Rated R

Last night I went to Rihanna's Rated R tour at the o2 arena. Amazing production! Being a huge fan and knowing the suspense and general news that her previous dates began by turning up late on stage, I awaited patiently. Before hand o2 had set up a small exhibition for all ticket holders to see Rihanna's past costumes and dress. A darkly lit room showcasing her personal photos and iconic dress from music video's and shoots reflected a timeline of Rihanna. My most expectations would be to see a variety of designers each displaying their piece for Rihanna however every single garment was from Paris born designer Alexandre Vauthier.

And it seems not only has Rihanna got a wardrobe filled with Vauthier's designs. It appears Vauthier has also designed for the likes of Lady Gaga, Ciara and the infamous gold dress for Beyoncé at Glastonbury. Beyoncé features many of Vauthier's designs from her latest album 4.

  

With a very distinctive style, Vauthier creates showstopping silouhuette peices with a key feature focusing on statement shoulders. Whether it's furr or hard structured shoulders, Vauthier resembles an influence of a Balmain rock and spike appeal.

see more at http://www.alexandrevauthier.com/

Frank Usher Couture

On my charity shop raid I came across a vintage Frank Usher sequin crop Top (I wont reveal how much I snapped it up for). It was definately one of those moments where I snatch it off the rail where I very rarely come across anything this unique. Usually it isnt until I get home and realise what a great find pieces like these actually are. Even more so is if i purchased this from high street stores like Topshop or AllSaints, I would be looking at paying well over £70.

 

  

Not having much knowledge of who Frank Usher is naturally the internet helps. Frank Usher was a British designer who first stepped out in mid 1940's, along the same time when Christian Dior introduced the 'New Look' of the little black dress. It wasnt until the mid 1950's when Frank Usher was heavily featured in Vogue by, at the time, leading actresses and models. I love how couture pieces from this era has influenced and come back to our year today of sequin embellished pieces.

A Michael Truman film released in the 60's titled Go To Blazes starring Maggie Smith, is a british comedy based on a boutique being robbed which the entire wardrobe was created by Frank Usher for the film.

Quote of the Day...

Taken from the BBC documentary on Inside Facebook. This quote really stuck out to me in how we should observe our social activity.

"Changed from an art form into science. Artisits now have to be scientists"

Inside Facebook

Did you manage to catch the documentary on the in's and out's of Facebook?

Viewed on Sunday night on BBC Two, reporter Emily Maitlis investigates the life inside Facebook. Having looked heavily on social networking sites during my studies and having seen the film The Social Network starring Justin Timberlake, I generally new the overall story of how Facebook came about and the opposed 'stealing' of the whole sites concept.

Despite the documentary re-capping the story line, and even refferring to the film at points, it still amazes me how Facebook has become such a principle in our daily lives.

First being designed at Harvard university, creator Mark Zuckerberg described it being a 'student dream for a more connected world' which really relates to much more than just students today.

"Mission of the company is to make it more open and connected and to share"

Facebook, and further social networking sites for that matter, has proven to be a necessity rather than just a practice. Some users may find the whole idea quite random but yet is an addictive process which really has become a daily concern almost as the amount of time it consumes as part of your daily 'to do's'. Even I have been drawn into a routine the minute i wake up i first read any texts I've missed, then check Facebook, then check my Twitter, then browse Ebay until its time to drag myself out of bed.

The documentary shows numerous interviews of Facebook users commenting on how emails are generally obselete and everyone now uses Facebook to message and again how its just a natural process.

'Technology and psychology = The DNA of Facebook'

Maitlis focuses in the documentary how Facebook is generally a market research driven device rather than just a social networking site to which users believe it primarily is. Even myself when watching the documentary can completely now see how really it is one big advert, not necessarily just a soical chat site. It was proven through the programme how Facebook is the most valuable research tool that has ever existed. Holding literally everyones privacy details down to the point of likes and dislikes, recording every movement of the users life by the free-will of the users themselves updating their status, photo's and 'like' buttons.

Company moto - 'Move fast and break things'

As much as the whole idea seems pretty easy, its the fact how popular Facebook has become against other social networking sites. Why is Facebook more used than other sites? As much as competitors will come and go, their trouble they will find is doing something Facebook hasnt yet done - or better yet trying to out do what Facebook is already doing. Got to give credit to Twitter who is creeping up the social scale and landing well used place against Facebook for that even more instant message service. Primarily what Facebook gain from continuing to develop their processes, its the reaction from the users that determine not just what they are doing, but also what other sites need to watch out for. Maitlis states in the documentary how Facebook has the three steps forward, one step back approach, 100% guided by users reaction. Users have grown to conceal their privacy with less concern by allowing friends, other users, see more or less anything of their personal details again by choice of their own.

The documentary leaves us on the note to think; What are we doing for Facebook? Not what is Facebook doing for us

Other previous documentaries which you may be interested in also is The Virtual Revolution which was aired in 2010 by the BBC. Also view some of the backlash videos posted on YouTube - 'You need to get off Facebook'

Kingdom of Cole

Today I had, the first in a long time, a facial from a friend. Now I'm not one that is fortunate enough to indulge in these luxury treats but what was most nice about my treatment was the background music of Nat King Cole. Being 22 the only song I remember is the infamous christmas carol that, like the rest, is a classic to all christmas songs played and also remembering it being my dad's favourite christmas carol.

Proberly not the most stereotypical soundtrack to play at a beauty salon but to me the not so obvious choice works the best. Even watching video's of Cole brings that soft nostalgia, almost disney like vintage appeal. Old fashion is the new!

Beyond Time

Loving this watch! The D&G Medicine watch which has proven to be a savvy accessory which sold out in most stores and still out selling. Being a reminder of the BBC's 3am stand by TV screen or 'Test Cards' which made me actually remember the times when there virtually was nothing to watch! I forgot there was such thing! The Medicine watch comes in various strap styles whether its gold, silver or leather strap adding that lego 80's characteristic to every new mod outfit.

Girls version please D&G?? 

Bartie's Boutique

Bartie's Boutique is something I literally stumbled across online. Being someone who likes to visit every christmas craft fair going in my area I'ld like to share my new found experience with Bartie's Boutique and why Boutique's really do offer the best customer satisfaction.

Bartie's is an arts and crafts Saturday boutique which sell the most unusual yet lovely gift ideas that you wouldnt find anywhere else. Their philosphy is to bring the very best of arts and crafts under one roof at St Paul's in Worthing, Sussex. Donations from each event go towards the Breast Cancer Research charity. Even though its only on a Saturday event in Sussex on designated dates, they too have an online presence also for those who live out of Sussex.

I ordered a personalised limited edition vintage Scrabble board picture item where I requested a three name collage. Since first ordering straight away I had great communication in exactly what I want, how I want it too look and when I need it delivered by. Bartie's very kindly mocked up ideas of what it could look like and emailing photos for me to choose which one I would prefer. Even when half way through my order changing one of the names with no problems whatsoever.

I absolutely loved the item when it was delivered and really appreciated the time and effort Bartie's gave me to ensure I was happy with my item. To the final and last point of carefully gift wrapping my picture with ribbon and including a vintage style paper post tag and a complimentary gift card.

I would highly recommend and hope they expand and do events closer to London. Best of luck to Bartie's!

www.bartiesboutique.co.uk

Delilah

Delilah... The new fresh face on the music scene since Adele first made her British impact with her first album '19'. Delilah's name is literally buzzing at the moment. After some background knowledge and learning that at just 19 years old she is already writing and producing her own music and has written over 100 tracks influenced by the emotions she expresses through her life time. Growing up within a musical household and creating her own stagename (real name Paloma) Delilah will be the one to watch for.

I am Absolutely loving her new single 'Go' with the iconic verse taken from Chaka Khan's 'Aint no body' which any of my friends would say is my all time favourite. Currently working alongside Chase & Status on tour and being vocalist for the single 'Time', Cant wait to hear more from Delilah!

watch the official video and get literally swallowed by her unique style. Perhaps a good influence for Janet Devlin to look up and take note!

Delilah - 'Go'



Quote of the day...

October's first issue of Grazia magazine showed an article on Cheryl Cole's up coming debut collaborating with stylistpick.com for a new shoe collection inspired by Cheryl's own shoe collection.

Since online media was a main focus for me at university, Cheryl Cole has stated a reason to perhaps switching to online than to the traditional brick-a-morter's. Would you agree?

"I love fashion. I love net-a-porter.com. I'm all about shopping online because i hate changing rooms. why do they do that to us? Those horrible lights, unflattering mirrors, I prefer to try my stuff on at home. But not everyone can afford net-a-porter, which is why I really wanted to get involved with stylistpick.com" 

Versace for H&M

If it hasnt been heard yet H&M have again collaborated with the next designer Versace for a one off collection launching November 17th.

From the collections lookbook it has a very Henry Holland theme running through with Holland's S/S11 plam tree prints and bright greens.

  

Or even references from McQueen's S/S10 collection of snakeskin print formation.

   

Tweet Tweet!

Whether it was because it was the last episode of Towie or just the notion of daily practice to constantly check my Twitter as much now as I check my Facebook page. I realise that my use for Twitter is growing more. Not really understanding what Twitter was all about when first registering my account and still to this day not sure the use of the # tag actually is viable (yet I still use it at the end of every tweet).

Even though the most are already saying Twitter will over take Facebook. I'm not so sure. Being with Twitter I still can proberly count the amount of Tweets I've done on one hand, yet I use it everyday near enough at any moment I get a break. As much as its broken the boundaries of socially interacting with your favourite celebs and favourite brands, and getting that excitement that  you know exactly where they are, what their doing and who else their friends with, my posts stick to Facebook. Both have their very separate qualities;

Twitter is a simple forum which gives news fast and instant, one worded sentences is all it needs whereas Facebook seems like it needs more of a story to go with the post. The format is 'busier' compared to Twitter.

For now Twitter is my instant gratification. Facebook can remain my lifestory diary.

Being in the right place at the right time....

My luck strikes!! in the absense from blogging I have been hard at work looking for job opportunities, as a recent graduate it naturally is not the easiest task in the world. As other fashion grads could proberly agree most jobs require '1-2 years experience' of course fresh faced out of university its not the easiest position to get that experience opportunity just an absolute ambition to get my new learning curve rolling in the industry and to grasp that dream opportunity. Being susperstitious I believe a lot in fate. If it was meant to be it will be.

Whether this is every 'fashionistas' dream but I want to go into designer rather than high street. I want to learn from the best and be apart of the best and of course opportunities with designers dont come round very frequently. So to appreciate the moment so far call backs is the most excitement I need to wait for.

Fingers crossed!

Best achievement Ever!

I have been chosen for Graduate Fashion Week!

The saying hard work pays off really is true in this aspect. Still in shock this is the biggest achievement I have had so far, naturally I am so pleased, I really hope everyone who comes will enjoy what I've produced :-) roll on beginning of June!

Hope everyone will enjoy the UCA stand this year and come down to see some wonderful work.

Project Ending

As my project has now come to its ending I've been looking through all my research which seems like I started so long ago now from the first post where I was looking at Nikki Farquharson's mixed media girls prints to where I got now. In relation I did end up presenting an illustrator to feature in Focus Magazine so I can see how every step has counted. It felt like such a relief finishing my exhibit space but also still a little scarey. It has been really enjoyable yet strenuous and has been very different working independantly compared to previous group projects.

This last year I feel has really help define an area which I would like to pursue and develop into my first steps into a career. The whole focus I have had on online retailing has been really interesting and is an area I hope to develop further. I believe I have acquired new skills concerning consumer groups and diffrentiating brands to their consumer as I wasnt aware of the extend how differently you approach the consumer online to how you do physically in a store. I have really foreseen ways in how retailers approach their customers and most importantly what effect this has. I have come across brands who have done it wrong, some who are very good and some I can predict to a certain extent which will last and ones that wont. Consumer insight is such an important aspect and has really supported and pushed areas of my final project. With all the consumer insight and consumer trends I have been investigating, it has really made me realise which brands are listening to what they want and the ones that are not so much.

Sketchbook hand in is Monday, all that will be left is my portfolio refinement. I'm actually looking forward in presenting this final work in my portfolio and hope others will enjoy what I have created.

Browns New Site Re-Furb!!!

No Way!! Browns Fashion.com has launched a new re-furbed online site!! where was the build up!?! I even had to double check Facebook to check if there was any hints or clues to the new site re-launch but none whatsoever! just this Facebook post today. Its a shame I wasnt aware of this as it would of been a really nice compliment to Focus Magazine, a double re-launch! At least I can assure myself that I was indeed thinking in the right direction as Browns was :-) they just kept it a surprise. Maybe they will be surprised with mine?

I have to admit, the new launch is amazing! much MUCH better than the old one. They've even read my mind with the new Browns Focus category refinement! perfect for the Focus consumer,

Kate and Wills

 

Being the royal wedding tomorrow I thought this is a perfect time to get festive and to release my excitement for the event looked at the moodboards magazines are hopping on board with. I mocked together a Kate & Wills memorabilia board of quirky, fun and maybe a little cheesy gifts fans can buy for the occassion.

Look At Me

I follow Business of Fashion blog and have come across a particular post about a website built by a couple from Moscow called 'Look at Me' which has grown to be a very popular site that is relatively unheard of here.

 

“My girlfriend was bored. I tried to figure out how to entertain her, found an issue of Arena magazine and thought: why don’t we go out, take pictures of stylish people in the street and publish them on the Internet?” Vasily Esmanov

Recalling the moment in 2005 that would lead him, one year later, to found Lookatme.ru, a Russian website that’s probably the most powerful fashion site you’ve never heard of.

Officially founded in 2006, at a time when fashion blogs hadn’t yet caught on in Russia, Lookatme.ru took a typical street-style approach. Esmanov met and photographed much of Moscow’s creative crowd — young designers who now sell their collections in Europe and photographers who now have exhibitions in prominent Moscow galleries — asking them not only what they were wearing, but also what they were reading and listening to.Look At Me soon expanded beyond a style blog and into the realm of social networking. In 2007, the site launched an events service that functioned a lot like today’s Facebook events feature, letting users see what parties or concerts friends were attending. “Look At Me was a successful street-style and party reports blog at the time and Vasily thought he could develop a social media site based on that,” said Alexey Amyotov, Esmanov’s partner and now Look At Me’s CEO. “He knew almost every creative person in Moscow and he wanted them to contribute to the site and have their own social network.”

“We understood that to deliver we needed to hire designers and developers, but we had no money,” said Amyotov. “We approached a small, very cool and creative web-studio called Nimbler and offered them a share in the future project in return for their skills,” he continued.

Today, Lookatme.ru has grown into an influential media site focused on fashion, film, music and design, attracting 100,000 visits a day and 1.5 million unique visitors a month. There are Look At Me events and gallery shows, and registered users can contribute content and connect and communicate with other likeminded people.

Net-A-Porter Online Exclusive

Reading my weekly post of Drapers there was a small article of Net-A-Porter launching a footwear brand through themselves only. The incentive of this is 20% of every sale will be donated to a HIV supporters charity.

It brings to mind how important exclusive launches are, Net-A-Porter will proberly continue in the future releasing new unknown brand names into the light of online shopping.

The Online platform can offer exclusive content only for the eyes of online consumers.

Liberty Promotion Backlash

I came across a Drapers article on how Liberty had offered a 20% discount promotion for every Grazia reader however this clearly did not seem to have proven beneficial for the retail store.

Luxury designers have blasted Liberty, who generally do not discount outside of sale periods.

 "This kind of promotion could damage sales for indies that will be selling the same stock at full price. “It’s very disturbing. This is the second time Liberty has offered 20% off in the last month. I’m sure it will have affected everyone’s sales,” Barrie Rapaport, owner of womenswear brand.

The uproar has come from the independant designers who say it stops customers paying full price when they would opt to head to Liberty's to pay discounted prices out of a season sale period. Understandably Liberty has offered it to gain the custom rather than going to other stores to buy designer clothing however it seems to be the designers that have hit back! To be honest i didnt realise that designer retailers were aloud to do so without the consent of the actual designers. Also its proved a point how promotional campaigns perhaps are not all that necessary to lure the custom.

Rad the full article on the link below.

http://www.drapersonline.com/independents/news/-liberty-blasted-for-grazia-promotion/5024113.article

Mango Loves Bloggers

Mango have introduced a new campaign linked with popular bloggers from around the world. The campaign is more a competition where the bloggers are competing to win a cash prize to donate to their chosen charity. The bloggers have been tasked to create two original looks to be presented on the Mango online site, Facebook, and Twitter. Fans will have one week to vote for their favourite look, and the blogger with the highest number of votes will win the charity donation.

The second stage will be in mid-April, when a Mango shopping night will be held in the bloggers’ respective countries and they will be able to interact with customers and give styling tips, (similiar to the Vogue's Fashion Night Out). The bloggers will be filmed and photographed throughout the entire process, which will culminate in a final video to be published on the Mango website, again, allowing fans to vote for their favourite blogger.

This reminds me of the Pull & Bear research i looked into with their store party and streaming film footage of the event on their website. In a way it makes the viewer feel apart of the brand and gain an insight into why perhaps they should take part and attend these sorts of brand events.

Wardrobe Raid

Its 10:30pm and I'm taken pictures of clothes from my wardrobe and for once its not for ebay.

I had a brainwave to experiment with for creating some trend mood boards and thought none better than to take some inspiration from what I have in my own wardrobe. The idea is to create close up shots of the fabrics and textures and colours of clothes rather than showing actual garments. I will use these initial images and collage together the style of moodboards. I've asked my friends to all do the same and send me photo's of the inside of their wardrobes to collage and compare.

High Street Edit S/S11

Company magazine have put together some really nice trend edits, quite similiar to what Elle does each season, dedicated purely to the trends of this season from the catwalk, giving a low down of what we should be looking out for. The Elle version is generally more in depth, being a separate bible of trends each season, and pricing at around £6-£8. It's a really nice keep sake though to refer back to and digest your favourite designers.

However this particular issue has really been a visual finder for me and given me loads of inspirations to feed off, inparticular the trend moodboards are gorgeous! They are clear, concise, energetic and laid in a grid layout to make it much smoother to read. I also really like how it gives a trendy look into the fashion business for those who dont work in fashion. It shows a real buzz to the work involved and how exciting fashion can be which is how it should be.

First Focus

In a vintage store i spotted this label 'First Focus' since studing Browns London, what feels like my whole life at the moment for my project, it was a slight cliché spotting this.

Sweetie Shop Prop

On Brighton Pier I noticed one of the Sweet shops had a fake proped window. It was quirky in the sense it was obviously fake and how Brighton is holding onto the old style Brighton Pier rather than modern Brighton (if there could ever be a modern Brighton?). It kind of made me relate to luxury fashion which too have this traditional way of approaching fashion and approaching the way they appeal to the consumer within their own brand aesthetic.

 

I really liked the window payne imagery as though looking into the window and thought this could be a really fun design for online sites to have a pretend window frame as though looking into the site.

 

Urban Outfitters - New Store Implementation

I was in Brighton today and visited the new Urban Outfitters store that has recently opened next to Brightons Churchill Square shopping centre.

The store was of course decked out like all the other stores, however like Regent's Street All Saints store introducing the Apple Ipad to the shopping/browsing system, Urban has included a full Apple Mac computer for customers use.

The mac was amongst the gadgets and gizmo's area which allowed you to browse their online site. It actually really suited the store and didnt look abnormal. It also made me think about the environment to which consumers can browse online when in store. The computer being amongst the books and CD's made it a comfortable and perhaps most obvious area to prop a mac and is much nicer than having to browse a smaller ipad.

I wonder how long it will take until other Oxford Street stores take on the same idea?

 

Fashion In Film

During my research i still love finding and watching past fashion films. It seems even more so now I keep coming across them! With all the magazine 'watching' definately video based is the feature for most. It has somewhat really shown me just how far on video base fashion has become, whether its glamorous or not fashion is told in much better form to engage and mostly be immersed within the brand and be apart of the fashion story they are creating.

Alexander McQueen

 YSL

Acne SS11 Presentation

I came across this Acne SS11 video montage on Mr. Porter online which was put together almost to present the 'behind the doors' pace of fashion Ance goes through when releasing a new collection. It has a real home video feel to it which i most like and would be great to have videos like these shown more.

 Follow the link below to view

http://www.mrporter.com/styledirectory/stylepedia/a

Adverts appeal to your mood?

Taken from the Metro, 11th March 2011 issue, I read a small column on what adverts will soon become. It's apparent that advertisements will soon recognise consumers current thoughts and coincide to their mood. This could happen by 2015 according to the Metro.

Seems very sci-fi however it powers through your smart phone not actually reading your thoughts. Could this potentially begin the arguements of invasion of consumers privacy? what they get up to? and likes and dislikes?

Ramzi Musa for Browns Focus

 

Ramzi Musa is the latest upcoming new designer to collaborate with Browns Focus. Reason being I am a fan and inspired by Musa is to show aspiration to those, like myself, who are drawing near the end of their uni days and how to kick start the beginning of a long career. Musa being a third year fine art student at Leeds university who has just collaborated a collection for Browns Focus is very impressive and certainly shows where every new fashion designer would die to be in.

Musa has already achieved so much and is a great role model and figure for not only the Browns Focus consumer to learn from but as motivation for those who too are taking the first steps into not just the the working world, but the even tougher world fashion can be.

For my uni project I was lucky enough and greatful to meet Ramzi Musa for a informal interview and discussion around his latest collection, down the pub to be exact in Greenwich, to discuss his story so far at Browns.

I must say Ramzi is a very down to earth guy and was a great pleasure to meet him and understand his first steps from Browns and what he has coming next. It was really enlighting to see he is as casual as can be and is greatly stunned how successful he has become and I'm sure will become more.

Must keep an eye for his signature style, I'm positive he will be the one to watch.

Ramzi Musa for Browns Focus

Club Monaco Launch

The Latest collaboration for Browns at the start of 2011 is Club Monaco. Club Monaco is a new brand to the UK from Ralph Lauren which makes Browns the perfect sense to collaborate with as they once did at the start of Ralph Laurens career.

Browns & Club Monaco Launch Party

 



Browns London

YouTube has been my entertainment for the day today and since seeing the Browns London spoof press invite it got me spurring onto more research into the Browns retailer. I've came across so many videos on Browns London, including one with Mary Porter congratulating the success of how the Browns Boutique to Joan Burstein herself.



Watching these videos too have helped me with my work today also to refer to the interior of the shop. It's always hard and sometimes feels forbidden when trying to take snap shots inside a store and even worse when you sneakily try to do so (not that i ever would) I had emailed Browns around 4 weeks ago now requesting if i am able to take photos in the store for this project however even today have not had a response! so I will take that as a polite no. Below are the videos that i have found really influential to watch.

One inparticular was Vogue's Fashion Night Out which was an event held in September 2009 where the stores of the west end stayed open after hours. However differently it was the designers who were the store assistants for the evening. It was a really unique event for customers to meet the designers and for the designers to give first hand advice and service in Browns London.

Another Vogue event was in November 2010 where Mrs B skyped customers! amazing! Unfortunately i cant locate a youtube video for Joan Burstein and Roland Mouret skyping. However the link below takes you to Vogue online where you can watch it.

http://www.vogue.co.uk/video/voguetv/player.aspx/blog-video/video,9960/

  

Browns: 40 Years of Fashion Innovation

Browns 40 Years Celebration Party

  

Fashion Night Out with Browns

 

Vogues Fashion Night Out  

            

Mary Porta's Browns Store Study

Browns London AW09

I came across this YouTube video which is a spoof creation for an invite of Browns London AW09 Press day event. It did make me laugh and made me actually think the words "This cant be real!"

Its a take on using clips from Dynasty with voice overs to create a story of recieving a Browns invite. Very clever! Be great if all invites where of this taste.

 

Hollister Facebook Page

Today I visited the latest Hollister store to add to the chain in Kingston-Upon-Thames. I was informed about their new Facebook fan page but this time through the bottom of their infamous paper bags.

 

The Facebook page is literally selling through this social medium, similar to what Debenams trialed through their Facebook page, most posts consist of photos of their products rather than an actual social form of 'chat' to their fans. Personally the photo images would look far better and more to the Hollister persona if they were campaign images rather than looking like they were taken on a bedroom floor which is quite dissappointing seeing from a brand like Hollister however maybe this is the feel they are aiming for? After Facebook allows brands to be at a more informal level than the face they live upto.

Cosmopolitan Website Relaunch

In a WGSN report it explains Cosmopolitan Magazine is undergoing some changes with their online site. Currently looking into new ways of brands or magazines developing new and interesting ways to gain attention and keep the consumer interested or more importantly wondering.

WGSN

The new site further enhances and expands the users’ experience by offering clearer navigation, new content and greater interaction. Fresher fonts and a brighter colour palette give the website a more vibrant aesthetic, while staying true to the ideals of the print magazine.

The new content includes the weekly Fashion Under £50 feature, which focuses on up-to-the-minute high-street fashion, and the beauty makeover tool, which allows readers to experiment with virtual hairstyles and colours.

Behind-the-scenes videos will allow readers an insight into Cosmopolitan’s core fashion shoots, with information on stockists for the clothing featured.  

Personal stylists Clare Smith and Natasha Guiotto will engage with users through the new blog, focusing on key trends and how to wear them in relation to body shape.  

The Cosmo on Campus channel will relate to the Cosmopolitan's student-focused spin-off magazine, and will provide information and advice on subjects spanning careers, discount vouchers and city guides.

“The redesign brings the website completely up-to-date with the look, feel and tone of the brand as a whole, but with its own unique content,” said Cosmopolitan’s Rebecca Miskin. “The past year has seen significant growth for Cosmopolitan.co.uk, which is one of the most popular destinations for young women online. Our aim is to expand this loyalty even further as we make the Cosmopolitan brand available to women in the medium of their choice.



Quote of the Week...Norma Kamali

Today's quote of the week is taken from V magazine. I read an article on designer Norma Kamili based upon the overall concept for her boutique store. Kamili has presented a way of introducing her latest collection in the form that we view new collections in glossy magazines. This being reflected in the props in her store and how to be perceived as.

“I wanted the store to look like a fashion magazine brought to life, like they jumped right off of the page”

 

Kamili's store featured large cutout images of the models giving a paper doll effect. This can have a quirky effect and plays on the idea between a flat image and something being 3D.

 

 

 

http://www.vmagazine.com/2011/02/norma-kamalis-living-magazine/

Burberry's Digital Movement

I came across this WGSN report on Burberry's latest digital innovation. This has proved the potential of publications, such as magazines, and even blogs can be taken forward. It speaks about 'retail theatre's' and how these are becoming and should be entering into the mindset of high street retailers. It's no longer about the brick-a-morter stores. Its about the entertainment these stores can now bring. Foreseeing the loss of favourite historical brands go under due to the recession and other retailers beating them to the market, stores need to transform and become more then just a space to 'spend' money but to still encourage consumers to 'spend' time there.

WGSN - 22nd February 2011

Burberry’s autumn/winter 2011/12 Prorsum womenswear collection reached its largest audience to date Monday, with live-streaming reaching around the globe through 40 in-store virtual trunk shows held across four continents.

In 19 countries, Burberry stores hosted “retail theatre” events inviting guests to experience the show through giant video walls complete with enhanced acoustics and state of the art visual technology.

From its new venue at London’s Royal Park of Kensington Gardens, it used 11 cameras as well as a live text feed to provide viewers with both pre-show content featuring A-list guests including Rachel Bilson, Kate Bosworth and Samantha Cameron as they arrived, and full coverage of the collection presentation itself.

While this is the seventh season the brand has live streamed its show, which was also available through Burberry.com and a number of media partners, it’s the first time it has also done so to a crowd watching the famous 32m-long digital screen at London’s Piccadilly Circus. In fact, it’s a first for any brand.

Post show, an on-demand version of the coverage was made available online, including footage of the collection being put together and red carpet interviews.

Chief creative officer Christopher Bailey said he was aiming for an immersive, interactive and entertaining experience. “We have always used digital communication to deepen our connection with the customer and allow people all over the world to experience Burberry no matter where they are. Whether you are at home online, watching in Piccadilly Circus, using a mobile device or in our store in Beijing everyone will be able to feel the energy and attitude of the brand and the excitement of the show,” he said.

The brand also continued with its runway to reality initiative, allowing consumers in store - via iPads - as well as online, to order items of outerwear or bags for delivery in seven weeks.

Pre-orders can be made until Monday, February 28, while the full collection will otherwise be available from August 2011.

Viewers can also download music featured in the show, including You Don't Own Me by Dusty Springfield and Someone Like You by Adele, through an on-demand service on the website using iTunes technology.