Minimal Colour, Maximum Success.

It's rare to see a unique brand in such a small city like ours - I can only imagine how hard it is for designers to establish themselves within the industry and when based in a city that seems to only cater for the masses (Topshop and River Island dominate the only shopping centre), its incredible to see someone achieve success with their own designs. I absolutely adore Ksuko, which is based in Royal Arcade just off the High Street. I have the pleasure of counting Ria, the owner and creator of all the clothes in Ksuko as a close friend, and her pieces are fantastic.
Each design is completely handmade, from hand picked fabrics which Ria sources herself from various locations - the fabrics range from hand printed delicate silk, to grungey leather and PVC, and are stitched by Ria, each piece is unique - I have never seen her repeat a design or style, and each piece seems to outdo the last. I used to live in crazy prints and bright colours, but I have fallen in love with moody navy hues and black, and would like to think its all thanks to some of the pieces I have purchased from the shop.

 

I had the privilege of working for Ria last weekend, and took a couple of snaps whilst I was there. the layout compliments the garments perfectly - metal scaffolding poles act as the rails, whilst there is gorgeous stone work on the floor to add a harshness to the soft white walls.

 

I of course had to try a couple of pieces whilst i was there - this beautiful fur trimmed coat is light weight and has deep pockets, making it perfect for wearing with a night out and throughout autumn. I also fell in love with this clutch bag, which is a mix of soft leathers and suede, and would be a great investment piece - an oversized clutch is something that never goes out of style. And as I have previously said, each piece is handmade and one off, so these are extra special and you would never have to worry about someone else having the same outfit! There is also various jewellery pieces which have a gorgeous Japanese influence.

 

 

I adore Ria, I have so much respect for everything she does - she creates some amazing pieces and has worked hard to established herself in our fair city. She is also the proud owner/mummy to this cheeky little devil - Rumer, the French Bulldog.

 

If you ever do visit Leicester, take time out to explore the boutiques and independent shops outside the Highcross Shopping Centre - and make sure you take time to visit Ksuko in Royal Arcade. 



 

French Summer

I've just received shots from my shoot with Jazzy Jeff's Junk that me and my photographer Joe Vozza did at the beautiful Café Bruxelles in Leicester last week. I chose the venue because of its gorgeous décor, it has a roof like the one in Beauty and The Beast and has an incredible French vibe, which I thought would work perfectly with the crazy 1980s clothes I was using. The clash between the smart French style and the bright and quite garish clothes works well, and in the final edited pieces looks wonderful.

I used a gorgeous Bulgarian model called Stassy, who was so natural and poised in front of the camera - she was a pleasure to work with, and as you can see from the shots, photographs beautifully!

Here are some of my favourite shots from the shoot, the rest can be viewed here. I've been sourcing lots of crazy prints lately - everything from 1980s Club Tropicana style to 90s Grunge. The final outfits are a mix of classy and crazy - sometimes adding a clashing print adds a twist to something that would usually be considered 'safe'. Summer has always been the best season to experiment in, so I chose lots of jumpsuits, light silk blouses and maxi skirts and dresses - most of which can be toned down with some nude flats and minimal jewellery for a daytime look, or maxed out with chunky heels and lots of decadent jewellery for evenings out.

Photography: Joe Vozza.

Styling by Myself.

Hair by Mikey Palmer.

Smooth Styling: Leicester's Finest.

If your a true Leicester resident you will know about Kasbah Piercing & Tattoos on Silver Street. I first became familiar when I worked at Goldrush Vintage in Malcom Arcade around 3 years ago - Kasbah was situated opposite and since then, every piercing has been done by Charlie, and every tattoo by Che - and I shall continue to do so as long as i'm in Leicester!

Charlie and me bonded over a mutual love over Kasabian and mad clothes, and has been one of my closest friends ever since. He works SO hard at Kasbah (a family business) and also on his acting - and I am SO proud to say he debuted his role in HOLLYOAKS a few weeks ago! Part of the new Roscoe Family, he plays Freddie, and already has made a brilliant impression on every Hollyoaks fan I have met - he really deserves it, because bloody hell he has worked hard for it!

Now I work as a freelance stylist, i'm pretty chuffed to say that I've styled one of Leicester's finest - here's a snap from The British Soap Awards of Charlie (top right) and his on screen family. His suit is, of course, Alexander McQueen, styled with accessories from Jazzy Jeff's Junk. Hopefully he will keep me in mind for more of his appearances (well he best bloody do anyway)

And a little photo of me and him taken today in the glorious Leicester sunshine.

 

 

I'm wearing these American Apparel leggings to death at the moment, and teamed it with a handmade dress from Ksuko Clothing in Royal Arcade, Leicester.

 

If your a Hollyoaks fan (and even if you aren't) you can catch it on Channel 4/E4 every week day. Charlie is also featuring in the second Kick Ass film which is out this summer!

So proud of this guy.

 

LSF Charlie! Love H x

 

 

I.C LV in LC.

As most of you should know, Irregular Choice opened a store in Leicester in October 2012. I am lucky enough to work in the shop from time to time, and help run the facebook and twitter pages. I took some snaps last week for the page and finally I have the time to put them on here!

 

These are the beautiful Ali Ba Ba and Got The Hump limited edition heels - perfect for statement shoes, in gorgeous jewel colours. They have camels on. There is camels on these shoes, what more could you want from a pair of heels? The beautiful metallic on the boots would look great with an all black outfit, team them with gold jewellery and some sequins.

 

 

These are the beautiful Poetic License pumps, Anchors Away. I absolutely love the nautical theme, and these shoes add a cute retro look - I think they would look fantastic with a 1940s or 1950s tea dress and a bright red lipstick. The peach/grey/yellow palette gives a fresh twist on the classic nautical theme, and the cute boat charm adds that 'irregular' twist. Perfect for summer weather (whenever that happens).

 

 

I'm like a magpie when it comes to sequins and gold. This is a crazy neck collar piece that I am completely in love with. A decadent mix of beads and jewel colours, with a gold tassel. Reminds me of the Egyptian neck plates and all those beautiful glamorous necklaces worn by Cleopatra (real and Liz Taylor). I would love to make this a really trashy addition to an outfit - maybe to compliment a Versace style printed shirt? Or even a sheer blouse and gold disco pants? The possibility is endless. I understand this is not to most peoples taste but OH MY GOD I love it so much!

 

 

This is one of the recurring designs that Irregular Choice make - the Trinkletina shoe. Retro gingham fabric makes this shoe so cute! The Perspex heel gives the classic I.C look, whilst the bow and charms make it even more eye catching. There is also a matching bag, which would be perfect for a weekender as it holds EVERYTHING! I used to think matching your shoes and bag was incredibly tacky - however in this case I think tacky makes the outfit!

 

 

Finally, this is Dave the resident Tiger. Possibly the campest Tiger anyone will ever see - but makes an incredible talking point with customers and if anything makes me want to become a taxidermist.

All in a day.

 

Irregular Choice is located on the High Street, between Tinfish Shoes and Wellgosh.

 

If you've not visited yet, your missing out!

 

Raptusound: Smooth Styling.

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of working with a great Leicester based band, Raptusound. I was asked to style their latest shoot, by their photographer Scott Choucino, and I jumped at the chance. I've been trying to think of new ways to get more experience in the industry, and styling is something I love to do.
The location was a beautiful Victorian house in a rural village on the outskirts of Leicester - Possibly one of the most beautiful places I've seen! (They even had a pool, and a beautiful fountain which was like the one from Atonement). Although the weather was quite dull and gloomy, the atmosphere was great - the band are a group of genuine, friendly guys, and working with them was a pleasure.
The band consists of Chris, Tristan and Jack - they all play their own instruments, write their own songs and play some great gigs - a REAL band, playing real music.
(Click HERE to be linked to their website)

 

Some of the final images from the shoot - the guys wanted a 1920s style theme, so there was LOTS of slicked back hair and sharp suits. Tristan (final photo) wears a 1920s smoking jacket I supplied from Jazzy Jeff's Junk - and I must say, once that jacket was on he got into the 1920s Dapper mode almost instantly!

 

The final shots look incredible - Scott is a great photographer and I can't wait to work with him again. If you are Leicester based - Raptusound are playing a gig THIS FRIDAY at Crumblin' Cookie - Link to Facebook event here.

Lots more photos will be coming, and hopefully I shall be attending the gig on Friday so will be able to once again tell you all how incredible Raptusound are!

 

Hometown Glory.

So, its that time of year when everyone is either going back to/starting university. I always feel a sense of emptiness when this happens - not because I shall miss the people going, but because I feel i've let myself down by choosing to stay in my hometown, Leicester.

Yes, i've chosen this myself and I should live with that, but sometimes I do wonder what life would be like if I'd accepted my place in either Manchester or London to study fashion. Although I am studying Fashion & Costume here in Leicester, the city itself lacks the glamour and excitement I feel I would have felt if I was in another city.

Although, Leicester, despite what some may think, is a beautiful city. Beautiful Victorian style buildings, Cathedrals & Churches and abandoned factories litter the area, making a distressed and interesting landscape. Many successful people have come from Leicester, including the incredible band Kasabian, who have done ridiculously well and can now consider themselves Rock GODS. Many students from the surrounding Universities & Colleges have had flourishing careers and achieved wonderful grades (I'd like to think myself included), showing that its not where you study, its how hard.

I've built some strong relationships, built a business, fell in and out of Love with the city countless times. Fallen out of Sophbeck at 7am, been glassed, been tattooed, been pierced, been bruised, but i'm at home, and i'm finally feeling OK about it. Maybe, in the future I will leave and go to a bigger, brighter city.

Overall, I guess i'm trying to say, is: Leicester, I Love You.

Stay Jazzy you Crazy Kittens!

H x

Wir Liben

So, i've finally got a few more photos from my Fashion Show. It was SUCH an emotional week, but i spent most of it running off adrenaline and heaps of tea.

I was incredibly nervous walking down the catwalk, especailly because my beloved parents and best friends and boyfriend were there to see it on the finale night.

Every single nightmare, death threat, panic attack, blood, sweat and tear has been worth it though because i received a DDD* grade for my whole course

AND

the Outstanding Acheivement Award

AND

Sustainable Fashion Award!!

I cried ALOT when I was called on stage to collect my awards, my heart was in my throat and I was so overwhelmed I sobbed during my speech! It was the best end to my 2 years of this amazing course.

Because of this course, I finally found something I adore, and I have places at both Manchester and London Universities, but I'm not going until next year as I am planning to spend time in America travelling around the different states. Also, I'm having a brilliant time with Jazzy Jeff's Junk right now, and I don't think I can part with all my stock!

Derelict Photoshoot.

So last week I styled a photoshoot for Jazzy Jeff's Junk. It was marvellous weather, although we found it difficult to find a decent location.
Eventually, we opted for the burnt down factory near my college in central Leicester. The shots taken were incredible, take by Joe Vozza. I wanted the derelict buildings and muted colours of the wasteland to contrast with the brightness of the colours, and it worked so well. My models were my friends, Jess Butterfield, Zoe Sweeney & Alice Trice-Rolph (I was also in afew cheeky shots).

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These are afew of my favourite shots, what do you think?