Thoughts-Craze

Nostalgia: why are we so drawn to its mystical marvels?

2011-08-03T15:28:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered why you love hearing that old 80’s tune blasting through the radio with its sordid but timeless electro symphony as it reminds you of that fun night out. Or how about that favourite chic flick film that you used to watch when you were a teenager and still take the pleasure of watching it every other month. There is something about nostalgia and our pasts that we are all drawn to as humans. Of course not everyone likes to relive their past through media or materialism but there is always something within your life that is apart of your past. It is what makes us who we are, and I think we like to be reminded of that.

The famous Audrey Hepburn was never one for “reliving in the past”. She was a type that never indulged in living in the past. This was probably what we found so endearing and modest about her character. To me, though, I don’t quite understand why. Albeit there is no use in dwelling in past times that remind you of a time of pain or anger, but why not relive the times that were good in your life by listening to that song that you used to dance to at the school disco, and remembering your foolish, cheesy dance moves with a smile forming on your face. To me the old saying “The unexamined life is not worth living” always speaks to me in that you have to live in the past and the present to live out who you are in the future. And don’t you?

“One day an old man said to his grandson.

“There is no use in crying over yesterday and worrying about tomorrow”.

“Only live today”.

The boy pondered

“Well if I forget about yesterday and don’t think about tomorrow, how will I know what to live for?”

This was a mini saga I once wrote that I entered it into a competition, and it was chosen to be in a young writers saga book. Modest of me to say I know, but I am just proclaiming the fact that we really don’t realise how much our memories play a part in our lives. How our characteristics and destinations throughout our lives have lead us to be the people we are now. Even the tiniest details make each and every one of us very different from one another. Why else is it so exciting to meet new people in the everyday world? We get to learn from them and they can learn from us too. We become better people as we become more content with who we are and how we have changed over the years.

The endearing memories of our childhoods that sometimes reappear in our present day remind us of times that have been and gone. Times, that will never be relived in the same way ever again. That is why whenever I hear the raspy voice of Alanis Morissette I feel a little warm and empty inside all at the same time, in that I will never again be sat at my father’s desk, him on his computer me on mine, and listen to the song ‘Ironic’ whilst raiding with our guild on EverQuest. I have some truly unique memories (you probably have no idea what “EverQuest” is. No? Again to re-emphasize its uniqueness. It was an online gaming with the likes of mystical wood elves and dwarves etc) that I do wish to relive whenever the chance comes along, even if only once a year when they decide to play a Morissette classic on the radio. I will be wholeheartedly joyful to associate her songs with the happy times of casting lava bursts on skeletons and grouping with my father. I will still enjoy those memories as they remind me of a happier time in a gloomier time of our lives. Oh, and if you are wondering how Alanis Morissette’s music got paired up with a fantasy game, I don’t know either, they were both favourite muses of my dads at the time and funnily enough still are.

The Modelling world...what happens in there?

2011-03-17T13:14:00.000-07:00

Modelling is one of the most sought after jobs, not just in the fashion industry but also among young girls. It’s hard for us to see past the ‘glamorous’ fashion and see what the modelling world is when so much of it is covered up through a mask of beauty. We don’t think about the deeper parts of the modelling world, as we are only interested in what’s on the outside: the clothes and the beautiful people. It would be a revelation if we could actually look at plus size models on catwalks and feel we wanted to be like them. Just to be able to look at other models and be comfortable in our own skins and not feel pressure to be perfect. But as you can already guess we (society) seem to have accepted this ‘perfect’ ideal of the size 0, the beautiful face, a perfect body as our only inspiration of beauty and are not likely to be looking at anything else for beauty tips anytime soon.

On the other hand, we often see people in the media (generally those outside of the fashion industry) trying to change people’s perceptions of beauty and trying to look at how the industry has such an effect on people today. TV programmes such as ‘Beauty and the Beast’, which has recently just aired on Channel 4. In this documentary we catch a glimpse of people who are trying to change the face of beauty into a more natural and realistic image as disabilities and plus sizes are praised. However, to put a spin on this another documentary recently aired on Channel 4 called ‘The Model agency’: a strange, ironic twist that both seem to be showing at the same time, no? One is looking at the prejudice side of beauty whilst the other ‘The Model agency’ is supporting the ‘perfect’ image of beauty, as it is what their industry is all about. It’s almost as if we are seeing the battle for beauty from each side come face to face, and it’s pragmatically asking you. Which do you stand for?

The world of fashion and modelling is too big a world to protest against, as skinny models with 9inch heels will just tread on top of you. It is said that the fashion world is a vain industry (of course, the billion pound industry isn’t going to be set on inner beauty now is it) but people who decided to become a part of this industry should know what they are facing and what they are in for. The only thing that I can say is that as the general population we should not look to these models and feel intimidated and uncomfortable in our own skin. Really, whom are these girls trying to impress…is it really us? That’s just it. We think that these women are trying to impress men/women in society but actually it’s neither. These models are called models for a reason they model the clothes of prestigious designers and try their best to make their clothes look better with their petite frames. They are size 0 for a reason, that area of the industry prefers the women to make the clothes look better as opposed to using the clothes to make us look better.

All I am suggesting is that whether you are a size 6 or a size 20 you should not feel pressured by these models unless you are hoping to become one yourself. You should therefore be content with your own unique self. Modelling can be a passion with some people and others it can be an obsession. All you need to know is that both men and women models are generally just as insecure as you about their bodies (if not more so). The grass isn’t always greener on the other side where everything seems so glamorous and wonderful.

The tales of the modelling world are not left in the dark anymore and even in ‘The Model agency’ documentary we see models that live a chaotic lifestyle put their health at risk with some claiming they ‘don’t get chance to eat’ all day long and become restless from lack of sleep. Would you want that sort of lifestyle? Nevertheless, excluding the down sides to modelling we can soar to the real key in this multi-millionaire business, which is the designers and moreover the clothing. I will be the first to admit that such clothing we see on catwalks really is pieces of art. Don’t let the pressure of fitting in with dress sizes be a dark cloud over fashion or expressing your taste in clothes. See that this industry is far more profound than those pin thin models that strut down a runway. It is full of imagination and expression of the greatness of individuality that can be worn by us all (well at least the high-street versions).

By Kim Stanworth

Quirky, cool gifs

2011-01-03T13:00:00.001-08:00

Looking for an interesting present that is quirky in eye appeal but cool in buy appeal.
Manchesters German market is small but cute in its style. Anything you cannot buy in high street shops you'll find there. These Russian dolls are a favourite of mine, they are a perfect gift.

A new year, a new Fashion

2011-01-03T12:56:00.000-08:00

Fashion today can be defined by many labels. Dolce and Gabbana, Hugo Boss, Givency, Anna Sui and many more. Of course these are just the designers but this is what they have created. Something that is so powerful that it can be used as a description of the subject itself. However, I wonder just what else we can define fashion to be. I find that fashion should be linked to beautiful pieces of clothing not just prestigious designer brands. Of course I find most designers clothes to be a symbol of artwork but why should the rest of us who are not able to afford such desirables not be able to show fashion in our own way, and to have it be seen as an icon. It’s the same with anything that is shown to us today, it has to be ‘expensive’ for us to feel worthy of buying and wearing it.
Fear not, you are not the only one who carries this same burden when shopping for your clothes. I believe we can start again with these no good doers that bear on our shoulders. It is now the start of a new year and why not join a new tradition that I believe can create a new revelation. Of course, I am talking about shopping in vintage shops. They are wondrous places. I could list tens of reasons why they can be your do-gooders for next year but instead I will just state the main points. Label them as you may ‘vintage shops’, ‘charity shops’. But just what amazing garments can be found in there have never been given the light of day. They are very rarely spoken of in the media, very rarely are they seen as fashion items to be celebrated.
So I say to you now. Do not spend another thought on those women who walk down the street in classic designer brand and wish you were in their shoes. Instead, be green (environmentally of course) and wear a garment that is one of a kind, unique and ‘affordable’. Sparkling trends can still be taken into account but made by your own choosing, instead of items that were picked for you to buy at a substantial amount. You can choose fashion items that you see as beautiful and something for your friends to wish they had but won’t be able to replicate, just awe at your style, and possibly borrow it from you.

Paul Smith

2010-12-15T02:46:00.001-08:00

Sir Paul Smith is an English fashion designer. He is highly respected within the fashion industry as his reputation is founded upon his menswear. Queen Elizabeth II knighted Smith in 2000, after nearly three decades as a menswear icon. Somewhere on each item is the presence of Smith’s multistripe signature that is usually on the collections of clothing and accessories for both men and women. Today there are 12 different collections including Paul Smith, Paul Smith Women, PS by Paul Smith, Paul Smith Jeans, Paul Smith London, R.Newbold (Japan only), Paul Smith Accessories, Paul Smith Shoes, Paul Smith Fragrance, Paul Smith Watches, Paul Smith Pens and Paul Smith furniture and ‘things’. Paul Smith rugs, china, spectacles and fragrance are made under license. His collections are primarily produced in England and Italy while the fabrics used are mainly Italian, French and British.
Paul Smith’s collections bring somewhat an authentic appreciation to clothes as his style is unusual yet practical. Psyche offer a wide range of Paul Smith collections that suggest beauty in many ways as he uses prints, art, patterns etc to project his clothes in such a way and to give them presence. In an interview Paul quoted “I don’t care if people dress in a scruffy, immaculate, perfect or fashionable way. To me, I’m more interested in human beings and what’s inside people’s heads, like their conversation and emotion”. Which is what makes Paul’s vision and passion behind his clothing so awe-inspiring as he uses his understanding of fashion and real passion when designing his Paul Smith collections.
During London Fashion Week Paul Smith’s 2009/2010 Autumn/Winter collection hit the catwalk in a flamboyant fashion as the models presented his new collection quirky and out of the ordinary styles spoke for themselves as statement pieces that ruled the catwalk. The collections showed inspiration to the country living style as he used earthy tones and mossy textures to represent his collection at London Fashion Week. Whilst the pale faces and deep purple lips made the look a little less ‘safe’ the chintzy-rose print prom dresses and long strings of pearls added a feminine touch. Overall, Smith’s collection was charming and quaint, without being boring and safe.

Hugo Boss

2010-12-15T02:45:00.000-08:00

Hugo boss

Hugo’s ravishing collections include Hugo Boss Accessories, Hugo Boss Black, Hugo Boss Bodywear, Hugo Boss Footwear, Hugo Boss Kids Hugo Boss Orange and Hugo By Hugo Boss, some of which are available at Psyche. Hugo Boss first started a clothing company in 1923 in Metzingen, where it is still based, a small town south of Stuttgart, Germany. However in 1930 due to the economic climate in Germany Boss was forced into bankruptcy. Undeterred, Hugo set up a new business and in 1931 became a member of the Nazi party. With the rise of Adolf Hitler in 1933, Boss's business also began to prosper, as he became the official supplier of uniforms to the SA and SS guards.

After his death in 1948, the company remained in darkness until 1953 when Hugo Boss clothing company released its first men's suit, with the demand for SS uniforms gone, the business turned its hand to making suits. The timing was perfect, as the male fashion industry was just establishing itself and through the 60's and 70's Boss suits became the benchmark for quality, fashionable menswear. Hugo Boss is well known for his smart and sophisticated suits as The Hugo Boss brand has a curious history of origin. Its founder, Hugo Boss, made overalls as well as civil and military uniform in 20-s. Like anyone else during the Second World War, he lived in need and had to create Nazi uniform to survive. Only in 1954 he designed a suit that brought glory to his name after his death.

Hugo Boos is back as we see Hugo Boss’s new spring collection 2010 hit the catwalks. The suits look amazing and the modish strappy sandels take the outfits up a notch. His uptake on this new collection is somewhat calm and cool with breezy blues and wintry whites also with splashes of ravishing reds, blacks and gold. His collection can be described as chic, simple but not safe. Creative Director Bruno is inspired by the work of German artist Wolfgang Uhlig. Moved by Uhlig’s work with the contrasting natures of architecture and the natural, Pieters sought to explore this in Hugo’s spring collection.

Fred Perry

2010-12-15T02:40:00.000-08:00

Fred Perry was born in Stockport, Cheshire. He was an English tennis and table tennis player and three-time Wimbledon champion. Perry is the last British male player to win any of tennis's grand slam events, and one of only six men in history to have won all four grand slam events. Fred Perry’s impressive success in sports leaves us wondering how this man has a Fred Perry clothing brand. Tibby Wegner, an Austrian footballer that had invented an anti-perspirant device, worn around the wrist and approached Perry in the late 1940’s. Perry made a few changes and invented the sweatband. A sports shirt, which was to be made from white knitted cotton pique with short sleeves and buttons down the front, was Wegner's next idea.
Launched at Wimbledon in 1952, the Fred Perry polo shirt was an immediate success. The white polo shirt was the shirt of choice for diverse groups of teenagers throughout the 1960s and 70s, ranging from the skinheads to the Northern Soul scene. Therefore Perry’s career in clothing began to establish itself in the fashion industry as a new uptake in fashion had begun. The brand is best known for its laurel logo, which appears on the left breast of the tennis shirts. Instead of merely ironed on (as was the case with the crocodile logo of the competing Lacoste brand) The laurel logo (based on the old Wimbledon symbol) was stitched into the fabric of the shirt.
Recently the Fred Perry clothing brand has regained popularity now that British tennis star and current World Number 3 Andy Murray has it as his clothing sponsor. A Japanese corporation owns the Fred Perry brand. Fred Perry’s clothing style is somewhat stylish and sporty as the symbol represents a cool, swank culture within sports and gives certain poise to its representative the sports champion Fred Perry himself. Psyche offers a range from coats to dresses In as Fred Perry’s clothing range, but as this years winter approaches we see a lot more of coats and jackets make their stance.

Dolce and Gabbana

2010-12-14T13:18:00.000-08:00

Dolce and Gabbana’s modern take on urban style have quickly garnered worldwide recognition since 1994. Italian designers Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana in Milan, Italy started the company. As their collections inspired hundreds and set new craze trends on the high streets, by 2005 their turnover was €750 million and in 1991 they won a Woolmark award. D&G was the first major women's collection in 1985 and since their first womenswear collection, Dolce & Gabbana have evolved into perhaps the definitive purveyors of sexy clothes for women who want to revel in their voluptuous femininity. Psyche offers a wide range of their clothing but the collection doesn’t just stop at the gorgeous garments, as they have a wide range from sunglasses, perfumes, bags, shoes and many more.
D&G trademarks include underwear-as-outerwear (such as corsets and bra fastenings), gangster boss pinstripe suits, extravagantly printed and embroidered coats, and black. Originally inspired by eclectic, thrift shop Bohemia, Dolce & Gabbana's deeply coloured, animal prints have been described as "haute hippydom" taking inspiration in particular from Italy's prestigious film history. "When we design it's like a movie," says Domenico Dolce. "We think of a story and we design the clothes to go with it." They claim to be more concerned about creating the best, most flattering clothes than sparking trends, once admitting that they wouldn't mind if their only contribution to fashion history was a black bra.
Dolce and Gabbana’s latest looks are about to hit the catwalk this winter 2010 with a fun and fabulous new uptake. Fashion has to be new, has to keep on challenging the previous and persuading us that we want something else, something different, and as winter approaches all things winter wonderland flood the shopping rails; but with a new collection in store for us we see not only the beauty of the body and soul, but also an homage towards the hedonistic beauty of a sartorial suit studied to its finest and provoking sensuality with the use of lace, crochets and floral prints. The Dolce&Gabbana Spring/Summer 2010 collection is a tribute to the Sicilian way of life and the classic beauty in all of its reincarnations. The symbol, which embodies and connects this desire for beauty is transparency; the main element of the collection, found on dresses, skirts, camisoles and shoes. The ultimate uptake on this collection of perfection is to discover the ideal concept of an impeccable and timeless elegance.

2010-11-21T07:30:00.000-08:00

Fashion Fix

Fashion fix.

Find your uniqueness

London Fashion Week has been upon us! Collections were just as sophisticated and glamorous as ever. But what more can we really say about the chaotic hysteria that such an event causes. Well apart from its new and improved designers, I’m left thinking; just what else can they really come up with that is original. For many generations we have seen the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Twiggy be our fashion and style icons, creating new trends, but now there is more female supermodels than there are stars! Ok well not quite but really what else have they got to offer? Fashion has to be new, has to keep on challenging the previous and persuading us that we want something else, something different, and as winter approaches all things winter wonderland flood the shopping rails.

Fashion today is covered left, right and centre by journalist, designers, and stylists. But what else can we possible learn from them about clothes, styles and shoes?

I believe that there is much more to fashion than just models strutting down catwalks. I believe that real fashion is out there in the real world, created by everyday people. I believe fashion should be unique not something that everyone can copy! Just how many times have you walked down the street and witnessed the dreaded horror of your new top staring back at you on the bodies of several other girls? So much of everything today is un-original. The number of times that high street buyers end up with the same clothes and even the number of times celebrities are plastered all over magazines on the page ‘Who wore it better’, as everyone is just trying to fit in with the trends. I say we ditch trying to look like celebrities and their newest trends and start making our own individual trends. No I’m not talking about making your own clothes, or at least not if you don’t want to but, make a change, be adventurous…and try shopping in those blessed vintage shops.

I believe the true icons of fashion are those that can make their clothes show who they are, not just how much money they can spend on designer brands. If you like fashion just as much as me, then what is it you really like about fashion? Personally I find that fashion can be used as a way of expressing art, a way of expressing who you are whether that be an emo, indie, hippy, skater, rocker. Whoever you are use your individuality to determine your sense of style and wear what you really want to wear. The famous Domenico Dolce, the founder of Dolce and Gabbana along with Stefano Gabbana once said, "We think of a story and we design the clothes to go with it." They claim to be more concerned about creating the best, most flattering clothes than sparking trends, once admitting that they wouldn't mind if their only contribution to fashion history was a black bra. I believe that this is what fashion is all about; finding what works for you. Of course sometimes we need a little helping hand as to what fashion is all about and how we can determine what is fashionable and what’s not. Well that’s where fashion blogs step in to give us a helping hand. Our inspirations can be taken off everyday women and incorporated with our own sense of what’s fashion. Of course you can always take a look at the latest fashion blogs to give yourself some inspiration. As after all even vintage shops have had their trends come from somewhere, but it’s the beauty of their uniqueness that stands above all the other high street shops. One blog in particular that has been noted for it’s out of the ordinary fashion talent. Tavi Gevinson the creator of the fashion blog Style Rookie, which she founded at the young age of just eleven in 2008. She is known for her creative style and her talented skills in writing, which could be mistaken as the professional writings of an experienced journalist. She has been criticized for her writing not being her own, and that someone else was behind the infamous blog. Of course she knew how to prove them wrong, as after all why wouldn’t any journalist, who had been in the business for over 20 years not be jealous of her garnered recognition at just the young age of 11.

Another of my favourite blogs and a source of my inspiration is lookbook.nu/#more. It is a simple but stylish blog full of fashion ideas from all around the world. Also its genius is that ordinary men and women using high street and vintage styles create its trends and give inspiration to everyone. Each individual person is different and unique. Check it out, and see where your inspiration will take you.

By Kim Stanworth