I interviewed the lovely Charlotte Barry -fashion designer and winner of the Barnett Lawson trimmings award- for 1883 Magazine. Read the full article on 1883 Digital!
Category Archives: Interview
Mark Cant/1883 Magazine
I interviewed cover photographer Mark Cant for 1883 Magazine. Read the full article below and at 1883 Digital.
“Photography…how hard can that be?” Mark Cant, the Battersea-born Londoner responsible for 1883’s Issue Three cover, describes his career in fashion and beauty photography as “almost a chance thing”. Refused the college course of his choice, (music), Mark decided to put his old camera to use and chose what seemed to be the easy option. Photography not only turned out to be a lot of hard work; it was Mark’s calling.
A quick scroll through his blog and its already clear that Mark’s forte is his striking, intimate portraits of models, friends or strangers, captured in rock ‘n’ roll high-contrast black and white. Mark’s lens is clearly drawn to characters and not just pretty faces; there is a dialog between camera and subject evident in his work, a story to be discovered. “I’m interested in people, shooting people, and fashion gave me a good outlet to do that. I’ve always been interested in fashion imagery, and yes, the clothes as well”. When asked if he has a preference towards shooting beauty or fashion, he is matter of fact; “It’s just about getting a great shot. In the end, the better image should prevail.”
Although Mark describes that fateful photography course as “Rubbish…
it was talking about photos and not actually taking photos most of the time”, his studies made a visible impact on his work. His tendency towards black and white, he says, “…comes from college, where we shot black and white because the film was cheaper. I do prefer black and white still. It’s sticking to your roots, really”.
His obsession with Polaroids, preference towards the “softer, raw look of film” over the pin-sharp fashion imagery of the digital age and his habit of accumulating vintage and toy cameras show a love for traditional media…but Mark isn’t one to be dragged down by nostalgia. On the subject of the Internet’s impact on fashion photography, he at once embraces the technology as a tool and rejects the idea that it will replace print media. “Tumblr is a much easier way to share work, and everyone has a camera these days so it’s a good way to get started. The Internet has changed things but I think the industry is still the same. There is still a need for print magazines, and the magazines with history will always be there. There needs to be something tactile.”
The fast-paced fashion world seems to suit the photographer well; “It’s tricky to pick a favorite shoot I’ve done…every time I shoot, that excites me, and I have a new favorite. And then it’s on to the next”. His favorite photographers include legends of the business: Nick Knight, Craig McDean, Brian Duffy (another photographer with a knack for portraits) and Mert & Marcus (who can “do no wrong” in Mark’s book).
Aside from his photographic heroes, Mark draws inspiration from “Films, old photographs…I look at art, but not as much as I should.” He cites Sin City(Rodriguez, 2005) as an inspirational film, (unsurprisingly, given Mark’s attraction to black and white and film noir-esque low-key lighting), but in general the photographer prefers to start with a mood rather than a specific reference. “When I show my mood-boards, I always say ‘its not for the lighting, its not for the makeup or the hair, its just for the feeling’”.
Mark’s parting words of wisdom are for aspiring fashion photographers: “Just don’t give up. It’s hard, especially in fashion, but you have to believe in your own work. Some people get a lucky break and others work for years with no recognition. Stick to your guns”.
For more on Mark Cant’s work, check out markcant.com
Written by Emma Freed
Filed under Interview
Julie Villanova Interview – 1883 Magazine
I interviewed makeup artist Julie Villanova for 1883 Magazine, read the full article here or on 1883 Digital.
Perfectionist, MAC-addict and cosmetics connoisseur, Julie Villanova is the talented makeup artist behind 1883’s ‘Fly With Me’ shoot. Julie knows the importance of both symmetry and spontaneity in makeup, and her refined touch lends itself well to a modern take on a 70’s look; daring but not gaudy, extravagant without being excessive. Makeup, for her, is all about balance, and the inspiration one can find in each decade of fashion. “Boldness is without a doubt what best describes the 70′s. We dared to incorporate polka dots, stripes, layers, glitter, bright and flashy colours…the 70′s are synonymous with the extreme and I think that a little flashback won’t hurt anyone!”
Julie has worked with photographer Valentina Frugiuele and hairdresser Cindy Leroux on occasions prior to this shoot, which created an “atmosphere as if we were with family…everyone had a pleasant work day”. Of the makeup for this shoot she said “I wanted to play around with an accentuated makeup for the eyes but also for the mouth. A flashy purple on the eyes and a mouth that goes from a prune colour to orange”. Continue reading
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Central Saint Martins BA Honours Fashion Show
I covered the Central Saint Martins BA Honours Fashion Show 2011 for 1883 Magazine, read the article below or on 1883′s blog.
Juhee Han 2011
The atmosphere at the 2011 Central Saint Martins BA Honours Show was at once nostalgic and eager, a fond look at the past and a bright perspective on the future of British fashion. The show opened with a newsreel-style minute and half long video montage showing stills from Saint Martin’s 1939 days and onward. As Bob Dylan’s “Changes” blasted through York Hall, stills from more recent catwalk shows and intimate workshop photos flashed across the screen like a yearbook in motion. The show already felt like a true commencement ceremony; a buzzing crowd, ready to watch young talent prove their worthiness to take the industry reigns. The audience, jam-packed with VIPs like Sarah Burton, fellow CSM students and London’s fashion -istas and istos, though not exempt from fashion clichés evident in the sea of iPhones, Marlboro lights and Moschino lettered belts, were a far cry from the steely faces of a Paris runway show’s front row. Each six to eight piece collection that came down the runway was met with enthusiastic applause and “whoop whoops!” of praise from the supportive crowd.
Lowell Delaney 2011
The collections themselves were as varied as the songs each designer picked for the catwalk; models styled like circus freaks, nuns and ghostly rabbits stomped down the runway to everything from techno to didgeridoo, from The Beatles to flamenco music. Each designer’s distinct aesthetic was highlighted by the speed at which each collection followed the next, but there were common themes among them. Gold and hardware were all over the catwalk, from the detailing on the Josh Bullen wag-inspired top Daisy Lowe modeled with matching gold pumps, to the armour chest piece in Kopi Akasaka’s menswear collection. Fringe and pleat detailing were equally prevalent motifs, in the form of accordion open-back crop tops by Holly Skousbo, technicolour fringed knits by Katie Jones and Ziv Gill Kazenstein’s menswear collection featuring pleated and fringed trousers. Monochrome, too, was a popular design element. Ayako Ohori’s models stood together at the end of the catwalk like a very chic box of futuristic crayons, Kim Traeger sent rabbit-eared models in head-to-toe white bandaging and knits and Toma Stenko styled deep blue textured dresses with blue full body stockings.
Kim Traeger 2011
The star students were Flaminia Saccucci, this year’s winner of the L’Oreal Professional Design Award and Nicholas Aburn, the runner-up. Saccucci’s winning womenswear collection was made up of feminine floral dresses contrasted with tyre-print latex leggings, giving prim and proper a harder, sexier edge in an unexpected way.
Flaminia Saccucci 2011
Of course, in any graduating class there are also the class clowns; second runner-up Momo Wong’s models came out in a whimsical parade of polka dots, pom poms and multicolour yarn fringe in a flurry of bubbles and helium balloons that held up one model’s plaits. Crimson Rose O’Shea’s collection was an explosion of texture and colour; models wore bright neon wigs, giant cellophane neck ruffs and tutu skirts like a troupe of demented clowns wearing the contents of a Party Warehouse.
Crimson Rose O’Shea 2011
Legendary fashion journalist Hilary Alexander praised the “creativity bursting off the catwalk” but also mentioned the “political relevance” of the student collections. One example is womenswear designer Andraya Farrag’s delicate yet haunting collection, which consisted of veils, chain mail trim and cage-like headpieces, reflecting the oppression of women and her personal internal religious struggle. “My mum’s from England and I was brought up here, and my dad’s from Egypt. She is Christian and he’s Muslim…so there has always been this struggle between them”. A struggle that is clear in the contrast of pure white veils, sheer lace dresses and hard metal masks. “This is maybe the only time in your career you get to do anything you want without it necessarily being wearable…people wanted to be more creative with this show”.
Andraya Farrag
Hilary Alexander closed the show noting that “This truly does signify the end of an era for Central Saint Martins”, as this was the last show before CSM’s move to King’s Cross. But every end is a new beginning, and this year’s honour students provided the perfect occasion to celebrate the transition.
WRITTEN BY EMMA FREED
PHOTOS BY CLAUDIA MORONI
1883 Interview with Ilona Platace
I interviewed model Ilona Platace for 1883 Magazine, check out the full interview and editorial on 1883 Digital!
Kristina Gisors 1883 Interview
I interviewed Paris-based stylist Kristina Gisors for 1883 Magazine, read the full article at 1883 Digital :)
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Fly With Me
1883 Magazine‘s editorial “Fly With Me” was shot by Valentina Frugiuele, who I interviewed for 1883 Digital. See the full editorial and full interview here.
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1883 Interview with Alec Strang
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Sophie Gittins 1883 Interview
The interview I did with shoe designer Sophie Gittins is now online at 1883 Digital. Read the full article here.
Elisabeth Bukanova Interview
Hey guys, check out the interview I did for 1883 Magazine with fashion illustrator Elisabeth Bukanova! Here on 1883 Digital.
Lime Crime Hearts D.I.P. !
I feel like such a fan girl right now but I was really excited to see that ModCloth‘s blog had linked to me in an interview of Lime Crime‘s Doe Deere! Its nice to know the maker of my favorite lipstick (here) apparently follows my blog :D
Read the full feature here.
Not Just an Accessory
Pamela Love’s work has been featured more than once on Drooling Isn’t Pretty, but this time it’s to drool over her rather than her cross rings. The jewelry designer, who according to The Cut “manufactures badassness”, is known for her dark, tribal and religion-inspired handmade pieces that have become a favorite among celebrities. Watch to hear about her inspirations, and more importantly, her beautiful gravely voice.
“I don’t feel like it’s just an accessory, I do think of what I do as something that does tell a story” -Pamela Love
Filed under Designer, Drool-Worthy, Fashion Film, Interview, Video
Very Mary-Kate Interview!
I am totally hooked on Elaine Carroll’s web series Very Mary-Kate, which parodies fashion icon Mary-Kate Olsen and her wealthy lifestyle. Carroll’s portrayal of MK is hilariously blonde; the faux-Olsen is whiney and perma-stoned, delivering lines like “I just want a tube baby while they’re still in style” with a straight face while abusing her body-guard and guzzling watermelon and Xanex purées.
(more about “Very Mary-Kate, Episode 1“, posted with vodpod)
Elaine Carroll honored Drooling Isn’t Pretty with an interview:
DIP: What inspired you to take on Mary-Kate Olsen as a comedic character?
EC: I did an impression of Mary-Kate about 2 years ago when I auditioned for SNL. It was a hit, so I just continued doing it. The more I performed it, the more it developed into a full blown character, and that’s when I got the idea to have a web series about her life.
Interview with a Blogger
The latest favorite addition to my blogroll is Uphyboi’s Everything…from A to Zebra Print Skinny Jeans. His blog features inspiring Lookbookers, celebrity eye candy and fashion poems…I was so stoked to see that someone else writes poems about fashion, I can feel like less of a freak after my Ode to a Cardigan! Check out this exclusive interview with the boy behind the clothes, Keenan Kreshawn.
How would you describe your style? -shy boy meets fierce girl.
What are some of your favorite designers? -I LOVE Chanel, Louis vuitton, The Row and anyone in thrift stores. :-)
Pick one; TopShop or H&M? -Top Shop!!!
What do you have to offer to the world of fashion blogging? -my radical point of views on the latest fashions, but also having fun at the same time. it’s all about the entertainment.
What inspires your outfits? -nature, bums on street corners, photography.
If you were an article of clothing, what would you be? -a pencil skirt
What are your fashion aspirations for the future? (Designer, stylist…?) -my dream is to be a celebrity stylist.
What kind of trends are big for you this fall? -lots of crazy boots and shoes, lots of jewelery, skinny jeans and beanies.
What are your thoughts on the “man purse”? -i hate them!!…i rather a wear a women’s chanel bag.
What’s your favorite fashion mashup term? Like jeggings, mantyhose, etc. -lenseless glasses.
If you had to be stuck on a desert island for a year and could only wear ONE OUTFIT what would it be? -rust colored skinny jeans, over-sized v-neck tee, grey (fitted) blazer. purple moccasins, bucket hat, lenseless glasses.
If you could have a “gift card for life” for ONE clothing store…what would it be? - Macy’s
Who is your biggest fashion icon? -Mary-Kate Olsen
Thank you Keenan!!! Be sure and check out his blog and his lookbook!!!
Filed under Interview
