The Work of Bert Stern

Bert Stern was a legendary figure in the world of contemporary photography. With him sadly dying in the past month, I decided to take a look into his work, as I hadn't really seen much of it.

Even with just one simple google search, a lot of the images that appeared on the first page where images I've seen before, but haven't realised he was the photographer. He began he's career as a mail-room boy at Look Magazine where he formed a close relationship with young staff photographer Stanley Kubrick.

He's mostly known for the collection of work 'The Last Sitting' which consists of 2,500 photographs of Marilyn Monroe for Vogue which were shot over a three day period six weeks before her death. The images have been published into a book, first back in 1982, and again in 2000, which you can still purchase to this date. He's also photographed Lindsay Lohan imitating this very same shoot (can you spot which one she is in the photos below? CHEEKY CHALLENGE. Along with Marilyn and Lindsay, he's also photographed Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor and Madonna just to name a few.

As well as snapping A-listers, Bert launched his career with the infamous 'Driest of the Dry' Smirnoff Vodka campaign which saw a rise in sales that no one could of imagined, this is what rocketed his career at the tender age of 25 and made America into a vodka drinking country.

Sterns use of imagery really catches a moment, as if the camera wasn't there in the first place; natural. This is what I really love about it, and for future projects use him as big inspiration.

Paris Fashion Week Round Up

Yeah I know I am a bit late off the band wagon here but I've been away, started my placement for uni la la la and general life has been getting in the way but anywho, onto the point of the post-
To kick off the week of Haute Couture was Versace with none other than Naomi Campbell. This was upon Donatella's request which I found quite interesting. Of course Miss Campbell wouldn't turn it down. Nonetheless she looked stunning in an embellished black one-piece. Versace's inspo for the collection was the elegance of black and white photos and old old films which she has clearly executed beautifully. What a way to have kicked off the weeks events. Surprisingly, a lot of the pieces seemed a lot more wearable than your average haute couture piece, such as one black figure-hugging cocktail dress. Stop dreaming Grace

Naomi for Versace

Another shocker of the week was the re-appearance of Schiaparelli. Christina Lacroix produced a one of collection that would not go on sale for any price, and I mean ANY! Did he miss a vital trick here? But maybe Lacroix just wanted to create a buzz for the fashion industry and potentially steal the so called 'spot light' of the week as it were. Especially with some pieces going for as much as £80,000. However it was not shown through catwalk but installation at the Musee Arts Decoratifs. I've just got to say, those pom pom hats (if I can call them that) are insane

Schiaparelli installation with sketch

One of my personal favs of the week was Isabel Marant. With the immanent arrival of her colab with H&M looming fast, she didn't fail to deliver with her own brand. Everything shown I just loved and could wear easily; monochrome till I die people! What were your highlights of the week?? I'd love to know.

Isabel Marant

The New Shopping Mecca

Regent St and Conduit St are set for some new additions this year which could mean mecca status for them. The American Label J Crew is coming to Regent St and will be its first store outside of North America. This is HUGE and the whole of the industry is anticipating it. Another much anticipated brand is none other than Dior to Conduit St. Favourited by Michelle Obama, will take over from the store on Bond Street. The retail space they are inhibiting is meant to be one of the most expensive in London. Definitely go big or go home, but Dior would.

I think the coach loads of Chinese tourists will be taking a detour on their way to Bicester village to these two destinations with yet more stores due to open.
One store that has already opened is Maison Berluti. It's the first store the bespoke menswear brand have in the UK. The space is over 354 square feet, spread over two floors. The second floor dedicated to VIP's only with services to cater to the most prestigious of clients and even have leather antique club chairs for you to relax and speak to their specialist team.

Another menswear brand that has it's eye on Regent Streeet is Hackett. They're looking to take over the Ferrari store, which opened there is 2009. The space costs over £1.1m for the year to rent the 11,000 sq ft space so this is no rash decision for the brand.

If you know of any other brands opening on Regent or Conduit St comment below, as I'm set to find any others. It's a big year in shopping for these two destinations, be sure to check it out!