'Snapped' at the National Portrait Gallery

Friday night saw the Fashion crowd pour in to the National Portrait Gallery for the Late Shift tour of Snapped: A celebration of fashion, beauty and diversity. The event was curated in partnership with All Walks Beyond the Catwalk's Erin O'Connor and Caryn Franklin, who posed the question: 'Has fashion become the lens through which we evaluate identity?' Which was heavily debated on the night by model Erin and Elle magazine editor Lorraine Candy.
Tickets to see the talk sold out in record time and unfortunately we were one of the unlucky ones, however there was still lots to see and do. There diverse portraits by Rankin dotted around whilst the models who posed for them mingled with the crowd.
Female DJ's the Work It Girls were there to get everyone in the mood for Friday night as they played some of our favourite tracks by Jay-Z, Missy Elliot, Pharrell and People Everyday. (We LOVE a bit of old school hip-hop) as we were treated to a special secret recipe 'Fashion Fix Cocktail' that just tasted of Summer, and Fashion Photographer Alistair Guy was there shooting those who had been 'spotted' on the night to be featured in i-D online.

As well as all the special events taking place, we also had free reign to explore the rest of the gallery. Frankie was happy to stumble across drawings by Illustrator Michael Langley exclaiming "This is right up my street"
Whilst I want the portrait of Anna Wintour by Alex Katz (2009) on my living room wall.

However the one that shocked us most, was the 'Head of Isabella Blow' by Tim Noble and Sue Webster, a mix of a crow, a mouse, a shoe and other everyday objects that when the spotlight shined, the shadow reflected the outline shape of Blows face.

It was a great night, and the late shift tours are the perfect time to visit, it's a great idea holding events for people to socialise and see the gallery too as we know for sure, you don't always get the time to visit as often as you should.

Fashion Fix Cocktail - Yummy. 

Portrait of Anna Wintour by Alex Katz 2009 - Oil on Linen. 

Head of Isabella Blow by Tim Noble and Sue Webster 

Bubble-butted, Grapefurit-titted, Bloated-mouthed, Cyber-bitches!

'Women have turned themselves into these bubble-butted, grapefruit-titted, bloated mouthed cyberbitches. I'm just not into that'

I came across this Tom Ford quote from January's issue of Harpers Bazaar and not only did  I find myself totally agreeing with him, it made me laugh out loud too. It reminded me of how great his work really is. 

I always have loved his advertising campaigns, even though they are a little sexist, yet I think the women in them always look powerful, in-control and bloody amazing!!! 

Here are a few reminders why;

Fashion Illustrations by Frankie

Here are just a few drawings and pieces of work by Frankie; 

Little sisters photography

My younger Sister has recently taken up photography as one of her A-level subjects, starting at AS-Level. She bought a Nikon D60 SLR to take her photographs with, and together we have been having lots of fun taking pictures together, and it is usually me in front of the camera.

For her first project she received an A, and I would like to think that it is my contributions that have helped, however, she would never agree.
In the first project she had a free run of what she shot and the style of it, now for the second the theme is advertising.
Here are some of my favourite from the first project and a few fun ones.

JC x

Fashion Antidote to January Blues

Christmas is officially over, everyone is back at work and most have probably broke their New Years resolutions already. It's a fact that January is depressing, (even if it is my birthday month).

Usually the first to suffer with January blues, I am feeling surprisingly upbeat at the moment. A very chilled and quiet Christmas and New Year has left me ready and prepared for all the challenges this year has, and what better way to start than a new job.

Finishing my internship at Dune Press Office before the holidays, I have now started a new placement at Fashion Antidote a fashion school based in Brick Lane, it is run by Susan Backhouse, previously a fashion designer herself, Susan's collections were sold in Harvey Nichols, Liberty, Topshop and Macy's, so she know's what she is talking about. Course's include; Learn to Sew, Illustration, Design and Fashion Business.
My role is in PR & Marketing of the business as Susan wishes to expand, with idea's such as Fashion Holidays to Ibiza watch this space.

JC

Baby it's cold outside

Is it just me or does anyone else find it extremely difficult to dress for this cold weather and try to have a little bit of style at the same time as keeping warm?

I am not really one for big heavy coats or jackets, so have been relying on layers upon layers of chunky knits to do the job. Luckily for me, there is lots about, and I especially love the fair isle or alpine print that is every where this season thanks to D&G.

Yes, everyone is cold, and sick and tired of the snow and minus degree temperatures now, but there is still beauty and something quite magical about it all. 

Company's Fashion Party

Last Monday Company magazine held a fabulous party to celebrate it's Fashion Awards as featured in the December issue. 

Held at an amazing venue, on the 28th floor of Milllbank Tower,  Altitude 360, guests had a birds eye view of the whole of London lit up on a clear December night. 

Beautiful. 

There were speeches from Publishing Director Meribeth Parker and Editor Victoria White, as well as a live performance from Pete Lawrie and a DJ set by Disco Bloodbath, whislt presenter and Company columnist Gemma Cairney interviewed guests, including the BNTM finalists. 

Not forgetting the gorgeous Malibu and Martini Cocktails and brilliant goody bags! 

Myself, Leon from iundereye.blogspot.com and Gary

Amazing views of London 

Editor Victoria White with the BNTM girls