Chihuahua

Amelia’s Magazine | London Fashion Week A/W 2010 Catwalk Review: Bora Aksu

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Bora Aksu by Gemma Milly
Bora Aksu kangaroo pouch dress by Gemma Milly

This season I think it’s fair to say that there have been a few rather more overenthusiastic security staff at London Fashion Week than I have encountered in previous years. Bora Aksu was my first show in the main BFC tent in the courtyard at Somerset House on Friday, check and I got stopped and pulled back (after I had already been waved through by the PR) by one particularly bulky man surely more used to patrolling the less salubrious nightclubs of the east end. My crime? Holding two tickets instead of one. But only one with a special little star on it. I think the poor man may not have had too many braincells, cost because last time I checked I was not a conjoined twin.

Bora Aksu by Gemma Milly
Bora Aksu by Gemma Milly

Once inside the large black-lined tent with a lit up runway I was forced to stand in the stairwell, sales crushed against the barricade as people continued to squeeze past me. I had always predicted that this would be the hot ticket of the day; I’ve loved up good old Bora Aksu in Amelia’s Magazine for a long time. Ah, how I do love to be proved right.

Bora Aksu by Gemma Milly
Bora Aksu by Gemma Milly

There was nothing overtly flashy about the staging of this show but the whole collection was spectacularly strong, every outfit consistently gorgeous and clever. Bodycon tight tailoring was offset against diaphanous protrusions and alien-esque circuitry stitched details in a subtle colour range of peach, lilac and greys. For the more obvious evening wear options there were black lame versions towards the end; everything worn with shredded leggings, a stylistic touch that was popular in many shows I saw. Bulbous tulip shaped skirts called to mind the early series of Blackadder (yes, I admit that my cultural references are somewhat warped) and my personal favourite featured a kangaroo-esque pouched front, possibly large enough to carry a chihuahua in, if you’re that way inclined. (Disclaimer: I think I may have been subconsciously influenced by this incredibly cute sight at another show. I am coming around to the idea of dogs that look like gremlins. So long as they don’t make a noise.) Oh Bora, you did not disappoint.

Noodles the chihuahua, travelling around in a pouch.
Noodles the chihuahua, travelling around in a pouch.

Written by Amelia Gregory on Wednesday February 24th, 2010 2:02 pm

Categories ,aliens, ,Bora Aksu, ,catwalk, ,Chihuahua, ,Drapery, ,Lame, ,Leggings, ,London Fashion Week, ,Somerset House, ,Tulip skirts

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Amelia’s Magazine | Introducing AOFM: the Academy of Freelance Make Up

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AOFM by YesGo!
AOFM by YesGo!

AOFM or the Academy of Freelance Make Up (artists) is the brainchild of New Zealander Jana Ririnui and Englishman Jason Mallet, discount who met, viagra like, mere months before they started up in business together – Jason bringing the business nous and Jana the creative spark. I’ve already had a chance to peruse their gorgeous coffee table book Make Up is Art at the Forward PR press day, and last week I had a chance to actually take a look around their Soho studios and learn a bit more about what AOFM does.

AOFM-Jana and Jason
AOFM’s Jana and Jason. All photography by Amelia Gregory.

Gathered in one of their airy studios on Dean Street the pair explained to us how they give students the opportunity to work in a real fashion environment backstage at Vauxhall Fashion Scout at LFW. AOFM was set up because Jana was frustrated that fellow make up artists weren’t being trained in the realities of working in the fast paced and often brutal fashion world, so it’s a place where not only do you get a brilliant make up artist training but also real hands on experience of working in the industry.

AOFM Jana and Jason by Jenny Robins
Jana and Jason with their chihuahuas. By Jenny Robins.

AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory
AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory

Despite having been going for under five years AOFM has already garnered huge acclaim and is all set to open up their New York wing this May. In that time Jana’s students have done everything “from X Factor to Italian Vogue” so they are highly rated in the industry, and Lauren Amps (who did my make up again) won make up artist of the year only two years after she left the college.

AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory
AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory Lauren Amps
AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory Lauren Amps
Lauren Amps at work. Yes, there is make up in those drawers, there’s a reason why she’s on the floor!

Students are given a realistic view of what to expect if they work in the industry, which Jana says weeds a great deal of them out straight away because they simply aren’t willing to put the hard graft in to get where they want. There is a generation coming up now who expect things to fall into their lap, something I have noticed as well… the me me me middle class generation who’ve never experienced any hardships and are somewhat flummoxed by the cruel workings of the real world. Some students arrive with false expectations of what AOFM can do for them, but if they can’t “do a good smokey eye and a red lip” then they won’t be recommended for shows. I do love a strong look and the classic smokey eyes and red lips are clearly a crucial basis for many other looks.

AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory bespoke make up brush set
AOFM bespoke make up brush set.

AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory Make Up is Art
The AOFM bible: Make Up is Art. An inspiring collection of ideas intended for both professionals and beginners.

According to AOFM it usually takes about five years to get an agent, something which can be much quicker depending on a make up artist’s financial position. The sad truth is that like so many jobs it really does depend on whether you are secure, and in the case of make up artists it sounds like lots of people have hubbies who are willing to support them whilst they test and build up their portfolios.

AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory
Another AOFM make up artist with a fabulous tattoo.

AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory

After our chat Jana and Jason lead us to their stunning top floor where we were able to enjoy the new pot plants on the balcony far above the bustle of Soho, whilst nibbling on tasty goodies and having our make up done professionally (though a bad idea at the same time, as I discovered) as their two delightful chihuahuas Lily and Lula raced around our feet in an attempt to feed off the canape scraps. Although Jana is keen to add to the chihuahua pack it doesn’t sound like this will be happening any time soon, what with the new concession opening in New York and exciting plans for an even bigger project which I am absolutely not allowed to mention. Watch this space folks…

AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory chihuahua
AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory chihuahua
AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory chihuahua
AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory chihuahua
CHIHUAHUAS!

Written by Amelia Gregory on Wednesday April 27th, 2011 6:55 am

Categories ,AOFM, ,Chihuahua, ,Dean Street, ,Forward PR, ,Jana Ririnui, ,Jason Mallet, ,Jenny Robins, ,Lauren, ,Lauren Amps, ,Make Up is Art, ,new york, ,Soho, ,Studios, ,Vauxhall Fashion Scout, ,vogue, ,X Factor, ,YesGo!

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Amelia’s Magazine | Introducing AOFM: the Academy of Freelance Make Up

by

AOFM by YesGo!
AOFM by YesGo!

AOFM or the Academy of Freelance Make Up (artists) is the brainchild of New Zealander Jana Ririnui and Englishman Jason Mallet, who met, like, mere months before they started up in business together – Jason bringing the business nous and Jana the creative spark. I’ve already had a chance to peruse their gorgeous coffee table book Make Up is Art at the Forward PR press day, and last week I had a chance to actually take a look around their Soho studios and learn a bit more about what AOFM does.

AOFM-Jana and Jason
AOFM’s Jana and Jason. All photography by Amelia Gregory.

Gathered in one of their airy studios on Dean Street the pair explained to us how they give students the opportunity to work in a real fashion environment backstage at Vauxhall Fashion Scout at LFW. AOFM was set up because Jana was frustrated that fellow make up artists weren’t being trained in the realities of working in the fast paced and often brutal fashion world, so it’s a place where not only do you get a brilliant make up artist training but also real hands on experience of working in the industry.

AOFM Jana and Jason by Jenny Robins
Jana and Jason with their chihuahuas. By Jenny Robins.

AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory
AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory

Despite having been going for under five years AOFM has already garnered huge acclaim and is all set to open up their New York wing this May. In that time Jana’s students have done everything “from X Factor to Italian Vogue” so they are highly rated in the industry, and Lauren Amps (who did my make up again) won make up artist of the year only two years after she left the college.

AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory
AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory Lauren Amps
AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory Lauren Amps
Lauren Amps at work. Yes, there is make up in those drawers, there’s a reason why she’s on the floor!

Students are given a realistic view of what to expect if they work in the industry, which Jana says weeds a great deal of them out straight away because they simply aren’t willing to put the hard graft in to get where they want. There is a generation coming up now who expect things to fall into their lap, something I have noticed as well… the me me me middle class generation who’ve never experienced any hardships and are somewhat flummoxed by the cruel workings of the real world. Some students arrive with false expectations of what AOFM can do for them, but if they can’t “do a good smokey eye and a red lip” then they won’t be recommended for shows. I do love a strong look and the classic smokey eyes and red lips are clearly a crucial basis for many other looks.

AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory bespoke make up brush set
AOFM bespoke make up brush set.

AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory Make Up is Art
The AOFM bible: Make Up is Art. An inspiring collection of ideas intended for both professionals and beginners.

According to AOFM it usually takes about five years to get an agent, something which can be much quicker depending on a make up artist’s financial position. The sad truth is that like so many jobs it really does depend on whether you are secure, and in the case of make up artists it sounds like lots of people have hubbies who are willing to support them whilst they test and build up their portfolios.

AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory
Another AOFM make up artist with a fabulous tattoo.

AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory

After our chat Jana and Jason lead us to their stunning top floor where we were able to enjoy the new pot plants on the balcony far above the bustle of Soho, whilst nibbling on tasty goodies and having our make up done professionally (though a bad idea at the same time, as I discovered) as their two delightful chihuahuas Lily and Lula raced around our feet in an attempt to feed off the canape scraps. Although Jana is keen to add to the chihuahua pack it doesn’t sound like this will be happening any time soon, what with the new concession opening in New York and exciting plans for an even bigger project which I am absolutely not allowed to mention. Watch this space folks…

AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory chihuahua
AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory chihuahua
AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory chihuahua
AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory chihuahua
CHIHUAHUAS!

Written by Amelia Gregory on Wednesday April 27th, 2011 6:55 am

Categories ,AOFM, ,Chihuahua, ,Dean Street, ,Forward PR, ,Jana Ririnui, ,Jason Mallet, ,Jenny Robins, ,Lauren, ,Lauren Amps, ,Make Up is Art, ,new york, ,Soho, ,Studios, ,Vauxhall Fashion Scout, ,vogue, ,X Factor, ,YesGo!

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Amelia’s Magazine | Middlesex University: Ba Hons Illustration Graduate Show 2011 Review

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Middlesex illustration graduate show 2011-Emma Block garden
Illustration by Emma Block.

I had a quick scout through the Middlesex University Illustration degree show and discovered a few wonderful illustrators, viagra approved two of whom will be well known to Amelia’s Magazine readers…

Middlesex illustration graduate show 2011-Emma Block shelfMiddlesex illustration graduate show 2011-Emma Block etchingsMiddlesex illustration graduate show 2011-Emma Block etchingsMiddlesex illustration graduate show 2011-Emma Block teacups

Emma Block showed off her wonderful collaged and delicately painted designs in muted colours, but sadly there were none of her fabulous brightly coloured fashion illustrations in evidence, many of which you will have seen on these pages and which appear in Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration. By all accounts this was a case of fashion illustration being considered a lesser art by tutors, something which drives me to utter distraction. Why should this be so? Good fashion illustration is like any other kind of illustration – it should tell a story and create a forceful, inspiring or intriguing narrative which makes the onlooker want to know more. Plus it should be beautiful to look at to boot. Why is this different to other types of illustration? Grrrrrrrrrrrrr *wrings hands in despair*…..

Middlesex illustration graduate show 2011-Claire Francis
Collaging is a technique much favoured by some of the other Middlesex illustrators. Fortunately it’s a style which I like a lot, possibly because it’s similar to the way that I have worked over the years, Sara Fanelli having been a big early inspiration for me. Claire Francis (above) does lovely autumnal coloured illustrations that feature squirrels in the woods.

Middlesex illustration graduate show 2011-Samantha GriffithsMiddlesex illustration graduate show 2011-Samantha Griffiths
Samantha Griffiths (above) has a similar collaged style which looks somewhat 70s in her choice of colours. Cute animals and sweet scenarios.

But girls, where are your websites? I’m not getting much when I plug in the addresses you have given on your business cards. Blimey. *rolls eyes*

Middlesex illustration graduate show 2011 Gemma Travis
On a different kind of tip Gemma Travis is somewhat obsessed with chihuahuas and she had created some fun images which made me giggle.

Carousel by Stacie Swift
Carousel illustration by Stacie Swift.

It was also contributor Stacie Swift‘s degree show but for some reason I missed her display. Apologies Stacie, I was racing through in quite a hurry and didn’t know to look for you. Instead I shall leave you with one of Stacie’s colourful images (below) for Amelia’s Magazine, created for a review of Flesh and Blood & Fish and Fowl.

Flesh-and-Blood-by-Stacie-Swift

See more of Emma Block’s lovely illustrations for Amelia’s Magazine and find her in Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration, available online here. For those of you who would like to learn more about the importance of a good internet presence for creatives why not come along to my ACOFI Book Tour talk this Tuesday 7th June at Tatty Devine, Brick Lane, facebook event here.

Written by Amelia Gregory on Sunday June 5th, 2011 6:03 pm

Categories ,ACOFI, ,ACOFI Book Tour, ,Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration, ,Chihuahua, ,Claire Francis, ,Collaged, ,Emma Block, ,Fashion Illustration, ,Free Range, ,Free Range Art and Design Show, ,Gemma Travis, ,Graduate Shows, ,illustration, ,middlesex university, ,Samantha Griffiths, ,Sara Fanelli, ,Stacie Swift

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Amelia’s Magazine | Middlesex University: Ba Hons Illustration Graduate Show 2011 Review

by

Middlesex illustration graduate show 2011-Emma Block garden
Illustration by Emma Block.

I had a quick scout through the Middlesex University Illustration degree show and discovered a few wonderful illustrators, viagra approved two of whom will be well known to Amelia’s Magazine readers…

Middlesex illustration graduate show 2011-Emma Block shelfMiddlesex illustration graduate show 2011-Emma Block etchingsMiddlesex illustration graduate show 2011-Emma Block etchingsMiddlesex illustration graduate show 2011-Emma Block teacups

Emma Block showed off her wonderful collaged and delicately painted designs in muted colours, but sadly there were none of her fabulous brightly coloured fashion illustrations in evidence, many of which you will have seen on these pages and which appear in Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration. By all accounts this was a case of fashion illustration being considered a lesser art by tutors, something which drives me to utter distraction. Why should this be so? Good fashion illustration is like any other kind of illustration – it should tell a story and create a forceful, inspiring or intriguing narrative which makes the onlooker want to know more. Plus it should be beautiful to look at to boot. Why is this different to other types of illustration? Grrrrrrrrrrrrr *wrings hands in despair*…..

Middlesex illustration graduate show 2011-Claire Francis
Collaging is a technique much favoured by some of the other Middlesex illustrators. Fortunately it’s a style which I like a lot, possibly because it’s similar to the way that I have worked over the years, Sara Fanelli having been a big early inspiration for me. Claire Francis (above) does lovely autumnal coloured illustrations that feature squirrels in the woods.

Middlesex illustration graduate show 2011-Samantha GriffithsMiddlesex illustration graduate show 2011-Samantha Griffiths
Samantha Griffiths (above) has a similar collaged style which looks somewhat 70s in her choice of colours. Cute animals and sweet scenarios.

But girls, where are your websites? I’m not getting much when I plug in the addresses you have given on your business cards. Blimey. *rolls eyes*

Middlesex illustration graduate show 2011 Gemma Travis
On a different kind of tip Gemma Travis is somewhat obsessed with chihuahuas and she had created some fun images which made me giggle.

Carousel by Stacie Swift
Carousel illustration by Stacie Swift.

It was also contributor Stacie Swift‘s degree show but for some reason I missed her display. Apologies Stacie, I was racing through in quite a hurry and didn’t know to look for you. Instead I shall leave you with one of Stacie’s colourful images (below) for Amelia’s Magazine, created for a review of Flesh and Blood & Fish and Fowl.

Flesh-and-Blood-by-Stacie-Swift

See more of Emma Block’s lovely illustrations for Amelia’s Magazine and find her in Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration, available online here. For those of you who would like to learn more about the importance of a good internet presence for creatives why not come along to my ACOFI Book Tour talk this Tuesday 7th June at Tatty Devine, Brick Lane, facebook event here.

Written by Amelia Gregory on Sunday June 5th, 2011 6:03 pm

Categories ,ACOFI, ,ACOFI Book Tour, ,Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration, ,Chihuahua, ,Claire Francis, ,Collaged, ,Emma Block, ,Fashion Illustration, ,Free Range, ,Free Range Art and Design Show, ,Gemma Travis, ,Graduate Shows, ,illustration, ,middlesex university, ,Samantha Griffiths, ,Sara Fanelli, ,Stacie Swift

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Amelia’s Magazine | Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration launch party illustrations: meet Andrea Peterson

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ACOFI Lily Vanilli cake by Andrea Peterson
ACOFI Lily Vanilli cake by Andrea Peterson.

Over the past few days a steady trickle of fabulous illustrations from the ACOFI launch night party (read my review here) have been flooding into my inbox… and I’ve been wondering how best to put them all together. In the absence of a better plan I have decided to plow through them alphabetically… So without further ado I present to you the wonderful artwork of Andrea Peterson, pharmacy prescription also known as Artist Andrea, seek also responsible for the cover art of ACOFI. She travelled all the way from Arizona to be with us on the launch day and I think that everyone was absolutely awed by her ability to create beautiful images from just a few dabs of watercolour, live, in front of a huge crowd.

You’ve already seen this image of Jessica Bumpus from Vogue but why not show it again? I think it’s absolutely beautiful… and I love the way that Andrea has made her a Vogue cover star. Bring back illustrated covers indeed! So elegant and glamourous. You can read Jessica’s wonderful blog about the event on the Vogue Green Style Blog here. Thankyou so much Jessica!

Jessica Bumpus of Vogue by Andrea Peterson
Jessica Bumpus of Vogue by Andrea Peterson.

The lovely Alexandra Haddow very kindly provided us with Pukka teas and helped out all afternoon: she is rather fittingly illustrated with tea cup in hand. She also managed to do a lovely write up of the event on LDNfashion online, and we hope she will be joining our little fashion team soon as well.

Alexandra Haddow of Pukka Teas by Andrea Peterson
Alexandra Haddow of Pukka Teas by Andrea Peterson.

Then there’s Lupe Castro: fashion stylist and freelance writer. I love her colourful vintage Pucci outfit.

Lupe Castro by Andrea Peterson
Lupe Castro by Andrea Peterson.

Francesca from Forward PR looks so demurely wonderful holding her copy of ACOFI, which she did so well in selling on the night. I loved her energy, so positive. What a lovely girl.

Francesca of Forward PR by Andrea Peterson.
Francesca of Forward PR by Andrea Peterson.

Here’s Nyla of Ethical Heaven – she writes a blog about sustainable style and beauty, and you can read her fab write up of the launch party here.

Nyla of Ethical Heaven by Andrea Peterson
Nyla of Ethical Heaven by Andrea Peterson.

And lastly here again is a reprise of The Pipettes: who unsurprisingly inspired more than a few illustrators to get their pens and paint brushes out. Ani Saunders is herself a very talented illustrator, and she has her own blog called The Lovely Wars, where she has written about the book, complete with her own unique rendition of Andrea’s cover. Take a gander here.

The Pipettes by Andrea Peterson
The Pipettes by Andrea Peterson.

Thankyou Andrea so much for coming to visit us in the UK and showcasing your incredible talent live! I look forward to working with you for many moons to come. You can follow Andrea on twitter on @ArtistAndrea and don’t forget you can buy Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration here, with a special 10% if you use the discount code ACOFI LAUNCH up until the 28th February 2011. Lastly, here’s my interview with Andrea on youtube, accompanied by rescue chihuahua Frida (I had to heavily edit out all the bits where I was cooing over the chihuahua). Enjoy!

YouTube Preview Image

Written by Amelia Gregory on Thursday February 3rd, 2011 11:52 am

Categories ,123 Bethnal Green Road, ,ACOFI, ,Alexandra Haddow, ,Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration, ,Ani Saunders, ,Artist Andrea, ,Bunker Cafe, ,Chihuahua, ,Ethical Heaven, ,Forward PR, ,Francesca, ,Frida, ,Green Style Blog, ,Jessica Bumpus, ,Lily Vanilli, ,Lupe Castro, ,Nyla, ,Pucci, ,Pukka Teas, ,The Lovely Wars, ,The Pipettes, ,vogue

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