An evening with Christopher Kane at the FFRoadShow

When the news broke a few weeks ago that Christopher Kane was going to give a talk at the Edinburgh Art Collage there was more than a few squeals from the students here at Heriot-Watt University. Not only is Kane from Scotland, Glasgow to be specific, but he is one of the most successful designers to emerge in the last 10 years. His business built entirely by himself and his sister Tammy (A graduate of Heriot Watt- Woop, woop!) is constantly expanding with the recent launch of his menswear line.

Excitedly awaiting Christopher Kane (myself centre, Tatti left, connie right)

Who was responsible for this exciting event I hear you ask, well it was thanks to the Fashion Fringe Road show which is taking a number of designers including Gareth Pugh, Mathew Williamson, Julien Macdonald and Erdem to Universities all round the UK over the next month. The tickets were completely free as long as you were a student.

The Fashion Fringe is an award platform that helps emerging designers launch their labels in London through mentoring and financial support.

The Edinburgh Collage of Art was busy with students when we arrived and the event was held in one of their small lecture theatres creating a very intimate atmosphere, and when Christopher Kane entered the crowd showed their appreciation with rapturous applauding. My friend Sarah who is a ‘die-hard fan’ nearly fell of her seat and it took all her self control not to scream, or cry for that matter. The conversation was lead by founder of the FF Colin McDowell, before the audience got a chance to ask questions.

Kane was so endearing and very Glasgow (if you have been you will understand) He was so humble and very honest about his journey and those who have helped him along the way. He started by telling us about his education at CSM and the fond memories of that creative experience and loving everything about it, even the smell. He is right though all art schools have the same smell- the smell of years of blood, sweat and tears mixed with paint fumes.

He left Glasgow only eleven years ago making his acheivement even more impressive. It was interesting to hear him speak about the production side of the design business, something I think young designers forget about, he discussed how he learnt about budgeting and business plans and how even to this day each season is a struggle. There are only four people evolved in his design process, one of which is Tammy. I was interested to learn that they do not buy any fabric off the peg, every piece is designed, made and patented by them and everything is based in the UK including the manufacturing of all their garments.

He spoke a lot about Tammy and her talents as well as their close family bond, something he says is crucial to his productivity. Growing up surrounded by strong, encouraging women is something Kane says helped him achieve his dream.

Kane then went on to talk about his experiences working with Donatella Versace and his shock and bewilderment when first being asked to work for her. He spoke of her fondly and even revealed she can now speak ‘Scottish’ thanks to him...though he can still not speak any Italian. Kane’s main piece of advice from his experiences was that 'if you are driven, you can go places' which was very positive coming from an industry that is constantly reminding us as students how difficult it is to cut it in the business. This was also what he emphasised when talking about interns; they have to be good and work hard. The subject of interns was raised by a member of the audience and it is a very current subject as many believe interns are exploited, but Kane though agreeing they are used highlighted that it is invaluable experience.

Sarah living the dream!

Colin then asked the question that we were all thinking "Do you have a life?" After all Kane does produce ten collections a year. But he assures us he finds time for fun, telling us about his chill time in Paris and how he loves nothing more than reading a gossip magazine over some poached eggs-this is all he can cook. When asked about the future Kane was unspecific mainly due to that fact that he is very happy at the moment. He did say however that film and theatre was something he would love to explore if timings and work suited.

I think what came across in the interview was Kane’s quiet self confidence in his own work. Working with a tight group around him in a very private environment has allowed him to really develop his creativity and business. The sky truly is the limit for Kane, though he did confess that he needs to fully conquer his fear of flying first.

After the talk we stayed and were lucky enough to meet him on his way out, he was more than happy to chat and take pictures even asking us if his talk was ok, to which we gushed our approval.

Jaggy Nettle

Last week we were treated to a guest lecture from the owner of cashmere label Jaggy Nettle. Jaggy Nettle is a family owned business based in the Borders of Scotland. It was interesting to learn about the development of their label as well as being a reminder of the exciting things going on in Scottish Fashion (people get so focused on London).

The label is mainly based on Scottish cashmere though has a sister label Jaggy Nettle Japan which focuses on Japanese style salvage denim. What makes their cashmere company so unique is that they print directly onto the cashmere. They have developed this method over 15 years and it is a totally unique but difficult process. This method has opened many doors for experiments and designs with their jumpers- garments that were once thought of as for the older generations who like traditional and dare I say old fashioned styles cashmere companies have become accustomed to producing.

The garments are knit in the mill in Hawick then individually printed using a process of direct screen print before being sewn into the final garment. All pieces are individually checked and signed off to assure perfection.

Many may view cashmere as being something for a more mature market but no, Jaggy Nettle's designs are fresh and young perfect for young professionals with money to spend on something fun and different.

At the beginning of our lecturer it was made clear to us that Jaggy Nettle are very much against conventional forms of marketing, this is what I found very interesting about their success. Slowly but definitely surely Jaggy Nettle have built their brand and I predict they will shortly really take off as there has been a huge move recently back to 'Made in Britain' quality fashion, something that this brand embodies.

With a reputation for quality Jaggy Nettle work with the likes of Johnson of Elgin and Harris Tweed on some beautiful pieces for a younger market, and they appeal to this market through their choice of designs.

Jaggy Nettle has worked with Faber&Faber theLondon based publishing company. They had full access to their achieve and have used designs and typefaces from famous books and plays to develop ideas for their jumpers- genius! Though what I found truly genius what how they used this project as a platform to launch their small unknown label by teaming up with a world famous company (also using their marketing/PR team and industry name to secure publicity) Everyone wins.

I am still dreaming about their SLAG jumper, aw so chic, though at around £400 it is slightly out of my price range.

Jaggy Nettle has some really exciting projects in the pipeline; include the new MADE IN GREY BRITIAN campaign and a WWF collaboration that will hopefully see Jaggy Nettle become an internationally known brand. WWF was interested to collaborate to help raise awareness of the problems that the growing demand for cheap cashmere on the high street is having on endangered species such as snow tigers (their natural habitat is being used to farm goats). They explained to us how important it was for their brand to support these charities but more importantly how having a back story like this really helps them to market the products. People have grown tired of being told what to wear and why but a story to the product catches people’s attention and creates interest in the brand and therefore the product. A lot learnt for a Monday morning!

All images taken directly from Website.

At the end of the lecture we are given a chance to view some of the products which were all beautiful! They are all on Jaggy Nettles website so why not have a look- http://www.jaggynettle.com/ Women's, men's, accessories and home wear available.





'Let the Gala see the Girls'

Last night the Student Union saw a bit more glamour than the average Thursday night galavant, as it played host to a 'Take Me Out' fundraiser. Twenty hopeful ladies took to the stage to compete to win a date with one of our 5 strapping young men...well brave but desperate singletons.

It was a hilarious evening and celebration was definitely in the air. Not only was this one of the first big events held in the newly transformed Union but we were also celebrating the recent news that Heriot-Watt Union has won Union of the year. The event was hosted by Katie Barr out SBC Union President and once again she did not let us down.




The bar was buzzing with terrified contestants desperately trying to drink away the butterflies, as well as the excited audience who enjoyed the complimentary cupcakes and trying out the new sofa area in the union.

Four out of the five men from the evening successfully got a date with one chickening out at the break...poor soul. The crowd were kept laughing by comedian host and all involved fully embraced the game; cringey one-liners and all. The rejected girls seemed unfazed as they clattered out of the union to hit the tiles once the event ended and I think all would agree the night was a success.

Dancing with Dior

All afternoon I have been patiently waiting to see the Dior collection and after viewing the first pictures from vogue.com it was worth the wait.

After the scandal surrounding the house it is no surprise that the industry held their breath in anticipation for what was Bill Gaytten second collection as head of Dior.

The collection was nothing short of breath taking with the famous Dior cuts married beautifully with soft ballerina silhouettes. Now I will be honest in saying usually I am not a fan of the pastel pallet but Gaytten has converted me with these soft pastels; more dusty that sweet. With purples, duck eggs, salmon and greys taking priority the garments encaptured the 'feminine strength' Dior do so well.

With nipped in wastes and full pleated skirts the collection flowed seamlessly from the embroidered blouses and knitted capes to the pattern midis and flowing gowns. The curved silhouettes that seems to be so popular this season also brought a freshness to the traditional ballerina shapes and the flashed of leather assured the collection still had an element of edge.

The collection ended with a set of gowns only Dior can do, with my particular favourite being the long sleeved raspberry dress. With a few big names moving houses after this season the fate of Dior is still unknown but I don't think we need to panic after this collection. Gaytten I salute you! 

I love the panel effect of this look and I am a huge fan of the oh so feminine 3/4 sleeve.

With so many patterns around this season it is easy to go crossed eyed, but this is definitely a favourite

The wrapped knit is beautiful here with the v neck and draping...satisfying the prima ballerina inside us all

Probably one of the strongest pallets in the collection only with the use of this 'rounded femininity'

I <3 navy

Please mummy can I take this home??

'Hot Scot' Exhibition

 

Last week I finally got a chance to visit the Portrait Gallery after its recent face lift and I was impressed. I have always loved the galleries in Edinburgh and I would definitely recommend a visit. I went with a group of girl friends who all study fashion and some fashion photography specifically so it was no surprise that the two exhibitions we were most looking forward to were 'The Hot Scot' exhibition and the 'Romantic Camera' exhibition both of which have been open since December and will be until June.

'The Hot Scot' exhibition features the current stars of Scottish culture from Devid Tennent to John Kitchin in a series of portraits. I was especially looking forward to seeing the portraits by Albert Watson one of my favourite Scottish fashion photographers.

If I am honest I was slightly disappointed as I expected a larger collection but it was still very interesting to see. For such a small collection there was plenty of variety in portrait style; some had a 'watercolour painting' like appearance which I do not really like when it comes to photographs, I prefer a more lifelike portraits though my favourite was the picture of John Byrne the artist and director as it was realistic, showing deep emotion while still showing theatrical elements in his pose and appearance.

The second exhibition was the Romantic camera exhibition, a series of large scale photographs in the style of the Romantic era. Familiar scenes like Glencoe were featured and although not all beautiful they were impressive. It is always interesting to see the different ways of using photography as a medium especially when I am constantly bombarded with fashion it is nice to be reminded of other forms (though let’s be honest nothing beats fashion photography).

The galley itself has a lot to see and worth a visit even just to take in the atmosphere of the new space.

(All images sourced from Google images)

Spring in my Step

Today was the 1^st of March and although Scotland may still experience snow in the coming weeks, in my books it is officially spring. I for one cannot wait for warmer temperatures and in celebration of the milder season I even went barefoot in pumps today.

Perhaps the real reason behind this year’s excitement is these beautiful Marc Jacobs sandals; so pretty I am even wearing them as I blog in my pyjamas. Rescued from a charity shop I have been waiting for the rain to stop long enough for me to wear them out. Even though they are green canvas, both a difficult colour and somewhat impractical material in our Northern climate, I love them. With a tennis white stripe and open toe they might just be this summer’s obsession.

FOR THE LOVE OF...fashion comms!

 
I feel I have very much been neglecting my blog...in fact every part of my life other than University for the past two months. I hope however that this will change as my fashion comms magazine is finished! On Monday we present our final magazine to our tutor along with Hywel Davis and I am excited and slightly terrified to hear their thoughts. Therefore I feel it is important to use the little time left to feel proud of what my group and I have achieved in case we are ripped apart during our presentation...

Our magazine L is designed in the style of ELLE and is a fashion magazine based in the borders and is targeted at all women over several generations, like ELLE. We chose the theme 'Liberty' taking inspiration from the story of Eve. This is the first of what I am sure will be many magazine projects and I have learnt a lot in the last 5 weeks. Not only can I now use indesign (Horrrahh!!), I also feel I have learnt a lot about the areas of comms that I enjoy. Though I love photography I definitely think the writing, editing and perhaps PR and advertising will be the road for me?? However it is still early days and I am just enjoying working with the people here, while doing something I really love.

So here it is...after many hours in the CAD lab and more than a few late nights studying Elle we have our magazine! Have a look and let me know what you think.