THE LONDONER MEETS LSE

THE LONDONER MEETS LSE

   

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As she reminisced  back to how her blogging career commenced with the notorious Slutty Brownies (which from previous tastings, I can report is as deliciously dirty as the name itself), Rosie ensured that despite her extensive fan base her blog remains true to her initial purpose of documenting her beloved memories and life experiences. The session continuously digressed back to her 'stay true to yourself' blogging philosophies. "Your life is the blog, don't let the blog be your life", she advised. Rosie emphasised how important it was to her to stay true to her (non-London based) roots, despite the pressuring nature of PRs and firms. Her refusal to publicize products for other companies that she would not personally use is admirable. Perhaps it is this dismissal to trade off authenticity for publicity that is the secret ingredient to her success. "When I don't enjoy blogging anymore is the time when I will stop".

There was a notable sense of excitement and passion in her voice as she discusses her unique experiences, validating blogging not only as a career path, but also a genuine hobby. "I can be anywhere in the world and blog: that's the great thing about blogging! I can work anywhere in the world, whether it'd be in LA or London!" 

However, when questioned about what she likes to post about most it was somewhat shocking to discover that it is not her endless dessert concoctions, or low-calorie alternatives, but documenting her travelling, in particular taking pictures of the beautiful scenery. "I like to see pictures of the location, not just endless selfies of people captioned with 'Just landed in LA!' posted on Instagram!" she elaborated. 

As her speech ended the society accompanied Rosie in eating a slice homemade cake in true London fashion, in a bake sale in aid of one of this year's RAG charities, Spires. Rosie finally revealed how she is still undecided about her future career plans. Judging from the resounding and continual success of her blog, however, we hope a change of direction is not anytime soon. We just can't get enough of The Londoner!

To view Rosie's blog, 'The Londoner' visit http://www.thelondoner.me/

- Jodie Momodu

WHEN FAITH MEETS FASHION.

The Charity Diwali Showcase

Date- 17th November 2013

Time- 5.30 pm

Venue-Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH,London

[Tickets are priced at £35(tier 1) and £28.50(tier 2) and can be purchased after 5pm at Guy’s Campus,KCL or online at www.roundhouse.org.uk]

In the spirit of Diwali, it’s that time of year to get ready for blazing fireworks, colours and the KCL Charity Diwali Showcase of course. With an resounding 2000 people involved, the show is one of the largest student organised events in the UK known for celebrating  and capturing the relgious festival of Diwali through the arts.  Every year this event never ceases to amaze its audience with an unforgettable night of fashion, music, dance and culture. 

“With this year's theme of emotions in mind, we have decided to steer away from the traditional Bollywood love story, and instead take a more edgy approach in basing this year's Eastern Catwalk on love destroyed by temptation, leading to jealousy and revenge." commented Eastern Catwalk Choreographers Sunaina Mukhi & Kavita Ravi-Shankar."Each powerful emotion will be represented by polished choreography, stunning outfits; befittingly selected from leading Asian clothing boutiques, together with song choices that everybody knows and loves! This, alongside the incorporation of dance and live music, will ensure that this year's Eastern Catwalk is nothing short of spectacular!”


  


What’s more, charity is the beating heart of the Diwali show that binds together all students involved. The organising committee aims to raise as much awareness as possible for its charities; whether it be organising bake sales or student sponsored walks. The dedicated committee works tirelessly in its goal to fight against poverty and help the less fortunate by driving a sustainable movement towards change. This year, the KCL Charity Diwali Showcase will be supporting Homes of Hope, The Sharma Foundation and Evelina Children’s Hospital. 


The night will be hosted by witty British born Indian Actor Ameet Chana (AKA Adi Ferreira of East Enders) and will feature numerous musical and dance acts ranging from Bhangra to hip hop to get you on your feet. That said, the organising committee would not be doing its audience justice without a glam fashion show right? This year, the stage will light up as the catwalk reaches unparalleled heights featuring both fusion and Eastern styles. All glamorous Eastern runway looks are designed and sponsored by: The Model's Portal, Geeta Arts, Parul, My Trousseau, Raishma, Fusion, Kyles and Lubna Rafiq.

-Sheshaya Surtani

The Rentez-Vous Initiative

 The IT place for the fashion addicted. 

Bored of your wardrobe? running low on the budget? Need a new garment to cheer you up? Or do you simply just feel like socializing with designers, photographers, artist?  Then attend the Rentez-Vous at The Wellington Club! Every month Rentez-Vous organises events all around London (& Paris), only at the most intriguing, cool and avant-guarde  of places! 

A haven for the style conscious with a limited budged, the Rentez-Vous Initiative is Fiona’s innovative fashion business where one (individual or designer) rents out clothes for a period of three weeks at a lower price!  The individual who rents out the clothes is responsible for the condition of the item,and must take it to a dry cleaner’s before returning it back (dry cleaning services suggested - at lower costs too).

Encompassing anything and everything a good night needs from mingling with the cool crowd, trying on hundreds of different funky clothes, drinking cocktails, being bubbly, to having your make up and hair done by professionals, undoubtedly defines the event as an unforgettable experience for all the right reasons. Both fun and creative whilst embracing fashion at affordable prices with a touch of boudoir to add a touch of sass to the proceedings… what is there not to love ?! 

Divulging in the event too were an array of up and coming designers known for redefining simple fashion statements with a modern 21st century flick. There I found my beloved designer Chelsea Bravo with her new mens collection, that ticked both the originality and versatility factor; I would not at all mind wearing -even if it’s for guys!!!! (www.chelseabravo.com)

Also new designer Reece Curtis-Walwyn also attending the proceeding there renting out her incredible womens detailed, yet minimalist collection. ( www.reececw.com ). Also embodying the minimalist look with a collection adorning a monochromatic palette of black and white, Marangoni’s graduate Katarina Pahlson-Moller also impressed (www.katarinapahlson.com )

Entry prices for such event vary and might depend on participation - i.e. £10 for entry with a drink and the whole make-up/hairdo package, or if you are a renter you would probably join in for free!

For more on Rentez-Vous: 
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rentez-Vous/346563802100709?fref=ts
Stay posted for more of their events; the next one will be hosted the 26th of November (note it down on your LSE calender!)  

Review scale: 4.5/5

-Rania Kourus.

London Fashion Festival

Fashion Flashback:

 London Fashion Festival 

The Low Down on #FashionFest13. 

WHAT IS IT?

Devised by CreateVoice, the V&A’s young people’s collective the event presents the opportunity for potential wannabee fashionistas to  participate in a variety of free workshops, and master classes by fashion royalty, gaining an in-depth understanding of all aspects of fashion industry, and a development of creative skills .

WHEN? Saturday 19th October

WHERE? Victoria and Albert Museum

MASTERCLASSES:

In Conversation with Henry Holland

 An insight Henry Holland's professional journey, from how he entered the fashion scene, to founding his own clothes label. The conversation includes topics such as his recent collaborations with brands such as Levi Strauss and Debenhams, and personal experience of venturing into the Entertainment industry as a  co-presenter with former model Alexa Chung. The talk ends on a final note with an exclusive insight on his latest collections, and future plans, with Scarlett Kilcooley, Junior Editor of Vogue UK.

In Conversation with Maria Grachvogel

 Interviewed by Scarlett Kilcooley, Junior Editor of Vogue UK, we flash back to Maria Grachvogel's personal journey during the 2013 autumn London Fashion Week. Discovering her natural abilities at a young age, whereby she created her first collection at the age of 14 and founded her own company at 21, her label is now the secret to many A Lister's faultless outfits adorned by the world’s most stylish, including Angelina Jolie, Marie Helvin and Yasmin Le Bon.

Careers in the Fashion Industry

The British Fashion Council gives an overview of it’s work and the variety of job opportunities the fashion world offers, including advice on internships. 

ASOS: Fashion Marketing and Journalism

A proffessional insight on how to step onto the fashion media platform, from designing and setting up your own online selling site, to writing fashion features in magazines and newspapers or online.

Marketing and Trend Predicting

 Katie Greenyer ( Creative Director of Pentland Brands plc. which includes JD Sports Fashion plc., Ted Baker Footwear, and Speedo) gives an exclusive insight on her demanding role, what it entails, and her recent work as a Graduate Fashion Week Mentor to future upcoming designers.

PRESENTATIONS

-Charlotte Lucy Barry, named as one of the best fashion graduates of 2011 (Vogue UK) 
-Alexis Housden (winner of Collection of the Year Award 2013) London College of Fashion. 

-Young people from FAD (Fashion Awareness Direct) and the Kids Company.

-Sheshaya Surtani

The Miles Aldirdge Exhibition

FASHION EVENTS DOCUMENTED:The Miles Aldirdge Exhibition

WHO IS HE?

A pop video director turned photographer, Miles Aldridge has captured a unique take on fashion since the mid-90s. Having graduated with a degree in illustration from Central St. Martins, he credits luck as the reason why he became a fashion photographer. British Vogue took no time to spot his talent, and from there on his career skyrocketed. Now based in New York, Aldridge has had work published in top publications across the globe from Italian Vogue to the New York Times. Aldridge is heavily influenced by his father Alan Aldridge, fashion photographer Richard Avedon and film directors; Alfred Hitchcock and David Lynch.

Miles Aldridge: I Only Want You To Love Me is the largest retrospective exhibition of the acclaimed photographer’s work to date. The high glamour photo fiction exhibition was held at the Somerset House from 10th July -29th September 2013. Featuring 55 large scale prints that form an overview of Aldridge’s multi-coloured universe, it was also accompanied by drawings and polaroids. The exhibition is testament to the fact that Aldridge’s love of drawing has always prevailed - sketches were always central to his process.

At the offset, it appears Aldridge has two obsessions: women, and his love for colour. Highly saturated clashing shades, overly- airbrushed models and cinematic compositions give Aldridges’ photography an eerily glamorous feel. By concentrating on unique scenes with psychologically complex characters in surreal settings, Aldridge offers an intriguing mixture of sensuality and melancholy, inviting the viewer to uncover a deeper layer of meaning behind his work.
 
A woman resembling Elizabeth Taylor sits in a red bed with green satin sheets, a bowl of half eaten grapefruit on her lap and appears to be screaming, arms flung in the air. In another, a woman clad in yellow sits on a checked tiled floor, seemingly ready to pounce, whilst glaring into the distance over broken plates and scattered food. His loud, conceptual photos featuring expressionless women all tell a similar story; both disturbing, yet beautiful. These are women at the edge of reason. The  verge of breaking point. Every sense and emotion is magnified through Aldridge’s bright, clashing colours which screams out loud, so the models don't have to.

In its final weeks, I Only Want You to Love Me became a behind the scenes backdrop to the marquees and catwalks erected for London Fashion Week. For those of you who want to enter Miles Aldridge’s Technicolor fantasy world, his recently released book “I Only Want You To Love Me” (Rizzoli, New York), is now available. For further information visit: www.milesaldridge.com.

-Sheshaya Surtani