 

LFW: KTZ S/S 2012

  

I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A HUGE FAN OF KTZ. AND BEING GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO BACKSTAGE WAS A DREAM. THEN YOU REALISE THE EXTENT OF THE DETAIL AND LAYERING THAT GOES IN TO SUCH AN INTRICATE COLLECTION.

 

The men had a much detail as the women, with South American designed techni-coloured stitching and beaded belts, bags and anything in between. Oversized grey denim and logo covered jackets were a favourite amongst the male models. All with complicated belts and buckles which went over shoulders and around legs.

 

The women looked powerful yet stunning in beautiful beaded dresses, some of the most stunning I have seen throughout Fashion Week. See through black, gold and sequined kaftans with leather and studded underwear were the highlight of the collection.

 

There was also an assortment of pretty bow covered cocktail dresses in purples and pinks. Beaded hats, earrings and bracelets complimented the bright colours. This collection was not for wall flowers. Everything that went onto the catwalk felt incredibly fresh and exciting.

   

Words Jennifer Butler  Images KTZ

 

LFW: HOUSE OF EVOLUTION S/S 2012

 

THE HOUSE OF EVOLUTION SHOW DID NOT GET OFF TO A GOOD START, LEAVING US ATTENDEES TRAPPED IN THE ENTRANCE OF FREEMASON’S HALL FOR NEARLY AN HOUR WHILE WE WAITED TO BE LED TO OUR SEATS. AS ONE OF THE LAST SHOWS OF THE DAY, LEAVING JOURNALISTS STANDING IN THEIR HEELS TO GET ANGRY SEEMED LIKE A BAD WAY TO KICK OFF AND BY THE TIME WE WERE ALLOWED IN I’D WITNESSED MORE THAN ONE ALTERCATION WITH THE CREW.

House of Evolution is a collective consisting of three designers, and first to show their collection was DAS, two sisters (Reem and Hind Beljafla) who based their designs around the traditional Arab over-garment, the Abaya, with inspiration coming from the Ancient Roman and Greek empires. This translated into floatingl, loose fitting dresses and tunics in pale blues and pinks seemingly taking their cues from the Togas of Ancient Greece. Other looks included  more structured skirts and shirts with armour like wristlets and loose tunics over panelled leggings. Intricately beaded mosaic style patterns featured on the sleeves of dresses, on skirts and forming the front pieces of boxy cut tops as well as belts wrapping the looser fitting pieces together.

 

Math featured next and the first look captured, to my mind, the ideal form of relaxed springtime chic. A slouchy t-shirt tucked into a light pink chiffon midi skirt created a look that was effortlessly stylish and dreamlike. The rest of the collection successfully lived up to this promise with more slouchy jersey, vibrant blues and oranges and although the overall look was one of simplicity there was enough in the cuts and shapes to keep it interesting and new. This may come as no surprise as the label’s designer Shaz comes from a graphic design background rather than fashion and cites architecture as a major influence.

 

Finally came Rohmir, who I had high hopes for upon discovering their influences consisted of 20s and 30s French chic and ‘La Garconne’ (tomboy). Unfortunately it failed to quite meet my expectations and instead seemed to have been entirely inspired by exotic birds, completely with a slightly grating tropical soundtrack. Although I loved the shirt dresses featuring a cape back detail and waist tie (at least the tomboy influence was present somewhere)  I found my attention predominately grabbed by the huge pairs of fake eyelashes sported by each model to match her outfit but mostly served to detract the audience’s gaze from the clothing.

 

The whole show was longer than the average and combined with the waiting time that preceded the show, there was definitely an element of annoyance amongst the crowd with many feeling disappointed by the collections. Unfortunately I must admit to feeling the same way, with only Math really staying in my mind as I left the venue.

Words Tamsin Worrad  Images Christopher Dadey

LFW: CHRISTOPHER SHANNON S/S 2012

CENTRAL ST MARTIN’S IS RENOWNED FOR PRODUCING THE SOME OF THE BEST AND MOST INNOVATIVE DESIGNERS. ONE OF THE DARLINGS OF THE FASHION SCHOOL IS CHRISTOPHER SHANNON WHO SHOWCASED HIS SPRING/ SUMMER 2012 MENSWEAR COLLECTION AT LONDON FASHION WEEK.

The first thing to stick out as the intrinsically placed comb sculptures, placed on the models thinly shaved hair. Proving it is the Brits who have an eye for the original look, the combs were apparently glued to the models heads. A nice touch I thought, but I have always enjoyed seeing something different on the catwalk.

 

Tassel details on asymmetric jumpers gave a twist to the usual men’s knitwear designs and looked modern and stylish. Waterproofs with drawstrings added a sporty feel to the classic menswear collection.

Cubist patterns in black, orange, greys and blues were printed on t-shirts and hard wearing street wear coats.  The combs will probably remain to be the talking point though.

 

Words Jennifer Butler 

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