Topshop Reclaim to Wear - Sustainable fashion on the highstreet

I subscribe to the Topshop mailing list and last week this arrived in my mailbox - the new Reclaim to Wear collection. At last our favourite high street retailers are cottoning on to the fact that it's customers are interested in sustainable fashion. So let's get down to the details, the Topshop Reclaim to Wear range is made from sustainable and up-cycled fabrics and boasts zero waste.
Topshop state 'We're all about upcycling! Topshop Reclaim does sustainable fashion with conscience in this collection created from ethical fabrics and production cut-offs'. 

The range has a 90's vibe with patchwork denim, patterned slip dresses and logo sweatshirts (very on trend at the moment.)  

The collection does have an array of unusual designs including a beautiful floral blouse and a matching slip dress. A patchwork denim dress and a pair of two tone denim jeans. Take a peak for yourselves here.

Are we supposed to love all the shows at fashion week?

 

 

As fashion month comes to a close, it gives us the opportunity to reflect on the shows that have filled our social media feeds for the last few weeks. 

I sometimes think we should love all the shows - so much time and effort goes into creating these amazing fashion pieces, don't they deserve the credit? Is it even okay to say you dislike or hate something, even if it's one of the hottest shows on the fashion month calendar?

After I witnessed (via the worldwide web) the Chanel SS17 show I have to admit I didn't love any of the pieces even though I really wanted to. I actually hate saying this, having learnt about the amazingly talented individuals (the 'petite mains') that work behind the scenes creating such exquisite designs. It feels very rude, which is unlike me - like every other English person I say sorry a million times in a day. But I just didn't enjoy it as much as other shows this season or even as much as previous Chanel shows. 

Some of the designs seemed a little dated and over done. Chanel is famous for it's tweed suiting but seeing today's pieces parade the catwalk AKA the Data Centre Chanel I felt as though I'd seen it all before. I understand that fashion houses need to represent themselves and reflect the handwriting and history behind the brand but maybe it could have been done with more modernity. The fabric and craftsmanship is amazing, I would never disrespect that but I just wasn't wowed. 

However, it wasn't all negative, there were some highlights - the letters CHANEL flashing from outside of the perfectly shaped clutch bags was creative and the robot shaped purse was very cute. I also loved the data centre theme, very futuristic and fun. The set up of every Chanel show is often discussed more than the actual clothes. Chanel has set a precedent for creating a mind blowing catwalk space and maybe that's all those who attend look forward to. Every season a different theme, airport, fairground or old school couture house. Man repeller mentioned 'When any other designer does this, the media shouts “Death to fashion!” But when Chanel is the perpetrator? Genius'

Maybe it's time to alert our attention back to the most important part of a fashion show - and that's the clothes!! 

Image source: The Telegraph

Class of 2017

Last week, I embarked on the journey that is 'final year' - that's final year at university I'm talking about. It's been a somewhat lengthy journey getting here (I previously did two years at college) but so far it's all been worth it. I've learned more about fashion and the industry than I ever imagined and unfortunately it's not as glamorous as we are all made to believe.
Deciding to go to university was a huge decision. At the time, I was 24, stuck in a job I no longer had passion and enthusiasm for and in need of drastic change.
The uni fees I would have to pay had been altered the year before thanks to the British government and knowing I was going to have to pay nearly £9,000 a year really overshadowed my new venture but to get that dream job, I had no choice - a degree was needed so university it was.
Throughout my last 3 years as a uni student I've never really thought about the cost or what I'm actually paying for. Like a true student, I have used my student loan to splash out on a couple of luxuries (shoes, prosecco) but the majority has been spent on my education. I did a little math and worked out that while I'm in uni, I'm paying £23 an hour to be there which is extortionate in anyone's book! I'm sure there was good reason to change fees but when I finally graduate I will be approximately £35,000 in debt. That's a little daunting to me even in my late twenties but what about if you're in your early twenties?
That said the cost has so far been worth it. I've studied some very interesting subjects, taught by some really smart and interesting lecturers. Studying has changed me for the better, it's been difficult and I'm sure final year will test me even more, both physically and mentally
But I think having a degree gives you so many options when starting out in your career. Being a fashion student has been an experience, I've had the opportunity to meet great and inspiring people, attend interesting events and gain experience within an industry I strive to be part of. Let's hope that in 8 months time I'm still as sanguine (even though I will have made a very sad departure with my UNiDAYS student discount) - I'll keep you posted.

Artwork by Mark de Villiers

Burberry - Shop straight from the catwalk

This September British fashion brand Burberry launched a new concept and that's offering their customers the chance to shop the designs straight from the catwalk. Customers no longer have to wait six months for the designs to reach stores. All pieces shown on the catwalk were available to buy as soon as the show was over. Burberry are ahead of the game and to celebrate this forward thinking business concept they opened Makers House.
Makers house gave those involved in creating the beautiful 'September' collection a place to showcase their talent and craftsmanship. This was also the place the show was held and all catwalk pieces were displayed for us all to admire. The September collection mixed androgyny and 18th century military with delicate floral prints. The pieces were styled perfectly with clashing prints on heavy and soft fabrics perfect for the approaching Autumn Winter season. The whole collection was inspired by Virginia Wolf's Orlando, the beautiful shirting reflects the narrative of this historic novel which talks of a man, Orlando, who awakes as a women.
Burberry Makers House is open until tomorrow (27.09.16) and if your in London and love beautifully hand crafted clothes please go and take a look.

What happened to the beloved hair accessory of the noughties?

This Friday I finished my year long placement which now means final year is about to commence but also means I have some time on my hands to watch re-runs of my favourite early millennial shows. These have included Sex and the City and of course Friends, but what I love the most is the fashion and one thing that graced my screen twice in one day was the bandana!!
In 2001 I was 14 and loved the bandana as did Julia Stiles in Save the Last Dance (a guilty pleasure) but what happened to it? Over the past decade so many trends have re-visited our wardrobes (most recently flares) but that beloved cotton hair accessory somehow never made it back. I think my Boyfriend is glad, since when I saw Rachel from Friends wearing one I commented I owned one once and I was inevitably mocked.
But this brought to mind all the other fashion trends I loved that never returned some I'm more glad about than others. Coin belts, the denim mini skirt, ugg boots, tube top/boob tube, long pearl necklaces, white denim jackets, Burberry check, halter necks, cowl necks, Scholl cloggs, Gucci belt bags, Fendi baguette bags, matching shoes and bags, kitten heels (these made a short return a few seasons ago) and so many more.
Since it is SS17 fashion week in London right now you never know what those designers have in store, fingers crossed for the return of the bandana and fingers crossed those coin belts never ever return.

Image Source: Pinterest