The Primark Pick

So I recently visited a Primark store to scope out what jeans they had to offer, what prices and maybe try some on. 

This wasn't just a random occurrence though. No. Some of you may know that I am trying a 'new to me' style of jean. A jean that I haven't worn for years and you can find out about a Firetrap air I recently purchased if you scroll back a little on the blog. I wanted to see what Primark could do for me. I already know that Primark is known for its low, low prices so I thought that this was a great start. The fact being that I didn't want to buy an expensive pair of jeans only to go off them a few weeks/ months later. Where's with a pair from Primark it won't matter so much if I of because they didn't cost much. 

After a good old scope and after picking up countless pairs that were close to my side but wouldn't fit right I came across this pair. A slim fit jean. Slightly distressed, soft and the right length and fit. I love them. 

I know I've talked loads and loads of time before about fast fashion and why we should be investing in pieces that will last. I still believe that I really do. But we have to treat ourselves every so often right? There's nothing wrong with that. If we didn't the economy would be non existent. 

This pair cost me £15! Yes £15! What a steal and some of the other pairs were only £9! #itwouldberudenottoo! 

Sewing Forward

It's always nice to see yourself improving. Right? Right. I love the fact that with my job, as a designer, I physically see my self improve and develop each time I create a garment.  This could be in various forms. From pattern cutting, how quick I make the pattern etc. It could be how I pin and cut out the fabric pieces quicker. But more than most I am seeing myself improve on the actual garment manufacture side.

As those of you who read the blog religiously, and I hope that is all of you, will know I recently bought a brand new sewing machine. For those who don't know I'll bring you up to speed. I've purchased a Singer Heavy Duty 4432 machine. The reason behind this upgrade is because of the fact of how I want my brand and my experience to develop. I had a vintage sewing machine for a few years and I purchased it off Ebay. Don't get me wrong, it was a fab machine but it was coming to that point where things had to be redone and more and more time was being spent trying to get the machine to do things correctly. So after seeing the Singer in John Lewis many many times I decided to finally purchase it. It's fair to say that this machine has been put through it's paces since it's arrival. 

Like I said in the first bit I have seen my self develop within the garment manufacture side of my job. I have seen my garments, especially the one I have literally 30 mins ago finished is the best thing I've made to date. Along with two other agreements in my collection. I've learnt so much about garment manufacture, machinery, sewing machine feet and fabric since starting up my business last year. Much more than university have taught me. No disrespect to my tutors of course. This year has allowed me to focus on the part of my job that I needed to develop in and that has happened and is still developing. 

I can't wait to take all of my new found skills and techniques through to my final year garment manufacture. 

The tutors won't recognise me, 

Although they will recognise my garments because my name is on the label. 

See the inspiration board for my Capsule collection on Pinterest! 

https://www.pinterest.com/RyanPilkingtonD/capsule/

Please be sure to check out my Facebook page too! 

https://www.facebook.com/RPilkingtonDesign

Etsy!

Hello guys!
 
Today was all about growing. Through out collage and university I collect loads of fabrics and they are all stored and forgotten about...Until now! Today I wanted to be proactive with these fabrics and put them to some use...

Iron, ironing board and load of fabrics ready I got my measuring tape, string and sheers to hand and started to create mixed patchwork fabric bundles that are now on sale on the Ryan Pilkington store now live on Etsy.com! Exciting! These bundles are perfect for quilting, patchwork, sewing, embroidery and anything else you like! each bundle comes with 16 9.5cm squares! A mix of prints and fabrics to ensure a great time and a little surprise!

I thoroughly enjoyed creating these bundles and I know everyone who buys them will be bound to have a great time with them! Be sure to check out the Etsy store today and always check back with more products from Ryan Pilkington coming soon!

Etsy Store: RPBespoke

Enjoy everyone! Until next time! Time to get some deseigns created and launched now!

Bye!

Yves Saint Laurent

Recently I have watched the Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) French fashion film. After starting up my own fashion label nearly 4 weeks ago I was super excited to look at how a fashion world icon like YSL started and what it was like to get to the top.

This film was amazing. I love a good fashion film anyway but one of my absolute favourites is Coco Before Chanel. That film really inspired my at a time when fashion wasn't my friend and I had lost a lot of my drive for the industry. So all in all this film about Yves had a lot to live up to. Boy did it. It shows the journey that Yves Saint Laurent endured in order to make his own designer label become a household name. Yves saint Laurent in 1957 being the age of 21 became the head of fashion giant Dior. Designing a collection in 1958 that almost certainly saved the enterprise from financial ruin with a softer version of Dior's New Look.

After creating collections for Dior Yves Saint Laurent then was in the military for 20 days before the stress of hazing by soldiers caused his check-in at a military hospital where he then received news that he had been fired by Dior! After being released from the hospital Yves then sued the house of Dior for breech of contract and won. Then he along with his partner, industrialist Pierre Berge started their won fashion house. The YSL label was born. The fashion house grew from strength to strength becoming the first couturier to come out with a full ready-to-wear line of clothing.

There are loads more to this story and I wont be revealing anymore! The movie is a sure fire definite must watch film. Romantic, exciting, inspirational, shocking and of course stylish at all times. This film and the YSL story has showed me that no matter what age you are your never too young to be great but always be careful what comes your way on your path to greatness. I will always rely on the people closest to me to make sure I make the right decisions and help me realise the dream I have. Always learning, growing and developing. This story has opened my eyes.

Just wait until the Ryan Pilkington film!

The Bow Tie

I have always loved the idea of the gentleman. To be the man that you see from the 20's. Suited and booted with class to spare. The style that screamed class, sophistication and maturity. This was the man that you see in the black and white  movies where he surprises his love with roses as the train leaves. Ahh. Romantic. 

Ok yes that 9 times out of 10 doesn't happen in real life unfortunately. However that doesn't mean we modern day men can't take a bit of style inspiration from the men of yesterday. 

Vintage has blown up recently and is only getting bigger. I love the idea of clothes telling a story and it's us that add to that story by wearing those clothes. You may not want to have to dress in a full suit everyday but just a few accessories does add a bit off class to you look and help you stand out for the crowd! 

My favourite vintage accessory so far is the bow tie! I own two vintage and one modern. Recently I've taken to wearing then casually with a modern casual shirt or a polo shirt. Love it. Other accessories you could look to are hats or even shoes! 

Roll up you skinny jeans and pair with a set of vintage brown brogue shoes! 

Be the gentleman you've always wanted to be! 

A Roaring Classic

The 1920’s.  Style had meaning in those days. Women were feminine and men were masculine. Silhouettes were curvy and classy. Not boxy and shapeless. The hips, the skirts, the bust and the fit. Each as important as the last. Making the woman. Making the icon.

Tailored garments were simple. Easy to wear. Timeless and chic. Eaton collars, scalloped hems and accentuated waists, fundamentals in the silhouette of the 1920’s jacket. I liked the idea that women made an effort in those day. Each day was a runway.  They made an effort for their husbands and worked hard to stay chic and fashionable. The classic two piece suit had been born in those days. Chanel and Dior had come in to their own. Making their names over the famous tweed suits and tiny waists. Contrasting piping was a nice touch I saw in old fashion photographs from the 1920’s.  White jackets with black piping. A simple detail that worked so well.  

Accessories such as hats and gloves were the finishing touches. Romantic and stunning these were the days off chic. The days of the woman. When men were gentlemen.  Men’s fashion followed the same ideas of being classic, simple and chic. Two piece and three piece suits were key. The men new how to dapper.  The term dapper was born in these days. Again nothing was too much effort. They made an effort for their wives. Timeless style. Walking canes, brief cases, hats, gloves and moustaches were staples in the gentle-man’s wardrobe. 

Let's revive the vintage. Let's revive the roaring 20's!