It is clear to see that living in China has greatly inspired and affected French-born designer Sabine Ducasse. Studying at the International Fashion Academy in Paris and Shanghai must have been the cultural experience that influenced such a vibrant and distinctive graduate collection.

 
Her award winning graduate collection named “The Melting Pot” featured bold patterns, punchy colours and structured body pieces made of thousands of Hama beads fused together. As a true 90’s kid it’s not difficult to see why one could be so attracted to her work, which is reminiscent of the days when everyone owned a gameboy and iPhones were just a sparkle in Steve Jobs’ eyes.
 

 
Ducasse’s great eye for colour and detail is portrayed in her collection, as each element has clearly been designed and considered carefully, to get the most of the patterns and different textures. When using so many components in a collection; it can be hard to avoid clashing, however Sabine Ducasse had effectively avoided this, producing eye catching and memorable garments.

Her fun, retro style and innovative use of materials has proved to be popular with a lot of people; winning her scholarships, fashion awards, a feature and title of “One to watch” in Vogue Italia, not to mention shows in London, Paris and New York.

Now interning for beloved fashion house Alexander McQueen; she hasn’t done too badly for a 2012 graduate.
 
Images: Ifaparis.com   Behance.net
 

 

Any designer who can successfully create a collection based on Unicorns, and present it at London Fashion week deserves a decent pat on the back.
 
Since graduating from the Royal College of Art in 2010, Sophia Webster already has a design job at Nicholas Kirkwood under her belt and two distinguished collections, both of which have been shown at London Fashion week.
 
Webster’s signature style is feminine, sassy and playful, with emphasis on strong shapes and bold colours. Previous sources of inspiration have included Jackson Pollock, Marie Antoinette, My Little Pony and beloved 90’s film Clueless. Other influences include listening to music, as she was brought up listening to her dad’s collection of rare vinyls, which explains why her work has such vibrance and energy. “Music plays a big part in my design process; I can only really focus on designing when I have music on. It’s often an eclectic mix depending on my mood.”
 

 
Her Autumn/Winter 2013 collection was inspired by the famous Peter S. Beagle line from The Last Unicorn; “Always be yourself. Unless you can be a Unicorn. Then always be a Unicorn.” yourself. Polka dots, embroidered pearlescent flowers and gobstopper like beads all contributed to this whimsical collection. Not forgetting the presence of her highly desirable  metallic, Unicorn clutch bag: A true child at heart. 
 

 
With such a fresh design aesthetic and support from highly successful footwear designer Nicholas Kirkwood; it is likely that Sophia Webster could soon become one of the big names in the footwear and fashion industry.
 
Website: Sophia-webster.com 
 
Images: Londonfashionweek.co.uk 

Kiss: A Love Story is the first and only short film released to date by the innovative and creative motion graphics design studio, RACECAR. This Norwegian design company work on a huge array of projects including commercials and music videos working with anything from 3D animation to illustration. Every project is unique, but this one particularly so. Created by the two co-directors Joseph Hodgson and Frank Aubry, the two work together to produce a love story inspired by the world around us.
 
A statement taken from their website sums it up beautifully:
 
“As Paul Auster once said “The sun is the past, the earth is the present and the moon is the future.” In our first independent short film we explore the consequence of something as innocent as a kiss. A love story between the sun and the moon. We believe that every solar eclipse is the moons attempt to reach the sun...”
 
This 3min short is a vehicle of beautiful craftsmanship. Set in super widescreen, in a monochromatic tone, using unusual yet astounding animation design the film was certainly destined for visual impact. Not only does it go beyond our visual expectations it is also combined with the emotive, stirring music of Bendik’s ‘Sille’, transforming this delicate, beautiful story into a powerful and passionate tale. It is truly sublime. There is a whole website dedicated to this short full of information including behind the scenes found here: Kiss.racecar.no 
 
It is almost unfortunate that this is their only short film (despite its countless awards), they leave you wanting more! However there is no doubt that their other projects are worth a look: Racecar.no
 

Created via the technique of screen-printing, the work of Timothy Davis capitalises on colour, layering and perspective. Each of his prints offers a fresh and intriguing angle on a multitude of subjects, from America to celebrity to heroism.

What most interests me about Timothy’s art is his treatment of celebrity. The above images depict the famous faces of Abraham Lincoln, Audrey Hepburn, Frank Sinatra, and Marilyn Monroe. None of those aforementioned names are strangers to the artist’s canvas, and yet, Timothy manages to provide us with something original, a perspective not often given. Take his image of Frank Sinatra for instance. Titling his print ‘Ol’ Blue Eyes’, yet refraining from actually giving his subject blue eyes suggests that Timothy is not one for clichés. And, in avoiding the obvious cliché, we are instead presented with a wholly different perspective of the Rat Pack star, as a man of many faces, an old Hollywood star.

You can see more of Timothy’s work on: Society6.com/timothygdavis

Emma Mulholland’s work is the most colourful and energetic I have seen in a while. Graduating from Sydney’s Ultimo college TAFE, her final collection was clearly inspired by her Australian heritage. Growing up near the sea and surfing throughout her childhood has inspired her vibrant, sporty style. One would even say that her work could pass as beach wear as well as womens/menswear.

 
It is refreshing to see a designer who is so unafraid of colour. Mixing Iguana prints, with tie dye, netting and sequins simply doesn’t faze her.
 
"Fish are freaking insane, like the colors and patterns that are on them are just out of this world. I really do get into different animals. I am looking into lizards at the moment, and they’re just like aliens.”
 
Emma Mulholland’s most recent collection “Spaced Out” has parted from the beach influences, but the use of tie-dye still links the collection back to her signature 90’s surfer style. The collection “Spaced Out” has a lot of attention to detail; with fine embellishments  including thousands of hand sewn sequins, and digital patterns. It is hard to find some thing not to love about this collection.

Her collections have been featured on many magazine websites, including Vogue.it and Dazed Digital. Emma Mulholland is influenced by themes that are close to her heart, which is why her collections are consistently fun and personal.
 

 
Website: Emmamulholland.com
 
Facebook: Facebook.com/Emma-Mulholland 

With Macklemore's Thrift Shop topping the charts last week and vintage fairs slowly slipping their way into our social calendars, vintage clothing and second hand goods (for those that are adventurous enough) are dominating the contents of our wardrobe.

Some of us bathe in good luck and coincidence, finding second hand pieces in charity shops, fulfilling our thirst for archaic clothing whilst helping those less fortunate. Yet for others, charity shops are not always able to provide us with that Mickey Mouse oversized jumper or American basketball vest we have been obsessively searching for (and are convinced we NEED). Instead we are forced to resort to the high street commercial duplicates, having to surrender the individuality which makes vintage clothing so appealing in the first place.

So what solution do we have in order to feed our vintage fetish whilst simultaneously trying not to become another fashion clone? The answer? Cow- the vintage clothing company that I have highly commended ever since I ventured there on West Street in Sheffield.

Thanks to their broad array of unique international items, each complete with the individual journey of their previous owner,  as well as my dedication to finding an item of vintage clothing that will not clash with my larger than life (at times)natural perm, I was able to purchase my first authentic piece of archaic clothing.  I am now the proud owner of a 1980's Harley Davidson top, doubling up as a dress if I so choose, all for the humble price of £18.

For us Southerners, this vintage haven bears bad news. Currently, the company occupies four stores in four different cities...all located in the North. Devastating news for us Southerners right? Not necessarily. Type in Cow vintage clothing and you are greeted with a glorious result- a website which allows you to shop online.

It's okay to scour the local high street for vintage replicas. Some want the antique look whilst being reassured they are the original owner. But how can you argue with a modest, affordable price as well as the reassurance that you will no longer become vulnerable the awkward moment when someone is wearing the exact same dress (and your friends cannot tell you enough)? I personally don't feel you can and once you have explored the website, I'm reasonably confident you will agree.

Website: Wearecow.com 

On Friday 1^st February, Winchester School of Art hosted an Interim Fashion Show to showcase the work in progress of the second and third year Fashion and Knitwear students. The show was a real success with a packed student union with over 200 people showing up to watch the event.
 
The event was organised by a handful of Fashion and Knitwear third year students, including myself, who worked hard to make the event a success. In a very short amount of time, we pulled together a great set of models, over 70 outfits to showcase, an exciting soundtrack, photographers and even goodie bags containing a handmade brochure of students work to give to the VIPs that attended the event.        
 
Backstage was chaotic, as every fashion show is, but there was a real buzz around the place, with some students seeing their work in a show for the very first time. Many of the tutors came along to show their support and see the work of the students in a whole new light. So many of the students grouped together to help with make up, dressing and general organisation so there was a real feeling of camaraderie between everyone involved. Events such as this are so great to get everyone together away from the stress of work and just enjoy being part of something and get to know their fellow students better.
 
The event was held to raise money towards the fashion shows this year for the third year students’ final major projects. In total £288.26 was made from ticket sales, making all of the hard work worth it. The students hope to plan more fundraising events throughout the year, as this one was such a success!
 
Photographs by Lizett Villalon

Eleanor Amoroso is one of few designers who has dedicated an entire fashion label around a technique. Described as a “commemoration of the forgotten art of craftsmanship” her work uniquely employs the technique of hand knotting. Graduating from the highly acclaimed University of Westminster, she has wowed the likes of Vogue, Volt and I-D magazine with her beautiful, hand crafted body pieces and jewelry. Mainly using the technique of macrame, Eleanor Amoroso tirelessly spends hours on end creating her stunningly elegant and sculptural works of art.

 
Her work has also featured on Vogue.co.uk
 
For her SS/13 collection; shown at Vauxhall Fashion Scouts’s London Fashion Week exhibition, she took inspiration from the fashion era of macrame; the 70’s, emulating the shapes and styles from said era in her work. Circles played a big part in this collection and the use of white gave the look of innocence and beauty.
 
  

 
Her AW/12 collection (also shown at Vauxhall Fashion Scout) focused more intensely on texture and bold silhouettes, but showed great contrast with the use of feathers entwined into the braiding, giving the delicate effect of fur and a softer more vulnerable appearance.
 

 

 
Eleanor Amoroso is successfully bringing the fading art of hand craftsmanship back into fashion, whilst keeping her work contemporary and up to date, setting trends for future designers.

Website: Eleanoramoroso.com

So it’s a controversial time of year, you either love it or hate it. Shop windows cascaded in reds and pinks, with plump cuddly teddy bears and countless love hearts, yes it’s that soppy time of year known as Valentine’s day. But rather than fuss over who’s doing what, who’s seeing who we figured we would take a look at the best Valentine's-esque art to get us into the spirit regardless.

Artist: MonsterKookie:

 
One creative that I would like to highlight goes under the name of MonsterKookie, the ‘Mad Scientist of Polymer Clay’’. This self-taught artist creates off the wall, sometimes slightly crazy designs. These seemingly delicate, intricate and beautiful designs don’t only come in heart shapes, you can even spot tentacle infested cupcakes or mechanical jellyfish. But if you want to keep with the valentines theme and take a darker more unsettling approach then I recommend the zombie heart or the heart of coal.

Website: Monsterkookies.com

Artist: Postsecret 

  
The images above are not made by an artist but instead by a global community. ‘PostSecret’ is an on-going
art project where people are invited to anonymously send in a handmade postcard revealing their true secrets. It is no doubt a fascinating read with some nice visuals, some postcards are humorous, some tragic, some adorable and some rather questionable, it’s an interesting mix of people’s lives. They have a best-of valentines selection currently running. Take a look for yourselves, and why not send them a postcard?
 
Website: Postsecret.com 

Photographer: Pakayla Rae Biehn 

Hope there's someone.
 
Well we have explored the bizarre, we have delved into peoples darkest secrets, now it’s time for visuals adorned with luscious pinks and beautiful blossoms. Pakayla Rae Biehn has adapted the popular double exposure camera technique and used it as a tool for painting. The beautiful brush strokes add a new layer and depth to the images, the soft romantic tones combined with delicate blossoms and subtle portraits
creates a charmingly idyllic scene. Even the titles of the work are dreamlike and romantic as though they are scenes in a fairytale. One thing is certain, it will no doubt make you feel soft and warm inside regardless of your feelings towards Valentine’s Day.
 

People in love.
 

Ten Thousand Times
 
If was difficult to narrow her work down to a few pictures so please explore her work some more at: Youshouldtakecare.com

Film-Maker: Arev Manoukian

 Now I would like to leave you with this short film  Nuit Blance directed by Arev Manoukian.
Manoukian visually explores the fleeting moment of two people when their eyes meet from across the street. This visually epic, hyper-real fantasy is truly astounding, you can feel the sheer intensity between the two characters, the world is at their feet, this moment is unstoppable. The director often does promotion, branded work that is certainly eye catching and noteworthy but you can feel the creative freedom being let loose on Nuit Blance, take 5 minutes to watch this beautiful spectacle.
 

 
Website: Arev.ca
 
Happy Valentine's!
 

Header Image by Chuck Groenink 

Sigur Rós, an ambient post-rock band from Iceland, set filmmakers a challenge to create whatever comes to their heads when listening to their latest album Valtari.
 
"we never meant our music to come with a pre-programmed emotional response. We don’t want to tell anyone how to feel and what to take from it. With the films, we have literally no idea what the directors are going to come back with. None of them know what the others are doing, so hopefully it will be interesting." - Sigur rós, May 2012
 
With this challenge accepted, Nick Abrahams created one of the most beautiful, modest and poetics short film I have come across. The film has captured the attention of many, winning the main prize at London Short Film Festival last month.
 

 
The film follows a man lost in countryside, unable to find his way home he befriends a snail and later meets a fox. The British countryside is beautiful and wondrous but equally tremendously alien and bewildering, it is a place of life and mystery. The story is a small and intimate one set in a vast landscape, capturing the macro world of the snail with the pure human emotion from the man.
 
“ You’d think that these days you couldn’t get lost, but you can.”
 
This film has beauty, narrative and emotion, it is certainly an entrancing and sometimes unsettling watch.
 
You can see more of Abrahams work at: Nicholasabrahams.com 

There are some more great creations made for the ‘Valtari’ Mystery Film Experiment that can be seen at: Sigur-ros.co.uk