WhatIsABoyToDo

/ / Dazed Fashion Forum / /

2015-08-04T16:54:00.001+01:00

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Once upon a time, earlier last month to be exact; I was procrastinating trying to figure out what to do with my day when a feed on Instagram captured my attention. In less than 300 words I had to explain what was the biggest fashion moment in 2015 and submit it to Dazed and Confused.

My mind was everywhere; the options were endless. Was it Taylor Swift creating a new fashion video with Bad Blood introducing the ‘New Supermodels’, over taking George Micheals ' Too funky' and 'Freedom' videos? No. Or was it perhaps Viktor&Rolf's runway where art became fashion with models wearing canvases? Almost, but it felt to standard. Could it have been the political stance at the Rick Owens show? 300 words would definitely not have covered that. Should it have been an article about Bruce Jenner’s transformation and gender in fashion? That would have been at least 1000 words. Or should I have taken then humorous approach and written about the Valentino couture show and comparing the couture to Valentino’s face. (That would have been hilarious, but mean….. and no one likes mean). So I came up with this:

“Originally an acronym: a word now used rather frequently to describe anything from the formation of cells, mathematic calculations to people and their wrong doings. Can you guess what it is yet? Formerly known as the Beginners' All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code in the 1960’s, the word BASIC has taken the fashion world by storm. The word resonates feelings of the unrefined, irrelevant, the copy, the norm, the tedious, the basic. Much like any new fashion fads, many have uttered the word. The cool kids in the newest clubs, the hipsters in their snazzy new pubs, designers, models you name it. And even if you haven’t yet verbalized the word it must have crossed your mind at some point and one day soon, when you’re ready, it will manifest itself and you will breathe a sigh of relief as you realise it epitomises what you wanted to explain perfectly.

Spectators, constantly ‘fashion shaming’ industry people, have always torn fashion to shreds endlessly. However 2015 fashion has claimed the industry back through the word ‘basic’.

This year we saw the ridiculously fabulous Kate Moss being asked to leave an easyjet flight and the talented Marc Jacobs accidently exposing himself on instagram both things have happened to many but only becomes of importance when a celebrity does it. The two filmed themselves together calling out all the basic bitches, letting them know ‘they’re basic’.

This was two fingers up to everyone, and was done ever so eloquently. They are the creatives and the muses of industry. I don’t remember Warhol or Edie Sedgwick ever having to apologise for any of their actions. In a world that is so PC, we need to remember that art and creativity broke boundaries by not following the status quo and breaking the basic rules. “

These 297 words granted me access to the first ever Dazed Fashion Forum, which allowed me to sit in for talks with some incredibly creative thinkers in the industry.

It started with a talk from Nicola Formichetti, Creative Director for Diesel. His imagination saw no boundaries. His laissez faire attitude to the industry and being true to himself made his approach to his genius so innate and somehow tangible.

What Nicola Formichetti made me think about:

· If you’re not prepared to work hard you wont get anywhere

· Be you, trust in yourself and your instincts

· Have a digital detox (once in a while)

· What you love to do will bring you success.

Following Nicola Formichetti we were introduced to Somerset House Fashion Curator Shonagh Marshall and set designer Shona Heath. Here they talked about the struggles of getting into the industry, their success and their creative processes to creating atmospheres through and within work.

What Shonagh and Shona made me think about:

· Work hard

· Be prepared to do anything your job requires of you

· You will work for nothing at points but it will be worth it

· Its ok to be a bit obsessive with your research

We then had the head of fashion at the RCA Zowie Broach in conversation for Fashion editor of the Independent Alexander Fury discussing the future of fashion and what direction it was heading.

What Zowie Broach made me think about:

· In order to make a change you need to create a tribe

· You must challenge culture and yourself

· Be disruptive

· It is human nature to make and craft

Although I really would have loved to be part of the workshops, I was in cerebral mode; I was thirsty for more words of wisdom to inspire me. Enter Gareth Pugh, Katie Shillingford and Ruth Hogben, a dynamic threesome that understood each other and each other's work.

What Gareth, Ruth and Katie made me think about:

· Work in a team

· Work with people as invested as you

· Don’t think like a poor person (Michele Lamy’s words to Gareth Pugh)

Susie Lau then introduced film director Kathryn Ferguson, producer Juliette Larthe and co-founder of Studio XO Nancy Tilbury to the stage to discuss women in fashion film, behind and in front of the camera.

What Kathryn, Juliette and Nancy made me think about:

· The struggle is real (RuPaul reference)

· Sexism and discrimination is rife in the industry

· It has come a long way but still has a long way to go

We then took a turn to music in fashion, with composer Frederic Sanchez talking to Dazed editorial director Tim Noakes about the importance of music during runway shows.

What Frederic Sanchez made me think about:

· Its ok to change things last minute if it doesn’t feel right

· Contradiction is great

· Use sounds that you wouldn’t necessarily ever think of using (think outside the box)

· Mix genres

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From music to make up we met Isamaya Ffrench, interestingly initially approached for her elaborate face painting skills.

What Isamaya Ffrench made me think about:

· Not everyone is going to get you

· Not everyone is going to like your work

· Do it anyway

· You can't please everyone

--> And finally, the talk that made me feel sane. I was no longer thinking alone in thinking that the industry is discriminating against age, colour and class (amongst other factors). Here we were introduced to artists/ former model Phoebe Collings-James, artist Matthew Stone and Publisher Reba Maybury, and oh boy how I wanted to get out of my seat to applaud, shake hands and hug these people.

What Phoebe, Matthew and Reba made me think about:

· There is a lot more going on then we think

· The industry needs to be diversified on so many levels

· There are a lot of fashion politics that need to be eradicated

· There is a way of thinking as a society that also needs to be either eradicated or altered

· Progression is vital at this point

· We need to come together and change not only what is wrong in fashion but what is wrong with the society we live in and todays politics

· It is unacceptable to stand by and do nothing

· This goes beyond fashion and art this is about culture and the evolution of us as human’s/thinkers as opposed to be sheep following and believed what we are told is true. Because it is not

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I have been invited to things like this before, and the feel has always been that ‘you must adapt to the industry’. For once, the underlying theme was fuck the world- do you! As self-help as it sounds this was about how one needs to create the future they want for their selves. The world is changing because I truly believe that people have had enough of how it’s being run. We are treated like sheep, having to follow suit at whatever is told to us and I know for sure my generation has had enough. There are so many factors and economical scare tactics that are made in attempt to hinder anyone’s development. Having been thinking about this for time and time again I decided to go back to university this September to study the ins and outs of fashion to research how and where we can start the change in a broader perspective. The change has already started within cultural groups and certain areas in cities. We’ve even gotten to the point where subculture seem to no longer exist and if the they did they are keeping themselves very quiet. I insist that a revolution needs to happen soon! Not to be destructive, but to be disruptive and make a change to OUR worlds and society. Yes you live here too, are you happy following the status quo? Do you never look around and see how things are run and think ‘what in gods name is going on?’. We can’t think that liking something on Facebook makes you part of a movement! Technology brings factors of issues to our attention and we can choose to acknowledge them or not. The truth of the matter is it has made us hide away. Hide behind a computer, hide in a room- never really needing to go out because we have convinced ourselves pressing a like button has made a difference. I know this because I too am guilty of this. We no longer have human interaction, which makes communication and working as a tribe, a force together as humans awkward and uncomfortable. How do we think we can change the world this way?

Everything is stagnate and stale, and will remain so until we make a difference and make the changes we want to see in the world in ourselves.

We are in creative state of limbo, causing a cultural state of limbo resulting in general limbo.

During her talk Zowie Broach explained how the opening paragraph of Dickens’ ‘Tales of Two Cities” reflects exactly where we are at present. She was incredibly right. I just would have hoped we would have come a long way from 1859.

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way."

Charles Dickens: A Tale Of Two Cities (1859)

Lets start making a change.

-Andrew

// This is My Hair // I Don't Wear Wigs //

2015-07-10T13:47:00.001+01:00

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Men's hair, much like a lot of other things for men, can be weak, limp and lifeless (I dare you to find out where that statement was from. Say it in a Geordie accent and you might get it). And much like anything to do with men’s fashion and style, I try to do the complete opposite of what we should follow. Who wants to look like everyone else? I know I sure as hell don’t.

I had been growing my hair for a while; letting my Egyptian curls dominate my life for months on end. Yes this got annoying at times with countless products used and thinking about when I could wash my hair calculating hours to the t of what I should do to my hair for a certain event, party, occasion. Shall I be curly? Straight? Wavy? Slick back? The options were endless which was exciting and gave me another thing to think about when getting ready. On the flip side, it gave me another thing to think of when getting ready!! I already enough to think about as it is! You can’t win with me. So it was time for a change.

I was approached by a hair stylist who gave me a great deal and I jumped on that mo fo like there was no tomorrow.

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And this is how it went:

Step 1: Bleach

Now with this, you have to aim to achieve the Side-show Bob look. If you don’t get this part right, you’re doomed

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Step 2: Bleach Again

For the second bleach if you don’t feel like the wrath of Satan taking a steamy hot turd on your head, you’re definitely not going to get the result you want. Remember, beauty is pain, pain is beauty. Trust, I still kept smiling while I could feel the top of my head slowly burn and my soul being tormented by philosophical theories of what pain truly is. Does the body rule the mind or does the mind rule to body, I really did NOT know!

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Step 3: Colour

After the pain was washed out, using very cold water, we applied the colour. A lovely grey tone; the whole reason why I did this in the first place. My dreams of being a Silver Fox were nearing, beating Mother Nature to the punch.

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After 3 hours of pain one deserves to take a few selfie’s to document this procedure. Consider it an act of selflessness to explain to everyone.

Selfie 1: Crazy Scientist:

Selfie 2: Slutty bitch in heels

Selfie 3: The summer bae

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Selfie 4: The BAB. Boss Ass Bitch.

After a week of not really wanting to touch my scalp in fear that my whole head would fall off, I finally got my ass to a hairdresser, washed my hair a few times and this is now the end result.

Chicken? Egg?

2015-07-09T18:34:00.001+01:00

And we are back to the age-old question; what came first the chicken or the egg? Art or fashion? Buddha only knows.

Many fashion designers talk about what they do as an art form. Yet another way for one to express ones self. We are the blank canvas, the clothes the paint, and the details the technic and finishing touches to make us stand out from each other. In the wise words of the world’s best drag queen, "We are all born naked and the rest is drag". - RuPaul

Other designers claim fashion has no correlation to art and are simply dressing their clients and producing for their target market. The clever ones collaborate with their clients creating something that would obviously generate money for the designer, because, hey, we all need to eat and pay the bills, and have enough money for alcohol and holidays...and yachts and art and houses and sunglasses and bags.... you catch my drift?

Viktor & Rolf created an incredibly whimsical collection for 2015 Fall Couture this week. Literally removing structured garments off their runway models and hanging these pieces on the wall behind the catwalk.

This isn’t the first time Viktor & Rolf introduce the thought element to the runway. Their shows have always consisted of thought provoking themes; displays and performances usually lead by them. So is it fashion or art? Is it FART? Is it ARSHION? Let's try assessing this:

What is art?

The quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance. (dictonary.com)

Disagree or agree? To me is does what is says on the tin. And a bitch aint about to argue.

-A

// doug abraham //

2015-07-08T19:55:00.001+01:00

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Fashion marketing seems to have taken the simplistic approach to advertising as of late, which I believe is incredible.

Terry Richardson’s continuous collaborations with strong fashion brands, the coolest designers and models, has given fashion the youthful playful sense that also allows it to be more accessible. Each picture gives you the feeling that they were taken whilst drinking at home with friends and one thing leads to another and guys end up naked playing dress up with the skimpiest outfits you have, channelling your inner porn star. Don’t pretend you haven’t done it. Everyone is playing around with the “Terry Richardson” style of over exposure.

This is brilliant technic because it gives that element of the unpolished and the exposed in such a refined and over thought industry.

More campaigns are going this way to demonstrate that source bit of edge that everyone obsessed with fashion wants.

From commercial campaigns to experimental artists using fashion more and more as their subject matter in sculpture and other medias, I came across the brilliant Doug Abraham. His collages speak for themselves. Combining high fashion campaigns with cuts from x-rated images, cartoons, images of rioters, thieves the list goes on and on. Subtlety merging the two creating a sense of harmony between commerciality and how brutal and over sexed of the world may be. His work seems to be the balancing between reality and fashion.

Years & Years

2015-06-30T11:47:00.001+01:00

Have they been following my blog? Is this a shout out?

Pretty girls VS Bobblehead

2015-06-22T20:50:00.003+01:00

Let me start by saying that I am a HUGE lover of bad taste, I call it shitty chic. Having said that, there have been some occasions where being so bad aint too good.

Point and case: Iggy & Britneys song Pretty Girls. Its all fun and games, until the song pauses for them to over act some cray ass stupidity that makes me pull an automatic lemon sucking face after a shot of tequila. The bad news is here, Im not even getting the punch of drunkeness minutes after, rather the feeling of being molested by a family member; you know what I mean? Being lured into a false sense of security by your uncle, only to find out he only wanted you to 'do something' for him, and you do it because you feel like he's got your back.....in smore ways than one? No?

There is nothing in the world I couldnt watch Britney do- she is fantastic ! But in those 3 seconds of the whole video my heart breaks by the pointlessness of that little sketch.

So in this case, I turn to another favourite of mine. Xtina Aguilera. For some reason, her bionic album was surpassed by people, although I thought it was fabulous.

I cant help but think of "Bobblehead" when I see hear "Pretty Girls"

ALVAR Magazine

2015-06-09T21:33:00.003+01:00

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Well hello dear followers, readers, lovers and dreamers. As always, it’s been a while- consistency does not seem to be my strongest attribute when it comes to this blog. Which might be a good thing, I wouldn’t want to inundate you with constant blogs posts showing how fabulous I am, talking/writing for days and days on end about some basic BS…that’s what Instagram for. Know your social media people! And if you want to follow me on Instagram I am @demetry_a ;)

That should be standard introductory rambling done and now its time to get to the point of this post.

I was lucky enough to be asked to be part of an editorial for the fabulous ALVAR Magazine. There I, together with a few other creatives, was modeling Oura rings by Harri Koskinen.

Have a look at the images below.

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Although it was daunting leading up to the day of modeling, as I have never really done anything like this before; silly drunken photos with friends where confidence is superficially high does not really count. Suffice to say, I had a great time doing it and it was an absolutely great experience. Let’s see what I can achieve after this.

-A

You Gon Hurt Yo Back Like Dat

2015-02-12T17:15:00.000+00:00

So in my last two posts, I embarked on a life altering journey- the figuring out "what I am doing in life" kind of journey.

In any spiritual journey we are told to 'get rid' of material possessions, people who aren't good for you and surround yourself with the things that make you happy. Unfortunately the world that I live in, people are innocent until proven guilty (so I force myself to give them the benefit of the doubt), and I feel slightly uneasy without certain material possessions that I own. This would be completely different if I lived in a small island somewhere, with no care and no hardship... alas, I have chosen to live in the wonderful city of London where money dictates your joy, your looks, and your ability to let loose.

Throughout my journey thus far, I've realised that my possessions that have truly come to my rescue are........... my bags. Ones bag consists of everything that we (think) need. See it as a metaphor for ourselves, an outer shell, if you will.

Look at this way. You ARE the bag, everything in the bag is all the small quirks, kinks, etc that make you up. i.e how you perceive yourself or how others perceive you.

Now my bag, however, contains:

Reading books (I always carry two depending on my mood),
Note book,
Agenda,
Sketch book,
Fashionary,
Large pencil case, in case I decide to water colour on the tube (which has yet to happen),
iPad,
Reading glasses,
Sunglasses (for when the sun comes out...never, but a bitch gots ta be prepared)
Always a random small trinket that puts a smile on my face when im angrily rummaging through my bag.

This is what I refer to as my B.J bag.. don't get too excited B.J = Before Journey.

What does this bag say about me? I would like to think; full of ideas, eager, wants to be inspired, and have very light sensitive eyes. What would other people think of me when looking through my bag? artsy hipster dick. But oh well, I AM my bag.

I would say my B.J bag was fairly organised. I knew where everything was and those days my bags were more totes than weekend bags.

Nowadays the bags have become bigger my life a bit more hectic. So in addition to all the above, throw products in there, clothing, shoes etc the bag becomes a mobile room- ready to change into outfits at any point depending on where I was sleeping, and also keeping all my things in one place so my things didn't overflow into the people and friends who were kind enough to let me stay in their places, personal space- because I am a considerate mo fo like that. But god damn talk about carrying around baggage eh, Call me the fucking Mary Poppins of Fashion, with the bag that keeps giving.

The great news is, I will have my own place at the end of the month! whoop whoop! finally I can leave my baggage at home like the rest of us.

So this post is an homage to the bags that got me through this little bump on my journey.

1. My large Longchamp:

My flexible travel buddy: we had a great time me and Longchamp. He took a few hits, I wasn't always as kind as I should have been to him, but he understood. We were handle in hand a lot of the time and when he couldn't bare the weight, I was more than happy to carry him like a child. I love him, so much so that I feel he might need a personalised brother:

Longchamp

2. My delicate Christian Louboutin:

Sensitive and demands attention, my Syd bag by Christian Louboutin also took a slight beating, which is quiet visible- serves me right for getting him in white. However, very robust and easy to carry either by its delicate handles or its strong straps as a backpack, giving me the option of taking its front pouch off and using it as a small man bag....who are we kidding? a clutch, I use it as a clutch bag so the fuck what?

Unfortunately the Syd bag is no longer available in this shape.. The new shape definitely seems like it could potentially take a beating or beat the shit out of someone else. My kind of bag.

Christian Louboutin

So to conclude; in order to actually progress in your life, you need to look back and see what has been holding you back/down and get rid of it. Too much baggage weighs you down. Living out a suitcase is never fun. We are people that can't go without different clothes, underwear, combs brushes, etc etc etc..not for necessarily superficial reasons...but for hygienic reasons. Use your bag as another metaphor for your life, what do you want to carry with you, emotionally/physically? What do you want to let go of and leave behind? - Your bag represents you, inside and out. Don't carry around unnecessary bullshit that is only taking up space, treat your bag (you) well and fill it up with what fulfills you- but whatever you do, wear a fucking fierce bag and make them eat it!

What a ball ache

2015-01-28T23:17:00.001+00:00

Some of them are mighty, some of them are smooth, some can be intimidating and others can be well groomed. I can only be talking about one thing...well no, this can be a few things really...but I am talking about what has been continuously popping up on my newsfeed during the recent Men's Fashion Week antics.

Im not one to repeat what everyone else has already said so, I wont. I'm sure that once you see the few images I've put up you'll disregard any of the writing or maybe this whole post completely. However I do feel this is something that must be discussed and not made a mockery of or thought of as yet another 'outrageous designer' going to far.

We (the voices in my head and I) are referring to the penis filled show Rick Owens show. So yes; he had a few willies flopping around the catwalk...so what? The fact of the matter is, there are a lot of people in the world who have them. Call me old fashioned- but maybe it's because I posses one myself, but I just dont seem to see what the problem is. I mean, are we not trying to free the nipple? Why should we discriminate and not free willy too? We cant expect one gender to progress and hinder the other. Are we not living in a time were both genders take each other hand in hand and attempt to achieve the best for each other? What everyone seemingly missed out on was the fact the pieces in the show were absolutely stunning! Beautiful draping, mixed texture and fabulous silhouettes, all the makings of a good show, (and yes the controversy as well: lets not pretend it didn't add a little bit extra meat to the show).

Controversy is what makes fashion- its not all pretty things, florals ball gowns for women and tailored suits for men, its a form of art. It is supposed to make you feel something; angry, peace, etc etc. This isn't the first time Rick Owens had a controversial show or any other designer for that matter. This has been ongoing for centuries- how do you think we got to wear what we do today? Controversy! If that wasn't the case, women would still be in wearing corsets and bloomers and men would be in top hats and canes...maybe we shouldn't have disregarded ALL of the past- I would kill for a good top hat. Either way that was just one century that evolved from another, and another and another.

We need to stop looking at this as joke and truly delve into what these designers are insinuating about todays society. It's not as simple as just getting a dick out. Vivienne Westwood was queen of this before, and have we forgotten Alexander McQueens Highland Rape collection, showcasing distraught vulnerable models walking down the catwalk? Strong work, powerful even- it makes you feel something. People continuously complain about how shallow the fashion world is, yet become highly critical and judgmental when designers push boundaries, or when they make people think. Society has placed fashion in a box of unimportant luxury, only for the few, but doesn't art do the same? I dont exactly have Francis Bacon art work hanging in my home, but it wont stop from going to see any of his work in museums, it does not make sense to me.

I understand that a few designers do not consider themselves as artists, which is fair. But as a fashion spectator I am expressing what resonates within me when I see a collection, a show or when reading an interview with one of these designers.

From penises to butt plugs, the designer love of my life, Walter Van Bierendonck, colourfully expressed himself as he always does. Once again, a show that was discussed over an over again due to his use of butt plug accessories completely forgetting the combinations of prints and gorgeous oversized ponchos and wonderfully printed jackets and coats, not to mention the transparent tops with 'controversial' writing.

We as a nation/society/unit/people need to start truly using our minds and souls before passing judgment on these collection. Its not all fun and games, a lot of time and effort and thought goes into these shows overflowing with concepts and comments of how the world truly is at the moment. In a few decades from now we wont be seeing a tailored suit in museums representing 2015, we'll be seeing pieces and outfits like this, contributing to the evolution of fashion.

By Golly, I think he's got it!

2015-01-05T14:59:00.001+00:00

Oh my oh my, has it really been that long since my last post? Have I neglected my readers for so long? Have I painfully been engulfed in the working world, loosing my identity, emotionally scaring myself just to make a few quick bucks....isn't there a word for that? Oh yes, prostitution.

So I guess last years focus was about creating an adult life for my partner and I- alas the partner is no more, the heart has regained it's thirst for life, and the mind has remembered why I left the peaceful sanctuary of Copenhagen.

Life consists of trial and error......trial and error....just reading those words really aggravates me, does this mean no matter what one tries it will inevitably end in error? why cant it be trial and succession? Are we that pessimistic of a specifies that we expect/ accept failure in fear of success..scapegoating failure as if it were en vogue to fail whenever we try to pursue any ambition we have.

Maybe I am going through a mid 20's crisis....even though I'm nearing the age of 30. To be fair my whole life has been a crisis of sorts when it came to achieving my ambitions. I have been told 'to be grateful for what i had', 'always look on the bright side','it'll happen soon'. To be honest, I am a happy go lucky fucking grateful person, except for when it comes to my career. The sad thing is I knew what I wanted from an incredibly young age, but life (aka me) got in the way. I was getting side tracked by less important things giving them purpose, resulting in avoiding the things that deserved my undivided attention, what I truly wanted from life. And why was that? It all came down to that nasty mother f***er fear. The fear of failure. It's stupid sayings like 'trial and error' that stuck with me...I'm not making a god damn cheese cake where if I do mess it up I can just start again and learn from my mistakes then and there....no no, Im talking about my life.There is no restart button, no going back to square one, because everything that happened after square one has tainted and soiled has square one completely.

So what is this post about then? One of the main reasons I started this blog was to write witty interesting things about fashion because, as awful as it sounds (to some of you,which i dont really understand why I feel bad for this) fashion is my life. Its the first thing I think about in the morning and the last thing I think of before I sleep. So much so that I can never sleep in silence because my mind will keep going and going. This does not mean I like shopping, on the contrary, I truly dislike it. I am talking about going to museums, fashion-exhibitions touching pieces of clothing/ fabrics that can truly bring tears to your eyes. If you have ever cried at a fashion piece, you'll get me. I have only met 2 other people feel the same. Fashion to me evokes the essence of humanity, the truth, the ugly, the beauty, fantasy... watch one of Jean Paul Gaultier's or McQueen's early shows and tell me you dont feel something. Read about Yves Saint Laurent and tell me he doesn't inspire you, watch interviews with Isabella Blow and tell me her poetic wit and diction doesn't make your heart flutter, look at milliners like Phillip Tracey and convince me you dont get transported to a fantastical world of surrealism. The fashion world has a lot to offer our minds, body and spirit. You might think this is over the top- I however, think I'm putting it mildly. It's a shame to think that a world that has so much to offer, shapes, colours, and textiles, giving everyone the chance to be themselves yet we feel its easier to follow the masses and trends. More and more people have embarked on spiritual journeys in finding what they truly desire from life. We are seeking our purpose. Mine is this. Not necessarily writing blogs, but mine is to explain my journey through my life getting what my mind, and every fibre of my being has told me what I am on this planet for.

I have had my promotions, worked hard, gotten an 'adult job' but something does not sit well in my inner self. Working so hard for someone, giving them all I have and getting little in return is not where I saw myself...EVER. This post is not some 'New Year new me' BS. I have just had an eureka moment of stop feeling sorry for myself and stop blaming everyone for what I haven't achieved. I could sit here and talk about what I dont like about my job, however It pays my bills...I could sit here and tell you about my 8 year relationship that came to an end, but if it wasn't for that I wouldn't have gotten this eureka moment. I have emotionally and mentally abused myself for long enough now, and I finally have the courage to get on with it. I've mourned my loses and now I am rebuilding/reinventing myself.

The reason for all of this (and now it is going to get a bit soppy) is due to the force of friends that I had behind me. Those who saw my talents when I didn't. Those who have faith in me and those who even said they looked up to me this christmas which, I can honestly say I will never forget. Ladies and gents I dedicate anything fabulous I do from here on out to you..

No promises for 2015, just do what brings you happiness. And if something doesn't feel right, step the fuck away and do something else, this goes for jobs, friends, relationships and shit clubs.

Yours truly,

-A

Another dreaded summer day

2013-06-06T11:38:00.000+01:00

Finally the summer has hit London town; the girls are half naked, the hot men are out of hibernation and the city is ready to go. The sun has an incredible power to make everything look better, from the streets to run down buildings and sometimes that weird homeless man that pisses on everything.

Although the sun is out, we here in London never really know how long it lasts for; probably a few hours, days, and if we're lucky a few weeks... but lets not jinx it. On a these gracious days, I put my layering aside and delve into simple attire, keeping it subtle with shorts and a t-shirt. But that's not how I ROLL! So in an attempt to spice up my outfits I look for things like jewellery (which will be another post) or hats ( this post). This year I have really been thinking a lot about hats and the lack there of. They are extremely difficult to pull off yet they can really complete a look. I wish more people would were hats. There is an infinite amount of styles and shapes to fit everyone's awkwardly shaped head! So lets go for it guys! lets go crazy. Let the sun frazzle your brain and in that state of insanity, buy a hat!

Here are my two picks for this summer:

Reverting back to my youth, the collaboration with New Era and Kenzo evokes my bad-ass teenage ghetto life. Awww the good old days, when you thought skipping school in baggy trousers and smoking in graveyards was the bee knees.

Another option, for the more mature or the more dressy up summer days is this sexual hat I bought from a small town in Spain last year. I haven't had the chance to wear it yet, but I'm thinking today might be the day.

Very Saint Laurent, but very poor quality as its a novelty hat, but hey, who is going to come up THAT close to me to see how its made? If anything it embodies a playful summer day. Not too uptight, if it gets messed up, it only cost me €5 so I wont be losing much, except of course for the memory of the trip...catch 22. Lets just keep our fingers crossed hope that I don't lose it or ruin it.

-andrew

Mourning Glory

2013-05-08T18:23:00.003+01:00

Great jewellery is extremely hard to find. It has only now hit me why my mother and her friends got all theirs custom made whenever they went back to Egypt. Obviously getting anything custom made in Egypt doesn't come with the same price tag is it would in the western world.

I have been in the market for a ring that I can wear forever, look at daily that puts a smile on face. This has been an incredibly difficult challenge of late. Finding something timeless is always a struggle due to my obvious changes, both emotional and appearance in terms of clothing; finding yourself and growing up is never easy, if anything its boring, dull, and a waste of time, but necessary. Our ostentatious lifestyles from clothing to going out, at times takes a halt whilst we reluctantly contemplate what we are ACTUALLY doing in our lives.

Usually when thoughts so inappropriate like these enter my mind I go through what i see as a mid-mid-life crisis, longing for the days when life was simpler, assessing who I really am. This always results in me throwing out half my wardrobe, self-deprecation, followed by an intense few days with Oprah and reading self-help books, just to study the human condition....obviously.

It's a constant battle to better yourself, finding your essence and what you want from the world and what the world can give you in return. So let me manipulate this whole situation and turn 'finding our true selves’ into fashion.

Fashion is about what we like, we represent ourselves by what we wear, indicating our likes and dislikes. (We'll keep it simple and just keep it emotional, so I will refrain from commenting on class, status, etc etc) so what happens when you don't like yourself? Or when you don't know who you are? How do you represent that? It is then when I meditate unclothed, and listen to myself- and no, this doesn't take a few hours, this is a transition that takes weeks of intense thought, avoiding people and truly becoming your own best friend. So the next step is to, like a snake, shed your old skin aka get rid of anything that you associate your old self with, making way for the new you.

The one thing that I have never thrown out though is my jewellery. Why? Because of its sentimental value. For instance I wear a necklace that previously was all the gold I received from family and family friends when I was born. (It's a cultural thing; you're given gold when you're born, rings, pedants, etc etc. I guess frankincense and myrrh died with Jesus) so at the age of 16 my mother took all my gold and melted it to create a necklace with a pendant. I barely see it and at times forget it’s there, but haven’t taken it off since i was 16. It is the most in-offence piece of jewellery I have compared to my obnoxious Vivienne Westwood costume jewellery (which I love). So now I need a ring that I can wear and treasure as much as I do my necklace.

The good news is that I came across a ring that I have completely fallen in love with. From its name to how it's made, to its overall look. And here it is.

At the SHOWstudio at Motcomb Street I truly fell in love with this Jennifer Corker piece of art. Inspired by mourning rings worn by the Victorians, commemorating the death of a loved one, this ring represents my past deaths and will represent my future deaths. A little morbid for you faint hearted, but there are always life altering changes, good and bad, that are the cause of small death within all of us.

My mourning ring harbours everything I love. Sentimental memories and traditions of the past, that have been forgotten about in our modern day lives, as if resurrected to remind us of the past. Not to mention it is made of gold and has a silk centre. The silk has the luxurious sense of being incredibly delicate, but is surrounded by the solid gold outlining it and protecting it. The best metaphor of myself.

Unlike most clothing, jewellery is always timeless. There is a reason why they are passed on as heirlooms, admired by many represents bonds, no matter how simple or over the top. It represents the person wearing it, and I assure you each piece of jewellery you have has a story to tell about your past and will undoubtedly be part of your future.

Clothes come and go but jewellery is forever.

-Andrew

Jesus, Mary & Joesph

2013-04-12T21:07:00.001+01:00

Holy moly, praise Jesus and deliver us from evil. In correlation with the cuming, sorry I mean coming of the new pope, we have seen religious iconography appear on fashion attire. Givenchy obviously stole the show continuing their bold prints that are ever so well translated into men's fashion, darkening their mood in what can be seen as a Corrado Giaquinto painting battling between good and evil.

Having said that, there seems to be a design team that people seem to be too terrified to discuss in fear of the Vatican striking them down. Good thing I'm here. Dolce & Gabbana absolutely crucified this seasons menswear, in a good way, not the stigmata kinda way, that's just a bit horrid. No one really wants to think of getting their clothes bloody after some weird religious experience. They never mention that in the bible do they?

The pubescent models is what did it for me, and no, not in a sexual way. They all had a sense of innocence to them that has been completely misused, baring the burden of the religious imagery on their chest that I'm sure a few of us know the feeling of too well. Once joyed of the idea of being protected by a higher power, disheartened by the truth these alter boys walk down the catwalk with a sadness, fear and loneliness in their eyes. It is beautiful. Now this is a comment of society today via fashion like we haven't seen in a while. Pure brilliance.

Not to mention the choice proportion of the garments. Dolce & Gabbana forget their sheers and tight fits and seek the over powering over sized tops submerging their fragile models in an image they can not yet fathom. Love love LOVE the concept and the execution of the pieces and the whole show. Romantic, drastic, truthful and beautiful.

-A

Follow me on Instagram

2013-02-12T17:43:00.004+00:00

As I am in the middle of starting my own fashion label, working full time, trying to blog and managing my own home; for the days I do not have enough time to post on my blog- so if you are interested in how my mind works without the essay long posts please follow me on instagram, be prepared.

Much Love

Andrew

Comfort is where the sole is

2013-02-12T13:54:00.002+00:00

Day in and day out I run up and down steps, walk for hours and am on my feet constantly for my job. Adorned in spikes, snake skin or the finest of leathers, my feet get to live in the lap of luxury while I am constantly reminded of how wearing tight shoes might ruin ones feet in the long run. However this is how I like my shoes. Call me masochistic if you will but I do love getting my shoes a half or full size smaller as I believe they last longer and make my feet look more in proportion with the rest of my petite fisique.

Now the thing is this; when the day ends and my once lavished feet are ready to commence their long journey home, I take off the snake skins keep them safe for another day and put my feet in something supposedly more comfortable shoes.

For a while the trainers, sneakers, plimsolls DM's, boots etc etc etc never really did the trick. My feet would still not feel the ease that everyone says they are meant to. So after thinking long and hard I decided to go back to my past. Remembering what shoes used to make me feel uber comfortable.

Much like all of you I had fashion transformations; ghetto, skater, indie boy, preppy, grungy- which is why I like clothing, design etc because looking back you can always see who you were and where you've gotten to until this point, and trust me even though you might think you are not part of a group, someone will always label you, and once you're labeled, your subconscious frustration will make you move on to something new.

Anyway whilst thinking about my previous styles and phases, I remembered an argument I had with my mother ( nothing new) at the age or 15. She continuously attempted to throw out my favourite pair of shoes away and I would always find them in the bin. Now let me just let you know that I have never been a unwashed, dirty teenager. I bathed regularly and did take care of my appearance, having said that; there were a pair of shoes that I wore until they were completely cut up, whole infested and all in all just horrendous, yet they were the most comfortable of shoes. These were my black and white checkered slip-on VANS. At the age of 15 having begged and pleaded for these shoes, I remember the abuse I would get for wearing them. People didn't seem to understand the checkered pattern, but I believed there was something very serene and yin and yang about them (thats me tapping into my early Deepak Chopra). Although the harass from what is now known to be one of the biggest fashion capitals in Europe did not stop every time I wore these shoes, I did not mind, as I knew and truly felt I had the happiest feet in all of Copenhagen.

So dear readers, 10 (nearly 11) years later, after remembering my happiest feet moment, I realised that although I sometimes choose to forget the past, sometimes the small things that creep up, creep up for a reason. They remind you about good times and how you have become who you are today. Therefore I have succumbed to going back to my checkered VANS, the best shoe I had in my life. The one that made me stand up for ridiculous comments, step on negative thoughts and arise to my stronger self at the same time whilst being incredibly comfortable.

I am not the only one who has picked up on this. High end Luxury designers have done so too. effortlessly chic Celine, constantly creative Christian Louboutin, and a collaboration with an homage to vintage Hermes. The cloud like pillowed soles have made their way in to high fashion, it doesn't necessarily mean it will take over, it just means you have more options to play footsie.

Andrew

Celine, Pony Hair & Snake Skine

Christian Louboutin, Roller Boat

VANS & Hermes Collaboration.

VANS

Truth & simplicity

2013-02-03T09:30:00.001+00:00

First and fore most let me apologise for the lack of posts, life has taken over and I have been forced to take on a full time job where all my spare time is spent on eating or sleeping. If only there were more hours in the day.

For a while now, fashion lovers have desired the effortlessly simple Celine T-shirt. Like all things in luxury fashion, one had to be quick to purchase this simple and chic piece.

Now for those of us that lacked the funds or weren't quick enough to get our hands on the t shirt, designers have come up with a way to create these tshirts with our loved logos on them but come with a joke like twist. Enter Michael Agwunobi. With a fashion sense of humour there is no wonder why his t-shirts have to be constantly restocked on his website with a great client list like Rihanna.

Now more recently after a previous article I wrote for Men's Fashion Magazine regarding the change of the Saint Laurent logo, a new t-shirt has been introduced to the market. Clever, witty and some what true, the 'ain't Laurent' t-shirts convey what a lot of fashion followers feel about the brands new identity yet is never really talked about in the industry.

Both are also a comment on fashion. Not done in a very f.p.c ( fashion politically correct), but speaks volumes of truth. Lining up the but the bitches to buy a tshirt that is sooo simple and easy to make with a price tag of your monthly food shop, and the other expressing what we all think about a logo that has been with us for decades, and taken away from us so abruptly like death of its founder.

One ironic and the other true.. For those of us with a humble income that appreciate designers and fashion and find it more than just clothes we wear to keep warm, this pieces are a new start to an suave anarchistic change. A new side of fashion is emerging and I don't think it'll be pretty. But so far it's been brutally honest and clever.

-a

....or not......

2012-11-30T17:42:00.001+00:00

So obviously I was given the wrong info. A while back on my wonderful blog (you know its wonderful), I was given the news that Christopher Kane would be taking over Nicholas Ghesquière position at Balenciaga. This was apparently not true, according to WWD this morning the designer that will now become creative director of Balenciaga will be the effortless stylish Alexander Wang. Does it make sense though? Maybe it's just because I was just coming to terms with Kane's take over, but can Wang replace Ghesquière? to be honest Wang is always a great way to get over things. So here's it to Wang. Let Wang prevail! VIVA WANG!- Here at WhatIsABoyToDo I wish him the best of luck!

To Read what WWD said click here.

The MIU MIU

2012-11-28T18:09:00.002+00:00

Last night the brilliant Miuccia Prada opened her exclusive 3 day members club at the Café Royal in the heart of London. This limited occasion consists of a bar (obviously), restaurant and a small shop where those invited can shop till they drop whilst sipping on their Champagne deep into the night. Now how great does that sound?--AMAZING! For us who unfortunately have not been invited, the great news is we get to log on from home and hear the wise words of Shala Monroque and Penny Martin tonight starting at 6:30 GMT. Although I would have much rather been sipping cocktails with Nick Cave at last nights event, I'll definitely be watching tonight's conversation with the hope of being awed by very inspirational women if the industry. Hey, beggars cant be choosers. To watch tonight follow here.

dressed to kill

2012-11-17T13:32:00.003+00:00

This all started when I first saw the Balmain collection. Heavily embellished, very structured somewhat armor like, the Balmain 12-13 collection blow me away. Since then I pondered on how this effeminate look can be translated into menswear? Then a small trip to Spain reminded me that its has already been done! Matadors have been adorning appliqued, embellished uniforms for decades.

In the beautiful city of Nerja, I, together with my partner and his parents, enjoyed the last of the sun, great food and drinks with a constant view of the stunning Mediterranean sea. Little did I know that I would see something that will not only inspire me for my next StitchUp London collection but it made me even contemplate moving to Spain. It's weird the effect clothes have on me, I barely understand it myself.

In a wonderfully elaborate hotel Chris and I came a across this beautiful Matador custom. A piece so stunning, that I had to try to take as many pictures to try to do it justice. In a glass box, treat as if it where a masterpiece, there it stood right by the reception commanding attention, and that is what it got.

Every individual tiny detail in this one piece can create the most romantic collection. So obviously designers have already picked up on this and here are a few things that are my personal favourites.
Lets start with the A.F Vandevorst shoes and make our way through to Balmain.

Unfortunately I couldn't find a Matador jacket to take back with me so I opted for the Spanish Sombrero. This does not mean that my quest for the jacket has ended- this is just the first chapter of my journey to get it. To be continued.

Christopher Kane & Balenciaga

2012-11-17T09:27:00.000+00:00

The news is out. Replacing the faboulous Nicolas Ghesquiére for Balenciaga is, drum roll please................ the talented Christopher Kane. Cannot wait to see the outcome!

MMM & H&M

2012-11-16T16:34:00.000+00:00

It was 6:00 am and after a night of white wine, Champagne, red wine and whiskey, the last thing I wanted was an early start the following day. After a drunken conversation with my friend Sabrina while intoxicated, I thought it would be a fabulous idea to meet her at the crack of dawn after a debaucherous night. The phone rang at 6 and luckily, I was still drunk so it felt as if everything was still a dream, and it probably wasn't too far from.

We didn't have to queue for hours in the cold, we were respectful given wrist bands and where told to come back 5 minutes before it was our time and like clock work, we followed instuctions. There was no pushing no banging no shouting or hollering. Simple. 10 mins to browse and shop, you can only select one one item per style, fair and simple.

Still drunk from the night before, I bought what I wanted (minus the over-sized watch face bracelet, as I missed it). We headed up to the stylish Selfridge's fitting rooms (with cameras in them to take photos of what your wearing and send to a friend) to try on our new purchases and this is what we got.

So what better way to celebrate a successful Maison Martion Margiela/ H&M day then with a cigarette and lunch. An all in all perfect day- good company, fine purchases (minus the bracelet) and nice food. I wonder who is doing the next H&M collaboration, please make it good like Margiela- creative designers should be more accessible to the high street! well maybe only once in a while, or else they will lose some value. Either way I'm glad with this collaboration. Totally worthwhile and spot on!

Drawn together

2012-11-16T11:01:00.000+00:00

Our childhoods are over as we know them. Gone are the days of referring back to our favourite Disney toons to give us that warm and fuzzy feeling of security and being safe to re insure us that everything will be alright in the end. Nope, those days are gone; much like our relationships with our parents, the older we get we figure out that our mothers aren't sweet innocent women dressed by small woodland animals daily as she sings in 8 octaves rejoicing her love that the a new day has began; our fathers are not the muscular hero that can save you from fire breathing dragons, powerful wizards and witches and a mob of people who are trying to kill you because they just don't understand you. No my loves, we find out that our parents are just mere mortals just like us.

The new realisation is this: although Disney always taught us that everything is beautiful, simple and traditional, real life is never like this. Life is complicated, messy and unpredictable yet still can be as beautiful without certain traditions and hang ups. Artist Rodolfo Loazia paints the Disney characters somewhat after their roles as princes and princesses end. We need no longer ask 'what every happened to Jasmine and Aladdin after they got married?' or 'did Cinderella & prince charming truly live happily ever after?' the truth is Jasmine fell in love with Belle, Aladdin, upset with his wife that he had used all his 3 wishes on, went to his confidant, Hercules, and after a few too many drinks, tears and an emotional breakdown, they found each other lip locking their aggression out. Haven't we all been there? And as for Cinderella- the girl eventually got everything she wanted. So what happens to the women who goes from rags to riches? Sadly she couldn't deal with it. It started when she began to hang out with that slut Sleeping Beauty, and they would continuously attend their Balls in shorter dresses without underwear exposing themselves to all their minions, then it just got worse. Her once gorgeous blonde hair was stripped away. In a moment of pure insanity, she decides that she no longer needs it and not in the spiritual sense of the word- but in a 'I don't know what the hell i'm doing' way, assuming it'll grow back in the morning. That bitch cray.

But its not all doom and gloom; another thing that we were all taught from Disney was aspiration. We all can have what we want and dream when you believe. This is demonstrated to well in the new Disney & Barneys New York collaboration. Taking us into Minnie Mouse's mind and fantasy of getting her Lanvin dress. The short cartoon gives us very influential people in fashion from editors such as Suzy Menkes, models like Naomi Campbell, celebrities like Gaga & Sarah Jessica Parker, as well designers like Alber Elbaz, hair & make up artists, photographers and other fashion icons like Daphne Guinness. To be fair, there is nothing I love more than seeing someone I like illustrated. I don't really know why, but I guess its because there is so many ways of drawing someone depending on what part you see them and how they are perceived. Its a cute cartoon that has the softness and happiness of Disney, but the hard edge of today.

flourishing men

2012-11-13T16:47:00.000+00:00

give us a twril

2012-11-13T16:43:00.000+00:00

proenza schouler

2012-11-13T15:10:00.003+00:00