Freya Hill Talking- Fashion and Lifestyle Blog

American Apparel Ads

2012-03-01T18:26:00.003Z

As a fashion writer I’m generally encouraged to write nice things about nice products.

If I submitted a post that actively slated something, chances are I’d be wiped from that publication’s own slate. And that’s not good for the old bank balance, or self esteem for that matter.

But sometimes my opinions need to be vented, so, away from the prying eyes of my editors it’s time I got this off my chest....

American Apparel, what is going on with your adverts?

Known for their full on (or rather, full off) approach, American Apparel have wowed us over the years with some truly brave/exciting/naughty adverts. They’ve pushed the boundaries of selling with their images and no matter what your opinion is on their marketing style, their advertising methods have worked.

For example, the picture below, I get. First thing you notice? The bum. This girl has a great backside, and we all know sex sells. Secondly, the hair. She’s having fun. Who doesn’t like to go wild? Thirdly, the tee. It’s cool, it’s nautical, nauticals are always in, it’s easy to wear. This advert I like.

But then I see an advert like this.

And this advert scares me.
I'm not quite sure if it’s the cave girl/feral hair that’s probably breeding nits in it, or the devil ‘I’m watching you’ eyes that won’t stop staring at me that is putting me off, or the dirty bed sheets (bet you didn’t notice those did you?) but I am just not drawn to buy from this brand by looking at this picture. Shame, because the ‘Riding Pants’ do look pretty nice.

Then there's my second picture- advertising the turtle neck.

I just don’t even know what to say about this one. Great the girls aren’t caked in make up (I’m all up for a bit of natural advertising) but there’s something not quite right about this. Mainly the way the trousers are sitting around the ‘woohoo’ area. And it's taken with super contrasting light, at night. It's spooky.

Thirdly, there’s this lingerie shot.

Again, muted background. Nude underwear. All a little 'back street flat'. The possessed glare thing is back too. I’m feeling quite uneasy looking at this advert. Who stands like that to be photographed in their underwear? No one. It's creepy.

So I think to myself, American Apparel, why are you doing this? Why are you suddenly trying to scare me with your images when you are brave enough to sell yourself with seriously edgy sexy shots that no one else is bullsy enough to do (minus Tom Ford)? WHY do you have to creep me out with pictures of girls who look like they are sleep deprived and in need of a dam good wash?

I guess I've answered my own question here; because it gets people talking. And you know what they say, 'All publicity is good publicity'. ( I wonder how many of you are now going to log on to American Apparel and buy something because of my post on here?)

But seriously, AA, please go back to the daring shots, your new grubby ones are really freaking me out.

***

And now that I've got that off my chest I'm going to go and have dinner at my cousins. That is, after I've signed off and done five thousand squats, because believe you me, blogging about American Apparel for 2 hours really does give you a serious bum complex.

I am... Blonde????

2012-02-27T22:23:00.001Z

I love my hair, my nickname is ‘lion hair’, my best mates even refer to my mane as a ‘blanket’.

If you’ve lost me in a supermarket I’ll guarantee that upon hunting for me the first thing you’ll look for is a short person with seemingly hundreds of pounds worth of extensions streaming from her head. (I have actually been accused of this- a gang of waitresses in a restaurant that I was dining in put a bet on with each other as to whether my locks were real or not. Then came and asked me if they could touch it. No word of a lie.)

With me, it’s a serious case of me, myself and the hair.

(Yes, that is actually me.)

Naturally I’m a brunette, I’ve even gone so dark (and began wearing my hair in a hive) that I landed myself with the nickname Amy Winehouse.

But as I write this now my hair could not be any more different to that if I tried. (Well, unless I was grey.) Because right now I am pretty much A BLONDE.

I don’t feel like a blonde, but apparently I am.

As I walked passed a football pitch last summer I heard someone whistle and shout ‘Oi! Blondie!’ but being in the brunette mind set that I grown up with, I continued to walk. Within 5 steps he promptly shouted again, this time his friend joining in. I kept going. On the third whistle I decided to turn around and to my surprise no one else was about. It was at that moment that I officially felt 'blonde’.

So to give you a better idea of what I'm going on about, it went something like this....

And now, it's this...

But I don’t know if it’s time to go back.

At Christmas I bumped in to a boy who I hadn’t seen for years, and the first thing he said to me was this:

"Shit, what happened to your hair?"

I was so stunned at his bluntness that 'Dyed it, perhaps?' just wasn't quick enough to leave my mouth.

This weekend the same kind of thing happened to me.

Saturday night my best friend looked me up and down (and with the extra added confidence she'd got from her glass of wine) brutally decided to tell me what was on her mind.

"You’re too blonde, I think you should go back brown. It's looking a bit fake."

Again, temporary dumbness struck me.

Then to top it all off, the next day, another friend (who has only really known me since being 'blonde') said to me totally out of the blue, ‘You’re not like I thought you’d be’. On further questioning it would appear that a little more goes on between my brain cells than my hair colour would initially suggest.

So I’ve been thinking, is it time to go back?

Have I put enough peroxide on my hair to be able to say that I've been there, done that and got the foils?

Burberry Autumn Winter 2012/13 Catwalk Review, London Fashion Week

2012-02-21T16:36:00.001Z

Featuring Herringbone tweed and flat caps, Burberry Autumn Winter 2012/13 was everything it should have been as one of the most anticipated London Fashion Week shows. The vibe was blatantly heritage as greys and browns dominated the catwalk, fox heads acted as belt buckles and fur tails lined jacket collars.

Like so many other shows seen so far this season our eyes were again drawn to the hip, particularly with peplum detailing on floral dresses.

Bailey impressively took that silhouette one step further with oversized pockets that spilled out of skirts, jackets and coats alike, mirroring the billowing sleeves of white blouses that boasted tiny little illustrative characters on the breast (which later went on to present themselves as diamante features centred across cosy snug jumpers).

Fullness wasn’t just seen at the hip or arm though, giant spiralling ruffles graced a multitude of tweed and cord skirts, which despite being shown on youthful petite girls will definitely be a storming success with women of all ages and back grounds, country or not.

The collection oozed sophistication and class that had a little bit of something for everyone, and for a designer to be able to achieve that level of diverse appeal nowadays is really quite something. Youthful stripes on skirts that fell just below the knee refreshed the quite formal leather doctor bag, elasticised bow belts in mustard and deep red brought a playful vibe to the beautifully tailored double breasted coat, and colour blocked portfolio bags caused great visual impact worn alongside studded leather gloves and dog headed umbrellas.

Expectedly the trench was reformed for this collection in an incredibly modern fashion (colour blocked stripes) which then transformed to white panels on tweed coats, quilting on cropped jackets and appliquéd lace on a bomber.

But despite the entire collection not featuring a single woman wearing trousers of any kind, nothing about it felt under dressed for winter. Details had been so beautifully planned and executed, right down to the tiny shoelace belts which looked startlingly similar to the laces of the hiker heeled boot, that everything just fell perfectly in to place....

...Including the shower of foil rain that scattered to the floor as Burberry AW 12/13 drew to a close.

NYFW Catwalk Round Up 1

2012-02-17T17:50:00.005Z

I know you lot like to read about your fashion so I put this afternoon aside to work on some NYFW AW 2012/13 catwalk reviews.

Now, I was going to attempt concluding a week of absolute design magic in to one blog post, but after writing about 4 incredible collections I knew that was going to be a case of absolute mission impossible.
So, here's just a starter for you, but many more posts are to follow (so be sure to come back, I'll be checking).

As for now enjoy what I've written, you Alexandra Shulman’s and Bryan Boy’s of tomorrow....

*****

Peter Som, in one word? Peplums.

Peter Som AW 2012/13

On cigarette pants, pencil skirts, on cashmere wool melton collarless jackets, peplums were everywhere. The whole collection had a very strong feminist feel to it, exaggerated by stiff fabrics, billowing sleeves and dropped shoulders. It was powerfully masculine in a classic way, brought to life with fox fur and Mongolian lamb wool coats that had shots of pink injected into an otherwise royal palette of teal, burgundy, white and black. The brown, I can’t say, I loved that much.

Calvin Klein was simplistically similar, a collection that also boasted billowing sleeves and thick felts, a significantly black (with leather) series of dresses that went from above the knee to just below, then mid length calf.

Calvin Klein AW 2012/ 13

A shot of coral and red brought it to life.

Moving onto Proenza Schouler, things took a very different turn, with folds, pleats and triangular forms dominating a collection that began with pure white woollen jackets and tailored wide leg trousers. Woven leather mini skirts soon evolved, as did oriental print and Islamic mosaic patterning. In the words of Vogue, ‘a benchmark (collection) of the season’.

Proenza Schouler AW 2012/ 13

And then over to Marc by Marc Jacobs. When a show starts with an orange and blue floral dress with a school girl grey skirt sticking out underneath with Dc Martin like shoes to finish it off, you know it’s going to be fun. Things went from that to double breasted military wool coats (easily unisex) to train driver styled hats, then back to geek chic with pleated skirts, ankle socks and pretty blouses shown to us on Miss Lindsey Wixon.

Marc by Marc Jacobs AW 2012/ 13

The collection oozed a little bit of something for everyone, from tailored suits for men, macks, parkas, cashmere and metallic to the very best of the modern day military LBD. Now if this hasn’t got you excited, I don’t know what will.

Marc by Marc Jacobs AW 2012/ 13

Oh Hiya Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T19:17:00.001Z

So, to give you a heads up, I’m single.

I woke up this morning, February 14^th, Valentine’s Day, to a text from a good man friend of mine that read:

“‘Happy Valentine's Day, future wife!”

I laid there and laughed. Last week the same boy asked me to marry him on my 50^th birthday if I still found myself to be taking on the world single handedly with a cat as my only lovable companion. (I don’t yet have a cat, but I wrote that bit for heart breaking impact.)

So after thanking him for his lovable message and wishing him a happy Valentine’s Day too, I got my single self out of bed, took a shower and then continued my day as I always do....

....Although this time I did it with a new bracelet on my wrist.

A bracelet with a heart pendant on it.

Jewelry on the 14th February!

Oh you know what’s coming, a Valentine’s Day gift!

And just because I can, I thought I’d share it with you!

(Mind, don’t get too excited, it was sent from a PR person on behalf of Marc Cain. Hahahaha.

Had you there for a second though, didn’t I?!)

So with that awful joke out of my system (exactly why I am single) I am writing to wish you ladies and gentlemen a very Happy Valentine's Day!

(And Marc Cain, a great big thank you.)

XXXXXXXXX

BOY oh Boy.

2012-02-12T19:32:00.001Z

I’ve had a pretty manly weekend. (Oxymoron or what?)

Friday night I ended walking up a mountain (okay, okay, a big hill) wearing my father’s giant mac that swallowed me up. I was in the snow in the pitch dark and I laid on the ground making snow devils instead of snow angels. The adventure ended at my hill walking companion’s house where we sat and ate chips… and then read Sickipedia jokes until 1 in the morning.

See, that’s quite manly. But it gets worse.

Yesterday (we’ll bypass the fact I spent the morning baking- I’ve aced coffee cake, by the way) I went shopping. But I didn’t go shopping for clothes, I made the icy journey in to town for a phone. Yes, a phone.

And then finally was today, Sunday. The day of rest. And do you know what I did? When I thought it couldn’t get any more different to my usual weekends of platforms and white wines, I topped the masculinity scale on all levels. I woke up and went to HALFORDS (out of all places) for inner tubes and screen wash and then Homebase for dust sheets, then spent the evening at a friend's house watching rugby and listening to football commentary on the radio (I can confirm Man City won). (Not that any of you reading this probably care about the football score.)

As I got out my car and walked back down my drive this evening, my long hair swaying in the wind (possibly the most feminine part of me right now) I decided it was time to do something lady-like before I risked turning into a man.

So, I’ve just painted my nails, put on my pyjamas and switched on my laptop to post a blog about something feminine.

And do you know what I’ve chosen to woo those beautiful eyes of yours?
i-D’s most recent cover (because they are the most iconic covers of all time) plus Victoria Beckham is featuring on their pre Spring Summer 2012 issue.

Now, if this isn’t absolutely beautiful and undeniably feminine, I really don’t know what is.

Oh, did they just arrest someone on Motorway Cops?

Dam, failed already.

Victoria Beckham wears her own designs for the cover shot, Balmain corset and leather shorts, middle, and Rochas with Manolo Blahnik shoes, bottom.

Icy Pastels.... What Have You Done To Me?

2012-02-06T14:04:00.001Z

Icy pastels, picy astels, acy pistel. I want to love the baby blues and candy floss pinks that are dominating our SS catwalks, but I can’t seem to do it.

Louis Vuitton SS 12

To look at, I like the colours. Admittedly they are playful and a little bit fun, innocent in fact, which is kind of fresh after the dominatrix styles of last season. But there's something about them that I am just not warming to.

As a strawberry milkshake? Yes, absolutely, they work. But as a skirt suit? Oh I'm sorry, but no.

Saying that I'm not totally against the trend, I did like seeing the Chanel girls promenading down the catwalk in glistening shades of white. It was magical, it was like watching under water creatures surface to new fashionable heights, but as soon as little splashes of pink and touches of lemony yellow got blended in with those harsh whites, oh it was all just a bit too much for me.

I mean, when Dolce and Gabbana can do that….

Why did they then go on to do this...?

As you can tell pastel tones are one of my fashionable pet hates. But I have good reason to be like this.

Firstly, I find them a bit immature (that may be because the last time I found myself wearing candy floss pink was when I was in a baby gro, aged 3 months).

Secondly, I have funny coloured skin. Two weeks ago my sign language teacher asked me if I’d just been on holiday. The truth is, the last time I went abroad was a year and a half ago when I went to Milan. I sat and looked back at her in surprise.

Supporting my case even more, as a child my Auntie described my skin as ‘dirty’. Clearly enjoying the moment too much she also went on to tell me I was the milkman’s.

My skin’s not olive, it’s not dark, it’s not light, it’s just sort of a funny tone in between. And that has sadly led on to one thing- my dislike for pastels.

(Sorry MiuMiu)

UNTIl last week. Then I came across something that had me changing my opinions in a way I never found imaginable. I found myself staring at pastel coloured things… and loving them. Being excited by them. WANTING TO BUY THEM. Yes, I found pastel colours used as hair and beauty products and instantly I decided that everything about that concept was GENIUS.

So, for any of you avoiding the pretty little tea dresses in mint green or baby blue chinos with matching spotty tops (I applaud you)...

...I am actually going to go against all of my moral beliefs and tell you now... Try getting them as a hair and beauty product.

Pastel haters, I am not trying to turn you all in to fashionable sheep, but the following pictures may just be about to convert you.

Lips? Oh hello.

Try Coquette. (Although better suited to the editorial kind of thing, I think.)

Nails? Oh my gosh, definitely. I have since found Barry M have a great pastel range.

Shoes? Okay, these are more accessories, but seriously? I am IN LOVE with these (although they are verging on slightly more bright colour than pastel, oops).

And finally, hair.

Man, if you do this, respect to you. This is definitely something I’ve got to try out, and because it’s against every pastel belief I have, that makes me want to do it even more.

So, converted or not, pastel hater or rater, lover or shover... ladies and gents, I think I have just learnt to enjoy the milky shades at the lighter end of the palette.

Karl Has Arrived.

2012-01-27T16:23:00.001Z

I made a bit of a joke on my Twitter last night informing people that Karl Lagerfeld’s new line is now out so everyone should get off their bottoms and RUN. I can now confirm that this was good advice. I just logged on to Net-A-Porter to have a browse and holy moses, half of it’s already sold out. Have any of you just bought a piece?

(If you haven't heard about the new line -named Karl- I wrote a blog on it 4 weeks ago so quickly click here and you'll soon be up to speed.)

When the first press image was released, for me, it was love at first sight. 70% of the items on show were black and we all know how I go weak at the knees for anything in that tone. But other than that (and a quick glimpse of leather and smart tailored trousers) not much else was given away. The fact that the collection was named Karl though kind of hinted that things would be stereotypically inspired by his own style. And to be fair, if they weren't, I think a lot of people would of been upset.

Can you remember the moment Elbaz revealed a bow tie in his collection for H&M? Exactement.

So as I just logged on, disappointedly but at the same time expectedly, the iconic Karl garments were already sold out (including cut off leather gloves and cracked leather collars).

Alongside those the woman's style staple LBD (priced £195) which features a harsh white collar has too been snapped up by you die hard fashionistas. (I don't like that word but in this case I feel it is entirely appropriate.)

So, before you lot miss out on this little bit of fashion history, I thought I’d share with you what’s left and what you need to be logging on for. There’s no denying it ladies and gents, this man knows how to dress a woman.

All can be bought here. Enjoy!

SEXY Sweaters.

2012-01-25T18:29:00.003Z

I had every intention of writing about couture floor length crystal embedded gowns this evening. With an introduction like that though I guess you can tell I’m about to do the complete opposite. If you couldn’t tell, shame on you. SHAME ON YOU.

As part of a personal project I am working on at the moment I spent yesterday afternoon merrily screen-shooting pictures of world famous blogs and their home page. It was a marvellous experience that left me feeling wildly inspired, so, to anyone whose creative juices are drying up, I highly recommend a session of blog stalking for you.

As I was doing the said research I came across The XOXO Kids.

As I was scrolling through it was hard not to stay visually intrigued. The bright purple background for a start was hardly missable.

But what grabbed my attention most was a little post that was displayed about a third of the way down; it’s not often I see a massive burger and chips staring back at me on the front of a jumper (unless I happen to walk past a chav fight outside of McDonalds) so naturally I was intrigued.

With a little bit of Sherlock-like inquisitive thinking (namely, noticing the company brand to the right hand side of the picture) I came across these guys. Boy, are they jumper geniuses.

SEXY SWEATERS

Blatantly inspired by pop cultre, Warhol and seemingly anything else that takes the designer's fancy, it was instant love at first sight between me and the 90’s like pull overs. The only thing that stopped me from buying one right there and then was the rather awkward inconvenience that these sweaters are yet to go in to production. Annoying, massively so, but seriously, it’s a brand that’s well worth keeping your beady little eyes on. Especially if a gay Batman is your cup of tea.

Or you know, even gayer Glee characters.

Scroll down for about another ten million of my favourites. If you hadn't already guessed, I am totally in love with these jumpers.

Peace out.

Horoscopes.... Madonna Is My Style Icon?

2012-01-22T19:09:00.000Z

I seem to have developed an obsession with horoscopes. It all began a few years back when I was bought a book titled ‘Leo’s Horoscope for 2007’. Soon after wearing those pages out I moved on to magazine write ups (you know the ones, back pages that tell us that our lives are either doomed or about to bloom?) and then more recently, the internet (where last week I found myself on the phone to one of my best friends reading aloud our scopes for the following 24 hours).
I am obsessed.

To some, horoscopes are a load of tosh; a clever way of Mystic Meg making a bit of dosh by brain washing those willing to believe. To others, they live their life by what the stars are telling them. To me, it’s a playful fascination. If it’s a bad write up I close the page as quickly as I can, throw the magazine back wherever it came from and then run as fast as I can in the opposite direction. If it’s good, well that’s an entirely different situation; I cherish what I read, rip out the piece of paper it’s written on and then store it somewhere good. Like my purse, or journal, or you know, my brain- positive believing and all that.

So this afternoon I made an interesting discovery. A planet mood swing influential kind of discovery; Elle now have a yearly, monthly and most importantly, daily horoscope section. And to my entertainment, it includes something best described as fashion predictions. Well, sort of.

Apparently, for the Leo women of 2012, black is their colour. Now, for those of you that read my blog regularly, you will already know this is an accurate statement. My obsession with wearing black clothing is so extreme that my best friends are actively on a mission to introduce colour to my wardrobe. I received garments in tones of blushing red and gold for Christmas, I was also applauded for turning up to the pub the other week wearing electric blue on my upper half. My love for black is so strong that I am writing this wearing black now (this is no word of a lie, I just looked down and I've got a black top on).

But it was the second bit of info that I read which struck me as odd; apparently Madonna is Leo’s current style icon ?? I suddenly began to question whether horoscopes were real or just fictional garbage. Me and Madge? Really?

I began thinking about this in greater depth. Madonna became a fashion icon the minute she put on that conical bra. The closest I have to that is an Ann Summer’s wonder. I can assure you this was not purchased with fashion idolisation on my mind.

I soon began clutching at straws, my horoscope must be right.

Madonna from the 80’s wore giant square frames? I remember a time when I pinched my best mate’s glasses just to see if they suited me (they didn't). Does that count? Surely it must. My scope can't be wrong, can it?

And in this picture, Madge is wearing an open shirt and a tie around her neck that looks, from a distance, like braces.

Is this not exactly what I’m wearing in this picture?

But then it was as I was sat there googling the said icon, I found this. And suddenly things came crashing down.

A black tracksuit, and a cap to match?

We all know I wear red to the gym.

A Little Inspirational Story For You All

2012-01-17T17:02:00.000Z

The first time I talked about this artist on my blog I finished my post with this: ‘Cross stitch and porn, who would of thought it?’And I can tell you now, it caused quite a lot of talk amongst you intellectual lot.

About 8 months ago I got in contact with Inge Jacobsen, the artist come photographer who was causing a bit of a stir with her needlework. Surprisingly I found her on Vogue.com, next thing I know I was interviewing her for my own Final Major Project coursework, then Canvas Mag, and in turn, my blog.

Inge’s work fascinated me from the start. It got people talking and more importantly, it got people thinking; artists that aren’t afraid to push the boundaries are artists who generally excite us with their design work. For someone to take such iconic images such as a Vogue front cover and a Valentino campaign shot (below- look closely) and to then challenge its presentation with the aid of her own skills, is quite exciting, especially when the idea behind the work is to acknowledge and poke fun at the sexualised culture that we live in.

I stayed in contact with Inge since interviewing her for Canvas Mag. This afternoon I received an email from her that I was genuinely massively excited about: Inge has just collaborated with Georg Jensen (jeweller) which has seen her sewing in to the series of Freja Beha Erichsen AW 2011 campaign shots used to advertise the brand. And the results? Just brilliant, and instantly recognisable as Inge’s.

For someone who admitted they were concerned what would happen to their career after they finished their studies, the unveiling of this project was warmly welcomed. The 8 images that were cross stitched for Georg Jensen (which took an incredible 2000 hours with The Royal Needlework’s helping hands) are to be displayed at Copehnahgen, New York and London Fashion Week, and then intermittently across the Georg Jensen flagship stores across the world.

To say I was pleased for this artist to do so well would be an understatement, it really felt like the happy ending to a fairytale story (plus the artworks also feature my all time favourite model- she couldn't really go wrong). So yes, these needlework pieces are slightly more commercial than Inge's work that first grabbed my attention (these focus on beautiful accessories rather than generating feminist, challenging discussion) but is this not a fine way to launch one's name?

If this is what happens in the space of 8 months, all I'm thinking is what an earth will we be seeing in ten years to come?

My House of Holland Suspender Tights' Story

2012-01-10T18:23:00.000Z

Despite writing about fashion on an almost day-to-day basis (I’m trying to take God’s advice and not turn my laptop on on a Sunday) I regrettably admit that there are some items lurking in my wardrobe that as well as excite me…. terrify me. Do I have a particular item in mind as I write this? Yes. My House of Holland Suspender Tights.

I initially laid eyes upon these accessories quite some time ago- about the same time that boys began wearing denim shirts and snoods like they were about to go out of fashion (which was seemingly never to happen). An image of a woman with legs as long as Heidi Klum’s stared back at me. I shivered, and then looked down at my own. The way my loving friends describe my pins? Tree trunks. (I sadly missed out on the hot-leg gene as a foetus.)

So as I stared back at the item in question, as much as I wanted them, I followed my head for the first time in my life and tucked them back on the shelf. These were for a tall girl, not my five foot 2 self, so accepting reality and knowing they wouldn't be approved on by some people, I left with my head hung low, and my hands, bagless.

I write this post now almost a year on from that day.
In the Summer of 2011 I was presented with the beautiful creations that are my House of Holland Suspender Tights (although admittedly it has take me 6 months to embrace them and actually wear them out of the house).

As I tiptoed down stairs Saturday evening, clutch swaying in front of my thighs to avoid disapproving looks from my best friend’s mother, I was categorically shocked at the response I got. “Goodness me!" she cooed. "Look at those tights! Aren’t they just wonderful?!"

A grin spread across my face, but before I had time to stop her, in her slightly inebriated state, my best friend went on to exclaim, “Oh, aren’t they! She wasn’t even going to wear them because she thought you’d think they look slutty!”

I momentarily went on to socially shrivel up and die.

It turns out though that wearing these tights was a good thing to do, a grand thing in fact. Over the period of one night I had 3 ladies (not including my friend’s mother) come up to me and compliment me on my tights, fingers prodding in to my thighs with congratulations of how ‘fabulous’ and ‘hot’ I looked. I felt like a feminist ambassador!

So, okay, those women may have been drunk, but proof these tights went down a treat? My best friend (also pictured) who gets great enjoyment from laughing at my colossus thighs, actually lent back in her chair Saturday evening (before she consumed any alcohol), studied me for some time and then out of no where exclaimed, “You know what, they actually make your legs look quite thin!” And for her to say that, well, trust me, really means something!

So, if you hate your legs and you’re more often compared to the trunk of a tree than its spindly branch sticks, you know what, screw it. Go out now and buy yourself a pair of suspender tights, because believe you me, they make you feel (and apparently look) amazing!

NEW YEAR... and its resolutions.

2012-01-06T17:54:00.000Z

There’s no doubt about it, I am pathetically superstitious. Whenever I see a magpie I shamefully pull my hand up to the side of my face and salute it. If I’m by myself I do this with pride. If I’m in someone else’s company and they ask what I’m doing? I go on to explain that my forehead was itchy. How believable that is when I end up waving my hand around my head four times in one car journey, I’m not too sure, but it’s something I continue to do none the less.

Last night as I accompanied my mother watching Big Brother (this was a once in a lifetime very surreal situation) it struck me that it was indeed 10.30pm on the 5^th of January and her Christmas decorations were still up. Together we frantically pulled them down and by eleven pm we were comforted by the fact that we would no longer be Christmas-Tree-Cursed for the rest of the year. Everyone knows your decorations bear bad luck if left up after the 5^th, don’t they?

Anyway, digressing from the matter in hand; it’s just turned New Year, and that only means for another one of my superstitions: New Year’s Resolutions.

On January the 1^st, not a day before and not a day after, I spend approximately ten minutes jotting down my year’s goals and targets in the journal I received for Christmas. It’s kind of become a tradition of my own.

Last year I had six, and I reached 4 of them.

~~Get straight distinctions in my Fashion Design course.~~
~~To do a handstand.~~
To skydive.
~~To make a magazine.~~
~~To save some wonga (It wasn’t quite worded like that, but I’m not ready to discuss my banking figures with the web just yet.)~~
To go on an amazing holiday.

This year I have 9. And I wholesomely aim to achieve all of them by the end of 2012.

To have a sporting achievement under my belt. (Yeah, right.)
To launch the business I’ve been working on since July.
To save some more wonga (see previous brackets).
To go to a concert / festival with a particular friend of mine and get lathered in mud.
To get level 1 sign language. This is a MUST.
To get another piercing in my ear.
To get another tattoo. (Body location not yet decided.)
To do something good for charity. (Doing some in December got me hooked.)
To do that sky dive I keep going on about.
~~To launch my website.~~

There are a few others but sadly they did not make the list.

So, without much a do, I best get on with them. Let's hope I don't continue to work from top to bottom though, I don't fancy doing a sky dive next week. Then again, number 1's not looking too inviting either....

I'm launching my own website!

2012-01-03T19:10:00.000Z

Good evening all! How the devil are you?

I currently have a million things I want to blog about- New Year's resolutions, a leather and sequin clutch bag I was sent over Christmas from Marc Cain, the situations I have recently found myself in since going seriously hard core with my cycling....however, my fingers are currently pre-occupied, ahem. I am working on a new website!!! A dashingly professional, good looking website, and to be honest, it's taking up all of my time!

So, just to give you a sneak preview, here's one of my profile pictures for it....

I'm wearing an oversized felt hat, for, you know, fashionable impact. We won't even get started on my tongue.

See you in a few days guys, with a new blog post AND A NEW WEBSITE. Woooo!

*******

JUST TO LET YOU KNOW: My website has now launched!
You can find it here- www.freyahill.co.uk

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012

2011-12-28T17:55:00.000Z

As the clock stroke twelve last January 1^st I was dressed as an eighties pop reject with a mane of crimped hair swinging about in my face. As I’m writing this post now I’m laid across my beautifully made bed with a business plan stealing my attention in the corner of my eye. This year has undoubtedly been a year that has seen things grow.

Globally, 2011 won annual recognition for the beautiful wedding between Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge (who wore McQueen, all hail the remarkable Sarah Burton). Our hearts melted, royalists beamed and every tourist merchandise store on Oxford Street saw their profits rise by 400%. (I guess.)

Unarguably, 2011 was also a year that talked about fashion. At the Golden Globes Angelina Jolie wore an incredible emerald Aterlier Versace gown, at the Met Ball Christina Ricci wore custom couture Zac Posen. In March Vivienne Westwood collaborated with Red Nose Day organisers to create a collection of charitable tee shirts, later on in the month we also saw her dresses used to advertise Ascot’s 300^th birthday. They were undoubtedly incredible. Not only that, the iconic Not Just A Label also reached an (alebit much younger) 3^rd birthday, and hey, I made it to 22! We also lost talents, RIP Amy Winehouse.

2011 was a year that welcomed big changes. Do you remember Kanye West wore Celine? Subsequently some bright spark invented the phrase ‘gender bending’. TV also became pretty impressionable in the fashion industry, who remembers the ‘ass hole idiots’ of The Model Agency? That was genius TV even if I do say so myself.
What else was genius? The fact that Chelsea boots made an impressionable comeback, every woman has now purchased a pussy bow blouse, and yes, it is encouraged for girls to go out wearing black trousers alongside a white shirt (button done up) accessorized with a bow tie? I think it’s safe to say we all agree.

The year’s also been stupid though. In August ‘snorting fake tan’ was all across the news, then London underwent severe damage from dangerous rioters. On the high street things sadly let us down a little; seventies flares made a come back bigger than the flares themselves and dare I say it, the adult onesie actually evolved (one of my most popular blog posts to date). If you’ve not seen a 14 year old wearing one in the streets, the chances are you’ve seen a 25 year old man wearing a tiger printed one in town whilst he’s on a stag do. Even worse chances, you’re wearing one now. Eek.

2011 has also witnessed some impressive risks; Marc Jacobs was reported to move to Dior after Galliano was dismissed and, incomparable totally, I plucked up the courage to get a Lookbook account and a FB page for my writing. Excitedly, Carine Roitfeld launched her own nostalgic book 'Irreverent' (focused on her experiences in the fashion industry) and we saw Rankin take another step forward launching his next magazine, The Hunger. Let’s not forget Versace launched in H&M and Karl Lagerfeld announced the creation of his own cheaper line iconically named ‘Karl’.

On a personal note this year's been good for me too. For a start I’ve blogged 121 times since January, that’s 140 times more than last year. On April 19^th my boyfriend and I laid on his bed and watched my 9,999 blog view statistic turn to 10,000. We literally squealed with joy. I've just looked on there now and my current views are up to 64,425. And to think we got so excited by 10,000! By next year I would really love the 60,000 figure to be my weekly statistic. We can dream, right?!

After deciding to go back to my studies 2 years ago I also left further education for the second time this July, and proudly I got straight distinctions in womenswear Fashion Design. Not many people know this, but I also won the institutes Creative Arts Award this year. Dark horse, huh?

On the writing front: in the early year MTV scouted my blog and asked me to review their developments. In June I was asked to exclusively blog for Brighton Fashion Week and to my utter surprise in August I landed myself with a Fashion Internship with FAULT magazine. My boyfriend loved the fact I was interviewing celebrities and my best friends were in awe that I was receiving thousands of pounds worth of designer garments that I didn’t actually have to pay for! (It sounds way more glamorous than it is. Trust.)

It’s not until you write posts like this though that you realise how things have changed; but I have to say, I feel very very proud and grateful for how things are evolving.

Everyone’s been exploring their options this year, 2011 has been about branching out.

And that nicely leads me on to our next year, a year I hope to achieve some great things in an industry that does continuously, exactly that. To me, 2011 was about starting my career and realising love doesn’t just disappear when a relationship ends. 2012 is about becoming.

SEASONS GREETINGS!

2011-12-26T22:58:00.004Z

Merry Christmas you lot!

Gareth Pugh Spring Summer 2012 Catwalk Review

2011-12-19T18:39:00.001Z

Encased in cages of white and black plastics, the idea of this collection hinting at women being contained and controlled creatures in some kind of possessive sci-fi designer collection did indeed creep into our ever analytical minds. Saying that, as the presentation continued, Gareth Pugh’s SS 12 collection was evidently the absolute opposite. Indeed, this was a show where the women walked the runway like powerful human-insect transformers, ultimately following in the footsteps of the four higher beings that walked the runway last. The show was thought provoking to say the least.

Ruth Hogben and Matthew Stone co jointly opened the Parisian event with a combination of film and music, and to that the models began to walk. Structures that squared off at the shoulders and neckline (menacing to the eye but visibly uncomfortable to one’s posture) firstly appeared in traditional Pugh monochromatic styles.

Cages developed to funnel necked capes that were reminiscent of bat ears, and coats that were worn closed with industrial silver zips soon softened to billowing skirts that reminded us of a more feminine version of Junya Watanbe’s SS 2011 show.

Although garments developed into more wearable pieces at mid show point (including panelled blocked vests, biker like waistcoats that boasted unique pattern cutting mastery and beautifully tailored black trousers) it was the finale of Pugh’s show that really made us stop and stare; we were conceptually captivated.

Away had the lattice mesh jumpers gone and in were richly metallic gowns, haltered at the neck and flowing in the stride of what appeared to be a female alien creature fused with confidence walking the runway.
By the end of the collection the initial judgement of sexism from Pugh’s part was rid; against the men of this runway there was absolutely no question as to whether women were the powerful beings or not.

How a man manages to create such contrasting views within twenty minutes through garment design, is, undoubtedly admirable.

Review by Freya Hill

Karl Lagerfeld Understands the Fashion Scrooge

2011-12-14T17:32:00.003Z

Granted, we are in a recession. We tragically wince every time we hand over £4.00 for a glass of wine on a Saturday night. We rage to ourselves every time we pass a petrol station and the price of fuel has crept up by another penny (even though no one can hear our angry shouts) and we have resulted in running up the steepest hill in our neighbourhood to lose weight opposed to forking out on a pricey gym membership at our local sports centre. We are all, whether you like it or not, turning into the Scrooge....

...So it seems almost lovely that world class designers are noticing that fashion lovers are feeling the pinch too. As much as we all admire a Lanvin wool-felt coat that is worth £1,980 or a Versace plunge-front-printed-silk-crepe-gown (just tipping the higher side of a £6,000 price tag) we can’t all afford to buy them.

So that’s why I say designers are being kind; in the last couple of years we have seen both Versace and Lanvin colloborate with H and M to introduce affordable designer pieces to our high street, and what a storming success that has been. Many brands are getting in on the idea, and it's great. It means fashion lovers have managed to get their hands on names they may not have otherwise been able to afford. (And for the money savvy ones of you out there, well, it was your chance to make a small fortune buying these designer pieces to then sell on ebay for a little bit more. Yes, I’ve seen you. But I’m also telling you, Lord Alan Sugar would be proud.)

Despite these collaborations being the new fashion trend after pop up shops, it came as a great surprise to me when I heard that Chanel's Karl Lagerfeld is too about to launch his very own affordable line, named quite literally after himself; Karl.

Now, designers have been doing affordable lines for quite some time, check out Marc by Marc Jacobs which is far less expensive than Louis Vuitton. (May I point out Jacobs is Creative Director of Louis Vuitton, and Marc by Marc Jacobs is more than just a cheaper line, it is indeed Jacobs' own line that allows his creativity to flow in which ever direction he likes- but you get my point).

So, back to the man of the moment, Chanel’s Creative Director has clicked on to what everyone else is doing and his own 'Karl' collection boasts an impressive starting price of £52! Below is the first image released of the collection (clearly inspired by the designer’s own unique gothic taste), a silver metallic jacket, black tailored trousers and leather gloves.
Exclusively launching at Paris Fashion Week January 25^th, I bet this is an affordable collection you cannot wait to not only see, but actually buy.

I NEED YOU!

2011-12-12T16:40:00.000Z

Right you lot, I need a little favour.

Are you a fashion student? A fashion blogger?
I NEED YOU.

I've got a little questionnaire I need filling out :) It's all about fashion, magazines and clothes. Dead simple, nothing serious or political, just a quick and easy questionnaire :)
Just click here and you'll be done in less than 3 minutes! :)

It would mean alot to me if you would fill one out :) Thank you! XX

(And double thank you to those of you who have already done it!)

Freya Hill; The Miranda of Models

2011-12-07T23:25:00.001Z

I had one of those moments the other day when someone asked me a favour that I really really didn’t want to say yes to. Selfish, I know, but as soon as the words left their mouth everything inside of me shivered and shuddered with horrific levels of dread.

“Freya, will you model for me?” reverberated around my ear drums. 'Me, model?' I thought. I’m five foot two and take a photo worse than Pete Burns. Forget about looking sexy down a camera lens, my first thought was ‘Where's the nearest fire exit?’ quickly followed by ‘and how long it will take me to get up and run out of it?’. Photos on a drunken night, yes, professional images in front of a very very white backdrop. No thank you.

***

Two weeks later I ended up doing the said photo shoot (I know, lack of self discipline or what?) and even now, looking back at it, I can’t believe I did it, my heart and mind alike were so dead set against it. Instead of the normal 'behind the camera' position I am used to, I was very much in front of it, skin baring and boob exposing (tastefully, thank you) to a camera that was more terrifying than a shark’s mouth to a sardine. But believe it or not, I did enjoy it. (Having one of my best friends next to me made the world of difference- for a start there was no way I could make a mad dash for the fire exit again.)

But what I enjoyed the most from the whole experience wasn't the shoot, or the viewing of the final images (in fact that was one of the most uncomfortable situations to ever be in) it was what I found after the viewing, the little folder of images I wasn’t meant to see. You know, the junk of the bunch? And as I sat there admiring my sincere lack of femininity, my awful ability to keep a straight face even when in a ‘professional’ situation, I laughed. I really am the Miranda of models; the most unprofessional model out there.

(Photographs courtesy of Matt Cook Photography. All garments pictured are available here.)

For You Facebook Lovers

2011-12-05T22:20:00.001Z

Given that we live in a world where we’d rather communicate by writing on someone’s wall than by giving them a call, it felt only natural to set myself up with a Facebook ‘Page’ the other week.

Letters in the post? Without beating around the bush, they’re a thing of the past.

Emails? Well, maybe if it’s via our blackberry or iphone, but socially, PMs seem so much more appropriate.

Partying Saturday night? Forget the text, it’s all about NewsFeed. The status. The Tag.

Don't deny it guys, we all do it.

So with that evidence in front of me, ladies and gents, I’ve taken my self promotion one step further than bloglovin’, than Twitter, than anywhere I can really get it (come on, we're in a recession here) and I now have a Facebook Page to keep you updated on my work and the fashion industry.

So if you fancy having a nosy, follow the link and click ‘Like’ , and join all the other models, designers and blog readers who have already pushed that button. :)

Freya Hill Facebook Page

Alexander McQueen Spring Summer 2012 Catwalk Review

2011-11-28T17:27:00.001Z

Richly enchanting, Sarah Burton’s Spring Summer 2012 collection for Alexander McQueen was everything it should have been; perfectly reminiscent of the style she had witnessed whilst working alongside the iconic designer we lost last year, but refreshing and new in a subtle and particularly skilled kind of way.

Dresses and skirts were the focal point for this collection, and like many other shows this season, inspiration came from the sea; one floor length gown boasted a richly coloured oyster print, another a flurry of detail that replicated shells found deep below the land we live on. Metallic and layered, the effect was jaw droppingly fresh, with a fish tail finish it just screamed mermaid like we’ve never seen before.

The look wasn’t all beauty in the sea though; in true McQueen style there was an underlying threat behind a selection of designs. Leather teamed with macramé textures caused an unsettling image- almost like a mermaid devoured by an oil slick.

Another subtle feature included a corset like belt that sucked the waist in- whether you interpreted it as a figure enhancing belt or coral attacking the body, it was up to you, it would depend on your level of metaphoric creativity. But it was shocking and appealing all at the same time.

The show began with a modest pencil skirt suit with gold dip dyed frill detailing at the hems. As the show evolved so did the said suit and before we knew it an entirely gold version made way onto the runway, with curling shell like detail encompassing the neck and structured platforms clasping at the legs it was royally impressive.

Mini dresses made entirely from chiffon ruffles brought a beautiful lightness to the show (as did pearl embellishment), exposed structural boning and stiffened shoulder pads injected a McQueen toughness back in.

At times we felt overwhelmed by the claustrophobic nature of designs; lace hats that went on to subdue the face caused an antithesis to the loosely floating skirts trailing behind, but exposing delicate lingerie on very open chests seemed to mute the aggression back down.

Everything about this show was McQueen, from the excitement of exploding colour on an Elizabethan ruff and caped gown to the stark black ostrich like feather and lace evening ensemble presented later on. It was beautiful, mesmerising and stark.

Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2012 Catwalk Review

2011-11-24T17:57:00.001Z

Catwalks do not come more fairytale than this. Women wearing glistening white mini dresses as they drape themselves across beautifully sculpted carousel horses? Only at Louis Vuitton. The idea of presenting one’s collection in a sterile white situation is becoming quite the apparent trend for this Spring, and this show proved to be no different.

Women walked the runway in the most spectacularly crafted items, from dropped waist dresses to crystal encrusted coats. Tiny details were nested in small florets of petals and elaborate designs on under layers of silk cellophane skirts had quite the elegant effect.

Lace collars were used to bring modest crocodile coats to life- teamed with a matching tote and delicate headband these could have been for a Princess or professional. Garments sported mesh layers to expose a little flesh without seeming under dressed and the classic pointed shoe was contemporized with silver finished ends.

As white turned to pink, and pink to soft mint green, Jacobs played with necklines, dress structure and macramé designs. Despite introducing to us new styles of layering and jackets that finished just above the waist, this collection was all about couture detail that was elaborate and affluent throughout. Some details were innocent, only noticeable upon closer inspection, other pieces boasted their craftsmanship in high contrasting colours that were hard to ignore.

With a sudden punch of navy on a skirt suit that boasted giant white buttons, the fifties vibe that was created with messily tied up hair was remembered, but still our key focus was on luxury detail (although dare I say it, we couldn’t help but think of The New Look era- was Marc Jacobs really trying to impress Dior?).

As the finale girls made way onto the runway in macramé dresses that finished with soft feathery layers, we became transfixed.

More like swans on ice cold water, it was blindly obvious that the LWD was the dress for next season. Having Kate Moss draw a close to the show in such a design definitely confirmed this; it was the absolute epitome of Louis Vuitton cool.

Chanel Spring Summer 2012 Catwalk Review

2011-11-21T15:49:00.001Z

Despite the difference of this year’s show being dramatically influenced by what’s under water than what’s above it, Chanel’s Spring Summer 2012 ready to wear collection was resonate of their Autumn Winter 2010, where ice bergs, real and melting, were affluent. Icy white and subsequently chilling to the eye, the Grand Palais had once again been reformed, but in such a clinically pale way it felt miss matched for a spring summer show. None the less, what a beautiful show it turned out to be.

Traditionally box jackets were readily accessible, pocketed, collared and worn left open. Simple pockets accessorized each garment and pearl like buttons rang true of the sea theme present across the whole show.

With harp music and then Florence Welch providing audio aesthetics to the event (singing ‘What The Water Gave Me’), it was a theme that wasn’t shyly presented. Clutch bags for one were outstandingly detailed with intricately coral forms, possibly the most inspirational accessory to be seen on the Spring Summer catwalks this year. Other garments shimmered with water like detail.

Pearl embellishment continued through out the show, at times subtly across the waistband of a dress, stitched into mesh vests and at other times contemporarily down each model’s spine. For those really paying attention, the fine craftsmanship of Sam McKnight’s hands could be seen with pearls that were embedded within the hair.

As for the garments themselves, classic v-necks flaunted the bustier of models (again worn under shoulder padded jackets) and a line skirts were used to downplay exposed areas with a feminine maturity. Skirt styles were played with, from dropped and gathered waists to wet look and ostrich feather textures.

Together with metallic silver boots and printed chiffon that appeared like scales, the whole runway glistened like fresh seawater sparkling in the sun.

But Lagerfeld hadn’t got totally carried away with the Mother of Pearl aura; strapless leather slips, tailed jackets and loose pull overs gave a sport chic essence whilst dusty pinks, soft screams and mint greens provided an easy wear option for the Chanel woman.

Despite not perfectly slotting in to place, the line drawing knee length dresses presented in monochromatic white and black did however stand out, and will be pieces instantly recognisable as Chanel come next Spring. Contouring across the body, square patterns added an Art Deco modernity to the garments, toughening up the sea like creatures that we’d been exposed to who had boasted soft flared sleeves and billowing skirts.

The show continued to drift between classic and contemporary, one blouse even went as far as replicating a fish’s backbone and fins, delicately protruding from the centre of the chest.

But the beautiful prints that had been created were the ideal compromise point, reminiscent of flowing water but in true Chanel style strikingly beautiful even if one was ignorant of its design starting point.

Rankin's Hunger. He's Done It Again.

2011-11-18T10:31:00.001Z

It’s grimly depressing when a world-class photographer, magazine inventor (general artistic crush) surfaces again with another groundbreaking idea for the 4^th time in 2 decades. Mainly because I had the same idea of creating such a magazine myself 6 months ago, but due to being pretty under established and let's face it, poor, faster than I could say ‘copy write’ he’s beaten me to it.

Editorial jealously aside, Rankin, you hero, congratulations.

Fashion and photography enthusiasts, magazine junkies who would rather spend their Friday night in scouring glossy pages of richly inspiring images (guilty as charged), welcome THE HUNGER (it deserves caps) that is simultaneously supported by The Hunger TV....Put in place to feed the raging creative stomachs of men and women around.

Rankin came to my attention as I began my explorative journey as a Foundation Degree student. I wanted to specialise in photography, my tutor was adamant I stuck to Fine Art, and somehow, throughout the chaos and the Canons, I found Rankin. Iconically he’s like the Jamie Oliver of photographers, talent wise he reminds me of the Beth Ditto's and Lady Gaga’s of the music industry. (Or to be factually correct, they remind me of him.)
Rankin’s all about empowering his audience with his thought provoking images. He’s about breaking boundaries and exploring what he believes in, through the lens. Even if you don’t take to having a pert bottom in your face (re Cheeky) you have to admire the thought that goes into what is so much more than just 'one of his pictures'.

The Hunger fits perfectly into the career that Rankin has carved for himself. After co-founding Dazed and Confused (which celebrated its 20th birthday this year with a dedicated issue and Somerset exhibition open until Jan 29th), launching AnOther and AnOther Man, amongst carrying out a wealth of photo shoots (A list to third world) and creating the odd book along the way (my recommendations- Rankin Live Women and Surface Seduction) it’s guaranteed The Hunger will have you fed and sporting a food baby for some time to come.

Focusing on the key themes of fashion, art, music, literature, travel, technology and surprisingly, comedy, The Hunger illuminates talents that have impressively succeeded in their own industry. For the first issue we get to understand Milla Jovovich, Kelly Rowland, Terence Stamp and Danny Dyer. Our cover girl is Sky Ferreira (should you chose to buy the female cover), Rhys Ifans if you chose the masculine option. (Cunning sales plan to pitch 2 covers per issue?) In the words of the man himself, “Hunger is an idea that was born from the realisation that, more than two decades into my career as a photographer, I am still inspired by what I do every day.”

Once you’ve got your fingers on the publication, it’s time to log on, and that’s where the faces inside the pages come to life. TheHungerTV, the second compound to the idea, introduces itself with a video montage of beautiful faces, and goes on to explore Cheryl Cole twisting and turning her body behind scrumpled paper to Quentin Jones appearing across the screen in what can only be described as a hi-tech Aldo shoot.

Excitedly, the self-published editorial contains a large percentage of Rankin’s imagery. It’s like a posh CV that’s updated twice a year, introducing new creative intelligent talents to our conscious. It firmly reminds me of Jamie’s Dream School where Rankin devoted his time to teaching under privileged kids how to use a camera. Is this magazine more reflective of the man behind the camera than what he makes of what’s in front of it? I’ll leave you to ponder that one.

As for now, must dash, my stomach’s rumbling.

The HUNGER. OUT NOW.

Buy here

Visit The Hunger TV here