Stretch 5

Stretch bablake | issue 5 | autumn 2008 | ÂŁ5 | issn: 1758-5236

the fashion issue floral pirates lou doillon kate edmondson lucinda ledgerwood amelia’s magazine

theteam

THE STRETCH FASHION PACK: Roxy Ziaie: Student Editor (Dorothy Lamour) Zain Ali (Gok Wan) Faith Hannon (Alexa Chung) Lucy Hardy (Linda Evangelista) Lara Jackson (Halle Berry) Orlaith Norton (Marilyn Monroe) Dapinder Rai (Kim Kardashian) Siobhan Robinson (Kristin Davis) Isabel Meyrick (Holly Golightly) Kate Byrne (Mary Kate Olsen)

supported by Mark Woodward – Teacher Editor (Karl Lagerfeld) Paul and Luke Dibbens – Mustard: Design Claire Harris – Designer, Trash Blooms (Vivienne Westwood) Clare Lee – Make Up (Barbara Hulanicki) Indigo Ltd – Hair styling by Sinead, Jess and Adele Laura Dean, Caitlin Jones, Rosie Tressler, Zain Ali and James Parsley – Models Paul Hollingsworth – photography (John Rankin) Evan – ETC magazine (Lord Byron)

Stretch is a student magazine produced by 6th formers at Bablake School in their work experience week. Opinions expressed in the articles do not necessarily represent official school viewpoints.

exclusive eco bag designed by alex smith free with the first 250 copies of stretch 5

www.trashblooms.com www.bablake.com www.stretch-mag.co.uk www.myspace.com/ stretchmag www.mustardhot.co.uk

Bablake

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interview

LUCINDA ledgerwood

beyondtheberet

‘style and elegance come from within’

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As we sit inside the small yet charming literary café Rustique on a very rainy and dismal Tufnell Park July morning, our anticipation builds for Lucinda’s arrival.

Yet the question can’t help but arise: were the berets and bright colours just for the cameras? kate byrne, lara jackson & siobhan robinson report Stretch’s doubts are soon discarded as Lucinda greets us warmly, dressed in vibrant scarlet. Although she has much more to her than her experience on The Apprentice, we cannot help delving straight into the questions surrounding her part played on the infamous show.

Lucinda candidly admits that upon visiting Sir Alan’s offices she knew she wasn’t suited to the prized position as Sir Alan’s Apprentice. There’s the impression that given the benefit of hindsight, she would not have embarked on the quest but her philosophy is very clearly one where you should have no regrets. Stretch is pleased she was one of the candidates as whereas the majority of the other contestants appeared arrogant and ruthless, it was not in Lucinda’s nature to be sly or sneaky. Even as the show progressed and the stress mounted, Lucinda remained true to herself and can very confidently say that she kept her integrity, behaving professionally throughout.

When asked what she thought of the winner Lee McQueen, she replies cheerily that he is ‘full of enthusiasm and a really nice guy’. She thinks his triumph sent out a good message that you do not need to be highly educated to be successful. However, Lucinda boldly declares that lying on a CV Lee lied about the length of time he spent at university – is always ‘wrong’ and she hopes that the show didn’t send out the message that it can be condoned.

Although Lucinda attended private schools up until 6th Form and gained a Psychology and Neuroscience degree from Manchester University, she claims that

‘university is not for everyone’ and that it is important to retain a balance between work and leisure. This concept led her to escape the world of work twice as she spent one year travelling around Australia and another year in Mexico.

Lucinda’s working life was not always simple and carefree as she encountered problems of sexism and witnessed racism in the workplace but she stood up against it.

Impressively she advises others in the world of business to have the courage to speak up and to be your own person: ‘I’ve done well but I’ve never been ambitious. I’m not prepared to put people down. Speak up if you see things you don’t agree with; it’s got me into hot water in the past but I don’t regret a thing.’

As conversation changes to Fashion, our theme for this issue of Stretch, Lucinda states: ‘Style and elegance come from within.’ She is adamant that there is definitely room for femininity where clothes are concerned in the office, adding that wearing bright colours lifts people and makes them smile.

Lucinda’s plans for the future are quite uncertain as she is in limbo about whether or not to follow a career in media. For now she is enjoying working with charities such as The Prince’s Trust and Norwood.

As it suddenly dawns on us that almost two hours have passed since our conversation with Lucinda began, we thank her for her time, pose for pictures and devour the last of the biscuits. As we all leave and Lucinda tootles away, our verdict is unanimous: she’s friendly, inspiring and most importantly of all, endearingly humble!

Bablake

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charity

photo by Isabel Meyrick

charitychic

Think ‘Charity Shop’ and it may evoke thoughts of jigsaws with missing pieces and yellowing paperback novels. However, as the popularity of “vintage” and recycling grows, charity shops are now a Mecca for those individuals who want to be unique and fashionable without paying couture prices. orlaith norton and siobhan robinson report 06

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Although the high street is a godsend for those of you with just 15 minutes to find the perfect outfit for a night out, charity shops are great places to unleash your creative side. Okay, you may shudder at the thought of an XL flowery floor length skirt with an elasticated waistband, but by simply whipping out the scissors and powering up the sewing machine it can be transformed into a floaty strapless mini-dress. It may take more effort than opening the doors of Topshop but you can be certain that nobody else will be wearing the same!

It’s true, charity shop windows are not the most inspiring of visions but it can’t hurt to look around, and you never know – you may just find that Chanel handbag you have always dreamt of, just as we did!

Stretch’s charity finds: Dress from H & M £6 (RRP £20 - 30) Chanel handbag £10 (RRP £1000+) Black patent clutch bag £5 (RRP £40+) Vintage jewellery £5 the lot (RRP £5-10+ per item)

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fashion statements

by Orlaith Norton and lara jackson

Magnificent mutterings from fashion’s cognoscenti:

‘Fashion fades, style is eternal.’ Yves Saint Laurent ‘Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street; fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.’ Coco Chanel “Every generation laughs at the old fashions, but follows religiously the new.’ Henry David Thoreau ‘I dress for the image. Not for myself, not for the public, not for fashion, not for men.’ Marlene Dietrich ‘What a deformed thief this fashion is.’ William Shakespeare ‘Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say and not giving a damn.’ Gore Vidal ‘Art produces ugly things, which frequently become more beautiful with time. Fashion, on the other hand, produces beautiful things, which always become ugly with time.’ Jean Cocteau ‘The difference between style and fashion is quality.’ Giorgio Armani ‘Please do not have a fit in the fitting room. Your fashion life begins there.’ Florence Eiseman ‘It’s hard to go with a trend. As soon as it’s out, everyone picks it up. It’s important to stay true to yourself. Have fun with fashion instead of letting it dictate.’ Estella Warren ‘Change of fashion is the tax levied by the industry of the poor on the vanity of the rich.’ Nicolas de Chamfort ‘Fashion for the most part is nothing but the ostentation of riches.’

John Locke ‘Fashion is never in crisis because clothes are always necessary.’

Achille Maramotti ‘I have fun with my clothes onstage; it’s not a concert you’re seeing, it’s a fashion show.’ Freddie Mercury ‘Fashion is a tool… to compete in life outside the home. People like you better, without knowing why, because people always react well to a person they like the looks of.’ Mary Quant ‘The well-dressed man is he whose clothes you never notice.’

W Somerset Maugham ‘A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.’ Coco Chanel ‘Jeans represent democracy in fashion.’ Giorgio Armani ‘Sworn to eradicate denim mediocrity.’ Clive Hushon ‘Fashion is entertainment. That’s why these top models are so fascinating to kids. They’re dying to know about… whoever we’ve declared the new one this afternoon.‘’Carrie Donovan

‘I don’t design clothes. I design dreams.’ Ralph Lauren ‘Fashion is made to become unfashionable.’ Coco Chanel ‘One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art.’

Oscar Wilde ‘Women dress alike all over the world: they dress to be annoying to other women.’ Elsa Schiaparelli ‘If you are not in fashion, you are nobody.’ Lord Chesterfield ‘The fear of becoming a ‘has been’ keeps some people from becoming anything.’ Eric Hoffer ‘The jean! The jean is the destructor! It is a dictator! It is destroying creativity. The jean must be stopped!’ Pierre Cardin ‘Fashion condemns us to many follies; the greatest is to make ourselves its slave.’ Napoleon Bonaparte ‘Fashions are born and they die too quickly for anyone to learn to love them.’ Bettina Ballard ‘In difficult times fashion is always outrageous.’ Elsa Schiaparelli ‘Of course, clothing fashions have always been impractical, except in Tahiti.’ Jacques Barzun ‘Fashion fades, only style remains the same.’ Coco Chanel

Also some words of wisdom from Bablake’s fashionable teachers and students?

‘Dressed by Tesco, my favourite place.’ Mr Dougall ‘You can’t be in fashion, if you’re pregnant.’ Mrs Yates ‘Trainers should only ever be white or black (as a base colour).’

Mr Pease ‘You’ll never get anywhere in life without a good blue suit.’

Orlaith Norton ‘I’m not a very fashionable sort of person; to be honest I think people are slaves to fashion.’ Mr Burden ‘Lycra is the best type of clothing.’ Sam Jack ‘Never wear things that don’t suit you; don’t try and be trendy just for the sake of it.’ Mr Sutton ‘At least I don’t wear lederhosen.’ Mrs Billings ‘A scarf makes an outfit.’ Mrs Field ‘I don’t have any fashion. Fashion should be banned. It’s gullible people buying rubbish.’ Mr Homer ‘Every Tuesday is tank top Tuesday.’ Mr Park (…and presumably: mankini Monday, waistcoat Wednesday, thong Thursday, free-for-all Friday, sequin Saturday and sarong Sunday?)

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fashiondotcom

newlinesonline Celebrity recommendation: Tess Daly rates www.mywardrobe.com for designer window shopping!

American Apparel

American Apparel is perfect for all those wardrobe basics: featuring a huge range of staple items for every fashion style, from classic dresses to sweatshirts to leggings.

Best for: Basic items for anyone’s wardrobe. store.americanapparel.co.uk

Jack Wills

As the range of trendy online boutiques increases, with both mainstream fashion and original pieces on offer, it’s no surprise more and more people are deserting the high street for internet shopping. kate byrne investigates the top online fashion options:

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ASOS

ASOS has become a big name in fashion, with its designs replicating the style of the hottest fashion icons of the time. Its huge collection ranges from vintage chunky knits to neon brights.

Best for: A-list inspired outfits. www.asos.com

Urban Outfitters

With only a handful of UK stores, Urban Outfitters online attracts thousands of people desperate to get their hands on both its kitsch and high fashion designs. While closely following fashion trends, they also add a stylish and individual twist to their pieces.

Best for: Unique day dresses. www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk

Jack Wills claims to be the “epitome of preppy cool” with its designs inspired by vintage sportswear. Its range mainly features knitwear, classic polos and shirts all based on preppy chic.

Best for: Shirts and beachwear. www.jackwills.com

Net-a-porter

For those of a more expensive taste, Net-aPorter features items from all the biggest names in fashion and renowned names on the catwalk. Its range includes such exclusive pieces as the latest Mark Jacobs bag, Alexander McQueen shoes and Roberto Cavalli dress.

Best for: Cocktail dresses www.net-a-porter.com

crimesagainstfashion

fashion fauxpas As for all you blokes, never ever wear the following fashion offences:

Unless you are very, very daringly stylish, ladies, please avoid:

Any top that’s too short for leggings Crop/ lycra top or skinny jeans, if teamed with major muffin top Backless dress with bra White bra straps under a black top The infamous VPL Tailored jacket and jeans Clothing 2 sizes too small Over accessorising Too many layers Clashing patterns Too many logos Anything in pink velour Anything accessorised with orange skin Real fur- never any excuse esp when there’s so much quality fake fur out there Banana clips, fancy hair ‘scrunchies’ or anything else that gives an instant face-lift/ headache Fashion specs with clear glass lenses Indigo-coloured skinny jeans that dye your legs blue by the end of the day Platforms too heavy to walk more than a few steps without cramp Amy Winehouse hair, unless you are Amy Winehouse

Anything that lights up Sparkly tops Denim jacket and jeans Ankle basher trousers Speedos- unless an official Olympic swimmer in your spare time Oversized fake diamond earrings that look like they belong to Mummy or Auntie Three quarter length trousers Camouflage bottoms Tram-lines or other patterns shaved into short hair, unless for medical reasons Too much gold Comedy ties Cartoon character T-shirts on grown men Shiny, shiny suits and shiny, shiny shoes High trousers esp with big bellies Baseball caps Socks and sandals White socks and black shoes Flat caps, except for the over 55s Shell suits and other sportswear, apart from cool trainers, when not playing sport Sunglasses indoors Leather trousers on anyone over 25, unless attached to a motorbike Shirts with sweat patches Baggy jeans so low-slung you have webbed legs and can only waddle Hand-knitted items received for Christmas, unless you are dressing ironically or related to a fashion designer

If arrested by the Fashion Police, you might just be able to claim a calamitous outfit is ‘fancy dress’.

If your costume is listed below, you may be excused for a first offence.

Top themes, according to Stretch, include:

Uniform: fireman, lifeguard, police officer, army, sailor…

American: cowgirl, cheerleader, Hawaiian, Hugh Heffner…

Movies: St Trinian’s, Clockwork Orange, Marilyn Monroe and Hollywood icons…

Musicals: Moulin Rouge, Grease and the Pink Ladies…

Celebrity: ‘Fame’, Amy Winehouse…

Comic and Superheroes: cave, pirate, Tinkerbell, OO7, Austin Powers…

Miscellaneous: tight ‘n’ bright…

Bablake

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Young contemporary fashion designer, Hannah Marshall, a creative and inspiring talent of stupendous significance to Stretch’s Fashion Issue was one of 20 Channel 4 Talent Award winners in 2007 writes zain ali

black+ Hannah grew up in Brightlingsea, a small coastal village in Colchester, Essex. She attended Colchester School of Art and Design, graduating in 2003 with a First Class degree in fashion. By 2005 she had an internship at Jonathan Saunders’s Brixton studio and in 2007 she set up her own label. She makes use of black with the majority of her designs and much of her work is based on the iconic Little Black Dress- her designs have an original edge that is recognisably Hannah Marshall, incorporating architectural lines with contrasting fabrics such as leather combined with silk that has been cut with meticulous attention to detail.

Background on Channel 4 Talent Something very unique to Hannah’s designs are the Braille messages she incorporates- her signature hallmark ‘stems from a curiosity of a developmental fusion of clothing and communication’. Her designs are extraordinary and it is no wonder she has been picked up by the fashion industry at such a young age.

A favourite with ‘fashion bible’ Vogue among others, the contemporary Hannah has had remarkable, meteoric success progressing from fresh-faced fashion graduate to internationally acclaimed designer. In February 2007 she introduced her AW07 ‘Quiet Noise’ collection, which was exhibited at the On|Off exhibition. This was followed by the classic SS08 ‘VoID’ collection in September 2007, which debuted at the same exhibition as the first, and then

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her AW08 ‘Code Black’ collection, exhibited as part of the British Fashion Council’s New Generation initiative at London Fashion Week.

Hannah has successfully received the highly acclaimed New Generation sponsorship for a second season running and by time of publication will have unveiled her Spring/ Summer 2009 collection at The Exhibition during London Fashion Week.

Exciting times, since New Generation has already helped launch top UK designers like Alexander McQueen, Matthew Williamson and Julien McDonald.

Hannah Marshall, at such a young age, has achieved what many people try to achieve in their whole lives, and is recognised as one of Britain’s leading new designers. With such a creative mind and inspirational ideas, it looks like we will be hearing a lot more about Hannah.

Since its initial set up in 1982, Channel 4 has worked with talented young people all over the country aiming to ‘develop and support creative talent at different stages of their careers’.

Stretch spoke to C4 Talent manager, Jo Taylor, about what they do to help young talent get noticed.

Jo told us C4 Talent was created ‘to address a niche in the market for inspiring and creative talent’. By working with young creative people, the intention was to ‘demystify an industry that can otherwise be very daunting to young people.’ She added: ‘There is undoubtedly an enormous amount of talent among the country’s younger generation and it is important that the creative talents it has to offer are recognised.’

Jo said how hugely successful the brand and its schemes have been, paving the way for many young creative hopefuls, like the cast from Skins, Shane Meadows (director of Dead Man’s Shoes) and many more.

To get involved in C4 Talent, log onto www.channel4. com/4talent. There is also a bi-annual magazine which contains news, inspiring stories, tips, career pathways and details of C4 Talent Open Days at schools or universities which enable C4 Talent to interact with young talent.

Jo spoke about the brand as a ‘creative risk taker’ investing in talent, helping those with the potential and creative ability to go far into the industry and addressing any social and economic issues that may stand in their way.

+white www.hannahmarshall.com

photo by Chris Reeve

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styleicon

regardez LouDoillon

by mark woodward & roxy ziaie

Born 4th September 1982 into the French movie dynasty Daughter of director Jacques Doillon and actress Jane Birkin Half-sister of Charlotte Gainsbourg and half-sister-inlaw of Yvan Attal Height 5’ 9”/ 1.75m Acting career began as her mother’s daughter in Kung-Fu Master (1987) Best movies: Trop (peu) d’amour (1998) and Mauvaises

fréquentations (1999) Major muse Known for her nonchalant cool and individual style Model with ‘atypical beauty’ Previously the face of Chanel, Eres, Missoni and Givenchy (make-up and fragance Eau Torride) and more recently Miu Miu Fashion has always been important in Lou’s life.

Lou has worked with talented photographers such as Bruce Webber, Inez Van Lansweerde & Vinoodh Matadin, Mert Allas & Marcus Piggot, Paolo Roversi, Corinne Day, Ellen Von Unwerth, Javier Vallhorat, Jean Baptiste Mondino and Terry Richardson.

As designer, Lou created a line for the British denim brand, Lee Cooper - the collection bears Doillon’s style signatures, like ultra highwaisted shorts and jeans.

With thanks to Clive Hushon (Seventh Seal), Lee Cooper and www.imdb.com

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culture

by isabel meyrick

amelia’smag It’s like a storybook! It’s like the kind your parents used to read to you at bedtime about fairies, frogs and princesses but with a grown up, artistic and inspirational twist. Amelia’s magazine is much like a book, very intricate and archaic in its style and a satisfying read. it’s thick and will keep you entertained, until the next issue anyway! The magazine is full of music profiles, album reviews, fashion profiles, art profiles, activities such as making animals out of conkers! There are also themed sections of prodigious, quirky and inspiring photography. I love the kooky illustrations and double covers. In fact, the magazine is renowned for its covers – previous issues have been furry, scratch and sniff and even encrusted with Swarovski Crystals! Throughout the magazine there is an amazing attention to detail.

In Issue 8, I found a retro and textiles theme-some of the backgrounds look as if they are fabric, like a chunky tweed or delicate paisley print and titles look as if they have been embroidered on. All of this complements the individual photography and illustration!

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Talking to Amelia

I love your photography! How old were you when you started taking photos and how do you get your inspiration?

Thanks, I have always taken photos, I don’t remember when I started, but I am always known for having a camera in my hand – I see everything in life as a photo and get frustrated if I don’t have something to shoot with.

What other magazines do you read and how do you think they compare or contrast with your magazine?

I don’t really read other magazines, other than the Observer at the weekend, but I do read Bad Idea, a literary magazine which is great.

I would love to start my own magazine.

What’s the first step and do you have any advice?

Don’t do it! Not unless you want to spend years working insanely hard with no money.

Your magazine is very individual and I haven’t seen another like it, yet I think it could fit into the fashion category. What do you think?

I don’t consider it to be a fashion magazine, but I guess that is one element of it. I see it as more of an art or inspirational magazine.

Who is your favourite fashion designer?

I don’t have one. I like clothes that are individual and adapted – most of mine are second hand.

What’s the best part of doing what you do?

Working with and meeting amazingly talented people.

For the latest information about Amelia, log onto: www.amelias magazine.com www.amelia gregory.com www.myspace .com/amelias magazine Issues of Amelia’s Magazine are available for order online!

To see how Amelia became the publisher, editor and art director of her very own magazine, have a look at her online portfolio.

travel

fijitastic by lara jackson

with thanks to Rebecca Farr from Greenforce

Whilst style cannot be taught and knows no boundaries of time or culture, fashion itself is quite the opposite. If we were to fly fifteen thousand miles across the globe to the beautiful island of Fiji we would find that the local dress was far different from our own. The fashion in Fiji is beautiful; the natural flair of the friendly people shines through in their striking, bold yet simple garments.

Men in Fiji wear sulus, which are like a sarong or skirt. Day to day, they wear a more basic one. however on Sunday, they are smarter, wearing a formal sulu which has a belt with pockets.

These are sometimes pinstriped and are often accompanied by a shirt and tie. The women’s dresses are big, loud and flowery and their Sunday outfit is topped by flowers in their hair. Whilst admiring the extravagance of their summery prints, we can draw parallels with the floral themes rife back in Europe in the summer 2007 season. Fashion circulates globally in the most intriguing ways.

However, looking at the contrasts, it is important for the Fijians to have eye contact; therefore they don’t wear sunglasses as it is deemed rude to do so. It is also deemed rude to point bare feet at the chief. When you are sitting down, the soles of your feet shouldn’t be on show; therefore you sit on them. With regards to the chief, you must also never be taller then him, so when he is sitting down, if you need to move, you may need to crawl!

The beauty of Fiji and its customs is shown through the clothing its people wear; evidently the striking fashion is the perfect representation of a unique, friendly culture.

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take your copy of stretch 5 into head to get a 10% discount. this excludes games and gift vouchers. head reserves the right to withdraw this offer.

11 lower mall royal priors leamington spa. cv32 4xu tel 01926 887870

lads Fashion and style have always played a huge role in society, and these days it’s not just the girls who spend hours in clothes shops or looking in the mirror every week. Whether they admit it or not, the guys today are becoming increasingly concerned with their appearance and may spend almost as long as most girls picking out their outfit and sorting out their hair-do. With leading high street stores such as Topman, H&M and River Island clustering in our towns and cities and having a much larger focus on men’s fashion than similar stores have done in the past, it is now much easier for guys to look good writes zain ali

lads’rags Style is about looking unique and not always wearing what the top retailers are telling us to wear; and this rule applies to both males and females. New styles come and go before we even get our new pair of jeans on for the first time. Everyone wants to keep ahead of the crowd and not be wearing what everybody else is. We all want to feel like an individual and I constantly hear people claiming to dress ‘individually’. But with the majority purchasing clothes from the same mainstream stores, how can we look different and stand out from the crowd? How can we maintain a unique look?

How new today’s styles actually are concerns me. Fashion evidently changes in cycles with the old looks influencing the new. Vintage stores seem to spring up on every corner or high street and the number of people searching for retro-vintage clothes in charity stores is increasing. Perhaps it’s a good idea to look at the past, with its vast range of ideas. I’m thinking mods, punks and rockers as elements of these looks are quite obviously part of today’s leading fashions. Men were wearing skinny jeans, tops and Converse back in the ‘50s and it could be said that today’s

indie look is just a modern remake of the popular looks of the ‘50s and the ‘60s.

It’s not difficult for lads to look good today. It’s not even that expensive. However, while it’s quite possible to find a reasonably priced outfit, it’s likely you’ll find someone wearing the same thing if you’re buying from mainstream high street stores. And with fashion such an important part of our lives, how we can look good but original at the same time?

Men’s fashion didn’t used to change quite as rapidly as women’s does. Men also avoided pressure of ‘needing’ as many different outfits as women. For every item in a guy’s wardrobe, there were three or more in a girl’s. Recently changes for men’s looks have been speeding up - so many looks have come and gone faster than they would have 10 years ago. On the heels of the sophisticated look mixed with elements of retro and vintage looks, designers

this year have created modern trends with slim-fit casual suits, fitted leather jackets and preppy combinations of shirts and sweaters; all looks that we have seen before in some sense but with a modernist approach. On the high street, men’s clothing seems to have become more feminine, with skinny jeans and slim tops, inspired by indie music and retro-vintage popularity. Skinny jeans seem to have reached their peak and whilst I can’t see them going out of fashion too soon, I expect a change to more loosely fitted jeans within the next year.

It is important to stay one step ahead of the game and always try to create a look that is as unique as possible. How we dress should be an expression of our personality, and since we’re all individuals in that sense, why is it so difficult to convey this through the clothes we wear? Whilst many of us make an attempt to look ‘alternative’ or ‘individual’, I’ve yet to see a completely original look that doesn’t reflect anything already seen in the past.

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floralpirates

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floral pirates The floral pirates have landed. In search of flora to flaunt and all manner of horticultural delights. Dressed in eco-kitsch and elegant vintage from customised head to customised toe.

PICS by paul hollingsworth and isabel meyrick

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floralpirates

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floralpirates

Garments, accessories and styling by Trash Blooms: www.trashblooms.com Tel: 07801 284964

Trash Blooms is an umbrella-brand for fashion and related artefacts including accessories, clothing and interior items created by designer and fashion marketeer Claire Harris. Trash Blooms capitalises upon the increasing trend for precious and wearable hand-made craft items as a growing area of creative practice cited between fashion and fine art.

Make-up by Clare Lee: www.personalaesthetics.co.uk Tel: 07717 502971

A core theme to the label is the use of recycled, reclaimed and re-contextualised materials such as fabrics, threads, paper, buttons, found materials and any other fabric-related ephemera that can be stitchassembled. This taps into the growing demand and market for sustainable and eco fashion products.

Hair by Sinead, Jess and Adele at Indigo: www.indigohairltd.co.uk Tel: 01926 831273

For further information log onto www.trashblooms.com

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Also, in various shots: Customised bag, Trash Blooms.

Laura Blue vest top, stylist’s own Red customised skirt, Trash Blooms Black pirate jacket, Trash Blooms Long orange socks, Coventry Market Red chiffon scarf, Accessorize Green rose necklace, Coventry Market Black witch boots, Camden Market Paper flowers in hair, from a selection at Hobbycraft

Caitlin Skeleton hair band, Trash Blooms Red satin blouse, H&M Embroidered floral cravat, Trash Blooms Hand painted skirt, Trash Blooms Long orange socks, Coventry Market Customised ballet shoes, Trash Blooms Floral wrist corsage, Trash Blooms Paper flowers in hair, from a selection at Hobbycraft

James Handpainted shirt and rosette brooch, Trash Blooms Trousers, Peacocks Customised pirate shoes, Trash Blooms Embroidered waistcoat, Trash Blooms

Zain Handpainted shirt and skeleton corsage, Trash Blooms Trousers, Shoes and Rosary beads, model’s own.

Rosie Embroidered collar, Trash Blooms Dress with floral embroidery, Trash Blooms Paper flowers in hair, from a selection at Hobbycraft Long orange socks, Coventry Market Customised Mary Jane shoes, Trash Blooms

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boutique

Quirky, unique, stylish, GladRags is the answer to Coventry’s fashion prayers; it was opened a year ago in Shelton Square and has been a roaring success. Quotes scribbled around the store in crayon such as “A dress a day” and “Style is me and my friend” epitomise all that this much needed boutique stands for. orlaith norton reports

GladRags owner Natalie Haynes is a Psychology graduate from Coventry University and was born and raised in Coventry. Despite having no formal fashion training, her dream has always been to open a store in Coventry that sells clothes that are “unique but at student prices.”

Natalie’s new store, GladRags, has done just that. Open for just a year it has been a roaring success with Coventry’s fashion followers.

Natalie would therefore like to open another store in the near future in Leamington, as she feels that GladRags is the solution to Warwickshire’s thirst for fashion, previously only satiated by high street stores such as Topshop or River Island.

Natalie Haynes, GladRags 12 Shelton Square Coventry, GladRags_@hotmail.co.uk

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littleblackdress

kcabback2black When Audrey Hepburn appeared on our screens, as Holly Golightly in the 1961 classic Breakfast at Tiffany’s, peering into the windows of Tiffany & Co while munching on a croissant from a brown paper bag, she raised the bar on what has become a necessity in every woman’s wardrobe writes isabel meyrick

“You can wear black at any time. You can wear it at any age. You may wear it for almost any occasion. A little black frock is essential to a woman’s wardrobe.” Christian Dior (1954) No model or actress has made such an impact as the graceful Hepburn who harnessed the power of the LBD. Though first designed by Hubert De Givenchy, Coco Chanel did more than any other designer to make sure the LBD would always have a place in history and its simple elegance is now seen as quintessential Chanel.

Once best known for being synonymous with formal dress, the Victorians and mourning in some cultures, black is now best associated with the LBD. Timeless, a wardrobe staple and iconic, the LBD comes in all shapes and styles, to suit almost every woman. And with dynamic designers like Hannah Marshall leading the way, reinventing it, the LBD is as alive as ever.

Purchase the best little black dress you can get your hands on, as you will be wearing it for years.

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Designers like Boudicca, Martin Margiella, Issey Miyake, Vivienne Westwood, Rei Kawakubo, John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Thierry Mugler have all experimented with the LBD, pushing the boundaries of traditional tailoring. Of course, punk with its PVC and dressing in bin liners worked as the anti-fashion ironic statement against the LBD. Philip Lim has added folds for detail, Matthew Williamson has added a splash of colour, Milly has kept it simple using a cotton eyelet fabric for additional flourish, while Miu Miu has taken the phrase “little” black dress to heart and shows its LBD in micro size, while Paul & Joe uses a luxurious knit to make it both chic and cosy.

Shoes should be classic and elegant and one amazing piece of jewellery really completes the look- a diamond piece from Bond Street’s jewellers, Bentley and Skinner would work well as would a chunky cuff. Wonderful high street alternatives can be

found for those with a more realistic budget.

Further reference - London’s Fashion and Textile Museum, run by Zandra Rhodes www.ftmlondon.org

music

Fashion and music have an enormous influence on each other, with the most popular music artists setting the trends by what they wear and always making an attempt to maintain their own unique image. It is usually assumed that if you listen to one type of music, you have a particular look. stretch took a look through the ages of music back to the ‘60s to see how some of the most popular styles of the time were influenced by the music. words by roxy ziaie & zain ali

1960s

One of the most popular, successful and influential bands ever, The Beatles, were enormous trend setters guiding people’s lives with their clothes, styles and statements. Their signature look of modernist Edwardian collarless suit and tie combination with the infamous mop top set the way for trends in the ‘60s as did their move to brighter colours and floral patterns later in the decade.

At the same time, a conflicting trend was that of the rockers, a term given to followers of rock and roll, categorised for wearing leather jackets and riding motorcycles. Rockers were influenced by artists including Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry.

1970s

The ‘70s saw a decade of untamed hair and ripped jeans that were completely ignored by the likes of David Bowie and Marc Bolan. Bowie introduced a shocking amount of make up to the male fashion scene and his hair became more feminine as his career progressed, sparking a large amount of controversy but breaking many boundaries.

Bowie also displayed large ruffled collars which were at first too feminine an item, but became a must have fashion accessory by the mid-80s. Punk exploded late in the decade, ripped up the fashion rule book and left an indelible influence.

1980s

Long before Morrissey (and the Smiths) and latterly in the decade fey indie, the early ‘80s saw the Manchester scene produce some of its most influential cult artists, such as Joy Division.

Their dark persona and thought provoking lyrics developed an

incredibly enthusiastic fan base, who eagerly took on the band’s smart-casual style. The shirt and tie approach to their fashion was a stark contrast to the typical bold colours of the 1980s. It would seem that Joy Division would be too deep for fashion, however their carefully constructed outfits show a lot of thought.

1990s

The ‘90s were filled with a variety of pop, rap and alternative music with trends changing as rapidly as the popular musicians of the decade. Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ paved the way for the alternative and grunge style of music and dress. Popular female artists such as Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera contributed to mainstream female fashion and boybands such as Backstreet Boys and N’Sync influenced teenage male fashion. The ‘90s also saw an increasing popularity of jeans and denim wear, very commonly worn by popular artists of the era.

2000s

Formed in 1997, indie rock band The Libertines are largely responsible for the indie look of today with tight jeans, pointed leather shoes, skinny shirts and ties. After its downfall, the band has held cult status and is still hugely popular for its music and holds iconic status in the world of modern music and fashion.

Rap and Hip-hop artist Kanye West has influenced fashion with his retro sophisticated street style clashing smart clothing with street wear with cardigans, caps, colourful trainers and the occasional designer suit.

sounds trendy Bablake

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bettypepper isabel meyrick

Bablake’s A2 Art and Design group was lucky enough to host the utterly kooky and quirky Betty Pepper.

Betty uses maps, in particular atlases, as found objects and plays upon their aesthetic quality. She brings them life and changes their purpose by incorporating them into her sculptural jewellery work. She also uses “orphaned” books from charity shops to house her textile jewellery. Her art explores making an object desirable once again by adding a precious quality with her jewellery. The phrase “never judge a book by its cover” has never been more appropriate.

Betty’s workshop covered the embroidery techniques she uses for her textile jewellery and the whole group made floral brooches.

For more information about Betty and her exhibitions, please email bettypepper@hotmail.com

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talkingpoint

Stretch saw everyone looking so beautiful and glamorous and wondered if there was a filthy side to fashion. Sweeping the mystique aside, we soon found that behind the glitter, glitz and glamour of the catwalk, there were some disturbing stories….

Lucy Hardy reports To fit with the size zero craze, anorexia is constantly linked to the fashion industry as models fight to be that ‘perfect’ size for their agencies. Despite being widely discredited at Milan and Madrid’s fashion weeks in 2007, where models not meeting certain health requirements were banned from the catwalk, this craze still reigns over the industry. Ana Carolina Reston, from Sao Paulo, Brazil, became the second model to die in the 2006 season when ‘skinny chic’ and American size zero was at the height of fashion. It was in January 2004 that Ana Carolina Reston made her first trip overseas, going to China for three months.

Upon arrival she was told she was fat. When journalist Laura Ancona befriended her in late 2004, she realized something wasn’t right. Reston only ate apples or tomatoes and drank just fruit juices. Reston knew she had a problem but didn’t know what she was suffering from. Reston’s apparent condition was common knowledge yet no aid saved her, resulting in her death in November 2006.

Bulimia nervosa is another eating disorder running rife within the fashion world. Bulimics go through cycles of binge eating and purging. Vomiting, associated with bulimia, can cause the erosion of tooth enamel, oral traumas (lacerations in the lining of the throat and mouth), chronic gastric reflux after eating, irritation of the oesophagus, dehydration and swollen salivary glands. Mistakenly, many models take laxatives as part of their daily diet with the intention of speeding up the rate food moves through the digestive system to reduce calorie uptake. When someone first takes laxatives, a misleading effect occurs. Due to dehydration, a small weight loss occurs but the body adjusts to this dehydration by storing more water than it needs, resulting in bloating and

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an increase in body weight. The body also underperforms during dehydration, reducing the amount of calories used. An electrolyte imbalance also occurs causing muscle cramps, tremors, spasms, irregular heartbeat and occasionally cardiac arrest; the purging can also cause softening of the bones, damage to the gastrointestinal tract, nausea, diarrhoea, fainting, rectal bleeding and severe constipation; the colon may need to be removed due to loss of function, and the sufferer may be unable to excrete without being artificially stimulated. One top model who confessed to using laxatives to slim down said: “I’m naturally more curvy, so I always had to lose weight… I took laxatives. I went through all of it just to be a model.” Worryingly studies suggest an increasing percentage of students also believes laxatives will help reduce weight.

Substance abuse also concerns Stretch magazine. In 1993, drugs really got their fashion moment when the Kate Moss shoot for UK Vogue spawned the phrase ‘heroin chic’. The death of Davide Sorrenti, in 1997, from a heroin overdose made the fashion industry’s long standing affair with drugs a public domain. It is no surprise that models turn to class A substances when, at just 16 they are thrown into environments where photographers are fighting for the best spots, fashion editors fight over the best seats, hairdressers and make-up artists swarm around, packs of TV crews observe, and champagne is practically on tap. If someone offered us something to calm our nerves, only the very best of us could say no.

One of the most famous affairs with narcotics was that of supermodel of the 70s and 80s Gia Marie Carangi. When Carangi’s agent died, she began her decline with violent temper tantrums, walking out of shoots and falling asleep in front of the camera. In the November 1980 issue of Vogue, her track marks could be easily seen and people spoke of her stumbling out

of her dressing room wearing a Galanos couture gown, whilst blood poured from her arm. In 1982 she landed a Cosmopolitan cover, her last. Soon after, she was found with drugs on a shoot in Africa and her career was over. After a brief recovery, she was later diagnosed with AIDS, and died on November 18 1986 aged just 26.

Ruslana Korshunova was walking the New York’s catwalks and on the cover of Vogue at 17 but in June 2008 fell to an instant death from her 9th floor balcony.

There was no evidence of a struggle in her apartment so her death has been ruled as suicide, despite friends’ claims she would never have done it. Korshunova spent large amounts of her time surfing social networking sites. Her blog was riddled with phrases such as: “I am so lost… will I ever find myself?” and “I’m a bitch. I’m a witch. I don’t care what you say”. Her posts vary greatly from the positive, “never regret anything that made you smile” to the desperate, “it hurts as if someone took a part of me, tore it out, mercilessly stomped all over and threw it out. My dream is to fly.

Oh my rainbow, it is too high.” It’s thought that the pressures of modelling and being alone in New York, a city which would only heighten that feeling, became too much for her. Despite websites and support groups for eating disorders, models still have to deal with the pressures of the industry and life coming at them so fast alone. Did this make the ‘Russian rapunzel’ throw herself from her tower?

At Stretch we understand that not every model falls prey to these pressures and influences. however with growing numbers of young people becoming increasingly image conscious we felt we should warn you that what’s glamorous on the surface is often far more dangerous underneath.

With the amount of Photoshop use even at our own HQ for this issue, is anyone truly as perfect as photographs pretend?!

styleskool

Whilst studying English Literature and French at Manchester University, John Pease became engrossed in the world of hip hop, and his interest revealed an alter-ego, DJ Fluke. The hardcore world of DJ-ing and hip hop has clearly influenced his edgy fashion sense, as he remarks on his odd socks, ‘I don’t care, I find it liberating… well as long as they’re roughly the same length’. words by roxy ziaie and orlaith norton

T-shirt Fenchurch at TK Maxx He says the logo is ‘made of, like, velvety stuff’.

Watch Seiko - kinetic 18th birthday gift Says there is a little gnome inside working it. It’s clever.

Jeans Jasper Conran at Tesco, £20

Trainers Dunlop Green Flash £20 got them as a present. They are a classic design.

steppingoutin...

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timeline

decadesof decadence stretch takes a look at fashion through the ages. words by lara jackson & roxy ziaie 20s, 30s and 50s: images courtesy of Kitten von Mew 1920s/1930s

The dresses of the 1920s/1930s enveloped Hollywood’s golden era in their demurely elegant yet glamorous style. The dress did not cling to the body as is seen in many garments today, and it seems the saying ‘less is more’ in terms of visible skin was heavily implemented.

Kitten von Mew is a Vintage pin-up specialising in the 1930s, 40s and 50s with a little Burlesque to boot! Her passion for these romantic eras started as a little girl, watching old movies on Sunday morning starring the likes of Fred & Ginger, Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, Doris Day and Grace Kelly. She loved the romance and longed to be one of the beautiful dancing women with fabulous costumes and curves!

Contact: kitten_von_mew@hotmail.com Myspace: www.myspace.com/kitten_von_mew Website: www.kittenvm.com 40

Stretch | Fashion | Issue 5 | 2008

1950s

The typical 1950s dress was revolutionary for the female figure, as the tapered top nipped in at the waist accentuated the narrow frame, and the bottom of the dress kicked out to loosely cover the lower part of the body.

The dress has a classic style that is evident in today’s fashion, as designers have taken note of the highwaisted and ruffled skirt, and simple but tailored top.

1960s

The shift dress during this decade was heavily endorsed by models such as Twiggy, who used her narrow frame to her advantage by donning such a supposedly shapeless garment. The simple cut of the shift dress allowed room for bold patterns and prints, and this is something that is still seen in shops today. Hems were high and life was free!

1980s

1970s

Typical dresses of the 1970s were heavily influenced by the bohemian movement of the late 60s. The dresses were often brightly coloured with vibrant patterns typical of the hippy culture. The long ‘swishy’ skirt was characteristically floor length and has given rise to today’s ever popular Maxi dress.

Dresses of the 1980s were predictably bright and then acidic colours.

Large shoulder pads were not just reserved for power-dressers’ jackets and dresses were more often than not incredibly tight-fitting and mid-thigh length, showing a dramatic leap from those worn in the 1970s.

The metallic, neon colours have had great influence over many fashion lines in the 21st century.

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localtalent

pintshopriot Up and coming Coventry indierock band Pint Shot Riot has had a fantastic year, playing Glastonbury, the Godiva Festival and sell out shows in their home town. Could they be the next big thing to come out of Coventry? I spoke to lead singer and guitarist ‘Rocket’ about the band’s success and hopes for the future. words by zain ali & faith hannon

Zain: Why music?

Rocket: Music makes the world go round; well, it makes my world go round!

Zain: Your sound could be described as a meeting of The Clash, Oasis and The Kinks and others. How have these artists influenced you and how important have they been to your success?

Rocket: When you’re into a band, every aspect of that band influences you, their beliefs, their songs, their look and style, the guitars they play, the lot.

And every musician has to draw from influences to become and create a band. Naturally, they develop a sound of their own.

So, those bands are massively important to everything we stand for and sound like.

Zain: You’re based in Coventry.

In recent years it has been said that Coventry needs more venues. Venues such as the Kasbah have seen a lot of great artists this year including yourself. What are your reactions to the Coventry music scene?

Rocket: Cov has, and has always had, an awful lot of talented musicians and with the recent success the city has had with music, it gives everyone the opportunity to step up to the mark.

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Zain: What do you feel has been your greatest accomplishment as a band?

Rocket: The last year has been pretty amazing to be fair. From the Radio One airplay to the Glastonbury slot, selling out our own shows and getting to work with some really cool people. It confirms it’s all worth it.

Zain: You’ve been gigging nonstop for the last year developing quite a fan base. How do you feel your music has been received by the fans?

Rocket: With open arms… nah, I’m joking. Look, it’s like this, if people like the tunes and buzz off them, then it’s job done, because that’s why I wrote them.

Zain: You played on the BBC Introducing stage at last year’s Glastonbury and you played the main stage at the Godiva Festival this year. How, as a band, do you prepare for such big shows?

Rocket: We rock up and play, nothing more than that.

The trick is to enjoy yourself after you have played. That is the lesson we learned from Glastonbury.

Zain: What do you feel has been the key to your success?

Rocket: Songs! Hype is worth nothing if you can’t deliver. A lot of bands are championed as

amazing by the ‘right people’ but if you don’t have the ‘minerals’, it won’t happen; you need good songs.

Zain: What is your favourite part of being in PSR? Rocket: There is no ‘one thing’, this is just what I do, and it’s the whole thing. I spend my time with my best mates, playing our songs to people who enjoy listening to them.

Plus everything else that comes with being in a band; you know the score.

Zain: Your single ‘Start Digging’ is already one of my favourite songs - it stayed in my head for about a week after first hearing it. What were you hoping for out of the release? Were you excited?

Rocket: Thank you very much.

Well it was a limited edition, so we wanted to sell it out, get the deserved radio play, and then play some bigger shows. It was in Zavvi and HMV in Cov and available through HMV online.

When pre-orders rolled in, it was exciting.

Zain: What are your future aspirations for the band? Where do you see yourselves in a few years’ time?

Rocket: To keep doing what we’re doing, but see it become consistently bigger. Oh and be the biggest band in the world too, haha.

Zain: What would you like to see most in the UK music scene in the near future?

Rocket: Bands that are gonna be here for the long haul, the new Rolling Stones, not 5 minute rubbish trend bands.

Zain: How does it feel to have fans at shows singing your songs back to you?

Rocket: Amazing, that’s what it’s all about, man.

Zain: What advice would you give to young musicians who want to make it in the industry?

Rocket: Write, write, and write, then gig, gig, and gig some more. Then when you’re ready, people will come to you, trust me. Don’t rush it and make sure you’ve got the passion.

stylewithsubstance

Zain: Why clothing?

Rocket: It comes hand in hand with music, and music makes the world go round, remember?

Zain: What was it that first led to the setting up of Hannigans?

Rocket: Mark Hannon had the idea of opening a designer clothes shop in the city. he saw this through with a load of hard work and was rewarded with a successful business.

Zain: What do you hope to achieve with Hannigans?

Rocket: We are currently in the process of taking Hannigans online, so we can become available to a global market.

Onwards and upwards.

Zain: You sell labels including Lacoste, Ted Baker and Paul Smith. Why these types of labels?

Rocket: You need a broad selection, to appeal to a wider market.

hannigans hannigans hannigans hannigans

Enough people have told us music influences what they wear. Skinny jeans, band T-shirts and an excess of neon anyone? No surprise then that Rocket, lead singer of Pint Shot Riot works in independent menswear store, Hannigans, here in Coventry. zain ali & faith hannon report

Zain: What do you think is important today to fashion and style?

Rocket: What’s important is to be aware of the difference between fashion and style. What’s in fashion is what the high street retailers are stocking and style is creating a look that is unique, with the use of different looks, whether in or out of fashion at that particular time.

Zain: Hannigans is an independent clothing store. Do you ever hope for it to become perhaps part of a chain in the future?

Rocket: No chance, we’d rather eat our own arm. Chains kill brands with over distribution, and wipe out independents by going on sale early and dictating the market. Indie till we die!!!

Zain: What is it that you think makes Hannigans different from other clothing stores?

Rocket: There is a big social side to Hannigans, lots of different ages groups and different types of people.

Zain: How important do you think fashion is these days, particularly for males?

Rocket: It depends on the individual. Looking good makes you feel good in most cases.

Zain: How do you think men’s fashion is changing?

Rocket: It comes in cycles like all trends, something’s in, then it’s out, a few years pass and it comes back in again. It’s very rare a completely original, new item of clothing is created.

Zain: What would you like to see in the near future for men’s fashion?

Rocket: I want to see people coming up with their own ideas, and not following what’s going on in the high street. A bit more creativity when it comes to your wardrobe makes the individual so much more appealing. Do it!

www.hannigansmenswear.co.uk 3 Hales Street, Coventry, CV1 3JB 02476- 223536 Bablake

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festivalseason

The festival season exposes some interesting and often controversial styles. I went to Leamington Peace Festival 2008 on a mission to find some unique and stylish looks, asking how important fashion is to you. zain ali reports

Charlotte, aged 14

‘Fashion is quite important to me, if I have money; you have to look good. I mainly buy my clothes from Topshop, River Island and Miss Selfridge. I think the main influences today for style are music and what artists are wearing. I like the indie style and fashionable side.’

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Luke, aged 18

‘It’s all about looks. You have to look good to get anywhere in life really. I get my clothes from eBay mainly and sometimes Primark. I try to stay away from mainstream high street stores. I think your friends have a huge influence on your style. I’d say I’m quite indie-esque, haha.

I think in the near future the chav look might come in.’

Nia, aged 25 & Jess, aged 27

‘Fashion and style aren’t very important at all. We know what we like though. We’re drawn to tribal wear, bold colours. We also wear clothes for comfort rather than appearance. We get most of our clothes from abroad, markets and festivals. Everyone seems to look the same these days as they follow mainstream stores. Old styles do seem to be coming back though.’

Rach, aged 17

‘Fashion is very important, it’s a big part of my life. I don’t care about labels. I like to look nice and sophisticated. I like to get my clothes from European cities, Rome for clothes and Parma for shoes. Music is a big influence, and myself, my own personality. I think how you look allows you to give an insight to your personality. If I had to categorise myself, I’d say I’m quite indie-pop I guess, slightly different though. I like clashes of different styles. I’d like to see more sophisticated, more colourful and more individual styles.’

Lauren, aged 17

James, aged 16

‘Style isn’t of major importance for me, it’s there though. I mainly get my clothes from H&M, All Saints, Topman and Hannigans in Coventry. Music influences fashion as well as old styles. I try not to follow the crowd. I think I have my own individual style. I’d like to see the punk scene come back, with ‘Doc Martens’ and stuff like that.’

Batch, aged 20

‘Fashion is exceptionally important. You have to look good… for girls haha. I get my clothes from the market, Topshop and a few other high street stores. Music is the main influence today, oh and old styles too. I’m quite indie-old school. I think fashion will become more feminine, with men wearing make-up more, a new romantic style.’

TJ, aged 18

‘Fashion is very important to me, you have to look good. I get my clothes from River Island, Topman and Next. Music has a big influence. Kanye West influences my style. I like to try everything though.’

Lanny, aged 16 & Josh, aged 17

‘Fashion and style are very important. They’re your identity! We mainly buy our clothes from charity stores, vintage shops, car boots, occasionally from Topshop.

Music artists have a big influence on styles today.

Fashion sort of goes in cycles.

Styles from around the 60s, like hippie and mod, are clearly still a part of fashion today. We’re quite mod-bohemian. We’d like to see a baroque look in the future and a sort of ‘A Clockwork Orange’ style.’

‘Fashion is a pretty major issue for me. I want to be a designer when I’m older. It can affect your mood. Its can make you feel better and happy about yourself. I don’t particularly dress to impress others. I buy my clothes from Topshop, festivals, charity shops, vintage shops and H&M. I like vintage stuff. Old styles influence new. I like to try to be individual, with custom, homemade, sometimes tacky clothes. I think styles in the near future will be more unisex, a clash of the sexes. I’d like to see floral and brighter colours.’

Tinsel, aged 29 & Alex, aged 22 ‘Fashion and the way you look are very important. They’re an expression of who you are and it’s good to structure your image. Clothes are amazing!

Fashion seems to be going round in cycles and old ideas from say the 50s and 60s are influencing new ones as they progress. In the future I think flares might come back after skinny jeans. The future of fashion looks exciting.’

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presenting Stretch deftly negotiated a VIP pass for London’s O2 Festival. Inbetween enjoying Mark Ronson and other acts, Dapinder Rai chatted briefly to Simon Amstell before grabbing an interview with new MTV presenter Kate Edmondson.

kate edmondson Kate first appeared on our TV screens last year when she beat 10,000 other hopefuls in MTV’s search for a new presenter. Her first job was a music show, The Loaded Hour, which she presented while still at university. This year Kate presented live at the 02 Festival and I was able to catch a few moments with her ‘Being at university helped open doors for me as well as winning MTV’s presenter search because I was noticed by local radio stations through presenting on the university radio station’.

I asked her which artist she was most looking forward to seeing perform. Blushing, she said: ‘Definitely Mark Ronson… but aren’t all the girls?!’

Being able to get up close and personal with celebrities is obviously one of the perks of presenting but I asked Kate about what she finds most challenging about presenting: ‘Some days, you just can’t get the words out. The harder you try, the more you stumble, especially when interviewing someone you’re a big fan of. Even now I still get starstruck!’

Kate’s becoming an increasingly familiar face on our TV screens – we’ll definitely be seeing more of her!

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cinema

fashion on film If you haven’t seen Stretch’s Top 5 films that influenced fashion, then we urge you to remedy this immediately. words by zain ali & roxy ziaie

Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) Audrey Hepburn plays the naïve and unconventional socialite, Holly Golightly, whose relationship with Paul Varjak (George Peppard) is explored throughout the film as she moves to Manhattan with an unknown past.

Audrey Hepburn’s sophisticated and elegant style throughout the film is legendary, especially the simple black dress complemented with graceful pearls. The scene in which Hepburn sings on the ledge of her window is commonly noted for her understated but carefully constructed outfit of tailored trousers, refined shirt and an unusual but style revolutionary headband.

Alfie (1966) Alfie Elkins (Michael Caine) is a confident, charming, stylish, self-centred womaniser, wearing the classic modernist attire of ‘50s and ‘60s London, spending each night with a different woman with no regard for their feelings. We see Alfie go through an emotional rollercoaster caused by his unthoughtful attitude towards women and the subsequent consequences. When he finally decides to settle down with the voluptuous and promiscuous Ruby, she leaves him for a younger man, leaving Alfie with a taste of his own medicine. The 2004 Alfie remake with Jude Law shows how today’s styles mirror the ‘50s and ‘60s.

Quadrophenia (1979) Set in 1964, the film depicts the lives of a Mod gang and their constant fighting with Rockers. The story follows the life of Jimmy (Phil Daniels), as his parents refuse to understand the unique style of his Mod image and his life only seems to be lived when he is able to release his teenage angst with his friends.

The fashion in Quadrophenia is incredibly noticeable as even the Vespa becomes a must-have fashion accessory for the working class youths who

imitate the attire of upper-class citizens, donning garments such as slim, well-fitting suits and khaki ‘parker’ coats. The style of the 1960s Mods is in direct contrast with the Rockers, who were notoriously more grungy and dark with their fashion.

The Devil Wears Prada (2006) Fashion novice Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) lands herself the demanding assistant job for Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), editor of New York fashion magazine ‘Runway’, believed to be based on Vogue’s Anna Wintour, a position that millions of girls can only dream of. With no experience in the world of fashion, she finds herself in an impossible situation. Her hard work and integrity ease the difficulties and pressures and she is transformed into Vogue cover girl material.

The expensive New York fashion scene is expressed through the numerous outfits that Andy wears throughout her time at ‘Runway’ as she learns about fashion. The film also conveys the glamour of fashion journalism but also the unattractive nature of the industry. A definite must-see for anyone interested in fashion but also for those who enjoy a sophisticated comedy.

Factory Girl (2006) Sienna Miller plays the superstar Edie Sedgwick, who becomes enraptured in the world of fame at the hands of the eccentric Andy Warhol (Guy Pearce). The film portrays the glamorous yet seedy decade of the ‘60s, within which Sedgwick experienced a rapid rise to fame and a subsequently tragic downfall.

The numerous outfits Sienna Miller proudly flaunts during the film tell the tale of Sedgwick’s life as a dazzling young socialite, and Miller’s striking resemblance to Sedgwick allows her to push the boundaries of her already eccentric wardrobe. The heavily charcoaled eyes and the oversized fur coats pave the way for Edie Sedgwick’s entrance into the world of fashion.

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www.trashblooms.com