Long live McQueen.

Alexander McQueen
Men's - Fall/Winter 2010/11

I love this collection the signature attention to detail McQueen had is so apparent when you look closely at the prints used, little scull and bones make up the beautiful print used in the precise tailoring, cable knits in the shape of sculls and the new use of layering.
McQueen brings back the balaclava but rather than its once intimidating aesthetic it some how has a new sexiness when one is only able to see the piercing eyes of the models.

How to get the look:
To achieve this look try raiding your local punk and gothic clothing stores as they will stock garments with scull and bone prints and also accessories that can be a subtle way to work in this look to your wardrobe.

Off Your Face photoshoot.

Photography - Liam Leslie

Styling and Directing - Calum Caldwell of (I AM A FREAC.)

Hair and Make up - Lara Lovell

Models - Lorn MacInnes & Julieanne Soto

If you like it, BUY IT!

When your in a store and there are signs everywhere marked SALE try flicking through hangers of clothes, scanning the shelves of shoes and eying the stands of jewelery if you like it, BUY IT!

BUT, don't wear it the very same day or next or even a week after that! Store it in the back of your drawers and hang it at the back of your wardrobe. forget about it, till next season comes around, then rummage through the things you stored away last season which may have very well came back in fashion as it always does if not that season store it again and wait till the following season. This is a great way to stand out from the crowd when it comes to high street when a big trend comes out we are inundated with everyone buying the same look and looking like they are in uniform walking the streets of your cities and towns, but by pulling out these "old" (just call it vintage) garments you'll stand out from the crowd and be bang on trend and most likely paid half the price for it! This is a great budget shopping tip for those who love fashion but cant always afford to pay for a new look every season, for example about a year and a half ago i was in a charity shop and spotted this fantastic aviator jacket for £3.50 i loved it and knew at some point the coat would make its way onto the catwalks and low and behold come winter 2010 i was right now stores like topshop/man are charging up to £300 pounds for one. So not only scan the sale sections of high street stores try vintage and charity stores too. You never know you might just find the next big thing!!!

Front row: BIBA launch.

I attended the BIBA press event/fashion show on the 9th of September with champagne and drinks by Campari flowing, photog's everywhere and an eclectic mix of guests (and Lara Lovell I scored front row seats)and here's an interview with the manager of the store and what I saw.

Sheri Scott is the manager of the Glasgow House of Fraser Biba concession, previously the assistant manager at Vivienne Westwood Glasgow Sheri decided to take the leap taking on the manger role at the brand new return of Biba a brand famous in the 60s/70s but failed to make a comeback a few years ago. Was Sheri worried to leave Westwood and take on a brand that had previously failed? She tells us her thoughts after the launch night in the Hughs champagne bar on the 9th of September.

Hi Sheri, congratulations on the amazing launch of the Biba comeback.
What response have you gotten from the press and the public so far?
Its been great! Most importantly the original Biba shoppers are enjoying it! The velvets, marabou jackets, gowns and of course, leopard prints are main attention grabbers. The feather cape has also been featured in Vogue and Harper's Bazaar as a must have for this season.

Were you worried the public might not respond to the label again after the failed first attempt at a comeback?
Not really, the last collection was in my opinion, beautiful. It was the high end price point which proved to be a bad move. We have positioned ourselves within the ‘high end high street’ price point, along the lines of French Connection or Reiss.

How do you feel Biba will do in the Glasgow fashion scene?
I think Biba is perfect for Glasgow. The long backless velvet dress and the leopard print 70s maxi coat does it for Glasgow’s fashion forward shoppers and gives classics with a twist which suits every figure.

House of Fraser have bought over the label do you think that was the best way for the brand to make it's comeback, or do you feel it would have benefited better to go back to it's roots as a boutique store?
Although it is in Fraser's for the moment, who’s to say it may expand into its own individual store in the future? I think Fraser's have been very brave with Biba and really want to go the brand justice. They have the financial backing, great designers, shop fit and staff to carry it off. It’s bringing in a different clientele so i think it was an extremely smart move on their part!

Can you tell us anything exciting about the future of Biba?
There are many things in the pipeline. Lets just say this is only the beginning and i am extremely proud to be a part of it. Sorry to be a tease!

Daisy Lowe is the brands face of the Biba campaigns, do you feel she was the best fit with the brands image?
Definitely. She is the new Biba shopper. She also collects vintage Biba so knows what she wants and gives her input. She debut the maxi leopard coat with cut off shorts and Dr Martins at Glastonbury this year. It was smart as i remember seeing this and was officially on the hunt for something so special. I’m glad i own one now!

And finally, ... whats the discount like!!!?
Great! Just too much choice. Just want to wear the evening wear all day every day.

The collection can be located on the 2nd floor of House of Fraser's, Glasgow. Here's a look at what you'll come across! I love it so much I'm thinking a men's BIBA collection might have to be in the pipeline.

COMING SOON!!

Keep checking the blog for the rest of the photos and more!

Square cut or pear shaped : How to dress for your shape.

Hour glass to apple shapes every girl fits into one of these categories of body shape, the matter in hand is "how to dress for one's shape?"

Here are a few helpful hints on what "to do" and what "not to do".

Hour glass

"do"

Wear sweetheart necklines, full skirts (make sure they come from your waistline, not your hips), body con dresses, peg top trousers.

"don't"

wear loose fit (anything), try to avoid high necklines, wear cap sleeves.

Pear shaped

"do"

you can get away with shoulder pads as it equals out your proportions, wear A-line, invest in pencil skirts, high waisted jeans, princess cut dresses and tops.

"don't"

avoid volume on bottom (instead wear voluminous detail on top), wear jeans along your hip line, bloomer shorts.

Petite

"do"

wear nude heels or a low cut heel, wear floor length maxi skirts and dresses, turn up jeans, high waisted shorts.

"don't"

ruche the bottom of jeans, t- bar shoes, avoid A-line try and stick to form fitting.

Straight

"do"

belts! create a waist with belts and bands of colour any detail around the waist area is a bonus, full skirts, peg top trousers.

"don't"

avoid body con, dropped waistlines, crop tops, straight cut jeans.

Apple shaped

"do"

A-line coats and dresses if your shoulders are narrow this highlights the smallest part of your body and streamlines the rest, princess cut dresses and tops, carrot leg trousers.

"don't"

waist belts, avoid body con, vertical stripes.

BIBA's back!

I AM A FREAC has been invited to the BIBA launch party/fashion show on the 9th of September 2010 and I'm very excited.

The brand has recently been taken over by House of Fraser, it had attempted a re-invention about 4 years ago but they're attempt to make it more high fashion didn't work as it didn't embody what BIBA was, a high street label. Glasgow has high hopes for the come back of the previously successful 60's fashion label, considered the Topshop of the 60's.

Daisy Lowe fronts the campaigns for the re-launch, director of womenswear and accessories, Stephanie Chen said of Daisy "Daisy embodies new Biba. She is confident, fashionable and glamorous with a very distinctive look that we feel perfectly complements it.
"She is also very passionate about the brand as she has archive pieces in her own wardrobe and genuinely loves the new collection which was really important to us."

I AM A FREAC will try to get some photos of the collection in person and perhaps a little interview with the manager of the store (she's a friend so shouldn't be too much trouble)

keep an eye on the blog to hear and see how the show went.

The words of I AM A FREAC spread...

I had previously mentioned that I had been offered to write a mens fashion artcle for a coming mens magazine.... and it's finally here!

I gave you a little taste the last time but you can now download the full online magazine at:

http://www.mensfashionmagazine.co.uk/

Where you will find my full article, titled "letters to a young poet"

Please comment on this post to give your opinion on my first published piece!