We have been looking at potential hair and makeup styles for months now, and it's getting to the stage where we have to make some decisions for the fashion show. I personally like Dawn's idea of a fairly nude eye and a bold lip, as i think it would work well with a lot of our collections without overpowering them. Last years make up looked a bit dirty to me, especially after a whole day of wearing virtually black eye shadow. I have come across some images in a magazine, that support the look of the nude eye and bold lip, so would appreciate any thoughts on this idea.



Photoshoot

I have also managed to sort out my photo shoot, even though i found my photographer a few months ago! My photographer is Emma Pilkington, who is based in Manchester where she has her own studio. My photo shoot will take place in this studio setting. I have also found a hair and makeup stylist who has trained at one of Manchester's leading makeup schools, and who is willing to do this for free on the condition that she can use the images for her own portfolio. I have yet to decide on the specific looks for the photoshoot, however my makeup artist specialises in bridal hair and makeup, and has recently done a course in this field. I am awaiting some images from her to give me some inspiration on the look. I will definitely keep you posted on any ideas i have though!

Emma Pilkington Website: http://emmapilkington.co.uk/

Fashion Favours

With this years fashion show looming, I thought i had better organise my little fashion show favours like last years second years did. I thought it was a really nice touch to say a small thank you to the guests for coming to the show. I have just finished making mine up, and they look really beautiful; exactly how i wanted them to look. I would upload an image, but that would ruin the surprise, so you will just have to wait and see them on the day!

Things are really coming together for the show now, with all my favours done, my styling accessories bought, my music chosen for my collection, and of course... 4 of my dresses complete, with 2 to manufacture within the next month.

No problem! 

Wine and Water

I came across this offer a couple of days ago, and have just filled out the form online to try and get us 24 bottles of Eden Springs water for free, to go towards the water for the models. They are reviewing the application and are going to get back to me over the next few weeks to see if we qualify for this donation of water. The offer goes out to people who are helping a charity, so i mentioned our college charity ASAP, and how the fashion show helps this charity anually. I know this is only a small amount of the water we probably need, but at least it will save us a little bit of money that we could spend on something else!

Fingers crossed!

I have also come across some cheap wine in Asda that could potentially be a good one for the fashion show. Its called Luchana and it's £2.50. It might be cheap, but i decided to try it to see what it was like, and for that price it is lovely.

Dress number 4

Just managed to complete my fourth dress in final fabric, and it looks really great, and i must admit that these images don't really do it much justice. Only thing left to do is hem it and adjust the shoulder detail to fit the model. I now cant wait to start my fifth pattern and toile tomorrow, as the deadline for this project is fast approaching and with so much to still do its  a bit daunting!

As a bit of an update to the fund raising, the Easter raffle didn't exactly take off. There was no support what so ever which was disappointing, so now the prizes will go towards the fashion show raffle to help raise funds for ASAP. There are up and coming bag pack days which always help to raise funds, with the latest total from a recent pack standing at £211.84. One the weather picks up a bit, we are also participating in a sponsored walk/run, so hopefully friends and family will give generously!



Fashion Show Accessories

Over the past few weeks i have been doing a bit of shopping around for some accessories to style my models for the photoshoot and the fashion show. I have come across some really great finds in a charity shop in crewe who specialise in bridal wear at a very reasonable price. I did manage to find lots of shoes that i could style my models in, however at this point in time I don't know any of my models sizes.

I had a go with some different hairstyles to see what each would look like with the hair up and down, as at this time, we have not yet decided on a make-up or hairstyle for the fashion show. I also bought a pair of shoes because they were only £2 and at least one of my models should be a size 6.

I tried to go for a variety of accessories, not just veils, and i will continue to look for some different things in the run up to the fashion show.



The latest toile

As i mentioned in my last post, i haven't really been doing any pattern cutting or manufacturing for a few weeks due to focusing on my portfolio, however before i started my portfolio, i did begin my fourth toile's bodice which you can see below.

The beaded applique shown here won't actually be sewn onto the toile, but will be in place on the final gown to create a sheer strap. I will admit, this has been the most awkward bodice to produce so far, as you have to sew in the pleats over the bust so that they don't distort when worn. It's coming along well though, and i am really excited to hand in my portfolio brief and get started on the manufacturing side again!