Goodbye LCS

Wednesday 25th of November drew an end to my journey at The London College of Style (LCS). It was a bitter sweet day, full of somber and celebration. In the three months I spent on the Foundation Personal and Editorial styling course,  I learnt and experienced so much. From dressing and attending shows at London Fashion week to the photo shoots, I looked forward to the excitement that came with every Wednesday spent with my fellow budding stylists and course directors; Wendy Elsmore and Dan Blake (http://www.danblake.com/). 

To celebrate our efforts and achievements the college hosted an exhibition to showcase our work from throughout the term. The night was full of inspiration and aspiration, with Portfolios and business cards displayed for family, friends and industry professionals to enjoy. 

I am going to miss so many aspects of being part of LCS but through my journey with the college hopefully this is just the beginning of my styling career. 

Cupcakes!!!

Kitty, Alice, Aimee and Max

Shoot 2- United we stand

For my second photo shoot at The London College of Style the theme was 'united we stand'. Inspired by the united colours of Benetton ad campaigns, the styling had to send a message about something political or controversial. I chose to focus on schizophrenia. I was particularly inspired by schizophrenic artist Bryan Charnley's self portrait series where he experimented with doses of his medication throughout the series. He experienced; paranoia, guilt, hallucinations, and explains feeling like people could hear his thoughts and like a target for peoples cruel remarks (http://imgur.com/gallery/QJIhK). His art is surreal and vibrant, though melancholy.

'The cards are no good that I'm holding unless they are from another world'

Through my imagery I wanted to represent how people with mental illnesses, particularly schizophrenia, feel isolated and helpless. I was also inspired by designer, Lucia Kelly's SS15 collection (http://showtime.arts.ac.uk/LuciaKelly) with its child like art on white garments. The metallic paint and glitter symbolise the chaotic mind of someone with schizophrenia and the bright colours represent how they feel like they stand out. The hair and make-up have a 'slept in' look, representing how getting up to face the world and self can be challenging for people with a mental illness, Additionally the poses portray how she feels introverted and isolated. People with mental illnesses often feel alone or like no one else understands what they are going through but with the right support system can live long, happy lives. 

Lucia Kelly SS15

I was lucky enough to work with photographer and fellow Aussie Leigh Keily (http://www.keily.co.uk/) whom is also the editor of JON magazine (http://www.jonmag.com/editorial/) and has photographed names such as; Liam Payne, David Gandy and James Van Der Beek. 

  

Top/Dress- Ragged Priest

Skirt- Lucia Kelly SS15

Belt/Bow- Lucia Kelly SS15

Tights- Lucia Kelly SS15

Shoes- Dune 

Earrings- Topshop

Assisting for A-magazine editorial

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of assisting Stylist Steven Spencer with a menswear shoot for Manchester based magazine, A-magazine (http://www.a-magazine.co.uk/). Steven Spencer has styled major ad campaigns for companies such as; Morrison's, Nike, New Balance, Nokia and McDonald's as well as styling editorials and celebrity clients (http://www.stevenspencerstyling.com/). The photographer was Danny Baldwin (http://www.dannybaldwin.com/) who has shot the A/W campaign for Diesel as well as numerous editorials in I-D, vogue UK and Q magazine. The shoot was for the Autumn/Winter issue of the magazine and focused on modern suiting for this holiday season. Featuring pieces mainly from Next and Topman, models Lucas Valerdi (https://models.com/models/lucas-valerdi) and Michael Morgan (https://models.com/models/michael-morgan) wore bright coloured and tartan suits, turtle neck jumpers and white trainers. We are very lucky to be offered these opportunities from The London College of Style, these experiences are very beneficial as working with industry professionals is the best way of learning, networking and becoming known in the the fashion industry. I hope that I will be lucky enough to work with Steven again as he is an amazing stylist and mentor.