I'm aware I'm a wolf

Wearing: Thrifted jacket, J.W. Anderson X Topshop sweater, POMS earrings, Target shorts and Chloë Sevigny X Opening Ceremony shoes.

Bill Cunningham once described clothing as the armor for everyday life and today I chose to interpret that in the most literal sense. Armor doesn't have to feel weighty or oppressive though, its purpose is to offer you some kind of protection. In this case that comfort was purely psychological for me but came in the form of knitwear, feathers and the colour red. I came to realise I was unconsciously referencing the garb worn by San from Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke. She too wore large earrings, moved with the ease and fluidity of a wolf and had had red markings on her face, as well as blood stains from fighting. My marabou feather earrings felt more like the feathers collected from arrows which again exaggerated this warrior-like state. Largely it feels like I am fighting with myself most days, or that any turmoil is completely internalized as I struggle to do what is right and keep myself satisfied. Self-exploration has become more important than ever as I continually try to figure out who I am and who it is I am trying to become.

5. 7. 3, 10 & 12- Princess Mononoke (1997).

Ashish Spring 2015

In what can only be described as a teenage fangirls fantasy dream come true Ashish Gupta delivered the jewel in the crown of London Fashion Week. Models walked the runway well endowed in sparkly highlights, equally impressive eyeshadow, cocktail jewellery and stunning designs showcasing sequins pop culture references. It's for this very reason that fashion, even the unattainable collections costing hundreds of dollars are so important. Put simply they record our history, reflect of the values our society upholds and more recently are a kind of portal into the online world. While I enjoy watching online medium such as blogs and websites create physical content, namely books I am more interested in capturing a snapshot of popular culture. Tumblr and Instagram are good examples, however there's something strangely satisfying about being able to wear it. Something primitive, as if to pledge allegiance to a tribe. Of course I'm terribly biased since I am someone who obsesses over what they wear and clothing as wearable art. 

What was most heart-warming about this collection, aside from Harry Style's face on a pair of jeans was the casting. Women and men of colour proudly strut down the runway and brought out the best in the clothes. The hair extensions, sequins and colours were made all the more richer and the marabou platform sandals were fit for a queen. What's more, Winnie Harlow closed the show in a gorgeous black cocktail dress and equally impressive jewellery. It truly marks a change in the fashion industry, driven by a designer no less to see greater diversity within the fashion world. Were it not for Ashish Gupta's exceptional and exemplary vision I don't think the collection would have had nearly the same impact. There's no doubt in my mind that this is not a world first, but it is significant as it marks a first for London Fashion Week. The event receives unprecedented levels of coverage and permeates all levels of society. Young girls would see themselves represented here and feel beautiful and it is for this reason that representation is important. 

My favourite piece from the collection is definitely this sequined shirt, Hi Hater on the front and Bye Hater on the back. I specifically had this piece in mind as I wrote the introduction and discussed Internet culture. It does, however, elude to the slightly darker aspects of online culture but disregards them in a very fun, positive way. In a sign from the universe it's even on sale now at Browns but heaven knows I can't afford something so luxurious. I'm also super broke after spending a week interstate to complete some coursework for my degree which is driving me to sell some pieces that just don't get enough love. I've been slowly trying to reduce the amount of clutter both in my wardrobe and the objects around my room but I've barely made a dent. Within a few months I seem to have collected what I had tried to hard to get rid of. When I look around at all that I have and I ask the question, "Does this add value to my life?" in many instances the answer is a resounding NO. It's definitely forced me to reevaluate my consumerist behavior and yet, inevitably, I will always want more.
 

Although Kimye were no where to be seen at fashion week last season, they did however make a sparkly debut on the runway in the form of a cute pullover sweater. Many would say it's not the same but as someone who has managed to happily avoid the Kardashian's (as much as the next person) this is quite enough. Pop icons such as Miley Cyrus and One Direction (prior to Zayne's departure from the boy band) were also in the mix. While Miley is still rocking the same haircut and bright red lipstick within the space of a few months the dynamic of 1D has changed. There are many who remain unaffected by the fixture change but for diehard fans the news was devastating. Again, this solidifies and adds weight to my argument that clothing, when combined with popular culture can act as a time capsule. Trawling through fashion archives reflects the changes in society, morality, or even the discovery of new techniques. Clothing is so much more than providing us with the basin need and necessity to keep warm. 

Photos taken by Alessandro Garofalo / Indigitalimages.com

Ice Queen

Wearing: Vintage dress, thrifted cardigan, POMS earrings and Dr Martens boots.

My mum said this outfit was "too fluffy". Little does she know there's no such thing. I felt so good wearing this outfit but some people cannot deal with fluffy white earrings. I wore this outfit to the Melbourne Art Book Fair held at the National Gallery of Victoria, and even there some people were staring. I don't mind though because I got a signed copy of Minna Gilligan's limited edition book, Poems, Prayers and Promises. I also got to hang out with some rad babes I have met through various unofficial Rookie Mag events and got to catch up with them. Given that I've been so busy this year with my research I think it's forced me to make time for the things I truly enjoy. Which means that I'm busy all the time but I think that's when I'm happiest, even though I sometimes collapse into bed because I'm so exhausted.

Strawberry Fields Forever

Wearing: Thrifted jacket, sweater and trousers from Target, Kenji heels and Sara Sboul buffy muff.

First of all sorry about the rubbish quality of these photos, I've been so busy lately there hasn't been much time to really stop and gather my thoughts. Things have only been complicated now that my dad is on leave and has started gardening again hence the strange photo-bombing ceramic pot. I really wanted to show off my new Sara Sboul hand muff which I bought for 75% off the regular price (thanks to a special code on top of a half price discount applied to all hand muffs). I had hoped to win the complete look in their instagram competition but alas the lovely Glasgow fashion blogger from Forever Yours Betty won. She took some lovely snaps of her new accessories at London Fashion Week. The Buffy Muff was by far my favourite product from the trio so I just had to snap it up- it's so quirky and unusual! If you haven't heard of Sara Sboul her bags have also been seen on the Beckerman Twins and she's just collaborated with Clio Pippiatt on their latest line of accessories. I think she might be stocked at Melbourne's Lady Petrova very soon, plus there may be another collaboration with artist Esther Kim of estherlovesyou.