SO VERY FIERCE

Oh, man - so I started my third and final year of my degree two weeks ago and already am I thoroughly immersed in corporate strategy models and branding textbooks, plus I have a cold.. hence the unexpected blogging hiatus. Even my mum has been concerned with my lack of blogging, so here you go, mum. This one is for you!

A few weeks ago (okay.. in August, eek) I visited the headquarters of fashion brand Very. It's situated in an the awe-inspiring space of an old aircraft hanger just outside of Liverpool. I was invited down along with Chyaz, Sarah & Amy for a fashion photography workshop, where we learned about the ins and outs of Very's photography studio - that should be studios, really, as there's a separate building for the model shots with three studios, plus the still life studio a little down the road. The studio we worked in was abuzz with stylists, models, and photographers, and we got the chance to try our hand at each of the job roles that day.

Beginning with creating "bibles" for the looks (that's styling up the pieces on the models then photographing them so you don't forget for after hair & make-up) to final edits, we went through the whole process as if we were photographing for the catalogue. The fabulous Chyaz (dying over that girl's beautiful hair) took my photos, and I must admit I'm rather pleased with them.. want one blown up for Christmas, mum? The other girls were beaut, too; you can tell we've had practise in front of the camera from blogging!

There's a behind-the-scenes video, and it's worth checking out the Very Definitions ad if you haven't seen it yet - it's produced by the same guys who make the Daft Punk videos, plus I love the song which is Fineshrine by Purity Ring.

I'm wearing:
Very Love Label & Definitions
Eyelash knitted jumperGrey maxi dressBlouson sequin dress

Still Life Interrupted: Elliott Landy

Today we have a special guest post from Mr Dotty - that is, my boyfriend Chris. For his first instalment he checks out the Emporio Armani/Elliott Landy exhibition...

He left the house and anxiously checked the time again. As usual, he was running late after a conundrum rendered him paralysed in his underwear.

What should he wear for this thing?

Now that he'd sorted that issue out, the next, and completely beyond his control; a dog, wet after bathing in the canal, operating like a punctured fire hydrant with brownish spurts flying into the chilly air, launching itself towards him. Were chinos ever a good call with waterways and dogs in the world?

Then he was at Emporio Armani and the Elliott Landy collection, the rest of the journey competely uneventful and thus unworthy of comment. An extremely friendly woman greeted him at the door, opened by two pleasant and smartly dressed chaps, and asked his name.

'I don't think I'm on the list,' he said, too quietly. Fortunately greeters are used to people less confident than themselves (because by definition EVERYONE is less confident than them - that's their job) and said 'I'm sure you are (winning smile)'. A quick indicative glance at the invite list -

'Chris Green'
'Yes, here you are.'
As if it were the most natural conversation in the world (which it was).

He walked around the gallery in a striped t-shirt, chinos and brown boots (don't worry, I know where I am) supping from a complimentary Peroni, marvelling at the photography on offer. If I get the chance to tell people about this, particularly a large audience, I'm going to recommend everyone come and see it, he thought to himself.


Janis Joplin
A man in a suit walked over and asked if they were his pictures. He played along and said they were, and an amusing moment ensued where he adopted the persona of another man for his audience and tried to mimic his behaviours based on what sort of guy he thought Elliott Landy was. They grinned and went their separate ways, the set piece (and alcohol) having settled his nerves somewhat.

He spent the next hour or so checking out the remarkable images on offer. He scribbled down a particular irony in Landy using infrared, a photographic technique perfected by the CIA for tracing heat residues, in capturing some of the central figures in western counterculture, like Dylan, Joplin and Hendrix. He loved the effect the technique had in reducing physical movement to etheral streaks and curved flashes oflight, creating impressions of sonic physicality and in some cases removing the creator from the act. There was something weirdly profound in that, he felt.

 
Ornette Coleman & son
As he stared at a picture of Bob Dylan surrounded by warm hazy pink blossom, he realised how influential Landy had been in creating this artwork. It was as though as Landy were umbilically attached to the Summer of Love and now its ideas and philosophies were his lfeblood. He couldn't imagine the era of these legends being captured in any other way and that, surely, was the mark of genius that only a few possessed. 

Mostly, however, he noticed he was really prone to monologues. He put it down to the influence of weblog culture.

 
John Lee Hooker
Elliott Lady's collection is available to view at Emporio Armani, Spinningfields until Monday 7th May. These JPEGs will be disappearing then so view the exhibition while you can!

2022NQ

Manchester's Northern Quarter is a hub of art and creativity, so it was no surprise when new gallery 2022NQ opened last week. The concept of the gallery is a little different to normal, however; the space is to be used for club nights, creative socials, and film screenings - plus Manchester Fashion Network will be using it for their annual recruitment fair (graduates and students, take note - speak to employers about junior positions and get feedback on your portfolio). You can even hire it out for events at the weekend, or simply treat it as a regular gallery and pop in for the exhibitions.

Saturday night was the first of the monthly guest DJ nights, with Horse Meat Disco. There's currently an exhibition on by fashion photographer Matthew Comer, which I was planning to see anyway, but was expecting to be shoved into a neighbouring room for the clubnight; fortuitously it was in the same space as the photographs, and taking a turn around the room to view the artwork was the perfect foil to the rest of the evening's debauchery.

Another pleasant surprise was the crowd. Extremely good-looking and fashionable, there didn't seem to be a drop of pretension, a problem many other Manchester venues are affected by. In fact, 2022NQ suffered only minor niggles caused by the venue being full to capacity, such as toilet queues and an overburdened cloakroom. I'm sure these will be ironed out quickly and the venue will excel in its various endeavours. 

2022NQ is always open and is at 20 Dale Street, Manchester.