A Dairy Piece

Hello! 

I thought it time to have a little reflect on how things are at the minute with the brand and see where I'm at on a personal level as well as a professional level. 

I've been a busy bee of late trying to sort new customer orders out which are all very exciting along with liaising with new customers that I will be working with in the pipe line. Though out this experience I am learning how to get things organised and how to simply be some what a businessman. I always like to sit and have a moment where I'm thankful for all that I have. The support, the connections and the opportunities that have come and will be coming my way. 

At 20 years old I never thought I would own my own business and would be dealing with various customers, writing for a magazine and dealing with a Spring and Summer campaign (coming soon!). If I had told a 15 year old me that all of this would happen I would have simply laughed in my own face and told myself to stop dreaming. Told myself that these things happen when your 30+ not 20. But look! 

It's thank to the connections I've made and the opportunities that these people have given me that I was able to start this journey and start the birth of a new icon of fashion. This blog does act as a diary of sorts. It acts as a vent for me and gives you the chance to see what it's like to own a small business in fashion, what goes on and how it feels. I'm not going to lie and say that it' all glitz and glamour because it definitely isn't at all. Even on the small scale. Its hard. Very. It's all calls, emails and messages between customers, sorting fabric sources and then finally getting to create the clothing. Then praying that the customers loves the item that all your blood, sweat and tears have gone into over a number of days or sometimes weeks. 

I'm in the process of finalising my next project which will be my first campaign shoot! The first photoshoot with my own connections helping out. Each having their own businesses that we will all benefit from with this project. It's stressful and it's hard with it being a one man band type set up but it's all good. All icons had to be stressed to be great right? 

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

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 

#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 

 
 

 

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 

It's Pea For Me

Cold? Yeah me too. This winter looks like it's gonna be a cold one! So far it's been a bit wet, windy and cold and we still have about 3 more months of winter left! That's why my choice for keeping warm this season it the classic Pea coat! I've put together a look that I will be wearing this season! Check it out!

 

 

The Look:
Pea Coat: SuperDry - £99.99
Polo shirt: SuperDry - £35.99
Jeans: River Island - £28 (2 years ago)
Boots: River Island - £70 (1 year ago)
Scarf: New Look - £9.99

McQueen Brings Asia

Hello!

One of my favourite designers of all time is Alexander McQueen. After his passing the fashion world looked to Sarah Burton to see what she would accomplish with the label. Season after season I waited in anticipation to see what direction she will take the name.

Her collections have wowed me I have to say. I have loved the different styles she has shown from previous collections and this season brought Asia to the runway. The collection was inspired by a personal collection of antique kimono's. Floral prints and embellishment adored the looks in an array of array of fabrics including wool, silk, marquetry leather and even hand cut floral ruffles. Modern, feminine, dark but stunning all at the same time. Its a gorgeous collection. Full of floral influences from Asia with traditional styles with modern contemporary twists. This to me is the idea of classic with twists. This may become my choice for best collection of the season!

I abosoutley love this collection! It took a while but i've chosen 5 of my favourite looks from the show. Below is also an illustration i did of a look from the show also! Hope you enjoy! 

#AlexanderMcQueen #SS15 @WorldMcQueen

What do you think? Comment below! Remember to "Always Be Classic"! Until next time! Bye!

How To Wear Sparkle This Season

Hello!

Every girl likes to sparkle right? But sometimes it can feel like too many accessories and it can make the whole outfit look ruined, over worked and like its trying too hard to be pretty. This season tackles that issue and designers have created ways to make women sparkle in a much more effortless way!

Gem's, sequins and beads galore. Designers such as Balenciaga, Marni, Gucci and more have incorporated these into the garments already meaning that the look is already accessorised for you! No fuss. I love this idea. It means women can just throw on their bejewelled sweater or top and walk out of the door (hopefully with more on than just the sweater or top!) and your already effortlessly glamorous! Designers have clustered the jewels to add extra punch. Be ready to sparkle more than a vampire out of Twilight with this stunning new trend.

Pair with mixes of texture for added style! Add a faux fur trim coat and boots and you've got a stunning autumn and winter 14 look! Happy autumn!

#Sparkle #AW14

Love this trend? Let me know and comment below! Be sure to follow the blog on BlogLovin too and never miss a post! https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12503779 . Remember to "Always Be Classic". Until next time, bye!