Discount Disciples

Wearing: Discount Universe shirt, vintage blouse, Asos skirt and Dr Martens boots.

As you can probably tell, this shirt is approximately one trillion sizes too big for me BUT it's perfect for layering. I wasn't meant to buy anything this month but I had to buy this vintage blouse for $6 plus postage because I knew deep down that's the kind of regret one takes with them to the grave. One thing I forgot though when it comes to buying vintage is just how itchy old synthetic fabrics can feel against naked skin. The plastic buttons were maybe clear once but they've aged terribly and are the colour of pale ale so I plan on replacing them soon when I stumble upon the perfect, tacky flower buttons. I feel like Enid Coleslaw would have a really good button collection if she weren't already enamored with pop culture and into sewing rather than filling her sketchbook. As always, citing a fictional character as a reference to steal clothing/ craft supplies from is generally counter productive but hey! I've always felt more represented by figures of the imagination, rather than real people.

Trial and error

Wearing: Vintage blouse, Romance was Born jacket, Target trousers and Chloë Sevigny x Opening Ceremony boots.

If I had a super power it would be owning a lot of cheap, dollar store make up without the cool and ironic 90s colour palette (i.e. icy blue, pearl pink and rare shades of purple and green). This brings me to my next point, note to self: someone with my complexion should never wear this colour gloss.Maybe it would have been more effective if it was a lipstick? Err?? I don't know. The disadvantages of being young and ignorant is that you aren't completely self-aware and know the nuances of your body. I guess the advantage is that there's plenty of time to figure all that out. For now the only proven method I have is trial and error (which I seem to be pretty good at). I thought I'd hate wearing such plain and basic trousers with these two prints but in hindsight it looks pretty good. Plus it's not a total shock when you look at my feet, which seem to be covered in tiny belts rather than an actual pair of shoes.

Dream Cave

Wearing: Josh Goot dress, Perks and Mini hat and Rubi shoes platforms.
 
So I've mentioned a bunch of times that I'm a geologist and specifically a palaeontologist but I've never really showed off any knowledge. It's only now that through obsessively thinking about the importance of science communication in society that I've wanted to combine my love of science with fashion and creating interesting outfits. When I talk to my friends from geology they all talk about collecting rocks from their field area or places they've been, but what draws them in is an aesthetic taste. Obviously they also understand the theoretical framework and environment in which those rocks forms which enhances their understanding but fundamentally they like the shiny pretty things. I've also come to understand how important it is to break the construct of a scientist. Ultimately I want to change the way people come to view and interact with scientists, and in particular encourage young girls and women to pursue a career in science.

5, 10, 12, 21, 27- Glitterous Clitoris. 2- Kentallenite in cross polarized light. 3- via. 6- Olivine teschenite thin section in cross-polarized light. 9- Metamorphic rocks in Canada, by Les Palenik. 13- Gassets Schist in cross polarized light. 16- Gneiss. 17- high-pressure schist in cross-polarized light via KLKGeo. 20- Kentallenite in cross-polarized light. 23- Kentallenite in cross-polarized light. 24 & 26- Migmatite in the Sand River, South Africa shot by Pierre Thomas for Planet Terre. 30- Leucogranite via University of Maryland.

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