Online Project Module

So the time has come to look back and reflect again...reflect on what I have done and achieved and how I have hopefully grown through this module. I know for sure that I have started to like blogging more than before, and that if I wanted to be a journalist this is what I would love doing every day. But if I am completely honest, I would rather be physically busy doing something else such as going out in the field and reporting or looking for stories; but maybe if I really got into my blog and started to be a citizen journalist this is what I would do exactly.

Nevertheless I have had a really good time being in the class and learning new things. I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that we were able to write about anything we wanted, since all other modules restrict us to specific briefs.

I found it difficult sometimes to post photos because of either their size or placing, but the solution would always be there...I usually chose a different, smaller photo! It was also a lot of fun personalizing my blog page as I got to explore all the little things that Blogger has to offer, and I love the fact that I can put a photo up instead of a title of the blog.

I really enjoyed writing the features as I got to write about fashion-my favorite topic. I thought as I wrote it would be mostly about fashion clothing in general, but my interest turned mainly to designers. I wrote about well known designers but also did an interview with a designer from Iceland that I have known for a while.

I hope that whoever reads my blogs enjoys reading them because I have really worked hard to bring quality but fun posts to the public. I have put in extra time and research into some of my features and believe that even though it was a fun activity, it is hard work.

Thanks to everyone who did the group blogs with me, I enjoyed it very much!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and see you all in 2009! Wooooo :)

Image from Blogging Tips

2nd Image is my own

FEATURE: Kate Moss to design for Topshop for 3 more years

The Kate Moss Christmas 2007 Collection for Topshop

After two successful years of designing for Topshop, Kate Moss has little to worry about in the credit crunch: Topshop has announced the extension of the Kate Moss for Topshop collection for another three years–plus the addition of shoes, accessories and lingerie.

This is exciting news for all fashionistas as the latest collection will launch around March 2009 which is just in time for 

the opening of the Topshop store in New York City. Expect to see a lot of beads, pearls, French lace and dark colors in the lingerie line with a rock chic jewellery collection.

"The last two years have been an exciting experience, and Topshop has given me the perfect platform to develop my own collecti

on, which is something that I have wanted to do for a long time. I am really looking forward to working with the Topshop team on ou

r new collections and thank everybody who already owns a piece of Kate Moss for Topshop!” Kate said in a statement.

Some of the many celebs wearing Kate's designs

Image from Catwalk Queen

FEATURE: M.I.A. designs a clothing range

Maya Arulapragasam's (M.I.A.) clothing range is now on sale

Ever since we laid eyes and ears on the new and young music sensation that is M.I.A., we couldn't wait to see what she would do next. The quirky and sweet Grammy award winning artist has received attention from all over the world with her "over the top" style choices, and it was only a matter of time when she would design her own line.

You can now buy M.I.A.'s designs on KarmaLoop, but most of the collection is limited edition and is expected to sell quick.

WWD reports that the singer's namesake collection includes “bomber jackets, leggings and T-shirts, all done up in the bold hues and graphic prints for which the singer is known.”

So whether you want to make it a head to toe M.I.A. style outfit complete with the Mexico bodysuit or whether the pair of Afrika print leggings will just jazz up some old items in your wardrobe, this is definitely one celebrity fashion line that will sell out.

Photos from MIAUK and KarmaLoop

FEATURE: New model trend: Blogging!

Coco Rocha backstage

 like Chanel Iman have started a whole new trend in town: model blogging! More and more models have opened their own blogs either about their personal life, promotion of brands they work for, or simply for fun.

Victoria's Secret model Alessandra Embrosio and Coco Rocha have quickly joined in on the action of blogging. Alessandra posts videos of herself on a beach working or exercising at home, showing everyone a glimpse into the life of a supermodel, while Coco posts anything that comes to her mind on her Oh So Coco blog. You can find out about her new red hair, her trip to Australia and even look at videos of her "goofing" around with Agyness Deyn or brushing her teeth.

Video from Coco's blog

Whatever these cheeky models are up to, their blogs are sure to be noticed by magazines, fashionistas and models alike for a bit of much desired behind-the-scenes look at the fashion world.

Photo from FashionTelevision

Video from Oh So Coco

FEATURE: Christian Louboutin for Barbie

Gold Label Barbie

It has been 50 years since a beautiful, long legged, blonde and "perfect" woman appeared in the world. It was Barbie. Soon she celebrates her birthday with a spectacular present-a pair of shoes especially designed for her by legendary designer Christian Louboutin.

Louboutin will be designing a pair of pumps in the legendary Barbie Pantone 219 Pink. The shoes will be revealed at the special runway show planned during New York Fashion Week in February. This show will also feature clothing designs from fifty other designers.

"Barbie needs to wear great shoes because every girl needs to wear great shoes," Louboutin tells WWD. "I guess I always had a little 'girlie side' who liked Barbie."

Image from My Barbie

FEATURE: Scandinavian Star - Harpa Einarsdottir

Harpa Einarsdottir, an Icelandic fashion designer

Harpa Einarsdottir is an Icelandic designer that broke into the fashion scene only a few years ago. After all the commotion, art and design, she finally established her own label STARKILLER, that even featured on the cover of DirrtyGlam magazine amongst others. Now working with Vlad Kromatika, a graphics designer she met on MySpace, she designs beautiful but endearing pieces that unleash every girl’s sexy side.

"My work is still developing quite fast, but I see it as edgy clothing for women that want to create their own unique style and are unafraid to show their inner self as strong, beautiful, happy creatures," said Harpa. I met up with her to find out what is behind this "rock-chic-glamour" label.

Ana: As a teenager were you interested in getting into the fashion or design business?

Harpa: I always dressed in an odd way as a teenager and I tried to put together some outfits for myself, but I had set my mind on studying art. I ended up applying for both art and fashion design at the University of Art and Design and got into the design department that sort of sealed my fate.

A: What inspires you?
H: Inspiration comes from all around, reading a magazine, watching a film, doing nothing! Doing nothing can be very inspiring- then ideas pop up from above without any effort.

A: What is your philosophy?
H: Only love.

A: What is more important: the process or the product?
H: I would say that it holds hand in hand, both equally important.

Some of Harpa's designs

A: Can fashion have a political ambition?
H: Sure, but not as much as it did in the seventies and eighties. Some designers always involve politics in there designs, but I really don’t think it is a good mix.

A: Besides Vlad Kromatika, who else would you like to collaborate with?
H: My darling Vladdy...He’s like my long lost brother that I dug up on MySpace! He is a genius, a tall incredible creature! I haven’t found anyone that has the toes where he has his heels.

A: How is it to be successful in such a small market?
H: Well... I can only speak for myself, and at the moment I’m working full time designing costumes for the online computer game Eve Online. Starkiller is still a side project which I’m slowly but steadily working on. We make all the clothes ourselves but in February I’m going abroad to have the new line manufactured and hopefully start an online store. You can ask me how it is to be successful after a year!

A: Who would you like to see wearing your work?
H: Every woman or girl that has a sharp mind and a cutting edge style!

A: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learnt, or something you would like to share with the fashion design students?
H: Always look inside your soul and see who you are! Because everybody is unique in there own way, and everybody has something that is so special that it can become a big trend! You must avoid being a copycat, just love yourself and stick to your beliefs!

First and second images from Starkiller

Third image taken and copyrighted by Saga Sig

Feature writing

Editor of US VOGUE Anna Wintour and Editor at Large Andre Leon Tally

This week I will write a series of short feature articles for the module. My first article, however, will be an interview with a phenomenal Icelandic designer. Later, I will talk more about fashion which is my general topic for the features. I will include anything that comes to my mind such as designers, photographers, artists, models, events, etc. I will include photos or videos as they are crucial to represent what you are talking about in fashion. In my opinion, without the visuals there is no story.

Image from RoidRage