EXCLUSIVE BEHIND THE SCENES: BUNMI KOKO AW11 AT VAUXHALL FASHION SCOUT!!

Bunmi Koko

Kaleidoscopia

 

Photography by Adorn Girl

As you all know, I am a budding stylist. Last week during London Fashion Week, I was given the privilege to live out a dream and assist Arieta for the amaaazing designer Bunmi Koko for a fashion show at Vauxhall Fashion Scout. *screams*

This was absolutely surreal! …and you guys know I never leave you out.. so enjoy exclusive behind the scenes info!

What inspired The Autumn Winter 2011 Collection?

Listening to Bunmi.. It seemed that the Modern Woman was a huge influence to her collection. She used words such as ‘Scientific Glamour’, Kaleidoscope and sci-fi/Science Fiction.

In my opinion this was translated very well into her garments through the use of angular shoulders, and angular yet flattering silhouettes.

 

As the head stylist assistant, it was my job to help dress the models as well as note down exactly what they were wearing. I then had to take a snapshot and if needed, note down any amendments that needed to be done to the garment when it was put on.

 

Please do not judge my atrocious handwriting… Imagine having to write, whilst not leaning on anything when holding pins, tape, a digital camera, a phone and then a pen in your hands… #wonderwoman *attempts to flex muscles*

So after the gorgeous Long-Legged models were fitted in their outfits it was time for them to go into Hair and Make-up…

 

 

It was such a brilliant experience for me to see up close how Hair technicians Toni & Guy worked, as well representative Make Up Artists from ‘Academy Of Freelance Make-Up’. So effortless…

So when all the Models were Doll’ed up, It was then time to get them dressed! *yaay*

After the models were dressed.. Showtime was drawing near *eeeek*

 

After Rehearsal it was then time for the models to have their pictures taken and interviews done… They looked absolutely GORGEOUS!! And I Honestly couldn’t wait for the show to start!

 

Alas… it was showtime

PRESS RELEASE: INTRODUCING RA’ED POETICAL ‘ONE DAY IT’LL ALL MAKE SENSE’!!

Introducing Ra’ed Poetical

 

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I always think of talent shows  at Roehampton uni (my old uni) when Ra’ed would get up on stage.. and i would literally LOOSE my voice shouting for this guy to encourage him. His words are so moving.. and you can tell that PURE and genuine emotion bled onto every page he wrote..

I have the pleasure of introducing you guys to my dear friend Ra’ed..

 

Name: Ra’ed ‘Poetical’ (i won’t disclose his government!!)

Job title/s: Poet, Journalist, Author “One Day It’ll All Make Sense”.

Contributing Writer: MTV: The Wrap Up // RWD Magazine // Flavour Magazine // Urban Development

Twitter: @MrPoetical

 

“As the armies of this world get bigger,
and more fingers learn how to pull a trigger,
and more Palestinian souls are taken by a tank,
and more youths in Britain learn how to use a shank.
and as words are turned into weapons of war,
and more of my brothers are going to prison for breaking the law,
I just want to know, how did we end up here
and what are we now living for..
So as that clock, ticks, the tune of time,
I ask.
Is it possible that, we have left the best of us behind?
Our minds..”

LFW LGN EVENTS: INTRODUCING DESIGNER GLORIA WAVAMUNNO

Gloria Wavamunno

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Photography by Ernest Simons & Edited by Erica Matthews

The Crowds were wowed by her Autumn/Winter ’11 collection at London fashion week. She has worked with magazines such as Arise, cosmopolitan flair and pride. Her collection drew me in with its contemporary/alternative twist and cultural story prints.

Like i said, I would NEVER leave you guys out!…

I have the absolute pleasure of introducing Designer Gloria Wavamunnu!! Get to know how her journey began…what inspires her.. and aspiring designers get some advice.

Hope you enjoy!!

Name: Gloria Wavamunno

Job Title: Creative Director/Artist

Label Name: GloRia WavaMunno

Website: (see her work) http://www.hautefashionafrica.com/designers/gloria-wavamunno/

Fashion educational background:
I Went to AIU, The American Intercontinental University in London. I then graduated with a BA in Fine Arts, Studying, fashion and fashion Marketing. After I worked for bespoke menswear designer Ozwald Boateng. Then… I started my brand.

*wow… Ozwald Boateng!! SCREAMS!!*
I love your brand, please describe it in 5 words:

Cultured, innovative, organic, experimental and light

Who would you say your client is?:

My client is the Individual woman who is just that Individual. Dresses for herself, her body, her mind.

*RIGHT about now I am DYYYYING to do the Beyoncé single ladies dance!!*
What inspires the creativity of the label as a whole?:

The label is inspired by everything that affects me, as human being, from emotions to colours to textures. It’s all what I experience.

*I grin*

What was the inspiration and/or theme behind your A/W 2011 collection?:

This collection was inspired by dreams but dreams that are reality that are real, from my understandable yet un-understandable love of Africa to my love of being in love with the unknown that can become known.

(This girl is not only beautiful.. but smart)

Gloria had so many wonderful pieces… what i loved about this outfit is the gorgeous ‘Bralette’ which we are seeing often on celebrities such as Rihanna.. and what seems to be a HUUUUGE influence to Leona Lewis‘ new designs.

What is your favourite garment/s you have designed so far?:

I can say that I am most in love and more comfortable with this recent collection, I feel it was the best example of what I’m trying to make and the beginning point of really having the freedom and confidence to go in a direction for the future evolving and experimenting with my creations.

BEHIND THE SCENES: I AM A @COMPANYMAGAZINE CASTING CALL FINALIST!!!

So WHO ever said

dreams don’t come true?

Just like any other girl, i dream of the opportunity to have my face ( body, legs, arm etc)  in a magazine… better yet.. ONE of my FAV’ magazines!!

Last year I applied to the company magazine casting call with River Island.. and unfortunately nothing came of it *sigh*.

I felt like it would be the same, but with much encouragement from my sister, I applied again…

So low and behold… I then receive an email on my blackberry from THEE Company Magazine Editor to say I had been shortlisted. I must admit.. i lost all shame. I began to do my Chandler Bing (from friends) dance on the train and once i had come back down to earth, I realised that half of my carriage was looking at me *blush and hangs my head in embarrassment*

This was an opportunity of a Lifetime to me.. This felt like something beyond my wildest dreams!!

I corresponded with one of the members of the Beauty Team, and felt like absolute royalty to have company organise a cab to come and pick me up.. I swear.. I sat in the cab with my mouth open for half the journey.. LOOOOL!!

BEHIND THE SCENES: #LWF LGN EVENTS ‘A LA MODE’ DAY 1!!

‘A La Mode’

Day 1

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So as some of you may know, I was asked by the gorgeous Joy Ejaria and Yolande Letshou to cover their amazing London Fashion Week Event ‘A La Mode’ (LGN Events).

I anxiously waited in my ‘buyer/press’ reserved seat *dies* and it was such a nice rush to be filled in the room with so many different creatives from all over the world… And byyyy golly my eyes were scanning outfits like Joan Rivers on pro plus *LMAO*.

The soothing jazz music was humming in the background.. and then the lights dimmed..

GET NICKI MINAJ’S AMA AWARDS LOOK!!

 

Yup.. You saw right.

Even the outrageous Fashionista Nicki Minaj’s style can be Snapped up *crowd of women in blonde wigs cheer*

 

 

 

I was walking around my House Of Fraser store (as you do…) *side eye* when i spotted the new Karen Millen Spring collection 2011.. What stuck out to me was this ‘rib like’ detailed dress which looks  like a subtle double of the dress that Nicki Minaj fiercely rocked at the American Music Awards (AMA).

So how to dress the tootsies? Well the options are countless but i picked these gorgeous peep toe heels from River island which don’t break the bank like Nicki’s gorgeous strappy heels obviously do.

Now lets not forget Nicki’s gorgeous Signature pout.. I chose Barry M’s ‘Lip Paint’ range.. but you can choose the perfect pink lippyand layer it with some gloss or vaseline to get that full-bodied pout going on *grrrrr*

Apart from the lovely hot weather and sun that Nicki is blessed with *sigh of jealousy* she is ALWAYS baring lovely glowing skin. Why not try Palmers range of body gloss. Whilst giving your skin some much-needed vitamins and hydrating it to the max.. you get a lovely glittering glow.. (don’t miiind if i do) *chucks it into basket*

And then lastly comes her ever-changing hair.. Nicki experiments with a lot of colours with her hair. So without breaking the bank as well as damaging your hair.. try out ‘ Crazy Colour’. It offers all the colours of the rainbow, and washes out! It can’t get better than that!!!

 

Happy shopping ladies xxxo

MY STYLIST WORK: INTRODUCING.. FASHION DESIGNER ISABELLA VINICIUS!!

Designer Isabella Vinicius

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As you all know, I recently had a shoot for my Styling course at London College of Fashion.

Its my absolute pleasure, to introduce you guys to designer Isabella Soares.

Isabella is one of the AMAAAZING designers I was able to collaborate with for my shoot.

I thought I should take the opportunity and dive in to get to know a little more about Isabella and ask those much-needed questions that we all may be gaaaasping to know the answers to!!

enjoy…

Name:
(As in real name) Isabella Soares

Job title:
Studio assistant for the most recent Vauxhall Merit Award Winner, designer Georgia Hardinge.

*I give an impressed gaaaaasp!!*

Website: http://lespetitesbelleschoses.blogspot.com/

What’s your design/label name?:
(not yet, but soon to be established) Isabella Vinicius

*I grin*

What’s your Fashion educational background?:
I knew I wanted to be a fashion designer from when I was very young. I was always very artistic but I developed a particular interest for fashion because I believe it’s as if an artist combined his/her own talent with the beauty and personality of whomever wears it, making it much more powerful as a whole. Initially, I did a couple of dresses for my high school final year, went on to doing an Art and Design foundation in the Arts School of Bournemouth, then I moved to Florence, Italy, where I graduated from my BA Fashion Designing course.

*DEAD impressed…*

Describe your work in 5 words:
Delicate, couture-like, ultra-feminine, intricate, luxurious.

Which I aaaabsolutely agree with!!

What inspires the creativity of the garments?( as a whole):
I like to have the contrast between very small and detailed embroidery and crazy amounts of volume, preferably organza, a fabric I am seriously obsessed with!

In my last collection I was inspired by floral and shell-like shapes, which lead to some very interesting sketches, and then were interpreted with meters and meters of organza.

If I can recall, just the frills of the skirt for one of the dresses took up a total of 24 meters of organza.

*opens mouth in amazement*

The bust for your dress is amazing, how long did it take to make?:

The embroidery was done with three layers of golden and silver metal sequins, biggest to smallest, and one last bead to hold them all together. I think it took me about a three weeks to embroider all of it!

*SUPER GASSSSP*

Do you plan to do a collection? What do you envision it to be like or who for (type of woman wearing it)?:

I plan to go to Brazil within the next couple of months and develop a 12 look collection. I think I would envision it for someone like Camilla Belle or Florence Welch, something very delicate and very intricately detailed.

What is your favourite garment/s you have designed so far?:

Whilst working for Georgia Hardinge, I co-designed one of her dresses for her Spring/Summer 2011 collection. It took me about 6 weeks to do that dress but I never thought I could do something so detailed and patience challenging like that dress!

What/who are your favourite designers/brands in the fashion industry?:

My all-time favourite designer has to be Elie Saab.

Vera Wang, Alexander McQueen, Basil Soda, Givenchy and brazilian fashion designer Isabela Capeto are also other amazing designers that very much inspire me.

*hums in agreement*

Has anyone famous worn, modelled or photographed your pieces?:

Well of Course Ernest Simmons and my friend and photographer Fernando Biagioni took the photos for my graduate bridal collection. Ferando is an up and coming amazingly talented photographer and a pleasure to work with as well.

Regarding anyone famous wearing any of my garments… well, not yet! * I Agree, so watch out LFW!) I guess mostly because I didn’t design them for anyone initially. When I did my bridal collection for my graduate year, I just really wanted to play with the ideas and the fabric and the structures, so they were ideally just going to be pieces of art in my head! They didn’t really have an identity, which I think is what they should have, to match with the perfect woman to wear it.

Isabella hasn’t worked with any magazines, t.v. programmes yet.. but I have huuuuge hopes for this lady!!

Are there any famous photographers who you would like to work with?:

I’m not familiar with a lot of fashion photographers’ work, but I am a big fan of Mario Testino and his amazing photography!

What famous model/supermodel would you like to wear your pieces?:

I would love to work with Gisele Bundchen or Jessica Stam one day.

What elements/characteristics do you think a good designer must have?:

A good designer MUST have inner strength, a head in the right place, brave enough to challenge themselves in what they do every day, and, in my opinion, be a little bit crazy as well Oh, and good friends to stick with you through anything and everything!

What would be your advice to aspiring designers?:

I think it’s all about how you show yourself to the world and how strong you convey yourself as a designer. So when designing, always follow your instincts, then take a moment for second opinions. And with all the rest, don’t let anyone ever bring you down

‘bella was an absolute pleasure to work with.. she has all the characteristics of a designer you would LOVE to collaborate with!

I hope to work with her again in the near future..

here are my photos from the shoot

xxxo

MY VALENTINES GIFT ESPECIALLY FOR YOU!!

Well.. Just because

I love you guys

SOO MUCH!!

I have a lovely little Valentines Gift for you…

Last Week thursday, some of you may have seen my tweets about attending a launch night at a chic boutique called…

Playful Promises is a London designed lingerie brand which mixes playful flirty ideas with quirky and directional design.

Playful Promises was created in 2004 by Emma Parker.

Playful Promises like to think the brand is for ‘sassy fashionable girls, who like to say ‘I did it my way’ (preferably loudly firstly to the Frank Sinatra version followed by the Sex Pistols), but who are confident enough to not take themselves too seriously and know that life is there to be lived’.

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Find more gorgeous items on their website www.playfulpromises.com

 

I was Lucky enough to meet and model for the PR of playful promises at one of ‘The Big Swish’ Events while I was helping out with (organised by The Big wardrobe).

I absolutely loooove playful pleasures collection, it was so comfortable and gave me great support. I believe whatever size, shape or colour you are… there IS something at playful promises to suit you PERFECTLY.

Their collections consist of corsets, bras and panties, quirky gifts and swimwear.

So whats my gift? I hear you ask…..

Well I am giving you a gift of

20% of your purchase

(percentage taken of the total at the checkout)

So all you will need to do

to get this great discount is to

enter the promotion code ‘Erica’ at the Checkout..

and THAT’S IT!!

Discount ends 28th February

so be QUICK AND GET SHOPPING!!

www.playfulpromises.com

 

Stay Tuned for my Exclusive interview with Playful Promises.

Happy shopping xxxo

playful promises discount code burlesque sexy lingerie

SNEAK PEEK: MY LONDON COLLEGE OF FASHION #STYLIST PHOTOSHOOT!! YAY!

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Over the past two weeks I have been racking my BRAIN and searching high and low for designers to collaborate with me for my London College Of Fashion  Photoshoot as well as another project…

I was Lucky enough to collaborate with two AMAZING designers.. *falls back in relief*

I have am still in the process of  getting the images.. but above is a sneak peek to my day at the shoot.

Keep your eyes peeled for exclusive interviews with the designers.. and the photoshoot pictures of course *grin*

xxxo

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DANCERS.. LISTEN UP!!

So, when I attended the BNTM Live event… I was blown away when the dancers entered the stage and kept on wowing the crowd!
Today I saw a tweet from @BNTMLive

“@BNTMLive: Live Color XXL & got2b from Schwarzkopf are forming a new street dance crew-register here & take part:http://on.fb.me/gFIpVg”

Description:

Live XXL & got2b present Street Dance: The Search – the UK’s most exciting street dance competition.

We’re looking for the hottest individual street dancers to be part of the next big supercrew.

Auditions will be held across the UK in February and March. The best regional finalists will go through to the London final to perform in front of top celebrity judges and win the chance to be part of the UK’s next big super-troupe.

REGIONAL AUDITION DATES
Wednesday 23 February at Bluewater,Kent

SO.. Dancers, aspiring stars… Get onto it ASAP!!!

Erica x

GOSSIP: PARIS HILTONS NEW MUSCLES?.. OR IS IT JUST?… YOU DECIDE!!

Paris Hilton’s new… Muscle?

*please vote*

Photo taken from More Magazine – Issue 682

BAT…WINGS…

yup.. that’s the word i was going for. Sorry paris. But that IS bat wings.

Paris was featured in my fav’ weekly fashion mags More Magazine and Look Magazine where they gasssped at her new muscles.

I SEE NO MUSCLE… WHAT BLADDY MUSCLE!!

Paris has simply put on a bit of  weight *shrugs*.. we can all see it in her face and i must admit its nice to see her look healthy. Apparently it is due to a new fitness regime.. but the real mystery Q is why has La’s leading ‘lollipop celeb’ decided to run from the stick think look and take a turn to the  criticised ‘rachel zoe‘ look?

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CHER LLOYD DOES IT AGAIN.. COPY-CAT HAIR.. (TEENTODAY)

So in january.. one of the biggest discussions was on Cher Lloyd’s new hair-doo.

PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTE ON THE POLL AT BOTTOM OF POST!

Cher was papp’ed sporting a ‘Hip Hop’ up-doo/Mohican with cascading curls in a mouth-watering (i may speak  for myself)  plum red as seen on Cheryl Cole during the X Factor Finals.

So catching this hairstyle from all angles… I actually Like it ON HER.. Although Cher is being criticised for doing a copy cat of Rihanna (below), this hairstyle too has also been seen on young singing sensation Willow Smith..

I think the Hairstylist was doing right by going with this look it simply just GOES with Cher’s ‘Image’.. whether we like it or not.. Cher as a product/artist belongs in the R&B/Hip Hop Category. Rumoured to recently be signed by Jay Z.. We all know Jay Z will pull out ALLL the stops necessary to get her to Fit in.

I Must also comment that i Love the Jumper on her to.. Cher is on the list for #thepeopleiwouldlovetostyle she is like the perfect lil’ Dolly.. The X Factor Team must have truly had a ball when styling her.. (apart from the Diva tantrums of course *eeek*).

Rihanna Does look stunning, as always.. but i do feel sorry for cher.. Its USA. There just aint enough hairstyles for all of us.

But this weekend.. Teen Today posted YET ANOTHER picture of  Cher going COMPLETELY BRIGHT RED..

THis time…I just DO NOT LIKE IT!!

And this time id DEFINITELY looks very… very familiar..

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STYLIST ADVENTURE: BEHIND THE SCENES OF ME ASSISTING ON ‘BOYS BY GIRLS’ PHOTOSHOOT!!

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Chris Hills – Main stylist

So over the past two days…

I had experiences and received news that were almost LIFE changing for me..

Lucky For me, Talented Stylist Chris Hills asked me to assist him on a Photoshoot extravaganza called ‘Boys By girls’.

…Now saying Extravaganza was absolutely NO exaggeration!! Over this two-day photoshoot, Chris Hills alongside AMAAAAZING Main stylists Sara Darling and Lloyd Scott as well as stylist assistants Daleya Abay, David Oscar, Leila Hartley and Camilla Ashworth all styled 40-50 Models From Modelling agencies such as; Elite, M&P, Oxygen, Premier, Storm and MANY MANY MORE!!..

I also Met amazingly Talented photographer Terry Whitaker who worked as part of the Directing team.. Like the rest of the team he was VERY funny and such a warm person to be around!! *mwah*

Apart from the naughty moments of the team gawping at the absolutely GORGEOUS Models *gasssp* especially m *cough*.. WE WORKED BLADDY HARD!!

ARE YOU A DESIGNER OR CLOTHING BRAND?.. I NEED YOU!

As you all know, I am attending London College Of Fashion studying styling in media..

I am in need of Designers for my LCF shoot,

Please Contact me

If you are interested in me using any of your pieces..

In return Designers will receive Images

and the shoot will be posted on my blog,

with a feature on designers

( MORE exposure)

Hope to hear from you soon,

love Erica xxxo

FASHION TRENDS: GET THE LOOK.. TURN THE BRIGHTS ON!!

 

BRIGHT’S

 

 

Brights.. Neons… Its everything but what some may call TOO LOUD! Its geeenius!

Orange, Red, turquoise, Green, Pink etc. every mind boggling colour of the rainbow that pops out at you is A BRIGHT TREND!

How effortless is this?

I love Bright’s because it warms up all skin tones.. When you see it, it automatically makes you think of warmth and lots of youthful energy.. and there is no better way to play with proportions on the body than with bold COLOUR!

So… I put together a few pieces from some of our favourite high street stores and created some ‘ready to wear’ outfits for this fashion trend..

 

I absolutely LOOOVE this look. Not only will you be on trend wearing this skin warming turquoise, but Fringe is carrying on into this years Spring Summer Season trends with a vengeance! *crowd of ladies cheer*.

Lets not forget by pairing this hot dress with a pair of wedges, again is another trend which is carrying into this SS2011 season.

This look is perfect for an evening out, or how about Valentines day? But whatever the weather.. or the occasion.. ITS GORGEOUS!!

 

 

I love  the cool casual feel to this outfit, I dressed it up by pairing it with some ‘on trend wedges to give more height and glamour to the outfit. I would go for this outfit to be on the SUPER safe side of dressing up in the ‘Bright’s Trend’.

 

 

Quirky dresser? Love vintage style? or want to try it out.. Well I have picked some gorgeous pieces from New Look so that you can have/do just that!

This outfit is effortless and an easy way to dress in the ‘Bright’s Trend’. PLUS I think with a lil’ customizing i.e.  a few badges or broAches, this outfit has the potential of looking expensive!!

I can see this outfit on Aygness Deane.. *grin*… GET THE LOOK.

In all honesty… H&M was THEEE Hardest… all of these Hight street stores offer something in the ‘Bright’s trend’ But if you’re looking for something which offers more of an everyday ‘ready to wear’ pieces, they will most probably have what you are looking for.

Can’t wait to wear some ‘Bright’s'?? As the weather is Cold..  why not pair the Denim shorts with a pair of tights and go for a cute pastel knit Cardigan to keep your arms warm.

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