A Couple of Questions for...Jacob Coupe

Monarchy or Presidency?

Presidency/Priministary because they actually help or atleast try to solve problems and not just run around chasing foxes.

Babies or Dogs? 

Dogs for when im young, Babies for when im ready.

Sisqo or Dizzee Rascal? 

Dizze rascal, Sisqo was/is just fast food music, Dizze is abit more filling.

Jamie Oliver or Gordon Ramsay? 

Jamie Oliver when he had his old tv show, The Naked Chef and was in his flat, these days Gordon Ramsey.

London or NY?

London....just England generally, because Englands such a small country anywhere you go you feel kind of at home, iv come to realise too, English people are actually amazingly nice compared.

Whats the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?

Like totally get caught without my foundation and concealer on, i.just.dropped.dead. 

Prada SS10 Soundtrack

Classicism and modernity went hand in hand in Miuccia Prada's collection of a 'crystalised beach'. The collection had a very fantastical and artifical looking element to it all; the glossy red mouths, chandeliers swaying, plastic-like shoes and the projection of Italian interiors on the hi-tech fantasy set.

Jackets and shorts were robotic and futuristic in classic Balenciaga shapes of predominant silver tones , while the photographic prints of the tourist resort beach on the clothing represented the technological aspect to rhe collection.

Without a doubt, the Prada runway show soundracks are always one of the best of the season. I've had this one blaring on my iPod non stop for months. My sisters says it sounds like a train crash, but i think it sounds pretty damn fierce.It starts off brash and agressive with the  occasional lulls of Brenda's harmonic melancholic voice whereas the instrumental piece gives a mood of serenity.


 Runway soundtracks in general are another massive interest of mine aside from the clothing, there is such a massive level of thought that goes behind the musical aspect of a show. It's often unnoticed how relevant a single lyric or chord resonates with a collection. Imagine if Sanchez chose to play Metallica? We'd probably see the clothing in a completely different light. I think it's absolutely genius.

Lil Mama raps about making herself look attractive ,which contributes to the artifical element of the collection, while Brenda Lee pines about loneliness and insecurity. The 50's and 60's is an era that Miuccia commonly cites in her designs. Whilst, The powerfully cinematic piece by Mantovani of Inland Empire gave us the sense of past and classicism aspect to the collection.

It feels almost like a conversation or even a blaring argument between the two women Lil Mama and Brenda Lee. Rather a conversation between classicism and modernity, or perhaps even a powerplay between two women of optimism and uncertainty.

Tracklist

"Lip Gloss" by Lil Mama

"All Alone Am I" by Brenda Lee

"Colours Of My Life" by Mantovani

Download here

SPOTTED: Will Eustace at Trafalgar Square

This picture was taken absolutely ages ago, during the FW10 mens shows in London, but I figured that if I was to make a new post after light years then it should be a good one. Who doesn't love Will Eustace? He's a breath of fresh air among the Scandinavians on the Prada and Jil Sander runways.

 He was really lovely and very sweet, especially when I told him I loved his CK campaign.

RIP Lee McQueen

I was absolutely devastated to hear about the sudden death of Lee Alexander McQueen. I found out as soon as I came from school that day, I switched on the television and  I saw the news reporter talking about past McQueen shows and then I saw footage of  a body being dragged out of a house and they said that it was him.

His shows have always had such an emotional impact on me. They always felt like a history lesson, in the best way. Who else could have expressed the Theory Of Evolution in a much more fascinating way? I remember when I was ten years old and I was becoming more and more interested in fashion, his shows were one of my first to discover. I loved how his shows were so dramatic and spectacular, each season so iconic. You could see the meticulous attention to detail in each of shows and collections: the choice of music, the movement of the clothing on the model, the setting, whether the fabric was interfacing or not. The passion for all of this was and still is so inspiring to me. I always thought that maybe one day I could attend one of his shows.

One of my  favourite McQueen collection was the SS 2009 womens collection inspired by the Natural World. I would come home every day after school and watch that three minute clip of it on YouTube about 20 times again and again. 'A Guy Called Gerald' never got boring, and neither did his underlying message behind that show. I found his vision of this particular woman so beautiful and seemingly demure. As well as being a collection of  incredible workmanship the whole collection represented a psychological and important message to us all today. 

  I watch one of his shows, and I feel that if such beauty can exist then maybe the world isn't such a bad place after all?

Interview with Jacob Coupe

After much correspondence, the super sweet Jacob Coupe let me ask him about his experience walking for Prada, while on hectic castings for the shows in Paris.

"I loved doing the Prada show this year, i feel that so far it has been the highlight of my career in terms of the fun and enjoyment i got out of it, and the people i met.

I was with the Prada team for around 5 days straight doing the fittings and working with Miuccia was amazing, it was clear to see how she has lasted so long in the industry with the amount of detail and attention she gives to everything she does.

I was with 3 other models for the whole time - George Barnett, Adrien Sahores and Nicolas Ripoll.
We got looked after amazingly and stayed in a hotel right round the corner from the Prada, was such a fun week filled with laughs and pranks. I cant wait to do it all again."


Before the show, did you know of the impact it would have on your career?
I had no idea! It’s a funny story, at the start of the week Nicolas and George made a bet about who would open the show, me or Adrien, and when we found out it was me it was only when Nicolas told me how much of a big deal it is, that it sank in.

What did you think of the fashion industry before you became a model and how does it compare to how it really is?
Before i was a model i never really had an interest in the industry, i never knew anything about it apart from Zoolander haha, and Zoolander and the industry defiantly have their similarities!

Could you ever see yourself doing something like prada or becoming a model before?
10 months ago i would have ever have thought i would be doing this today, its insane what has happened, but no like i said before i have never really had an interest in fashion or modelling, it all happened by chance really! I remember going to see Russell Marsh for the first time and to say it progressed into me doing what i have, is crazy.

How did you feel about the clothes and the setting and music. did you see the preparation for the setting and music. what did you think of it?
I really liked the colours of the clothes, the greys and blacks. I always find my self wearing them on different shoots too! as for the set we never really saw it getting built but when we had our rehearsal we got a chance to stand around and have a good look at everything and it was so good, all the details that went into it, you could stand in the show room for an hour and still not have spotted everything that was there.

"A Couple Of Questions for..." Jacob Coupe soon!

Interview with Tyler Riggs

I took this interview with Tyler ages ago, back when he was doing the SS09 shows and it's just amazing to see how much his career has progressed from there and how much control he has over his career now. This SS10, he skipped the entire show season yet he has still managed to be in demand with print work and he was even offered two exclusives by two major French brands last season, although he decided to turn them down because the acting school he's at is 'serious.' He shows great range and versatility as a model, enabling him to work for youthful and edgier brands like Diesel but also classic and quiet looks for Louis Vuitton and GQ magazine editorials. The skinny punk rocker look gets old after some time and his agents are trying to promote the latter look much more. The amount of options and rejection is immense, to name a few, Tyler is put on option for the highly anticipated Prada menswear show every season yet he's never once walked the show. The fact that he's even on option 'means absolutely nothing' to him. And he's been on option for some of the biggest campaigns, including last winter’s Gucci FW09 advertising campaign. He manages to stay down-to-earth and unaffected throughout his career and to put it quite simply; he's really not a twat.

What's the story behind your tattoo?
I am a big fan of Salvador Dali so I decided to tattoo my favorite painting of his smack dab on my left shoulder. The painting is called the Temptation of Saint Anthony. I fell in love with him at an early age since there is a rather large collection of his works in St. Petersburg, FL ( which is near my home town ) The real story behind the painting is St. Anthony is trying to resist sin. Each animal and object sort of represents the seven deadly sins. I guess it's a reminder to stay grounded. I love Dali. I grew up near St Pete Florida and they have a huge Dali museum there.

If you hadn't come into modelling, what would you have been doing?
I was touring around with bands in the states. I was also in a hardcore band called "Hot Gates". I have been writing a lot of music lately, however, I aspire to start some kind of acting career soon.

How does it feel to be on the runway? Do you get nervous?
I have played shows in a band and done a bunch of plays in highschool, so being in front of a crowd wasnt that bad. I was a bit nervous when i started the Neil Barret show, I was afraid to walk out first and mess the whole show up. ha

How does it feel seeing yourself on billboards, magazines and such?
It's kind of funny. I felt like it was going to be this big deal, but none of my friends seem to be too impressed so it's lost it's shiny newness.

Are you part of Vegas Porn Conventions or what?

Hahaha, I think you are referring to the well endowed Tyler Riggz ( gay porn star ) that is not me. haha, everyone always asks about that.

What's your favourite YouTube video?

Lightning bolt. it's a video of kids LARPING

What's the worst thing that has happened to you at a show?

I forgot to stop at a show one time and after I turned I walked back and posed. I kinda shrugged my shoulders and everyone laughed.

What's the most disgusting food you've ever eaten?

I hate spinach, I try to like it but I just hate it

Has acting always been an interest?

I actually wanted to be an actor since I was a little kid. I have done plays and stuff like that but nothing serious. I am starting acting classes next month. I have met a few people that are interested in doing short films so I guess thats where I am going to try and start.

What did you initially think of the fashion industry and how does that compare to how it really is?

Everyone made it seem like you are easily going to make tons and tons of cash, but you really don't, and if you do it usually doesn't come easy.

What was your experience working with Steven Meisel?

It was pretty cool. He didn't really talk to me much at all. I'm pretty sure that dude hates me because I didn't really give a shit about him being this big time photographer.

If someone told you 5 years ago that you would become a model and do all these shows and campaigns, what would you have said?
No way, I am going to be in the sickest, heaviest most freakin' brutal hardcore band ever and I am going to live in a van and eat Wendys everyday.

A Couple Of Questions for...Tyler Riggs

Tap water or Bottled water?

Tap water. Bottled water is an economic conspiracy, it's the same thing that comes out of the sink and isn't any healthier.

Private Chaufeur or Public Transportation?

Public transportation

A: because you can people watch

B: because it's cheaper and who the heck do you think I am? Rachel Clark?

Mcdonalds or KFC?

It depends, all Mcdonalds have sweet tea and southern chicken. I love KFC, but I would only pick it if i was in the South,where I can get some sweet sweat with my chicken.

Babies or dogs?

Dogs, they are easier and they won't grow up to hate you.

Toilets or behind park bushes?

Bushes are fun as long as a cop doesnt catch you and try and arrest you.

 

Charlie France and Jacob Coupe

Charlie France and Jacob Coupe were two ubiquitous English faces at London Fashion Week. Charlie France opened the Wintle show that I attended and Jacob Coupe closed the show. They were both held on exclusive in Milan:  Jacob Coupe for Prada and Charlie France for Burberry, and were both exclusive for Hugo Boss in Paris.
They also appeared in almost every show on the menswear day and even in a a few womenswear shows such as House Of Holland, Pringle Of Scotland and Burberry.

After opening the Prada show in July, Jacob Coupe, a personal favourite of mine, walked in every notable show in London Fashion Week and has been clearing up in print with editorials for 10 Men magazine and Dazed and Confused. I think he is one of the most exciting new faces from Prada in a long while. His masculine and edgy looks stand out from some of the more classical and feminine looking models of today, particularly at the Prada SS10  show where every boy was transformed into a character out of a film noir. Charlie France is a good example of classical looks, which goes to show why Burberry chose him to represent the FW09 collection and Jil Sander to walk the show exclusively last season.

I can't imagine how successful they will become in the upcoming FW10 shows and the major campaigns they will appear in for the SS10 season.

Gucci SS10: Natasha Poly and Ryan Kennedy by Mert and Marcus

Elongated and refined. I really loved the Gucci SS10 women’s wear collection shown in September. And I think this campaign presents the collection wonderfully well.

The tropical setting gives the effect of wealth and luxury, a dream world which is always perfectly encapsulated in a Gucci campaign; maybe not quite last season’s though.

 This campaign feels very sensual and, in some ways, sexually suggestive, especially with the third shot of Natasha in the white dress with the male counterpart, where the sexual implication is much more overt. It feels as though Frida's vision for Gucci was much more submissive to a man's desires, whilst Tom Ford's vision was much more about the woman being in control.

 The intense blue backdrop of the Palm Beach setting works as a gentle contrast with the white and grey tones of the collection. I particularly love the windswept shot of Natasha in the evening look worn by Anja Rubik in the show.  I’m excited to see what perspective they’ve gone for with the long black bondage dress on Lily Donaldson. And who better than Natasha Poly, with a longer relationship with the Gucci brand than Sasha Pivovarova with Prada. She embodies wealth and luxury perfectly, all that Gucci stands for.

Image Source

Julien Macdonald SS10

(I am very late with SS10 runway reviews given that in about two months, the FW10 menswear will be shown, here gives...)

Julien Macdonald is one of the most exciting shows at London Fashion week. So being able to attend the show was incredible, and it was my  first eva show! My friend who was with me, asked me a couple seconds before the show if this was a dream come true..I said that would be the day I am front row at Prada. Well you never know?

The setting was absolutely beautiful. It was a little French garden in the Lawrence Hall. It didn't seem to relate to the clothes but it was still very impressive. The Lawrence hall is a massive, rustly old hall which is often used for examinations and car shows. The team at Julian Macdonald transformed a drab old hall into a french garden with pine trees, greek statues, fountains and even down to fake grass for a fashion show venue. Rightly so, the Evening Standard magazine named it as one of the best runway show venues in London.

In a soundtrack of La Roux and Donna Summer, which the audience absolutely  loved, (as you may notice, the guy in the first video is clearly loving it)  the collection played around with the idea of technical sportswear and glamour through tailoring in  streamlined shapes and iridescence with the mixture of textures such as snakeskin, patent and silks. I found that there were many heavy references to Balmain through the collection , particularly in the jackets and Ranya Mordanova's first look which was reminiscent of the outfit on Eniko Mikhalik in the Balmain FW09 show.

I loved the last mermaid-like look on Alla Kostromicheva. I remember seeing the dress on Cheryl Cole on the X Factor and  it looked out of place and reminded me how some runway pieces are hard to translate from a  models height and frame to the average person's.

Julien Macdonald has always designed wearable yet innovative clothing, which is quite a contrast from some of the more experimental couterparts of London fashion week, who only until now have been forced to give in to the economic climate.

The press before the show, looking quite calm here then stressed  the next.