FASHION ART

FASHION 2011

Australian Illustrator and founder of design studio Ortolan, Kat Macloud, is renowned for her whimsical illustrations and has created for likes of Colette Dinnigan and Vogue.

Her pretty illustrative style has been used for a collaboration with The Australian Ballet as part of the Ballet V Fashion project, which began earlier in the year. Her whimsical girls in ballet shoes have been applied to a grey marl t-shirt and sold exclusively via The Australian Ballet shop.

The perfect t-shirt for warming up.

As part of the project Aussie label Chip Chop! created this amazing t-shirt which I would wear all day long.

Queen Michelle

WEDNESDAY, 14 SEPTEMBER 2011 IN ROYAL RETAIL THERAPY, THE ROYAL BALLET | PERMALINK | COMMENTS (2)

ESTRO VERSA

I am a tomboy at heart - happiest in jeans and a t-shirt. But there are times when I wish I was a feminine, girly little creature. I'm hoping ballet inches that side of me out eventually, but perhaps in the meantime i need to try and explore it via clothing.

Burce Bekrek, whom I'm featured for her last two seasons, has returned with an uber feminine collection for SS12, entitled ESTRO/VERSA. Pastels in form fitting cuts would melt even the most hardened tomboy. She has also created a new fabric, to accompany and compliment her usage of silk crepe, silk jersey and washed silk, consisting of 50% cotton and 50% linen meaning creases are minimised but the softness is maintained.

There is a strong element of 40's glamour peppering the collection too.

Queen Michelle

WEDNESDAY, 14 SEPTEMBER 2011 IN BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT | PERMALINK | COMMENTS (2)

TUESDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER 2011

FASHION 101

Glasgow is playing host to Social Media Week from September 19th - 23rd and as part of that event myself, along with Jonathon from Les Garcons, Sarah from We Shop Therefore We Are and designer Hilary Laing, will be taking part in a panel discussion, hosted by brand specialist Suzie McMillan, about Fashion blogging - Fashion 101.

We'll be covering topics such as how/why start a blog, what makes great content, how affiliate programmes work, the benefits of brand and bloggers working together and everything in between from our own unique perspectives and experiences as 3 very different kinds of fashion blogs.

It's taking place in the plush surroundings of Citizen M hotel at 7pm on Monday 19th September. So if you are around please pop in and say hello, ask questions if feel like it or just sit and take the weight off whilst listening to everything you ever wanted to know about successful blogging.

Also, the digital agency I work for and headline sponsors of the event, Equator, are giving lots of interesting talks on blogging and social media throughout the week. The fact that Glasgow is a host city to Social Media Week this year is really exciting and, as an event, it is the perfect platform to learn more about how using social media effectively can enhance your brand.

Register here to guarantee your place at the talk.

Queen Michelle

TUESDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER 2011 IN ALL HAIL THE QUEENS! | PERMALINK | COMMENTS (2)

MIISTA LOVER LOVER

I love seeing a label develop and grow with each season and watch them find their way tentatively through the industry, getting a stronger sense of where they fit in and what they want to say.

One such label I have watched become more and more confident, is shoe label Miista. As you know I have worked with this label closely creating their branding and website, and have witnessed the sheer hard work and determination designer Laura Villasenin has poured into her project.

Consequently, the label has been picked up by some amazing retailers who were quick to notice her talent, such as TopShop, Urban Outfitters UK, SolesTruck, Pixie Market, Nasty Gal, Need Supply, Free People, Nordstrom, I don´t like Mondays, Dear Fieldbinder and Initial Fashion in Hong Kong.

This season she's clearly found her feet, excuse the pun, in the market place and we see an infinitely more confident Miista emerge. Her signature stompy shoes are even edgier this season, as she has played with shape more and introducing some textural elements, such as constrasting suede and quilted details, into the mix.

These are wearable shoes to truly get excited about.

She has worked once more with omni-talented Saga Sig to create an outstanding lookbook, shot in the beautifully atmospheric Iceland.