What matters most is how you see yourself...

This past week at Manchester Metropolitan University I attended a talk on the attitudes and perceptions towards the body. This talk really engaged me and want to tell you about the couple of hours that I spent listening to and interacting under the umbrella of body perception. I appreciate this is a sensitive issue and I loved how the lecturer kept the area neutral and allowed us to take our own view on the matters that where being talked about.
I find this subject area fascinating about how people feel about food and how problems are routed from and the linkages between factors.
What makes the perfect body? Iconic images of Marilyn Monroe saw her at a size 16. People today aspire to be like her and want that 'perfect body'. What makes people want to be like her but don't aspire to the size 16 curvaceous figure but more of a Barbie doll with a stick thin waist and big breasts. Does this reflect the perfect person and what people see Marilyn as?

Firstly the idea of dieting. This is a sensitive subject into all parties try to avoid in conversation. But what are peoples fascinations behind diets? The eagerness to find the 'ideal body'? Is there such a thing? Does it exist? The idea of dieting means your not happy with the way your body is, this is as such the meaning of hate. It's a way of telling your body that you hate it and want change.
Diet without the 'T' is 'die'...
This could be seen in both positive and negative lights. The positives being that you're wanting to kill the old you through the use of DIEting and starting a chapter meaning a new you. The negatives being the idea of leading to over controlling what you eat and leading to mental health problems in the future? Could this be you? You are in control of your own body and what goes into it. Many diets can do more harm than good which leads me onto the idea about the body being like a thermostat. Adjust it to much and you will break it. Just like the thermostat, your body needs looking after and going up and down down with your weight can cause harm and ruin your metabolize and reproductive systems. We all know about Beyonce and the maple syrup diet. She gained results fast but didn't do her internal systems any good. We are willing to put our insides at risk so that we look good on the outside.

One final note. I know I have asked a lot of questions throughout but it makes you sit and think about who we are and how we come about. The decisions we make and how we are influenced by people and imagery in the press about what makes the perfect person. It relates to the idea of porn, the more we watch and look at, the more of a preconceived idea we have of what is expected of us to perform. The press and social media is a wicked mistress as they have influence on people.

What matters most is that you love yourself and what makes you happy which leads to a happy life for everyone involved whether that be friends or family. Make your life your own and enjoy every single second of it.

What matters most is how you see yourself.

Pri... Leaving it's mark.

Don't wash, save water, loose friends. - Liv Tillston

Heydeey ho peeps, What a week it has been and I can't believe the weeks have pasted since my last blog post!! Now time to update you on the situation and my whereabouts! Been on a shopping spree over the past week as I have given up on managing my bank account as I am a student who loves to save! Objection my lord! - and that was not sarcasm. I am spending on Christmas presents and am a hooker for DVD's. (Naughty). The idea of moving out to a house is starting to stress me out as I have many options to where I can move and my whereabouts. I haven't decided. I didn't have the best start in halls as I wanted a busier flat but this didn't appear. Feels like deja vu all over again. I am delving further in my course as I learn more about fabrics and how they come to be and the creation of certain fabrics and how it comes together under fashion buying and merchandising. Tim Minchin has taken over my music as I am hooked on his poetry and wit. Now I will begin with what the blog was about originally which was looking at Primark and my now career that I have taken as a employee of this giant of a retailer. I know exciting times!! Tears of joy seriously.

I am now working for Primark and did my first 2 night shifts have been and gone which gave me a chance to get inside of Primark as a retailer and work behind the scenes as one of the stores magic pixies who restock the shop floor ready for the customers for the days events. I found my first shift rather tiring and got to know the teams and how it all worked. Second night I was onto it and working solid getting to know peoples stories and how they came to be at Primark doing the night shifts under unsociable hours. Most had taken up the role for Christmas and to become part of a strong team that allows them to earn good money whilst others fell into it by coincidence.
Whilst talking to a colleague, she fell into neither of the latter categories being forced into night shifts because of the lack of day shift work as she needed the hours and working the nights gave her the hours that she needed to support her family. Did this give her time during the day to spending time doing other things and spend time in the early evening with family? This questions remain unanswered.
Primark is certainly leaving its mark on me as I have learnt so much in such a small space of time and have learnt all about sizing. One thing that got me thinking was the idea of the range of different amounts of different sizes with having eight size 14 jumpers and only two size 20 of the same style. This is one of the many decisions of a Fashion Buyer as thinking about the cliental that you have to select for and who is going to buy it taking into consideration the materials. I am really enjoying my time so far in Primark and looking forward to continuing my position on night shifts and to learn what goes on in the background.

Alexander... What a Wang-er

Don't forget to be awesome - Anon

Vintage myth? I think I may have covered them all!

This week I am going to be more upbeat about my writing and take you more on the fashion journey into which this blog was originally meant to be going before I get side tracked with my life and the goings on within it. But sadly my dear reader chums I begin on sad and humbling note of the passing of legendary designer Oscar de la Renta. He designed for the likes of former first ladies such as Jackie Kennedy, Hilary Clinton and current first lady Michelle Obama, He be fondly missed and a legend within the fashion industry. Moving onto happier times I have become hooked on onion rings courtesy of my good friend Liv Tillston. Random news I know my dear readers but anywhoo on with the show... well blog. Can it be a show? Maybe a performance? Ooooo what about a cabaret? Now I got you talking. Rude. Took a trip home for a few days and realized how much I miss home and friends. The Wendy house crew are my best friends and love them so much.What was this about fashion? Ooooh yes lets begin into looking at the hot topic of this past week.

 This has been the hot topic for the past week now it has finally passed into my hands and I am going to enlighten you my dear readers on the do's and do not's of fashion. Alexander Wang has done a collaboration with H&M meaning it will be available to buy from 6th November. Do I like the collection? Not too keen. The collection is too bizarre the customers of H&M and will only appeal to the higher end market sitting in the premium end of the shop-floor.  I don't feel the use striking clean cut edges works and feels more of a sports wear range for the fashionista or maybe something high-end for the sportier cliental. He has displayed the label of Alexander Wang wherever possible. Why would you want 'WANG' and AW displayed all over your body like a human billboard. I take to the use of darkened colours and use of monochrome but it does feel a little too futuristic in-terms of progression in the industry. Maybe I'm wrong and this could be the game changer. Who knows? H&M are renowned for changing how fast fashion can be done. This collection does nothing for me sadly as you can probably tell. The collection ranges from £27.99 - £199.99 which enables everyone to have a piece of Mr Wang's collection. But who'd want to? The dress maybe as it's priced at £59.99 but it's a statement piece and feel you could only where it once or twice before people look at you and say, 'didn't you wear that last time?'. In conclusion as you can tell it's not that I don't like him as a designer it's the collection that I'm not a fan of.

I wonder...

Be the best version of you. - Anon

Vintage myth - The stitching will fall apart within a week.

I have felt the need this week to change the tone of my blog post as I feel I want to open  up to you and tell about me and what I am about. As I sit this Tuesday morning (I know it's one day late, I am sorry my dear reader chums) with a brew in a mug reading 'Nobody knows I'm gay' with a massive rainbow across it, it made me think about myself and who I am, what I've become and how far I have to go. (I will be including fashion news for you all don't worry). As you know, blog posts are personal things to me to express myself and allow you guys to see what my past week has been and this week has been no exception but there's been a lot more learning and realization into myself and that I am 21 not 12. Should I act my age and not my shoe size? I sit and question my place here at University but then realize this is all I've dreamt off and need to make the most of this experience with the people I have met. I question my course, the decisions I have made and I question how much longer I will last and whether I am doing the right things in life. I wonder...
My sexuality has been causing me stop and think many times. I was forced out when I was 13, 8 years ago now and I was delivered into an alien world where people where asking who I liked, what I liked and did I like certain people? I didn't know. How was I supposed to know, I wasn't given a chance to come to terms with who I was, I had been through the denial and thinking the impossible but it was true, I was gay. Not being given time to accept this and the bullying from high school, the feeling of not being wanted and everyone treating you like a piece of chewing gum on there shoes. No one wanted to be around me. Who would? I was irrelevant to them. I wonder...
Now sitting here many years further on I still sit and look at myself, my surroundings and ponder what if I had came out when I was ready? Would it of been different? I don't make a big deal about my sexual orientation as I don't feel a need to as I'm the same as everyone in the world. I don't feel I need to shout it. Let's get equality and complete acceptance in this world. I wonder...

As this now primarily a fashion blog I will include some information on what you guys have come to hear about. This post came about looking at what people where using to carry there university stuff around in and is about the top 5 university bags! As we all fight to carry books, laptop and Ipads around I thought this would be a good opener to the sort of bags that are out there. The top 5 include satchels, rucksacks, the tote bag, the shoulder bag and the athletic bag. My personal favourite as you can tell is the satchel. I am a huge lover of the satchel and feel it deserves the identity is has and stands for today. There are many companies from which you can acquire a satchel from. 'The Cambridge satchel company' and 'Zatchels'. Theyboth are huge and offer a plethora of bags that are present on the high street today. Why the satchel though? It relit back in 2010 when people wanted to able to carry there expensive tech whilst still looking like there from the 1940's and somewhat dated. It's an old school concept that has been brought to the mass market and it very much alive with the likes of sneekers and the shoulder bags. I am a huge lover of the satchel with it's strong box shape and buckles with a reminance of the kickers shoe.You can carry the handle or whack it over your shoulder. Fashionista's of the world. This is the bag for you. Big names have done there fair bit with satchels are now a mainstream item so get on the look out for the next big colour trend that will follow!
More information avaliable. 'http://www.studentcom.co.uk/news/fashion/five-laptop-friendly-bags-for-uni.html#.VDzg05XwvIV

University here I am...

'Everyday may not be good BUT there is something good in everyday' - Unknown

Heyydeyyhoo bloggers and readers around. If you haven't already grabbed a cuppa and a biscuit then your missing out on the joys of humble coffee bean and rich tea or which ever of the biccys that take your fancy, personally I'd be taking a small selection or a hamper as I like to call it. Moving on my jolly good friends, Previously in my life I finished my Art Foundation and came out with a Distinction which I have to personally thank the group of people who helped and encouraged me at Cronton Sixth Form (you know who you guys and girls are and the infamous Daniel Crowe!!) Also as you can see I am now at University studying Fashion Buying and Merchandising which is my dream course. I am so far enjoying my course and the people I have had the privilege to share the experience with so far. I am finding the transition from Art and Design to a business based course a struggle but I am coping and am able to use my fashion and accounts knowledge to good use.
Also Harrrrrah, I have turned 21 but I feel more like 12 not 21. I now am expected to act my age and not my shoe size (literally). But I can get away with it for a little bit longer. Facetime is the best thing since slice bread and have enjoyed Skyping Mistress Beeby on many occasions.

This is my University room where I seem to be spending the minority of my time and a place where I hit base before going out. Forgive the messiness please, thank you very much to you.
I have very much made myself feel at home here with posters and the amount of stuff that I have built up from the freshers fair and my home. It's like an Aladdin's cave. Now your wandering what goes on in my room. Naughty. Not much goes on in the room apart from studying and belting out tunes whilst I await the wakening of my fellow flatmates. The move was a big one and I like to take time to reflect upon my experience so far. I have found the transition easier than I thought I might of but I couldn't of done it without my fellow Cronton people. I would of felt lost and found the experience overwhelming. Being older I have found the whole transition difficult. I feel being 21 and at Uni hard. University is for everyone and have loved every single second even when my flat mates wake me at 3am.

Now your wandering what I have done with my lectures and the wereabouts of what's going on with them! But first, let me take a selfie!! A lecture selfie is a case of showing your trying to listen and have a giggle at the time same which I seem to be achieving. (Let hope my tutors don't see this). The lectures and seminars are really interesting and am enjoying the course the people are fantastic!! Bring on the next 3 years!! Been set a few assignments already which sound really interesting. Just gotta do some prep work for the next one and venture out into the the world and talk to people in the shops and discover who the target markets are. Looking forward to getting my teeth into course and what's coming next.

The Final Post...

'Don't cry because it's over, Smile because it happened'. - Dr Seuss.

Final vintage myth - Everything vintage is made out of old curtains.

WOW we have come to the end of Art Foundation and what a year it has been and what a journey I have been on. I have finally come to the end of my year within the arts. I will continue with the arts and develop my drawing whether that be with life drawing or progressing with my fashion drawings. A special thank you to 3 people in particular being Kimberley Foulder who has become the mum of the foundation and I love this women so much! She is an inspiration to the world and knows what she wants to do and what she wants to be. Secondly Jessica Beeby who is one special person who has a strong mind and knows what she wants and how to get it. She has kept my mouth under control and made me see sense in everything that I do and helped progress me from a boy to a man. Finally the most special and talented women of all time (getting goosebumps already), Chelsea Hicks, Chelly is my best friend and the person who has been there for me through my 3 years at Cronton, she works her fingers to the bone defying the boundaries of art and is so special and couldn't imagine my life without her. An incredible person and everyone needs a Chelly in there life. She is going to be massive in the arts and animation. Watch this space. What a week it has been!! Bike is finally fixed which is a miracle, was water damage. I have constructed my final piece which can be seen below. Don't cry because it's over, Smile because it happened is try, I want to cry because it's over but then I look back and realize that it has been the best year of my life.

This is the final piece. after a tiring week to get it finished I have finally done it and it represents the 'death of Haute Couture' and the idea that Haute Couture is attending it's own funeral, I feel through this piece I have accomplished this as the colour means that it could be worn to a funeral as it's dark. It is made from bin bags which shows the idea of recycled fashion and the concept of disposable fashion which is ultimately killing Haute Couture. The dress cost around £5 in materials to make which shows the relative cost compared to the £10,000+ price tag that is placed on the likes of Chanel and Dior. It works for me this dress as the dress is primarily made up of crochet with the massive skirt that lies over the top. The crochet took me around 20-25hours to do as it was highly time consuming cutting the bin bags and then having to crochet them correctly to make them fit the mannequin. The dress fits well and covers all basis' when it comes to garment creation. Adding wax to the skirt has enabled me to create a new texture and adds weight to the dress. The white background contrasts against the dress allowing it to be lifted from the page and adds a subtlety of innocence to the dress. What a final piece to show what I could do when I put my mind to it and feel the piece is representative of what Haute Couture is and what is will become. My main inspiration being Gareth Pugh who created a series of dresses that where Haute Couture and contradicted everything that it is. Is this dress a perfect contradiction?

This is the back of the dress which is where the concept of the death had to be put forward and how I could represent the death through a dress and without words. I found this tricky and continued the thoughts... How can I put forward the idea of death without words and display the concepts of attending your own funeral? I came to the conclusion that a coffin was required as this symbolizes death as it is taken down the isle at a funeral. Doing the crochet was hard as it required accurately adding and taking out crochet stitches to form the dress. Next was attaching it to the waistband and the straps which was again tricky as the angles to make the dress work was a harder than I anticipated. Making the straps fit within the angles was hard and had to be done precisely and to the right height and width. The coffin determined the width of the straps as they attached to it. It sits across the back as it is a flat surface which is wasn't possible with the front of the dress. It is an accurate dress and works so well as a piece and a concept and reflects what I want it to. The concept of a dress having to mime to push forward it's message. The skirt represents the cracks that are forming in the Haute Couture whether that be the increasing cost of the industry, the dwindling fashion houses who can afford to put the shows on and deliver such a spectacle. Cracks are forming and want the skirt to represent this with the layers displaying the industry and how its built.
Haute Couture is most definitely attending its own funeral.

The penultimate post...

The infamous working journal...

'You can't move mountains by whispering at them...' - Pink.

Vintage Myth - Someone died in it.

OMG!! MY DEAR READER CHUMS!! THIS THE PENULTIMATE POST!      
Art Foundation is coming to an end and I am saddened by this as it has been a spectacular year a wonderful yet hard end to what has been a year! WHAT A YEAR!! I have made some amazing friends and also learnt a lot about myself in the process! Thinking about to where I started to where I am now! What a journey. Next week I will be reflecting on the highs and lows of what has been a spectacle of a year. University awaits me!! Bring it on!! What to say and what has been going on? I have been finalizing the final piece and how it will be constructed and where the construction will start. The prep stages are the hardest and I have found myself getting lost within bin bags which has been fun but also arm aching as I cut up the bags. The challenge!! Getting the right thickness which is hard and hasn't been achieved as I have been cutting it to thick which will give a looser crochet. Previously  in my life I thought that World War 1 began in 1912 which was actually the year of the Titanic. Awkward. Also my love of films has grown and can't stop watching them!! Bad timing with the FMP due in!! Hahaha.

This shows the final designs for the final piece that I will be making, It is constructed from a circle skirt which is attached to a waist band that is constructed from crochet to bring in the waist. I want this constructed from either double or triple crochet. Triple would loosen up the stitch. It is how I attach it to the coffin, will I have to decrease the stitches either side of the crochet or I could increase them depending if my initial stitches become the bottom or the top. There will be overlapping straps that come over the shoulders and attach to the skirt with a simple row of stitching by hand. It will all come together with a collar made of bank notes to show how the cost of Haute Couture is killing the industry. This piece has to represent the end of Haute Couture as it attends it's own funeral and I want this to be my finale piece that demonstrates how far I have come and where I am going in my work. I can't wait to start working on the final piece in the next day or two.

This humble roll is what will eventually be my final piece. I haven't come to terms with the fact that I have to make my final piece, it hasn't hit me yet and I don't think it will till I have to exhibit it in the the Foundation room with everyone else's work side by side. This is the beginning and also the end of the project. The beginning being where I begun, a mess of darkness who had no direction who was to be moulded in a student who could work hard and deliver on the work that is required to pull work together. The end being the fact I now have to leave and fly the nest from Cronton Sixth Form. It took me a while to cut all this up, you would never think cutting a bin bag up would take over an hour. But it does. The barrel shape means that you to continually twist it around before you can cut again. It is frustrating but I have to remember that it has to be done so that I have a fabric to work with as part of the structure and purpose of my project and work. The bag has a slight stretch which allows the give when it comes using the crochet hook and creating the knots.