This seasons up-and-coming trendsetters

Fashion is constantly developing and changing, from mainstream high-street trends to the weird and wonderful collections that designers showcase each season. But how do we determine what is fashionable? Who decides what tailoring, prints, colours and materials are this year’s big thing? Fashion cannot simply be explained as clothing but as a statement.

Images: Chloe Fergurson
Graphic created by myself 

As an individual you choose what you want to wear and how you want to wear it, even if you say you don’t care about fashion and don’t dress to make a statement, you are ironically making a statement (that you don’t care about fashion). Most pay attention to fashion in small doses, keeping their wardrobes up to date by indulging in a few trends each season. Others use fashion as a way of expression, a source of creativity and an insight into their individuality. It is a language which tells a story about the person who wears it.

We are constantly being bombarded with new fashion ideas influenced from music, television, social networking sites and blogs. The media plays a significant role when it comes to fashion, creating a major outlet for spreading trends and fashion tips that are extremely accessible to a mass audience, impacting on what people will choose to wear.

The trend setters of this generation actively rebel against what is classed as the ‘normal’, they want to create an edge, a unique quirkiness that is not plastered on every magazine, shop window and mannequin.

London is known as one of the fashion capitals of the world, hoarding groups of men and women that elude a certain taste and authority amongst the catwalks, individuals of wealth and position that all worship Haute Couture. Forget the divas of Bond Street and take a closer look into the studio flats and university workshops that are bursting with innovative and unconventional fashion students.

After talking to Chloe Fergurson, a student studying fashion textiles at Middlesex University it was clear to see how anything and everything inspired her. We all know inspiration comes and goes; it can come from anywhere and flow for any amount of time, it is important to grab that inspiration and use it as a starting point.  Exploring different cultures, ethnicities and places are just some of the ways to get inspired, Chloe explains how Indian embellishment, vice documentary’s, fetish wear, erotic photography, the revival of the 80’s and the buzz of London club nights all influence her designs. “I have fashion shows, music gigs and art galleries on my doorstep, I am incredibly lucky to live here, everywhere I go I am inspired by so many different things.”

Images:Chloe Fergurson
Graphic created by myself

Fashion has almost nothing to do with good taste. The clothes that are presented at fashion shows are often exaggerations of a theme and are outrageously designed to create a reaction. Fashion tastes are broad; it is the individual that chooses what they want to wear. Chloe believes that “the night truly brings out peoples more creative side. I myself can dress completely differently; one night I can boarder dominatrix dripping with PVC, the next a glitter explosion Most of the time I  look like a slob in a big merge of black, as if I’m off to a funeral.”

As an aspiring designer Chloe often plays around and experiments with various materials, styles and colours. She recently modelled a collection made entirely out of string, military camouflage material, denim and studs. “The best thing about studying fashion is that we can make the most amazing fabrics, to construct a garment to wear is one of the biggest achievements, it is a one off, and no-one else will ever wear the same garment as you.”

Fashion will never stop, it is constantly evolving. Designers will always strive to be the most original, the most ostentatious; they will push to be at the top of the fashion chain making the industry so competitive. To create a cutting edge trend you have to push the boundaries and explore beyond the normal, the clothes have to grab media and consumer interest as well portraying an artistic expression. Chloe knows all too well about being in the industry, “It is all part of working in fashion, you have to be tough and push your ideas forwards, to get your name known you have to be competitive. It is about being in an environment that is so competitive that it forces you to push yourself every minute, every hour, and every day of the week”.

Spring Beauty Trends

It’s that time again; spring is here bringing with it brand new beauty trends, this season it’s all about re-vamping the look by making a powerful statement.

This year London fashion week was dominated with matte lips, bejewelled eyes and 60’s inspired lashes to compliment the designers fashion collections that strutted down the runways.

Amongst the myriad of beauty trends on the runway, three key trends stood out to Absolute:ly, here we take you through the steps on how to achieve these looks and what products work best for you, this spring there is something for everyone.

The red lip has always been a classic, timeless and powerful its reinvention has been significantly noticed at the likes of Prada, Missoni, Jonathon Saunders and Paul Smith. This spring a pop of colour on the lips is the key to brightening up a look, whether it’s fuchsia, coral, scarlet or cherry the only way to wear these bright colours is if its matte. To accentuate this look keep the rest of the face extremely natural, opt for a powered matte finish on the skin with a hint of blush to emphasise cheekbones. To keep the look neutral tone down the eyes, add a single sweep of mascara to open up the lashes and keep the rest of the face fresh. To achieve that vibrant jolt of colour, it is important to first choose the right shade that compliments your complexion, on our model we have gone for the classic power red as it suits her fair skin, blue eyes and blonde hair. Secondly prepare the lips, apply a colourless lip balm that will moisturise the lip making it easier to apply the lipstick, use a small brush to exfoliate and buff any dead skin off the lip area. Use a lip liner pencil to outline the outer most part of the lip which will accentuate the shape of the mouth, making the lips look bigger and fuller. Finally match the lip liner to the shade of lipstick, use a lipstick brush to apply the colour making sure the lips are fully covered and even. To keep the look fresh dab a small amount of colour stay gloss to stop the lipstick smudging.

Graphic created by myself

A Mediterranean influence has swept over catwalks this spring as makeup artists dabbed their brushes into shades of vibrant aqua, turquoise, jade and midnight blues. Designers such as Gucci, Versus, Stella McCartney and Fendi all embraced this dramatic trend as their models sashayed up and down the runway creating a bold impact. This look is fantastic for evening wear, re-vamping the smoky eye with a shot of colour that screams sexy, chic and sophisticated it will create that perfect statement glamour. To keep the eyes as the main feature, it is important to tone down the rest of the face. Use a matte foundation to create a flawless base, apply evenly with a brush. To cover any dark areas, spots or marks use a matt based concealer and apply on top of the foundation, finish with a powder to stop the face from becoming shiny or oily. Accentuate cheek bones with a powder based blush; opt for a natural pink to create a subtle glow. To create focus on the eyes, start with a matte white on the base of the eyelid to lighten the eye, using a brush apply the chosen shade of blue halfway across the base, getting darker towards the outer section of the eyelid. Blend using a smaller brush to create a smooth, even finish. To add impact on the eyes apply lashings of mascara, accentuating the lashes upwards and outwards, to emphasise the shape of the eyes apply a liquid based eyeliner across the base and top of the lashes. For definition use a brown brow pencil to fill and darken the eyebrows, following the natural shape of the brows, to finish use a brow gel to stop the pencil from smudging. Use a natural shade of pink to finish off the lips, keeping them simple and pretty.

Graphic created by myself

The sixties has become one of the biggest influences this spring with designers such as Marc Jacobs setting the trend at New-York fashion week. Eyeliner, fake lashes and big brows are all back for the perfect doll face look. This year designers such as Thierry Mugler and Miu-Miu have re-invented the retro flick, using a liquid gel to create a tight outline along the base of the lashes with a prominent flick at the outer rim to create a ‘cat-eyed’ shape. Other designers have gone for an all-out sixties look such as Chanel, using a platinum based eye-shadow with a slick of jet black eyeliner to create a bold contrasting look. The sixties is fun, flirty and retro, suited for a night time look it will create a bold and quirky edge to your makeup that is bound to make you stand out from the crowd. For the perfect doll face effect, keep the foundation flawless, use a matt based liquid to even out skin tone and cover any imperfections. Use a matt based concealer over the foundation to cover any spots, marks or dark areas under the eyes, to accentuate cheekbones use a high shine illuminator to add definition to the face. Use a bronzer for a more defined look along the cheekbones that will also add a touch of shimmer and colour to the cheeks. To emphasise the eyes use a platinum based eye-shadow across the whole of the lid, apply a liquid based gel across the top lash line to accentuate the shape of the eyes. Apply liquid eyeliner to the bottom lash line for a wide-eyed open look. For a dramatic effect, apply false eyelashes over the liquid eyeliner to create a “wow” effect, although false eyelashes can look heavy when applied properly it can produce a glamorous and sexy look. Define the brows with an eye brow pencil; overfill the brows to create a large, thick brow that will create shape in the face. Use a brow gel to stop the pencil from smudging which will also keep the eyebrow hairs in place. Use a natural peach colour for the lips, apply a small coat of lip-gloss to add shine to the lips for the perfect pout. 

Graphic created by myself

All three looks were created by professional make-up artist Agatha Biase

Features - Spring Trends 2013

With Spring around the corner, it is essential to know what the designers have in store for us whether its prints, colours, textures or cuts, Absolute:ly are here to cover all your fashion needs for this season.

Hitting the catwalks this season, designers showed audiences a range of styles and key pieces incorporating monochromes, floral patterns, pastel colours, statement pieces and oriental inspired prints.

One of the first looks to return to the catwalk during London’s fashion week was monochrome; simple, elegant and yet timeless it is one of spring’s key trends to look out for. Monochrome is back due to its versatility and the ability to wear it head to toe without looking outdated. The catwalk boasted stripes, oversized checks with clean cut lines and smart tailoring keeping the look slightly androgynous yet beautifully chic. Chanel, Chloe and Louis Vuitton set the trend at Paris, opting for smart cropped jackets and tailored trousers all sporting black and white graphics. American designer Mark Jacobs also followed suit in New-York where he focused on bold monochrome prints, striking geometric patterns and 60’s inspired tailored pieces. One of the key items to invest in this spring is a white blouse, endlessly chic it can be worn with anything and never goes out of style. For an on trend look, pair with a black and white check trouser and add a crop jacket.

Whoever said embellishment is only for parties, think again. This year designers have gone mad for sequins, sparkles and iridescent materials using mirrors and fractured light as inspiration for their collections. The catwalk shone as Alberta Ferretti, Anne Valerie Hash and Louis Vuitton showcased their pieces incorporating statement styles such as pencil skirts and cropped tops. The pencil skirt is a key item for spring, elongating legs and cinching in at the waist it creates an elegant outline whilst embellishment keeps the look modern. Combine with a crop top if you’re feeling more daring or for the more demure pair with an oversized sheer top to add balance to the look. Bold, flattering and individual, don’t be afraid to mix up textures and shades, mix and match metallic with sequins and play around with tailoring, embellishment is all about experimenting and  seeing what works for you.

Inspired from Japan and showcased throughout London, Paris and New-York fashion week, oriental became a big hit as origami shapes, kimonos and silk inspired prints sashayed down the catwalk. Traditional Eastern prints with hints of Hanoi, Beijing and Tokyo were incorporated into designer’s collections who balanced traditional Asian dress with a Western spin. Prada, Emilio Pucci and Lanvin all used big, eye catching prints adorned with fire dragons, lotus flowers and hibiscus motifs creating a beautiful mix of patterns, colours and textures. Kimono inspired dresses, silk shirts and cropped trousers were a few of the key pieces to feature in the collection with simple tailoring, flowing fabrics and straight cut shapes it is easy to see why oriental is a top trend to follow.

Floral is a favourite when it comes to spring, and Milan, Paris and London catwalks were not to miss out when it came to this trend. Soft floral watercolour prints were one of the most popular designs to showcase this season, inspired by pastel shades, loose shapes and fresh spring flower patterns. The shift dress is a most have this spring, with straight cut seams that skim over hips and short hemlines that end mid-thigh; it’s a fun, flirty and frivolous statement that goes hand in hand with the season’s most popular print. To elongate legs add wedges in a contrasting pastel shade to duplicate this look straight off the catwalk. Whether it was sweet and girly or graphic and bold, floral was everywhere with designers such as Prada and Holly Fulton incorporating huge 3D blooms into their designs, adding a quirky and modern twist to their collections.

Bold, bright and making the biggest impression this year was orange, a key colour for spring 2013. Designers such as Matthew Williamson, Missoni, No 21 and David Koma all incorporated the colour in varying shades and tones in their collections. Often teamed with white to create a vivid contrast it was not one to miss, as shirts, palazzo trousers and tailored shorts all strutted elegantly down the runway creating a sophisticated yet passionate look. Teamed with silk scarves, gold accessories and brown leather it is the perfect daytime outfit that flatters and screams elegance.

Features - Valentines Day

When February 14^th rolls around each year, some let out a sigh of relief and others a sigh of dread, yep that’s right; it’s time to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Many celebrate in different ways, some see the event as an excuse for a party and others treasure it as a special date to share with their loved one.

Student Unions across the UK have seen the hype Valentines brings, regarding it as one of the biggest and most anticipated dates of the year, an occasion that all students can get involved in whether it’s a club night, Valentines ball or themed party.

Looking around the country we have found that some student unions have kept a traditional feel to their events, with universities such as Warwick hosting a “Sweet Surprise” that caters to your Valentine’s needs. This delivery service offers roses, chocolates, gifts and even singers and dancers that you can surprise your loved one with.

Alongside Warwick, York is also keeping a classical touch to their event, entertaining their students with the ultimate Valentine’s Day Ball, complete with a live jazz band, chocolate fondue, free roses and valentine’s games.

Other universities, however have created a more modern spin to their events with celebrities promoting club nights and parties. In the north, Leeds is holding a Take Me Out night; taken from the TV show it gives students a chance to win a dream date. Hosted by Zoe Hardman, Charlie King and Samuel Robertson, these celebs are all known for appearing in popular TV shows and are bound to entice a big audience.

Colchester student union have also bagged Radio 1 star Jameela Jamil to DJ for their club night, playing the hottest tunes to accompany games, blind dates and flirting sessions.

Moving towards the south, student unions such as Exeter and Southampton have taken a more practical yet fun approach to Valentines, holding auctions to bid for Exeter’s finest contenders whilst Southampton hosts a speed dating night providing the perfect opportunity to meet new people.

As you can see the UKs unions are bursting with events, perfect for couples but also for singletons, providing a night of fun, romance and matchmaking, leaving no excuse for any student to be left home alone.