“On a desert island, the pigeon post will bring only one publication each month. Which one would you choose and why?”

I felt this particular question would a be a great way to get know me and give you a small insight into what I personally like reading and digesting! Hope you enjoy and by all means let me no what publications you would want to join you on a desert island. 

When looking up into a clear, blue sky from my desert island I would want a reminder of the world I was once saturated within. However, for me this publication would not only show Karl Lagerfeld’s spring/summer collection of pearl incrusted dresses and  Gaultier’s Haute Couture Amy Winehouse tribute, it would also delve into the cultural global network which I would miss so much of.  That’s why I would want the pigeon post to drop down the wondrous publication that is Dazed and Confused.

Dazed and Confused is a British magazine which has delighted its readers for the past twenty years with everything from the latest innovative fashion designers, to a contemporary take on illustration and photography, with added insightful access in film and music coverage.  Everything an individual could want when removed from all activity in the wider world.  

With its founding editors, Jefferson Hack and Rankin, the quirky, contemporary vibe is reflected onto the pages of the publication. Being an admirer of Rankin’s works it’s easy to see his influence on the editorial layouts and photographical compositions, which adds a new perspective to its content. The eccentricity of the front pages highlight a key dimension and difference from other publications, I am drawn to Dazed and Confused through its use of visual mediums and diversifying photography which are used to illustrate a new age of publication with this their growing reputation developed and the magazine's small distribution has significantly increased.  A particular piece which would fulfil my needs when on the island would be ‘Incoming’ a section within Dazed and Confused which depicts the latest happenings in the cultural and fashion climate.

However marooned and alone I would feel on my desert island, I would not feel isolated from the modern world,  as every month I would have the anticipation  of my pigeon post  delivering a new window into the ever changing world of societies’ movements stepping out of convention and in to the daring world that is Dazed and Confused.   

Do you agree with me- delve into Dazed Digital for yourself- http://www.dazeddigital.com 

First Blog Post: Fashion Moment

Hello, so this is my first official Blog post and I thought it would be interesting to start my blog with a key fashion moment as I am studying Colin McDowell, a ridiculously knowledgeable fashion historian at University at the moment. I decided to do my fashion moment on a fabric and delve into the materials history and where it ordinated.

Fashion Moment- Jersey


In 1916 Gabrielle Coco Channel set out to change the way the fashion industry used jersey.   Chanel’s formal innovative use of menswear’s colours and cuts also transcended into the designer’s’ use of fabrics.  Once merely associated and used for men’s underwear, Chanel restated the respectability of this stretchy, blasé fabric. Although Chanel purchased jersey primarily for its low cost, Chanel’s work with this fabric exhibits and signalled the enormous change for women’s fashion wear and the start of ‘sweater dressing.’ 

During the women’s emancipation, women exerted a high demand for the change of women’s wear and the wear ability of their clothing. Chanel’s sweater dressing directly played upon the need and demand to gain the same social status of men. Women were trying to exert the same power and status of men by dressing in a more overt nonchalant and masculine manner -which jersey allowed them to do. 

The love for this fabric both in today’s society and in the 1920’s is primarily based upon its  practicality and its simplistic nature, whether loosely draped in one of Chanel’s fluid jersey suits  or used for one of the casual T. shirt’s which saturate the high street stores of today’s fashion industry. One thing’s for sure- we’ve seen the end of Jersey just being used for men’s underwear.  

Here's a link to Colin McDowell's website be sure to check it out:
http://colinmcdowell.com/