With the growth and success with personalisation of brands from t-shirts to trainers and luxury brands embossing their leather goods for items such as luggage. It was a sure thing that one day they would follow suit with the likes of Nike to let the consumer re design a favourite item of theirs.
Last week 16th April 2012 was the launch of Bottega Veneta's Initials. With the motto "When your own initials are enough" it was a natural step forward with the motto and branding. But is it a natural step forward for a brand that is based on timeless design?
This capsule collection lets you pic 5 bags that you can personalise with your own initials, or 10 accessories / small leather goods. The bags are new to the collection and not part of their iconic bag range. Depending on the items, you can choose 3 sizes for the letters as well as possible 2 positions. There are 8 colours you can choose from and you can change each letter if you like. The font they use is the Bottega Veneta font, just wider so you can see the colours and the initials.
Now when I 1st saw this I thought Louis Vitton. The LV monogram is such a well known monogram that to have your own initials in such a way was their step forward.
"Add your own initials to turn one of our iconic products into a one-of-a-kind piece as original as its owner"
Mon Monagram is something they have been doing since 2008. You can pick from their 4 iconic bags in all the sizes. Choosing which style stripe and which 2 colour ways for both the stripe and the matching letters, with or without the separating dot. There are 17 colours to choose from and a "200 million possible combinations"
After playing about with both websites and creating my own design. I was a bit dissatisfied with both.. With Bottega Veneta, I just found it too bright for a classic timeless company and wished there was an option to loose the drop shadow. With Mon Monagram, I felt that it should have been a monogram. That my initials should have come out like the LV logo. After all "a monogram is a motif made by overlapping or combining two or more letter or other graphemes to form one symbol"
Its just the beginning for BV so lets see how it continues as for LV it has been since 2008 so they cant be going wrong.
I had to do some research and a presentation about sunglasses some time ago and I did wonder if it was worth blogging. Since there are questions being asked about UV, and style, and polarised, I thought why not. I hope this helps. I tried to condense it to the basics.
"Here comes the science" ......
What is UV?
Ultra Violet Rays (UVR) = UVA + UVB + UVC
They are invisible rays from the sun that affect our eyes and skin. A little bit of sun is actually good for you but in moderation. It can help our bodies with making Vitamin D, strengthen bones and teeth and helps treat psoriasis.
Too much can cause skin cancer, and cataracts hence the need for protection.
UVA, B and C are different wave lengths of the rays, and we are protected from the most harmful UVC through our ozone layer (hence the importance of the ozone layer)
Sunglasses grades of protection
This obviously depends on the make so always ask the vendor if in doubt. Most sunglasses come with a standard UV protection. A moderate / sufficient protection for general use. The European Standards usually has four ratings.
"0" = insufficient UV protection
"2" = sufficient UHV protection
"6" = good UHV protection
"7" = "full" UHVV protection
Do not be fooled that the darker the lens the higher the protection. In fact the filter is just that a film on the lens. The darker the lens the wider your pupil dilates, to enable you to see through them, causing more harm to your eyes if unprotected.
What is Polarised?
Polarised lenses are more expensive then normal lenses. It doesn't really mean they are better then normal glasses. If you are to use your sunglasses for everyday use in town then you wont need polarised. They are mostly and commonly used for outdoor sports where the sun bounces back on reflective surfaces. What is also known as anti glare.
Reducing glare for long haul drivers can ease eye strain. Fishermen use polarised to see under the water surface so they can see the fish and other objects clearer. Photographers use it to create more contrast in their photos.
with / without
without / with
Polarised lenses however do not give you a full protection from glare. They only work at certain angles from the reflected rays and can distort your vision when looking at LCDs ( TV, Mobile / Cell phone screens, etc.)
Now to try
As much as I could go on about face shapes and what suite which best. It is all down to trying on and what is your individual style as well as function. Some might make you look ready for the beach in Miami and others might give that look of shopping in the city or beach party in Ibiza.
I can only say its like clothes and body shapes. If you are pear shaped (big hips) you wouldn't want to make it more noticeable by wearing a tulip skit, you would want to even out your body and elongate. So if you have a round face you don't want to wear round sunglasses or a pair that has more details on the sides to make your face look wider.
Also bear in mind nose bridge and cheeks. For most asians, africans, or any one with a low nose bridge, sunglasses tend to sit too low; or if you have big cheeks / high cheek bones, you find that when you smile your glasses go up as they sit on your cheeks. There are some designers that have a line that cater for this. The bridge on the glasses will be longer to compensate. I know Bottega Veneta and Oakley has an "asian fitting" with some of their glasses.
My non AF fitting sits lower on my nose and hits my cheeks
My BV AF fitting has space and doesn't sit on my cheeks :)
Its been a while and as much as I can say it was due to laziness it's also due to confusion. The UK weather is at that stage where its chilly yet sunny. People are jetting off to snow caps for last min snow fun or places where they can catch early sun. And its all left me rather confused with a. what holiday I was going to book myself on and b. what does one wear on snow yet warm and sunny climates??
With all the searching for new Uggs and if that was even a good idea since they shouldn't be worn to get wet, so snow is not a good idea. Or does one invest in moon boots? and with the sun making you realise that summer is coming why get things for cold when I can look forward to summer? But then again its still cold out!? Have I confused you yet? I finally gave up and thought to update my kicks.
I stopped going to the gym.. my excuse was that a. I was no where near getting a six pack and that all the training and machines did was make other parts of my body do what I did not want. and b. my kicks were tiered that I threw them out. So my advice to myself was buy a pair on sale... since the likely hood of me going gym is near 0. But at least I have a pair of comfy trainers to run in... and no... one does not run in converse!
As much as I should buy running shoes I love air max they are comfy and I don't have to look like its for gym only! I always try to get the canvas fronts. I don't like the creases in leather chunky kicks. I think leather ones are for fashion and not for training.
We all know I might never wear them in the near future and they are there in the case that I do decide to errr be healthy?! or go back to working in TV studios and need to run around. So I also got me these bad boys...
I saw these and loved them but left them on the shelf since I have been sporting heals and was looking for boots. But as soon as I came back for them others started noticing them and, how cute they are. I have had compliments as I wear them out. So just cause they look bright on the shelf... don't be a drab.. think how cute they make your feet look!
I look young so I have been trying to stay away from trainers.. but when the weather says I don't know.. trainers.. says comfort, and importantly NO season.
Description: Uk dance talent competition. Where people from solo, duo, or groups audition in any dance style, before 3 jusdges and try to make it through to win the show and £250,000.
Location: Kensington Olympia
Frequency: Once a year.
Price: Audience tickets are free (as far as I know)
I used to work behind the scenes in TV. Have experience in studio camera's, gallery work as a vision mixer and director and, freelanced as a VT editor before I was made redundant and went back to work in fashion. So when my friend was able to get audience tickets to Sky One's Got To Dance of course I asked. She knew I loved dance and would watch it at home. Added bonus was that I knew another person that was actually on the show and the group made it to the finals. All a good excuse to show some support.
As part of the studio crew Gerry managed to get us past the cue's... Rolling with the VIP (lol)... Shame we couldn't VIP the toilet cue. Non the less was better indoors then the cold and rain.
As we talked and audience are made to participate in time killing activities such as dancing and competing against the other side of the 6000 filled stadium the burning question was why watch here when you can have a better view at home? Not like the view we had wasn't great.. It was!! see for your self.. but from just one angle?
A good performance, a good dancer can convey a story and evoke emotion. Which is not often transferred on TV. You ever wondered why people get up from their seat for a standing ovation and as a TV viewer you thought it was flat?
I watched two kids, the age of 8 and 11 dance. They made me stand up as they expressed emotion in their movement. Not just the skills that an 11 year old boy can do lifts that an adult can find difficult and helping her jump in the air like it was slow motion. Or the fact that she was fearless in the lifts and dismounts.
Another group had 6000 people up as their energy in the piece soared like the tempo in music doubles in fold. They hadn't even finished dancing yet the stadium was up in euphoria.
All this can sometimes be captured and sometimes you can miss it. As I remember from my studio days I was too focused on finding a good shot then feeling their piece and translating that.
So why go out to watch a concert when you can buy the DVD? The mear experience and atmosphere that you cant buy or watch on screen. Plus a good day out from the norm. What you don't get to see on TV is also why the audience is there for; the love of the art. From small children getting up to dance, disabled Nan's zinging around in their wheelchair, and behind the rafters were teens busting out bboy moves, in the 3 mins that is a UK add break.
I was about to end there but I have to say Diversity did do a very good number, a Michael Jackson tribute, the best performance and choreography I might have seen from the group to date. The thing was on the journey home a teenager said he almost didn't recognise that it was a MJ dedication even though they did many MJ signature moves. With some tragic deaths of the greats of my generation, people that inspired, had signature moves or voices. Who do the youth of today have to look at and say that about? I don't see Justin Bieber having a signature move or voice that in 40 years time kids will say he moulded a generation other then his hair.
A week ago a client / friend asked me to help him on finding a suit for his brothers wedding. Apart from the fact my lovable Egypt is slightly eccentric in his clothes yet stable and classic at the same time. His criteria as much as many men that have sought my styling help is to make sure they don't look like a waiter or a "snooker player"
With work and my personal life taking it's toll on my search I have only managed to prowl the Internet to look though designers collections, giving me an idea of what is out there and not waste my time searching in some stores.
As it is a summer wedding I am trying to stay away from a black suit. Making it less waiter, less hot and less work. Another danger that most men can create when it comes to suiting is wearing one for a special occasion but looking like they are going to the office. An office suit for those on a budget can work as long as you accessorise with a simple buckle belt and some colour on a pocket square or tie.
For something that doesn't scream work, try Etro for mix of materials on the pockets and lapels, a touch of eccentric and texture enough to not make it too dull..
That is some of the research. Lets see what else I find and what he finally ends up choosing to go with. Update you once I get there.
: Rap, Grime & Pop (even though there was a bit of jungle
and bashment in there)
"Meet me at the lock"
Walked past security, past the crowed, straight back stage and into a cramped room full of hopefuls.
This lot know each other like a family; music the common bond. Hyped up on some well known doughnuts breezing past like a lucky give away. Pictures and videos being taken for charity documentaries as people talk amongst each other and performers walk past as they come off stage. Its havoc in here, and I'm wondering how am I going to do this interview, in this madness.
The vibe is sugar rush with butterflies, banter, and worries on the vibe from the crowed.
Clencha, a long time friend and an energetic, positive, people person, is chilling, offering doughnuts, cursing banter on his co performers dock martins in between chatting to me.
"You know they not in fashion"
"What? I'm representing in Camden... OMG hey tell Clencha they in now"
What's life like for an up and coming artist?....
Why Clencha?
When I was a kid we used to play this game coursing, dragging each other by the clothes and I would always hold on... Tight grip... Clencha... I haven't seen the name on another artist before so it got me thinking of the meaning... the symbol of the fist... Black power... clench your dreams your family.. Firm grip... It came from mucking around to something serious. Derrick is personal... Clecha is who I become my alter ego.. Derrick is exclusive to my family.
When did you start rapping and realise you want to do it for a living?
Started at 14... Make a living out of it at 17... I was developing my style and skills between that time and doing pirate radio where I got the recognition and realised that's what I want to do. Be known for the music... Better then a 9-5 and I get to please people.
What is it that makes you different?
I'm fearless 100% fearless... Innovated... Will try anything to be unique... When the lights hit me they see how I'm unique.
Where are you in life, where are you now and, what do u hope to achieve?
I was just making music for the sake of making music... it was a freedom of expression... Now I'm making a living and raising the bar! Getting recognised... Put the name to the face now... Unlike radio before.
If u were stranded on an island what 3 things would u bring?
I'm trying to preserve life so what food?? Water?! You're gonna die ain't you so water to survive... Can I say my phone? So I can contact someone to get off the island? And a watch so I know the time and not lose track...
Why would you want to keep track?
You want to know and I doubt I'll be on the island for a year?! Forget it a fillet o fish!! That's it that's my answer! your f*&%ing with me on my answers
If u could have dinner with anyone and meet anyone who would it be?
Alisha keys... 100% omg my man knows!
(Friends helping out with the answers)
Proudest moment?
Getting to kiss Alisha keys on the cheek! And she let me!
What shall we expect in the future?
Anything and everything... More music and some acting... Everything!!
Favourite quote?
I got a few but my fave for a while is "nothing happens before its time"
Best event?
Wow let me come back to that... Probably a performance one
Best place in London?
Was gonna say central but I love bricky... Brixton... everything is there for me... My home town! Garms, clubs.. And its expensive to move there now...
Best fashion item or style?
I just love a hoody its been misconstrued... It doesn't mean who you are, doesn't define you... but I can sleep in it and go gym... a hoody straight!
As the wait to the performance nears the vibe goes down as the others exit, and Clencha goes back stage to support the act before them. A few last min rehearsals to ease the nerves and some dancing muck around.
Watch out for a well connected, radio known, face soon to match, blazing the club trail Clencha supporting Mz Bratt..
Its been on of those weeks where I have just been franticly trying to catch up on things like sleep and cleaning and organising both my home and work. Needless to say there has been no time for me to blog. At least I have had time to think what to write.
Due to the weather (snow) and all the "organising" I was just thinking how I need a holiday. But due to circumstances (money, time, someone to go with, and mum going to have therapy) I can't really go on one for at least 6 months.
So I thought I'd share with you my 2 photo books from the previous trips. There have been many small trips between and there are obviously more pictures. But when I set out on making these photo books I wanted them to be about the place and not about my holiday. Like a travel guide almost or a huge brochure.
Potobox is great for uploading your photo's and printing them when you've snapped away like 600 photo's. Taking them to boots and waiting for them to print is such a chore! So to just upload and get them posted to you is great!
Making photo books is also nice as you can use your own creativity with it or, just use the samples and it does it all for you! I try to include facts about the place. You could make personal ones with "this is where I did this" or "this happened here" Share your albums and you can even sell them too!
I work with both a small point and shoot compact camera as my back up or my phone! and for trips like Cambodia and Egypt I have to carry my Canon AE1 35ml Film. I like the grain and the feel it gives to a picture. See if you can spot which pic uses which camera.
