denim domination

I like denim, you like denim, we all like denim! Not only is it a staple in the average woman's wardrobe, but the right wash just seems to go with everything we own and ensures we're always looking effortlessly cool. There's no denying its an essential and with the 70's revival trend now in full force its pretty obvious that denim is going to contribute to one of the biggest trends of the season, but not in the way we all would of thought! 

Say goodbye to your skinnies. That's the first step of this transition. Yes I know, we all thought our skinny leg jeans would get us through the winter for decades but unfortunately (in the fashion realm) that ship has sailed. Its time for us to break out of our skinny jean habit and experiment with more exhilarating shapes and cuts by saying hello to the return of the mom jean and the boot-scootin flare. The mom jean provides a more relaxed fit and casual aspect to the denim domination trend whilst the flared jean will satisfy the needs of those of you looking for something more daring and definitive of the over-powering 70's trend.

If pants aren't your thing, try out a denim skirt. Mini, midi or maxi, its completely up to you but its definitely a trend you need to sink your teeth (or legs) into this winter. A-line cut is key, flattering a large number of body shapes and emphasising the desired hourglass aesthetic its the perfect piece to get you through the seasons and compliment your shape all year round. 

Finally, for all you modern-day muses of the 70's trend,  its time to invest in a denim one-piece.  A denim pinafore or pair of overalls is the way to go and if you're looking to grab this trend by the horns one of these pieces (if not both) are a necessity! Both options scream modernity and vintage cool. Obnoxious denim overalls will catapult you to a new fashion status with the latest take on the jumpsuit oozing street cred and modern style. While the button-down pinafore satisfies the needs of those fashion-forward, trend breaking souls. Its bold  and its daring, but if you're comfortable with your body and love being on show then you have nothing to hide! Rock this 70's vibe and reach for those ultimate fashion goals.

Jeans, one-pieces and skirts you name it, the 70's trend captures it all. Believe it or not double denim is even now socially acceptable in the everyday world. So to get you inspired and excited to go out and purchase your new must-have denim items I've compiled a collection of my favourite denim street-style hits.  

Enjoy and say hello again to 70's denim.

fashion ethics

When it comes to fashion and the basic clothing we continuously consume, we don't often think about the ethics of our clothing; what the working standards and wages are like where the product is made, if any animals get harmed in the production process or if the packaging we take the product away in damages our environment.

One company that is an inspirational advocate for ethical fashion and is described by the head of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Karen Walker,  as a "pioneer of sustainable fashion" is home grown boutique label Gorman.

Founded in 1999 by fashion enthusiast Lisa Gorman, the Gorman label is filled with eclectic clothing that screams individuality and gives a modern nod to tribal prints and textile art. Already an established and well-loved brand for the free-spirited hippie, Gorman introduced their "Gorman Organic" range in 2007 to comply with the ethical demands of the evolving fashion industry and their environmentally friendly clientele. 

Gorman insist that all their factories and manufacturers must adhere to a strict social and ethical code of conduct that covers a number of issues that are controversial and unacceptable in today's modern society. All Gorman suppliers must meet the following standards to continually work alongside the brand. These standards include that: the workplace is safe and hygienic, no child labour is used, there's no discrimination, living wages are paid, working hours are regular but not excessive, there is no bribery or corruption and no inhumane or harsh treatment is practiced. To ensure companies comply with these standards, Gorman undertakes an audit at least once a year on every manufacturer and factory they source from and if any issues are discovered an action plan is put in place to correct the problems with several more audits (both announced and un-announced) followed to be certain that all standards are being met.

In terms of animal welfare, unlike your typical ethical company who may compromise the use of leather and fur to stay ethical, Gorman still stocks products of this substance but insists they go to great and impressive lengths to ensure that all animals are treated in a humane manner and are not viciously harmed in the process. The company is very strict that all leather and hide is solely sourced from New Zealand where they have strict guidelines in place to ensure all animals are treated in a humane manner. 

Also unlike alot of ethically friendly brands, Gorman continues to use angora fibres for some of their woollen products. The use of angora is quite a controversial topic and has sparked a fire over on their Facebook page but despite the controversy, Gorman insists that all their angora wool is ethically sourced and their suppliers shave the fur from the angora rabbits back rather than plucking it or ripping the fibres straight from their skin.  They also hire one of the world's leading independent inspection companies to monitor and regularly check up on their angora suppliers to ensure they comply with the Five Freedoms policy which ensures the rabbits are free from hunger and thirst, discomfort, pain, injury and disease, are free from fear and distress and are able to express their normal animalistic behaviours. However when Gorman does not release details of their suppliers location and 90% of angora is sourced from Asia (where there is no penalties for abuse of animals) it is hard to be sure that this ethical standard is truly met.

Gorman don't only practice ethical values in the production of their products, they also share these values in their boutiques. The interiors of their stores are created with recycled or locally sourced timbers, their dressing rooms are adorned with unbleached linen curtains and all their lighting is energy efficient, vintage pendants that have either be recycled or are salvaged goods.

Gorman also show their appreciation for the environment and enforce customers to opt for no baggage by planting a tree in a South American eco-reserve for every 3 customers who say no to a bag. In 2010 they reduced their use of plastic on packaging by 90% in one year which they describe as "one of our proudest manoeuvres to date". They've also cut their sea-freighted orders down to 63% which is marginally less than many other companies around the world and they actively work to combine deliveries so that shipping and trucking can be less frequent. Finally Gorman tirelessly work  to ensure a high-quality product that is going to last for an impressive amount of time is produced and they love seeing people wearing their vintage Gorman pieces 2, 5 and even 10 years down the track. They also compile a bundle every month of pre-loved or returned pieces to give to charity stores and allow the less fortunate to be able to experience the Gorman world.

It's fair to say that Gorman is an incredibly inspirational brand that really value the ethics of fashion and are an amazing example of how sustainable fashion can be achieved. As the ethics of the industry continue to be more considered in everyday purchasing, it will be interesting to see how Gorman, and the rest of the fashion industry adapt to the demands of the environmentally aware consumer of today.

Leila Joy.

There are many inspirational and talented creatives in the fashion industry however when asked to write about just one it can be a little hard to chose. As I've said before I'm not necessarily your typical mainstream girl, I feel inspired by people who are a little bit off centre, beat to their own drum and achieve success with an edge. I don't typically go for the industry house-hold names and I'd much rather support someone who is a quiet achiever, modest and an undiscovered, underground success. 

These inspirational souls are the people I search for and tend to love best. It was by chance I came across this creative gem but I've followed her journey and continued to be inspired by her ever since.

Please allow me to introduce Leila Joy Berney.

A self-taught photographer living in Sydney,  Leila is a free-spirited, edgy, raw and brave creative who has a deep passion for "people, exploring the world and telling a story through words and images". She isn't afraid to push the boundaries or expectations of any industry and stays true to herself through the purity and rawness of her photographs.

"Trying to capture the essence of a person or place, their vulnerability, their whole, the life inside them."

I first discovered Leila through local Sydney beauty (and my ultimate girl-crush at the time) Dj Tigerlily. I was obsessing over her blog when I came across pictures they had taken together. The images had a gypsy-like bohemian feel, telling a story of a wanderer through the sun, sand and sea.  These elements combined with the juxtaposed environment really caught my eye. Tigerlily's unconventional green-tiped dyed hair mixed with high fashion pieces and a rustic background all bought together this unbelieveable beauty, a combination of high-end luxuries and ultra cool urbanity.  I simply could not believe the breath-taking beauty Leila had created and I loved that they portrayed an unconventional, care-free world.

Another aspect that I love about Leila is that she hasn't permanently dropped herself into one box. She combines her two passions; writing and photography to tell stories. Stories of fashion, nightlife, travel and personal adventure to share and inspire others. Her stories have the ability to connect with the viewer and penetrate deep emotion within their bones, all giving off an incredible energy and defining her unique style.

"With a camera in one hand and a pen in the other, I capture and record little sparks of life and share them with others."

Her editorial work has been published in a number of both Australian and international online platforms and digital magazines including Nylon Japan Magazine, MINC Magazine, The Feed and David Jones online, just to name a few. Aside from fashion Leila has also gained great exposure through the Sydney nightlife and Dj scene by photographing some iconic faces and events including regular shootings of Dj Tigerlily and last year's sold out Alison Wonderland Warehouse Project.

Her style is free-spirited, edgy and raw, and captures the essence of a person or place and moments of “spontaneity and purity”.  She firmly believes that "what is raw is beautiful" and that quote of her's consistently continues to inspire me. Just like Leila has done, I too one day aspire to combine all my passions into one, sharing my obsessions, personality and loves with the world through images and text.

Leila Joy is an absolutely incredible talent and I cant wait to see what she can produce and where her journey takes her next. Its motivational woman like her that push me to keep dreaming big and strive for success.

 For more information about Leila or to explore even more of her amazing content head to her blog:  followthezephyr.com

(all images sourced from Leila Joy sites)

Facebook            Website            Instagram

how to rock : purple haze

Today is Purple Day. The international awareness day for epilepsy.

Epilepsy is "a neurological disorder marked by sudden reccurrent episodes assosciated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain" (google) and affects 1 in 26 people around the world. Sparked by her own battles with the disorder, Cassidy Megan founded the annual event in 2008 with the goal to "get people talking about epilepsy in an effort to dispel myths and inform those with seizures that they are not alone.” The day encourages the public to wear an item of purple to share their awareness for this disorder.

Purple has also been a major trend on our fashion runways lately, mainly in the beauty department, and is one we are seeing more frequently as we move into the cooler months. To help you master both how to incorporate this trend into everyday life and to show support for a worthy cause I've decided to share my style advice on the trend "Purple Haze".

PURPLE EYES
Purple is the most universal and flattering colour to use on the eyes. Brown, green or blue eyes, brunette or blonde, it doesn't matter purple will still make you're eyes pop and is the an exciting colour to play around with! Another great thing about purple on the eyes is that it can easily be taken from day to night.

If you are looking to start incorporating colour into your makeup routine, eyeshadow is a great way to start, and why not choose a shade thats not only universally flattering but is a supportive colour of such a great organisation.

How To: 

If you want to go bold and daring look,  a full on purple smokey eye is the way to go. Have a play with a bright violet or lavender all over the lid and under the lashes for an intense night time look. Alternately incorporate a deep purple into the outer v and crease for a deeper smokey look that is still acceptable to wear throughout the day. 

Minimalistic gals should look at placing a purple shadow under the lash line using a purple eyeliner either on the waterline or on the lid to create a unique purple cat-eye look.

Perfect products to achieve any of these looks include the Nars eyeshadow duo "Jolie Poupee" or the shade "Urban" from the Urban Decay Electric Palette which you can find at mecca.com.au.

BOLD LIPS.
Bold lips, as always in the winter months, are a huge trend for the coming season. Not only is it a trend that is easy to pull off but it's simple, quick and can be perfected in under 5 minutes! Moving into Autumn we start to steer away from bright oranges and hot pinks and begin bringing out bolder, darker shades including burgundies and deep purples.

Rocking a purple lip is an easy way to show your support for purple day whilst still looking on trend and fabulous.

How To: 

For those of you still holding onto summer, reaching for a bright violet or blue based purple is the perfect route for you! Go for shades like "Gangsta Rap" from Australis or "Gemma" by Stila.

If you are more of a winter soul, go right ahead and pull out those deeper hues of purples, violets and indigoes. Perfect shades include Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in "Train Blue" or Mac "Cyber".

PURPLE CLOTHES

Purple clothing is perhaps the most obvious way to incorporate the colour into our everyday lives. Surprisingly though, it is not the biggest trend when it comes to fashion. Acting as more of a vintage hue, a true purple is only rarely seen on our streets through celebrities or on runways at international fashion events. 

These days we most commonly see pastel purples take hold of the fashion scene. The shade was a huge trend last season and one that I personally would be happy to see come back through again. So if you're a vintage dreamer and love to incorporate old pieces with the new, breaking all the current fashion rules then the purple clothing route is the ideal match for you.

How To:

If you are a true fashionista and are ready to take a bold move, go for a  vibrant violet or deep purple 2 piece or dress. Its the perfect colour to make a statement and show your support for epilepsy in style. Perfect products for you include the T by Alexander Wang leather top or the Sister Jane Purple Flow Flower dress from Topshop.

For those of you wanting to keep the purple soft and relevant, stick to the pastel hues. This trend is still current leading into the winter months and it makes for a perfect time to pull out last seasons pastel pieces. The absolute go-to piece to pull off this look is a pale lavender overcoat. Think along the lines of this gorgeous over-sized cocoon coat from Misguided or this snug violet cardigan from ROMWE.com.

PURPLE SHOES
My final way to rock purple hues is though killer shoes. Its the perfect way to continue to keep your work attire professional and appropriate through monochromatic tones whilst still giving off a subtle hint of colour and totally rocking the purple trend.

 Its also a great way to go from day-to-night or office-to-playground without needing to bring another pair of heels.

I also think purple footwear is the most beautiful way to share your support for purple day as it reinforces Cassidy's goal, to empower those who live with epilepsy and to ensure them they are not alone and walk together with many in this world.


How To:
If you are looking to rock this trend in a more corporate setting opting for a
classic pair of purple pumps or heels is the perfect way to go. If you can hunt down the Aquazzura lace-up purple shoes (pictured above) then these would be the most amazing shoes for you!

On the other hand if you're more of an edgy girl, opt for a pair of lace-up purple ankle boots. The laces will really satisfy you're rockstar flare whilst the purple will keep it looking on trend and give you a unique style that everyone will be wanting to get. These styles are hard to source, but trust me once you've trolled Ebay and Amazon you will find your perfect pair and fall in love.

Purple is such a fun and edgy colour to play around with and one that will always be present in a number of fashion outlets. To have a whole day dedicated to wearing this gorgeous colour is so amazing and it couldn't be for a better cause! 

For more information visit www.purpleday.org

Don't forget to throw on a bit of vintage purple today to show you're love and support.

designer profile: alexander mcqueen

High-fashion labels are not my forte. As gorgeous, creative and inspiring as designer collections are, I've never been one to follow the runway collections of classic, household designer names like Chanel, Dolce Gabbana or Diane von Furstenberg. I'm more of an edgy girl, and I prefer labels and trends that are a little bit off center and add a quirky uniqueness to today's contemporary world. I like a designer who beats to their own drum and has the ability to create and produce a range of collections that scream individuality and tell a unique cultural and emotional story through colour and patterns, shapes, silhouettes and embellishments.

Put all these together and you get the reason why I am in awe of the expert fashion genius that is
Alexander McQueen.

A luxe fashion house, founded by designer Lee Alexander McQueen in 1992 the brand is an impeccable representation of artistry, creativity and individuality. Its a brand that isn't afraid to push the sophisticated boundaries of high end fashion and one that has made its name by being controversial and by taking an unconventional approach to fashion design and it's classical features.

"Alexander's collections combine an in-depth working knowledge of bespoke British tailoring, the fine workmanship of the French Haute Couture atelier and the impeccable finish of Italian manufacturing."

I first discovered Alexander McQueen in my last year of high school when I was sourcing inspiration for my major project. It was his Spring Ready-to-Wear collections of both 2010 and 2011 that caught my eye and sparked the ideas to create my final body of work. I was mainly in awe of his modern age digital prints, bright colours and abstract shapes but I also couldn't believe the detail he put in to not only every piece of his collection, but every piece of his brand. Shoes, accessories, embellishments, head pieces, you name it, he did it all, and every piece was unique, alternate yet wearable. He was an artist and an incredibly talented one at that. I admired and still respect his impeccable skill, that he wasn't afraid to push the boundaries of fashion and that he had found such success in doing so.

Alexander McQueen - Spring Ready-to-Wear 2010

Another aspect I truly admired about his collections was his ability to penetrate deep emotion straight into your bones. Every collection whether it be happiness on a Balinese island to fear in a combat war - I felt emotion. I could in vision a culture. And I could see pure beauty. 

Lee McQueen made his talent very clear through his array of accomplishments and awards. He made a name for himself through his extensive work as Creative Director for both Givenchy and Gucci where he made some great friends and incredible contacts. His time at Givenchy was also when he was awarded his first "British Designer of the Year" award. Between 1996 and 2003 McQueen was awarded this title 4 times, and in 2003 received the CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) and named International Designer of the Year.

He was a truly a creative genius and an unbelievably talented man.
 Lee Alexander McQueen passed away on 11th February 2010

Alexander McQueen - Spring Ready-to-Wear 2011

Since his passing the brand has only continued to grow and change the face of fashion thanks to the inspiring works of Sarah Burton. Not only has she kept the unique, controversial and unconventional image of Alexander McQueen alive but she has created a true empire and legacy to his incredibly artistic work and individuality around the world.

Burton herself has also made a huge indent in the fashion world through her designs, accomplishments and accolades. Since starting with McQueen in 1997 and being appointed head of Womenswear in 2000, she has designed pieces for a number of celebrities and society figures around the world including Cate Blanchett, Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga and most notably Kate Middleton who she designed her wedding gown for. Not only has this celebrity affiliation gained great publicity for the business but it has allowed the brand to appeal to more then just an unconventional and edgy audience and convert classic fashionistas to the artistic world. Sarah has also received a number of prestigious awards including the Designer of the Year Award at the 2011 British Fashion Awards and was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2012 for her services in the British fashion industry. 

Alexander McQueen - Spring Ready-to-Wear 2015

"Integral to the McQueen culture is the juxtaposition between contrasting elements: fragility and strength, tradition and modernity, fluidity and severity."

Throughout it's remarkable life so far, Alexander McQueen has produced an inspiring number of outrageous, creative and unconventional collections that push the boundaries of fashion and have each left a memorable mark on the fashion world. From ready-to-wear to menswear, resort and the brand's lower-priced diffusion line McQ, Alexander McQueen does it all and is now making itself available to a wider and more eclectic audience.With every new collection the brand continues to leave its magical and controversial mark on today's contemporary fashion world and grow into an incredible empire in honour of the brand's remarkable founder.

Alexander McQueen - Fall Ready-to-Wear 2012
All images www.style.com and instagram.com/worldmcqueen

from the street: autumn trends

Summer is over, the steamy sunshine has set for another year and the Autumn cool is soon to be upon us. This means it's time to push your summer essentials to the back of the closet and bring forward the best transitional pieces you own to continue looking fresh and feeling super stylish throughout the cooler months ahead. Personally, luscious layers, super snug knits and drinking hot chocolate by a flaring woodfire are my favourite things about this time of year but I also love discovering and experimenting with the upcoming trends and styles that we see emerge as the seasons change. 

This season's trends are currently being set on fashion week runways around the world however the runway is not where I typically look to find my inspiration, its the street. Street style is a huge inspiration for me and I love stalking street style bloggers and photographers to uncover the latest trends and discover how everyday fashion advocates style their favourite staple and statement pieces in a fashion-forward, unique yet wearable way.

In praise to the brave and bold global trend-setters from the streets of New York, London and Milan fashion weeks of 2015, here is my first showcase on this year's Autumn trends.

THAT 70'S SHOW.

Every season we see aspects from a past era take charge on the runway and become a major trend for the coming months. This Autumn its the free-spirited, peace praising decade of the 70's that has taken the cake and bought the hippie-like, care-free culture back to our streets. 

Immediately the first thing that comes to mind when I here "70's" is  peace signs, tie-dyed clothes and psychedelic print, but thankfully these aren't  the elements we will be incorporating into our everyday lives. This season, the stylers on the streets are giving a subtle nod to the 70's through minimal statement pieces and by incorporating shapes, fabrics and textures from the era into their attire. These vintage components, mixed with today's current trends create a modern-bohemian vibe and bring a unique and alternate style to the contemporary fashion world. 

Bottle blue jeans, bright and bold colour contrasts, classic overalls and flared pants are all back from the past with denim, fringe and wide-leg cuts being the stand out key components to achieve this season's vintage inspired look. 

If you love you're denim go hard (or go home) with breaking the denim on denim fashion rule because this season the rebellious trend is back and has become a huge game player in the 70's street style fashion. We are seeing it being incorporated and re-created in a number of both new and old ways; wide-leg jeans, classic overalls and midi or full lengths denim skirts are your ticket to denim perfection and provide you with a vintage take on the current bohemian trend. Mixing your denim overalls with last season's oversized denim jacket and a vintage suede or fur coat is a perfect combination to achieve this trend and allows you to combine key season pieces with your wardrobe staples and old school pieces.

  

On the flip, if you're not a denim lover and more of  a gypsy living, free-spririted boho babe this trend will also satisfy your fashion needs. I personally have a super soft spot for this style, so trust me I can relate.

Suede and knitted capes along with unique aztec patterns and bold colour clashes are your best friend this Autumn with fringe detailing taking full charge. Its another more subtle aspect from the 70's taking over the streets and is a rising trend amongst a number of different styles. I love it not only because it is versatile, super comfy and an easy detail to style but its one that EVERYONE from every fashion genre loves and an element that can be adapted to a number of different styles. 

My favourite way to incorporate fringe is through statement pieces such as a jacket, skirt or handbag, but don't be afraid to play around with smaller pieces and incorporate subtle hints on your shoes or accessories. Fringe is the perfect detail to add that slight 70's vibe to your Autumn ensemble whilst still keeping true to your bohemian spirit. 

By adding suede and knitted fabrics to this trend not only do you keep yourself super warm in the colder weather but you add another textural layer to your outfit and create more depth and interest to your attire.These elements paired with bold contrasting colours and braided, gem like accessories present a modern bohemian and grungy take on the typical 70's wardrobe and show off a unique style to the fashion world.

So if you're an obsessive-compulsive fashion hoarder or a rebellious rule breaker, this season is for you. It's a time to play with textures, patterns and vintage silhouettes and really experiment and push the boundaries of the contemporary, modern day fashion.

All images -  www.style.com ; www.elle.com

         

tom ford aw15

Last night, whilst London Fashion Week commenced and with only 2 sleeps until the Oscars, Tom Ford stopped Hollywood in their tracks and showcased his Autumn 2015 collection.You wouldn't think that it could be possible to pull of such an extravagant and detailed show, reigning in a brood of high-profile celebrities at such a busy time of the year, but that's' exactly what Ford did last night in LA at Milk Studios where he transformed the room into a romantic replica of his London showroom.

Stars including Miley Cyrus, Nicole Ritchie, Beyonce, Jay Z and Rachel Zoe, amongst many more, turned out to see the highly-anticipated show. They were treated to a high-luxe collection that gave a sneak peak of the amazing pieces we could see adorn the red-carpet at the upcoming Oscars and the more casual, bohemian style that will be on our streets throughout the coming transitional months. They also witnessed some of the hottest models in the industry walk the catwalk as Ford recruited a number of current faces in his show including Karlie Kloss, Daphne Groeneveld and not just one but both of the Hadid sisters. 

www.vanityfair.com

As always Ford presented a collection that was versatile, bold and unique and captured an array of different fabrics, prints and textures. This time around it came from his childhood and created a collection that was still consistent with his elegant pieces of the past but that presented a more youthful and funky atmosphere for the future.

We saw a serious denim overload,  from jackets to floor length skirts to even knee high boots creating a true denim on denim (on even more denim) trend for the night. A large majority of this sub-collection was incorporated with patchwork of velvet, fur and leopard print  that created a true hippie and bohemian vibe to the show and even received an impromptu applause from the LA crowd.

 His ultra luxe leopard print fluffy jackets were  a personal favourite of mine on the runway because they created a super cool, amazonian atmosphere that screamed high-fashion and ultimate style. Khaki, beige and monochromatic colour schemes also took charge on the night whilst exquisite velvet gowns and intense fringing magically closed the show.

The collection was honestly breath-taking and expressed inspiration from a variety of sources and eras including the Victorian era, the 60's and even the 70's. A combination that you wouldn't expect to work but does because of the magic of Tom Ford.

www.style.com