Reblog: I've been blogged

Visit meredithphoto.tumblr.com

I feel rather narcissistic reblogging this on here and frankly a bit embarrassed too. *blush* =^_^=

This was my first professional photoshoot and it was for Hermès store window, this was shot last year end of February. I have no previous modelling experience at all and I've learned loads from this  memorable experience. Andrew was a pleasure to work with and definitely worth a mention!

Now for some pluggin'... Andrew is an extraordinary (not to mention – award-winning) interior/architecture/portraiture photographer to some of world renowned magazines (Design Week, Mark Magazine (great for architecture and typographic eye-candy), Frame and Elle Décor Italia... etc) and for clients like Chanel, Burberry, Selfridges, Hermès (I've worked with him for two occasions: Hermès pour Liberty and store window which I've previously blogged about) and other clients too many to mention!

All this aside, he still finds time to work on personal projects such as: Excursions, Slaughtermen, Model Village, Mountain Men (my favourite!) and his recent Progress, Peace, Prosperity (loving this one too) in Gambia. Oh, did I mention he also photographed one of Kayne West's album cover artwork? – *Phew* A very, very busy man!

Visit his website at Andrew Meredith Photography

For his most recent work, visit his blog at meredithphoto.tumblr.com

Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/ameredithphoto

Fashion + Design: A Design Story – The Making of Sweaty Betty Everyday Lookbook 2010

Graphic Design is about the creative process, from concept to production, it needs enormous of attention in details and planning. Since I haven't posted for a long time, I thought to share a design story and a bit of behind the scene with you. Let's travel back in time to August 2010...

I never realised fitness has such an important and significant role in my life until two summers ago. I've been a loyal Sweaty Betty member for quite a long time now, I pay weekly pilgrimage to their Circuit, Yoga and Pilate in-store classes. Last year, whilst I was casually shopping on their website, I noticed they were hiring for a Senior Graphic Designer – a perfect job for me!!

I lack fashion graphic design experience and to stand out from my competitors, I've decided to go the extra mile. I always have to rush to their classes after work, not giving too much time to change, so I usually incorporate my exercising gear into my workwear on exercise days. The girls at Sweaty Betty always asked me "how do you manage to look great coming here straight from work, work out, and go out afterwards?" This has inspired me to produce an everyday lookbook to illustrate my passion in fashion, understanding their brand and their philosophy, and of course, my skills in graphic design.

The challenge
This project had a very tight time frame and resources are limited – from concept to finished production, I managed to complete all this in just 5 days!

Outfit Testsheet & Bible for Photoshoot

Day One: The Concept
• Creative & Art Direction and Concept Development – A6 20pp perfect bound mini lookbook
• Pagination Layout – 6 Themes/12 Outfits
• Fashion styling & testshots

The idea of this Everyday Lookbook is an additional marketing material on top of its seasonal catalogue. This lookbook will be a great marketing campaign to encourage addition sales beyond customers who purchase Sweaty Betty merchandise only for exercising. I've gained significant knowledge of their target customers from observations whilst shopping and attending their weekly in-store classes throughout the years. I thought to create the "Sweaty Betty Girl" – a day in life, what would she be doing? What is her lifestyle?

After some 48 outfits and over 96 combinations, I've nailed down to 12 outfits for the six lifestyle and exercise types.

The six themes comprising:

1. Something for the weekend – Boxercise
2. Beyond the nine-to-five – Pilates
3. Let's go shopping – Yoga
4. A romantic date – Yoga
5. Night out with the girls – Dance
6. Art gallery opening – Running

I needed to hold back on the styling from being too editorial looking, after all, this is an everyday lookbook. Creating this initial styling testshot was important for me to see what works and what doesn't. If you have eagle eyes, you will notice some accessories changes in the final lookbook.

Printed sheets ready to create signatures

Day Two: The Production
• Research on bookbinding
• Sourcing bookbinding, knitting & printing material
• Gathering all materials/outfits needed for photoshoot
• Copywriting 

I have created numerous mock-ups during my education at Ontario Colledge of Art and Design (OCAD) despite I was majored in Packaging Design, surprisingly, there was never an opportunity to fabricate a perfect bound book. Many thanks to the internet and forum like Craftster and YouTube, I was able to learn sewing signatures and the art of bookbinding.

I went to Shepherds Bookbinders (76 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4AR ☎ 020 7831 1151), for all the bookbinding materials. I show their staff and my printing material and they were very knowledgeable and helpful to advise me on ideas and materials I need for the project.

Err... copywriting is my nightmare, I was never good at writing – I express visually. Actually, writing for this lookbook wasn't too difficult at all as it was mostly inspired from personal experiences.

Running on the Broadwalk of Brighton

Day Three: The Brighton Photoshoot 
• Make-up & Hair
• Train to Brighton
• Location scouting
• Photoshoot
• Select testshot images & audience feedback

I originally wanted to have the photoshoot around London Fields, Broadway Market and the Regent's Canal, after consulting with my friend Laura Kirkke (she's an amazing artisté, illustrator and photographer, check her out!) who photographed all images used in the lookbook, Brighton seems to be a more suitable location. This is a time I wish my sister was in London (she's a brilliant hair and makeup artist – check her out here). I had to set my hair, do my own make-up, packed all outfits and took the train down to Brighton.

It was a sunny hot day in Brighton, we used Laura's studio as a base for changing the looks and re-styling on hair and make-up. We shoot both outdoors and inside the studio and managed to complete the shoot before dusk. Then we went through the entire film and highlighted the ones we've liked, burned images onto disk and I head back to London.

Sample page layout from lookbook

Day Four: The Design
• Final decision on selecting images
• Digital imaging & retouching photos where necessary
• Design and layout of lookbook
• Outwork for proofreading

After collecting feedback on images, I finalised the images and retouched any where necessary. Finally, design layout time! The lookbook is finally coming together. Lastly, I sent to my journalist friend Zara for proofreading. Tomorrow will be finishing day.

Finished perfect bound Lookbooks

Day Five: The Finishing
• Print production with home printer
• Trim, score, sew & bind
• Knit mini bag & sew on StayStylish label
• Create digital lookbook where links products to website
• Create application website

I had to make a few copies of the book, for the purpose of testing, screw-ups and practising sewing signatures and the binding. In additional to the lookbook, I also knitted a mini version of the yoga bag I knitted featured in the lookbook. The lookbook will go into the knitted bag, complete with my little StayStylish label. To demonstrate my creativity in marketing, I have also created an interactive e-book, where one can click on the product and directly link to their website and purchase. Finally, to accompany to my application, I have also created a website where their HR department can download my covering letter, CV, link to e-book and online portfolio.

Detailed look at the mini spines of the book

Day Six: The Delivery
• Finalise CV, covering letter, email application digitally
• Travel across the city to deliver application package in person to head office

Finished Lookbook with knitted bag

Outcome & Experience 
By going the extra mile, Sweaty Betty was very impressed with the hand bound lookbook and the amount of work I have put into, it was definitely the most creative job application they have ever received to date. This has landed me an interview, but unfortunately I was not hired for the job due to my portfolio being "too diverse" (I never understand why this is always a set back when I look for work in the UK!), "too corporate" and lack of fashion graphic design experience.

It was heartbreaking that I didn't get the job. To add more to the injury, a fortnight after my submission, they held a streetstyle photo contest on Facebook where followers send in their photos of them mixing Sweaty Betty merchandise and streetwear! Since my submission, they have also started to create online catalogues similar to my e-book. Err!

Despite all, I am very proud of this project: art direction, styling, hair & make-up, modelling, lookbook concept, design, production, finishing and copy were all done by myself. This not only makes a great portfolio piece and a design story, I fell in love with bookbinding.

For testshots and more photos from this project, please see my Flickr set.

Click here to view the final lookbook.

What do you think? Have you ever gone the extra mile for an job application? How did it turned out? How do you protect your ideas?

Random: What Have I been Up to?

I've decided to start a new blog about beauty and nails – Lacquer Boudoir. As you already know, I'm a make-up junkie. So thought to have somewhere to share my finds and my little contribution to fashion. Lacquer Boudoir just celebrated Chanel Week – all post and nail art inspired by Chanel. Have a look, feedback are welcome!

Surprisingly,  this year Great Britain is blessed with hot and sunny weather. I even have a slight tan!! Now, that's a first! This year's gardening is more successful than last year's horrible pest plague that killed ALL my plants. Have basil, thyme, chilli peppers, lemon, sage, parsley and a tomato plant going. The blackberries in the garden should be ready any day now. 

I haven't been posting much about food recipes lately, in the next few days, I hope to post my superfood salad. Bye for now! x

Fashion: Kirk Originals Spring/Summer 2010

Hair: Tracey Cahoon @ clmuk.  Makeup: Sharma @ clmuk.
Styling & Art Direction: Georgina Hodson. Photographer: Dominic Cooper.
Casting & Production: Laura Kay. ©2010 Kirk Originals.

Had a fabulous photoshoot with Kirk Originals for their Spring/Summer Collection 2010 earlier in April. The studio was just off Hackney Road – a stone throw away from me. After choosing the frames and the wallpaper with Georgina and Dominic, Tracey cleaned up my fringe, iron straight my hair and Georgina put me in the new Marc by Marc Jacobs sweater from this season. Sharma decided to leave my skin sheer because Georgina and Sharma were loving my freckles (my nightmare!!) but to have dramatic eyes. Here is the final photo:

This is the look book for their Spring/Summer collection (I'M THE CENTREFOLD!!):

Fashion: Hermès store photo shoot

Photos from the Hermes shoot:

Clothing: model's own. All accessories: Hermès. Hair & Makeup: model's own.
Stylist: Laura Kay. Photographer: Andrew Meredith. ©2010

It was a relative mild day in late February when we went for this photoshoot in Mayfair. I first arrived at Hermes headquarters, stylist Laura had a look at my outfit choices we went for the jumpsuit – one of my favourite outfits and best bargain. After styling in headquarters, we headed off to South Moulton Lane for the shoot. Whoa, these boots are 2 sizes bigger than my tiny 37, and they were so high but surprisingly comfortable to walk in. It was slightly overcast at times. We reckon we got the "one" 10 minutes into the shoot but we played around some more ideas. It was a great experience and was lovely to work with Andrew and Laura again.

Store window photos (photos by me):





They went with the photo without the leather jacket, blown up to life size for the Hermès Sloane Street store window display. Yes, it is really life size!


Hermès, Sloane Street, London.


Hermès, Sloane Street, London.

If you happen to be around Knightsbridge, pop by and check out the window display of the Hermès store at 179 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9QP.

See other photo of me by Andrew Meredith from previous a Hermes shoot here.

Nightlife: Orphanage Valentine Dance

Date: Saturday, 13th February, 2010
Event: Orphange Valentine Dance
Promoter: The Last Tuesday Society
Venue: Stone Horse Paper Cow (128-140 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 4HX. 020 7377 9555) 
Who: Angela, Elsie, Hamish, Zara


Hamish and I were photographed by WeKnowWhatYouDidLastNight.com

 

Fashion: Hermès pour Liberty

Clothing: model's own. All accessories: Hermès. Hair & Makeup: model's own.
Stylist: Laura Kay. Photographer: Andrew Meredith. ©2009





Hermès has a temporary pop-up store at Liberty to launch their collaboration – Hermès pour Liberty scarves. There are bunch of in-store events: Scarf Tying workshops, Photo-styling Sessions and Monogramming service. I happened to be at one of the photo-styling session and this is the photo. I was styled and then photographed. The photographer later asked if I was a model. He also commented that I was inspiring to shoot and I take direction well. It has never crossed my mind of being a model but this photograph is magical! My favourite photo ever!

Film: Coco Avant Chanel *****

It’s Kirsty’s birthday today. Everyone forgot to make or bring their Spanish themed dish for the lunch party we were hosting for her. I was the only one who brought a dish – Gazpacho (will post recipe tomorrow). So, boss decided we all go out for lunch instead. We went to the local café, which serves both English and Thai food. The owner Richard is English, they make excellent builder breakfast and a good strong cuppa, his wife is Thai, and she makes authentic delicious Thai curries. The lunch was good, but I was quite annoyed that it has totally blown my budget for the week with the present, my hour off for not working and ingredients to make the gazpacho for the entire office.

I had to waste time at Westfield before going to the Barbican screening for “Coco avant Chanel” at 20:45. Bad idea. Sales on and not feeling great = retail therapy. To pay respect to Chanel screening, I dressed up Chanel-esque – I had my hair up, red lipa ¾ sleeve thin black and white striped bodycon dress, a black and gold Chanel like tweed jacket and loads of pearls. As I was walking through the mall, I had one of those Carrie Bradshaw moments where one of the strands of the pearl broke. I froze as I watched the faux pearls scattered to the floor like heavy raindrops. It was a tragically beautiful moment. Not quite sure what to do, I was too embarrassed to get on all fours to collect the pearls, the lady next to me who witnessed it not sure what to do neither. She smiled at me as I said, “so… that’s that.” I managed to savage some of the pearls left on the necklace, good thing that I make jewellery I can get extra to make and re-chain it.



***** France. 105 min. Colour 2008. Directed by Anne Fontaine.

01.03.08.09 @ 8:45 pm The Babican Cinema 1 E13.

I arrived just in time at the Barbican as I was a bit late and had to find where Cinema 1 was, it’s a maze that place. The theatre was pretty full, mostly women of course, the Trojan gays, and a few who got dragged along by their girlfriends. The film was absolutely stunning! I’m not saying it because I love French films and Audrey Tautou. The clothes, ahhh the clothes in the film were just stunning, even the young Gabrielle Chanel’s crochet shoulder cape she wore at the orphanage was carefully designed. And of course, Stephen Jones designed all the hats in the film, including Chanel’s first millinery shop. I loved the story of Gabrielle, especially the tragic love affair between Coco and Arthur "Boy" Capel and how she transformed to Coco Chanel. The ending was a bit rushed I thought, everything was quite slow moving leading up to Capel’s car accident then she suddenly she was rolling out fabrics and next thing you know there were models coming off stairs for a fashion show. I must admit too, the models and their hair and make-up were too modern looking. I thought the film was well captured on how she has developed her own sense of style, how she revolutionise fashion in France and the major inspirations to her signature key looks: the Chanel jacket, the stripes, the signature Peter Pan collar black and white dress and of course, and of course, the LBD – the Little Black Dress.

The film made me wonder on the topic on love and marriage, as it was one of the occurring themes. Coco said, "the best part about love is the making love." She vowed that she would marry no one as her mother married because of love, who also later suicided because her father's infidelity and his abandonment of her and her siblings. In her society, marriage was to gain social status, real love was through love affairs. When a couple is in love, does the label of someone's "girlfriend" or "wife" matters? To me it does. Sure, love affair has the attraction of danger, thrill, lust, the unattainable love, the longing and all the other exciting bits. Marriage to me is sacred (I know, I'm old fashion), it's a life time commitment of love. Of course, one doesn't get married to get divorced but at the same time, one shouldn't married for financial and social status gain. Is marriage just a business contract?

Fashion: Matthew Williamson For H&M

Having such a bad week, I've completely forgot about the launch of Matthew Williamson for H&M. He's one of my favourite designers and glad to see a British Designer on the international map, I've always love his vibrant prints. I really wanted the cobalt blue suit but I was two days late to the Regent Street flagship store, only to find the trousers and all in enormous size 40. The above 3 outfits are the best ones in my opinion. I wouldn't mind the leather jacket, the silk dress is stunning but at £199, it's too much for H&M (I can buy a real Burberry evening dress for that amount at my Hackney outlet). The peacock dress looks great on screen and in magazine, but it's tricky how the print looks in person, I think this dress will be first to be sold out.

I went to check on the other location today to try my luck if there is the print scarf left. The scarf would actually be my first choice, since I'll be going to a designer sample sale on Thursday, I rather spend my money there. When I arrived the Kensington store, I immediately spotted the Matthew Williamson rack. The £150 sequin dress was there but in a size 42, there was also the silk jumpsuit and the short version of the silk dress and then I spotted my scarf. There was already a lady at the rack just took off the cyan peacock cardigan, I immediately grabbed the scarf. The print is the same as the silk dresses above. It was only £15, 100% pure silk, designer print – a bargain! Score! I love it!

P.S. I've exceeded my 20km goal of Running for April (I ran 21km)! Body Blast tomorrow!

Fashion: I'm a winner!

I never win anything from any random draw competition. But to my surprise on this Monday morning, I won the awesome watch and tee from Vestal, via Stylenoir.co.uk! Retail worth $238USD!

Fairaway Watch
The Fairway, at first glance, appears to be more than just a watch. It's an accessory. As powerful as this image might be, we assure you, it goes with anything and fits anyone. One of our most requested timepieces.

CASE: Stainless Steel/Swarovski Stones
BAND: Steel Expansion/Swarovski Stones
CRYSTAL: Solid Mineral
MOVEMENT: Standard 3 Hands
WATER RESISTANCE: 3ATM
WRIST: Thin

Chelsea T-Shirt
Slim-Fit Scoop-Neck T Screenprinted and Softened by a Discharge Process.

Fashion: London Fashion Weekend

From the goodie bag & catwalk show:

• Black tote bag designed by Tanya Ling
  
• RoC Renewex MicroDermabrasion Expert Kit
• ASOS October 2008 Catalogue/Magazine
• The Catwalk Guide
• ELLE Accessories Supplement
• Simple Daily Radiance Cleansing Wipes
• Elizaabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Samples: Skin Protectant, Intensive Moisturising Hand Treatment & Intensive Moisturising Body Treatment
• Galaxy Chocolate Bar 150g
• Toni&Guy Travel Size Boost-It Mousse
  
• St. Tropez Tanning Sample Set: Body Polisher, Body Moisturiser with L-Tyrosine & Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion
• The Little Pink Book 2009 from Handbag.com - Cute diary with fashion, beauty and shopping tips and maps
• LavAzza Qualità Oro Vacuum Packed 100% Arabica Coffee Sample 50g
• 2 Samples of Moxie Slenders Regular Ultra Thin Pads with Wings (Which comes in the cutest packaging ever)

From my newly ELLE subscription:

• Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner in My Date's My Brother (Pink)
• Set of Travel Brushes (Blush, Eye Shadow, Concealer and Eyebrow/Liner brush)
• A glass of Moet Champaign
  

My Purchases:

• Black Rinestone Glasses necklace by Anna Lou of London
  
• Green Skinny Belt by McQ
  

Fashion: Gok, show me magic!

Alexa Chung and Gok Wan in Gok's Fashion Fix on Channel 4

My flatmates reckon I'm a telly junkie, but I swear I don't watch crap TV like soaps and Big Brother! Long awaited "Gok's Fashion Fix" premièred tonight on C4. Two of my favourite TV personalities hosting a brand new fashion show - Gok Wan and the stylish Alexa Chung.

In this series, Gok challenges current high fashion trends with the high-street finds. Pick something high-street and make it look expensive whether you're styling by adding accessories or adding to the piece, it's about personalising to make it unique. There were some good DIY tips and ideas there. The bottomline of his motto is to find your own personal style in which he's in search for the most stylish person in the UK (he hasn't met me yet). Nevertheless, there's the Gok's "Must Haves" of the week and some celebrity guests, because you have to. Meanwhile, Alexa takes the roadtest on the trendiest and highest shoes to the test in an ultimate stiletto race and interviewing Roberto Cavalli in his holiday home.

Love it! Gok it! Love it!

Fashion: I Lust for Thee!

Window display in NYC of the 11 piece luggage set used in the film to be auctioned off for charity.


How adorable!!

I just came back from Wimbledon for the screening of the latest Wes Anderson's Film The Darjeeling Limited. I am so in love with the luggages used in the film, which I found out later reading the trailer that, of course, it was designed by Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton. The luggages were based on the jungle drawings by Wes Anderson's brother Eric. I love, love, love them!! Cutest thing ever! *sigh* if I can ever get a hold of one...

Incidentally, I adore the film.

Gianfranco Ferrè (1944-2007)

Booooo! Another great lost in the world of fashion..

Originally trained as an architect, this Italian designer began his fashion career designing accessories and raincoat. With his architecture background, he treated fashion with the same design principles as he would for a building: structure, form and balance. He was known as "The Architect of Fashion and was also known for being extremely critical of trends and fashion gimmicks. Eventually started his own company. He was also the director of Christian Dior in the late 80s to early 90s before he departed and start creating his own womanswear and menswear collection. He passed away 3 days ago, he was 62.

He will be missed and I'll be wearing my Ferrè glasses to honour him this week.

x

Fashion: Kate Moss <3 TopShop

Apparently, hundreds of eager shoppers were queued up outside TopShop trying to be the first to see and buy from the Kate Moss collection on 30th April. The much anticipated collection is very "Kate" ranging from her signature look: skinnies and waistcoats, wife-beaters, hotpants, mini dresses, lace-up sandals, pointy-toes mary janes and sunnies.

Elodie and I met up after work at TopShop on the day of the launch (1st May). We were there about 7:45pm. Surprisingly, there were still TONS of pieces left from the collection. I spoke to one of the staff, they re-stock the collection 6 times a day and there are new stocks coming in everyday. I feel sorry for the "fashionistas" who queued for hours who hopes to make a few pounds off Ebay.

I was much disappointed at the collection, it was mediocre and overly priced. I remembered liking a few pieces from the website, but they didn't look as well made in person. I really wanted a waistcoat but in-person, the colour wasn't right, it was yellow and black pinstripe, it was actually nice tried on but the colour wasn't what I was looking for. The off-white pleated fitted jacket looked really stylish but I wasn't going to pay £70 for it, so was the one strap pleated chiffon dress. Gorgeous! Again it was £120! The only item that I wanted to buy was the bow tie, but you can buy them anywhere really. I've been wanting a pair of black skinnies, the KM ones are £50, frankly, I rather buy Cheap Monday.

This the only celebrity/designer highstreet collection that I didn't buy anything from...

Fashion: I'm Not A Plastic Bag

Anya Hindmarch has agreed to design an environmental bag for We Are What We Do. Due to popular demand, the website has stopped taking pre-orders. The snobby fashionista Dover Street Market's waiting list for the bag was also full and has refused to take down any more names. The website announced there is a small limited quantity available in the Anya stores, Harrods and Harvey Nichols on 20 March, 2007.

On the day of, I got to the Notting Hill location half an hour before the store opens. The queue was all the way around the corner already. I was about 75 people in queue. Surprisingly, there were lots of unfashionable looking "men" in the queue. Possibly queuing for e-bay or for their stylish girlfriends/wives. There was a 2 bags per customer policy. The lady in front of me actually had her mum at Harrods lining up for the bag. Good strategy. I was just one horse man since Elodie has to work. I would have bought a couple more if I could. After waiting for an hour and a half, finally got into the store and got the bags!!

The limited quantities have been sold out. There will be more available across nation at Sainsbury's on 25th April, 2007. But Elodie and I can enjoy our bag a month before everyone else!

Check my photoblog here for the photos I took that day.

Fashion: Giles for Gold

Giles Deacon has agreed to design 4 collections for New Look this year. Yesterday launched the first one. I went to the New Look flagship store around shyly after midday, there were still lots of merchandise left (wasn't as crazy as the Stella McCartney and Viktor & Rolf lines for H&M).

Here are some pix of me trying on some of the pieces for this collection.

Due to my jobless status, I'm only allowed to buy one item. I bought the bling-bling skinny jeans.

The Sole Collection: White Pucci-esque Ankle Boots

My latest addition, white leather fold-down ankle boots with Pucci-esque lining. I can't wait to wear these! Hmm.. with a cute mod dress maybe? Tugged in with skinny jeans?