A Diary of A Wannabe Fashion Buyer

Gun Trade World - The Duchess of Northumberland

2012-03-01T14:00:00.002-08:00

A nice little feature of The Duchess of Northumberland's first collection with Alan Paine, and a mention of me.

http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1vndo/GunTradeWorldMarch20/resources/18.htm

First week back

2012-01-28T07:38:00.000-08:00

I am promising more posts, but this semester is looking very busy!

On sunday I attended a Point 2 Point horse racing event at Ratcheugh, Alnwick in Northumberland. It was the first event of the year. The crisp but warm weather attracted a large crowd from young to old. I spent the day with James Cummings (check out his photography work - he's a DJ too) who helped me get to grips with my new camera. Photography has always been an interest of mine. When I was in 6th form I loved taking photographs, but since smart phones have been developed, I felt like I haven't needed a camera and therefore stopped taking photographs. I photographed my friend Emily, who rode 2 races. I took almost 600 photographs and about 10 were actually useful.

This week has been my first week back to University after a long winter 'break.' Over the christmas holidays I worked on my dissertation and magazine project. Both we're handed in early January and I was very glad to see the back of them! I received a 1st for my dissertation which was quite surprising considering I can't write, I can barely string a sentence together most days so that was really something!

I've finalised what i'm doing for my creative element of FMP: a book, a reciepe book and the 2nd part of Percy Magazine. The photographs I have taken up to date will feature in it too.

On Thursday my classes Magazines were shown to the 2nd years and Tutors. They all looked fab and the standard was exceptionally high. We need our grades back this week; i'm aiming for a 2:1.

Fingers crossed anyway.

Today I photographed a shoot in Northumberland. Hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland and family, from a distance I took some shots of the game keepers, beaters, gun dogs, shooters and scenery. It was perfect. It was the first shoot i've photographed and I don't think it could've been more perfect. The ground was frosty with a warm low lying sun, plenty of scenery, birds and action. I took almost 700 shots and it was great to see the family lined up taking part in one of their favourite sports.

And for next week....

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Final year - final semester

2012-01-11T12:42:00.001-08:00

Following on from my dissertation, for my final major project, I am hoping to create:
1. The 2nd issue of Percy- if you haven't checked it out, do so! Link is on my last post.
2. A book featuring great British traits, hobbies, sports etc.
3. An app for smart phones...!
4. Create a short film.
5. A receipt book.

All in all, these types of media aim to encourage women into country pursuits as well as providing a fresh and fashionable edge to make it appeal to women of all ages.

From my market research it shows that a lot of women wanted to try these types of sports such as shooting and fishing. It shows that there is a market out there.

Fair enough the recipe book might not appeal to all ages however, I know a lot of young men and women who enjoy cooking. Why not cook what you've caught?!

I'm really excited for the next few months and with the contacts I have made I am keen to utilize these and use them to my best advantage.

Wish me luck!

Percy: Magazine

2012-01-08T11:21:00.000-08:00

Percy: a magazine featuring country pursuits, fashion, heritage, culture, tips, interviews and tradition.

http://issuu.com/aprilbowden/docs/percymagazine

Graduate schemes

2012-01-05T13:37:00.001-08:00

After meeting with a friend yesterday it dawned on me how much I really need to take control of my life now and start looking for a job when I leave University. I currently work in Accounts for a large establishment in which I do love and have been offered to train with them. However over Christmas I reevaluated the situation and decided that accountancy isn't for me. I want to work somewhere that combines marketing, PR, buying and business. I don't think this is a case of not knowing what to do but a case that I have equal strengths at these and want to use them to my best advantage.

I've quite a lot of experience in different areas and don't worry that won't get a job, I just need to make a conscious effort to find out and work out where I can see myself working and in what size company.

The next few months will be really difficult and will find myself competing for jobs against some of my peers which will be hard but I believe in date. If its meant to be my or their job then so be it. Such is life!

I have signed myself up to Milkround job recruitment and none of the schemes seem remotely interesting. I don't think a graduate scheme is for me as there is so much emphasis on that your the new person with no experience. It's true in some cases hit I don't want to be treated like that. If I went into a job id be treated as an equal and not some fresh grad student.

So much to do, so little time.

NY

2012-01-04T09:20:00.001-08:00

Sorry for the lack of posts recently, I've been working on my dissertation and it's been a long slog!! I handed it in today and now I'm lying on the sofa wondering what to tackle next!

Here's some of the things I've been up to...

Magazine: Percy

2012-01-04T09:14:00.001-08:00

This is part of my magazine project.

I like simple layouts and find them more interesting then layouts in similar magazines.

My magazine is nix between Lula, The Gentlewoman and Tatler. It has a theme of minimalism which I think helps reflect the theme.

What do you think?

Dissertation

2012-01-04T09:10:00.001-08:00

Today I handed in my dissertation. It's been a day of a thousand emotions. More so that I've failed and what I've wrote is absolutely horrendous! I'm not a writer at all and really struggle putting a sentence together. I'm hoping I'll get a 2:1 for it and maybe do better next term for the creative element of it. That's the aim anyway!!

Procrastination.

2011-12-17T06:08:00.000-08:00

I'm meant to be writing my dissertation but it seems everything that I've forgotten about over the last few months is coming flooding back.

I love Jak & Jill blog. All shots captured are so simple yet affective.

Here's some of my favourites.

Heritage.

2011-12-16T06:49:00.000-08:00

A Country Affair
- photographer Mark Jobson
- make up artist Laura Gemmell
- models Nick Barnes, Suzanne Harger
- stylist/art director April Bowden

this is the photoshoot I directed and styled for my magazine.

Taking inspiration from Barbour, Mulberry, Hunter and different publications, I, along with a fab team was able to create this country vs high end look.

Social networking

2011-12-16T06:44:00.000-08:00

As you are all aware, i'm launching a campaign regarding women and sport.

So far, I have interviewed:

The Duchess of Northumberland
Helen Barbour
Claire Zambuni
Jasper Conran (currently in progress)
Drew Holmes (of Nigel Cabourn and avid huntsman)
AND now I have secured an interview with Emma Hill - Creative Director of Mulberry.

I'm currently writing my dissertation up and adding to my magazine constantly. I find it quite overwhelming how much response i've had to my project.

Will post some pics soon!!

Barbour

2011-12-16T06:41:00.000-08:00

Last week I met with Helen Barbour and Claire Zambuni. Both famous in the country sport world for different reasons, it was a huge honour to meet them.

Helen is Head of Barbour Sporting after taking over the headship a few years ago. Claire, is very influential in ladies shooting and Head Covert Girl - a woman only shooting club.

We met at Barbour HQ in South Shields and discussed all things shooting and the development of shooting brand, barbour, clothing, culture and shoes!

The interview will help me with my Final Major project and Magazine I am in the process of creating.

Duchess of Northumberland

2011-11-11T14:31:00.001-08:00

A week ago, I met The Duchess of Northumberland. Not only was this a huge privilege but very daunting at the same time. She is the creator and, can I say Mother of The Alnwick Garden. One of the largest tourist attraction an gardens in the UK.
Although this wasn't what I wanted to talk to her about. After finding out he was launching her own clothing line for women I just HAD to interview her.

I nervously waited with a friend before I plucked up the courage to introduce myself. Sat with Ian August and her dog Fuzzy, It felt strangely normal. As if I was meeting a friend for coffee. Gone went the feelings of dread or extreme nervousness. She made me feel welcoming and was interested in me.
We talked about her beloved dog and her fashion tastes. Surprisingly, one of her favourite brands is All Saints... Something I wouldn't of associated with a Duchess I must admit.
Her clothing line is for women who shoot. Think luxurious cashmere, lambs wool and intricate detailing finished off with a rich purple lining that oozes elements of heritage and high class.
I was amazed that she has used elements of her own clothing and was very direct in what she wanted. I asked what she was wearing... Yes, I asked that question. Highstreet mixed with vintage and a precious necklace from Ethiopia that she swore to never remove until she raised 25m for the Garden. This woman never gives up!!

Ive written an article about her for my magazine project... Keep tuned!

Final Major Project

2011-10-30T01:46:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts, I've been really busy with my final major project. Normally, I would say I'm quite an organised person; working towards deadlines well, good time management etc. But as i'm so busy i've had to buy a diary!! The page are filling up already! I normally use my iPhone which is constantly by my side but there's nothing better then reaching into my bag and checking to see what i've planned for the oncoming week. I should've maybe invested in a diary a long time ago, but it's never done me no harm up until now!

As you know, my final major project looks at women in sport. I had no idea that this would cause so much excitement between people. I'm left wondering what on earth have I taken on and should this actually be happening to me?

I talked to Phil, my mentor and he replied saying, 'it has to happen to someone, why not you.'

If anyone would like to help me with my Final Major project, please fill in this short survey - you won't get junk sent to you, it will only take 20 seconds if that, you'll be helping me a lot!

Thank you!!
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GFS5L85

Questionnaire!

2011-10-29T10:15:00.001-07:00

Please help me with my final year projects! It only takes a few seconds!! surveymonkey.com/s/3BPLM5D

Paris Fashion Week: Louis Vuitton - S/S12

2011-10-05T12:18:00.000-07:00

As soon as I think of Louis Vuitton I think of a brown bag with camel trim and contrasting LV initials. The much antipicated S/S12 show in Paris this week was beautiful. Following the launch of her jewellery line in Paris last night, Kate Moss, 37, chose the S/S show and looked softer and fresh faced like many of the younger models.

Whilst many catwalk shows are well, catwalk shows. The Spring/ Summer allowed the models to play on a large Carousel with horses! They were all dressed in feminine short sleeve blouses that oozed elegance and innocence. Inspired by the 60's with applique, embellishments, devoure and giant collars.

Mary Portas: Mary Queen of Frocks

2011-10-05T11:14:00.000-07:00

I hate Gok Wan and can barely find a minute to spare for Mary Portas either. After watching her Channel 4 programme called 'Queen of Frocks' this didn't change. She's spent years poking her nose into other peoples buisnesses and telling them how to work. Most of it has been common sense to be honest! But, interesting all of the same and helped bring around some large department and smaller highstreet stores.

Queen of Frocks documents the ups and downs of setting up her own retail concession. Based in Oxford street store of House of Fraser she relies on a wealthy backer to launch her own brand of womens clothing for the 40+. Women over 40 have the biggest spending power. They are comfortable in their jobs, have probably reached their peak in their career and could be the last of the baby boom meaning they've more the spend and want to look good.

Throughout the programme, Mary demonstrated that women either had the option of looking like a Granny or a whore. Luckily my Mum (57) dresses impeccably. I'm not sure if thats because she has a fashion student as a daughter but needless to say, she rarely puts a foot wrong unless she goes into M&S - more on that another day!!

The over 40's rarely have much choice on the Highstreet. M&S, Wallis, Precis, Monsoon - all cater for the older lady. But most, are too scared to wear such garish colours that Wallis or Monsoon produce. They want staple items that they can wear, adapt and expand on. She developed 7 key staple items that the over 40's should invest in such as a white shirt, a blazer jacket, a good pair of tailored trousers and jersey. Mary Portas is 51 with a body of a 30 year old. I can't see many women of the age of 50 with a middle age spread and cankles going around in a pencil skirt when they have a family to provide for a grand children.

I think her concept is great - there isn't a concession that truly design for the 40+ lady but the end result isn't great. Her store layout maybe interesting but is too contemporary for the older lady.. Or am I wrong?

FMP

2011-10-03T08:56:00.001-07:00

Today I had to pitch my 2 final concepts for my final major project or FMP. After spending weeks deciding what I was more interested in and passionate about I narrowed it down to two.

A website aimed at young people that would be a social networking site for young creatives.

I actually quite liked this idea but with competition through Artsthread etc I’m not sure if it was really what I wanted to get into.

A campaign to promote outdoor sports.

I told the lecturers I was more interested in this as I personally felt there was a lot of development that could be done and I could explore different areas whilst getting companies involved.

Let me know your thoughts!

Nigel Cabourn

2011-10-03T08:55:00.002-07:00

Last week I visited the showroom of British designer Nigel Cabourn. North eased based, He has worked in the fashion industry for over 40 years. His passions are vintage clothing, fabrics and details and this is shown in his designs.

Even though I didn’t get to meet him personally, I met his team who all shared the same enthusiasm about the brand. What struck me about the studio is not only was it full of samples of clothes, bags and shoes but had many of Nigel’s own personal collection of vintage artifacts.

Have a look at the Cabourn blog and see the shop fittings which highlight the authenticty of the brand.

http://www.cabourn.com/blog/

London - take 2.

2011-10-03T08:55:00.000-07:00

After visiting the V&A, I met a friend Jade in Knightsbridge. I’d never been to the area before and was in awe at how glamorous everyone was. Tailored suits, perfect blowdrys, immaculate make up and dripping in designer labels. We walked up and down the streets and took photos of Chanel, Prada, Fendi & H&M.... It seemed extremely out of place!!! However it was the only store we actually went in without the fear of being chucked out!!!

After lunch we headed to spitalfields to The Tent. I’d never been before and never actually heard of it. BAD BAD design student. It was full of inspirational design. We picked up lots of cards and took lots of photos. I actually met a designer who I included her work into my trend work last semester ! We also met an artist who installed one of the window displays we were obsessed with in Knightsbridge! I loved meeting and talking to the designers. It was great for networking.

After a long, long day we treated ourselves to cocktails... BAD idea! 2-4-1 on Margaretias in an authentic mexican bar and I was a little tiddly!! After meeting my best friend for supper I headed back unknowing of the hangover I was about to endure the next day... Bleugh!!

London

2011-10-03T08:54:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the keeping you all up to date on my recent going ons. BAD BAD blogger!! I’ve been crazy busy so hopefully this will fill you in on the blanks!

I went to London Wednesday 21st September where I explored the Design Festival that was hidden around the city. After a gruelling 4 hr journey, I checked into my accommodation and headed back to the V&A. It seems to be an on going tradition that whenever i’m in London I go there for tea and pastries. Not sure why but it’s somewhere I always need to go anyway! After being kicked out literally 5 mins after I got there, I headed back to Islington and had an early night to be fresh faced for the next day.

After a good nights sleep I headed into London straight for the V&A again... I’m not obsessed really!! After snacking on breakfast I headed to different exhibtions about the museum. I must have looked lost as I was greeted by one of the curators of the festival and personally showed me around! That was quite interesting! I’ve never spent more than an hour in there but managed to get so lost it took me around places where I never knew existed!! I explored wrought iron works which was quite interesting to see how intricate design work was in the 18th century onwards. It’s not something I was interested in but the amount on show was fairly large.

I found myself in a small room full of contempory design. All eco, ergonically designed or interesting. Please see my album!!

NYFW

2011-10-03T08:53:00.000-07:00

Reading tweets about Victoria Beckhams oncoming collection on twitter made me a tiny bit excited to see it!

Sporty luxe, with bright colors, fabulous detailing, fluid fabrics and style to match. This collection has got the world of fashion talking. 2 seasons ago, Victoria Beckhams collection finally made it’s mark. Celebrities such as Eva Longoria, Elle Macpherson and Giselle were all seen wearing her famous dress that hid the tops of the arms and provided shape by nipping in at the waist and emphasizing curves.

This collection has proven that she has what it takes to make a name for herself.

Go girl power!

Graduate schemes

2011-09-03T07:21:00.001-07:00

Blaaaaady hell!

I think i’m having a mid life crisis.

If i’d stayed on at Uni the first time around, I should’ve graduated 2 months after my 21st birthday. How the hell is a 21 year old meant to know what they want to do with their life?

When I was 16, I knew I wanted to do Fashion Marketing and focused my life on that. Since that went a bit tits up I explored different areas and got experience in events, charity, fashion, retail, accounts (?!?)

As I’m approaching the time when graduate schemes open and I need to find out what I want to do it’s becoming increasingly worrying that I have absolutlely no idea.

Shit

BLOGGING

2011-08-13T08:16:00.000-07:00

I’m trying to get into the habit of blogging or tumbling everyday which is proving very difficult! I seem to be so busy! I’ve just downloaded the app on my iPhone so you’ll get short messages or photo uploads!
A friend, who I met whilst doing some work experience at a trend forecasting agency in Newcastle has launched a blog. The blog focuses on window displays around the world. Check it out!!

http://www.thewindowshopper.co.uk/
http://twitter.com/#!/thwindowshopper

http://www.aprilbowden.co.uk/April_Bowden/Blog/Entries/2011/8/7_Blogging..html

Social Media

2011-08-13T01:34:00.000-07:00

I mentioned in my last post about blogging and how am trying to get into it. Seeing the popularity behind such simple concepts like Jak & Jill and The Satorialist, it’s easy to do it.

In 2008, the Guardian newspaper wrote a piece on their favourite blogs. It’s hard to imagine that even now, a lot of people still have no idea what blogs are never mind use them! I used a few different types of blogs for my trend prediction project. Blogs are like diaries and can be very personal to people. It’s great to see so many ways to show photos, thoughts and connect with likeminded people.

Where I work, the marketing team are younger and more on the ball. They are tapping into the social media world using Facebook and Twitter more and embracing the likes of Groupon and Living Social.

Nearly all retail stores have online blogs now. (mostly written by interns i’m guessing) For many years, I’ve found Reiss to be a brand that has kept quiet and stayed constant. Never using huge market campaigns, upsetting audiences/critics a la topshop. Since Kate Middleton wore that famous cream dress for her engagement photo, Reiss haven’t cashed in on this fact unlike Whistles and Warehouse, they connected with their customers and stayed professional and provided a service like any other retailer would. I’ve been a fan of Reiss for years, at much disgust to my bank balance.

They update their blog fairly constantly which I think helps create a persona for the brand.

http://www.reissonline.com/blog/