RGU Stage 2 Fashion Management Magazine The Fashion Place 2024

The Fashion Place 2024

The Fashion Place 2024

Front Cover Design: MaryAnne Macphail

Photographers, Models and Stylists: Eden Mahon, Lewis Kelly & MaryAnne Macphail

Eden

Driven Independent Compassionate

Subba Artistic Warmhearted Passionate

Resilient Blissful Curious

Candid Independent Intuitive

Trendy Sociable Creative

The Fashion

Nikki McDonald

Catriona Johnstone

Lauren Pittman

Laura Corti

Akankshya

Ella Allan Rossiter Friendly Reliable Ambitious

Bethany McAllister Dependable Amiable Driven

Abigail Livingston Passionate Charismatic Sociable

Valentina Saki Artistic Ambitious Stylish

Pipa Passionate Sociable Enthusiastic

Stylish Charismatic Empowering

Place 2024

Cristina

Aria Chahal

The Fashion

Rebekah Keaveney

Bianca Chindris Untypical Individualist Warm

Ellie Bruce Intuitive Adaptable Approachable

Neve Henderson Dedicated Considerate Trustworthy

Ellie Whyte Independent Ambitious Caring

Emily Easton Passionate Creative Kind-hearted

Leah Conway Positive Ambitious Confident

Place 2024

Drew Cosgrove Creative Outgoing Confident

Sophie Thompson Kind Passionate Chic

Kylie Tatters Optimistic Enthusiastic Charismatic

Sophie Cameron Loyal Passionate Outgoing

Nicoll Enthusastic Optimistic Cheerful

Mariia Ilnytska-Rybchych Inventive Elegant Minimalistic

The Fashion

Libby

Fun Bubbly Kind

Enthusiastic Bubbly Ambitious

Aichi Ambitious Versatile Caring

Nicole Stirling Spontaneous Appreciative Supportive

Contributors

Place 2024

Mary Marissa Watt

Yasmin Abou

Shannon Downie

HiPHOP

OLD SCHOOL HIPHOP LIVES ON

By Liberty Robb

Model: Howard Mcleod

Jacket: ASOS

Jewellery: Model’s own

Models: Joël Arday & Jason Eleke Hoodie: H&M

Model: Emily Salazar T-Shirt: Primark

Models: Ruby Mcbain & Emily Salazar

Brown Jersey Top: Stradivarius Blue Jersey Top: Beyond Vintage

Model: Joël Arday Jersey: Beyond Vintage

Location: North East Scotland College

Photographers: Molly Jaffray & Luca Maclean

Director: Liberty Robb

Concerts’ impact on Fast Fashion

An Insight into how new concert culture is one of the driving forces behind fast fashion

With artists like Harry Styles, Taylor Swift and Beyoncé all going on tour in 2023, if you’re a fan of all these artists and attended their concerts you would be expected to fit in with each of their aesthetics. More and more concertgoers are turning to fast fashion to source their extravagant concert outfits.

Taylor Swift’s ‘The Eras Tour’ is the singer/songwriter’s sixth tour which started in March 2023, and it quickly became a trend to dress up in one of Taylor Swift’s “Era”. Although these outfits fit the vibe for the concert, most of them are very impractical for everyday life and are worn once for the concert, then never again. Therefore, people aren’t wanting to spend a lot of money on these outfits. The hashtag “erastouramazon” has 321.5K views and “sheinerastour” has 155.2K on TikTok.

Beyoncé began ‘The Renaissance World Tour’ in May 2023 and quickly fans took to wearing cowboy hats and glittery ensembles. In September 2023, Beyonce posted on Instagram to ask fans attending her concerts to dress in silver for her 42nd birthday. Her intention was for the audience to look like “a shimmering human disco ball”. However, many fans had already bought their outfits for this concert and were now concerned about finding a silver-based ensemble. Some people saw this as an excellent opportunity for small businesses as thousands of fans flooded to places like Etsy to get some silver or Beyoncé themed accessories. Unfortunately, many fans didn’t turn to small businesses and went to other, fast fashion sites, that offered immediate and inexpensive fashion for this short notice dress code.

When it comes to Harry Styles, fans of the British singer can be seen

flooding the streets adorned in feather boas, fruit prints, and cowboy hats. This became an unofficial dress code for the tour. Fans feel comfortable expressing themselves at Styles’ concerts as his motto is “Treat people with kindness”. However, this trend is not only contributing to the rise of fast fashion and overconsumption but has a bigger environmental impact as many of the feather boas fans are buying for the concert are cheaply made and often shed feathers. It also tends to anger people living in the surrounding areas. An Edinburgh local told Edinburgh Live, “he opened his door on Thursday, June 1, to find feathers scattered around his neighbourhood, nearly a week after Harry Styles’ show.” Whilst Harry Styles doesn’t necessarily encourage the feather boas, as he doesn’t tell fans to wear them or sell them as part of his merchandise line, he can be regularly seen donning a feather boa, he gets from a fan, during the concert.

Independent vendors could be seen lining the streets outside the ‘Love on Tour’ venues selling feather boas in a rainbow of colours along with cowboy hats.

Thetrend of wanting extravagant outfits for concerts can be traced back to Coachella. Every year, people eagerly wait to see what their favourite

influencers wear each day to the festival— deemed “The Influencer Olympics” by social media. Although Coachella started back in 1999, it wasn’t until the 2010s that the festival became known for what it is today. Coachella fashion has evolved over the years just like everyday fashion. Festival fashion is undoubtedly the original driving force behind the overconsumption for concerts.

Someartists are trying to discourage this new concert behaviour. In an interview with PopBuzz, singer Niall Horan was asked what fans should wear to his concert, the former One Direction member responded with, “Honestly anything you want, anything.”

Photo by Mary Watt

Curious about how people feel about concert culture, I decided to do my own survey and ask my friends and family to get a sense of this trend on a more personal level.

I first asked if they’ve ever bought an outfit for a concert and not worn it again, 75% of respondents said, ‘Yes!’

I was then curious if people feel like they had to have a new outfit or an extravagant ensemble and 68% replied, ‘Yes’. When asked if they feel like they could wear a t-shirt and jeans to a concert then, ‘No,’

I first asked if they’ve ever bought an outfit for a concert and not worn it again, 75% of respondents said, ‘Yes!’

received 56% of the votes.

I asked for the answer to the previous question to be expanded and the majority of people said it depended on the vibe of the concert, but one person commented, “It wouldn’t feel right to be the only one in a t-shirt and jeans”.

Now that I had discovered people wanted new and flamboyant outfits for concerts, I wanted to find out where individuals would turn to when trying to source these new outfits. When asked where they buy clothes for concerts, most people said Shein and PrettyLittleThing however, everyone responded with some sort of fast fashion brand.

I was interested in whether people would sell garments that they wouldn’t wear again on second-hand websites such as Vinted or Depop and 56% of people said they would. When I asked those who said they wouldn’t to explain why, someone responded, “too much effort for little money.”

From my perspective, I don’t need a whole new outfit for every concert, but I do like to have a new top or accessories. Whilst I don’t go to websites like Shein, I do like to go to other fast fashion websites like Boohoo or PrettyLittleThing as they have reliable next-day delivery. However, I attended the Harry Styles’ Tour in May of this year, and I bought a whole new outfit including a top, skirt, and shoes. I also bought accessories such as a cowboy hat, feather boa, and heart sunglasses. Although I bought all of these for the concert, I made sure these were items I liked for everyday life and would wear again, and I have worn all the items again except the cowboy hat and feather boa.

Some concertgoers are prioritising sustainability by trying to find alternatives to fast fashion when creating their outfits. For Taylor Swift fans, the hashtag “diyerasoutfit” has 2.8 million views on TikTok. This shows that some fans are trying to do better. Although these fans are making an effort to not support fast fashion, the DIY outfits are still inappropriate for anything other than , so they are continuing the trend of wearing an outfit once, then never

nother alternative some fans are turning to is crocheting and knitting their outfits for concerts. This is particularly popular among Harry Styles fans. In February 2020, Harry Styles performed in New York City on the Today Show. Styles’ preshow outfit quickly went viral, particularly the multicolour patchwork cardigan he was wearing designed by British designer JW Anderson. The hashtag “harrystylescardigan” had 40.1 million views on TikTok at the time.

hen the nation was put into lockdown in March 2020, Harry Styles fans found themselves with lots of time on their hands and many of them started to create their version of the cardigan Styles wore earlier in the year. Seeing the response his cardigan was getting, JW Anderson’s Creative Director,

Jonathon Anderson released the official pattern and a tutorial on YouTube. Many fans, with different levels of crocheting and knitting abilities, made this cardigan and continued to make Harry Styles inspired projects. The hashtag “harrystylescrochet” has 2.7 million views on TikTok and features many different creators making various garments including tops, trousers, and cardigans. This is better for the environment as many of these handmade items can be worn again, after the concert is over.

What can you do to help?

It’s nice to have new clothing for concerts and, I’m not saying you shouldn’t buy anything new for concerts, but the next time you buy an outfit stop and think, will you wear this outfit again? Do you have another event or concert you could wear this to? Could you wear this as an everyday piece of clothing? Look at the website you’re buying from, is it a fast fashion website? Consider looking at sustainable websites or second-hand websites like Vinted or Depop. If you do buy an outfit you won’t wear again, please sell it on second-hand websites, or donate it to a charity shop. If you do, the items of clothing will gain a second life and won’t sit in your wardrobe unused. Once you’ve got your tickets for the concert start looking for your outfit, so you do not need to rely upon next-day delivery. And of course, the best way to help stop this problematic trend is to create an outfit from clothing you already have in your wardrobe. After all everyone at the concert is watching the artist …not you.

By Mary Watt

Photo by Rebekah Warrington

PHOTOGRAPHER: DYLAN DARK

LOCATION: THE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE

STYLISTS: NICOLE BUCHAN & ERIN DEANS

90s REWIND

The exploration of fashion within musical subcultures

FOOTBALL

UNITED

SHIRTS: MANCHESTER

JEANS: LEVI’S TRAINERS: ADIDAS

ZIP-UPS: ADIDAS

JEANS: LEVI’S TRAINERS: ADIDAS

PHOTOGRAPHER: DYLAN DARK

LOCATION: ABERDEEN VINYL RECORDS

PHOTOGRAPHER:

JACKET(LEFT): MOTEL ROCKS

JACKET(RIGHT): PRETTYLITTLETHING BOOTS: DR. MARTENS

LUCY BUCHAN

LOCATION: CAPTAIN TOM’S

MODELS: NICOLE BUCHAN & ERIN DEANS

PHOTOGRAPHER: DYLAN DARK

LOCATION: CAPTAIN TOM’S

Grunge

FLANNEL SHIRTS: PRIMARK

NIRVANA T-SHIRT: DERICK DANIELS FISHNETS: PRIMARK

VARSITY JACKETS: PRIMARK

PHOTOGRAPHER: DYLAN DARK

LOCATION: ASHWOOD BASKETBALL COURT

MODELS: MILLY LOW & NICOLE BUCHAN

GLASSES: EBAY BANDANAS: PRIMARK

JEANS: H&M TRAINERS: NIKE UNDERWEAR: TK MAXX JACKET: H&M

PHOTOGRAPHER: DYLAN DARK LOCATION: WESTFIELD PARK

SHADOW SHADES SHADOW SHADES

Streetwear is the new Heatwear

STYLISTS:

ERIN WEARS:

GLASSES: URBAN OUTFITTERS

TOP: EDIKTED

TROUSERS: URBAN OUTFITTERS

SHOES: OFF-WHITE

MODELS: FAVOUR OLUYEMI, NICOLE BUCHAN, CATRIONA JOHNSTONE & ERIN DEANS

PHOTOGRAPHERS: LAUREN PITTMAN & BIANCA CHINDRIS

LAUREN PITTMAN & CATRIONA JOHNSTONE

FAVOUR WEARS: T-SHIRT: DEPOP JEANS: BOOHOOMAN

NICOLE WEARS: TOP: DEPOP

CARGOS: JADED LDN SUNGLASSES: ASOS SHOES: NIKE

ERIN WEARS:

GLASSES: ASOS

JACKET: UNKNOWN LONDON

TROUSERS: PULL AND BEAR

SHOES: NIKE JORDAN

FAVOUR WEARS: HOODIE: NAMED COLLECTIVE

JEANS: BOOHOOMAN

NECKLACE: VIVIENNE WESTWOOD

NICOLE WEARS:

HOODIE: NAMED COLLECTIVE

TOP: ZARA

CARGOS: JADED LDN

SUNGLASSES: ASOS

NECKLACE: VIVIENNE WESTWOOD

NICOLE WEARS: JACKET: STUSSY

TOP: ZARA

CARGOS: JADED LDN

SHOES: NIKE

SUNGLASSES: ASOS

TOPS: JADED LDN

TROUSERS: BERSHKA

SHOES: OFF WHITE

SOCKS: NIKE

SUNGLASSES: ASOS

FAVOUR WEARS: HOODIE: NAMED COLLECTIVE JEANS: BOOHOOMAN

CATRIONA WEARS:

HOODIE: SCUFFERS

ERIN WEARS: SUNGLASSES: ASOS TOP: URBAN OUTFITTERS

TROUSERS: URBAN OUTFITTERS

SHOES: NIKE JORDANS

FAVOUR WEARS: HOODIE: NAMED COLLECTIVE JEANS: BOOHOOMAN

WATCHES: CASIO & OAKLEY JUDGE

RINGS: B-CAP RINGS & DEPOP

WRISTBANDS: RIVER ISLAND

CATRIONA WEARS:

SUNGLASSES: ASOS

SWEATSHIRT: SUPREME

TROUSERS: URBAN OUTFITTERS

SHOES: NIKE JORDAN

OPIUM

Rapidly growing in the fashion industry, ‘OPIUM’ is the newest fashion trend. The trend is inspired by, Playboi Carti’s record label, ‘OPIUM’. Artists featured on the label embody the ‘OPIUM style’, which is a gothic, punk and edgy vibe. The products shown are a base line of how to kick off your ‘OPIUM’ aesthetic. Classic black clothing, with a lace fabric or leather is an easy but edgy way to embrace the ‘OPIUM’.

1. Tassel Loafers, £135, OFFICE. 2. Leather Trench Coat, £350, M&S. 3. Stainless Steel Pendant and Necklace, £12.99, TK Maxx. 4. Crystal webbed belt, £99, Holland Cooper. 5. Black Jersey Crop Shrug Top, £15.99, New Look. 6. Ruffle Dipped Waist Flared Trousers, £26, PrettyLittleThing. 7. Black Leather Knee High Boots, £55.99, New Look. 8 Bowley Bag, £95, Dune London. 9. Silver Punk Charm Huggies, £20, Accessorize. 10. Black Soft Rectangle Sunglasses, £16, Accessorize.

By Liberty Golden Robb

Limitless Leather

Leather

Jackets have been a staple in everyone’s wardrobe for years now. This year, the oversized leather jacket is making a statement, giving a new and modern take on older designs, as it offers comfort whilst oozing style. With the “MollyMae”Zara leather jacket becoming a major piece in 2023, it has only evolved with many other brands capitalising on this trend. There have been many new and interesting takes on the leather jacket, seen in this stylish selection.

PrettyLittleThing Jacket

By Lewis Kelly

THE MODERN DAY COWGIRL

Whether you want to go all out cowgirl with hats and assless chaps or keep it casual with a slouchy, suede boot, here are some styling tips to help you get that modern day western woman look.

Denim, lace, leather and suede are massively involved in the modern-day cowgirl look. So if you want to spice up your everyday wardrobe, try selecting items of clothing or accessories with hints of these materials, like a skirt or dress with a lace hem or some boot cut denim jeans instead of your vintage ‘mom’ style jeans.

If you want more of a nod to the western side, try going for a cool double denim layering fit. Layering a long denim skirt with a tight-fitting denim waist coat, a basic white t-shirt and a pair of comfy boots, will have you looking like effortless western princess. For a less extreme look, try a satin slip dress with an unbeatable leather waistcoat and have your cowboy boots be the star of the show. You could even try a more graphic boot colour like red or green to make them really pop.

There are so many ways you can fiercely rock the modern-day cowgirl look, this trend can be moulded and tailored to fit your personal comfort level and body shape through the different materials and clothing styles. Now you’re ready to sport this look like you’re in the wild west.

STYLE INSPO ...

Page designed by Rebekah Keaveney

PrettyLittleThing

Vintage Denim Maxi Skirt £32

Rita Ora Primark Denim Waistcoat £16

M&S Collection Western Boots £30

Oliver Bonas

Tabitha Hoop Earrings £16

Jessica Russell Flint Pink Horse Shirt £240

Designed by Emily Rose

Decades of Denim

Denim has stuck around for decades, evolving and adapting to the changing trends. Since its popularity in the 90s, double denim, and even triple denim, is back in style. Why not make a statement and go all out with a denim baguette bag or crossbody bag? Denim has transformed into fashionable garments that can spice up any look, such as a patchwork top or maxi skirt. The versatile style can even be worn in the form of accessories, shoes, hats, and much more. The possibilities are endless with this style, so make sure to add some of these looks to your wardrobe.

PrettyLittleThing

Very Bandeau Corset Denim Dress £40

PrettyLittleThing

Vintage Mid Wash Split Front Denim Maxi Skirt

Oliver Bonas Simen Denim

Denim

Model: Akankshya Subba

Photographer: Paul Irvine Shirt: H&M

Jeans: CK

Model: Laura Corti Blouse: Primark

Jeans: Zara

Jeans: Karakuri Tamashii

Singlet: H&M Jeans: Levi’s

LIFE IN Denim

Denim Jacket: Levi’s

Top: Versace

Model: Akankshya Subba

Location: Palmerstone Road

All images

Photographer: Paul Irvine

Top: H&M

Jeans: Levi’s

Model: Laura Corti

Location: Union Square

Top: H&M

Jeans: Missguided

Model: Laura Corti

Location: Palmerstone Road

Jeans: Duck and Cover Jacket: Schott NYC

Model: Juan Pascual

Location: Union Square

Jeans: Bershka T-shirt: Zara

Model: Naseem Isa

Location: Union Square

Jeans: H&M T-shirt: Levi’s

Model: Akankshya Subba

Location: Union Square

Jeans: Evisu

Model: Parwan Mansur

Location: Fittie

Jeans: Zara

Model: Akankshya Subba

Location: Tunnels

Jeans: Bershka Jacket: G-Star Raw

Model: Naseem Isa

Location: Palmerstone Road

White top - Ego

Sunglasses - Primark Necklace - H&M

The in-between space of online personas and reality

Corset top - PrettyLittleThing

Cargo jeans - ASOS Shoes - Nike

Hat - New Era

Necklace - Tiffany & Co

Model on left

Long sleeve top: Zara

Jeans: Thrifted

Shoes: Converse

Hat: New Era

Belt: PrettyLittleThing

Model on right

Backless Top: Ego

Jeans: PrettyLittleThing

Shoes: Puma

Bracelets: Gifted

Photography - Katy Mitchell (Photographer), James Murison (Assisting)

Editor - Nikki McDonald

Models - Kayceé Vambe, Daniella Tortolano, Leo Tonsic, Nikki McDonald

Stylist - Nikki McDonald

Long sleeve top - Shein, sourced on Vinted Hat - Boohoo Man

Sunglasses - ASOS Chain - Gifted

Model on screen

White top - Ego White jeans - ASOS Shoes - Puma

Left model in shadow

Top - Shein, sourced on Vinted Hat - New Era

Right model in shadow

Long sleeve top - Zara Jeans - Thrifted Belt - PrettyLittleThing

Corset top - PrettyLittleThing

Cargo jeans - ASOS

Hat - New Era

Necklace - Tiffany & Co

Model on TV

Top - Zara Hat - New Era

Styled By Abigail Livingston

The brightest of lights in the darkest of days

The Glow Illusion

Bethany McAlister

Ella Rossiter

Bershka

Dress:

Top: Next Skirt: Quiz

Models: Sarah Murray and Juliana Lenó Rivera

Top: White Fox

Photographed by:

David Fraser

James Murison

Rachel Robson

Martyna Sowinska

Alyssa Wood

Y2KLUB Y2KLUB

PrettyLittleThing

Pink Diamante Halter Top

£20

Monsoon Chunky Sunglasses

£15

Primark Cargo Jeans

£22

Primark Pink Vinyl Bag

£10

PrettyLittleThing

Sequin Bandeau Dress

£15

Accessorize Silver Hoops

£5

Primark Mule Heels

£14

FROM COLD TONES

Are you out tonight? Do you want to vamp up your look? Why not reuse some of these iconic trends from the 2000s. These stylish pieces remain iconic and are guaranteed to put your ordinary clubbing outfit to the back of the closet. From chunky heels, glittery garments and tiny bags - you’re all set to be looking like your favourite 2000’s fashion icon.

PrettyLittleThing White Racer Top

£10

Very Utility Shorts

The rebirthing of the 2000’s era, otherwise known as ‘Y2K’, has become popular since the start of 2020. With the Covid pandemic, the aesthetic made people nostalgic of these past fashion trends, don’t miss out on this new fashion craze and reconnect with your inner Bratz doll!

TO HOT TONES

PrettyLittleThing Pink Mesh Bandeau Dress

£16

Accessorize Gold Bubble Hoops

£19

Primark

Cream Wedge Heels

£16

£25

Accessorize Blue Beaded Bag

£45

Accessorize White Sunglasses

£16

Page made by Aria Chahal

THE FASHIONPLACEASpacetoExpressYourself

ALIEN SUPERSTAR

Inspired by Beyonce’s request to wear silver, this fashion blends futuristism with a devine charm in an interstellar spectacle

Models: Cristina Pipa, Adriana-lulia Adorian

Photographers: Maryanne Chapman, David Boag

Stylist & Director: Valentina Saki

Location: NESCol Studio

Split front silver top, Shein Silver pleated skirt, Shein

Silver heeled boots, Shein Silver gloves, Shein

Futuristic glasses, Shein Silver planet earrings, Etsy

Silver corset top, Shein White denim skirt, TK Maxx Silver glasses, Amazon

Silver glasses, Amazon

Metallic bra top, Model’s own Blue Jeans, Bershka White shoes, Model’s own Silver bag, River Island

Metallic bralette, Shein

Silver thigh boots, Shein

Clear rhinestone glasses, Vinted Silver planet earrings, Etsy

Metallic dress, Shein Silver thigh boots, Shein Silver bracelets, Pandora

Basic white top, Zara Silver sequins skirt, Shein Silver thigh boots, Shein Silver glasses, Amazon

Every Cloud Has a SILVER LINING

By: Abigail Livingston

Dress,

Coach, Bag, £395

Matalan, Glitter Top,

River Island, Heeled Boot,

HEAD ABOVE THE CROWD

Breaking down the stigma of tall women in the Fashion Industry from my personal experience of being 6’3”

What is the weather like up there? How tall are you? Two questions which I’ve been asked almost every day of my life since I became a teenager.

I wanted to investigate the issues that other women, just like me, have experienced and to show that my experience is not unique. Do these women have issues finding clothes that fit their taller frame? Do other women have people they do not know comment on the way that they look or how they dress? This is a topic which I am very passionate about as it is something I have experienced from a very young age. As a society, I feel that we need to change the way we speak about people’s looks and build, particularly as it is something they cannot change.

Being six foot three causes a few issues in day-to-day life. Not being able to fit in aeroplane seats comfortably, being unable to stand on the top deck of the bus and worst of all not being able to find a pair of trousers that are long enough are just a few of the issues I face dayto-day.

Every single day without fail I have a comment or question about the way I look...

Often when I am acknowledged by another tall woman the first question I am asked is where do you get your trousers from? My answers is always ASOS Tall section. This seems to be the only retailer who has mastered the style, length and overall fit of trousers for tall women. Many fashion retailers have created a similar tall section however their garments are still too short.

I, like many others have found themselves in a scenario when shopping in store that we find the perfect pair of jeans or so we think. However, you know before you even pick them up that there will be an issue – the leg length.

I believe there should be a change within the Fashion Industry to become more inclusive, not just in sizing but other features as well. You should be able to walk into a high street store like

Primark, H&M or New Look and be able to find a wide selection of trousers that everyone can wear.

I am only six foot three and I have this issue, imagine how hard it must be for people even taller than me. In women’s fashion I could not name one in store retailer which I could go into and guarantee to find a pair of trousers which would be long enough. I believe it is time for change.

Menswear caters for longer legs however if women were to resort to wearing men’s trousers the fit would not suit most female builds. I do appreciate there is still a gap with sizing within menswear however, if retailers can make even a small change to having a petite section, a tall section and a plus size section in every store for both men and women, then, I believe, it would make customers’ lives easier.

The stigma around tall women. Every single day, without fail, I have a comment or question about the way that I look, like it is some sort of novelty to people. I don’t mind a genuine conversation about my height although I often have people making rude comments, shouting things, whispering to their friends ‘look how tall she is’ – this is exhausting. Constantly having to ignore or confront people talking about the way that you look like it is something you can change.

My best example of this was at a concert – there was a girl of similar age to myself who was approximately five foot five and was with her boyfriend who was the same height as me.

The girl made a comment, ‘if you are that tall you should be at the back.’ This demonstrates the expectation that people expect me to stand at the back due to the length of my legs. Tall girls need to come to the front and be seen, not shy away because you are tall. The irony of this was that her boyfriend was the same height as me – one rule for me as a woman and another for him. This really frustrates me. Men are often praised for being tall but when a woman is tall, the praise disappears and there is a sense of disgust, and it is seen as negative.

In the fashion industry there is a stereotype for models to be tall and slim but when these women are in the real world they are dammed for their height.

My Findings

I wanted to ask tall women, who I knew personally, how they feel about this issue. I have carried out a survey to see how other women feel about retailers’ selection of tall garments, particularly trousers. This survey was carried out by 16 people who all have very similar views on the subject.

The first thing that I wanted to find out was the average height of the women who answered the questionnaire. It showed that 75% of women surveyed were between five foot eleven and six foot one. 12.5% were five foot seven or below and the final 12.5% were between six foot two and six foot four. Overall, the majority of the women who responded to the survey were above average height. According to a survey by Stewart in 2023, the average height of women in the UK is 162.4cm which is approximately five foot three inches.

The next question I asked was if they had ever struggled to find trousers which were long enough. 85.7% of the survey participants said they have an issue with finding trousers that fit. This shows that it is a common issue for many women. Retailers should be looking at the sector of womenswear as it is clearly a major concern and a gap in the market.

experience. 50% agreed that they had not found a reliable tall section on the high street. The most popular high street retailer voted for was H&M.

The survey has allowed me to view the other opinions of tall women. It shows there is a consensus that retailers have not mastered inclusive sizing and more effort is required by these major brands to accommodate everyone in every shape and size.

My recommendations In summary here are my recommendations of retailers who have mastered inclusivity for tall women. In the high street the most prolific tall section was Topshop Tall. When they were still on the high street this brand had most people covered from petite to tall. It was a brand you could trust to have the length of garment you desired. You can still find the Topshop Tall brand online within

I then wanted to find out if anyone had experienced any issues with people commenting on the way that they look. It was found that 93.8% of women surveyed have experienced comments about their height. Clearly there is still a stigma around taller women. Some of the comments people have experienced include, ‘You’re very tall for a girl,’ and the most common one seems to be, ‘What is the weather like up there?’ There were also a few variations of the comment ‘centre back’ and comments with reference to male sports stars. This clearly indicates how often people associate being tall with being male.

The final question I asked was, ‘What retailer has the best tall section?’ ASOS got the most votes by far with 68.8% of the responses in their favour. Other suggestions which received singular votes were Top Shop, Marks & Spencer, Urban Outfitters, H&M and Primark. I also wanted to know if there were any other retailers that offered a tall section that offered a positive

ASOS is another brand which I have trusted for many years. Most of my trousers have been purchased from their tall section. I like the variation they provide with both style and sizing. In general, for workwear style clothing and brilliant party pieces, Zara are also to be recommended. I have found their trouser length varies, however I have a variety of their flared trousers which fit

Will we finally see a change in attitude towards tall women?

My final recommendation is a classic – Marks & Spencer. M&S are a brand which have supported tall women for many decades. They are a brand that have an excellent tall section which is appropriate for work and school situations. They provide both long and extra-long to suit all. They also offer a petite section for the smaller frame. In my opinion M&S is a brand which does not get a lot of recognition for its inclusivity but seems that they have mastered it and that other retailers should be taking note of what they have successfully achieved and using it as an example for their own brand. I think M&S are a brand which works with so many different age groups from young to old therefore I hope to be able to rely on them forever.

Will we finally see a change in attitude towards tall women? Will retailers change their stock and keep a tall section as a permanent part of their collection?

Tall women should not have to rely on specific retailers which work for them, they should be able to shop the clothes they want from any retailer. It is one of the most frustrating things about being a tall woman. Finding clothing pieces, you like and not being able to find them in your size. We should not have to order online; we should be able to shop instore and support the brands we like and not just shop where we can fit into the clothes.

It is time for a change.

By Laura Russell

Is Diversity Achieved in the Modelling Industry?

Being in the year 2024, we have seen the fashion industry, as a whole, blossom into a unique community, where norms are constantly challenged, and views are always changing.

From the welcoming of different looks and bodies, to the acceptance of fashion giving people their individuality – we can see how fashion as a whole is a dynamic industry. But, looking closer into the modelling industry, is it fair to say that diversity is being fully achieved? Are people of colour being properly represented in our media without discrimination? And most importantly, is the modelling industry, or the fashion industry, playing their part in achieving full diversity?

Let us look back on fashion icon Donyale Luna, a black model whose impact has been described as revolutionary in the 60s. As she

there were virtually no modelling opportunities for non-white faces

moved to New York during the peak of the civil rights movement, her impact as a model mattered even more. As explained in Vogue, “there were virtually no modelling opportunities for nonwhite faces.” Donyale Luna was a celebrated model in the industry and was named as the first black supermodel.

However, being based in America in a time were prejudice against PoCs and in the time of the civil right movement, the white audience, who were against equality, would cancel their subscriptions with magazines that featured Luna.

Her influence on the industry highlights the challenges to pave the way for PoC models in the industry, and honouring her

IS IT REALLY DIVERSE OR ARE THEY PRETENDING TO BE?

remarkable work is justified. Facing and tackling racism in America, in that era, couldn’t have been easy and her documentary highlights how it impacted her.

While this was back in the 60s, has much changed since then? To get more insight, I decided to interview Daniyaal Ali, a South Asian model from Glasgow who joined the modelling industry in 2022. Even when going between different forms of entertainment (modelling, acting, recording and more) Daniyaal spoke about growing up with insecurities. But this inspired him to go into modelling as it felt like his “inner child healed in front of the camera”.

When asked about how progressive the industry is, Daniyaal said, “After BLM

(Black Lives Matter) movement, I saw the industry become more inclusive for PoC but honestly, there’s still so much work to be done.”

The Black Lives Matter movement, a movement reacting with outrage for the unlawful racism and prejudice against black people, sparked a change in the media. Where people, both celebrities and not, protested for more to be done for this minority and protect their rights to raise equality.

there’s still so much work to be done

In fashion, we saw how BLM impacted the industry by brands publicly announcing their support. As explained by BBC writer, Fedora Abu, “Brands rushed to express their support, releasing statements, announcing donations to bail funds, and selling slogan T-shirts.”

@daniyaalnow on

Daniyaal modelling for Maison Charle Magne

But even with the industry changing for the better, in terms of accommodating minorities and giving them a platform, how effective was this change and is it still implemented in the industry?

Tokenism, described as the “practice of placing or promoting individuals from disadvantaged groups into highprofile roles in an organisation in order to give the impression that the organisation practises equal opportunity.” Daniyaal pointed out the concept of the token ethnic role. “I am so happy I get to see other PoC models in the industry, but it becomes competitive between us all when there is only one or few slots for the ‘token ethic’ or diversity quota. For instance, if it comes down to me or my 2 other PoC model friends, most times, they will get the gig or modelling opportunity.”

What is the token ethnic role?

From my experience as a PoC, I think this role in a business is sometimes symbolic diversity and in plain words – brownie points – to improve their reputation for consumers. For me, it was posing

my fellow PoC brothers and sisters see the struggle.The aim to include diversity should not just be for the sake of being the token,but because it’s right

for photos for posters in my high school and in past workplaces.

You can argue that this might be helping the cause and need for diversity in the industry, but is it really? The harm companies create using the ‘token’ role amongst ethnic groups, leads to pitting us against each other in a competition to be seen, or that we only matter for companies achieving diversity.

Daniyaal shows his and what seems like many other models’ experiences as being a victim of tokenism. “This is damaging

not only for the models, but my fellow PoC brothers and sisters see the struggle. The aim to include diversity should not just be for the sake of being the token, but because it’s right for everyone.” I questioned Daniyaal about what the industry is like now, is more

My skin tone is something that has experienced prejudice

diversity being achieved? “I had a discussion with a fellow PoC in the field and he suggested that the beauty standards in this region is harsh on South Asian men. I don’t really know what to say to that. I mean my nose is big, my hair is curly, my skin is dark, and I thought it would be great to include someone like me. I also heard the height matters too (I’m 5’10”) but I have seen other male models the same height as me get good work. I would like to see someone do a study or research into this or show me something that helps me understand this.”

Although I am not a model, I am an Indian woman of colour (WoC), who is currently studying the fashion industry, and I am simply just a viewer. With slurs thrown at my looks, piercing my colourless soul and coming from a white-predominated town with a migrant dad – from a young age, I was viewed differently. But I felt connected with seeing other PoCs in the fashion industry, something I dreamed of joining since little.

Now as an 18-year-old, in university, having moved away and being more involved and taught about how the fashion industry functions, there’s a massive space for diversity to be achieved. Not even having a Disney Princess to represent me, or having a model I’m represented by, hearing people mock people like my dad’s accent and my culture, I don’t feel different from how I felt all those years ago back in primary, or even in nursery. My skin tone is something that I still experience prejudice from.

I joined the fashion industry to hopefully make a difference, to connect with others like me who aim for change and representation

in media – so kids like me, like Daniyaal, like every PoC out there can grow up without the fear of feeling different. To my audience reading this article, let me highlight for every PoC community, we are just people who just want to get by and have the same experiences, opportunities and more as everyone else. We are not just groups for companies to suddenly remember and use for personal gain. Diversity is something so easily achievable – so here I am, grown up, now openly criticising companies for not being able to reach this.

Is it because you forget? Or because you have your own unresolved prejudices against us?

However, I can see that brands are trying, specifically PoC led brands and arguably, a lot of small businesses.

Selkie’s runway, in 2023, was admired and praised on mainstream media for its true awareness of diversity. With writers and viewers commenting on how they felt represented, all groups of people were seen on the runway, “Nobody is doing diversity and inclusion on the runway quite like Selkie,” admired Mandy Lee. I watched this runway through a screen, and I can say, proudly, I felt something heal inside me. I felt the prejudice I had suffered and the weight of it all being lifted, and for once I could breathe. I never saw a runway full of people that had represented me before, it was pure euphoric utopia.

But after the runway ended, I was hit with reality again. Trying to muster all my enthusiasm for a better world, for a better fashion industry, I have faith in brands. I hope that when they see what Selkie achieves, they choose to take the right step forward and follow the movement.

Let’s get rid of prejudice, from racism to ableism, sizeism to homophobia.

It’s 2024, we can do better. Let’s do better.

Written

by Aria Chahal Interview with Daniyaal Ali Researched from: Vogue & BBC

D R A G GED O UT D R A G GED O UT

Photographer - Cydnie Cresswell

Model - Tina Mae

Creative Director - Aria Chahal

Jumpsuit - Shein

Boots - Amazon

SHE IS THE MOMENT

Styled Slayed Served Styled Slayed Served

Gown - Shein

Gloves - Shein

Heels - Amazon

Dress - Shein Boots - Amazon

Pretty in Pink

Step into Barbieland with style

Bridgerton Pink Lace Corset, Primark, £5

Pink Cord Mini Skirt, Oliver Bonas, £55

Pink Jacquard Geo Tank, Oliver Bonas, £49.50

Pink Velvet Bow, John Lewis, £5

Pink Padded Flap Over Bag, Primark, £9

Pink Floral Print Frill Detail Smock Dress, Roman, £38

Hot Pink Corset Bodycon Dress, PrettyLittleThing, £20

Pink Jewel Earrings, TK Maxx £12.99

Pink Double Buckle Mary Janes, Oliver Bonas, £65

Pink Metallic Strappy Crop Top, PrettyLittleThing, £12

Pink Textured Jacket, Oliver Bonas, £100

Embroidered Motif Wide Trousers in LenzingTM EcoveroTM Pink, Monsoon, £49

Gold & Pink Gem Stone Necklace, TK Maxx, £12.99

Created by Mary Watt

Timeless chic

Top: AliExpress £7 Sunglasses: Vinted £2

Photographer: Emily Rose

Stylists: Emily Rose & Ellie Traynor

Model: Gabriela Maciesiak

£26

The perfect basics for your next cocktail night so you can feel as confident as you’ll look in these cocktail night essentials.

CREATED BY BETHANY MCALLISTER

COCKTAIL NIGHT

Top - Hollister

Skirt - H&M

Shoes - Fila

Top - Urban Outfitters

Skirt - Zara

Tights - Urban Outfitters

Shoes - Model’s Own

The Feminine Urge To...

PHOTOGRAPHED & STYLED BY: REBEKAH KEAVENEY MODELS: ARIA CHAHAL & SHANNON DOWNIE

Top - Zara & H&M

Skirt - Zara

Tights - Urban Outfiters

Shoes -Model’s Own

Leg Warmers - Handmade

Dress - Hollister

Shoes - Fila

Leg Warmers - Handmade Ribbons - Hobbycraft

Top: Handmade

Crown: Handmade

Gloves: Partymania £4.95

Earrings: Wilkies £10

Necklace: Urban Outfitters £16

Bow: Primark £4

Lady Luck

I keep my lips red

Sunglasses: New Look £10

Lollipop: Flying Tiger £4

Top: Zara £25

Earrings: Vivenne Westwood £100

Bracelet: Art Room 59 £15

Dress: Primark £15

Models: Laura Russell & Amelia Poskitt

Photographers: Laura Russell, Amelia Poskitt & Mary Watt

It’s not about the cards you’re dealt It’s how you play the hand

Sunglasses: New Look £10 Top: Stradivarius £14.99

Charles&Keith Black Gem Strap Mules, £75

Sole Sculpt: Chic Heels for Every Moment

High heels are a timeless wardrobe staple that effortlessly blend elegance and versatility. The classic black colour is a practical standard that looks good with a wide range of outfits. What makes them so charming is the variety of styles available: strappy sandals for a glamorous touch, chunky heels for a fashionable yet laid-back vibe, and sophisticated stilettos for formal events. Any fashion enthusiast should own a pair of black heels since they effortlessly transition from day to night and enhance your appearance.

These showcased heels are a perfect choice because they are reasonably priced and have an appealing look. Their excellent craftsmanship ensures both comfort and durability. The line, which blends stylish accents with timeless designs, allows those who care about fashion to stay current without going over budget. These stylish but affordable heels can instantly elevate clothes, proving that elegance doesn’t always have to be costly. If you’re feeling brave, you could even try a splash of emerald!

By Bianca Chindris

John Lewis

Whistles Cori Black Suede Stiletto Heel Court Shoes, £129

Artisan Huntress Black High Heeled Shoes, £69.99

Artisan Huntress Emerald High Heeled Shoes, £69.99

Kurt Geiger Black Vegan Alia2 Shoes, £99

THE ULTIMATE CITY GIRL STAPLES

By Erin Evelyn Deans

Oliver Bonas, Floral Street Perfume, £68

F&F, Ivory Roll Neck Jumper, £15

New Look, Black Leather-look Mini Skirt, £19.99

Oliver Bonas, Hoop Earrings, £42

Scamp & Dude, Cat Eye Sunglasses, £30

New Look, Faux Leather Knee High Boots, £55.99

Radley, Shoulder Bag, £239

PrettyLittleThing, Grey Faux Leather Jacket, £48

TK Maxx, Gold Ring, £89.99

PrettyLittleThing, Cream Leather Faux Jacket, £50 Charlotte Tilbury, Lip Blur, £27

GLAM IT UP

Step into the world of glamour as we capture the allure of domesticity, turning routine tasks into a runway of sophistication.

PHOTOGRAPHERS:

MODELS: BIANCA CHINDRIS AND ELLIE BRUCE

BIANCA CHINDRIS AND ELLIE BRUCE

DRESS: ZARA £30

HEELS: NEW LOOK £32.99

EARRINGS: ZARA £14.99

DRESS: MODEL’S OWN

GLOVES: AMAZON £6.99

NECKLACE: ZARA £19.99

BLAZER: H&M £50

It’s not a chore - it’s a lifestyle

NECKLACE: WARREN JAMES £60

MINIMAL

Models: Emily Easton, Neve Henderson, Ellie Reid and Freya Hughes

Stylists: Emily Easton and Neve Henderson

Photographer: Lucy Mileham and Kaitlyn Douglas

MONOCHROME Get The Look

Neve wears Top: Weekday Shorts: Diesel Boots: Bershka

CLASSIC

Ellie wears Dress: Zara Watch: Casio Bow: Primark

Ellie wears

Top: Zara

Jeans: Zara

Boots: Dr. Martens

TIMELESS

Freya wears Skirt: ASOS Bodysuit: Zara

Is Styling KEY

Emily wears

Dress: PrettyLittleThing

Jacket: PrettyLittleThing

Sunglasses: Primark

Necklace: Bohomoon

CLEAN GIRL CAMPUS LIFE

Models: Sophie Cameron and Drew Cosgrove

Photographers: Katy Mitchell, Lina Bird and Palmer Matthew

Styled by: Leah Flora and Ellie Whyte

Bag: Adanola Coat: COS

Leggings:

Trainers: New Balance

Gym Shark

Sports Bra: Bo&Tee

Earrings: Missoma

Laptop: Apple

Rings: Pandora

Puffer coat: The North Face

Leggings: Gym Shark

Hoodie: White Fox

Joggers: Zara

Trainers: New Balance

Leather jacket: Urban Outfitters

Tracksuit: Adanola

Trainers: New Balance

An ANSWER or a PROBLEM?

AI and the Fashion Industry

AI has already infiltrated every aspect of fashion: the question is will this advancing technology enable amazing innovation or pose a terrible threat to the industry we know today?

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, the latest buzzword that continues to dominate our headlines and consume our social media feeds. AI has expanded exponentially in the past few years, seeping into almost every industry and causing countless debates in its wake. The fashion business is just one example of an industry taking AI in its stride despite the possible controversy and backlash. So, why is this technology being more frequently used, what are the benefits, and what are the drawbacks that have people so firmly against it?

One of the major reasons so many fashion companies are veering towards AI is its ability to make many procedures across the industry more productive andstreamlined. AI can potentially save businesses both time and money by optimising the entire supply chain process. This is most evident within the garment construction and manufacturing phase of the fashion supply chain. Automated AI machines carry out procedures that are usually susceptible to error both precisely and quickly, such as mixing dye, and cutting fabric. AI can memorise and instantly recall prior perfect dye combinations, and cut fabric with such accuracy that there are few leftovers. This means less likelihood for waste whether it’s in the form of unusable materials dyed the wrong shade, or piles of fabric scraps from the cutting room floor. AI’s precision also allows for quick and comprehensive garment quality checks. AI-powered systems with computer vision can spot any inconsistencies and flaws within the garment with ease. This technology, when developed and tested by the Hong Kong Polytechnic

University, was found to reduce 90% of the excess waste in the fabric manufacturing process when compared with the usual human inspection process. Automating these routine and repetitive procedures allows businesses to minimise monetary loss from material waste and invest the man hours that would usually be undertaken for these tasks into other meaningful areas.

“AItechnology,developed andtestedbytheHong KongPolytechnic University,wasfound toreduce90%ofthe excesswasteinthefabric manufacturingprocess comparedwiththeusual humaninspectionprocess.”

Though AI’s presence is most obvious in the garment manufacturing process, its utilisation begins before the materials even reach the factory. AI has the capability to accuratelypredicttrends inreal-timethrough the analysis of data. AI algorithms can examine huge amounts of data from social media platforms, runway shows, and consumer data such as search history, and online and in-store data, to instantly compile emerging trends like popular colours and patterns. Forecasting fashion trends is an infamously difficult task, fashion is unpredictable, reflective of the unpredictability of the world around us. This has never been more evident than in these past few years with COVID-19. With the world locked down, many predicted trends for 2020 were rendered null and void, ousted in favour of loungewear and comfort. AI can assist with this through its ability to analyse these large sets of images and data at the drop of a hat, enabling companies to pick up on trends immediately, even the trends that seemingly come out of nowhere. For designers and brands, this means they are likely to create commercially successful and profitable garments, with the speed of AI trend prediction making it possible for them to get ahead of their competitors.

The importance of accurate trend predictions cannot be overstated, not only does it reduce the risk of financial disaster, but most importantly it reduces the tons of waste

caused by garments that don’t sell. This presents one of the key selling points for the use of AI, particularly within the fashion industry, sustainability. Fashion’s extensive history of environmental degradation is no secret. The European Parliament stated that textile production is thought to be responsible for around 20% of global clean water pollution. Additionally, with the growth of the environmentallyconscious consumer, it’s no surprise that fashion brands are employing numerous different measures in an attempt to combat their climate impact. As previously discussed, AI has improved sustainability by reducing waste in both the fashion design phase, with accurate trend prediction, and in fashion manufacturing, with precise fabric cutting and vigorous quality checks. AI’s contribution to sustainability doesn’t stop there though. AI can reduce the usage of energy and water resources by optimising the fashion supply chain. AI can provide businesses with data from their entire production supply chain and with this data identify areas for improvement in terms of their environmental impact and provide solutions such as changing transport methods to reduce emissions. AI can also assist businesses in switching to sustainable materials. AI can pinpoint the materials needed for a garment and then find and recommend fabrics that have similar properties but, instead, are environmentally friendly or produced by a sustainable supplier. This type of AI technology is already being utilised across many industries.

“Foranindustrythat isconsistentlyshunned foritsenvironmental degradationwillthe benefitsofAIbeenough tojustifythehuge carbonfootprintthat comeswithit?”

Prewave, a German AI-powered company scours the internet for any reference to a company’s supplier and alerts the company to possible sustainability infractions committed by the said supplier. As of 2023, Prewave covers almost nine hundred thousand suppliers.

As evidenced so far, there are numerous benefits involved in the use of this technology, but there are equally as many drawbacks that cast doubt on the ethics and validity of AI. It would be negligent to discuss the automation involved with AI machinery without raising the resulting issue in its use, theriskofjobloss.As previously stated, these automated AI machines can carry out usually complex procedures quickly and to an incredibly high standard, higher than what we as humans can achieve. Due to this AI poses a very real threat to the job security of millions of people, including those within the fashion industry. In fact, Oxford Economics predicts that around 20 million jobs could be lost to automation by 2030. Additionally, PwC stated that automation threatens around 40% of workers with low levels of education while only 10% of workers with high-level education will be at risk. Consequently, not only could this disrupt an already unstable economy, but it could exacerbate an already immense wealth divide, and plunge people further into poverty. This is especially concerning as many people have already experienced extreme financial strife in these past few years due to both COVID-19 and the cost-of-living crisis. The possibility of redundancy due to AI in the fashion industry encompasses more than just manufacturing, eventually the advancement of AI could displace fashion designers, marketers, retail employees and more.

Fashion losing its human touch is a problem in itself for the industry due to the issues that arise from an over-relianceonAIdata.AI may have all the data and algorithms you could ever need but AI does not possess emotional intelligence, AI does not possess social awareness, and AI does not possess life experience. AI lacks the critical human elements that are necessary for a full decision-making process. Losing these three crucial components can lead to ideas and decisions that possibly won’t convert well into the real world. This is best illustrated with the aforementioned trend forecasting; what people interact with on social media and search for online are not necessarily representative of what the population at large is going to buy and wear on a day-today basis. I know personally that I have interacted with countless posts online depicting clothing I would never buy or wear myself, and I’m sure you reading this have done the same. For example, following the release of the Barbie movie in the summer of 2023, bright pink clothing was frequently liked, shared, and interacted with on social media, but would the majority of the general public wear hot pink on a daily basis? It’s unlikely. AI doesn’t have the same awareness that humans possess, while AI would call something a trend, real people are able to detect if a trend depicted in data will actually translate into real life. Relying heavily on AI data and less on essential human awareness can possibly mislead businesses rather than benefit them.

As previously stated, AI is supposed to assist the fashion industry in reducing its climate impact through reducing waste and optimising resource use. While that rings true, the stark reality is that AItechnologyhasitsowncarbonfootprint . Both training and running AI require a gargantuan amount of energy and the increase in the usage of energy directly correlates to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts found that just the training process alone for a singular AI model can emit more than six hundred thousand lbs of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Considering that statistic is for just a single AI model, the figure for the total number of AI models that would be used across the fashion industry would be absolutely staggering. The fashion industry is already infamous for being one of the leading contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. According to Christine Ro from the BBC, fashion emits around 10% of global carbon emissions each year and with the rise in the use of AI technology in the industry, this figure could extend even higher. This leaves one question: for an industry that is consistently shunned for its environmental degradation, will the benefits of AI be enough to justify the huge carbon footprint that comes with it?

In essence, AI is a double-edged sword. It has various benefits that promise to bring significant change and innovation to the fashion industry, but this means having to simultaneously endure the numerous downsides that come along with its use. I think for AI to be truly advantageous businesses need to use it economically, while still maintaining the humanity within fashion. As of right now, Artificial Intelligence is still in its infancy so only time will tell how the fashion industry is going to be affected by this advancing technology.

Illustration and Article by Amelia Poskitt

DIP INTO THE POOL OF FASHION WITH OLYMPIAN HANNAH MILEY

Hannah Miley is a Scottish former competitive swimmer who has been a part of many great events including the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, European and World Championships. She started off like any other swimmer attending council lessons and worked her way up to join Garioch Swimming club and eventually competing for Team GB. Hannah was someone I looked up to from a very young age and, in 2017, I was lucky enough to attend the “Swim Skills Masterclass” she hosted at Aberdeen Sports Village. She was not only an inspiration to me but to many other young swimmers and continues to have the same impact today.

WHAT WAS IT THAT MADE YOU START SWIMMING IN THE FIRST PLACE?

So it was my dad who taught me how to swim when I was very young, about three years of age. Although I had other activities, I just found that I was better coordinated in water than I was on land. I lived in my own head a lot and was quite an imaginative kid. So for me, being in the pool allowed me

would be my 4th place finish in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Yes, it was devastating not being on the podium, but actually it taught me a huge life lesson that I’m more than just the medals that I win. It’s also allowed me to realize that you know what? Fourth in the world is not bad!

How do the swimsuits you wear affect your ability in the water?

to stay in my own head. I’ve always had incredibly flexible joints, which was great for swimming but terrible for land based sports - I could trip over on a flat floor. When I was in the water, I just felt more at home so I kind of just stuck with it. It wasn’t until I was about maybe 15 or 16, when I got to compete at the Commonwealth Games, that I decided it was something that I really wanted to pursue.

“FOURTH IN THE WORLD IS NOT BAD!”

So when I was younger, tech suits weren’t really a thing for me so we just wore a normal swimming costume. I don’t think it was until after the Sydney Olympics that the full body fast skins came into the picture. I just didn’t like anything that went past the hips as it just felt so restrictive. The Aqua blade was the very first tech suit that I had which had stripes that would show up in the water because of its hydrophobic material. However, after a couple of uses it went seethrough and the elastic started pinging off. It wasn’t until I was about 18 or 19 that the full poly suit came into effect. In 2009, there were 43 world records broken at the World Championships in Rome so it was clear the difference these suits were having. I hated them as they took over an hour to stick on and you could only get a few uses out of them. However, they did help align my body position to sit much higher in the water which really improved my breaststroke.

We decided to do a bit of a physiology test where we found the compression of the

WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR SWIMMING CAREER?

So there was kind of two moments. The first one was competing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014. The expectation to win the event and defend the title was a huge amount of pressure for me. The year I had leading into the event was awful as I had my main rival Amy Willmott kicking my butt in every race and getting faster and faster. I had a lot of self-doubt so to be successful in this event was extremely uplifting. The other

suits really did impact my performance in the water. We did a series of 200 metre distances using an aqua pacer and found that my heart rate was significantly lower and lactic acid production hadn’t even started in the poly suit compared to my normal swimming costume. We came to the conclusion that it was the compression and thickness of the material used to make these suits that made the swimmer more buoyant.

Is there any specific brand you prefer to wear?

I signed my contract with Arena in 2010 and have pretty much been a diehard fan ever since. I found that their style of suit fitted so much better to my body shape as well as being lightweight and allowed me to feel the water better. I loved not only their racing suits, but their training suits as well. As time went on, the company took on the feedback they received and used that to design different suits. I liked that they listened to their athletes and we weren’t just a statistic.

I really liked their Carbon Air Powerskins that had carbon fibres woven within the suit for rigidity, compression and more hydrodynamic movement. For me it made a big difference, as I wanted a suit that just moulded with my body and felt like a second skin. Again, it’s that feel good factor because I think that with any athlete you’ve got a pie chart split into thirds. I think you’ve got your physiology, psychology and technique. Physiology and technique comes down to what you do in the pool but with psychology, you listen to what makes you feel good and if you’ve got a suit that makes you feel good that can help your race. That’s what Arena did for me.

with some guidance on how to prolong the life expectancy, they won’t have to replaced as often. I also think that there should be more opportunity to try these suits on because currently, in order to try them you have to buy them. It would be great to see more stores that allow young swimmers to try them on.

“I SHOULDN’T HAVE TO MUTE WHO I AM”

Do you think that price and quality are compatible with the swimwear on the market?

I think it’s better now because, although race suits are quite expensive, when you see the technology behind it and how they are created, the high pricing makes sense. However, I do think that there needs to be better guidance on the aftercare of these suits because people don’t realise how much they shorten the life expectancy in the way they look after them. Some kids are wearing these suits from 7am until 7pm and showering with them on. This is bad for the suit as the shampoo eats away at the elastane and harms the quality. They should be worn for a maximum of two races then rinsed out with cold water and air dried. So yeah, I do think that they are expensive but

throughout my pregnancy I struggled to find a swimsuit that I could train in. I’ve always loved wearing bright swimsuits as I feel that’s part of my personality so I felt really upset when I could only find black or navy maternity suits that were really low cut. It got to the point where I could no longer fit in my colourful suits and this really affected my ability to go in the pool. I really wanted to design something colourful that allowed me to feel like myself as I shouldn’t have to change because of the lack of colour on the market. So when I suggested the idea for a line of maternity swimsuits, Usual Objections sent me a couple of samples and I decided to go with the tartan one. As soon as I put it on it just felt like a normal training suit which made me feel so proud and allowed me to tap into who I was as a person.

Based on your recent collaboration, is the development of maternity swimwear something you’d be interested in being involved with?

Is there any restrictions on the type of swimwear you could wear at big competitions?

If the competition was sponsored by a brand like Speedo and you preferred Arena you had to either wear a blacked out Arena suit so there was no branding on show or wear something from the sponsor. At the Beijing Olympics, Team GB were sponsored by Adidas so the options for racing caps were limited. It was very difficult to race in a cap in a different fit and style to what I was used to. I actually got into trouble there as we had to handpick the word “Speedo” off of our swimsuits and I didn’t realise I had forgotten to so when I was interviewed for winning my heat, the brand was on show.

Do you enjoy getting dressed up for award nights and events and how would you describe your personal style?

Yes, it can be terrifying but I quite like it! I can’t do makeup or hair but I love outfits. I like something that will show off my shoulders so I always have that in mind when looking for dresses. I wouldn’t say I have a set style but it’s nice be able to dress up and wear something fancy every once in a while.

Could you tell me a little bit about your recent collaboration with Usual Objections?

I’ve always wanted to design a tartan swimsuit as there’s not that many out there. I approached the brand because

Yes, I’d love to try and do it in a way that is beneficial for female health. I’d like to see some period swimwear that is not just plain darker colours. Obviously some people prefer to wear these which is fine but I know for someone like me who likes bright suits, it feels very obvious if I am on my period and I shouldn’t have to mute who I am by having to wear black or navy. I think people choose the outfits that best represents them so it would be really cool to design a collection that allows people to have that. In the UK, we don’t have the same access to patterns and designs that other countries like America and Australia have as they always seem to have cool colour combinations and patterns. I’d love to try and create a bespoke line to boost female empowerment and make young girls feel comfortable and happy with what they’re wearing.

Thank you to Hannah for taking time to talk to our reporter.

The Essential Basics Neutrals that last a lifetime

Models: Leah Flora & Ellie Whyte

Photographer: Katy Mitchell

Assistant photographers: Lina Bird & Palmer Matthew

Stylists: Drew Cosgrove & Sophie Cameron

Jumpers: Sisters & Seekers Watch: Michael Kors Rings: Ratbetty & Pandora

Top: Zara Bag: Zara Sunglasses: ASOS Jewellery: Missoma

Hoodie: Kaiia The Label Trousers: PrettyLittleThing Shoes: Adidas Bag: Zara Sunglasses: ASOS

Trincea Tranché Trench

Page by MaryAnne Macphail

IT’S NOT ABOUT BRAND IT’S ABOUT

STYLING

Models: Libby Nicoll, Lauren Cameron, Sophie Thompson and Kylie Tatters Photographer: Sophie Thompson

PrettyLittleThing Flare Leg Jumpsuit £29 (left)

Michael Kors Watch £225

Zara Long Fitted Elastic Dress £22.99 (right)

Pandora Necklace £90

CAN YOU SEE ME

Zara Knit Top £17.99

Zara Knit Midi Skirt £22.99

PrettyLittleThing Sunglasses £6.00

Zara Shoulder Bag £22.99

Oh Polly Dress £20

Stradivarius Long Dress £25.99

Zara Midi Dress £25.99

H&M Blazer £37.99

Primark Heels £15

Boohoo Seamed Top £15

Pink Vanilla Skirt £8

EGO Unitard £39

PrettyLittleThing

Cropped Blazer £20

Zara Cropped Top £7.99

Zara Skort £20

Zara Bodysuit £19.99

Zara Straight Leg Joggers £22.99 PrettyLittleThing Sunglasses £6

Timeless Travel Essentials

1. Polka Dot Pyjamas, £16.99, TK Maxx. 2. Pure Cashmere socks, £30, Marks & Spencer. 3. Sunglasses, £19, Monsoon. 4. Sony Wireless Headphones, £350, Very. 5. Orange Travel Bag, £62, Oliver Bonas. 6. Chilly’s Bottle, £22, John Lewis & Partners. 7. Black Shoulder Bag, £19.99, New Look. 8. Card Holder, £12.50, Oliver Bonas. 9. Fujifilm Instax Camera, £99.99, John Lewis & Partners.10. Wild Mint & Aloe Deodorant, £12, Sainsbury’s Beauty. 11. Velvet Wash Bag, £33.50, Daisy Park.

Eden Mahon

HOW TO: SCANDI STYLE

Crazy for Copenhagen fashion? Here’s some effortless basics to get you started on your very own Scandi wardrobe!

Twist Detail Gold Hoop Earrings Oliver Bonas £45

Page Designed By Shannon Downie

Stone Check Belted Trench New Look £59.99

Blue Denim High Waist Jeans PrettyLittleThing £30

Striped Knit Jumper Very £22

UGG Tasman Slipper John Lewis £95

Grey Cardigan Oliver Bonas £69.50

Blue Striped Button Down F&F £19

Sloan Street Black Shoulder Bag Radley London £239

What’s on your mind?

Model : Anzhelika Plieshakova

Photographer : Mariia Ilnytska-Rybchych

Stylist : Mariia Ilnytska-Rybchych

above:

blazer: H&M

skirt: Bershka

stockings : Calzedonia

necklace: Vintage rings: Primark

right: dress: H&M

earrings: H&M

necklace: Handmade

crossover top: Charity shop earrings: Other Stories necklace: Handmade

Sunglasses - TikTok Shop

Earrings - Model’s Own

Top - Vinted

Skirt - Vinted

Shoes - ASOS

FEELING blue BOLD

Photographer: Catriona MacDonald

Creative Directors: Yasmin Abou-Aichi & Shannon Downie

Model: Farah Abou-Aichi

Sunglasses - Shein Earrings - Model’s Own Top - Jaded London Trousers - Zara Shoes - Dr. Martens

BUBBLY. VIBRANT.

TheECO CHIC Fashion era

By Erin Evelyn Deans

Fast fashion is out, sustainable styles

are in.

Unlock the secrets to build a stylish, sustainable wardrobe.

Once upon a time people would set their heart on a piece of clothing, save up for it until they could eventually buy it, fall in love with their new purchase, and wear it until essentially it was threadbare. But at some point, in time, shopping for clothes lost its exciting spark. With the rise in poorly made fast fashion, people became addicted to the unsustainable accessibility of it. The emotional connection one once had with their clothes disappeared.

The drastic rise in unsustainable fashion buying is causing extreme harm upon the environment. It is estimated that more than two tonnes of clothing are bought each minute in the UK, which is more than any other country in Europe. That amount equates to nearly 50 tonnes of carbon emissions, which is the same as driving 162,000 miles in a car.

that feeds individual desires to stay within the social media loop and keep up with societal fashion trends through ‘trendy for the moment’ styles, but once bought, after a month or two will most likely never be worn again. Which only encourages the detrimental behaviours of a throwaway culture.

The reason fast fashion is even a thing, comes down to retailers who concentrate on getting products to consumers as soon as possible, through the quickest manufacturing and shipping methods, in the cheapest manner to satisfy consumer needs to own affordable, in the moment styles and to make unethical profit.

“sustainable fashion is not just a fleeting trend, but a necessary commitment to the preservation of our planet for future generations.” - econessstore

The primary reason that unsustainable fashion buying is enabled, is due to fast fashion, the term ‘fast fashion’ which refers to clothing which is unthoughtfully designed - meaning it’s not constructed to withstand excessive wear, made using cheap materials - which are more often than not composed of plastics and crude oil which makes the garment nonbiodegradable.

Too much, fast fashion is an addiction

So, what is the alternative to fast fashion one might wonder? Well, it happens to be an idea that was introduced in 2008 by fashion and sustainability consultant,

Kate Fletcher. The concept is called slow fashion and it’s the complete opposite of fast fashion. The slow fashion movement focuses on combatting fast fashion by promoting environmentally friendly practices for gathering raw materials, manufacturing, distribution, and disposal, to reduce the ridiculously large carbon footprint the fashion industry currently has. Another goal of this innovative movement is to make consumers aware of the harmful effects that unsustainable

fashion inflicts upon our planet, encouraging them to shop for quality over quantity, and start investment buying rather than overbuying.

A common misconception surrounding investment buying, which many view as a deterrent, is that they think they’ll be wearing the same outfit every day. However this is certainly not the case. In fact, with buying wardrobe staples, the pieces are so versatile that they can be mixed and matched in any way to suit the outfit occasion. Another positive for investing in wardrobe staples, is that when you buy high quality clothing, it’s almost guaranteed that that item will last for years and years if it’s well taken care of. When the item reaches its point of perish, if it’s made with natural materials, it can be recycled and perhaps will someday become something entirely new.

Avoiding fast fashion can be a real challenge nowadays with its major increase in popularity and extreme affordability, it can be very alluring. For many, paying a higher price point for a single higher quality piece of clothing is just not possible, which is completely understandable. A key suggestion for those who are in this position would be to visit charity shops, they happen to be an excellent place to find high quality clothing at bargain price points.

The primary aim of charity shops is to prevent items that still have a long life ahead of them being sent to landfill. This

in turn helps to positively contribute to combatting the negative effects of fashion pollution and overconsumption. Not only this but they also put proceeds towards supporting important charities.

When it comes to buying brand new, ethical shopping is the key is to ensure that the garment, one is looking to purchase, comes from a sustainable brand and is made from primarily natural materials that can be recycled, as opposed to manmade materials such as plastics, which take millions of years to biodegrade.

It’s also important to stop and think about how many times a potential purchase will actually be worn. Any less than 30 wears, then there’s a good chance it doesn’t deserve a place in your wardrobe. We’re all guilty of buying clothes that end up collecting dust from lack of wear. But it’s time for us to make a shift towards sustainable fashion, investing in staple wardrobe pieces that will last the test of time. We need to get out of the headspace of throwaway culture and enter the mindset of maintain, recycle, and donate.

labels correctly is also key to preserving garments. A common reason why people throw away clothes, tends to be because of wear and tear. Of course, no one wants to be walking around with a hole in their shirt, however there are so many methods to repair garments, one of the trendiest at the moment happens to be upcycling. The term refers to the idea of repurposing old clothes, turning them into something new and wearable, giving them a new wave of live. Upcycling has seen a major rise in popularity over the past few years, in everyday life and even on the runway.

‘Wardrobe Essentials’ are timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched all year round in addition to the fact that they blend in perfectly with a capsule wardrobe collection.

- Coco Chanel

The key to maintaining a long-lasting, sustainable wardrobe is to look after your garments. Contrary to popular belief, clothes don’t need to be thrown in the washing machine after every single wear, Instead, tops and dresses should be washed every 2-3 wears, trousers, and jeans after 5, sweaters and blazers up to 6. When laundry day eventually comes, following the care instructions on clothing

The thought of completely shifting shopping habits can be rather overwhelming, and it may be challenging to know where to start. One of the easiest ways to transition, would be to slowly collect a selection of basic but versatile pieces, which can really never go wrong. Starting with a trench coat, it has to be one of the classiest and timeless coats out there. A trench is suitable for all seasons, can be tied up and paired with a scarf for colder days, and unbuttoned for the warmer ones. Follow this with a little black dress, an iconic staple which was popularised by Coco Chanel back in the 20s. Since then, almost every woman has had a desire to own one due to its versatile nature. Paired with a blazer and some court heels, a sophisticated dinner outfit. But paired with a leather jacket and some knee-high boots, the look completely transforms into an alluring club look.

Next a button up blouse, one can never go wrong with a simple shirt, perfect

for the office when paired with a blazer, pencil skirt and some court heels. But perfect for a chic day to day look when worn with some jeans and white trainers. Adding a bit of Denim, a pair of jeans that fit perfectly will never go out of style. Denim is something so unique, although its blue, it really goes with any colour. To style them, go down the classy route with a turtleneck, blazer, and some heels. Or go for something relaxed by pairing them with a white tee and some comfy trainers for the everyday look. And finally, some accessories. When it comes to styling a staple wardrobe, accessorising is the key, it allows for so much variation within a single outfit. Accessories are personal, have the power to tie an outfit together, and add a touch of personality to completely elevate an outfit.

It can be difficult to ensure the most is made out of a capsule wardrobe, being aware of what is owned, and planning outfits is essential. It’s really easy to put an article of clothing into your wardrobe and forget it even exists. However recently there’s been a rise in wardrobe apps, and they happen to be one of the best solutions to maximising the contents of your wardrobe. These apps allow you to upload pictures of your existing clothes, shoes, and accessories, leaving you with a digital wardrobe. With this you can see how individual pieces look when paired with each other to create and plan future outfits! These apps were developed with the goal of reducing the rate of clothing consumption by reminding individuals of what they already own and providing them with a fun way to digitally style their existing clothes.

Hopefully this article provided some useful tips and tricks that will help both you and your everyday wardrobe become more sustainable, allowing you to look and feel your very best at all times.

by MaryAnne Macphail

Bags and T te Bags

As I go through life’s stages, I have noticed a bag accompanying each time. These vary in size, material, and function. From the baby bag your parents carried in your infancy, to your Star Wars or Lizzie McGuire school backpack (depends on your taste!), to your grandfather’s dusty briefcase – bags seem to be with us throughout our lives. At this moment in my life, as a 19 year old girl in university, it seems I am at the shoulder bag stage - more specifically, tote bags are everywhere I look. I can’t help but notice the various colours, styles, and embroidered bags thrown over the shoulders of students and other young people.

Over the last few years, with changing trends, the traditional ‘handbag’ has experienced much change. The main one, I would argue, is that they now present themselves in extreme sizes. For example, the ultra mini bags. These were brought to us by many brands but perhaps first resurrected in recent history by Simon Porte, the designer behind Jacquemus’ Mini 17, and Karl Lagerfeld before him in 2015. However, the iPhone 8 was released in 2017 and carrying a bag that could not contain your new iPhone was really quite laughable. The fact remains today: phones and ultra mini bags are not well acquainted (Mathew 2019). Like the glass slipper being forced on the stepsister’s foot in Cinderella - it’s not a pretty sight. Now it is not that these two designers created the mini bag. It has been present through the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, offered by many different designers and has

The Bigger the Better?

been influenced by different eras and movements. For example in the 60s, it was socially decided that more oversized handbags were not needed and that mini bags were a more practical solution, as they used less material and were easier to carry.

In the 70s, bags were heavily impacted by the hippy movement, the designs were “suitable bohemian” according to Vogue (2021). In the 80s, style icon Princess Diana could be seen with mini bags. Many of her collection belonged to Dior, with a boxy shape and quilted exterior, these bags were later renamed to “Lady Dior” in her honour (Lister and Cary, 2021). The mini bags trend looks set to remain for another few seasons, as seen in many of the Fashion Weeks for Spring/Summer 2024. New inventions and takes on the mini bags are plentiful, such as Ottolinger’s half-handle bag, as seen in their Paris Fashion Week show SS24 (Eleuterio, 2023).

Today, it is easy to see the impracticalities of the mini bag; although the styles able to

hold a mobile phone, retain their status as a tremendous accessory for a night out.

Now let us go to the other extreme, the XXL bags, if you will. The large bag trend has been steadily growing over the years, but according to Bonaventura (2023), the large bag trend hit heights this last summer of 2023, and is due to return in 2024. Bottega Veneta’s Spring Show 2024 includes statement pieces such as massive tote bags. These are often described as “larger than life totes” (Cary and Spedding 2023).

On runways for autumn/winter 2023, brands such as Jil Sander, Coach, and Ann Demuelemesster have been seen showing off large tote bags to carry everything you could ever need when you are out. These large tote bags are made from various materials in a plethora of styles and colours, but all with the overarching theme that you can carry your life in a bag (Vogue 2023).

Thorstein Veblen (1898) suggests that traditionally, clothes and styles adopted by the richest in society eventually trickle down and influence the rest of the population (Capsule 2020). This process is not necessarily the same today as we often see it is the opposite, more of a trickling up, where it is the everyday people of society and sub-cultures who influence fashion trends. I am curious to know which way it moved in this case of tote bags. Did university students kickstart the trend of using one over-shoulder bag that fits everything they will need from day to

Some reasons why you should consider gifting your (self), loved ones a bag, particularly a Tote Bag...

night? Were the luxury brands forced to follow, creating high quality, high fashion XL bags?

Amy De Klerk (2023) wrote a piece on High Fashion Tote bags. In this article, she says the embracing of tote bags for luxury bags was heavily influenced and encouraged by the ‘Burberry Tote’ that was seen in an episode of the series Succession. The bag caused a lot of fuss, not just in the show. According to an article in Grazia Magazine and Harper’s Bazaar, the company told Harper’s Bazaar that searches for Burberry tote bags increased by more than 310 percent (Grazia 2023)! In the show Succession, the characters are dressed in what could be referred to as quiet luxury, muted, toneddown wardrobe classics, wearing clothes that may be painfully expensive, but not obviously so. In this context, the Burberry Tote sticks out. This is what you would call loud luxury. The characters of Succession were so high class I do not even have the words to describe their bank accounts, putting even successful people in business to shame – so to them, loud luxury was not their taste… AT ALL. However, this was not the public’s response, and along with Burberry, other bag designers such as Marc Jacobs, Saint Laurent, and Dior have also been moving towards larger Tote styles over a few seasons and continue to do so as popularity increases (Amy De Klerk 2023).

As for most of the tote bags that I see, they are low-quality. Often, they are cotton and maybe even a wee bit see through, as the user packs their life into the thin-material,

oddly shaped bags with a Stanley water bottle poking out. According to an article in the New York Times, Vienteic Berry, a London Artist, counted the number of free tote bags she has received and has in her wardrobe. There were 25 (Cook, 2021). The Tote has become a way for brands to encourage reusable bags, encourage customers to make more eco-friendly choices, and get some free advertising!

Many tote bags appear worse for wear. However, is this actually a positive thing? On average, a tote should be used around 20,000 times to offset its impact on the production line, according to the Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark. This is a large quota, and as many of the Tote Bags we receive are complimentary, part of a deal, or free, we accumulate a lot of them, making this 20,000 quota impossible to hit for those of us who seem to collect them. From a consumer perspective, it is understandable that we ‘collect’ them as our typical tote bags of poorer quality are not the most reliable - handles snap, the bottom of the bag bursts through, and so on. Nonetheless, we cannot ignore the impact cotton tote bags have on the planet, and as consumers, we also have a responsibility for our actions.

As I write this, Christmas is approaching,

and there may be a birthday or another excuse to give out and receive presents. From carrying out this research about cotton tote bags, I have come to realise something, bags are a worthwhile investment. It can sometimes be hard to splash cash on basic items, or at least it is for me. With cheaper, less sustainable cotton tote bags being thrown at us all the time, especially as university students, it is hard to reject these and potentially fork out a bit (or a lot) more money on a tote bag that is going to last, maybe made with more environmentally friendly materials, that we can still pack our lives into.

In conclusion, gift-giving seasons are a great time of year to invest, whether for yourself in a to-me, from-me situation (no judgment here, treat yourself!) or for a loved one. Consider giving a higher quality tote that will last, negating the need to collect cheaper cotton ones, doing your part for the environment. After all, every little helps. And just to add that from experience, they make a great ‘moving to university’ present as young people enter their tote bag stage of life. Do You Use Toteyour Bag 20,000 times?!

Smiling is an Accessory Bags

and balaclavas are too...

Photographers, Models and Stylists: Eden Mahon, Lewis Kelly & MaryAnne Macphail

Location: Aberdeen City Centre

Denim Jacket: ASOS Bag: Uniqlo

Balaclava (cream): Pull&Bear

Leather Jacket: Skinz Leather Wear

Balaclava: Primark

Jumper: Vinted

Sunglasses: Amazon

Bag: Uniqlo

Jumper: Vinted

Skirt: Urban Outfitters

Sunglasses: Amazon

Jumper: Vinted Jeans: Levi’s

Balaclava: Urban Outfitters

Leather Jacket: Skinz Leather Wear

Sunglasses: Amazon

Headphones: Bose T-shirt: In Prints We Trust

Cargo Jeans: Primark Denim Skirt: Depop

Bag: Uniqlo Jacket: Stine Goya

Sunglasses: Amazon Balaclava: Urban Outfitters

Black Balaclava: Primark

Sunglasses: Amazon Bag: Uniqlo

Leather Jacket: Charity Shop

Jumper: Vinted

Jeans: Primark

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO AVOID PEOPLE

Wearing Sunglasses will help block out the haters

Make sure to look permanently unimpressed

Balaclava: Primark

Denim Jacket: ASOS Bag: Uniqlo

Jumper: Vinted

Jeans: Levi’s

Extra Tip: Wear Headphones

Black Balaclava: Primark

Bag: Uniqlo

Denim Jacket: ASOS

Jeans: Levi’s

Cream Balaclava: Pull & Bear

Cream Bag: Uniqlo

Oil Spill Jumper: Shein

Jeans: Primark

Urban Legends

Model: Nicole Stirling

Stylists: Mary Watt and Nicole Stirling

Photography: Lauren Munro and Maddison Cheshire

Shoes: Balenciaga, £825

Bracelet: Kate Spade £70

Earrings: Kate Spade, £30

Necklace: Kate Spade, £70

Jacket: Etsy, £80

Top: PrettyLittleThing, £16

Jeans:

Jewellery:

PrettyLittleThing, £30

PrettyLittleThing, £5

Sunglasses: New Look, £10

Top: McLaren, £115

Jeans: PrettyLittleThing, £30

Sunglasses: New Look, £10

Top: PRTY, £40

Jeans: PrettyLittleThing, £30

Shoes: Balenciaga, £825

Bag: Urban Outfitters, £29

Earrings: PrettyLittleThing, £5

Top: Pro:Direct Sport, £45

Skirt: PrettyLittleThing, £5

Bag: Topshop, £32

Shoes: Balenciaga, £825

Necklace Tiffany and Co, £250

Top: Pro:Direct Sport £115

Jeans: PrettyLittleThing £30 Bag: Public Desire £19.99

Voir Fashion Magazine Placement Experience

In Stage 3 of the BA(Hons) Fashion Management course, students have the opportunity to take part in a year-long, 12 week, or 6 week placement. Lauren spent time working in London, in fashion journalism. She shares her invaluable experience with us.

As an aspiring Fashion Journalist (or Editor, or Creative Director, really any role in which I get to live my 2000’s Fashion Magazine rom-com fantasy) I’ve kept a constant eye out for Internships which would provide me with the skills and portfolio it would take to make my dreams a reality. Not only do internships provide you with valuable

workplace skills and experience, but if taken as a placement within your degree, they can in fact dramatically improve your determination, skill, and coursework quality during the rest of your studies.

At first, I was just focused on finding an internship to take on, out with my degree, to build my skills and portfolio. I started by building a solid platform on LinkedIn, as well as endlessly scrolling and applying for roles on both there, and the website Fashion Workie, which is an invaluable platform when it comes to Internships and Graduate roles.

Eventually, I spotted my perfect Internship as a Remote Fashion Journalism Intern for Voir Fashion Magazine, headquartered in London. After a couple of rounds of interviewing and lots of crossing my fingers, I finally heard back that my application had been successful, and I was their newest intern. After a well earnt celebration, I had my first call with the magazine Editor in Chief, Jyoti Matoo. The call went far better than expected and after bouncing ideas off each other, we decided I should look at my options for taking a placement semester and heading down to the London headquarters to gain as many hands-on experiences as I could.

After a couple of weeks working remotely, trying to get all my paperwork sorted, and get everything in order for my temporary location shift, it was happening and on the 1st of February, I headed down to London, feeling thrilled with the possibilities ahead of me. The HQ was bang in the middle of Leicester Square, Chinatown, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus, and being in the bustling centre of London made me even more ecstatic.

Throughout my time at Voir, my role was largely focused on writing articles. When it came to discussing ideas, often I would

pitch relevant topics I had seen trending, or being discussed on other prominent digital magazines, or my Editor would assign me a topic that she specifically wanted the publication to discuss. Some of my first articles being The Resurgence of Leopard Print when it started to trend again at the beginning of the year. Jyoti then wanted me to focus of producing Valentine’s content, so I wrote an article of Valentine’s lingerie as well as Lover Girl Glam.

We then slowly approached every Fashion lovers’ favourite time of year, and for a couple of weeks, all our content was tailored towards Fashion Weeks Internationally. Articles discussing London Fashion Week’s 40th Anniversary, New York Fashion Week Street Style, The Best of Copenhagen Fashion Week, Highlights from Athens Fashion Week, and brand profiles like Schiaparelli and Ester Manas.

I also had to stay really on top of what was happening in celebrity pop culture, and what was trending and be able to pitch, and write relevant articles to my Editor within tight time frames to ensure they were still relevant by the time they were posted. For example, I wrote an article on the Oscars 2024 Best Moments, Skims first TV advert, multiple articles on Beyoncé’s newest release Renaissance Act II speaking about the album artwork and her collaboration with hot new photographer, Nadia Lee Cohen.

Two of my favourite articles that I pitched, due to them both being areas of particular interest to me, were my article for International Women’s Day celebrating up and coming female fashion photographers, and an article going over the best rom coms of the 2000s, which are, and always have been, my guilty pleasure. I also got the opportunity to write descriptions about the 2024 trends in the digital magazine, which really benefitted my descriptive writing.

During London Fashion Week, I had the opportunity to go out and shoot street style imagery of people attending the shows. Me and one of my colleagues lucked out and found ourselves among a bustling group of fashion enthusiasts outside the Kazna Asker show at the Selfridges Hotel just off Oxford Street.

Kazna Asker is one of the incredible up and coming designers that has been using their platform to speak out about the issues currently affecting Palestine. The guests of the show dressed accordingly, in a beautiful display of red, white, and green in solidarity. We managed to snap some incredible pictures, and with my aspirations for journalism, I also whipped out a mini microphone and interviewed them, which was something I hadn’t done before and was an incredible skill to have learnt.

I asked my subjects to break down their outfits, and state where items are from. On top of this, I had a short list of questions to ask the show attendees I was interviewing. Some I found got the subjects passionately chatting were, “Who are your fashion Icons and why?” “What Fashion trends are you currently loving and/or hating?” and “What is your biggest Fashion regret?”

I also really wanted to get my subjects to feel relaxed, so chatting with them casually before turning on the camera really helped. Going up and saying hello, complimenting their outfit, and asking to take some pictures while chatting to them about how the show was or if they had a busy day of shows ahead of them made them more relaxed.

Throughout the experience I gained incredibly valuable skills in organising and preparing garments and accessories as well as assisting in maintaining the overall aesthetic vision that Jyoti had for the shoot. For example, adjusting clothing to assure it was being photographed in the best and most flattering way. On top of this, I had the opportunity to learn how to assist Jyoti in curating looks and managing wardrobe changes.

For the 32nd issue Voir chose to have two strong women on the cover, seeing as it was to be released during International Women’s month. The second incredible cover star was Grace Chatto, from the chart topping and GRAMMY-winning British pop band, Clean Bandit. I had the amazing opportunity of being a wardrobe assistant for both shoots, which largely entailed doing a lot of the styling pickups (picking up the clothing, jewellery and footwear) that lead stylist and Editor Jyoti planned to use in the shoot.

I feel the experience hugely improved my confidence

One of the highlights of styling pickups was meeting, and networking with the colourful and inspiring scene of London designers –some independent and up-and-coming, like Ellie Misner, Frances O, Barker Flower, and Ivy J Studio, and some larger established brands like Bluebella, a lingerie brand supplied by ASOS, and Di Minno, a high-end women’s shoe store on Sloane Street in London.

I was also really lucky as the time I spent with Voir in London was also in the height of preparation for the 32nd edition of the digital magazine, meaning although I was hired to write, I gained a far broader spectrum of skills than I had hoped for.

One of the highlights for me throughout my whole experience working in the Voir headquarters was getting the opportunity to assist on the cover shoot with model and body positivity activist, Charli Howard. A major name in the British modelling industry, having modelled for Christian Louboutin, De Beers, GHD and many more, Charli is an Author, Body Activist and was included in 2021’s Forbes 30 under 30. I’ve admired Charli and her message about body positivity since I first came to know of her through social media as a teenager, so getting to assist on a shoot she was starring in was a real full circle moment.

Another job that I was given as styling assistant was the stock take of the pieces we had picked up. This meant taking everything out of its packaging and photographing it all, to ensure nothing was missing at the end of the shoot, and also to take pictures of any scuff marks and blemishes on the items. Often, brands have a selected range of items that they loan to different stylists, and it can sometimes have imperfections due to use, so to ensure the Magazine wasn’t charged for any flaws, we took pictures of everything in advance. Overall, I couldn’t recommend the experience of taking a placement enough to anyone who’s debating it. As a Fashion Management student, I am so overjoyed and inspired to have gotten that little window into the Fashion Industry. I feel the experience hugely improved my confidence in regard to my work experience, and my confidence when it comes to applying to future roles. I also gained a broad portfolio of skills and have built a physical portfolio of written work. I’m so glad that I took up the opportunity of a placement semester and think it will be invaluable for my future.

For information about placements, contact our FM placement expert, Donna Foubister email: d.foubister@rgu.ac.uk

Images from the Street Style Fashion Shoot & Voir Magazine

Article by Lauren Dickson

Our fabulous magazine, as always, is the result of the incredible hard work of our Stage 2 Fashion Management students but also lots of other volunteers who share their time and expertise. A special thanks to Steve Smith and the photography students from NESCol who collaborate with us every year. Well done everyone! For more information about the RGU Stage 2 Fashion Management Magazine, please contact the Editor, Fiona Blunsdon, f.j.blunsdon@rgu.ac.uk

RGU STAGE 2 FASHION MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE