Fashion Brands

Mark Tungate's book about the history of fashion brands was really interesting and I learnt quite a lot. I felt like after each chapter I needed a break to take it all in. I feel no where else would I have got so much information in one space. It not only talks about the brands but has to mention the industry works as a whole as well.

'Only when the marketers get hold of garments do they magically become 'fashion'

Right at the beginning of the book on the first page I liked this quote about the marketing strategies to consumers to make them believe they need these things. Thats the entire point of branding and selling that the book explores in every aspect.

'You can dress from head to toe in Gucci - that proves you're rich but it doesn't prove you have taste'

I thought this was really funny because its true. People have become blinded by names and logos that they don't put an outfit together because it looks good. Not to say designer apparel isn't trendy but there is plenty of cheaper options that are. This chapter was all about how consumers mix brands, high end and high street to create their own style. Fashion is an identity and you create your own with your take on clothes.

I couldn't possibly talk about every chapter because there were so many intriguing ones like the one about the collections. Fashion shows are so exclusive that any details I read about them is so cool.

Love,

Shaleen

xxx

The True Cost

Underneath the glitz and glamour we are unconsciously aware of the hidden problems and ethical issues in the fashion industry. I had watched documentaries in high school of the use of sweatshops but this particular film hit another level of horror. I was unaware of some of the things explored in the film. The collapsing of the Rana Plaza after many workers complained, shows how little their voices matter and they are paid very little for the money the company produces. To put this inequality in perspective, they earn less than $3 a day when Zara's owner is the second richest man in the world. The pressure on the factory owners from the companies in the West that there is suicides from farmers and beating of workers. So there is no say and if you protest, you could be asking for a death wish. It doesn't help that they have chosen to put the factories in Bangladesh where there are no rules. It was definitely heavy to watch. The issue with fast fashion is people can use it to solve their problems through consumption, aka. retail therapy. Bloggers and Youtubers are also feeding this making you want to shop when you just have and don't need to. The system is very problematic. There is no quick answers to this problem. It is definitely the ugly side of fashion. The supply chain has changed from the US used to produce 95% in the 60s and now only 3%. Theres a high price for fashion. The bargains make it easier for us to wear it and after that selfie the product is useless and you need another one to feel less depressed. It was a very powerful watch.

Love,

Shaleen

xxx

References: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/jasmine-bager/review-the-true-cost-docu_b_9463386.html

https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/reviews/a11041/the-true-cost-documentary/

https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/29/movies/review-the-true-cost-investigates-high-price-of-fashion-bargains.html

House of Z

During reading weeks I had a chance to watch more fashion documentaries. One that took my interest was House of Z focused on designer Zac Posen. I'd heard of him before but couldn't put face to name. He's young and he had a fall that we watched him come back from. The first half of the film is optimistic following his beginnings and early career to see where he come from. He is known for one of a kind dresses for clients. Posen worked with his family, all creatives, growing up in artistic neighbourhood SoHo. However, the downfall slowly creeped up on me where he said he was hiding behind a facade to keep interesting. The company was no longer a family business anymore with lack of money being the root of problems. It was interesting to see the mindset of Posen and learn about his creative process and the industry. I didn't know his dress was inspired by the ceiling of the Guggenheim! It has a lot of hope and new perspective by the end. It was moving, feel-good and left me inspired.

Love,

Shaleen

xxx

References: http://variety.com/2017/film/reviews/house-of-z-review-1202393226/

Do/ Story/ How to tell a story so the world listens.

I recently finished a book, it was a quick read, that was like a little handbook of tips on storytelling. It included real scenarios and anecdotes which I love to read/listen to. It takes me a long time to find a book to read and I cant remember the last time I had read a book. Its quite autobiographic of real stories that the author had come across which I found interesting. Although not all the morals or stories were thrilling to read. My favourite quote wasn't actually from the numerous of quotes written in red inside the book but one in the midst of the writing.

'todays children seem to lack the will to dig deeper, preferring to surf the immediate.'

I find this true and it links to my last blog post about young people in this generation.

Love,

Shaleen

xxx

Reflecting on Uni So Far

Uni has been a whirlwind of emotions so far. Moving away from home was definitely an adjustment, (I still don't like having to cook for myself.) Not only this but moving in with a bunch of strangers and having to make friends for the first time which I had seem to have forgotten how to do being surrounded by the same people my whole life. Every new school I had started I always had a best friend start with me so this was different. I don't think anyone can prepare you for this and being the older sibling I didn't have any guidance. I had heard stories about the good things about uni but no one really told me the harsh truths. For example, you can feel lonely even surrounded by a bunch of people. I have met a lot of people but some of those I don't speak to again. I find that I am particular who I become close to and I don't like to force friendships. Thankfully, one of my flatmates is my kind of person and we get on so well.

My course is amazing, not only the course itself but the people around me are all like minded and its exciting that I can meet people so like me. My course is everything I expected and more and couldn't be happier with my choice to do this degree and at NTU. I know so many people who are unhappy with their course and have considered dropping out so I feel lucky that I am not in that position! I feel so inspired and driven learning everyday especially after the NY trip which reminded me why I am at uni. I have just finished my first hand in and I feel so proud having worked through it for a very long time. The course is fun but also challenging and I like it that way. Second term has been quite a change from first term with the trip, then deadlines and now 2 weeks of reading. I can't wait to start the next module and continue going out again.

                                

                                 Love,

                                  Shaleen

                                  xxx

What I ate in NY

Only on holidays do you eat out everyday of the week but as a foodie and being in one of the best food cities I ate a lot of different stuff. I had definitely done my research on where to eat before I got there and can't say anywhere we ate disappointed me.

Shake Shack

I had eaten here the last time I came and have tried the ones in London but couldn't wait to have one again from the original city. I had the bacon shackburger and fries with a coffee shake. It was delicious and I ate it really quickly and if you know me, I usually take breaks. The second time we went I had the bacon cheese fries and they were better than the normal ones for sure!

Joe's Pizza

I didn't realise how famous this chain was until we got there and saw the display of celebs who have visited whilst in NYC. I found it on Youtube recommended and was surprised by the prices for the slices. I ordered a cheese and pepperoni slice each and loved looking round to see who'd been here. My friend and I were particularly happy to see Leo.

by Chloe

A vegan cafe that I am sure you have seen on Instagram somewhere. The last time I was in New York I tried getting a seat in the one near Washington Square Park and the place was filled. It was the middle of the afternoon in summer so understandably. I was hungry so I left it but being back at a quieter time of year I had to make sure we got in. We arrived at opening time so the place was empty which quickly filled as we sat. I had the avocado on toast with chickpeas and an iced coffee. It was worth it!

Takumi

The Japanese take on Mexican was a find whilst walking around Chelsea Market and it was a good choice. I got the beef tacos and nachos on the side. I thought the nachos were plain and by mistake added spicy salsa and was dying for a good 5 minutes. My friends laughed at me whilst the water was making it worse but in the end the plain nachos stopped the burning after all.

Russ & Daughters 

Bagels can be found everywhere and should be cheap street food, however we chose one close to Central Park and it was a sit down bagel restaurant. It was still very good though. I got a classic cream cheese and salmon bagel board. If you don't mind paying a bit more for your bagels, head here!

Hard Rock Cafe

I hadn't been to one in years and theres one conveniently in Times Square so we decided to have dinner there. I wanted a diner milkshake which is what I got and chicken mac and cheese. The portions were massive and I did end up packing some home to eat later! The atmosphere is great especially the decor of the guitars on the walls.

Jack's Wife Freda

Another brunch recommended by various locals. It was a lot smaller than I expected with a queue coming out the door. It clearly is very popular but we were seated soon enough before thinking of going to the next nearest one. The menus are so cute as is the food and coffee. Even the little sugar packets that I made sure I read each one of the sayings. I got the poached eggs on toast with halloumi and a latte which changed from a leaf to a heart. The food looked small but the food was filling.

Bubba Gump

I am not going to lie, I hadn't seen the film only clips before going and my friends were shocked so I have watched it since being back. The restaurant is of course from the film Forrest Gump. My dad pointed it out to me in San Francisco and I was like cool but didn't go but when my friend suggested it we had to go. The staff were so nice and the atmosphere was very cool. They even gave us a list of places we could go at night being under 21 here. Unfortunately there were clubs for my 19 year old friends but me being a 18 couldn't get in! I will definitely come back here when I am legal because I've want to go to 1 Oak! I had the fish burger and strawberry lemonade as I am not much of a seafood fan.

Love,

Shaleen

xxx

NYC Diaries: Day 5

Saturday was the last day to do anything we had missed before our flight at night. We went to Grand Central for our fave Shake Shack to round up the trip with it being the first and last meal. The day was going really quickly so we went to Victoria's Secret for their display of their collaboration with Balmain. Also, Glossier has a showroom in NY that I have seen on Instagram and wanted to go to. I will miss New York and hope to be here very soon. 

with the wings 

Love, 

Shaleen

xxx