Leeds RAG Fashion Show 2012 Review

WildChildMedia arrived at the Refectory within Leeds University Union to receive a warm welcome from the RAG committee members who gave us a guided tour of the venue. Whilst taking a look around, we saw models conducting their final pre-show rehearsal. Watching this sneak preview of amazing choreography and incredible acts, including talented vocalists and free runners, had us excitedly anticipating what was in store for the show ahead.

A short while later, guests began to arrive; a compilation of nascent fashionistas, creative arts students, models, designers and photographers, all dressed to the nines and eagerly waiting for the show to commence.

The show began right on time, 9.00pm, when lights dimmed and the crowd cheered in anticipation. The host then gave a brief health and safety warning, mentioning the use of strobe lighting and acrobatic performances on and off the stage. Upon hearing this warning, which is a rare occurrence at fashion shows, we knew we were in for a spectacular event.

The bass of the music kicked off the event, followed by multi-coloured strobe lighting and images of abstract art on the screen. The show went off with a bang as free runners then ran across the stage with acrobatic finesse, which followed by the first of the 4 elemental themes, Ice.

Models strutted onto stage behind a fog of mist and backing ballet dancers. The theme heavily showcased white lace and intricate detailing upon pieces such as evening gowns and tailored blazers. The choreography was also stunning to view, as it incorporated both dancers and models in harmony with one another.

The second theme, Wind, had more upbeat music, which the models were choreographed to follow by walking along with the pace of the music – slow and controlled, followed by strutting and vice versa. Also, the outfits worn incorporated a ‘wind’ inspired colour palette, with the inclusion of creams, whites and blues and plenty of sheer panelling.

Following on was Air, I particularly liked this set as it was very fun with models strutting along to the sound of David Guetta’s “Little Bad Girl” in outfits depicting bright colour blocking and floral prints. It was reminiscent of a beach party, with projections of a party and scenic views of the beach on screen.

Soon after, dancers wearing hot pants, and cropped tops following the colour-blocking trend, were dancing throughout the stage, creating a fun party like atmosphere. The models fought to get the limelight by playing up cheekily towards the audience, blowing kisses and scrunching up their hair before posing and running off back stage yet again.

The next theme, Water, particularly stood out as the 4 lead models walked along the runway moving fluidly in ball gowns that were in a range of blue tonal shades, reminiscent of ocean waves. In addition, a rapper also spit a few bars over the beat of the music during the mid-section, which was extremely entertaining. This followed on by the male models walking on to stage wearing open-front Puffa jackets and shorts, finishing off with a little playfulness towards the audience at the end of the runway.

Finishing off this theme with great impact was an extremely talented violinist, dressed in a gorgeous blue sequined shift dress with blue knee high boots and a statement diamante cuff, she amazed the audience as she played along to the sound of the backing track with real fervour.

Storm was next in the running order; this theme was amazing with its high-fashion grungy edge and avant-garde gothic undertones. The outfits within this collection, where amongst our favourite of the entire night; there was a heavy feature on leather jackets, studded detailing, and all saints-esque body chains, as well as statement pieces from renowned designers such as, Alexander McQueen. The models even wore zombie contact lenses to look like the undead.

The models danced like broken down dolls, as well as strutting with attitude and showing off their big hair that was back-combed to perfection by hair stylist, by Oliver James Hair. As well as their make-up, Pamela Clare and her exceptional team of MUAs created a look that incorporated heavily blacked-out eyes and trails of smeared eye liner that followed along the bottom lash line, accompanied by a strong statement black lip colour. This theme was extremely interesting as it captured an essence of the “Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll” lifestyle.

During the interval we mingled with the models and performers, and even got a cheeky snap of the extremely talented violinist who was undoubtedly one of our favourite acts from the first half of the show.

The second section of the show started off on a charitable note, with the directors Natalie Walker and Rachel McLean introducing the spokeswoman for People in Action charity, who spoke to the attendants and asked for their generosity in helping to raise funds for the good cause.

Theme Forest then began with ballet dancers taking centre stage, followed by the models that were dressed in nature inspired attire, featuring rural prints and structured architectural masterpieces that were made to look like intertwined twigs and branches. There was a compilation of earthy tonal shades, including a range of; purples, browns, greens and creams being heavily featured. Also featured were statement pieces, including jewellery, statement collars and hairpieces with synthetic flower detailing. The models within this collection, engaged with the audience even further by walking around the sides of the stage, mingling with us guests within the VIP section particularly.

This theme then gave way to Earth, which started with an amazing performance to a cover of Florence and the Machine’s “You’ve got the love”. The dancers were dressed in a uniform of white shirts, dickie

Rock was the next theme, which was yet another of our particular favourite collections. Models wore a compilation of edgy rock inspired outfits whilst following the pace of the music as they strutted along the runway in outfits such as stunning leather fringed maxi dresses with sheer panelling, puff ball skirts, fringed jackets, native American prints, and statement pieces including fur collar necklaces. Furthermore, the male models followed the lead of their female counterparts, looking extremely immaculate in black tuxedos. One of the outfits we loved was the Flamenco dress, which was worn with Hunter wellington boots; it was very stylish with a nod towards culture fusion in modern fashion styling.

The music played was classic rock music that had models dancing across the runway and engaging with the audience. There was also a section, which depicted dancers acting like dolls and puppets, in relation to them following the instructions of the song playing. This was extremely interesting to watch.

The next theme, Smoke, gained a huge applause from the audience as it was sophisticatedly sexy. The models strutted their stuff to a remix of Vogue’s latest cover girl, Lana Del Ray’s “Video Games”, female models wore white lace lingerie and nightwear, including; sheer dressing gowns, bustiers and stockings. Alongside the male models that showed off their amazing physiques in boxer shorts, all of which were from some of the hottest fashion labels.

Fire was the last theme, which kicked off in style with a topless male drummer playing along to the beat of the song, followed on by models wearing differing shades of red, including; sequined evening gowns, gold belts and detailed gold embroidered blazers. It was extremely empowering in terms of choreography and the choice of music.

The finale for Leeds Rag Fashion Show was fabulous, as female vocalist Tash Keville owned centre stage in black leggings, a black bralet worn with statement red wedges and a classic red lip, dancing and singing across the runway whilst everyone in the audience had eyes on her, watching the amazing performance.

All of the models then followed through with their final walk for the finale upon the runway, then engaging further with the audience by standing across the bottom on the runway for a round of applause, confetti even fell from the ceiling and was followed by extremely loud cheers and rounds of applause from the audience to celebrate the success of the show. It was a brilliant end to an absolutely flawless show. It’s entertainment value was reminiscent of Clothes Show Live in terms of performance, it’s military precision and organising allowed it to be a spectacular show which easily rivalled some of the most established fashion shows within the whole of the UK.

Tash Keville lead on to giving special thanks to all of the cast members and the RAG fashion committee itself before all key members came back on stage, receiving a huge round of applause from the audience. The shows directors Natalie Walker and Rachel McQueen gave special thanks to the audience first and foremost for supporting the cause, their sponsors and also the support teams, including photographers, MUAs and hairstylists.

The RAG committee had initial aims of raising the bar of the Fashion Show even further this year, hoping to make it one of the most prestigious charity fashion shows in the UK. They put great effort into making the show bigger and bolder, enabling them to gain highly esteemed sponsors, designers and supporters. The event gained support from its title sponsor; KPMG, and further support from Harvey Nichols, Enterprise Rent A Car, Apple and Gold Leaf.

Many of the pieces worn within the show were from famous brands, including Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabanna and Armani, amongst many others, which were kindly, donated by sponsor Harvey Nichols.

The RAG Fashion show, which was previously the winner of Leeds University Union’s Best Show/Event Riley Award, played host to a combination of high fashion, glamour, and prestige that kept attending fashionistas enthralled whilst viewing the spectacular performances throughout the evening. Furthermore, the show was extremely successful with its aims of raising £10,000 in funds for its supporting charities, Trekstock and People In Action.

At the shows closure, attending fashionistas made their way to the after party, which was held at Mezz nightclub. With a follow-up invitation to the Harvey Nichols After Party in the Leeds store for discounts on fashion and all beauty and cosmetics, free drinks, goodie bags and Sony gaming on February 28th between 6-9pm.

http://www.wildchildmedia.co.uk/2012/02/leeds-rag-fashion-show-2012/

Mannequin Fashion Show – Alea Casino

As WildChildMedia arrived at the Mannequin event in Alea Casino, the hostess greeted us and kindly offered us a complimentary glass of champagne along with a goodie bag and a cupcake, as we were amongst the first 50 guests to arrive.

After mingling with the other eager fashionistas whilst sipping our champagne, we ventured towards some of the stalls which included exquisite fashion accessories, handmade jewellery and also a pampering suite, sponsored by Perfection and then the Ring, where guests were able to receive a complimentary pampering treatment.

After all the guests had arrived and taken their seats within the main suite the show commenced.

Fashion Pony initiated the event with their spectacular range of outfits that heavily followed the monochrome trend. They began their range with lead models Bekah Amiri and Steph Paton, taking the stage and striking a pose before strutting their stuff to the sound of Fontella Bass’ “Rescue Me”.


Two of my personal favourite items showcased by Fashion Pony were the first outfits that were worn by Amiri and Paton, a black maxi dress with cut out detailing, accessorised with a statement feather collar and black shoe boot wedge heels. Alongside an off-white satin dress that was beautifully simple yet conveying understated sex appeal, with its lunging back and the models staggeringly high cream stilettos.

Throughout the nights events there were three vocal artists, the first being Ursula who sang a cover of Bon Iver’s “Skinny Love”. The second was rapper Logistic who performed alongside the Pastiche dancers. He sported an urban influenced outfit in an NYC cap, snood scarf, statement watch, low rise jeans and Converse, easily being in line with the likes of main stream rapper Drake in terms of his dress sense and lyrical content. Towards the end of the night the final artist, Kimberly, sang a cover of Christina Perri’s “Jar of Hearts” with great conviction.

Designers featured within the show were; Fashion Pony, Slaters Menswear, Ages of Elegance, Kissed Wrist, Rebekah Murphy, Rabbits Attic, Katy Priortyk, Alecool, and also High Voltage Kicks.

The talented Pastiche dancers performed to Beyonce’s “Dance for me” with choreography by Victoria Eames, as well as “Telephone” by Lady Gaga, which was choreographed by Jonny Grundy and Gosia.

The shows atmosphere later transformed into that of Rio de Janeiro with dancers dressed in carnival inspired outfits celebrating the success of the show with confetti shooters to the sound of “Samba de Janiro”. Everyone got into the carnival spirit before cast members came back onto the stage for the finale.

Taking a bow at the end of the runway were key cast members such as, BHP hairdressing, the shows hair sponsor as well as Sarah and Victoria of the Mannequin Team.

Once the event had concluded all attending fashionistas then headed along to the after-party which was held at one of Leeds’ most exclusive Night Clubs, Bed.

Interview for BA (Hons) Fashion Journalism (Print, Broadcast) at London College of Fashion

20th February 2012

The pinnacle moment of my life so far, the Interview for BA (Hons) Fashion Journalism (Print, Broadcast) at London College of Fashion.

The Journey To Our Beloved Fashion Capital:
I began this day with a ridiculously long journey. However, despite the lack of comfort during my travel, I gained a new found determination that is only acquired when you truly want something in life.

I put all of my worries, insecurities and doubt to a side because I simply did not have the time for it. Instead, I kept my mind state positive - assuring I was focused and prepared for what was ahead of me.

If at all possible, I was perhaps overly prepared as I was obsessively checking through my portfolio of work, and my written notes that included answers to any possible questions that I could have been given during the assessment session or the interview. As well as this, I was googling for interview advice and stalking the Vogue News iPhone App for any updates, just incase a question came up.

Essentially, I was a woman on a mission, with guns blazing and raring to go!

Arrival At Victoria Station:
With the lack of sleep beginning to surface upon my arrival at Victoria Station, I rallied to the nearest store and purchased a large can of Redbull to give me a surge of energy I would undoubtedly need throughout the day.

When leaving the station I firstly decided to further boost my energy levels with a much needed Starbucks Chai Latte, and to indulge myself with an accompanying Cinnamon Swirl.

After satisfying my little hunger pan, I strutted along to the Victoria Tube Station, where I boarded the Hammersmith & City Line to Shephards Bush Market.

The Detour:
Arriving in due time, I went along to the P.A.M Make-Up store with my sister Neelam, a beauty obsessed M.A.C Make-Up Artist that almost made me late for my interview because she was fannying around looking at *quote* The Make-Up Kim Kardashian wore on her wedding day *end quote*

Arriving At My Destination: London College of Fashion (Lime Grove):
After hurryingly rushing her out of the store, only to almost get lost due to my silly iPhone GPRS mishaps, I finally arrived at my destination with less than 10 minutes to spare before the assessment session was due to start. ...Phew!

Emotional Overdrive:
This was where the nerves really sank in, as well as an array of mixed emotions that practially had me on the verge of tears. But not bad tears, these were the kind of tears that you get when you're so overwhelmed with the fact of actually making it to the place you've wanted to be since your role model of a big sister attended when you were in primary school. Yes, those kind of tears. Rather intense as you can imagine.

And just when you thought that could be enough emotion for your body to cope with within one day of your existence, the course leader comes and announces that Fashion Journalism students are to follow her upstairs to undergo their assessment session. ...I almost peed my pants, but can you blame me!?

So, my sister then left to go and wonder the streets of London for some retail therapy (At the point where I wrote this she was wandering around Covent Garden mainly), and I took to the stairs along with the rest of the students awaiting their fate. It was without a shadow of a doubt the longest walk I've ever had ...Obviously not in real time, but you know what I mean!

The Assessment:
Once I arrived in the assessment room, I was greeted with a smile by the staff members and followed the queue of students to the front of the room where we were seated in an orderly fashion.

When everyone was placed, the silence became deafening just before being broken by the course leader. She gave a brief talk about the assessment procedure before the assessment sheets were handed out to each of us for completion.

The Assessment - Part 1:
It included two sections, the first being a selection of 6 questions - some of which I was not particularly expecting but non the less prepared to answer due to having prior knowledge on the topics through my current Journalism course / general knowledge. 

The questions ranged from topics such as; 

• The News of the World scandal and it's relevance to investigative methods used within the fashion industry at present
• "Today I am Wearing" features within major corporations being the industries take on fashion bloggers online look books
• General awareness of different types of media
• Our thoughts on a statement made by Vivienne Westwood during London Fashion Week. (The statement was as I read earlier that morning, ''...People have never looked so ugly as they do today regarding their dress. Nobody is thinking. I'm talking about all of this disposable c**p. So I'm saying buy less, choose well, make it last.'')

I felt most passionately about the question regarding Vivienne Westwood and therefore chose it upon instinct. At first, I made the mistake of initially jumping right into writing due to being over confident in my knowledge and thoughts about how to write and structure the piece for the reader (prior experience from my current Journalism course came into full effect at this point :-p). However, I had a sudden brain wave that told me I was getting ahead of myself and then chose to scrap that idea and start again.

I created a detailed plan of what content to include - assuring that it would be structured in a concise manner, with additions of subject terminology and also resonating the fact that I have existing skills as a trainee journalist.

After doing so I was well away with my writing, it flowed so naturally it was as if something inside me had taken control over my body and knew exactly what to write, giving evidence and backing up each statement made. I like to think it was god pushing for me to get the place at LCF as god only knows how much and for how long I have wanted this. ...Well in all fairness most likely it's not, but I'm sticking to that thought anyway because it strengthens my faith in the one above <3
The Assessment - Part 2:
The second part of the assessment was to talk about what source you use for your fashion news. I found this extremely easy as it was only to be a micro blog of 100 words, in comparison to part 1 which was to be 400 words.

With both sections complete I proof read all of my work, essentially looking for any hidden mistakes. I spent approximately 5 minutes out of the overall allocated 55 minutes checking my work to assure it was of the best possible standard. When I reached the point I was happy and knew I had done by best, the course leader announced that we only had a few minutes left until it was time to finish.

Upon completion of the assessment, we were all dismissed and told to arrive back at 1.45pm for the final verdict as to whether we had made it through to the interview stage.

The Waiting Game:
After dismissal, I decided to go back to the reception area and go over my notes and make sure I was confident to answer questions if I was asked to come back for an interview.

Just over an hour later, I felt I was fully prepared and rather than sitting there twiddling my thumbs, I decided to begin writing this blog post so that I was able to refer back to it as it is a milestone event within my life. Also, to act as an insight into the interview process for future hopefuls.

...Time soon came drawing close, with 30 minutes left until decision time I made my way back up the stairs and was the first student back eagerly awaiting the result of my assessment. 15 minutes went by and other students began making their way upstairs, we were then let back into the room and seated yet again.

I sat in silence with the sound of chatter behind me, my body ran back into a sense of emotional overdrive, I began getting hot and cold flushes and also somehow developed a nervous cough that no amount of water could seem to shift, I felt myself breathing heavily and feeling slightly disorientated too. ...This was exactly how almost every other student within that room was feeling no doubt.

During this time I kept second guessing myself, thinking if I was really even good enough to get a place on the course against such tough competition. I was up against people that had worked within London Fashion Week, whose families were prestigious, who were already rather established within the fashion world themselves, who had connections with some of the most affluent people within the industry. ...How could I, a Journalism student in Leeds compete with them? But then I remembered something Oscar Wilde once said "Those who live within their means have a lack of imagination". Come off it, Vivienne Westwood started off with nothing and look at her today!? If you put your mind to it any goal is attainable I kept telling myself.

The Verdict:
The course tutor strolled in fashionably late with a list in her hands that she passed over to another member of staff at the back of the room. She then proceeded to the front of the room where she conducted another brief talk. She basically said how lucky we all were to have gotten this far and reinforced the fact that the course is five times over subscribed this year and is extremely competitive.

After this she told us that the successful candidate names were going to be put on a sheet of paper at the back of the room which stated a room number and interview time.

Everyone was then dismissed one row at a time to see if we were the lucky ones who had gotten through or if our dreams were shattered.

The Interview:
The interview questions require you to  demonstrate; 

• What particular strengths you can bring to the course
• An awareness of research for journalism
• An awareness of different media and their capacity to influence public opinion
• An awareness of key players in fashion media
• An interest in the work of fashion designers
• Your future ambitions in media

UCAS Track:
Once the interview is complete, you are asked to follow UCAS Track and wait for an offer from LCF if you have been successful during the assessment and interview process.

The Next Step:
After finally arriving home from such an amazing day I began thinking about everything that I had been through during my time in London, it had been a real test of not only my intelligence but also my self worth. It allowed me to see myself in a new light, a person determined to achieve her dreams. I knew I had to start being more focused and work orientated. If I want to be as successful as I hope and dream to be I have to really strive to achieve such ambitions by putting my mind to it and assuring my education remains my main priority. 

With that little reality check I said to myself "Everything happens for a reason", so I guess wherever I'm meant to go for university is where I will end up. Here's hoping LCF is where i'm supposed to be though, and now all there is left is praying, lots and lots of praying, hoping, and wishing on stars... xx

London Fashion Week: Richard Nicoll Re-Charging Tote Bag

Today Richard Nicoll revealed his tote bag which was designed in partnership with the official sponsor of London Fashion Week, Vodafone!

Essentially the tote bag allows users to re-charge a wide range of mobile devices (e.g. Apple, Blackberry, Android) on the go. The bag itself will be charged from the mains power via induction charging using a tap charger that attaches magnetically to the outside of the bag. Once the bag battery is full it will charge handsets and tablets using the universal retractable cable installed into the pocket. The re-charger will be able to charge a mobile device multiple times before the bag itself needs re-charging from the mains. Fabulous or what!?

Charging mobile devices with the bag is no slower than usual charging methods and, importantly, you can still use your phone/tablet whilst it's charging. You can carry the bag and talk on the phone whilst it's still plugged in thanks to a retractable cord.

It gets better still as there is an LED light on the bluetooth-enabled charm that flashes to indicate incoming calls, phone notifications, and battery life.

It is without a doubt, the perfect accessory for anyone that is iPhone obsessed! Tweeting, Facebooking and Blogging really does take it's toll on your battery life... but now thanks to Richard Nicoll and the Vodaphone Innovation Team we will be combatted against it.

On the creation of the bag, Richard Nicoll said: “We wanted to create a collaborative product that fused fashion and technology. The recharging bag is especially relevant for my collection this season, because it’s about the notion of work and all its facets in modern times. Vodafone have helped bring this idea alive in a way that we never could have done ourselves.”

The innovative creation merges practicality with beautiful design. Danielle Crook, Vodafone UK’s Director of Brand Marketing said: “It’s been amazing to see what can be achieved when two British brands come together to create something truly inspirational in today's unveiling of the first ever recharging tote bag. Our partnership with Richard Nicoll has resulted in a first for the fashion industry and a unique initiative for women everywhere who want to keep connected.”

The tote bag has been developed with British leather goods company, Tusting, which has a heritage stretching back over 130 years.

..Tech Geek Chic at the ready! <3 xxx

Vodaphone: Principal Sponsor of London Fashion Week

The British Fashion Council previously announced Vodafone as its headline sponsor for seven seasons, beginning in February for autumn/winter 2012-13.

"Vodafone understand innovation," Caroline Rush, ceo of the British Fashion Council, said today. "Vodafone understands innovation. Through this partnership with London Fashion Week, British Fashion Awards and Vodafone London Fashion Weekend they will be supporting our innovative talent whilst providing unique opportunites and access for their customers to experience fashion."

Allowing their 19 million customers - 90 per cent of whom declared an interest in fashion - to have access to VIP events and even tickets to shows is Vodafone's priority in the partnership, as well as building on the foundation they already have after sponsoring shows including Christopher Kane and Richard Nicoll on previous seasons.

"Through this exciting extension of our partnership with London Fashion Week we're looking forward to giving them even greater access to the heart of the British fashion world," Vodafone's UK director of brand marketing added.


Reference: http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2011/11/16/london-fashion-week-announcement---vodafone-sponsor

Kate Moss for Supreme

Supreme New York has worked with many unconventional celebrities that wouldn’t typically be associated with fashion. Former subjects of their ad' campaigns have been; Kermit the Frog, Mike Tyson and Lou Reed.

Others that have more of a stylish edge have been icons such as; Ghostface Killah and Lady Gaga. However, the company have a new muse in their midst. The brand is linking up with world renowned model, Kate Moss.

Since the beginning of Supreme, the box logo t-shirt has been a staple of the brand. In an informal announcement of their Spring-Summer 2012 Collection, Supreme has plastered photos of Kate Moss wearing the tee all around New York and London. 

Trend: Asymmetric Hemlines

The new take on asymmetric skirts has become one of the hottest trends for Spring / Summer 2012 & has taken the fashion blogging world by storm in numerous countries.

The skirt is effortlessly chic and can be worn as a day-to-night statement piece.

 

Other takes on the trend also include Asymmetric Maxi Dresses.

I took note of the emerging trend recently at my sisters graduation event, where I wore; a teal asymmetric maxi dress with studded shoulder detailing, ankle strap heels and a statement studded cuff bracelet.

Personal Styling

Tough Edge

Leather Shearling Collar Jacket: Topshop, Polo Neck Jumper: ASOS.com, Pleated Skirt: Internacionale, Caged Shoe Boots: Atmosphere, Studded Belt: eBay

Preppy Bohemian

Chunky Knit Cardigan: Internacionale, Denim Shirt: H&M, Leopard Print Leggings: Internacionle, T-Bar Platform Shoes: eBay, Aztec Ring: ASOS Marketplace, Beaded Bracelets: New Look, 12 Apostles Bracelet: Topshop, Leather Studded Bracelet: Opia

Rock Chick

Leather Shearling Collar Jacket: Topshop, Waterfall Cargidan: House of Fraser, Oversized T-shirt: AS0S, Biker Jeggings: Internacionale, Studded Shoe Boots: Love Label, Orb Necklace: Vivienne Westwood, Crucifix Necklace: Topshop, Full Finger Ring: Topman, Bracelets: Boutique

“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” collection for H&M

H&M have collaborated with Trish Summerville, the costume designer of ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ to create a collection of amazing edgy pieces.

We’re extremely excited about the UK release of ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’- and to make it even more exciting, H&M have teamed up with the costume designer Trish Summerville to create a women’s collection for H&M, full of pieces inspired by the film’s anti-heroine, Lisbeth Salander.

The 30-piece collection has the dark, grungy, urban feel that defines her character, with leather jackets and trousers, torn jeans and slouchy hoodies all in industrial shades of black, grey, worn white or dark red. The collection is available now in Divided departments in around 100 H&M stores worldwide, as well as online.

Personal favourites – charcoal grey snood and the “what is hidden in snow comes forth in the thaw” vest.

Reference: http://www.company.co.uk/fashion/news/girl-with-the-dragon-tattoo-h&m-collection-collaboration-first-look?page=1

Designer Jean-Paul Gaultier pays homage to Amy Winehouse in an Exclusive Couture Collection.

At the recent Paris Fashion Week (25th January 2012), designer Jean-Paul Gaultier reared his designs away from association with Madonna, whom he often takes inspiration from, and revealed his new muse as being the late Amy Winehouse.  

His Spring / Summer Couture collection was showcased by models strutting down the catwalk to a playlist of songs by the musician, as well as embodying her by sporting the singers signature beehive hair and iconic 50s-style fashion.

The collection itself captured the essence of the singer’s style, as it featured; 50's skirts, pencil skirts, Capri pants and corset dresses. The collection also featured stunning dresses and intricate detailing, including polka dots which were one of her signature trends. One model was even pictured smoking a cigarette in true Amy Winehouse style.

The French designer even reworked his classic bustier tops to suit the Back to Black singer's look.

Although many people labeled Amy an Icon, she often divided the opinion of critics because of her unique sense of style, sometimes being deemed as having a ‘scruffy’ look.

However, such differentiation of opinion has not diminished her popularity. Since her death, Amy's name has lived on, with fans honoring the singer by buying her albums Frank and Back To Black - the latter of which became the best-selling UK album of the 21st century following her passing.