Tom Ford, oh my

Well they do say sex sells...but really? This leaves NOTHING to the imagination. I do quite admire Tom Ford for creating something so controversial. It comes from a similar vein as Dolce & Gabbana's advertising campaigns which frequently embraces nudity. However, the historical references which tend to be rooted behind D&G's campaigns is absent in Tom Ford's work and replaced with a brazen and more direct message of sex. Has an impact...that's for sure!

Blackdog Ballroom Manchester

It's always the nights you don't plan which turn out to be the best... Well that's the fairytale version at least. That would be because I'm failing to mention the bickering amongst my group of friends about where to celebrate Jodi's 22nd birthday and the numerous cabs and bars we visited before we discovered this gem! Oh and the pouring rain. However, we ended up in the Blackdog Ballroom in Manchester's Northern Quarter which is a New York-style bar/club/snooker hall.

You can see from the images below it has a very slick interior. A combination of leather, velvet and neon lighting somehow maintains a very slick and sophisticated interior. The queue for the bar was somewhat an endurance test and the absence of proper Malibu left a little bad taste but the music, a foot-tapping mix of classics and chart-toppers, makes this place definitely worth a visit!








And rumour has it, Elle have branded the Blackdog Ballroom as the 'hot place' to be visiting.

Most Glamour-ous Doughnut

Another exciting discovery in Manchester this weekend was a visit to a Krispy Kreme shop! Aside from the concessions in shopping malls and even the odd Tesco Metro, this was a real insight into lifestyle of the brand. The store itself had black and white images illustrating how doughnuts were manufactured in bakeries. The seated area at the rear of the store was brightly coloured with leather cushioned seats and white varnished tables. It had a real 1950s vibe.



The POS which caught my eye was promoting a collaboration between Krispy Kreme and Glamour magazine. They have worked together to create a new design for the ring-shaped doughnut with a distincly girly and shimmery pink glaze. I must say the icing made me think, "That's the perfect nail varnish colour!" which I think it a little removed from the "Mmmm that looks delicious, I must devour NOW" reaction they had hoped for!

This was a really surprising collaboration to see which reminded me of a 2nd year project we undertook named "Swap Shop". We had to select two brands which could work together to create a new product and increase brand awareness for both parties. Being the shoe-fiend I am, I opted for Faith Shoes (R.I.P) and Scholls Party Feet. The motivation was to improve comfort for the wearer and the justification was that these are two complimentary products which tend to be purchased together. The execution was to create a new range which fitted the gel pads into the lining of the shoe so that the consideration to comfort was more prominent.

Perhaps a little more straight-laced than Krispy Kreme's recent undertaking, but the healthier option!

Testing...testing...1-2-3.

Have I really just got totally up to date with technology and set up blogging from my Roseberry??
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

New Year, New Resolutions

A lot of people don't believe in making New Year's Resolutions and asking around the table on Christmas Day didn't prove otherwise. However, I need to get my ass into gear with this blog and I am hoping to be able to keep to my resolution of posting more regularly! Addditonally I have another little resolution and that is to start dancing again - that's the most fun way I can find which say 'Get into shape!'

-R-

The Look Shoe

It's always nice to have a momento which holds some special memories and I honestly can't think of anything more perfect than a pair of shoes! I'm always associating particular outfits with good nights out or special times and I may have found the perfect excuse for buying a new pair of shoes to do exactly that! Having had an amazing month at the Look magazine offices and working their fashion show in September, I'm contemplating buying the 'Look Shoe' as a reminder of all the fun I had. I'm talking myself into it, aren't I?

Diana Vickers' Photoshoot for Look!

During my placement with the fashion team at Look Magazine, I was invited onto the photo shoot with Diana Vickers. The shoot was inspired by icons through the past century, visualising the key hair, make-up and outfit from the 1940s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. The effort which went into transforming Diana's look was huge and the hair and make-up artists were under huge time constraints to ensure all six executions were completed before Diana had to leave at 6pm!

It was so exciting to be a part of the shoot and the final photographs sat alongside an article with Diana and a video campaign to support her front and performing at the Look Fashion Show.




My favourite photograph of the whole collection is the one below. Having journeyed to Borough Market on the day of the shoot to purchase the red roses I am somewhat attached!!