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College Tribune | September 30th 2008
fashion
Breaking into the style scene
BAG IT Biker jackets Luella’s 2009 collection Girlier, prettier and more mystical than ever. Sherbet, pearls and granny chic. Yum!
With a stylistic gift, Kildare’s Fionnuala Bourke could be fashion’s next big thing. Ruth O’Neill chats to the Project Catwalk competitor. Fionnuala Bourke’s star is rising. With the potential to be as synonymous in Irish fashion as the likes of designers Ciaran Sweeney and Helen Cody in years to come. With an overflow of ambition, talent and youth on her side (she’s only 25 years old) this is only the beginning for Miss Burke. Fresh out of Art College in Limerick she decided to apply for the British version of ‘Project Catwalk’, a competitive reality television series focusing on fashion design, because as she puts it “it was something I always wanted to do. Due to my love of sewing and designing and also because I’ve always secretly wanted to be in the spotlight, it seemed like the perfect combination.” Burke also had stronger motivations “to prove to everyone that an Irish designer could make it onto the show, it was a bit of an ‘up yours’ to all those who said I couldn’t do it”. Surprisingly, she says “the best
part was getting there, the hardest part was staying there. I was relieved to be eliminated; it showed me that life goes on after the show and if that was the toughest experience career wise bring it on.” So what was the infamous Kelly Osbourne who hosted Project Catwalk like? “She was boisterous and in your face, but at the same time very family orientated, I could see a lot of her mum in her”. The show gave Burke confidence to take on new challenges in terms of designing and also made her realise “exactly how much you can get done in one day.” Another credential to Burke’s profile is that she is responsible for the stunning cream dress Lynn Kelly wore as she won the title of Miss Universe Ireland. She states “it was a strong dress compared to all the others on the night. It was exactly what Lynn wanted; as was the cerise
bikini I designed for her on the night too”. So who does Burke aspire to? The one designer’s career she would like to emulate is that of Marc Jacobs. “I’m a big fan. He worked really hard through big fashion houses like Louis Vuitton and then made his own name in his own right”. Keeping hot on the topic of Jacobs, whose new ad campaign features Victoria Beckham, she speaks on Beckham’s style. “It isn’t a style; it is more of a look. She effortlessly pulls it off. But I don’t think in ten years we will be looking back on her as a style icon. I think someone such as Chloe Sevigny is more exciting to watch. She is more adventurous”. Burke describes her own personal style in three frank words“Bright, contemporary and fresh”. It is clear this young woman knows who she is and what she wants out of life. She says she is inspired by “my long
Tights Let’s face it- it’s that time of year again! So do yourself a favour and avoid the flu jab by investing in some nylon. The woollier the better!
term goals, they help me push myself to be better”. As for predictions for next seasons trends “Oh easy! Tartan is going to remain huge for Fall/Winter 08, although it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. There will be a lot of circus inspired and Harlequin themes. It’s about bold statements this season”. Finally, at 26 one must ponder if Burke does miss being a student. “I loved the relaxed lifestyle, just being able to go for pint in the student bar and chill out. I’d love to re-do my degree collection too”. She has however, extended her life beyond the glamour of the student bar.
30 SECOND ROUND
Wellies v Uggs? Wellies Kate Moss v Victoria Beckham? Kate Moss Quirky British style v laid back LA look? Quirky British style Hermes v H&M? H&M Off the Rails v Project Catwalk? Project Catwalk! Tights v bare legs? Bare legs Tan v pale skin? Tan Clutch bag v oversized bag? Oversized bag High waisted mini skirt v wide legged flares? Neither, Skinny jeans Xposé v E!News for fashion? E!News Thongs v French knickers? French knickers
Layering Yep, the onion look is back. Jumper-check Cardie- check, coatcheck. Use waist clinching belts to give more definition.
Top tip: To give hair that extra shine quickly run cold water over then ends at the end of the wash and blast with cold hair at the end of the blow-dry to set the hair cuticles in place
Masculine matters for winter While the oncoming winter and the end of the summer sales may mean that its time to pack up your neon brights and cropped jeans until next year, it certainly does not mean that the chance to experiment with your look has to evaporate too. This season’s most interesting look is that of masculine tailoring, which is perhaps one of the most flattering and comfortable styles currently sashaying around. With Coco Chanel as the main inspiration there are many high street stores tempting customers with high waisted black trousers, fitted blazers and strings of pearls. There are many ways to adapt this look so you can channel you inner Coco for day-to-day wear without look-
n Diamonds and pearls: Coco Channel
As the days shorten, it’s time to make for mannish styles, says Fiona Redmond ing like you’re heading to a formal office meeting. The Power Suit While the high waisted trousers teamed with a cropped blazer look may look great, it really is an outfit reserved for the workplace. Yet this look can be relaxed by wearing a capsleeved shirt and swapping the blazer for a fitted waistcoat. Nothing like a bit of arm to set pulses racing. This waistcoat will remain a valuable addition for your wardrobe as it will also look great over a t-shirt just as much as a chiffon shirt. If the blacks and greys seem a bit too dull, a great alternative is to pick up a red tartan waistcoat that will give you an edgier look. The cropped blazer.
This is another piece that you can also add to many items in your wardrobe while still remaining up to date. Invest in a pair of skinny black jeans and wear with either a chiffon blouse or oversized shirt and the cropped blazer. This way you will have a comfortable outfit that still has that elegant twist. Skyscraper Heels. Another addition to the high street this season comes in the form of patent stilettos and leather boots. While there is no doubt that these make for a stunning accessory, they are not so good for your feet, especially if you intend to wear them everyday. The solution for this comes in the form of patent pumps-easy to walk in and easy on the laser. Masculine Makeup On the catwalk, many models had their hair styled in simple ponytails with
minimum makeup. Yet let’s remember here that the point of masculine tailoring is to imitate this formal style-not to actually look like a man. Nothing makes this formal look sexier than long hair so leave those tresses loose. Choose a berry lipstick and lashings of black mascara so you can look feminine and powerful at the same time. Jewellery Chanel was the queen of accessorizing and is credited by many for introducing costume jewellery, so take advantage of it. Oversized rings, pearl bracelets and layers of pearl necklaces are the key to finishing your outfit. Yet remember Chanel’s advice that when accessorizing, look in the mirror and take off the last thing you put on. This is how you avoid leaving the house looking like a portable jewellery cabinet.
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BIN IT Unnecessary specs Endless amount of posers are seen these days wearing black, thick rimmed glasses. Fair enough, IF you have a prescription, otherwise NO!
Nu-rave Hate to say it, but nu rave is now ‘old rave’ Bin the neon and bin the Lycra! This season is all about lace and pvc. Embrace your inner Dita Von Teese! AOIFE Smyth