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I am in love with everything about the Chanel Spring 2017 Couture collection

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Analysis of Fantastic Man magazine

The target audience for Fantastic Man magazine are intelligent and educated men who are interested in the world around them. The readers have an enthusiasm for refinement and functionality and this is portrayed within the aesthetic of the magazine as it has a very minimal design and layout. The median age of a Fantastic Man reader is 34 years and therefore the content within the magazine is tailored to interest this age range.

The cover for the Autumn / Winter issue of Fantastic Man features Demna Gvaslia, a Georgian fashion designer who is currently the creative director for Balenciaga and head designer at Vetements. The cover is very minimal and doesn't include a lot of wording making the image the main focal point of the cover. The photograph doesn't fill the whole front cover like many magazine publications do, instead it is situated in the middle and is framed with white space. At the bottom of the cover it states who the cover features giving a a glimpse of the content within the magazine. I really like the style of the magazine cover as it is unique.

Fantastic Man’s masthead consists of two pages and includes a description of the cover, stating the photographer and when and where the shoot took place. It also gives contact details for the Fantastic Man offices, advertising enquires and international distribution. Fantastic Man’s team is made up of 16 people however there is a section highlighting contributing writers, photographers and stylists. Also highlighted on the masthead there is a paragraph welcoming a new magazine and the curator is featured in Fantastic Man.

In this issue the contents page is spread across three pages and broken up into three different sections; the start, stories and styles. There is a paragraph describing what each section is about giving you an insight of the magazine contents. Every headline is in block capitals making them stand out however the headlines are usually only word and doesn't inform what each article is about.

There are a wide range of features within this issue as the magazine incorporates profiles of men in art, fashion, media, music, theatre and virtual nightclubbery. The style section showcases ways of dressing for the coming season, ensuring that the magazine is contemporaneous. Cover model Demna Gvaslia is featured on a twelve page spread which is simply titled ‘Demna’ which represents the minimal style of the magazine. The main focus of these features is to cover personal profiles of people that the target audience would be interested in. The tone and language of the features is formal and serious, emphasising facts and information and a short descriptive paragraph is used to describe what the model is wearing within the style section.

The advertisements within Fantastic Man mainly focus on menswear brands due to the target audience of the magazine. The majority of the advertisements are luxury brands, with the more prestige brands situated at the beginning of the magazine. The type of brands are advertised as it links with the target audience.

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Calvin Klein Partners With Justin Bieber for Purpose Tour

A current famous celebrity endorser is Justin Bieber for Calvin Klein. Justin Bieber was announced the new face of Calvin Klein in 2015 where he featured in the brand’s Spring 2015 ad campaign alongside Lara Stone. There was a lot of dividing opinions on the ad campaign by consumers as Justin Bieber is seen as a rather controversial celebrity with people either liking him or not; however, it is evident that Justin Bieber captures Calvin Klein’s identity successfully as it showcases a youthful image to the brand. Melissa Goldie, Chief Marketing Officer of Calvin Klein, Inc. said: " Justin's global recognition, expressed affinity for the brand, and powerful persona bring a compelling energy to our jeans and underwear brands” (Ltd, 2016) and this successfully uses the celebrity endorser to impact the fashion brands identity. 

Justin Bieber also unveiled the Spring 2016 underwear ads alongside Kendall Jenner and many other famous stars including FKA Twigs and Kendrick Lamar and this time used the hashtag #mycalvins creating a global trend where consumers can interact with the brand. 

Calvin Klein’s partnership with Justin Bieber expanded as Calvin Klein announced that the brand would be the exclusive apparel partner of the North American and European leg of the tour. (Bahou, 2016) After attending the Purpose Tour myself, whilst waiting for Justin Bieber to arrive on stage, clips featuring Justin Bieber from the new Spring 2016 advertising campaign were played showing Justin Bieber stripped down to his Calvins and the hashtag #mycalvins also featured yet again. The video caught the attention of the consumers attending the tour creating huge consumer brand awareness.

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Academic research

I recently came across an interesting fashion journal called ‘Fashion and Ethics Critical Studies in Fashion and Beauty, Volume II’ which talks about how Fashion and Ethics focuses on issues of power, social positioning, and practices among creators, producers, practitioners, wearers, and consumers of fashion. With a special emphasis on the moral fabric of clothing, contributors to the book offer a critique of some of the fundamental assumptions of ethical fashion and expose how products are often framed as fair trade in order to relieve consumers’ guilt. (Tseëlon, 2010)

This book was hugely influential due to the broad range of research and information about the power of fashion ethics and how deep ethical fashion challenges unethical behaviour. The journal really enlightened me on how ethical fashion changes our attitudes as consumers, reflecting on the way we shop and see fashion. The academic journal allows you to weigh the different approaches that you can view ethical fashion and become ethically conscious. 

Tseëlon, E. (2010) Intellect Ltd. Available at: http://www.intellectbooks.co.uk/books/view-Book,id=5065/ (Accessed: 8 November 2016).

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Street style

Street style is something that really influences me and can be seen wherever you go. Whenever I go anywhere I can't help but absorb what everyone is wearing and admire people’s outfits, whether I am sat at the train station or attending Graduate Fashion Week. The amount of inspiration you can achieve just by taking notice of people around you is extensive.

For people who love fashion, styling is all about putting together outfits and trying out new trends because it is fun to share your enthusiasm for fashion with those that appreciate it. Street style has become incredibly viral as the rise of fashion bloggers showcase their own street style daily, making it instantly broadcasted.

Many people cite Bill Cunningham as the first democratic street-style photographer. Starting in 1978 in the NYT, he snapped candid photographs of people on the street and found trends among them, focusing on diverse backgrounds. (Wang, 2012)

Street style has becoming increasingly more publicised at major fashion events; such as, London Fashion Week. Surrounding the venues, photographers gather trying to capture the best street style which then get published in various different publications. In this modern age, street style influences designers and fashion enthusiasts just as much as runway collections and fashion advertisements. 

Wang, C. (2012) Has street style jumped the shark? Available at: http://www.refinery29.com/street-style-history#slide-1 (Accessed: 8 November 2016).

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Life of a Fashion Blogger

In today’s society, bloggers have a huge influence on the fashion industry. Bloggers are no longer just simply running their own personal sites but have now delved deeper into starring in campaigns, commercials and in magazine publications. With the rise of social media, it allows bloggers to really succeed in running their own business.

I recently came across an article from Harper’s Bazaar magazine where Marianna Hewitt, of LifeWithMe.com, explored the fascinating world of fashion bloggers and what are the most common ways that bloggers make money. 

One of the most common ways that a blogger can build a successful blog is through sponsored content. By promoting a brand through a wide range of social media outlets it allows you to create important connections within the industry whilst also staying relevant. Bloggers often participate in collaborations with other brands or bloggers that have similar style aesthetic as it allows you to communicate with a different audience, potentially boosting followers and awareness.

Another way of becoming a successful blogger and making money out of blogging is through marketing campaigns. A good example of this is Clinique's current Face Forward campaign with Tavi Gevinson, Margaret Zhang and Hannah Bronfman. This allowed the bloggers to get recognition through the brand whilst gaining loyal followers.

It is clear to me that blogging has developed massively and is an important factor in the world of fashion. Companies and brands see bloggers as a style of creating awareness whilst building more campaigns for influencers.

You can visit Marianna Hewitt’s blog here: http://lifewithme.com

Hewitt, M. (2015) Exactly how do fashion Bloggers make money? Available at: http://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/features/a11902/how-do-fashion-bloggers-make-money/ (Accessed: 7 November 2016).

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Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2017 Ready-to-Wear Collection

Dolce & Gabbana’s runway collections never fail to amaze me! The luxury Italian fashion brand was founded in 1985 by Italian designers, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana and the Italian heritage is clearly expressed within their designs. I love the mix of simple patterns with embellished detailing as it makes the collection look royal and luxurious.

The runway itself portrayed Italian tropic with an overall holiday mood, reflected by the assemblage of palm trees at the start of the runway and the playful music that surrounded the catwalk. As the lights went down, the catwalk was flooded with rivers of dancing boys and girls looking just as they would at any Italian seaside disco in their own array of clothing.

Throughout the catwalk collection, heavily embellished jackets were displayed as well as dainty dresses decorated with an array of Italian iconography, referring back to the heritage. I really like the use of headwear within the runway show as, yet again, it showcases a sense of royalty. Overall, the Dolce & Gabbana runway collection was illuminated like a town of festivities, displaying fun and youth creating an absorbing and lavish collection.

You can view the beautiful collection here: http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2017-ready-to-wear/dolce-gabbana/slideshow/collection

Mower, S. (2016) Dolce & Gabbana spring 2017 ready-to-wear fashion show. Available at: http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2017-ready-to-wear/dolce-gabbana (Accessed: 7 November 2016).

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Autumn/Winter is definitely my favourite time of year, what's not to love about faux fur coats, over the knee boots and knitted jumpers?!

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My dream job and aspirations!

Ever since I can remember I have wanted to work in fashion and working at Vogue magazine has always been the dream! The fashion industry is forever developing and publications are at the heart of the industry, being one of the key ways in which new trends are broadcasted to the public.

I recently came across the Alexa Chung Future of Fashion documentaries in partnership with British Vogue, where Alexa Chung tries to uncover the depth of the industry and the huge variety of roles that go towards sending clothes down the catwalk season after season. 

After watching the Vogue Special edition episode where Alexa Chung goes behind the scenes of the fashion bible itself to examine just how to get a job at a magazine like British Vogue, it has made me more determined to make my dream a reality. 

You can watch the Future of Fashion documentaries on British Vogue’s Youtube by following this link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHlfmUA9UkXaN-Dzms_-80R4MkuG4Qz_n

A fashion education (2016) Available at: http://www.vogue.co.uk/gallery/best-fashion-documentaries (Accessed: 5 November 2016).

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Ethical fashion: H&M The Conscious Exclusive collection

Ethical fashion represents an approach to the design, sourcing and manufacture of clothing which maximises benefits to people and communities while minimising impact on the environment.

“If you describe something as ethical, you mean that it is morally right or morally acceptable.” Collins English Dictionary

H&M is a high street brand who has supported fashion ethics for many years and has a collection dedicated solely to sustainable fashion, The Conscious Exclusive collection. Everything from beadings and sequins to leather and silk is either recycled or organic, making it one of H&M’s greenest collections ever!

Inspiration for the collection is found in African, Indian and Japanese cultures, and strong prints and beautiful beadings are what makes the collection truly beautiful. The collection includes feminine silhouettes with dreamy and draped shapes focusing on a very neutral colour palette.

I would be more inclined to purchase from The Conscious Exclusive collection due to knowing that all fabrics and embellishments are sourced organically, making me feel better about what I am wearing. 

Harper, J. and Nivelo (2006) What is ethical fashion? Available at: https://www.ethicalfashionforum.com/the-issues/ethical-fashion (Accessed: 5 November 2016).

H&M life | inside H&M | get the inside scoop and the latest H&M news (2015) Available at: http://www.hm.com/us/magazine/culture/h-m-inside/2015/04/conscious-exclusive--the-story-behind-it (Accessed: 5 November 2016).

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InStyle UK to Close Print Edition

For this post, I decided to read some articles on the Business of Fashion and came across an interesting piece titled ‘InStyle UK to Close Print Edition’ that states Time Inc. will transform InStyle magazine into a digital platform rather than a print magazine due to the changing needs of its audience. 

“This is a very big ambitious-scale play around a brand that has got a really good reputation in this space. It is sad that the print is closing, but the opportunity for the future is huge and it is all about that innovation and particularly digital innovation that is what Time Inc. is really driving right now.” - Justine Southall, Time Inc. UK’s managing director, fashion and beauty.

Although the industry is forever changing and digital platforms are increasingly becoming more popular, I don't find that online publications have the same affect as a print magazine. For me, the feeling of reading a print publication is more meaningful than reading something online and a printed copy can also be seen as a collectable, I know I like to keep my magazines but maybe I’m just a hoarder! 

On the other hand, I think this will be an extensive change for the future of digital and print magazines and I am excited to see how this will influence the world of fashion publications. 

Fashion, L.H. (2016) InStyle UK to Close Print Edition. Available at: https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/news-analysis/instyle-uk-to-close-print-edition (Accessed: 24 October 2016).

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The Leather Jacket

The fashion industry is forever developing and changing meaning trends can quickly go out of fashion; however, sometimes a trend or garment can become a classic.

What is a classic? A classic is something that continuously stays within the fashion industry and has enduring passion, character and style which keeps on returning year after year. After conducting some secondary research using articles I found online, I found that a popular classic was the leather jacket and I decided to research further and look at the history of leather jackets to see how the garment has developed.

Leather jackets were first seen in the early 1900′s worn by aviators and members of the military, which was due to the heavy material which made them durable and warm. During the 1950′s leather jackets became increasingly popular with the younger generation as actor Marlon Brando was captured wearing a leather bomber; however, schools banned the ‘Brando look’ fearing it symbolises a rebellious youth culture. Throughout the 1970′s leather jackets were profoundly popular as this was the era of punk rockers. The jackets were given their own spin by adding studs, safety pins and plenty of attitude. In the 1990′s Kate Moss, a rising supermodel and style icon, was frequently seen wearing a leather jacket and still to this day can be captured wearing the classic garment. Today a leather jacket is a wardrobe staple and gives a feeling of edginess and cool rather than being purely for acting as armour. The leather jacket is at the forefront of celeb street style and can pass in any situation may it be casual or formal, I definitely know I’d be lost without my leather jacket!

Thanks to my secondary research I was able to enhance my knowledge on the history of the leather jacket by using online articles as well as looking at current magazines to see how popular leather jackets are within street style.

If I was to further develop my knowledge I would use primary evidence by taking my research to the streets and look for people who are wearing this classic trend to get their opinions on leather jackets and to also observe how people decide to style the classic garment.

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I am in love with the new Balmain Spring 2017 Collection as seen at Paris Fashion Week! Balmain showcased a softer and lighter runway show in contrast to the usual sharp, high embellished garments and the rich, deep colour palette sits perfectly together complementing the collection. 

View the full Balmain Spring 2017 collection from Paris Fashion Week: here.

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Why Fashion Communication?

Being able to work in the fashion industry has always been the dream for me, and my love for fashion developed at a young age. It all started after I watched The September Issue documentary and ever since I knew I wanted to work in the thrilling and ever-changing industry.

Fashion Communication has a huge influence within the industry and is reflected in the way we experience the world around us. Social media and web-based fashion coverage plays a monumental element in fashion and it is something I am immensely interested in. I find it captivating how a social media app can build so much coverage for a business just by posting a simple message online.

Fashion Communication is a broad programme giving me the opportunity to learn about a wide range of roles within industry. Interaction with industry allows me to gain professional and entrepreneurial skills which are vital. By looking at research, it allows myself to become socially aware and enhance my knowledge. I think the Delivery on Fashion Communication informs the learning experience as it allows you to be independent yet innovative. By using relevant software and technologies it allows you to gain experience within industry and by keeping the briefs up to date it lets you stay updated in the rapidly changing industry.

The uniqueness of Fashion Communication appeals to me as the commitment to student development ensures that I can achieve the best from the course, as academics will work closely to identify strengths and develop a skill set appropriate to my career path. By developing the skills I will learn on Fashion Communication and working with live projects, I hope that it will prepare me for an exciting career in the fashion industry.