Student writers wanted for MFN

Manchester Fashion Network are looking for student writers to join their Editorial Team. The Manchester Fashion Network is the one-stop portal for the fashion business in the North West, a business-to-business network that spans the region and every corner of the industry. The Editorial Team are responsible for the promotion of the fashion industry within the North West and the interests of the valued MFN members and partner brands. As a member of the Editorial Team you will have exclusive access to some of the region’s top events, meet some of the industry’s most important business leaders and have invaluable experience writing for a respected online news portal.


If you’re interested in finding out more please email the Editor at:

jordan@manchesterfashion.com

MFN is a fantastic website for anyone interested in fashion and especially those who are looking to have a career in the fashion industry. So have a browse!!

http://www.manchesterfashion.com/

HAIL SARAH WAYNE

Despite its muted colour palette, the clothes from Sarah Wayne’s collection still manage to scream “va va voom” whether you are visiting the Eiffel Tower, Millennium Wheel, Rockefeller centre or even whilst reluctantly walking to your 9am lecture! So what exactly is it about this collection, created by the up and coming designer Sarah Ohana, which makes it appealing in an age where it is difficult for newcomers to distinguish themselves?

Well firstly the philosophy behind this designer’s collection is resonant of the modern day woman: « Sarah Wayne est une mode qui ne s’inspire pas d’hier et qui ne pense pas à demain, c’est une mode immédiate, qui accompagne le désir des Femmes de se renouveler tous les jours. »

My translation: « Sarah Wayne’s style is one which does not look to yesterday nor to tomorrow, it is the fashion of today, and aims to aid the female’s everyday desire to try out new things. »

With such a ‘here and now’ perspective on fashion, no wonder this collection transcends the rigged borders on the atlas, permitting it to be a collection for students, interns and young professionals alike in several cities around the globe.

As well as the philosophy behind the collection, there are the clothes themselves!
The first look in the picture above: denim shirt with badge, classic black mini, neat black blazer and ribbed tights is an optimal look to denote 'school girl all grown up'. The second look: Checked shirt, ripped silver tee and fitted black trousers is très urban chic. Last but not least, the third look: Lace top with padded shoulders and black trousers defines the style of Sarah Wayne’s collection, a style I like to call “Relaxed Luxury”. Why? Because for each look there is a combination of classic pieces put together with a casual modern twist.

So, how can we accessorise this collection with the words “relaxed luxury” hanging admirably over our heads? For a bag, a satchel à la Maje (below).

However, on a student or young professional’s budget, a satchel chez Topshop or chez H&M works just as well! And for shoes? These wedge ankle boots from Blowfish keep that ‘relaxed luxury’ look going to your feet.

1. Leather Look Satchel £14.99 H&M
2. Washed Leather Satchel £50 Topshop
3. Blowfish Heigal Boots £64.99 Schuh

For all the Wayneuses (and everyone else): www.sarahwayne.com

Post written by Miriam Kildare.

The Spring Fashion Show

Hi all! I recently received an email from a group of organisers about a fashion show which I thought would interest you! So here is the info they sent me!

It's an annual show for charity in Manchester with 2011's show on 11th Feb at Bar 38 on Deansgate. You can see the website here with a variety of photos and info about the show http://www.springfashionshow.co.uk

They have previously had a extremely successful Spring Fashion Show in Manchester in 2010 and it's sister show in Leeds, The End of Summer Fashion Show in 2009 & 2010 http://www.endofsummerfashionshow.co.uk

Their previous shows have been a great success gaining attention from a number of editorials and websites, as well as giving the designers and models etc involved in the show experience in the industry and a chance to make those valuable contacts. They have had some great success stories from people who've volunteered in the shows.

The charity they have chosen to support is Unicef, a recognised charity giving support to children all over the world.

The venue of the event will be at Bar 38 in Manchester and not only will there be a show, but there'll be a fashion market open from 5pm with a variety of goodies for sale, ranging from jewelery to clothing to cakes!

Have a look at the Facebook event if you are interested.

This is the video of last years Spring Fashion Show:

Spring Fashion Show - Manchester 2010 Part1 - The Video from victoria rosso on Vimeo.

Body Armour

If, like me, you’re obsessed with armour jewellery at the moment then you need to know about American-born Armor. New York-based designer, Sandee Shin, has created an inspiring range of jewellery that flits between simple minimalism and dramatic, cutting edge fashion. So whatever mood you’re in and whatever look you’re modelling, you are sure to find something for every occasion.



Each creation is handmade to order in New York and shipping is available to the UK. Prices range from around £80 to the slightly pricier, but many of the pieces are multi-functional and can be worn in multiple ways so if you’re strapped for cash, invest in one item and get creative!

Alternatively, Topshop and ASOS have produced some great, cheaper options so there’s no excuse not to don your armour and join the chain gang. Clad your hands in magnificent metal for the perfect way to toughen up your LBD, and add instant edge to your jeans-and-tee combo with detailed shoulder chains.


1. Topshop Armour Ring: £16.00
2. Topshop Armour Ring: £14.00
3. Silver Armour Ring: $65.00
4. ASOS Statement Articulated Metal Ring: £15.00
5. Vivienne Westwood Armour Ring: £150.00
6. Silver Pointy Ring: $50.00


Post written by Jacqui Kearney.

Knock knock, remember us?

It's been a hectic few weeks as I am sure you are all aware of! What with end of year deadlines, christmas shopping and starting the slog that is revision, uomfashion has had to take a backseat!

Just a small post for you today as I know you must get back to the books!

I hope you all had a great christmas and that new years wasn't a big letdown like it usually is! For those of you who also attended Warehouse Project on nye I think it's safe to say it'll be difficult for future new years to match. If you didn't manage to make it to a Warehouse Project this year you may be happy to hear that Ape are throwing a big night at the Apollo and it just happens to coincide with the end of exams. Check out the facebook event if you are interested!

I recently wrote my new years resolutions and decided I was spending too much money on high street clothing. In order to correct this, I've decided that vintage and second hand shops are now the only place I am allowed to shop in for the entirety of 2011. This will inevitably be difficult but I intend to rework some of these clothes a la New Dress A Day. I plan to write up some of these sewing adventures in blog format and I hope that they will inspire you to be creative and make one-off pieces with shapeless things you find in charity shops.

If one of your new year's resolutions is to further your fashion career or do something creative then why not write for our blog? It will look great on your CV (confirmed by Rachel Studd) and it may be an outlet for some ideas you already have but aren't sure what to do with them. Get in touch with us at uomfashion@gmail.com!

Good luck in your exams!

Now wearing: Pretty boring revision outfit livened up with a chunky knit red scarf (bought for mum at christmas but have used more than she has!).

Now listening to: Twin Atlantic - Audience and Audio (current favourite band)

Now coveting: Topshop's SS11 collection after seeing the preview!

Can’t shop? Then swap!

One woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure – there is no greater proof of this than the clothes swap, which in recent years has been sending fashion lovers into a frenzy. On Wednesday, 15th December, Chernobyl Children’s Project are hosting a clothes swap party upstairs in Revolution, Fallowfield in what looks set to be a fantastic afternoon filled with as much fashion, fun and festive frivolity as you can manage.

For the clothes swap virgins, the concept is very simple: turn up to one of our afternoons with garments, shoes, accessories and any other items you no longer wear and you will be given points in exchange, and make a suggested donation of £3.50 for your ticket. The greater the number and quality of the items, the more points you receive. Then come along to the party on the 15th and start rummaging!

If you need a new Christmas outfit, but the loan disappeared long ago, why not swap last year’s sequinned ensemble for a new on-trend lace one? Swap as many items as you can and bag yourself a whole new wardrobe even. There will also be a complimentary nail bar to finish off your new look. And the best bit? Clothes swapping is environmentally friendly, and it’s for a good cause. All proceeds go towards helping to care for children suffering with cancer and other illnesses in Belarus as a result of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Snaps all round.

Exchange items for points upstairs in Revolution, Fallowfield on the following dates: Mon 13th Dec 4.30 – 6.30pm and Tues 14th Dec 5.30- 7.30pm.

Clothes swap party Weds 15th Dec, 3-6pm.

Join the event on Facebook.

Hello Kitty.

The saying ‘what goes around comes around’ could not be more accurate in the world of fashion as the kitten heel claws its way back to the forefront of our shelves. Yes, love them or loathe them the controversial heel is back in time for the festive season... but will they be top of your Christmas wish-list, or would you frankly be happier with a lump of coal?

I have never been a fan of the kitten heel and have long considered them the ugly step-sister of the heel family. Despite being a tall 5’9”, nothing makes me feel instantly more confident and ready for a night out than my highest pair of Kurt Geiger’s. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the stunted kitten heel. On a recent shopping trip to the haven I know I can always rely on, Topshop, my heart sank when I spotted several pairs of the unsightly shoe. I felt so let down and wondered if I’d walked in to Bon Marché by mistake. Even Topshop failed to make them appealing; they just scream ‘middle-aged’ rather than ‘million dollars.’

Considering I have a long list of heel-related injuries (killer heels did not get their name for nothing), the kitten heel would seem a sensible option for me to adopt. Yet the very purpose of a heel is to lengthen legs and define calves and the kitten heel fails on both counts; far from purrfect. Ok, they may be easier to walk in, may halve your number of drunken falls, will more than likely spare you a trip to A&E and may even leave you with a shred of dignity, but where’s the fun in that?!

In spite of my aversion, the 5cm heel has always had its fans since its first appearance in the 1950s. Audrey Hepburn can be noted as the heels greatest ambassador and Michelle Obama has made the kitten heel a staple feature of her look today. With designers Marni, Betty Jackson, and Missoni welcoming the heel back to the catwalk this season, and high street stores following (suitably) in foot; it seems that like it or not, we will be seeing more of the smaller heel around. Even style queen Alexa Chung has been spotted fashioning a pair and if they’re good enough for Alexa...

So, the question is: will you be reviving the heel of the 50’s this winter, or staying loyal to your 5 inch favourites? I know what I’ll be doing.



1. Christian Louboutin Souris Strass 70 Crystal-Embellished Pumps: £1,325
2. ASOS Scarlet Slingback Patent Point Kitten Heels: £30.00
3. Topshop Prim Premium Chain Point Court Shoes: £85.00
4. Zara Leopard Court Shoe: £59.99

Post written by Jacqui Kearney.