Holly Christian - Young Taxidermist and Designer

Since then I have returned to my hometown - the lovely seaside town of Margate, Kent where I have embarked and furthered my love and intrigue for taxidermy. In September I went on a 3-day one-on-one course and passion continued to grow. I have a growing aviary of birds under my belt now, and am in the process of renting a space at a local collaborative. 

  I have grown up in Margate my whole life, and am witnessing it changing right before my eyes, changing in a positive way - It is soon becoming a trendy, artistic, cultural hub - where people are coming from far and wide, not only to sit and eat fish and chips on the beach , but to visit the multi-million pound Turner Gallery which is perched on the cliff edge, they are coming to hunt down and rummage through vintage goodies and londoners are snapping up property like there is no tomorrow (now known locally as DFL- "Down From London"). And I am part of this change. 




 I am embarking on presenting myself and my skills right in the middle of it - I want to be caught up in the buzz and atmosphere of not only Margate being an old-fashioned seaside town, but as an artistic hotspot, which is slowly happening. I am going to be renting a space at 'Rough Trade' which is the collaborative I mentioned earlier, over the month of May when Tracy Emin is exhibiting at the Turner Gallery. This is my first big chance of people seeing and promoting my work. Margate is being regenerated. 


My Taxidermy work focuses on this idea of regeneration - I use old vintage objects and bring a new meaning and way of looking at them - which sits side-by-side to the idea that Taxidermy breathes new life into the deceased forms which I use...


For more images and information on what we think is an incredible form of art please click here. We would also like to know your own personal thoughts on Taxidermy...please leave your comments below.

Marina Ilic

Fashion designer Marina Ilic was born in 1985 in Hamburg. She is influenced by the fashion trends, style icons and her own expressionism. These images belong are from her graduation collection.

Craig Green

We wanted to share today’s BoF (The Business of Fashion) spotlight designer Craig Green. Fresh out of London, spending seven years at Central St Martins now finishing off his MA in Fashion Design. Craig recently showcased his AW12 menswear collection on the CSM catwalk at London Fashion Week.

 

Green now catching the eyes of the industry with his experimental approach most notably being recognised for his three-dimensional shapes made of papier-mâché and wood. His collection remains intriguing to us, wondering what inspiration sparked these designs…

The minimal colour palette of complete black and cream with blocks of tie die reflects a deeper concept of light and dark of his collection. The silhouettes also remain minimalist with a contrast from the boxes and cylindrical shapes attached to the back; cleary taking ideas from religious dress and traveling. Also Craig talks of taking inspiration from dinner lady uniforms and old world porters being weighed down by luggage.

Green is a fascinating example of how new high fashion designers are pioneering into different levels of the fashion world and exploring with no boundaries or restrictions. Unique collections like this emerge with tons of originality and imagination; often to be seen from graduates from such high-status schools.

Greens pieces could be seen more as an art form rather than a wearable collection and also stands as interesting inspiration or a stimuluous for ideas to other artists and designers. 

Mr.Porter

A male version of net-a-porter and to be honest we are very excited. The website will be up and running this month.

For more information please click here.

Review: De Lacy

Edward Hugh de Lacy grew up in Suffolk before moving north to study for a Fine Art Degree at Leeds Metropolitan University at the turn of the new millennium.
Whilst finding out where all the best bars and clubs were he was also attending university. He worked across a broad range of mediums including painting, installation, and book art amongst others. After exploring different styles he decided to specialise in minimalist sculpture.
During his time at University Edward also developed an interest in handbag design and more specifically leather handbag design. He was interested as much in the material as the actual objects: "I always loved the natural lines around the edge of the leather hide and use these within the design of my bags to produce naturally beautiful lines or ridged, natural and organic shapes". This is still evident in the design of many of the bags now. Edward challenged himself to not only master the art of sewing but also the challenges of practical design encompassed with beautiful design - a challenge many designers are faced with but few conquer with such style.
The 'de Lacy' brand was officially born in 2004 in the Leeds Corn Exchange when Edward hired a stall at the weekly design market where he began to sell his designs.



Edward DeLacy contacted me at the beginning of March asking if I was prepared to review one of his bags, after finding out a little bit about the designer and the product I agreed.

A few days later I received this blank patent chained clutch bag.

First Thoughts.
I'm not a massive clutch bag fan but I loved the Skull bag charm and it was big enough to store all my night out goodies in; keys, cigarettes, lighter, lip balm, bronzer and purse.



First use.
Initially I thought this bag was going to really irritate me and I thought the chain detail would clank together...Absolutely no 'clanking' happened and I really liked the use and weight off it and it added chic to my outfit. I had many people commenting on the clutch saying it was gorgeous asking me where I got it from.

Wear and Tear?
2 Months down the line and I've pretty much used it on every night out with the girls since receiving it and it's still in absolute pristine condition.

Verdict
If I saw this in a shop I would of never of bought it but I'm so glad that I got sent this as like I said it added chic; If I just wanted to wear a stripy top and a pair of jeans out this was the perfect accessory. I highly recommended checking out Edward's other range, the bags are fun and are really well made.

All in all a strong 8/10

You can view Edward De Lacy's line here.

Luxury SS10 from Luisaviaroma

I like to go on this site to swoon at the delightful clothes (mainly the shoes). Luisaviaroma is a luxury store selling treats from high end designers such as Christopher Kane, Alexander McQueen, Gareth Pugh, Lanvin and Givenchy. If you have a spare few thousand coins knockin' about, then this super-wow site is for you. Here is my pick of amazing jewellery from SS10 Collections, want, want, need x

Bibi Van Der Velden - £1915.20
Jo No Fui - £117.00
Givenchy - £378.90
Disaya - £178.20
Disaya - £167.40
Delfina Delettrez - £1732.50