Gold Lights & Sartorial Delights: Rianna Phillips

Rianna Phillips collection hosts dazzling designs and prints.
Her work was showcased at the Spring Fashion Show and I just had to interview her.

How old are you?
23

What is your education background ?
I did an Art foundation year and the went on to study
'Textile Design for Fashion',

both at Manchester School of Art. I graduated last June.

What are your biggest influences in the fahion world?
A massive amount of my inspiration comes from fashion bloggers.

I based my final year project at uni on the consumer 'The Blogger'!

I'm slightly addicted to quirky magazines and have become a permanant fixture at Magma (the book shop) in the northern quarter. I regularly buy Oyster, Pop, Noi.se, Notion and Cent.

When did you decide fashion was the career field for you?
Whilst doing an Art Foundation year. I had no idea what I wanted to do after that and my tutor suggested a rather new course 'Textile Design for Fashion' that suited my work methods.

And it was perfect. I've always had an interest in pattern cutting and design as I watched my mum make a lot of mine and my sisters clothes when we little. I think I picked it up from her.

What inspires your design direction with prints?
Colour and texture mainly. Im always looking at nature and then translating that into a surface design. I made a waistcoat covered in Rivets which was originally inspired by sea anemones.

Any big inspirations behind your life?
My close friends really inspire me.
I'm always analysing how they style outfits and how they wear accessories.

What is next in the pipeline for Rianna Phillips?
I've got a few things lined up. A few photoshoots which I'm really looking forwards to. One of them is a stylised accessories shoot to promote by bags and scarves which are sold on both my website http://www.riannaphillips.com/ and my etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/RiannaPhillips.

I'm also collaborating with designer Mark J.Bell on a digitally printed scarf collection. We have completed opposite styles so I can't wait to see what the outcome is like!
You can see his work at http://www.galvanisethedog.com.

I've also been working on a digitally printed vest top collection since I left uni, I've put a massive amount of time into it so I can't wait to release it eventually!

Where will we be seeing you next?
There are a few fashion fairs coming up so I will be taking part in them, not sure of the dates yet?!

What is your favourite piece?

Probably the long black sheer dress that has an embellished panel on the neckline.
It's quite simple but a bit of a show stopper!

Follow Rianna on twitter: @RiannaPhillips
Visit her online shop: http://www.riannaphillips.com/
Stop by her fantastic blog: http://appliquefashion.blogspot.com/
Buy something at her etsy shop: www.etsy.com/shop/RiannaPhillips

(accessory images are from the etsy shop)

Friday, 10 February 2012

Spring Fashion Manchester Show 2012

The third annual Spring Fashion Show was hosted at
Pitcher & Piano in Manchester.

It was a really great night and there was some true talent from independent, emerging designers.

FABRYAN - This collection offered a unique, feminine and alluring designs, inspired by exotic flowers at Kew Gardens, they are 100% organic silk, with urban glamour and leather bindings.

HUXTON -

Two friends work together to create these beautiful designs,
the collection exudes elegance and impact.
The strong silhouettes were dramatic and oh so sexy.

I NEED one of these stunning printed skirts in my life!

KELLY BULL -
This unique collection hosted a strong message entitled
'You Can't Control Me.'
The inspiration was taken from childhood and suppressed subconscious memories.

This latex collection is not for the faint hearted,
with one shocking jacket covered with baby faces.
It really did stand out with its amazing designs.
A shocking yet powerful collection made with much thought, time and latex...

(I can't help but think of puffa fishes!)

CROSS CULTURE FASHION - A collection inspired by different cultures,
based on African and Japanese influences with colour, vintage and graphic palettes. Smooth affordable fashion.

Runner Up Best Emerging Designer Award : LAUREN WROE -
A graduate from Northumbria University,
inspired by the fourties and fifties.
She exemplifies her collection with a conscious effort to concentrate on reducing fabric waste with her zero waist pattern cutting.

PRETTY DISTURBIA - This collection is for the confident consumer with its off beat decadence, kitsch glamour. Hosting cut out arms, tutu skirts, printed tops this collection is tongue in cheek.
They also sell popular menswear range Bang Bang Scribble.

VICTORIA ROSSO - Her vintage prints are simply exquisite with travel and sixties influence showcased in quaint tea dresses, high waisted shorts and sun-dresses. The second dress is my favourite!

WINNER OF BEST EMERGING DESIGNER : CRYSTAL PADMORE -

These native hand crafted knits teames with clever panels to
flatter and intrigue, creates character and evoke timeless style.

Eco friendly fashion with one-off innovative and creative designs.

THOM NEAL - The epitome of style is hauled together with the collection.
A mixture of strong heritage and skill creates stunning menswear.
Bold colours, faux fur coats, tweeds, metallic shirts and alligator shoes
creates truly unique creations.

My Personal Favourite: RIANNA PHILLIPS -

From Manchester School of Arts, this talented designer
has created a flawless collection.

The 3-D textured digital placement prints, with asymmetrical tops and embellished garments reminds me of Peter Pilotto. The bag, the clutch, the scarf, the details is key with this collection.
A designer to watch out for!