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

Weekend Inspiration #11 - The Yorkshire Sculpture Park KAWS Exhibit

From top to bottom  - All This Time, Along the Way, Good Intentions and Small Lie.

Last Sunday I took a trip to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, which is an amazing outdoor space filled with art and sculptures to inspire our weekends.
I particularly went to see the new KAWS exhibit, KAWS is a US artist born in New Jersey. He creates characterful sculptures and complex colourful paintings that blur the boundaries between contemporary culture and fine art.
During his time as an artist KAWS has created many characters that resemble many cartoons and brand mascots from modern culture, including The Simpsons, Sponge bob and Mickey Mouse. But for them to appeal to an array of audiences KAWS adds emotion and meaning to them.
For instance Small Lie (which stands at 10 meters tall) 'looks like a child caught out telling a fib, knowing it has done wrong – head down in embarrassment and knees knocked in a protective, humbled, position. Being made of wood and with a long nose it brings to mind the story of Pinocchio, told to children as a thinly veiled warning about the consequences of lying.' (ysp.co.uk)
The KAWS exhibition will be at The Yorkshire Sculpture Park till 12.06.16, if you get chance this long Easter weekend I would definitely recommend a visit. 

The Original Self Portrait (or Selfie)

Image Source | artyfactory.com

The self-portrait or what we call in the 21st century - the selfie.
We are all guilty of taking one, whether its to create a brand, a Facebook profile picture or just to reinvent ourselves we can't get enough of the selfie, I myself am guilty of one or two. But I have to say its sometimes a little embarrassing seeing my reflection in my iPhone screen but its a great way to create that perfect picture for the world to see, whether this be a true reflection or not.
 

What I have discovered this week is the original selfie artist, Frida Kahlo. She painted only self portraits but with depth and meaning, her portraits reflected different points in here life. Born on 6th July 1907 in New Mexico, Frida lived a some what eventful life. Physical trauma, heart ache and coping with a philanthropist husband Diego Rivera who she had a obsessive, tempestuous relationship with. Her first portrait was painted while bedridden for three months after a car accident, Self Portrait in A Velvet Dress (1926) (above image). Frida created a certain persona within her portraits, she understood how this illusion was perceived by individuals. The same is achieved today when uploading a selfie to instagram, we create an illusion of ourselves, an illusion of how we want to be seen. Frida went on to create many masterpieces including The Two Frida's (1939) this was a double self portrait whilst Frida was going through her divorce and What I Saw in the Water (1938). 

Sadly Frida passed on 13th July 1954 aged 47, this is said to have been almost certainly suicide by overdose. She left these words "I hope the exit is full and joyful - and I hope never to return - Frida". Ever since her death Frida's work has gathered momentum and thanks to today's self-portraitist world her work continues to gather more and more meaning.

Throwback Thursday

 

 Image Source | The Telegraph online

A frantic follower of fashion both past and present I couldn't help but share one of the greatest moments in fashion with you. Throwback to Spring 1999, Alexander McQueen created memorable show 'Number 13' using model Shalom Harlow as a human art piece. As the show came to a close the model revolved on a circular platform and two electronic robots sprayed black and yellow paint at the white sartorial canvas leaving the fashion packed crowd shocked and stunned. Shalom Harlow trained as a ballerina and as the industrial machines spray-paint the dress she tries to defend herself creating a drama piece within its self. After watching this show many times I still get goosebumps, a piece of fashion history was made. This was one of McQueen's earlier shows, for the rest of his career he aimed high and created more jaw dropping moments just like this one.

Alexander McQueen dared to be different, creating shows that were meant to be remembered. 

Shalom Harlow, Alexander McQueen Spring 1999