Blumenfeld Studio: New York Exhibition

Today I went to Somerset House to see the Blumenfeld Studio exhibition that has recently started there.  It features the work of Berlin-born Erwin Blumenfeld, who was one of the most sought after portrait and fashion photographers of the 1940's-50's. I was amazed at the amount of Harpers and Vogue covers he's done. A long with his work, it was also so interesting to see the Vogue's from the 1940's onwards. Me and fellow Ravensbourne Student Lizzy were discussing how they actually print the text and illustrations onto the page, which we still don't know! If anyone does be sure to comment below as I still want to find out.

Some of his works were so interesting to see. My tutor asked us as a group if we found it interesting or quite boring and 'old' to look at but I did actually find it interesting to see such a big fashion photographers work as I'd previously seen the Tim Walker exhibition there last year. However it was annoying that they didn't have copyright of the images so we weren't allowed to take pictures. But I have sourced some of his images online if you want to see the sort of work he did.

The exhibition focuses on his work from his studio 222 Central Park South in New York. There are over 100 of his original colour photographers. Our tutor wanted us to focus on how he positioned some of the models in and the general composition of the photos to help us better our own photography. There was one particular photo which looked as if the model was submerged in water but she was actually just placed behind fuzzy glass like what you'd find in your bathroom! It's funny tricks like these which can produce some really intriguing photos, and gives me tips to make better images myself.

One of my personal favs featured close up shots of a model smoking a cigarette and it really focuses in on the smoke. For some reason this series of images really caught my eye the most. I've featured them below with other examples of his work. If this entices you, definitely get down to Somerset House for the exhibition. You have till September!

Mens Fashion Week What?

Yep you heard it right, mens fashion week! As we all know all the major cities Fashion Weeks have always been about womenswear and it's time to make way for menwear. I think BFC have named it London Collections: Men and 48 catwalk shows and presentations will take place across two days. The last event was held back in January for autumn/winter 13 and this year it's on Sunday 16th June-18th June. Over 30 ready-to-wear collections and accessories designers will be exhibiting over three floors at The Hospital Club, WC2.

The BFC describes the London Collections as: "emphasising both the creative and commercial importance of Britain's brands and emerging talent as well as the rich cultural landscape that contributed to the inspiration and success of this section."
Just as GFW, it's also so important to see emerging talent within menswear as well as women. Even if I wont wear the clothes, I think I'd still find it interesting to see and watch and take in the mens trends.

It was only launched last June so it must of been a success for it to gain a second year, and on two occasions throughout the year so far, of course similar to the standard fashion weeks. The BFC have announced the winners of the brightest emerging talent that have got themselves a place at the London Collections to showcase their spring/summer 14 collection. These include Agi & Sam, Lee Roach, Matthew Miller, Nasir Mazhar, Shaun Samson and Astrid Andersen. These are the ones to watch this season.

L-R A&S, LR, MM, NM, SS, AA

Agi & Sam are about to launch their first collection for Topman and have been branded by The Guardian as the the men who 'design clothes that people want to wear.' Look out for an owl theme running through their range. Lee Roach's signature is 'reduction and repetition' and graduated from Central Saint Martins only shortly back in 2010. Matthew Miller loves using engineered digital prints and structured tailoring. He states spring/summer 14 will introduce a new manifesto for the brand - ooo exciting! Nasir Mazhar is very out their and his signature piece is a box peak cap. You can't miss this fellos work. Shaun Samson is also a graduate of CSM and is looking to recreate the ultimate summer party with his s/s14 collection. And Lastly Astrid Andersen says his client must be 'confident above all' and wants to create a look that is masculine, using street attitude and hip hop references. For more of their work, go on the BFC website to see their previous seasons catwalks at, www.londoncollections.co.uk./men

Alex Chung and David Gandy, just to name a few, have taken part in a new campaign called The GREAT Campaign in conjunction with London Collections to entice people to visit and study in London. Fashion of course, as we do have some of the best colleges in the world. (See image at the top) The image is taken on the famous Savile Row which hosts some of the best mens tailoring which is a perfect way to advertise the London Collection. Along with the images, there are a series of video campaigns to go along side which you can watch on the above address also.

I'm not sure if they stream the showcases online yet, but be sure to check out the coverage after the two day event if like me you're intrigued to see what the upcoming talent has to offer.

GRADUATE FASHION WEEK - 5 DAYS TO GO

It's coming up thick and fast now. Ravensbourne's show is at 3:30 on the Monday and according to Hilary Alexander our show sold out first!! Yes FIRST!! So if you didn't listen to my earlier posts to get your tickets fast you have missed your chance. But never fear, we also have a stand at GFW where you can go and see the garments made by the students a long with sketch books and other forms of our work. This is still an amazing way to see the shows pieces up close and personal. You don't just have to see it on the day the show is taking place either. As you know GFW is on from Sunday to Wednesday so although Raves show is on Monday, feel free to go on the Tuesday or Wednesday as well.

One of last years successes was Emeline Nksoi. She was also nominated for the Mulberry Accessories Award as well as the GFW Ethical Fashion Award. This shows you what real talent we have at Ravensbourne, so god knows what surprises will have up our sleeve this year!

Natalie Finch from Ravensbourne has also beat all other fashion students for the oppotunity to have her own pop up shop at GFW! This is an amazing opportunity and she fought through all the competition to win. Yet another example as to why everyone should come and sample some of Ravensbournes finest! This is the second year in a row Ravensbourne have won the pop up shop, Claire Clark won it last year.

Emeline Nkosi's from Ravensbourne's Stand at GFW June 2012