Understated Opulence

Sorry for the lack of posts, I'm happy to say I have finally FINISHED my University degree with a crazy two weeks of deadlines. It is so surreal and I'm not quite sure it's kicked in yet.

I thought this would be a great time to show you my latest photo shoot at Bar Maroc in Huddersfield. A real intimate setting with Moroccan settings creating a stylish cool place to hang out, share cocktails and snack on pizzas or crepes.

Shooting again with the amazing Nicole Jopek was fun and this time we created a glossy editorial. For the styling I was given a brief of a ladylike style in the form of suit trousers, sheer blouses and midi dresses in vibrant colours combined with a Middle Eastern twist in the form of statement jewellery which gives a sophisticated finish.

The beautiful make up was by Aisha Queeum and the model, Justina Gunina was just so stunning with a polished look which suited the clothes perfectly. Hopefully this shoot will inspire you to create some stylish outfits from a handful of high street stores.

Sheer White Blouse by H&M

Trouser and Clutch by River Island

Navy Blouse and Trousers by H&M

Coral Blouse by Matalan

Pink Trousers by H&M

White Blazer by H&M

Embellished Top by Topshop

Trousers by Matalan

Graphic Dress by ASOS

Black Midi Dress by ASOS

White Blazer by H&M

Trousers by Matalan

Graphic Dress by ASOS

All Jewellery from Asian Markets and Photographer's Friends

Introducing 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)

Design Your Own Shoes

Technology and fashion is revolutionizing as we know it.
Now you can design your own shoes via the internet.
Upper Street London give you control on soles, shape, style, colour, materials and embellishments.
You have to give this a go. It is a bit pricey but dependent on what you what.

DESIGN YOUR OWN