Vivienne Westwood and Ethical Fashion Africa

Whilst researching a variety of sources for my think tank 'Liberty for Africa' project I came across this great film about Vivienne Westwood collaboration with Yoox.com and Ethical Fashion Africa (2011). They are creating employment for those living in poverty. Westwood states how providing employment for 7'000 women in Africa is not only providing income but even changing lives. Ethical Fashion Africa is creating a selection of bags using traditional techniques, recycled materials and doing so within fair working conditions.
Westwood said. "This project gives people control over their lives - charity doesn't give control, it does the opposite, it makes them dependent." (vogue.co.uk)
Take a peak at the film. 

Photographer Juergen Teller joined Westwood on her trip. Here are some of the woderful images he captured.

 

Images sourced vogue.co.uk | mydaily.co.uk 

The Liberty of London Archives

I found this amazing piece on the Liberty of London Blog, their head archivist gives an insight into the Liberty classic designs which have been in production since the 1900's.  


 
Image Source: liberty.co.uk

'Housing around 115 Liberty Classic designs, the archive is a celebration of the history and culture of Liberty itself. As prints are added to this inspirational Classics collection each season, the wealth of tradition grows, and with it an expanded expression of our heritage.' (liberty.co.uk)

African Culture

Whilst researching for my Think Tank/Journal project I came across a wonderful book ' African Wisdom 365 Days' by Danielle and Olivier Follmi. I found so many amazing, inspirational photographs that showed the wonderful Africa landscape. I particularly love this image above of the African women in tribal clothing, such vibrant colours and prints, it gives one a real insight into how the African culture differs from anywhere else in the world.

Architecture

Architecture | Leeds City

 Architecture has always been inspirational. The stone work, colours, shapes and textures can inspire both art and fashion in a variety of ways. The curves of the red stone work in image three are truly great and image two shows how shape and materials can create different structures.

The Leeds Art Gallery

Art, Colour, Print and Texture at The Leeds Art Gallery. I found a diverse amount of inspiration whilst visiting The Leeds Art Gallery. Some beautiful artwork created using oil paint on perspex by Frank Avray Wilson and an unusual abstract piece by Fiona Rae filled with shapes, figures and bright colours. A trip around the art gallery library found lots of amazing tiled floors and walls.

Springtime Influences

Its finally Springtime....yay! The blossoms are finally starting to show, inspiring my everyday life.

The Impressions Gallery. Bradford

Last week I visited the Impressions Gallery in Bradford City Park. They currently had a touring exhibition by photographer Paul Reas named 'Day dreaming about the good times?' 

"Paul Reas, one of the most significant photographers to emerge from the new wave of British colour documentary of the mid 1980s. The show spans thirty years from Thatcherite Britain to today’s recession and encompassing themes of class, consumption, work and leisure." 

"This exhibition allows a greater understanding of Reas’ work; ranging from candid black and white

street photography of Bradford in the early 1970s through to his most recent commission undertaken

in 2012". (2013. www.impressions-gallery.com)

 These images really gave one an insight into life in the 1970's and 80's. Life was different, simple, we were comfortable with what some may call the simple life. The black and white images portray the times well and show great detail, feelings and emotions can be clearly seen without the noise of colour. A greater understanding of what the image is trying to say can be gained.

Paul Reas 'Day Dreaming about the Good Times?'

Saltaire, Salts Mill and Cream Cakes.......

Salts Mill. Saltaire

Baked treats from Salts Village Bakery

Fashion and Art book in the 1853 Gallery

Vintage finds in Salts Mill

Beautiful printed note cards and paper

Grand Canyon. South Rim. 1982. David Hockney

 

One very cold Friday me and my mum enjoyed a trip to Saltaire Village and the wonderful Salts Mill. The mill houses one of the largest collection's of David Hockney's art work as well as textile exhibitions, antique shops, beautiful books, crafts, art supplies and Salts Diner (serving beautiful sandwiches and cakes).
The David Hockney (who was Born in Bradford, like myself) collection includes a variety of pieces,  paintings, sketches, etchings and photomontages. All great and unique in their own way. But my favourite has to be the photomontage of the Grand Canyon.
I wanted to but everything ,beautiful cards and notes pads with William Morris prints and all the books from the fashion table.  The antique shop had some amazing things, vintage cameras and telephones, fur coats, china teapots and even a tea-making machine!
After getting lost among the books and antiques of Salts Mill, Salts Village Bakery provided us with a much needed cup of tea and a gorgeous cream and jam scone.

So far so good.......

So I've spent many weeks creating my collection. Gosh it's taken some time, many nights have been spent researching S/S15 trends on many blogs, websites and in magazines. 

My collection is for a  H&M x designer collaboration, something H&M do very well. I've been inspired by leaf prints and a pantone of greens, oranges and navy blues. 

I love the Pyjama suit and spotty shorts. Enjoy x

My Brand of choice......H&M

I'm still currently researching my chosen Brand H&M for my Context and Communication brief, I have found some amazing information. This quote really defines the H&M brand. 

"Our business idea is to offer fashion and quality at the best price. To us 'quality' includes that our products should be produced, transported and sold with care for the people and the environment."

 My role as Fashion Buyer involves researching colour, shape, design and fabric. H&M are a brand that revolves around low prices and quality. However after researching their current SS14 collection I found these fantastic look book photographs. The pieces in the photos are somewhat different for H&M, lots of bold colours, geometric prints and beautiful silhouettes. They have definitely created a collection that is more fashion forward than their other mainstream collections.
H&M is often seen as the brand you can purchase low cost basics such as jeans, hoodies, t-shirts and vest's. But this SS14 shoppers will be able to get hold of that on trend look for less.

H&M S|S14 Look Book
Image Source | www.glamour-blog.com 

Inspiration No 1 - Graffiti

Inspiration......were to start. Blogs, websites, magazines, journals, art.....the street!

A perfect starting point for me has to be 'The Street'. Sometimes the smallest thing can be inspirational, a pair of shoes a shop window. I just love to scroll through street style blogs, seeing what different individuals from all over the globe are wearing. The Sartorialist, Topshop tumblr and Tommy Ton tumblr

are a few of my favourite's. Take a peek. 

This week I found something inspiring, exciting and creative. Graffiti!

The colours, shapes and marks kind of tell a story, where did the individuals get these ideas? These pieces really are amazing.

As part of my university course I have to create an inspiration journal, these photographs will take pride of place.