Clothing and textile archives are fascinating places. Although, as a fashion historian, you might expect me to visit archives as part of my research, they're also very useful places for designers to look for inspiration. Even more so now that many museums have extensive online catalogues with images, available from anywhere in the world, but... Continue Reading →
Visiting exhibitions is one of my favourite things to do so, although this year has barely begun, I already have a list of must-see exhibitions for 2017. Going with a friend can give you lots to discuss, as they often share knowledge you don't have or perhaps spot some things you might have missed. Visiting... Continue Reading →
I wrote about my ongoing tattoo design idea on this blog five years ago. That roses concept has stuck with me for a very long time, and I revisited the idea last year when I graduated from my MA. I thought that would be a good point in time to mark, as it very much... Continue Reading →
I'll be the first to admit that it's been another quiet month here on Rarely Wears Lipstick. When running a blog alongside a full time job, life sometimes gets in the way of writing, but this isn't always a bad thing as I'm often filling my spare time with interesting fashion-related things. So... apart from... Continue Reading →
In a voice over at the beginning of the 1995 film Clueless, the character Cher Horowitz asks the audience, 'isn't my house classic?' She then goes on to explain that 'the columns date all the way back to 1972.' Although viewers may initially laugh at the seemingly naive implication that a twenty year old building... Continue Reading →
Back in July 2015, I visited the open studio event run by graduating students on the BA Fashion Contour course at London College of Fashion, which was where I first met Alice-Elizabeth Crozier, the woman behind new lingerie brand Alice Elizabeth Intimates. Her bondage-inspired lingerie is now available online in UK sizes 4-16 and bra... Continue Reading →
Last week I had the pleasure of attending the open studio event for this year's graduates of the BA (Hons) Fashion Contour course at London College of Fashion. I recently gave a talk to students on all years of this course about using social media (including blogs and bloggers!) to promote their work, so the... Continue Reading →
On Monday afternoon, I was lucky enough to get to see the London College of Fashion catwalk show, featuring the Class of 2015. Collections that were a result of collaborations between selected students on the womenswear, textiles, menswear, fashion design and development, contour, and jewellery courses showcased a brilliant combination of creativity and technical skill... Continue Reading →
Leather accessories have always fascinated me. Whether it's the luxurious feel of soft leather or the immaculate finish of a polished structured piece, I'm always amazed by what designers can do with this versatile material. Working at London College of Fashion has given me an insight into the processes and techniques that can be employed,... Continue Reading →
This is the last of three giveaways in May here on Rarely Wears Lipstick, with prizes from the lovely people at Who Made Your Pants. Each week, I'm focusing on a different aspect of their fantastic business. This week's theme: Design. It is extremely tricky to come up with the perfect pants design but, when... Continue Reading →