Reflective Journal for Creative Networks part 1

This module is about constructing a fragrance brand, opposite to the last module where I was to focus on deconstructing a brand and breaking down the main parts. Thinking about the FCP triangle, the consumer, packaging and selling a story for a product that really is only coloured liquid that smells nice.

This module focus’ more on primary research to help idea development, I have done this through questionnaires both online and asking people of Nottingham and London at home about what scents they like, preferences on fragrance packaging and what they feel is missing in the market. I have learnt the key elements of communicating a brand through narratives such as sensuality and indulgence and what message is being portrayed for the brand. Other contributes can be from colour palettes to the location that an advert is based. I have learnt the importance of collaborations and how they drive foot traffic and can strengthen the credibility of the brands for example Stella McCartney and Adidas. Collaborations can be between artists, brands, bloggers and retail, the opportunities are endless, anything that can open up a window for new product categories. There must always be a strategic purpose behind the collaboration or there becomes a risk of losing brand equity.

Our reading week looked further into the FCP process and the importance of thinking outside the box and the impact a good form of promotion can bring to a brand. The books given focused on creativity and the importance of story telling, something key for a fragrance brand. A question stated- Why is story telling so important to the creative process? “Well, its what we build our ideas around. It’s the very fabric of our thoughts. If the idea is the foundation of the creative process, then the story is the vehicle that delivers it, making it memorable”. Without a story, a brand cannot connect to their audience. We have been encouraged to begin a scrapbook, something I have always loved and helps me with understanding my progress, I can see what looks good and keep those key tear outs that inspired me or informed me on new concepts.

As part of a team we presented our primary and secondary research that has helped our idea development. We focused on three main macro trends, personalisation, eco/natural ingredients and relaxation. From here we looked into how scents have catered to these trends and what could we as a team contribute to the market. By looking at what’s happening in the world globally, we have decided to aim our brand to the working women. There has become an increased need to stand out in the fragrance industry but also as a customer, scent is personal to the individual, one does not fit all. Our feedback showed we need to step back from a product idea and continue to find more primary research around the idea concept to get more of an understanding of what our target audience really needs.

Moodboard- Find your story...

Currently at university, we have been in full swing for our first module of building a scent product/brand. As a team, we have focused on 3 main macro trends that we could research and find a gap in the market for a scent product. 

Personalisation-Natural ingredients-Relaxation/Escapism 

We have looked into secondary research but focused mainly on primary research to get a more in-depth understanding of our target audience- The Working Women.

We are travelling to London next week to gather further primary research to support out ideas and get a better understand of what 'The Working Women' feels is missing within the scent market.

Personalisation we have discovered is needed in such a crowded industry, the customer needs to feel like the brand is catering for THEM, one does not fit all!

Natural Ingredients have become a large trend over the years with brands like LUSH focusing on this and being very successful. People are far more aware of what products they are putting on their skin and hair so is there a new and creative way to cater towards this issue?

Relaxation and escapism retreats are popular at the moment with people needing to get away from the stress of day to day life, is there a gap in the market to help with this problem? 

Zara: 'Ungendered'

Perfume started the trend of unisex products, a fragrance for both men and women. This how started to run into fashion lines, we saw Rihanna's new clothing line with Puma demonstrate ungendered clothing and now the worldwide store Zara has just released their very first line. 

I have become a regular customer at Zara since moving to Nottingham. If you are the same, you may have noticed the new section under TRF, 'ungendered'. It features unisex basics including t-shirts, tracksuits and jeans modelled by both a male and female model. The fashion industry has a long history of playing around with the rules with gender such as YSL's first Le Smoking suit for women or recently Alessandro Michele's gender-fluid vision for Gucci. The question that stands though, has Zara done this for a trend reason or for a progressive new way of shopping?

I believe there will be an increase in brands following this idea, would this then lead to further equality for women? On the flip side, the collection consists of basics for a reason, t-shirts and sweats....something that men and women both wear anyway....so is it as groundbreaking as it first sounds, I am not sure?!

We will have to wait and see...

Creme egg brownies you have to try!

Coming back last night after my first cheerleading performance, I was tired and wanted to treat myself. So what better way than to do some baking with a friend, I wanted brownies and she wanted creme eggs so we combined and wallah, however if you can't handle sugar overload then I would not recommend these!!

We cheated by buying a brownie box, but they still were insane!

So we mixed in the brownie box mix with 1 egg, 5 tablespoons of water and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. 

Once in the oven, about 15 minutes in we placed half cut creme eggs ontop of the brownie and put them back in the oven for the last 10 minutes!!

Give them a try and comment on how they go down!!

FENTY Puma X Rihanna

Rihanna recently showcased her first fashion line for Puma’s Fall 2016 collection entitled “FENTY Puma by Rihanna” at NYFW as the creative director. Rihanna made her mark with her 'genderless' designs and industrial ice jungle setting. Rihanna created an 'arctic urban forest', sending models down a chrome catwalk in a series of bold monochrome designs which looked to be influenced by the same urban street style of her own.  The catwalk was led by the Hadid sisters, Gigi and Bella and Rihanna herself. 

Hair and make-up followed the epitome of glamorous goth, wearing very little make-up and saving it for a dramatic matte black lip and slicked-back painted white roots. Hair and make-up in my opinion can make a huge impact on an outfit, something that I am hugely passionate about, and there is no doubt that this look brings out the best of this collection. 

The collection was a mix of form-fitting streetwear - skin-tight jumpsuits, crop tops and hot pants and oversized outerwear - large down coats, furry hoodies and chunky hooded scarves. 

According to a Puma press release, Rihanna aimed to do away with gender-bound designs, opting instead to create a collection of genderless clothing which would appeal to both men and women.

The release explained: 'Rihanna challenged traditional male and female silhouettes and blurred the lines between genders that are often times too rigid for her fashion tastes.’ 

Its a Monday, lets get it together!

With uni work becoming heavy already, when I found this planner in Urban Outfitters today it was not even a question if to buy it. It was more of a question which colour do I go for! It is perfect. Perfect to know what I need to get done, what deadlines I have and just everything to make me feel sane with the hecticness of life at the moment!!

According to www.careergirldaily.com having a journal or notebook can increase productivity, so with their inspiration it is important to focus on 4 things to help you!!

The Small Things

Writing down a simple achievement each day. On those days where you have a million and one things to be doing but would just love to snuggle up on the sofa it can be a great idea to read over all of those little things you have achieved and just remind yourself you can do it!

The Big Things

We all have aspirations, dreams and goals, whether they be in life, relationships or our careers. If there is something you aspire to then tracking your journey to reach that end goal is the best way of ensuring you work hard and don’t slack.

Work through the challenges

Writing down the problems you run into can be the best way of working out how to overcome them, it allows you time to think, process and create a solution. 

Put a date on it

Giving yourself a specific time frame for set goals can really help you to prioritise, be realistic and you can really find that you push yourself to achieve what you set out to do.


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Fragrance project, research has begun...

As part of my uni course, our next module is to build a perfume brand from scratch...build a story, the design and the promoting. I am so excited, so I have been getting some early research in and looked into perfumes out there right now and the best promotional methods I have seen!

Yeezy X Balmain- NYFW

The biggest event of New York Fashion Week- 2 days ago Kanye West only went and filled Madison Square Garden for his new collection.

In true Kanye West fashion, the rapper went all-out for the debut of Yeezy Season 3 on Thursday 11th February. His new collection was seen at the fashion event along  but also simultaneously released the highly anticipated album, The Life of Pablo, for the world to enjoy as he had his show streaming globally.

Now, to the best bit, as gob-smackingly unique Mr West made his debut of Yeezy 3, the remaining of the Kardashian family ensured they were dripping head to toe in glamour. According to Kim Kardashian, her husband flew to Paris in a mad dash a week prior to the NYFW show and that Rousteing made these pieces happen in just five days.

My favourite looks of all time---  Kylie X Kourtney

What a way to make a statement...Kylie Jenner and Kourtney Kardashian stole the show in my view, Kourtney remained chic and edgy with a gem dropping jumpsuit and Kylie, as usual puts her twist on her look with a big white fur coat, ripped skirt and a black beanie.

What a way to make a statement...Kylie Jenner and Kourtney Kardashian stole the show in my view, Kourtney remained chic and edgy with a gem dropping jumpsuit and Kylie, as usual puts her twist on her look with a big white fur coat, ripped skirt and a black beanie.

Sunday favouritism: Boohoo & Public Desire

I have started to notice its time to change up my wardrobe, I'm getting bored of wearing the same pair of black jeans or the same boots and trainers. Its time to switch it up. Recently I've become obsessed with Public Desire's blog along with Boohoo's blog...full of day to day advice and fashion inspiration that has got me to sort out my wardrobe.

I have picked out a couple of basics from Boohoo which I think are perfect to build on or just keep simple. Keeping on trend with the nudes and coral colour palettes that were covered over the catwalks isn't hard with Boohoo as they've done all the perfect collections for you. All the items I have put below are no more than £15 BONUS!

Natasha Stripe roll neck shirt dress £15, Nadine cut out shoulder sweat dress £15, Jennifer Woven Button Front A Line Mini Skirt £10

Boohoo

Public Desire have also kept on trend with their never-ending shoe selections!! There is always something for everyone and something for every occasion. I have picked on a statement pair of deep red heels, perfect to dress up a monochrome evening outfit. The a pair of fabulous black boots for day to day wear and the perfect comfort for a night out, boots that won't leave you feeling like your feet are crippled for eternity.

Venus stiletto heels in bordeaux faux suede £29.99, Florence ankle boots in black faux suede  £34.99

Public Desire

Be sure to look into both brands blogs to get as much inspiration and day to day tips as i do!!

WORD!

Fashionation

Fairytale fashion @ FIT, NY

Fairy Tale Fashion is a unique and imaginative exhibition that examines fairy tales through the lens of high fashion. Fairytales often include descriptions of clothing, such as magical shoes, magnificent dresses and concealing cloaks that are often used to symbolize a character’s transformation, vanity, power, or privilege. The exhibition focused on numerous fairy tales such as Cinderella, Little Red riding hood and also my personal favourite Alice In Wonderland, just to name a few. Since fairy tales are rarely set in specific places or time periods, the exhibition clues clothing and accessories that date from the 18th century to the present, with particular emphasis on extraordinary 21st century creations. In the midst of a global, technologically driven fashion industry, there remains a need- for designs that value fantasy over function.

Here were a few of my favourite pieces from the exhibition:

 

The Snow Queen is evil but beautiful, the white furs indicate her desire for perfection and her queenly status, she is unmistakably luxurious.

 

Alexander McQueen/evening gown embellished with a cascade of beaded tresses, part of a collection inspired by witches. This reference underscores the power associated with hair in mythology, when Rapunzel's hair long hair is cut, she loses her most valuable asset

Jean Louis Sabaji/my personal favourite, silk feathers to recreate the swan maiden's feathery robe.

 

Comme des Garcons/an enormous, peaked headpiece in patent leather. A hooded resemble in Spring 2015 collection

 

Zuhair Murad/Haute Couture, when sleeping beauty rises from her slumber, a more seductive design than Perrauit writes...

 

Giles/ Vogue noted that the dress looked 'burned with a magical and mischievous spirit'

 

Nicholas Kirkwood/Wonderland motifs combined into a heel...red roses favoured by the Queen of Hearts, a tiny tea set in reference to the Hatter's tea party and the white rabbit's pocket watch.

 

Louis Férud/ outfits full of motifs that symbolise the story of Alice In Wonderland. Pocket watch, keys, cards and beautiful imaginations of a new world.

Winter: My Make up Favourites

With the weather becoming cold and miserable, our skin hits the devil time, I'm talking dry skin, annoying spots and rashes...I have a few make-up must-haves that will help disguise this and also a fabulous energising face wash to help your skin out.

 They're Real-Benefit Mascara

This was actually a freebie in a magazine, yet one of my favourite mascaras. Its actually a primer but does a good enough job to be a main mascara!

Si Giorgio Armani- Perfume

Everyone needs a mini perfume, good to go for a night out, work, day trip what ever your day to day plans are. Also helps that it smells like heavennnn!

High Light- Highlighter

£1.99, £1.99 this little bottle of beauty cost me from TK Max. Perfect for under the brows to give them definition, cheeks to highlight your cheekbones and give you that glow all year round.

MAC concealer 

Small but mighty. This concealer is used by professionals to hide as much as tattoos, so if the winter is causing you to break out in spots this item is the way to go! £15, yes expensive but I've had it for 6 months and I'm not even half way through as you only need a dab!

Seventeen Define&Conquer- Contouring Kit

This is one of my favourite items in my make up bag. Easy to apply and easy to blend. I use this on a day to day basis if i want more definition to my face or a settler method instead of bronzer. I will use it for a night out or event along with bronzer and ensure i blend well or ill look like an orange...no one wants that.

EXTREME eyeliner- Collection 2000

The only black liquid pen eyeliner i have ever used, and don't plan on changing anytime soon. A pen for me, is the easiest to apply, its strong and bold and once on will be there until you decide to remove it.

Energising Face wash- Clarins 

A gift from my mum when my skin hit a very rough patch. I used this in the morning when i woke up before applying my make up and every so often in the evening to ensure all my make up was off. Within a week my skin cleared up dramatically and felt a lot healthier. Give it a go and see the difference it has!

Blusher- YSL

A palette of a soft pink and a soft sparkly pink to give the natural look of blushed cheeks. This has been in my make up bag for a long time (originally my mums, sorry!) and now mine and its still going strong. Perfect for every occasion.

my love for Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters is an innovative specialty retail company with an emphasis on creativity. A Focus to offer a product assortment and an environment so compelling and distinctive that the customer feels an empathetic connection to the brand and is persuaded to buy. Stocks that reflect inspiration from contemporary art, music and fashion. From men's & women's apparel and accessories to items for the apartment, they offer a lifestyle-specific shopping experience for the educated, urban-minded individual.

Urban Outfitters are one of my favourite brands to follow on Instagram, they reflect their brand, values and image so well its addictive. The inspiration from their posts are amazing! They also involve their audience by having an account just for the public who are wearing or decoration an interior with their products at 'UOEUROPE'

These are some of the reasons why i have decided to do my project for my course on this brand, based around the A/W15 trend on denim. How they adjust to their values, target audience, their marketing mix, promotional methods and communication within the store and online. I've become a little bit obsessed. Its so good to see a brand that does more than sell clothes, Urban Outfitters involves themselves within your lifestyle, through art, music, fashion and everyday inspiration...almost like they've created a distinctive, edgy and super creative world for you to absorb yourself in.

 



 

Important life lessons we learn from our favourite film characters

A blog idea inspired from careergirldaily.com that i loved and thought about myself. Either films we watched growing up from films we see as teenagers, characters teach us a lot of life lessons from their experiences, strengths or flaws.

Elle Woods- Legally Blonde 

Favourite film since my auntie introduced it to me when i was younger, both as a film and in theatre legally blonde is the best of the best. Elle Woods only goes to Law school to get the guy, but on her way surprised herself with passing her SATs, winning a court case and marry the 'other' guy. lesson learnt= No need to change for anyone!

Maleficent

A fairytale that doesn't sugarcoat reality. Teaching us that you continue to fight when your strengths become weaknesses. Remain determined and always be unstoppable. There is evil in this world but it has no power over us, unless we allow it to.

Jenna Rink- 13 going on 30

Another favourite film. From being at school and worrying about popularity and wishing you had everything you don't, learning that life is about embracing what you were gifted with and never wish your life away. Everything will fall into place in the end.

'Andy' Sachs- The Devil Wears Prada

A very relatable character for us all, whether its starting a new job, dealing with certain individuals or struggling to get to grips with a new situation. Andy shows us that perseverance and taking charge of your life is what to focus on in a tough situation and you'll eventually come to the other side.