Designer Scenarios.

We all love a good advert right? Seeing the vision of the designer come to life in various scenarios. Below I've compiled my favourite ad campaigns for spring and summer 2015. 

Below there's adverts from Dior, Lanvin, Balmain, Balenciaga and Oscar De La Renta. 

Enjoy!

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! 

90:10 - The Humble Signature

It's not just me that loves a good hoodie right? 

It seems that you can be searching for ages to find the right one for you. The fit, the fabric, the colour and the style. Sometimes it takes some not so great ones to find ones that work for us and suit us and our life styles. 

Different people have different requirements for hoodies but there is one requirement that is universal. Comfort. They have to be comfy. Otherwise whats the point in buying the hoodie? Thats where 90:10 come in. 

90:10 is a brand with humble beginnings. After the founder, Dan, had a conversation with his neighbour, Paul who worked in the clothing business, in a local pub about being grown up. Dan said "Fair enough mate...I don't disagree..,but when it comes to me having to accept that I'm now a grown up...I'll go to 90% but no higher..." This then carried on to become a T-shirt idea having 90:10 printed on. When people would ask what it stood for he would say that it meant 90% grown up...10% not. Thats how the brand was born. A simple talk with a friend. Nice right? 

90:10 now have a range of clothing including polo shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts and of course T-shirts. I love the story as I think we never really fully grow up do we? We are always young at heart and I think thats important. 

Here I am wearing the 90:10 "Signature" Embroidered Pullover Hoodie in Azur Blue. Made form 100% natural cotton you can imagine how smooth this is to wear! People who know me will also know that I love being able to help the environment. I love signing petitions for the ocean, the forests and if I could afford it I'd adopt loads of animals so when I found out that the clothing is made environmentally friendly then I knew that it was right up my street.

I've hoodies from the not so cheap stores before and they have faded after a couple of washes and are frankly too heavy to even be comfy in. This is lightweight and fits the body just right. Not too tight and not too loose.  One of my favourite things about this hoodie is the fact of its simplicity. It's not over designed or over complicated. Its a simple blue colour, simply design and has the 90:10 logo embroidered on the left chest. Simple. Not fussy. 

Also do you know what? Its comfy! I mean REALLY comfy! 

You can read more on the 90:10 story and view the range here! 

Be sure to follow the brand on Twitter and Facebook too! 

Twitter

Facebook

ASBCI 'Careers in Fashion' Conference

Today I attended the Association of Suppliers to the British Clothing Industry (ASBCI) conference. The theme for the conference was 'Careers in Fashion'. The conference was an insight to the various careers available to people wanting to work within the fashion industry.

The conference was held at the University of Leeds. I love being able to attend events like this were I get to have an insight into the industry I'm so passionate about and learn from experts in various fields. With members of the Association including Asos.com, Next, Burberry, George and many many more I feel privileged to be able to have the opportunity to attend. 

This was my second ASBCI conference I have attended with my first being held at my own university. The University of Huddersfield. That was an amazing event and I knew that this one wouldn't disappoint. 

With pages and pages of notes typed up as the talks were going on I knew that these would be invaluable things to be noting and learning. I've learnt about the process's involved during design and garment manufacture, the risks, how to find the roles your looking for, about various roles in the industry and much more! 

Each delegate also got a pack! We all love freebies right? The pack contained the agenda for the day, the speakers profiles, hand outs from Planet Personnel about CV's, a ASBCI branded note pad and USB, a 'Caring For Your Clothes' technical booklet which is available to buy from their website and the ASBCI 2015 Year Book, which is £25 where sold but free for members! This book talks us through the major points in the year for the Association. It shows what work the Association undertakes and what their next steps are to continue making their members happy. 

After feeling inspired now to make my impact on the fashion industry I better get to that sewing machine! 

ASBCI Website: www.asbci.co.uk 

Toast Feb & March

Hello!

It's occurred to me that I didn't share my article in Toast magazine in February! So I thought I would share it here along with the article that has recently come out in the March magazine!

I love doing the article for Toast magazine so please do check it out and let me know your thoughts! There's more from me on my Facebook page and Pinterest links below. Please do like and follow me and happy blogging, pinning and liking!

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/RyanPilkingtonD/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RPilkingtonDesign

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

Fashion Inspiration

Hello!

Sometimes we all need a little fashion inspiration. Its great to have in those moments when we aren't really to sure on what to wear and what type of look we want to go for.  It's hard to know when to stop getting images for inspiration, especially when you start your search on Pinterest! Heres a few of my picks for this season! Key components being wool, a good parka, the classic shirt and a good pair of either chelsea boots or military boots! 

Enjoy! What are your inspirational picks for winter? 

#inspiration 

The One That I Want

Chanel. Let's talk Chanel. More specifically the incredible No.5 film featuring Gisele. I love a good perfume story. Or any story to be fair. Chanel never lets us down with their stories of romance, passion, travel and of course amazing fashion in their fragrance campaigns. This one is very summery, classic and I think it almost has an old feel to it but with new vibes and styles. 

The story starts with Gisele glamorously surfing though the waves in what I imagine to be the Hamptons to find that a mystery man (her lover?) has left a note on he table. After a few gorgeous shots of the iconic 5 and Gisele with her daughter it shows her modelling for nothing other than a new Chanel No.5 fragrance campaign! What are the odds! She gets overwhelmed and she drives in to NewYork to find her lover. Ending with a passionate kiss. 

Ahh. Romantic. At heart I love romance. This kind of campaign with the style, the music, which is amazing with Lo-Fang performing "You're The One That I Want". Seriously though that song will stick in your head. It has mine! 

Check it out here if you haven't already! Actually even if you have treat typirself and watch it again! 

http://youtu.be/8asRWe5XNw8

#TheOneThatIWant 

 

 

 

DVF and Fashion Bloggers

We all love TV right? Right? I know it's not just me that revels in those moments when you've sorted what you needed to for the day, worked hard and it's time for you to make a cup of tea, get some snacks and watch your recorded episodes of your favourite shows until bed.  E! has some great new shows lined up! One being Fashion Bloggers which follows some big influential fashion bloggers from Australia. We see their job, their life and how the role as a fashion blogger works on the extreme level. Cool! This is a really cool how giving us an insight into their daily life and it also gives us little tips too for us bloggers! Not 100% sure if I wanted it to e slightly more grabbing though? More drama maybe? 

The second being the one that I couldn't wait for at all! The House of DVF! We get to see 8 girls try and become an international brand embassidor for fashion power house that is Diane Von Furstenberg! This show is funny, dramatic and it shows a little of how a label works and what roles need require what. Some of these do make me think "why would you do that", "don't be cocky" and "your ridiculous" but what do I know! 😉 One thing I love about this is actually Diane herself! She says it how it is, no frills and is a business woman that knows what needs to be done and how to do it. Fashion, drama and humour. What more could you want after a day at work! Just the food and tea (you have to provide those yourself though). 

What are your favourite shows on tv so far!? ✌️

#JustCantDo

Hello! 

It's autumn winter and that means that stores are getting they're wool coats ready! For me when you put a coat on it should complete an outfit. Be that peice of clothing that literally adds another layer to the look but it should also become that peice that takes the look to a whole new level. Extending your style. 

I've always loved putting jackets and coats on even if I don't like the weather that comes with them! I'd much prefer to have California weather any day but the great British weather never seizes to surprise us so it's always a smart move to invest in coats and jackets that stand the test of time. Classic, contemporary and unique to your style that will be able to be mixed and matched with various parts of your wardrobe. 

Topman have released their Just Can't Do campaign. With a selection of classics such as the classic camel overcoat and the navy belted trench coat. Stunning styles that show the Topman image but that can also be worn to enhance your personal look. Got a coat that you #JustCantDo without? Then be sure to enter their competition by snapping a pic on Instagram or Twitter! Every day for a month they will choose a winner for the best look that's incorporated the hashtag #JustCantDo! The prize you ask? Tons! From tablets, gig tickets, films, music and your fave Topman coat! Wow! 

Get snapping! #JustCantDo 

 
 

 

Suede Feet

 

✌️😄Happy Monday! 😄✌️It's been a day filled with fabric, sewing and pinning! My back is aching but I can't wait to see my garments worn in November! Very exiting! Watch this space for the looks! What have your plans been today? After having it on loop a little today I've got Jessie J Burin' Up stuck in my head...🎶

 

I wanted to keep it simple today with my look as I'll be behind a sewing machine all day so I picked a basic print tee with skinny jeans and my black suede Chelsea boots. I've wanted some Chelsea boots for ages now as I feel they add a little dapperness to any look with them both being casual but smart at the same time. Love them! New in at Topman! Best of all? It's one day till payday! Yeah only 1 day! 💰💰💰

Black and Mustard

With clients dresses ordered and other being amended for a national event in London mid November it's nice to have outfits that are great to wear for running to clients for fittings, traveling and comfy enough to continue with blogging, orders and emails etc. when home. For me it's black skinny jeans, a tee and staple black leather boots. I didn't want to look too moody today so I decided to add my mustard scarf!

Have a nice day! Ryan x

The look:

Tee / Topman / Jeans & boots / River Island / Scarf / New Look / Sunglasses / Vintage

 

Winter Sun

 

It's Thursday! Finally it's not raining again and the sun is out a little! Ok, it's still a little cold but still! With a list full of designing, photography, call making and general sorting to do for the day I'm thankful for the bit of sun!

 

Have a good one!

 

 

 

 

 

Wool Jumper: New Look - Jeans: River Island - Boots: River Island - Watch: TK Maxx