The Look Issue one

THE Semester one edition

Meet the DCU Students ruling the online fashion world

This Season’s must have Highstreet Trends

DCU|STYLE

Competition Winner Inside!

Exclusive Interviews

Celebrating Positive Body Image With Bodywhys

CONTENTS Semester One Edition

DECEMBER 2O14 10

23 21 1 EDITORS NOTE DCU|STYLE 2TREND REPORT

6 FROM MAYO TO MILAN

10B&W

23MAN MAINTENANCE

16BODYWHYS

24FEATURE CLOTHING

18HEARTS, HEELS & HANDBAGS

8#JOANNAKUCHTA

20COMPETITION

9RISE OF MOSCHINO

22BEAUTY BIT

26KNITWEAR 28SUSTAINABLE FASHION

WINNER

29BTS

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS Welcome to the first semester issue of The Look. This year marks ten years of DCU Style Society and as a result we decided to celebrate the occasion by making this issue the biggest issue of The Look to date. We have a lot in store for you including exclusive interviews with those lucky enough to make it in the fashion world, reports of autumn/winter trends for both men and women and of course, our main photo shoot.

We hope you enjoy reading the magazine as much as we enjoyed putting it together! Of course we wouldn’t be able to do it without the help of all contributors.

We’re already planning ahead for the semester two issue and cannot wait to start the whole process all over again!

Toodles x Amy & Aoife

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TREND Faux Fur Fab

Gillet - H&M - €39.99 Top - Penneys - €10 Leggings - Penneys - €15 Necklace - H&M - €12.99 Shoes - New Look - €22.99

Pretty in Pastel Coat - Penneys - €25 Top - River Island - €45 Jeans - River Island - €50 Shoes - Penneys - €18

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REPORT Cute and Comfy Cardigan - H&M - €39.99 Top - River Island - €35 Skirt - River Island - €40 Necklace - H&M - €24.99 Shoes - Penneys - €8

Metallic Madness Top - Miss Selfridges - €30 Skirt - Miss Selfridges - €38 Shoes - Penneys - €18

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TREND Velvet Blazer - H&M - €59.99 Shirt - River Island - €26 Trousers - Penneys - €10 Shoes - Burton - €42 Braces - H&M - €12 Dickie Bow - Penneys - €3

Chunky Threads Jumper Jeans Shirt Hat Parka Shoes -

- Penneys Penneys Penneys Penneys Penneys Converse -

€12 €12 €11 €3 €30 €54

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REPORT Tartan Shirt - River Island Jean - Penneys Snapback - NYY Shoes - Converse

- €32 - €12 - €23 - €54

Long Tee T-shirt Jeans Shirt Shoes Watch

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- River Island - €26 - Penneys - €12 - Penneys - €11 - NIKE - €105 - Penneys - €6.50

From Mayo To Milan...

I think it’s fair to say that the only thing Milan and Mayo have in common is that they both begin with ‘M’. Milan, is famous for it’s fashion and glamour and Mayo… Well, Mayo is not. Milan’s fashion world is miles away from Mayo’s in every sense. But the one thing Mayo and Milan have in common is James Waldron. James, originally from Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo, is a successful designer in Milan and has worked with the best in the business such as Giorgio Armani and Roberto Cavalli to name but a few. He told The Look how he managed to beat the odds and make it in Milan as a successful working designer.

I asked James to tell me how he ended up working with Giorgio Armani.

His specific goal in going to Italy was to end up working with Giorgio Armani, the person James really admired. According to James, Armani has a style, a “design language”, and a very important word in the fashion field. His identity was a vision that lasts a lifetime. James started working freelance in Italy in 1989 to get in at ground level.

James said, “My father worked hard all his life and taught me by example the importance of responsibility and routine every day.” Two things that interested James were that Armani was not only a figurehead but he is also a person who works. Many designers give their name to something but they are not actually the designers! Some cannot even draw. Having mastered Italian, James made contacts and eventually met Armani in person.

James recalled how the interview was a bit of a nightmare - “I sent my CV on a Friday and I was called for interview on Monday. It was a very quick turnaround! I was interviewed by the boss of the office. She liked my work and, half way through the interview, she called in Mr Armani. He came in, sat down and started to grill me. He was critical of my experience and I explained to him that I came from a small town and to get on the ladder, you sometimes have to make do with what you are offered. I was of the impression that he did not want to hire me and then suddenly he asked if I could start the next week. Naturally, I said I could! That was in November 1991.”

I asked James to tell me about his experiences working with Roberto Cavalli and famous people or celebrities he had worked with.

From 2006 until 2010, James worked with Florence-based Roberto Cavalli, which was an amazing experience for him. “Armani was all about style but Cavalli was all about celebrity, glamour and sexiness. I was a commercial designer, which meant I worked alongside the Cavalli family who did the catwalk shows, and reinterpreted their designs for the commercial collections. I was also responsible for special projects. We designed couture wedding dresses for private clients and special projects for singers so a lot of the time I was doing dresses for people like Leona Lewis, The Spice Girls, Kylie Minogue ..”

Cavalli’s company had an annual special project to produce dresses for Red Carpet events such as the Cannes Film Festival, the Venice Film Festival, the Oscars and a collaboration with H&M . James went on to explain that he designed the dress worn by Elisabetta Canalis, then George Clooney’s new girlfriend, to the Venice Film Festival, a very important occasion as it was the first time they were seen together in public as a couple, and very important for James and Cavalli as designers.

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I asked James, if he could design an outfit for anybody in the world, who it would be and why?

“Victoria Beckham!” He had previously worked with Victoria and The Spice Girls. “While working at Cavalli I was asked to do the costumes for the Spice Girls comeback tour in 2008. As project leader it was challenging. It involved designing 400 costumes for five girls, to be produced in three months. We did the project, and showed it to Victoria in New York. She was such a nice person, somebody I really admire.

And of course she designs herself! Coming from singing and deciding to do fashion, people were very sceptical at first. Her celebrity status was like a barrier around her in the sense that it gave her the confidence to do what she wanted to do. She is someone I would really like to dress.”

Did you find that college was friendly or competitive?

“There was fierce competition at college. For example, Philip Treacy was in the same year as me and so that is the kind of competition you were up against. Students at that time included Daryl Kerrigan, famous designer in New York in the 90’s, Orla Kiely, Karen Brennan, who worked with Prada for a long time, Marie Dermody who worked with Moschino and Murray Scanlon, very successful designer at Zegna. There was a great bunch of talented people there at that time- which either brought out the best, or the worst, in you. If you were not able to do stuff you wouldn’t even survive the first year. But there was also great dialogue between us, and great energy.

None of us had any money, especially me! However, we did have ideas.”

What advice have you for students or what advice would you give to yourself 25 years ago?

“Manage your time and watch your money would be two things I would advise.... and keep your ideas secret until you need to share them! Do your best in college. Focus on what you are going to do with your degree. Be the best at what you can do. Life brings challenges but it also brings experience. So be true to yourself and watch your time and your money. I didn’t always do that when I was younger!

Know your strengths and weaknesses; this makes you a better person. Be humble -. I have often found that the most successful people I have met have also been the humblest with a simple straightforward view of life.

The best talented people never shout out who they are. I worked with Liam Neeson and Tina Turner, both very special people and both made me feel great when I was working with them. The best creative people know they have a talent, which is the reason I like working with creative people, but they are least conscious of it. They are comfortable with their abilities. Simplicity and genius is not a given, however the best are straightforward which makes you feel happy as somebody who is lucky to work with them. So I say it’s extremely important to be humble, friendly, professional and a little bit distant (never too personal). That’s my recipe.

My success in life and my failures have taught me that my life is living in the moment. Enjoy every minute of every day, work on your relationships in your professional and your private life -THAT’S IT…learn and move on!”

Sincere thanks to James Waldron for taking time out of his busy schedule to talk to Aoife Dennedy on behalf of The Look magazine.

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#JOANNAKUCHTA @JOANNAKUCHTA

DCU’s Joanna Kuchta

is taking the instagram world by storm with 305 thousand followers worldwide which is rapidly growing daily. Fashion blogger turned fashion instagrammer tells The Look how about her experiences and how she deals with her new-found fame.

Nowadays, most of the fashion world is online. From countless fashion blogs and online fashion brands, to live fashion show coverages and the ability to tweet your favourite designer or model. It’s silly not to take advantage of something so readily available to us all, so at 14 years old, I did just that. I set up an account on lookbook.nu, posted pictures of my day-to-day outfits and got positive feedback.

This motivated me to set up a fashion blog. Living in Donegal didn’t inspire my taste in fashion, so I used the internet to find inspiration for my personal style.

Blogging is amazing, but it’s tedious; especially if your personality is leaning towards the lazy side like mine. I enjoyed writing, but I enjoyed taking pictures of my outfits and things that inspire me even more. I quickly moved onto tumblr and somehow got quite popular, there is one picture in particular that is still circulating around tumblr with over 800 thousand notes! The weird thing is that the picture isn’t that amazing, it’s just 16 year old me in a grunge-looking outfit with hair all over my face. I still use tumblr a lot for inspiration and answering questions about my style and life. I also give advice on confidence and learning to love yourself, because in my opinion they are two things that are very important in order to achieve your dreams and be happy with your life.

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When I finally got an iPhone in April 2014, I was able to quickly upload pictures of my outfits, selfies and things I found pretty. I really got into Instagram and Twitter, I was doing what I always did but it was easier and quicker with a smart phone.

In May, I started getting a lot of exposure and new followers. People liked my pictures and retweeted my tweets and this attracted even more people. As I got a lot of exposure, some people sent me petty online hate. I never cared what others thought about me anyway because I knew that I was being true to myself and it was working out.

The type of pictures that I post vary from pictures of my outfits to more personal ones with my boyfriend Joe (@yungfahy) which really blow up on the internet. People retweet them saying a variety of things such as “relationship goals” and “mom and dad”. Yes, they call me mom! I have always been obsessed with American Apparel. I post a lot of #AASelfies on Instagram and I have been reposted by the official American Apparel Instagram three times. The best thing about this is, they noticed me from Instagram and asked me to model for them. So I did, and it was a dream come true. I’ve also collaborated with other amazing brands like LazyOaf, Triangl Swimwear and more. Ariana Grande follows me on Instagram and Twitter. She once tweeted me saying that she appreciates a pretty lady and kitty ears - I died on the spot when this happened. I have to say, without social networks and staying true to myself, I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am today.

THE RISE OF MOSCHINO

BY SHAYLYN GILHEANEY

Hands up who hadn’t heard of Moschino before 2014? Ok,

maybe you did. However there is no denying the infamous brand’s rise to glory over the past 12 months. Presumably this is due to the loud and proud American designer Jeremy Scott’s influence, since he teamed up with the tongue in cheek fashion house in October 2014. It was a quirky match made in heaven.

Instagram went wild for the duo’s Autumn/Winter collection earlier this year, as McDonalds’ golden arches marched down the catwalk alongside SpongeBob Squarepants and numerous sweet wrappers.

March 2014 saw Rita Ora sporting the label not only out and about but in her video for ‘I will never let you down’, fuelling the Moschino fire.

The potentially biggest cause of Moschinos recent surge in popularity was none other than its Barbie themed Spring/ Summer ’15 collection. The show sported Barbie-like models strutting and even roller-skating down the catwalk in plastic fantastic clothing.

To channel Barbie herself take inspiration from the L.A based label Firefox and Forever 21’s Barbie line. Think endless pastels, ruffled bikinis, puff jackets, acid wash jeans, legwarmers, co-ordinates, long brushed hair and lets only hope it catches on.

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B&W

10

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Michael: Crew Neck Jumper - €25 - Tola Vintage Skinny Jeans - €45 - Topman Nike Roche Runs - €85 - Office Michelle: Crop Top - €20 - Tola Vintage Levi Jeans - €35 - Tola Vintage Ankle Boots - Models Own

Michelle: Shirt - €58 - Topshop Leather Jacket - €200 - Oasis Skirt - €52 - Warehouse

Michelle: Fedora Hat - €30 - Warehouse Shift Dress - €64 - Topshop Maeve: Top - €40 - Oasis Cigarette Trousers - €50 – Oasis Necklace - €17 - Oasis

Maeve: Jumpsuit - €90 - Warehouse Shoes - Models Own Michelle: Coat - €125 - Oasis Shirt - €40 - Tola Vintage Shorts - €35 - Topshop Necklace - €22 - Oasis

Michael: Harrington Jacket - €25 - Tola Vintage Polo T-shirt - €25 - Tola Vintage Skinny Jeans - €45 - Topman

Maeve: Top - €40 - Oasis Cigarette Trousers - €50 - Oasis Necklace - €17 - Oasis Michael: Shirt - €25 - Tola Vintage T-shirt - €25 - Tola Vintage Skinny Jeans - € 45 - Topman Boots - €20 - Penneys

Maeve (Cover Look) : Hat - €5 - New Look Shirt - €50 - Warehouse Skirt - €62 - Oasis Necklace - €18 - Warehouse Shoes - Models Own

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BODYWHYS

By Maud Honner

When I was 14 I had a friend who was diag-

Only last year Topshop were criticised for displaying mannequins in their stores that were unnaturally skinny, and promoting an unrealistic body image to the public.

nosed with anorexia nervosa. I had noticed that she had started exercising more and never seemed to be hungry. I was only 14; I had never known someone with an eating disorder. Thinking back I think it’s awful how little I knew about eating disorders and how there was no support system in my school for issues like this. At the ripe old age of 21 I have had 2 of my best friends overcome bulimia and anorexia, and yet only now do I understand what it’s all about. I had heard of Body Whys but had never really looked into it, naively under the notion that it didn’t affect me. It affects everyone.

Every year at fashion weeks worldwide we are exposed to scarily thin, unhealthy models strutting down the catwalks and year round we are subjected to ad campaigns showing girls who have been photo shopped and retouched to a point where they look like dolls. It is not only the fashion industry that is to blame for creating an unrealistic body image standard that people will stop at nothing to achieve. Social media contributes to this issue all the time, where unhealthy body images are celebrated every day. You know those Facebook pages dedicated to the “gap” (thighs that don’t touch), and websites advocating the pro ana (pro anorexia)/ pro mia (pro bulimia) movements, of course you do, they’re everywhere, you can’t avoid them!

For years unrealistic body images and eating disorders have been part and parcel of the fashion industry. In order for models to excel they are encouraged to be stick thin, with ribs, collar bones and hips jutting out. Although a lot of headway has been made to tackle this phenomenon of models who are skin and bone, there is still a lot of work to be done.

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We have all heard the famous Kate Moss quote “nothing tastes as good as skinny feels”, but now sites like Pinterest and Weheartit are bombarded with quotes like “pretty girls don’t eat” too.

I am constantly horrified. I can see the impact the fashion industry has on my friends and family every day, who complain about non-existent “fat thighs” and invisible “muffin tops”. I, myself, often find many things to criticise about my own body too. The media encourage this criticism too; I rarely come across people who are completely confident with their body image.

Body Whys are fantastic at helping people understand the causes of different eating disorders. They give tips on how to approach someone with an eating disorder.

Explicit information is given to help understand how these disorders may affect people.

Aside from providing information, Body Whys also provide counselling services including teen only support groups, online support groups and email support groups.

There are support groups for not only those who have eating disorders but also for the friends and family of people with eating disorders. Some great resources on bodywhys. ie include the See My Self programme, books, podcasts, testimonials and recommended support organisations. It is thanks to organisations like Body Whys that eating disorders are not as prominent in Ireland, but are still a serious issue nonetheless.

Numerous case studies have been carried out and the results are terrifying.

The Department of Health estimates that up to 200,000 people in Ireland may be affected by eating disorders. An estimated 400 new cases emerge each year, representing 80 deaths annually (A Vision for Change (2006)).

A study with 114 female college students found that those who were exposed to more fashion or beauty magazines were more dissatisfied with their overall appearance and exhibited a higher risk of eating disorder tendencies. (Kim & Lennon (2007)).

The fashion industry has acknowledged these issues for the most part and many brands/ designers and organisations are progressing in leaps and bounds to remedy this. Last year, Debenhams revealed their first set of plus size mannequins to be displayed in store, and various fashion magazines and labels have boycotted size zero models. The portrayal of unrealistic body images has been an issue for many years now, and most likely many years to come, but with steps from department stores such as Debenhams, each year we are one step closer to solving this problem.

“Eating disorders do not start out as a conscious choice and are not a wilful form of ‘attention seeking’” It is vital to realise though that eating disorders are not solely “about food and weight, but also about a person’s sense of who they are” (Body Whys). Eating disorders are not always confined to anorexia either, there are different types of eating disorders including; anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. Each of these is very different and need to be dealt with in different ways. “Eating disorders do not start out as a conscious choice and are not a wilful form of ‘attention seeking’” (Body Whys).

For more information see www.bodywhys.ie or call their Helpline at 1890 200 444.

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HEARTS, HEELS & HANDBAGS

1. How did you get to where you are now in the fashion world?

My journey began when Ireland AM launched a competition in association with Oasis, to win a job as their personal stylist for one year. All you had to do was fill out an application form along with your photo, and send it off. After much persuasion, I sent in my application form and later that night I received a call to say I was chosen to attend an assessment day to whittle down the thousands of applicants to just 12 who would compete on the show. The judges were Ian Galvin, head of Aurora Fashions and a big name in the Irish fashion industry, Lisa Fitzpatrick, celebrity stylist and TV presenter, and Bairbre Power, Fashion Editor with the Irish Independent Newspaper. To cut a long story short, I made it to the TV show stage, and began preparing for the 4/5 weeks of filming that was ahead.

We had a new task set every week, and would compete against each other to keep our place in the show, hoping to win the title of Oasis’ Personal Stylist, and win a full-time year long contract with the brand.

HEARTS, HEELS AND HANDBAGS #HEARTSHEELSANDHANDBAGS

It was with Oasis that I really gained so much experience, skill and knowledge, and developed my confidence to go back to college again to get some more qualifications under my belt. As well as working full time, and travelling a lot for Oasis, I decided to attend Portobello Institute and study Fashion Buying And Merchandising at night.

I wanted to gain as much knowledge and experience that I could. Although it meant I never had a spare minute in my day, I was doing something I truly loved. My Mum always told us to “invest in your education, as it will always stand to you”.

Although I was really enjoying my job at Oasis, and blogging in my spare time, I felt like I needed a new challenge, and applied for the job as Personal Shopper with Arnotts, Ireland oldest and largest department store. I felt like I was ready to further my career, and broaden my work and client base. I also loved the high end brands that Arnotts stock, and was excited to get working with some of the biggest brands in Ireland. I have been working as a Personal Shopper with Arnotts for over a year now, and can safely say, it is my favourite job I have had since finishing school 6 years ago. I work with some of the most amazing colleagues, and get to meet new faces every day. I have built up a strong client base here, and have also got to work on some fantastic projects. We work on many great fashion shows around Dublin, and dress some of Irelands top models. I appear regularly on TV3’s Xpose, presenting the latest fashion looks and trends available at Arnotts. I have also recently been featured in VIP magazine, talking about my fashion tips.

When we finally came to the last week of the show, and as I stood on the set of Ireland AM, I realised that I wanted this job more than anything. Luckily, I won the competition, and finally had my stepping stone into the fashion industry. I had already got to know some of the biggest names in the Irish fashion industry through the show, and knew that this was a great break for me.

I began my whirlwind of a year working as the face of Personal Styling for Oasis flagship store in St. Stephens Green. I began dressing Karen Koster, the anchor for TV3’s Xpose show, for all five shows each week, travelled around the UK with Lisa Fitzpatrick, running styling workshops in Oasis stores overseas, and filming many pieces for Xpose myself. Stellar Magazine were running a feature on “Dream Jobs” and I was selected to have a full page feature, with an interview and photoshoot printed in the magazine, which was another career high for me. I also had the opportunity to personally dress and style the newly crowned Miss Ireland Aoife Walsh for her trip to the Miss World Competition in Indonesia last year. All of a sudden, being on TV and in front of a camera had become normal to me. This was all happening, on top of building up my client base in store.

2. Any tips for making it in the stylist / personal shopper world?

My best advice would be to make sure to take every opportunity that comes your way. In this industry, experience is everything, so gaining work experience on fashion shows, or interning on events and in store can really improve your skills, and push you forward. Also, networking is so important, so be sure to utilise all the social media avenues available to you. You will be amazed how many people you will get in touch with and become connected with through social media.

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Rosie’s favorites: - High-street store: My all time favourite store has to be Zara, and for online, it would definitely be Missguided.co.uk - Recent purchase: My favourite recent purchase was actually a gift from my partner, and is my Louis Vuitton Speedy 35 bag.

It can make a high street outfit instantly feel more glamorous and chic.

- Blog: One of my favourite bloggers is Retro Flame, who is currently in NYC working in fashion. I love her photography, and her eye for fashion and interiors. Definitely worth checking her out.

3. How long have you had your blog for?

I started up my blog in 2012, but did not commit full time to it until summer 2014, when I became pregnant with my first baby. Blogging for me is something I enjoy doing, and willingly want to spend all my spare time on it, so I don’t need much motivation. Although, seeing my readership grow so quickly, and having such a positive response from everyone, really encourages me to keep posting, and to grow my blog as much as I can.

Top 3 Tips for student fashion bloggers to make their blogs successful.

1. Blog about something you are genuinely passionate about, and your readers will really feel your honesty and commitment.

2. Write in a way that is true to you. I find my writing style is exactly how I would talk to my girls on a girls night in... and is laid back and relaxed, which I think my particular audience appreciate.

3. Be consistent. When I began blogging, I did not commit myself to enough of a schedule, and without that, it is very hard to build up a following. Aim to blog as much as you can fit into your schedule, but try to spread them out so that your readers are getting a consistent amount of content.

Affordable beauty picks: 1. One brand I cannot go without lately is NYX Cosmetics. They are super affordable and excellent quality, Their nude lipstick is always with me in my make up bag.

2. Batiste dry shampoo.

Super affordable and another staple. I always carry one of the minis in my bag, for days you may get caught in the rain and need to freshen up your hair. We all know how unpredictable Irish weather is.

3. Revlon Photoready Airbrush Foundation Mousse.

This has been my foundation of choice for the past year or two. It gives amazing coverage, feels light on the skin, and is affordable at €19 a bottle, in comparison to some of the high end products, that come in at over €35.

The quality is just as good, and the bottle lasts a very long time too.

4. Where do you learn all of your make-up tricks and hacks from?

When I finished school, I trained for a year as a make up artist in Senior College Dun Laoghaire, in fashion and media make up and special FX. I have been working as a freelance make up artist in my spare time for the past 5 years. I have always been a make up lover, and keep updated with the latest trends and looks on Instagram and YouTube. I find, the more you practice make up, the more tips and tricks you stumble across, mainly from trial and error. As for my ever talked about eyebrows, I have only recently found a look that I like, and a tutorial for them can be found on my blog HeartsHeelsAndHandbags.Blogspot. ie This is one of my most requested tutorials to date. I am a big lover of perfect brows, so its safe to say I have tried every product on the market to get the most precise look. My go-to beauty product has to be MAC’s Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle. Its an amazing highlighter, that gives a beautiful glow to the skin, but is not too heavy or glossy for daytime either.

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THE LOOK COMPETITION

By Aoife Rice Murphy “The Look” Photo Shoot competition was an event organised for the first time by DCU Style this year. It began with a ‘Careers Talk’ from three fashion industry professionals; Niamh O’ Doherty of OPSH, freelance stylist Justine King and photographer Alex Hutchinson. These guests spoke about their careers and how they got started in fashion and style. They also offered members practical advice on the best ways to break into the Irish fashion scene.

Teams were then invited to enter a photo shoot competition, where they would style, model, photograph and design hair and make up for their entries. As well as being a competition, this event would help members build a portfolio of work assisted by DCU Style.

A selection of clothing was pulled from Oasis, Warehouse and Coast. Teams were given a set amount of time to put a look together and prepare their model for photographing. The teams involved really impressed ‘The Look’ Editors as the standard of the entries was incredibly high. The DCU Style committee were delighted with the results of the competition. Vice Chairperson Gary Grimes said of the event: “It was encouraging to see how enthusiastic everyone was to get involved and it is exciting that there is so much interest and talent in DCU Style.”

The winning team were chosen by ‘The Look’ for their creative use of the clothing provided and their own accessories. The stylists on this team chose a red Warehouse jumpsuit and were inspired by Ella Henderson’s look in her video for ‘Ghost’. Their interesting choice to wear the jumpsuit backwards made it a stand-out look. A metallic clutch and a pair of brightly coloured court shoes were used to accessorise the outfit, making every aspect eye-catching.

Congratulations to the winning team; Shaylyn Gilheaney, Siobhan Mc Tague, Shannon Whyte and Maire Mcafferty.

Thank you again to all of the participants and we look forward to seeing your growing portfolios in the future!

Jumpsuit (worn backwards): Warehouse Bag: Stylist’s own Shoes: Stylist’s own 20

DCU|STYLE

BEAUTY BIT

BY ORLAITH FARRELL

If you’re going to plunge into one beauty trend this Christmas, let it be the ox-blood look. During the festive season we’re overwhelmed with sparkling eye shadows and metallic gold nails, but it’s time to step aside from the glitter and look toward deep berry tones. This season it’s all about ox-blood. But don’t be put off by the unfortunate name; this deep, rich red will go with just about everything in your wardrobe; emerald greens and bright golds compliment this look incredibly. Worn most frequently on lips and nails, this vampy red will put an intense twist on your ensemble. This trend is easy to work in to your daily beauty regime. All you have to do is choose whether to accentuate your eyes, lips, or nails with this deep red, celebrity-favourite trend.

The Eyes: For a simple look, apply warm coppers and browns to your eyes with a hint of oxblood to avoid your eyes looking sore. I recommend the Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette in The Golden Goddess. Start with pale beige at the corner of your eye and contour with a dark copper. For a bolder look, use a dusty pink and contour with a vampy red. Keep eyeliner discreet, a sweep of liquid eyeliner will achieve an understated look.

The Lip: This is where the oxblood trend really comes on display. For the best result, apply red lip liner and blend into the lip. This will prevent any bleeding of the product. For the lipstick itself, I recommend the NARS audacious lipstick in Charlotteot the Burburry Lip Cover in Oxblood.

The Nails: Want to really go for the statement look? Apply two coats of OPI’s Skyfall; The perfect finish to the perfect look.

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MAN MAINTENANCE

BY AMY SIMPSON

Man buns and beards seem to be taking over the fashion world as of late. From the catwalk to the high street, everywhere you look, there always seems to be someone flaunting these hairy trends.

To bun, or not to bun? That is the question.

From Colin Farrell’s slick old-fashioned bun to Harry Styles from One Direction’s more homeless looking ‘do and all the variations in between - there is a man bun style to suit anyone and everyone. That is, if you have the patience to grow your hair. Also, you may have to invest in some hair conditioner which results in more effort and added time in the shower. Maybe stick to your original gel-to-the-side hair style..

Or do you really want to keep living in 2010.

Your choice! Let’s all admit it though, those of you who state that you dislike man buns - male or female - secretly wish you could pull this slick look off.

Beards can distinguish the male population between the boys, and the men. Alternatively, or on addition to, the man bun, if you have the ability to grow a dark, thick, sexy beard, go for it! What have you got to lose? If it’s disgusting and your dinner gets caught in it - then just chop it off. Famous Irish boxer and recent male style icon, Conor McGregor shows that all of you gingers and fair-haired lads can get away with it too!

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INTERVIEW WITH KEV KREMERS

BY GARY GRIMES

When I sat down with Kev Kremers, designer for Dublin based clothing company Feature Clothing, he mentioned that their hoodies are made from 320gsm fabric, which he later translates for me as meaning they are “really f**** warm hoodies”.

Feature Clothing was established in 2013 after Kremers, and the company’s two other co-founders, Ciaran Martin and Bren O’Friel became involved with DCU Snowsports. When they looked into ordering customized clothing for their members, they discovered it was difficult to find a service in Ireland that allowed them to customise good quality clothing with their logo. “It was mostly just hoodies with cheap print on them and there was very little customisation offered.” This gave the boys the idea to fill this gap in the market and so Feature Clothing was born.

The company has evolved impressively since its original incarnation. In the last two years they have branched into producing their own original designs which they sell online from their website www.feature.ie They are also stocked in a number of local retail outlets, including Temple Bar’s uber trendy menswear store, Indigo & Cloth.

And it’s not just hoodies anymore either, they also have a line of t-shirts, beanies and bamboo sunglasses, all emblazoned with their signature Feature logo.

The logo, which Kremers explains to me is essentially just his own handwriting put through Photoshop, has played a huge part in helping to build Feature’s brand identity. The Feature aesthetic is typically very minimal, usually plain with their graffiti style logo printed across the front, drawing comparisons to larger scale clothing brands popular in the skating community such as OBEY and Supreme. The similarity to these brands was not the result of a conscious decision according to Kremers.

“In terms of the minimal design, with Feature the focus has always been on the quality of the stuff. We’re proud to say that our stuff, the hoodies in particular, are some of the best quality stuff you can buy, never mind get customised.” He goes on to explain how this lead to the company’s simple, minimalist designs. ”I think that when you have really loud prints and make the product very busy it can some what take away from that, which is why we’ve always agreed that ‘less is more’ in terms of our design.”

When asked who he believes to be the stereotypical Feature customer, Kremers would admit that, similar to brands like OBEY, it’s largely skaters. “Skaters around Dublin love the stuff, number one for its functionality but also for the style. I know from skating for years myself that you might sometimes see those kind of guys to huge Hawaiian print shirts or loud prints (which is funny for a gag) but for the most part they’re most comfortable in just a plain white t-shirt and a hoodie with a nice print.” Not to limit Feature’s appeal, he also goes on to mention that he doesn’t believe it would look so out of place to see a big rugby player wearing a Feature hoodie.

What does the future hold for Feature? For the moment, Kremers believes they have probably achieved all that they can for now, while all three of the boys are still in college as the company requires so much of their time in order for them to do things how they want. After college, he tells me that they have no specific end goal in sight, preferring instead to just take things in their stride, jumping at any opportunities that come their way. They recently received orders from outside of Ireland, an exciting new step for the company.

Just before I wrap things up, I ask Kev who Feature would choose as their dream face of the brand. After some serious thought, he eventually concludes it would be somebody like the Screech character from ‘Saved

By The Bell’. “The whole thing with Feature is that none of us take ourselves too seriously, for now we are just three lads dorking around, making a few clothes. So yeah, somebody like Screech cos he’s a bit of weirdo, just like us.”

CHECK OUT FEATURE CLOTHING @ WWW.FEATURE.IE/ FEATURE CLOTHING @FEATURECLOTHINGOFFICIAL

KNITWEAR Top Tips:

Alright ladies, it’s time to ditch the crop tops,

miniskirts, and dare I say even the fake tan.

Winter is upon us! Ready to give us mere mortals the welcomed chance to flaunt our stuff in our beautiful and natural pasty Irish skin (perhaps to a little resistance). When we think of the weather that dawns ahead, keeping as snug as possible is certainly the main thing that springs to mind. I’m all for fashion sacrifices but let’s faces it, pneumonia isn’t a great accessory. This brings me to Knitwear. A staple that can deliver that intrinsic feeling of comfort and warmth. Season after season it returns to us like an old friend. Where would we be without it eh? Whether you’re ready to fully embrace the trend or perhaps just dip your toe in, the tips you need are right here!

Naturally enough not everyone is ready to tackle the trend a la Stella McCartney, Prabal Gurung or Just Cavalli’s AW14 runway shows, so take a nod from your high street staples that offer you the basics at affordable prices. Topshop, Forever21 and Pull and Bear, to name but a few, stock an array of on-trend cosies, whether you’re looking for a simple sweater or perhaps a matching hat and scarf set, they’ll see to it that you avoid the chill this winter. Plus with all these stores within a stone’s throw away, we’re being saved from staying out in the subzero temperatures for as long as possible .

A little more brave with your fashion choices?

Then hit up the cobbles of Temple Bar where vintage is creeping around every corner. The bigger, brighter and bolder the better. All proving that our older generations really knew a thing or two when it came to channelling their inner yeti.

Remember folks, fashion is an investment, so see to it that the items you purchase will last you for many more seasons to come by treating them kindly. Fashion is your friend.

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BY DEIRDRE MADDEN

Knitwear requires a lot of attention when it comes to upkeep; however in the end it’s worth the added effort when it comes to keeping your pieces in good condition to form your timeless capsule collection. Incorrect washing of knitwear can lead to all sorts of trouble, from shrinking drastically to completely losing shape. In order to prevent these unsightly traits, always wash your knitwear by hand using a mild detergent, ensuring to never twist or wring out, as this will cause your garment to lose shape. If you have a sweater that’s causing you to itch, add three to four tablespoons of glycerine to the basin when hand washing. This works by fusing the threads that cause the irritation. Storage wise, if you hang an item in your wardrobe ensure you use a padded soft hanger to prevent damage. For less used items place in a plastic container to prevent moths enjoying them just as much as you do!

How to Style:

The options are endless when it comes to styling knitwear, although many of us find ourselves year after year throwing a cable knit sweater over our favourite pair of jeans; we can really broaden our mind and try something a little bit different with very little effort. A simple yet effective tip to note is that leather and knitwear never fails. A chunky polo over a leather high waisted pencil skirt and you’re on trend. Another fabric combination that cannot go untold is knit and silk. Throwing a vintage silk scarf over any woollen jumper will drastically change the effect. Better yet, a silk shirt paired with a bodycon knitted skirt and you have an outfit that can transcend from day to night. Although I’ve said to ditch the crop tops I’ll make an exception for a cropped knitted jumper, but only this once!

Pair with high waisted trousers or skirt or even over a form-fitting dress and you’ll be amazed at the results. Ultimately if you keep in mind to layer up, mix different patterns and prints and to pair your knitwear with different textures and fabrics you’ll be out of your knitwear rut in no time at all.

RUNWAY KNITWEAR LOOKS

TRUSSARDI A/W 2014

MISSONI A/W 2014

VALENTINO A/W 2014

J. JS LEE A/W 2014

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ALEXANDER WANG A/W 2014

MARNI A/W 2014

SUSTAINABLE FASHION

BY ISHA MC DONNELL

It’s no secret that over the past couple of years the issue of climate change has been in-

creasingly present in the public sphere. Eco-friendly and ethically sourced products have risen in prominence, with everything from fair-trade coffee beans to recycled shopping bags becoming popular. Now, there are even ways in which you can incorporate being environmentally conscientious into your style.

1. Avoid buying real fur and leather.

There’s a lot of controversy surrounding whether or not it’s unethical to wear real fur and leather, the most clear-cut issue being fur. Most furs used commercially are sourced either through hunting as is the case for bears, beavers etc.or are specifically reared in horrible conditions for their fur—for example, minks, which have extremely popular and expensive fur. Animals that are used to source fur are also generally specifically slaughtered for their fur.

In order to cut down on the waste produced by the fashion industry, it’s important to never throw out clothes and to either donate them to somewhere that will then recycle them/ re-sell them or to reconstruct them yourself (which is fun and guarantees you’ll have a unique item!). It’s also a good idea to buy from places that sell recycled/reconstructed/donated clothing in order to lengthen the life cycle of an item.

3. Buy ethical and eco-friendly products.

With clothes, it’s best to buy natural, fairtrade fabrics like cotton and hemp whenever possible. If you’re unable to alter your consumption in some ways, it’s always a good idea to try and alter it, e.g when washing clothes, buy products from companies like Ecover, who do a range of environmentally friendly washing powders and fabric softeners, or avoid using a dryer all the time.

For these reasons, it’s probably best to avoid buying real fur and to go for faux fur instead.

It’s still good quality and a lot cheaper. In the case of leather, however, there are two main issues. Firstly, it still involves the killing of animals, though generally it is a by-product of meat production—which, unless you’re against killing animals for food, is a lot more ethical than farming explicitly for an animal’s hide. Secondly, hundreds of chemicals are used in the tanning process which is incredibly bad for the environment. The alternatives to leather can sometimes be lacking in quality, but they’re gradually getting more realistic and they’re normally cheaper as well.

4. Try to incorporate more conscientious practices.

Multiple fashion labels have either emerged or just started providing ranges of ‘green’ clothing and accessories. Unfortunately, most of these labels are high-end and can be quite expensive—Stella McCartney don’t use leather , TUK footwear are vegan-friendly. H&M however have a line called Conscious, which includes basics and more fashionable pieces, showing that eco-friendly fashion is starting to be more in demand and so, is gradually becoming a part of high-street fashion practices.

2. Recycle clothing.

When I say ‘recycle’ clothing, I’m using it as an umbrella term to cover up-cycling, donation and buying clothes from charity and vintage shops.

This is a more ethical way of sourcing clothing because there are two million tonnes of textiles dumped in landfill sites each year, most of which is not biodegradable. The fashion industry is also the third largest user of water in the world, which is pretty drastic considering the millions of people who don’t have access to clean water.

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BEHIND THE SCENES

With Special Thanks to All Contributors Editors - Amy Simpson & Aoife Dennedy Layout -Amy Simpson ,Aoife Dennedy & Cliona Nic Dhomhnaill Female Stylist - Hannah Farrelly Male Stylist - John Morrin Assistant Stylists - Leah Headon, Shaylyn Gilheaney, Rheanna Waters Photographers - Aidan Broletti, Kev Kremers, Sarah Peterson, James McInerney Hair & Makeup - Jessie O’Neill Models - Maeve Cronin, Michelle Bourke & Michael Omodele DCU | STYLE thelook@dcustylesociety.com

DCU|STYLE