Contextual Influences

This week I was introduced to the work of Robert Mapplethorpe through this image, i really find this a strange image to look at because at first glance it just looks like your everyday fashion image, until you look closer and realise how hench and manly the model is posing, she looks like shes ready to get in a boxing ring, its not very flattering....

 

I was also shown this image by Richard Billingham, my teacher told me that the story behind the picture is that it was taken by a lower class student wo was studying at a high end university, and he was told to photograph his family, so he ended up with this picture which really shocked his peers and teachers, because their not used to seeing people living in these conditions. Well coming from someone who hasn't come from a well off background I can honestly say im not used to seeing people living in these conditions, this picture is completely revolting! The fact that anybody lives in these conditions is a complete joke, it has nothing to do with class or money in my oppinion, its just a matter of personal hygiene....

I really like this image by Annie leibovits, it was created for a "Once Upon A Time" photo spread in vogue, i really like the fantasy element in the image feel like it really tells a story through just one shot. The work of Annie Leibovits really inspires me, she is one of my favourite photographers, the images she creates are just breathtaking....

Ellen Von Unworth is one of my favourite fashion photographers, she is known for her way of creating images that celebrate women and sensuality. I love the way she makes women look effortlessly attractive, she often photographs them in simple settings but creates something that is so full of glamour and style....

Looking through the portfolio of Mario Testino it would be hard not to find your favourite famous face somewhere, he is one of the most celebrated fashion photogrophers in history, known for creating images that are stylish, slick and sexy all rolled into one. My personal favourite image of his is the image of Giselle that i have attatched, it is complete perfection, it has just the right amount of style, edgyness and subtilty for a fashion shot....

This week I have been inspired by Destiny's Child

 

 

 

 

 

This week was i watched the superbowl halftime show, i was really inspired by the leather designs worn by beyonce and destiny's child, in particular i really like the leather and lace garment worn by beyonce that was created by designer Rubin Singer. I really like the edgyness of the design, the combination of the leather and intricate lace cut outs is really stunning....

Top Five Designers Spring/Summer 2013

I really like Hedi Slimane's first womenswear collection for Saint lauren, i feel like he is really breathing new life into the label. With a new designer and new name comes a new look! the ss 13 collection is one of the best collections to come from the brand in a long time. The constant contrast in masculine and feminine styles are key to this collection, featuring skinny fit trouser suits and poetic style blouses complementing each other perfectly, with effortlessly stylish headwear to top it all off....

For me, there arent many designers that come before Valentino, his couture shows are always stunning, his ss 13 collection certainly didnt dissapoint. the show notes describe it as ‘the diaphanous albedo of a dream fades away, leaving behind a strong sense of wonder and breathtaking beauty.’ and i cant think of a better summary, the collection really is breathtaking, the softness and delicacey of the fabrics and the elegant lines in the tailored day wear created by piping are just a few of the wonders that stand out for me in this collection....

The Lanvin look for ss 13 is strong, structered and slick, its a bit of a departure from the usual, but i have to say that i love it, the brand has decided to forget about  ruffled dresses in favour of a more dark aggressive tone, the srtuctured shoulders on suit jackets and plunging necklines created a refreshingly fierce vibe for the brand that i hadnt previously pictured when i think of Lanvin, my favourite part of the collection had to be the accessories, the dramatic chokers that were paired with the satin dresses really finished the look off well....

Raf simmons first collection for Dior was probably the most anticipated show of french fashion week this season, and it really didnt dissapoint. It feels like a recreation of the vintage Dior woman in a more modern light, featuring blazer dresses, and floral 50s style skirts which are among my favourite pieces in the collection. My interest in the Dior brand as a whole has been highly rejuvinated and im very intrigued to see whats in store for the label in the future....

The Chanel show is always a highlight of fashion week for me, and this season was no different. Particularly standing out was the swimwear show, featuring the controversial "it bag" of the moment showcasing an abnormally sized hula hoop shape and classic cross stitched chanel padding. the bag itself I think is actually quite stunning and perfect for a beach getaway somewhere but quite a few critics seem to feel differently. one other chanel moment that stood out for me had to be the use of denim in the ready to wear shows, a paricular favourite of mine being the strapless denim dress modelled by Cara Delevingne....