Norwich fashion’s Designs on the future

Students from City College Norwich will unveil a new fashion label at Norwich Fashion Week and early indications show it is on par with international designs, says Emma Harrowing Last week London Fashion Week previewed the autumn and winter 2012 collections from some of the most coveted fashion designers.

Norwich fashion’s Designs on the future

When Norwich Fashion Week begins next week you will be treated to styles that you can wear now and for spring and summer as the collections showcased are already coming into the shops.

For one team of Norwich fashion designers this means bringing what is tipped to be at the height of fashion come next winter into fashion now – they just didn’t know that they were doing it!

Fashion and textile students from City College Norwich set up their own fashion label as part of the college’s investment in bridging the gap between education and business. Cocoon (named to incorporate the intials of City College Norwich, CCN) was set up as a business by first year fashion students and second year textile students.

“Each student had the opportunity to pitch for a position in the fashion house,” says course lecturer Claire Read, who designs and owns Poppy Valentine, in the Royal Arcade. “Therefore there was a position for a buyer, head of marketing and events manager. Each student pitched for the role they wanted and we [the lecturers] recruited to these roles.”

Earlier this year the students set to work to bring their new fashion business to life. Cocoon is a collective so each student will design an outfit to go into the collection. Future fashion and textile students will then continue the label in years to come.

The Designers Show at Norwich Fashion Week will see the launch of Cocoon and the label’s first collection. The catwalk show will take place at Project Nightclub on Tuesday, March 13, where Cocoon will be shown alongside other Norfolk fashion designers such as Jane Kenning and Marian Eve Williams who showcased at Norwich Fashion Week last year.

Martha Jones is the buyer for Cocoon. The 17 year old’s role is to predict future trends and feed her findings back to the team of designers so that their designs can be cutting edge.

Says Martha: “If you are coming to The Designers Show at Norwich Fashion Week you are in for a treat. The Cocoon collection for spring and summer is all about machinery, mechanics and repetition so expect metallics and fierce lines!

“Each design is made by a different designer so each look will be individual and will take the theme of the collection to extremes.”

A sneak peak at the young designers drawings reveals a grasp of the machinery meets fashion theme that is vast and varied. Florals, pastels and lace mix with metal and studs to create an eclectic collection that could be one of the most talked about at fashion week.

“My design is inspired by the mechanics of a fan,” says 17 year old Naomi Shea. “Pleats are a trend for summer on the high street so my design uses the pleated effect of a fan to create a 50s style prom dress.”

One design is inspired by the arms of a typewriter with printed fabric and a skirt made from metal, another takes spring’s trend for skull logos and is of a pale green shift dress torn at the shoulders. The design is inspired by the structure of antlers and horns.

Emily Wyer’s lace design is one of the many that takes a trend tipped to be big on the high street for spring and summer which is given a twist.

“My design was inspired by the mechanics and workings of a clock,” says the 17 year old designer.

“At the moment my plan is to design a blazer made from black lace to give the prettiness of lace an edgier look.”

The young designers have been busy making and adjusting their designs for the catwalk since the beginning of the year and with their ideas in place it was interesting to see a similar sci-fi inspired collection hit the catwalks at last week’s London Fashion Week.

International fashion designer Matthew Williamson’s collection for autumn and winter 2012 looked futuristic with sequins that looked like circuitry – a familiar theme to the one Cocoon is set to showcase at Norwich Fashion Week in two week’s time.

Of course the students were not to know that an international designer would have a similar theme to their collection, but it goes to show how fashion-forward these young designers are.

You can see the launch of Cocoon at The Designers Show on Tuesday, March 13, as part of Norwich Fashion Week. The shows take place at 2pm and 7pm at Project Nightclub on Riverside. Tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for under 18s and are available from Poppy Valentine in the Royal Arcade. Norwich Fashion Week takes place from Thursday, March 8, until Thursday, March 15.

Karlie Kloss comes into sight at Paris Fashion Week

Karlie Kloss comes into sight at Paris Fashion Week

Paris Fashion Week started Tuesday, the last of the "bigs" in the multi-city cycle showing clothes for fall-winter 2012. There were only a few shows on opening day, but they included model Karlie Kloss opening the Anthony Vaccarello show (where one model, shown here, stumbled and was helped by her peers) and a mime walking the runway at the Aganovich show.

Fashion for 2012 Spring

Spring Fashion Week 2012 has gone. There are exciting new trends that have hit the fashion wave for the spring season with an array of fashion shows in New York, Paris, Milan and London. Many mature fashions have resurfaced as a hot, contemporary version of times past.

The trends that many magazines and fashion designers have decided to mention for this season are floral prints, color blocking (bright colors as a bold statement), tangerines, pastels, birds, 1920s chic and more.

The whole point of trends is to help show that your style keeps up with the times. With some of these spring fashion trends, anything you pick up off the shelves this season should compliment the “new you” in the best fashion-forward way possible.

Stefano Tonchi, the Editor in Chief for W Magazine, said, “Fashion, of course, is nothing without the women who actually bring the clothes to life.” Later on in his February Editor’s letter, he asked, “Good girls? Bad girls? Does it matter? This spring, you can play whichever role you please.”

Whether you choose high fashion or affordable wardrobe, almost anything can look good if you wear it correctly. A trend  that young women have been leaning toward -as a nod to 1920s fashion- is lace. For those seeking fashion insight from the spreads of high fashion designers, this season’s lace can be seen in ads from Valentino, Oscar De La Renta, Prada, Marc Jacobs and more.

“I have been wearing a lot of black skinny jeans lately. That is a new trend,” said Caitlin Collins ’15. “I like both lace and floral prints; I have a couple of tops in those styles.”

For college student budgets, Forever 21, H&M, Macy’s and local boutiques have the best finds for under $50. But aside from these stores, any of the spring trends mentioned can be found in this area.

“This season’s trends are introducing a lot of bright and neon colors,” said Amanda Smyth ’12, a Michael Kors intern. “I have been looking at a lot of high fashion ads recently and I have been noticing a lot of these colors.”

For those who go for the preppy, chic look, J.Crew never fails to satisfy. It is the place to start for color blocking and bold-color clothing. Although J.Crew can hit the bank account a little hard at times, they give respectable discounts to students shopping in their stores.

“A lot of the accessories, like bags and necklaces and stuff, have been showing bright colors, too,” said Smyth.

Animal prints have always been a fun print to work with, but this season, high fashion companies are pushing birds. These feather-winged friends offer lots of variety for how they can be worn. If you are flipping through the ads in magazines or shopping around, look out for colors inspired by birds’ vibrant hues or their silhouettes in general.

Fashion for the spring of 2012 is going in the right direction. Bright colors, floral prints, lace, and pastel colors are only a few of the new trends talked about and as the year develops, the trends may change. This spring, these trends should be alive on Fairfield’s campus, and whether you are spending a lot or staying on a budget, there are so many ways to stay with the times.

Celebutante Nicole Richie is expanding her fashion empire

With Nicole Richie’s extremely successful House Of Harlow 1960 accessories line, her Winter Kate collection, and her A Pea In the Pod maternity line under her belt, the designer with the word “rich” in her name is looking to create a line that is the opposite of her namesake: affordable. Tomorrow, the 30-year-old will debut The Nicole Richie Collection during QVC’s “The Buzz on the Red Carpet – Live From L.A.” segment designed with real women’s bodies and lifestyles in mind.

“I want to connect with the women watching by letting them know that we are similar in many ways,” Nicole told Women’s Wear Daily. “I’m a mother of two and I work. We all want to feel relaxed on the inside but stylish on the outside. And that’s what I’m trying to provide. It was important for me to do a version [of a maxidress] for QVC because it can be worn so many ways. I paid close attention to the seams to give a woman a nice shape, because a lot of maxidresses can feel tent-y.”

Inspired by the Fashion Star mentor’s own personal style, The Nicole Richie Collection consists of boho chic blouses, skirts, maxi dresses, and hobo bags ranging from $75-$257.

“With everything I do, I want to make sure that I take the time and make each category the best that it can be,” Richie said. “I tend to move very slowly and I do that on purpose so that I can make sure that everything that I design really is the best version of what it is. [This collection] gives me an opportunity to design for a much broader range of women. I wanted you to be able to walk into your closet with your eyes closed and pick something special.” She also said that she hopes to use her collection to connect with a diverse group of women.

Lookbook of Toi & Moi Spring 2012

With the high exposure of the latest retailer lookbooks it's fairly easy to get a decent grasp of the season's important fashion trends. Still, it's quite rare to see the majority of the fashion trends for the season so well reflected into one fabulous lookbook like the one from Toi & Moi for spring 2012. Creative, polished and uber trendy looks conveniently put together in one single lookbook that can instantly prove every fashionista's dose of inspiration, the brand highlights a myriad of fascinating outfit choices for the months to come.

Elegance, femininity and a skillful combo of modern and vintage vibes make the looks instantly appealing. From styling to accessories, no detail is neglected and the result is, quite predictably, stunning. Eclectic prints, bold tones, a high emphasis on skirts and dresses and lots of accessories that create a complex look without gathering attention in and of themselves are some of the most notable highlights that make the looks adorable and incredibly chic. Sophistication in daily attires can be the quickest path to outfit success.

Flirty skirts of varying lengths? Check. Versatile denim pieces? Check. Adorable striped blouses? Check. However, the wide array of trends emphasized isn't the only thing that makes the outfits utterly gorgeous. Textural details, the preoccupation with color contrasts in varying doses, the blend of trendy and classic pieces and a healthy desire to take a few fashion risks once in a while are just as important for the brand in order to impress every single day. Ready to dazzle? Then make sure to include vibrant hues like turquoise, fuchsia, deep blue, intense green or stunning organge into your wardrobe.

Accessories have such a crucial role in defining the outfits, it would be a pity not to take a closer look at them. Floral printed platforms, bright pointy toe pumps, clutches with very noticeable textural details, masculine hats, big sunglasses, scarfs or funky bangles are the way to go when trying to spice up your outfits. Let the mesmerizing styles presented by the Toi & Moi brand open your eyes to the multitude of exciting style options beautiful,creative combos can bring.

Spring/Summer 2012 Campaign of Stradivarius

All the Petals Are for You! Well, spring has nearly sprung and Stradivarius is getting us in the mood for sunny days with its latest lust-worthy collection. The Spanish brand showcases its seriously lovely goodies in the spring/summer 2012 campaign featuring beautiful Dutch top model Bregje Heinen lensed by renowned fashion photographer Nico. Packed full with statement-making pieces, the newest Stradivarius line guarantees maximum impact.

Are you in a real sartorial dilemma? Thankfully, there is a plethora of oh-so-stylish pieces in the latest Stradivarius collection that can successfully meet all your fashion needs. And since nothing says summer more than floral prints, the brand delivers a stunning kaleidoscope of dazzling florals. Embrace all-things romantic and flirty with girly dresses, lovely shirts and gorgeously printed pants.

The line also features absolutely delicious polka dots, chic stripes, and eye-catching pops of color. If you want to make a bold statement and add edginess to your appearances, then mix and match different prints such as florals and stripes or polka dots and stripes.

Have a nosey at the newest Stradivarius spring/summer 2012 campaign and get ready to enjoy sunshine-y days putting together youthful, refreshing ensembles. Look for wearable, effortlessly hip clothes, and make sure you complement your outfits with the appropriate accessories. Invest in some of the brand's can't live without beauties and have fun creating surprisingly feminine and fuss-free combos. With these stunners in store we are already dreaming of summer days!

GFSS’s Students gearing up Pink T-shirt in support of anti-bullying and unity

Grand Forks Secondary School’s student are gearing up Pink T-shirt to support on Feb. 29, in support of anti-bullying and unity.

GFSS counselor Terry Ann Webster came up with the idea last year after watching a YouTube video that a teacher did in Maple Ridge, BC.

The video showed a flash mob, a random dance performance, in a middle of a shopping centre that was in demonstration of anti-bullying.

“I thought it was really neat because they were all wearing the same shirt and they looked really unified and I thought we should do something like that,” she said. “I didn’t have a lot of time last year, but this year I spoke to John Mahon in January and I told him the idea I wanted to do and he came up with the idea for the contest.”

From there, Webster instructed her Peer Counsellors to start looking for pink t-shirts and throughout the month of January, students submitted their designs of logos for anti-bullying.

There was a $50 prize, free t-shirt and their logo would be placed on the t-shirt.

Ashley Zibin, who is also a Peer Counsellor, won the logo contest.

Peer Counselling is one of the classes that is offered at GFSS, where Grade 12 students are trained in September before they are assigned eight to 10 Grade 8 students.

“It’s their job to keep up with the Grade 8 students throughout the year, just to talk to them and make it a successful year,” explained Webster. “I talk to them about eating disorders, bullying, anxieties, making friends, and then they take it to the Grade 8’s and they have an idea of what to say to them.”

Along the halls of GFSS, Peer Counsellors have put up posters based on issues of bullying, cyber-bullying or friendship skills.

Webster noted that with the accessibility of technology, it has become easier to become a cyber-bully.

“It’s become easier and easier to bully people, especially cyber bullying because you don’t see them face-to-face and you don’t see their reaction,” she said. “In fact, sometimes people won’t get a reaction until days or weeks later and by then it’s dissipated a bit, so you don’t get the whole face-to-face bit of, ‘Oh I shouldn’t have said that.’ So there’s no filter.”

But even with the internet and technology, Webster has noticed that most of the bullying occurs between those in the same grade, and it’s rare to see a senior student bullying younger students.

“I think part of it is being aware what you say gets out there and that people do have feelings and there are reactions,” she stated. “It’s also about how you would feel if somebody said this to you, face-to-face. It helps a lot to remind kids how they would feel.”

Pink t-shirts will be sold this week and next week for Feb. 29.

Pink T-shirt Day began in 2008 when students at a Nova Scotia high school wore pink t-shirts in protest against a bullying incident.