The Great British Sewing Bee

I absolutely love this programme! Over the last few years the trend for 1950s living has been huge! From the fashions to baking and of course make do and mend! This trend which I sadly think is really coming to an end, took over all aspects of life encouraging a younger generation into home crafts. I can honestly say before this trend started I never ate cupcakes now I'm sick of them! Thank you Great British Bake Off! 

One big revival was making your own clothes and customising! And The BBC jumped on this band wagon with the show, The Great British Sewing Bee. It showed the more technical side of sewing, showing that u can't just pin something and shove it under a sewing machine! 

They have just started their 3rd season and I'm really looking forward to seeing what the contestants create this time round. 

This show has real nostalgia tied up in it for me, when I had just had my little boy the second season had just aired and it kept me company throughout the night while I was doing night feeds! 

The Trend Cycle

So when it comes to looking at Trend & Styling there is what is called a trend cycle and it goes something like this.........

Innovators- These are the people who start the trend! They dream up new combinations, colour schemes, themes etc! Or they are the ones who wear a new trend in a way that makes the trend understandable to others. This can also be a term for the original designers as well. 

Early Adopters - These are people who are close to the innovators and trust their judgment meaning they are happy to try out what the innovators are doing. These are also your fashion editors, buyers, stylists etc.

Early Majority - These are your fashion focused people! They are also the bloggers and journalists who help get the word out about the new trend.

Late Majority - These are the more fashion focused general public, they shop in highstreet stores and adopt the trends that are put in front of them. By this point the trend is usually a much watered down version of the original, this is your general public who prefer to follow rather than lead.

Laggards - this is the point where the trend has been well and truly mass produced! There are much cheaper copies everywhere including Primark and market stalls! 

I had a little look at a particular trend and this is what I found.....

The Converse All Stars

I think it's safe to say that a high majority of people have a pair of Converse sneakers knocking about! I personally have around 8 pairs at the moment! Now in terms of a trend cycle the sneakers started off with their inventor (innovator) Marquis Mills Converse in February 1908! They were then worn by Charles Chuck Taylor, hence the name Chuck Taylor for their most iconic style! He was the (early adopter). The sneaker was then commissioned by the U.S. army for training and also by athletes of the time (Early Majority). Next they were taken into the hearts of everyone! Rock stars, celebs, they were stocked in all kinds of outlets including Office. Finally we have the Laggards! There are so many cheaper versions of this sneaker it is unreal! You can buy fakes for around £15 and Primarks version will only set you back around £5. 

Finery London

Finery London is a new brand thought up by ex execs from Topshop and ASOS. The brand is selling itself as high street but with its own brain!  The brand's aim is to be at a high street level but with its own creative identity rather than regurgitating what it see's done by high end designers. The brands strap line is 'clothes designed to re-inspire'. To me this is a brand that is trying to be individual and creative but also make itself accessible to a much bigger client base! The clothes I have seen are quite simple and to me not actually very inspiring or individual! But I will reserve my judgment until the brand is launched properly which will be happening very soon!

https://www.finerylondon.com/uk/about 

Ageing Beautiful

                                     

Iris Apfel 93, Kate Spade

There has been a recent influx of beautiful older women being used in Fashion campaigns and I for one think it's amazing! I am a firm believer that age does not mean you have to leave style and fashion behind! 

My Great Nan, or Grams as I called her is a perfect example! She was incredible and I was lucky to know her for as long as I did! (I was 14 when she passed) now she was one stylish lady! Even in her 80's she never wore flat shoes out of the house, she always wore dainty court shoes with at least a 2 inch heel. She also never went out without her Burberry Mac! Yes my Grams had a beautiful and if I had realised it at the time, Traditional Burberry trench! 

So when I saw all these ad's popping up all I could think about was my amazing and stylish Grams who proved that no matter how old you can still be stylish. We should also remember that these ladies have lived through some of the most iconic fashion eras to date! I never tire of having a chat with someone who remembers what it felt like to walk into Biba, or make do and mend using ration coupons for fabric! Just incredible.

 

Unknown, Dolce & Gabbana

Joni Mitchell, Yves Saint Laurent 

Sport Luxe

Mary Katrantzou 

Sport Luxe has been around for a while now. Collaborations between high end designers and sportswear brands are really common. 

We are just entering February and as we all know January is the time of year when gyms get lots of new members and sportswear gets an airing. Personally when I make it to the gym I do not see it as a fashion parade (it's the only place I don't!) I just feel of im going to get sweaty why ruin something expensive! 

Recent collaborations include the British Fashion Council/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund shortlisted, Mary Katrantzou and Adidas and there has been a long standing collaboration between Stella McCartney and Adidas also. 

Chanel 2014 

Vintage throwback

The 70s is once again a very evident trend running through springs fashions and I am reading a brilliant book based on Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Largerfeld during the 1970s in Paris. The only way you can appreciate the new fashions and styles is by looking at where they originally came from. So far I'm loving this book it's easy to read and a fascinating look into the personal lives of two of fashions highest flyers, would absolutely reccomend to any fashionista. 

Mr Selfridge

I am taking a well deserved hour to myself (well with my little man!) and catching up on last weeks Mr Selfridge before the new episode tonight.

The last few years have seen a real rise in popularity of the period drama, what with Downton Abby as well, these shows have dominated the broadcast for a good few years now. I personally love them, and anyone who has any genuine interest in fashion cannot fail to at least appreciate them! The costumes are incredible and as we all know fashion goes in cycles! Nothing is truly new these days designers are always pulling inspiration from eras gone by! 

So I was literally struck dumb when a girl said to me recently that these shows are 'for old people'! I honestly think I sat their with my mouth open! Now I am only 26, hardly ancient but I can look at these programmes and see how the history of them has shaped how we live today especially the fashions! I don't understand how people cannot realise that the history of fashion is just as important as what Chanel is sending down the catwalk this season! 

And let's be honest even if it is dramatised Mr Selfridge is about one of the most iconic stores in London! How can a fashion marketing student not find that a little interesting?