Scottish Fashion Awards 2012

Well another year, and lots more of flourishing talent. Yes it is that time again, the Scottish Fashion Awards. Despite jumping ship to London, I always love to give Scottish based designers that extra bit of promotion as I believe the more backing and support there is out there, the stronger Scotland's fashion industry (and in turn, economy) can flourish.

The nominees have been announced for this year's Scottish Fashion Awards, and my what a line up! I've been privileged to have worked with a good few of the nominees in the run up to Dressed to Kilt and on shoots for the recently launched Modh magazine, produced by Scottish Textiles - you can find the recent copy of Modh here - http://issuu.com/textilesscotland/docs/modhmagazine-ss12 and get your own copy in association with Drapers magazine.

Not only the designs but the passion and motivation many Scottish designers have to get 'out there' and be noticed is astounding, particularly when faced with the competition down here in the Smoke. I have been a long supporter of Christoper Kane (a total God in my eyes), Holly Fulton (the prints WOW), Louise Gray (a fellow North East Scot) and Jonathan Saunders, and will undoubtedly do so for many years to come.

However, we must reflect and realise that these very well recognised, successful designers all started somewhere and that is why I belive the Scottish Young Designer of the Year sponsored by the Scottish Fashion Council is perhaps the category that demands the most attention and focus.

So who are the ones to watch on this year's list? Let's find out....

Obscure Couture

Glasgow based design duo, Obscure Couture have seen their designs on everyone from X Factor's Amelia Lily (yes, that black leather/chiffon number the pink haired babe made her  comeback in) to Little Mix, these girls are making tidal waves in the fashion world at the moment. With a capsule collection available on ASOS Marketplace, which you can find here https://marketplace.asos.com/boutique/obscure-couture this tour de force of leather, chains and glitter doesn't look set to stop anytime soon.

You can visit Obscure Couture's site here - http://www.obscure-couture.com/

Isolated Heroes

Isolated Heroes is the pseudonym of Dundee born Samantha McEwan, who having only recently completed her studies at Herriot Watt University in Dumfries, is another one likely to make a lasting impact on the fashion scene. The beauty in Sam's designs is their unisex appeal and with more and more of our boyfriend's wanting (or in my boyfriend's case, willing) to test the boundaries of style, Isolates Heroes is the perfect vehicle. By far, the Scottish version of Jeremy Scott with her multicoloured prints and innovative use of textiles.

You can purchase Isolated Heroes clothes on ASOS Marketplace here - https://marketplace.asos.com/search?q=isolated+heroes and visit the Isolated Heroes website here - http://isolatedheroes.blogspot.co.uk/

Hayley Scanlan

Dundee based designer Hayley (there must be something in the water in Dundee!) is another 'one to watch'. A previous blog post discusses Hayley a bit more, but trust me, this is one designer with a great eye for design, textiles AND styling. This girl really knows how to pull together an amazing outfit. Fun and edgy, my favourite aspects of Hayley's clothes is the clever use of digital print and Swarovski and gold applique and detailing. Watch this space for what could arguably 2012s answer to Holly Fulton...

You can contact Hayley for commissions and visit her blog here - http://hayleyscanlan.blogspot.co.uk/

On a final note, small bit disappointed to not see Glasgow based Alan Moore's Ten30 on this list, particularly after their involvement in Dressed to Kilt. After a show stopping performance last year at Glasgow's Flying Duck, whereupon Ten30 modelled their new collection on ballet dancers in a dramatic spectacle, Alan has really proved himself as a designer not just with the ability to create great, easy to wear clothing but also as really innovative in the presentation of that clothing. No, this was no ordinary showcase, and was certainly one I will always remember.

The Scottish Fashion Awards, not in its seventh year, will be taking place on June 11th in the Clyde Auditorium in Glasgow. Hosted by renowned UK fashionista Alexa Chung, this is the first year tickets are available to the public for a bargainous £35. Lovebox Festival down here in London will be calling me that week, but I heartily recommend for those in Scotland go and support your fine design talent!

Now bloggers, get purchasing!

Emma x

This is NOT Instagram!

Being a fan of Blackberry maintains I don't have access to Instagram. Sad times. But nothing swayed me to getting an iPhone as I can never work touch screen phones and when combined with alcohol, messages meant for your best friends discussing that evenings events should NOT go to your dad....Nontheless, BB camera does seem to work relatively ok and has allowed me to snap the various events and outfits listed below...

Birthday! Dress - Primark, Belt - vintage, Headband - customised.

Night oot! Dress - ASOS Limited Edition, Beret - Vintage Kangol, Necklace - H&M

Drinks in Shoreditch! Shirt - Boyfriend's, Belt - Vintage, Hat - Some old item, Banana leggings - Topshop (2009)

Night out in Dalston! Dress - Vintage, Lipstick - Mac Ruby Woo, Headband - Customised

Hope where you are isn't as wet as London!

Emma x

B for Babe

Hi Guys,

My internet is still not up and running yet, hence the very brief and sporadic blog posts I am doing at the moment! Between working full-time, along with the freelance PR I'm currently doing for an up and coming club night in Dalston AND having a social life, times are busy and I have a feeling won't slow down anytime soon.

I've been going through a very 70s phase of dressing at the moment mixed up with a bit of gunmetal/goth jewellery so once the 'net is up and running I will post some pics. I think the zebra print skirt and gunmetal combo scared a few of the men in my work this week also. Oh well.

This week, I'm style crushing over Marina and the Diamonds. Her new look for her upcoming album is a-may-zing and very reminiscient of Candy Pop infused 1950s melodrama. Not only that she's a keen supporter of an amazing designer who I've worked with in the past Hayley Scanlan. You can see Hayley's designs here - http://hayleyscanlan.blogspot.co.uk/

I'm pretty certain by the time summer comes around we will all be adopting this make-up style, and bubblegum hotness. Check out the B for Babe Marina's new look below, along with her in one Hayley's designs last year:

Emma x

Style Queen

Hi all,

Wee blog post today to simply gush about how much I am in love with Lana Del Rey's style just now. As Mulberry re-release the 'Del Rey' white and gold handbag, the fashion spotlight hones in on an effortless, chic and vintage Lana Del Rey.

A number of Lana Outfits have caught my eye from her floral headband to the white silk dress from her (controversial) Saturday Night Live peformance. However, my ultimate favourite has to be the Antonio Berardi number from the 'Born to Die' video, pic below:

Fusing age-old glamour and modern trends, seen in the assymmetrical cut of the dress, is what Lana Del Rey does best, marking her as one to watch in 2012. I attempted my DIY floral headpiece a few weeks back (pics to follow once internet is up and running in my flat!) and will be booking my appointment at Wah Nails for those ever present LDR long, slick talons.

On a final note, can someone please buy me the Mulberry Del Rey?!

Emma x

Spring is a'coming!

Hello there,

It's been quite some time since I've blogged, but my my what a busy few months. Between starting a new job and moving to my new flat in Hoxton (an official hallmark of my Trendy Wendy-dom) I've barely had time to breathe! Once I get the internet up and running I will post some photos of my recent birthday party. My friends style never fails to impress and we had some amazing outfits donned at the 'do! I myself donned a neon orange Primarni number, which I felt very Lana Del Rey in, which is never a bad thing.

I am getting ever so excited about my upcoming summer adventures - NOT including the Olympics may I add. Lovebox, sitting in London Fields with rasberry cider, walking along the canal in Hackney in an array of hats and sunglasses whilst living in Hoxton. I cannot WAIT.

On another note, here's a wee Scottish gem of a designer for you. Bonnie Bling jewellery, recently seen on the likes of the X Factor's Amelia Lily and total BABE Lana Del Rey, is making waves in the field of Scottish (and arguably British) design talent. Young, Scottish designers need all the support and backing they can get so please get behind this designer. Too much focus is places sometimes on textile and fashion designers, however an outfit wouldn't be an outfit without some accessories. The humorous and at times feminist designs make for a great addition to any outfit, so it's time to get involved ya wee radge!

Check out (and buy) Bonnie Bling here - http://www.bonniebling.co.uk/

Emma x

London, lovely London

Hello!

It's been a while since I've posted, been a very busy bee lately. I've lived in London for nearly a year now and have to reaffirm the argument that it is the best place to shop in the UK. With so much choice between designer, vintage and even high street the wealth of choice here is immense which makes shopping even more fun. I've found some wee gems along the way whilst living here, pics of these items below, and I thought I would let all you keen beans eager to shop in the capital know where I like to hit up to find some amaze new clothes!

First stop on your London style journey should be Liberty on Great Marlborough Street. An Alice in Wonderland style shop stuffed with designer wonders, this shop isn't for those on a budget but definitely worth a visit if not to touch that amazing Vivienne Westwood dress Nicola Roberts has been donning lately. A great way to inspire you on your shopping trip as to what's hot this season, it's worth visiting for mental style notes and to see the architecture of this beautiful building. A contrast of dark and light beams make you feel as if you're in the the cottage from Hansel and Grettel, however one full of amazing clothes, shoes and handbags. My favourite sections include Christoper Kane, Vivienne Westwood, Stella McCartney and Comme des Garcons. I also particularly enjoy a wee spy at the jewellery department (if you know me, I am a HUGE jewellery fan and advocate of jewellery design talent) If you're lucky, you leave Liberty with a shopping bag of delightful purchases and if not, bucketfuls on inspiration.

Just down the road from Liberty is the smaller Beyond Retro. A great shop, however I would heartily recommend that you visit the Beyond Retro on Cheshire Street, behind Brick Lane. If you know your music, Amy Winehouse filmed an earlier music video outside this store. The reason the East London Beyond Retro is my personal fave is because of its sheer size. It's HUGE. And also has the cutest, friendliest cat on the desk near the till (another obsession of mines - a cat, thank goodness I have a boyfriend). What can I say about Beyond Retro in that a measure of its success as one of the leading vintage shops in London is that it has various stores dotted throughout the city, ensuring that everyone has the chance to get their vintage on. I would dedicate about two hours to this shop as part of the beauty and art of vintage shopping is raking through the rails to find an absolute bargainous beauty. I have to admit, my average Saturday entails going to Brick Lane meeting friends for coffee, then taking a wander round the international food market, going round the book shops and spending the rest of the afternoon in Beyond Retro looking for my Saturday night outfit. A definite 'must do' when you're in London.

Now for those who know me, know that I am NOT a fan of high street. This is for two reasons - firstly, I find high street clothes tend to not last as long as vintage clothes and fall apart at the seams. Secondly, since I was a seven year old and turned up to primary school with the same Tammy glittery cat top on as my classmate, I actually (not exaggerating...) feel sick to the bones when I am wearing the same thing as someone else. In the world of PR I feel it helps to stand out from the crowd so thank goodness my chosen career path accommodates the crazy lady with the red fringed dress and matching hat and lipstick.

When I see girls in with top knots, shorts and leather jackets I think, "Please stay away from Topshop!" However, I'm not dismissing high street - I just think that women need to find a way of wearing the clothes and not letting the clothes wear them. Topshop Unique has some amazing designers on board, and I am a particular fan of the Mary Katrantzou collection, whose work I have loved ever since her beginnings as a designer. Her interiors influenced digital prints make for an interesting and unique approach to your regular silhouettes and definitely warrant a second glance on the street. I also love H&M, their jewellery is amazing -  my most recent purchase a pom pom ring for a bargainous 2 quid - trust me, pom poms will be EVERYWHERE this summer.

Ultimately, I think if we as young consumers approach the high street in a different way we will produce a wide range of looks to make us unique - even if we are still donning the same black maxi from Miss Selfridge. Therefore, please do visit Oxford Street, just for a wee nosy around the biggest locations of all the high street stores.

Another tip for a lovely London shopping trip is to go off the beaten track and attend the various pop up shops and markets that appear. My particular favourite is Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair - http://www.judysvintagefair.co.uk. What can I say other than this is what heaven would look like for me. Normally requiring a few pounds entry fee, this is totally worth the money and something I would say is a must-do. And for those wanting to get their vintage on who don't live in London, look out for a vintage fair coming near you.

Another thing that seems to be taking over London is swishing! Defined as ethical fashion, 'rustling from friends' this is a great way to get new clothes - for free! All you need to do is go along to the next swishing night, take along your (clean) unwanted clothes, and swap away. A definite must do when you're in London, however again not to worry as swishing will soon dominate the a post recession UK in a swish! Visit http://swishing.com for more details.

If any of you out there want any more tips or tricks just ask, otherwise as be sure to find even more hints and tips coming your way on this site over the next few months!

Emma x

An insight into my style over the years.....

So over the years I've dabbled in a range of silly outfits, but life is worth living and it's all fun! So here is an insight into my style from 2006 to last week, a good way to start Glorious Garments - enjoy!
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