Uni Degree show..

On my last day at uni, I went along the third year degree show with some friends to take a look at the work that's been done in the final year on my Fashion Communication and Promotion. I took a look round my course, fashion management, and fashion marketing branding. It was exciting to see the sort of work I will be producing in two years time, from zines to full report books. I am looking forward to gaining skills, working with brands and growing as an individual over the next two years.

                                  
 

A world where flowers only bloom at night....McQueen

Bloom At Night... the McQueen way of course

£285...thats how much Alexander McQueen's new perfume would bite into your bank account. Maybe something I would love to afford one day, but as a student it's not really on my cards, however, that doesn't stop me from admiring and being astonished at how insanely beautiful the process is for this perfume!!

Take a look and admire the creativity and meaning behind the famous new fragrance.

"Unveiling the artistry of fragrance, McQueen Parfum is for the woman who blooms in the dark. Inspired by the craftsmanship of haute parfumerie, McQueen has created a unique scent made from the precious essence of three night-blooming flowers. Sambac Jasmine is the essence of power and romance. The flower opens under the moon, exuding a sweet and complex aroma until the morning. Tuberose is the warm, intoxicating heart of seduction. A rare and deep extract, it is both regal and forbidden. Ylang Ylang is the mysterious scent of a perfect morning. Most fragrant at first light, its exotic, yellow flowers are potent with a sense of renewal and transformation. Solid, sensual, with the artisan’s love of form, the parfum bottle is a small work of art. A timeless shape, tactile and beautiful in the hand. Gold feathers crown the bottle, reflecting bespoke craftsmanship that is pure McQueen." - http://www.alexandermcqueen.com

Bottle-making process-

My new favourite purchase from Topshop- Cigarette trousers

Say hello to my new wardrobe member. I have been looking for something other than jeans or leggings to wear for a while, so when I came across these monochrome checked cigarette trousers I had to try them on!!

They are perfect for this annoying weather stage, it is not freezing but it is not warm enough for shorts and skirts, so I though I can pair these trousers with a basic white top and a jacket or even a knit jumper! Trousers are not normally my cup of tea and they don't really work for me but sometimes picking an item up and trying it on can make a huge difference! Somethings look much better on than what they look like on the hanger....but of course somethings look fabulous on a hanger and just a NO NO when I try them on!

I've been home this weekend to see family and take a breather from the heaps of uni work that has appeared but starting Monday its back to normal, boo!

Embroidery and embellishment trend

With the obsession of minimalism and basics in fashion reaching its peak, embroidery and embellishments have begun to appear all over the catwalk shows and really do make the artisitc looks even more attractive. 

There was and still is a huge trend on  minimalism, I'm guilty of this too but sometimes you need something extra. The embroidery took on a new meaning at Gucci and Etro. The detail of the moment when it comes to clothing and accessories is embellishment and embroidery finishes, something that was all over the spring and fall runways and certainly worth investing in. 

Here are some pieces ready to buy now so that you are on trend and ready to hit the summer months. 

1-Topshop, 2- Miss Guided, 3-Miss Guided, 4-Zara, 5- Boohoo, 6-Topshop, 7-Miss Guided, 8- Zara, 9-ASOS, 10- River Island, 11- Boohoo, 12- Nasty Gal

Tumblr inspirations

 *image are all from my Tumblr account*

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.

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.

Why am I not still in New York?

I am home, to be honest I would rather be back in the big city than sat in my cold uni room trying to keep warm with my little candles and mini radiator ( which I'm certain I've blown by trying to get it to work faster). Yes New York was cold, -4 to be precise but atleast I was wrapped up and surrounded by the bubbly atmosphere of happy Americans and fabulous shops.

I did all the touristy things of New York, Rockefeller was my absolute favourite. The Views were incredible and reached out as far as the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge. I also visited the Empire State and walked round the outside at the 86th floor, freezinggggg I could hardly take photos by the end of it but it was 100% worth it. The Flatiron Building was around the corner from our hotel and we had to take a trip to Grand Central station due to being a fan of Gossip Girl! Soho was very cool, it was the image of New York I had prior to my trip. Streets of boutiques and high end shops on one end and then the spaced out vintage area on the other. Times Square was full of selfie sticks and bright lights.

We went to the FIT Museum that had an exhibition on Denim and Fairy Tale fashion. I will be doing a separate blog for this as it was amazing and I have lots of photos to show on this!! Think Snow White, Alice In Wonderland and Little Red Riding Hood interpreted through dresses, gowns and shoes.

I didn't go too extreme on the shopping, but then again its fair to say I shopped. Victoria's Secret was huge and had a fabulous sale on so that lead to

a little bit of

money spending. Sephora became our new obsession, I  blame the beautiful interior and monochrome colour palette, if we saw a store we would go in and even when we promised each other we would not buy anymore...of course we came out with something. Urban outfitters, a favourite of mine caused a little temptation and i did splurge a little on my new cropped grey hooded Calvin Klein jumper.

I learnt a lot about the American Fashion industry and their methods of promotion and style. I loved the customer service in every shop, people were generally happy to help and chat to you about your day...something i feel England could take note on.  You had staff come up to you and compliment your outfit or make up and ask where we were from and what were studying etc, generally happy people! Inspiration was everywhere, the long never-ending streets were packed with creativity and energy for you to grab ideas from. Generally experiencing such a huge city and hearing so much about NY before i came beat my expectations and I learnt a lot purely due to the comparison of London and NY.

Here are some of my favourite moments of New York, i will be blogging about the Fashion Institute of Technology exhibition, Sephora purchases and my favourite store interior that I came across in ' & other stories'.

Have a look at my Instagram for more New York reminiscing// niamhryan.x

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.

 



 

Sunday inspirations

As the normal Sunday morning is spent in bed with breakfast and a nice cup of tea, we all spend longer than normal scrolling away at tumblr, instagram, twitter etc... and i came across a few quotes that i thought are good to read as a new week approaches.

Hopefully they will help give you that little boost of inspiration and motivation to try something new in the week, from something as little as trying something you have always been too scared to do, all the way to booking a flight to Australia and ditching everything and going travelling (obviously this is the extreme far end of the line, but still!).

PEACE + LOVE collection- 'Created for the fierce, powerful anduntouchable'

Missguided has become one of the most popular online shopping websites, and too right!! Stylish, edgy and on trend fashion for a good price. Constant offers and discounts are there key marketing skills that keep them so well known and popular. Myself included, am always tempted when I receive an email saying ‘20% off everything’ or ‘Free next day delivery’….who wouldn’t want there clothes cheaper and arrive at your doorstep the next morning?!

I have been obsessed with their collection ‘Peace + Love’, a collection for the nights out and dressy days. We are talking stunningly cut dresses, high knee boots, metallic skirts and glamorous tops, what more could we ask for. Here are a few of my favourite pieces.

We have the glamorous red dress, perfect for fancy dress nights or Christmas parties. Dress it with your favourite pair of strappy heels and your set to go and guaranteed to stand out.

(left) Then my favourite, the edgy/rock and roll black sleek look. This long line contrast trim duster jacket is my dream. Edgy yet classy and filled with class when dressed with the right outfit. An item that makes an impact and builds the fierceness of the collection in my opinion. I mean those strapped boots are just…basically I would like the whole outfit please.

(right) This metallic dusty pink skirt gives you the playful girly look, yet when worn with a top shown brings back that edginess and instant flirtatious sense with slits in the top.

I would say as a collection they have clearly stuck with it being for powerful, fierce and untouchable women with strong contrasting colours, silhouettes and use of the material.

So If I were you, I would be going straight to their website www.missguided.co.uk as they also have discounts going on as you read this…get moving!

*all image are from Missguided website*

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2015

With the phenomenon of which the Victoria's Secret fashion show is each year, no doubt will this year be as outstanding as ever. However, it is also one of the best-kept secrets within the industry and unless your working within, its a struggle to get the gossip!! just plenty of Instagram uploads...and a look into the design, build up and creative concepts the show demonstrates! Music guests are confirmed, Selena Gomez, The Weekend and Ellie Goulding!! Models confirmed and outfits at the ready, LETS GO!! xoxo

Christmas season has arrived, maybe a little too early...

This weekend, to say the least was very unproductive in the uni work area, however very productive in the shops, city centre and food areas...we can call it research! With the christmas lights and decorations being put up everywhere you look, that always seem to get earlier and earlier. I was pleased to go and get a Starbucks and be handed over a christmas cup... gets me a little excited for christmas season although i refuse to show my festivity till December 1st. I won't listen to a christmas song until then, bad luck and all that!!

My favourite things about the christmas season are...

1. Warm drinks- preferably the new chocolate fudge hot chocolate from costa


2. Yankee candles, of course


3. Over sized hoodies and fluffy socks


4. Movie nights in with every duvet and blanket in the house


5. Baking cookies, brownies, cakes and every other option and using the excuse that its christmas and you need to store body fat for the cold weather approaching


6. Peaking out the curtains in the morning to check for snow and hope you don't have to go to uni, even though its only a 10 minute walk and no hills involved


7. Being in the hustle of London with the christmas lights above you and obsessing over Selfridges window displays


8. Pointing and hinted to everything you want for christmas "oo i love this, no i don't need it now mum!" "no honestly its fine, i can't afford it!"


9. Lastly, the feeling that your nose and fingers are so cold you think never again will they be usable, bitter sweet feeling

Motivational Monday- The world needs a little more individuality

Now this may be a blog that a lot of you think ‘oh i know this’ but the truth is we may know it but we don’t always have the courage or self-confidence to show it. With there being over 7 billion of us in the world, not one person is you.

I feel over the last year or so I’ve learnt who i am and become happy expressing who that is. I no longer am concerned on how people view me, as long as I’m happy within myself and the people i love around me are happy thats what matters most, Im not afraid to say what i believe in, i show how i feel and i have learnt to trust my feelings and go with what i feel is right. I was always told growing up to believe in myself and be confident which i struggled with outside of my life as a gymnast. Gymnastics was my life for over 10 years, i trained 30 hours a week and knew very little other than school, train, eat, sleep x 100000, my method of expressing who i was in an environment that i was 100% comfortable. Yet outside of that i used to be the quite shy one who worried what others thought. Being a gymnast has made me who i am today as an individual, I’ve learnt hard work, motivation and sacrifice. Ive come out of the sport with a group of friends who are my family, i trained with them 6 days a week and we become the building blocks for each other, the courage to be who we are and what we wanted to succeed in.

When we wake up every morning, we are a blank canvas. We have a choice on how we wish to look, what sort of person we want to be, how we speak and the way we think. We are a blank page with a hidden history but we are the artist who can paint an image of what we want others to see. Our past makes us who we are. We all have a story that makes us strong and gives us lessons to learn from. These are the things that make us unique. Our inspirations, our mind, our soul and our desires…this exact combination is only held by us. Just us out of the other 7 billion people on the earth. You can’t get more unique than this, and thats what we need to keep hold of and embrace.

We need to ensure we do not get wrapped up on what society thinks and whats cool and whats not. Negative people with negative thoughts need to be kept out. We need to get out of the box that society, media and people try their best to keep us in. The world needs uniqueness and individuality, without it new ideas, inventions, designs and art would never occur. The world needs YOU, not who you try to be.