Fast Fashion

Inspiration and Upcoming Events

2012-01-12T19:30:00.016Z

Recently been inspired by Mulberry's Spring/Summer 12 campaign shot by Tim Walker featuring models Frida Gustavsson and Lindsey Wixson. I'm loving the fresh pastel tones and seaside nostalgia, it's getting me excited for my first trip to Brighton next week! Looking forward to catching up with friends, trawling through some vintage shops and eating fish n' chips on the pier!

The Rusty Zip now stocks SUPERSUPER magazine so pop in soon for your free copy (normally priced at £2.99.)

Also looking forward to the completion of the new Titanic Museum at the end of March. The building will have 7 floors and feature exhibitions on the Titanic alongside the history of Belfast. It will feature a flying theatre where visitors can be suspended in moving seats over a giant cinema screen. The multi-sensory experience will include a wind machine, audio and moving visuals.

Wishing You A Lovely Christmas!

2011-12-24T20:08:00.009Z

Thanks to everyone who reads my wee blog and hope you all have a happy holiday! See you in the New Year with more street style snaps xxx

Eastern Influence

2011-12-19T19:33:00.003Z

Model: Naoimh Campbell

Stylist: Maureen Collins

Clothing and Furniture : Jacob Street at Bedeck

Delicate, ornate detailing was key within this third theme for Cover magazine to emphasize Eastern design influences. We used a red hanging lantern and dramatic rich fabrics like embroidered silk to create an opulent effect.

Current Event - Street Art Exhibition @ The Ulster Museum

2011-12-12T20:23:00.013Z

Work by Jamie Hewlett, Kerry Roper and Banksy

Part of the Tags Not Labels exhibition

Last Thursday I was very lucky to get a sneak preview of the new Street Art exhibition at the Ulster Museum! Drawn from the V&A collections, this touring exhibition features some of the biggest artists in the Street Art community. Over 30 artists are featured including prints and stickers of Banksy, Shepard Fairey, Sickboy, Pure Evil and D*Face. To accompany this the museum is also showcasing Belfast's local Street Art talent. 'Tags Not Labels' features the work of selected local artists through large gallery installations alongside a series of street art photographs. Really recommend that you go and have a nosey- admission is free!

Upcoming Event - The Rusty Zip Christmas Jumper Party

2011-12-04T15:24:00.002Z

The Rusty Zip Summer Party - August 2011

In the middle of organizing a Christmas party in work for this Saturday! Been stocking up on retro Christmas jumpers and to add a touch of glamour - a 20s style collection packed full of party dresses. Everyone welcome so pop along if you're in the Botanic area there will be music, food and a few extra surprises! Perfect warm-up if you're heading down to the Continental market at City Hall.

Global Journey

2011-11-30T19:38:00.035Z

Model: Naoimh Campbell

Stylist: Maureen Collins

Clothing and Furniture : Jacob Street at Bedeck

East meets West in this eclectic 'Global Journey' shoot which explores world-fusion design carried out through batik prints and bold patterns, with a dash of oriental silk. I concentrated on warmer tones throughout the story and loved the broad range of influences to experiment with! Big thanks to Naoimh for letting me traipse her through nettles and weeds that day to get to the derelict shed!

Baby I've Got The Blues

2011-11-28T20:49:00.031Z

Model: Naoimh Campbell

Stylist: Maureen Collins

Clothing and Furniture : Jacob Street at Bedeck

'The Blues' is one of the first design stories I photographed for Bedeck to appear in their new online magazine Cover! The first issue concentrates on the latest designs and is full of inspiring ideas on what to wear and how to decorate your home. This shoot was influenced by the Mediterranean so we wanted to capture cool ocean blues to tropical turquoise hues. Vintage silk jewel-toned dresses, a stunning peacock feathered headpiece by Leonora Ferguson along with bold ethnic jewellery helped to create a vibrant effect. Will be posting more themes shortly!

Rob

2011-11-07T19:24:00.000Z

These images of a musician were taken back in February. It has taken a while to post these because I've mixed feelings about black and white in digital form, it just can't compare to film. Felt good to experiment though and branch out from my usual colour images! Tried my best to replicate that iconic 60s rock n 'roll vibe shooting low-key portraits.

New Chapter

2011-11-02T17:04:00.029Z

Catching up on my blogging been having that 'I haven't done my homework' feeling but have been quite busy over the last few months as I got a new management position at The Rusty Zip! To begin a new chapter and to celebrate our website re-launch we decided to throw our first end of Summer party. During business hours on Saturday the 27th of August we invited three local bands to play (Pixel Vs Nanobot, Andy Train and The Alice Kona Band) alongside artist Stephen Maurice Graham of 400 facts to capture the day on paper (see top illustration.) We had goodie bags filled with postcards, our ebay listings and sweets. Popcorn, cupcakes and savoury snacks were also compulsory! With the help of our wonderful sourcer Lauren we managed to showcase our first ever 'Rusty Collection' based on 1950s teddy girls, mixing houndstooth, leopard print and lace to create a modern edge.

Thankfully the day was a success so watch this space for future collections and a festive Christmas party happening in store next month! Get your Christmas jumpers out ;)

The Olde Belfast Velo Jaunt - 31/07/11

2011-07-31T18:53:00.074+01:00

The Olde Belfast Velo Jaunt is Belfast's first free jaunty bike ride inspired by London's 'Tweed Run'! Yesterday participants were invited to take part in a 14 mile round trip leisurely cycling from Custom House Square in the city centre along the shoreline up to Whiteabbey wearing fine dandy-esque outfits, stopping for a few hours to picnic in Hazelbank Park.

Though this style wasn't compulsory, gentlemen really put the effort in wearing vintage tweed jackets and suits complemented with cravats and bow-ties for a finished look. Bright Argyle and stripy patterned socks were also present to add a splash of colour! Ladies wore stylish silk scarves and cute straw boater hats with dresses and shorts.

A perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon the event will hopefully run again soon due to its popularity!

Diet Coke Limited Edition Collection By Karl Lagerfeld

2011-07-13T12:19:00.009+01:00

Pic by Fast Fashion.

Bottle courtesy of Thinkhouse Communications

Diet Coke took another stylish step into Spring this year by announcing its second fashion collaboration with world-renowned designer Karl Lagerfeld. Launched last month the bottles have been named the ultimate accessory for this Summer. The contemporary collection features three designs including polkadots, pink swirls and studded stars. Personally my fave has to be the stars! They are available individually or as a set in an exclusive prism-shaped collector's box created by the designer.

Easy Breezy Summer's Day

2011-06-13T22:09:00.028+01:00

Clothing : Jacob Street (basement of the Bedeck shop on Lisburn Rd)

A few promo shots from the second shoot I took back in mid-May for Jacob Street. Loved the hand embroidered Mexican style dress alongside the ethnic furnishings (a nod to Frida Kahlo.) The sunshine yellow 60s dress also adds that extra splash of colour that would eliminate any Summertime blues about the weather!

Fast Fashion Story No.2 - Sultan of Tricks

2011-05-30T22:30:00.053+01:00

One minute he's pulling shapes on rooftops overlooking spires, next he's floating to the ground (like Aladdin without the magic carpet)

Model : Ruben @ Style Academy

MUA : Samantha Weightman @ Style Academy

Clothing : Mix of model's own and The Rusty Zip

Upcoming Event - Designer Sample Sale

2011-05-18T07:47:00.005+01:00

May The Fourth Be With You

2011-05-04T08:28:00.006+01:00

Couldn't resist posting this pic I took back at Invasion III in W5 last October. Very detailed costumes!

Inspiration - Fast Fashion Travels To Lisbon

2011-04-28T21:02:00.026+01:00

St George's Castle

Vintage Portuguese dress available now in The Rusty Zip

(size 8 at £35)

Whilst roaming the streets photographed these bad boys which were left on someone's porch!

Cows at Belem

View from St George's Castle

Necklace - Topshop

Ring - Lisbon flea market

Statue of Poseidon

Hilltop view of Lisbon

Gertrude Anna

2011-04-17T17:54:00.014+01:00

Patchwork Gertrude Anna bags

Gertrude Anna is an exciting new design company run by Mr. Timmy White. Named after and inspired by his granny Gerty, Timmy models his company on the make do and mend philosophy of yesteryear with a modern twist. Sourcing different vintage fabrics and embellishments each design is a one-off (I'm particularly enjoying the Star Wars bag) which makes it that wee bit more special! This is only a small sampling of his work! Having a creative background in interior and set design Timmy also re-styles furniture and makes retro cushions click here to see the rest.

What I like most about his work is that you can clearly see the detailed quality and craftsmanship that has gone into making each piece - inspiring to see! His stock will be appearing in a few shops soon so watch this space.....

Go Magazine - April 2011

2011-04-04T19:38:00.006+01:00

Excited to get a wee mention in this month's new look Go Magazine alongside Slugger O' Toole, Well Done Fillet, White Rabbit NI, Bandwidth Sessions, 400 Facts and Party Down and Go F**K Yourself.

Jacob Street Boutique Promo Shots & Press

2011-03-21T19:19:00.028Z

A few promo shots for Jacob Street Boutique which opened its doors earlier this month!

Nestled nicely and situated in Bedeck (basement) on the Lisburn Road it offers unique homewares, beautiful vintage clothing and designer jewellery all at an affordable cost. This has been one of my favourite creative projects to work on so far! The owner - Maureen Collins is an experienced interior designer/stylist and has an eye for quirky and unusual pieces (which she has personally sourced and commissioned) combining them to create a fresh eclectic look. It is definitely worth having a nosey, even for some inspiration. I've spied many interesting items including glass bell jars, toile fabrics and a Chinese lacquered cabinet shown below in this Irish News article -

Pics by Fast Fashion

Here is the article in full - "http://www.jacobstreet.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Jacob-Street-140311.pdf"

Will be creating more interior related posts in the near future as well as the ol' street style to mix things up a bit so watch this space!

Recent Street Style - Belfast Fashion Week (HOF Show @ Victoria Square Carpark)

2011-03-17T20:29:00.037Z

Adele Smyth-Kennedy and Stephen Houston

Gemma Porter

The man who wears the best badges in town, it is of course...

Mr Alan Simpson

Belfast Fashion Week Launch 2011

2011-03-09T22:25:00.023Z

3…2…1…FASHIONWEEK!

Last night (Wednesday 09March 2011) marked the stylish opening of West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK with not one, but two amazing underground catwalk shows in Victoria Square’s Qpark carpark. A double dose of style was prescribed with guests enjoying fashions from House of Fraser’s top brands in an early evening show and the rest of the stylish stores in Victoria Square at 8pm. The sensational shows, that kicked off the exciting five day schedule of runway shows and chic events, celebrates Victoria Square’s third birthday in style, with two shows on one night.

Gorgeous models strutted their stuff in over 100 looks from across the collections from House of Fraser in the first event of the evening. Brands from across the department store took part including the iconic Biba, Linea, Therapy & Untold as well as Karen Millen and Whistles. The second show of the night showcased collections from Victoria Square’s other top stores, including CRUISE, House of Fraser, Reiss, Ted Baker, Urban Outfitters and many more. Fashionistas enjoyed an array of fashion from the season’s trend including 1970’s inspired looks, rainbow brights and the staple fabric of the season, denim, while enjoying a refreshing West Coast Cooler.

House of Fraser manager Michelle Jackson raved about the success of the show: “We were thrilled to be showing all the fabulous fashion that House of Fraser has to offer in the edgy, underground car park venue. Last season Belfast FASHIONWEEK obviously started a trend, as London Fashion Week chose to host one of their SS11 shows in a car park. This year they also showed a collection in a swimming pool, so who knows where the House of Fraser show could be next season… watch this space!”

Lindsey Loughlin, marketing manager at Victoria Square, added: “The event was another huge success with two amazing shows in one night showcasing the best in spring/summer fashion on the high street, reflecting the many new trends which are around this season. The feedback has been great and I’ve no doubt lots of the catwalk looks will be picked up by the many stylish shoppers across Northern Ireland.”

The fabulous fashion frenzy moves to the dedicated FASHIONWEEK centre in the Europa Hotel tonight (Thursday 10 March) for a designers and designer boutiques night. Top boutiques including Rio/Brazil/BT9, Candy Plum (Hillsborough), TheWardrobe (Ballyclare), Jourdan, SarahJane Boutique (Magherafelt), The Boudoir (Dungannon) and Blush will showcase alongside the country’s top designers Una Rodden, Grainne Maher Millinery, Zoe Boomer and Lizzie Agnew. Eye candy will be provided courtesy of online store, The Undie Factory, who will have a sexy and stylish range of men’s underwear on show.

For further information on show schedules, tickets, links to participant retailers and designers as well as the season’s hottest trends, log on to www.belfastfashionweek.com.

P.S - Top outfit - Suit by Biba, bikini top by Lepel, sunglasses by Therapy and straw hat by Linea. Second outfit - Blue top by Karen Millen and print skirt by Pied A Terre.

Fast Fashion Story No.1 - Street Fighter

2011-03-07T09:14:00.006Z

Model : Ruben @ Style Academy

MUA : Samantha Weightman @ Style Academy

Clothing : Mix of model's own and The Rusty Zip

Inspired by the film The Warriors

Inspiration & Upcoming Events

2011-02-25T19:12:00.018Z

Recently been inspired by.... Pamela Love's fall 2011 collection made up of intricate quartz necklaces and cuffs. Online geology photos -This image of a crater lake in Maly Semyachik Volcano contains a beautiful colour which is caused by the acidic water (source.) My trip to Paris a few years back where I was lucky enough to spend a day in Versailles! Pictured is a bed chamber and the Palace of Mirrors.

Speaking of interiors- If you're craving some inspiration there are two home fairs taking place next weekend! The Home Souk takes place on Saturday 5th March from 11am-5pm in the Europa Hotel and The Retro Rooms Show on Sunday in The Holiday Inn, Ormeau Avenue from 11am-4.30pm. Will definitely be saving my pennies!

Three Chairs

2011-02-21T18:56:00.040Z

Sorry for my bad blogging! This month has been quite busy with three recent shoots. Each set contains a different style and feel but coincidentally they all seem to feature a chair! Stay tuned over the next few weeks if you're curious to see the rest....

Love and Death Inc. 27/1/11

2011-01-31T21:41:00.050Z

Taboo Thursdays Launch at Love and Death Inc.

Sarah Norwood and Lisa Millar

Sarah's dress - Primark

Bag - New Look

Lisa's outfit - River Island

Bag - Primark

Shoes - Barratts

Connor Kerr

Jacket - Calvin Klein

T-shirt - Asos
Necklace - Vivienne Westwood

Dresses by local designer Jessica Edlin

Tracey O'Callaghan and Anna Rainey
Tracey's scarf - Dunnes
Blouse - M&S
Shorts - Topshop
Jacket - Warehouse
Anna's jacket & top - Topshop

(Right- Helder Afonso face of DV8 2011)

Bronagh Smyth and Cathal Doherty

Clothing from Best Vintage

Lillian Maina

Dress - Littlewoods

No models were harmed in the making of the competition!

Jessica Edlin with one of her beautiful evening dresses from her collection 'Blue Zoot' for Surreal Fashion Design