[By Bethan Hill - First published in ForgePress 21 November 2008]
According to a recent survey, the time of day when we are most likely to be feeling creative is in the evening. At 10.04pm to be precise.
The findings are contrary to what many of us believe: that we are at our mental peak first thing in the morning.Why else are so many of our exams scheduled at 9am? But this survey, carried out on over 1,000 people, has created quite a stir. Should we now be taking our exams at bedtime?
At the other end of the scale, the afternoon has been found to be our least inspired time.
At exactly 4.33pm we are said to hit a creative slump. That’s not much use for those of us with lectures, seminars and exams in the afternoon is it?
A favourite way to kick-start the brain is to take a shower, although a large number of us are said to be prone to forgetting our ideas soon after the eureka moment.
There could be any number of hidden geniuses out there who simply forgot their brilliant idea. As a weary postgraduate I’m not sure this theory applies to me.
Adjusting to an actual 9 to 5 routine has me exhausted by the end of the day. At 10.04pm my most creative thought is likely to be the clever addition of a Hobnob to a mug of tea. So I decided to ask three fellow Lifestyle writers to record what they’ve been thinking at this magic hour, to see if the 10.04pm theory really applies to us students.
Tessa Norman, third year English Literature student.
"I think of myself as a morning person, so 10.04pm is not my most productive time of day.
"At this point, somewhere halfway between evening and night time, I am usually either out with friends or relaxing before having an early night. Yesterday at 10.04pm I was on a funfair ride at a fireworks display, contemplating how safe my harness was and what would happen if I flew out of my seat mid-air, (which needless to say, spoilt my enjoyment of the ride somewhat!).
"As you can tell, I find it hard to switch off my thoughts and imagination.I do some of my best thinking when my mind is half occupied; when I’m at the gym, I’m probably planning what to have for dinner or thinking of essay ideas.
"If I’m not out at 10.04pm, I am probably curled up in my dressing gown, reading a book or watching television. I would much rather go to bed early and wake up with a refreshed mind the next morning than battle with tiredness late into the night.
"I am at my most creative at around 9am. I love waking up early and getting on with my work so I can feel like I have achieved something before my housemates have even woken up."
Caroline Vann Jones, second year French student.
"I have never been a daytime person and have always vehemently maintained that late at night is when I am at my most productive. However, when I took a look back to 10.04pm yesterday, I was forced to rethink my stance.
"Instead of making a start on my first novel or undertaking other such pressing tasks, I was sprawled out on my friend’s sofa, watching yet another repeated episode of How to Look Good Naked. I even had my books by my side, and earlier, at around 7pm the good intentions had been there too, but as the night wore on it became clear that my motivation was at an all-time low (not unusual).
"By 10.15pm I decided that it was finally time to tear myself away from the TV but my calling was my bed and not the French grammar revision I should have been doing.
"I went home and justified my decision to go to sleep with the promise of a 6am start at the IC. Obviously I was still in bed at midday and the whole process will undoubtedly happen again tonight. Perhaps the time has come to face the distressing reality that the real issue is personal motivation, rather than the time of day."
Sarah Barns, second year Journalism student.
"It’s 10.04pm and I’m sweating over a joyous read about news values and how they apply to alternative media sources. I am hastily trying to piece together a 2,000 word essay by tomorrow morning, and have currently written 52 words, 23 of which are the title of the essay.
"I wouldn’t say 10.04pm was the time I am at my most creative but today it seems to be the time I am most productive. It may also be that sheer panic has set in and I should have focused on this essay at least a month ago.
"I do believe that people are more creative in the evening because the day is filled with necessities such as work and studies where as in the evening you have time to let your mind wander. Perhaps 10.04pm is the time for relaxation, recuperation, and letting the creative juices flow.
"In my case it is currently a time for a frenzied search through Google Scholar."
It seems, therefore, that the time of day doesn’t necessarily impact upon our creativity levels.While some of us genuinely are creative night owls, others of us will be up with the lark forever.
The general consensus seems to be that the time of day isn’t the most important factor in determining our creativity. What’s most important is the motivation factor, something which this study doesn’t seem to mention. There’s nothing like a looming deadline to kick you into action.
Tuesday, 2 December 2008
Mind, body and pole-dancing
[By Vicky Shaw & Hannah O'Connell - First published in ForgePress 21 November 2008]
When you hear the words “pole dancing” your first thought might be of Spearmint Rhino, but think again. Pole dancing is the new fitness craze sweeping through the UK, with classes springing up everywhere. Not only is it a great way to tone up but it also builds confidence, so it really is a workout for the mind, body and soul.
Pole dancing has been made popular by celebrities such as Lindsay Lohan, Kate Hudson and Teri Hatcher, who regularly take the ‘S factor’ stripping classes in LA for rigorous work outs prior to filming. Although the sex element still remains – remember Kate Moss in that White Stripes video? – it can also be a great way to have a laugh with your friends, as we found out when we tried it for ourselves.
As avid dancers we were excited about giving pole dancing a try. However, as we entered the empty bar and spotted the floor-to-ceiling poles, the realisation that we had to swing ourselves around them whilst looking graceful suddenly hit us. Standing around, nervously looking at the other pole dancing students, we were momentarily filled with dread as we envisaged crashing in a heap at the bottom of the pole. This feeling was short-lived as the teacher, Lianne, made us relax into the class by doing some warm-up exercises to make sure we didn’t injure ourselves.
Then it was time to slip into our shorts and stilettos. Lianne started off by demonstrating some fairly simple moves and then we had chance to practise them on the pole ourselves. At first everyone was reluctant to use the pole but in no time at all the students were eager to try out the moves, strutting their stuff like professionals. Even though we were having a great time we couldn’t forget that it was tough exercise as it was extremely tiring constantly pulling your body weight up the pole. It was easy to see what good exercise it is and the strength you can build from balancing on the pole is truly impressive.
During the short choreographed routine that we learnt, our confidence soared and we started to lose our inhibitions and really began to perform. The experience was fantastic. Pole dancing completely takes the monotony out of exercise, builds up your confidence and teaches you a great new skill.
For a taster session it cost £20 for two hours with Polestars, which seems pricey but it’s totally worth it. For more information and bookings go to www.polestars.net.
When you hear the words “pole dancing” your first thought might be of Spearmint Rhino, but think again. Pole dancing is the new fitness craze sweeping through the UK, with classes springing up everywhere. Not only is it a great way to tone up but it also builds confidence, so it really is a workout for the mind, body and soul.
Pole dancing has been made popular by celebrities such as Lindsay Lohan, Kate Hudson and Teri Hatcher, who regularly take the ‘S factor’ stripping classes in LA for rigorous work outs prior to filming. Although the sex element still remains – remember Kate Moss in that White Stripes video? – it can also be a great way to have a laugh with your friends, as we found out when we tried it for ourselves.
As avid dancers we were excited about giving pole dancing a try. However, as we entered the empty bar and spotted the floor-to-ceiling poles, the realisation that we had to swing ourselves around them whilst looking graceful suddenly hit us. Standing around, nervously looking at the other pole dancing students, we were momentarily filled with dread as we envisaged crashing in a heap at the bottom of the pole. This feeling was short-lived as the teacher, Lianne, made us relax into the class by doing some warm-up exercises to make sure we didn’t injure ourselves.
Then it was time to slip into our shorts and stilettos. Lianne started off by demonstrating some fairly simple moves and then we had chance to practise them on the pole ourselves. At first everyone was reluctant to use the pole but in no time at all the students were eager to try out the moves, strutting their stuff like professionals. Even though we were having a great time we couldn’t forget that it was tough exercise as it was extremely tiring constantly pulling your body weight up the pole. It was easy to see what good exercise it is and the strength you can build from balancing on the pole is truly impressive.
During the short choreographed routine that we learnt, our confidence soared and we started to lose our inhibitions and really began to perform. The experience was fantastic. Pole dancing completely takes the monotony out of exercise, builds up your confidence and teaches you a great new skill.
For a taster session it cost £20 for two hours with Polestars, which seems pricey but it’s totally worth it. For more information and bookings go to www.polestars.net.
Supermodels - the next in line
[By Sarah Barns and Bethan Hill - First published in ForgePress 21 November 2008]
When reading any fashion magazine, it’s unlikely that you won’t come across the likes of Jourdan Dunn and Alice Dellal.
But although you might not know their names yet, these, amongst numerous others, are the new kids on the block ready to take the fashion crown from the ‘golden oldies’.
Lifestyle has uncovered the fresh faces that will be taking over the style baton and whose faces will be plastered over magazine spreads and advertisements for the next decade.
Kate Moss and Agyness Deyn
Ever since Sarah Doukas, founder of Storm modelling agency, spotted Moss at JFK airport in New York at the tender age of 14, her career and life has been played out before our very eyes. Notorious for her party lifestyle and avoidance of the press, Moss dominanated the 1990s and has appeared on over 300 magazine covers. Known for her hot pants, Marlborough lights and long blonde hair Moss is estimated to be worth up to £9 million.
But there is a new kid on the block ready to steal her limelight. Step forward, please, Agyness Deyn. Hailed as the “ambassador for British youth culture” and “fashion’s next top supermodel”, it appears the public have fallen head over heels in love with the blonde waif. Aged 25, she is nine years younger than Moss and seems to be symbolising everything British teens are currently interested in. Like Moss, she dates rock stars and has tried (unsuccessfully) to turn her stylish hand to singing.Is the fashion world ready for a new cool cat?
Agyness fits the bill with her outlandish dress sense and strong Lancashire accent so hopefully she will be here to stay.
Naomi Campbell and Jourdan Dunn
The first ever black supermodel to appear on the cover of Vogue in Paris and the UK, Naomi Campbell has remained in the spotlight since her modelling debut in 1978 after appearing in Bob Marley’s music video for ‘Is This Love.’ Campbell is renowned for her fiery temper and her most recent escapade was assaulting a police officer after her bags went missing at Heathrow Terminal Five. She has appeared on over 500 magazine covers and does lots of work for charity. She also classes Nelson Mandela as her “adopted grandfather”.
Ready to take the Campbell crown is Jourdan Dunn, an 18-year-old “rising star” from London. She is reported to have been ‘discovered’ in Primark, which she strongly denies.
“Everybody says I was spotted shopping in Primark. I wasn’t shopping. I was with my friend: she wanted to go in, I wanted to go home - and we were just mucking about in the sunglasses section,” she said.
Dunn was the most talked about model at the spring/summer 08 fashion show after appearing on 75 runways. She was the first black model to appear on the Prada runway in Milan since 1997 when Campbell appeared for the label. She hopes to get more women of different ethnic origins involved in fashion and with the hype surrounding her so far, this is a task she is likely to fulfil.
Claudia Schiffer and Doutzen Kroes
The 5’11” German model doesn’t really possess the quirky look favoured by the fashion world.Her appeal lies solely with the fact that she is classically beautiful; reminiscent of Bridgitte Bardot.
She doesn’t experiment too much with her look, but gets it right every time. She has lent her face to a thousand brands, from Versace to Accessorize. She acts as a spokesmodel for L’Oreal, trying to convince us that it’s their anti-wrinkle creams, not her enviable genes, that have her looking so good at 38.
The successor to her crown is Doutzen Kroes, the 23-year-old, 5’10” Dutch model. Like Claudia, Doutzen has been compared to Bardot, and possesses the same kind of blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauty. She is a Victoria’s Secret Angel, but like Schiffer is best known for her editorial rather than runway work. She has promoted many of the same top name brands as Claudia, and has also become a L’Oreal girl. You’ll see her promoting everything from lipgloss to hair highlighting kits as she is L’Oreal’s current favourite beauty.
Both girls are what many would call ‘wholesome’. There’s not much of the rock ’n’ roll about these two. They both list their hobbies as being outdoors-y activities like horse riding and water sports. Not quite what we’ve come to expect of the high octane worlds of celebrity and fashion.
Linda Evangelista and Alice Dellal
Karl Lagerfeld, Creative Director of Chanel, once said of Linda Evangelista: “There is not another model in the world as professional as she is.” Linda, now 43, was discovered when she was 12-years-old, during the 1978 Miss Teen Niagara Contest. Her parents are Italian, but she grew up in Canada.
She was a member of the first group of supermodels, the models whose names everyone knew and whose faces could sell a million designer outfits. She famously uttered the much-quoted line: “We don’t wake up for less than $10,000 a day.” She has become known as The Chameleon thanks to her experimental attitude to her look, particularly her hairstyles. This was sparked off in the late ’80s, when she cut her hair into a radical short crop.
Alice Dellal is clearly the pretender to her chameleon throne, due to her shocking half-long, half-shaven hairstyle.The English model has Iranian and Brazilian blood, which explains her dark, exotic look, not unlike Evangelista’s.
She is fairly new to the modelling scene, at only 20-years-old, but is already making a name for herself on edgy magazine covers, like Dazed and Confused.
She has shot high profile campaigns for Burberry and has taken over from Kate Moss as the face of Agent Provocateur.
The quirky look never goes out of style.
When reading any fashion magazine, it’s unlikely that you won’t come across the likes of Jourdan Dunn and Alice Dellal.
But although you might not know their names yet, these, amongst numerous others, are the new kids on the block ready to take the fashion crown from the ‘golden oldies’.
Lifestyle has uncovered the fresh faces that will be taking over the style baton and whose faces will be plastered over magazine spreads and advertisements for the next decade.
Kate Moss and Agyness Deyn
Ever since Sarah Doukas, founder of Storm modelling agency, spotted Moss at JFK airport in New York at the tender age of 14, her career and life has been played out before our very eyes. Notorious for her party lifestyle and avoidance of the press, Moss dominanated the 1990s and has appeared on over 300 magazine covers. Known for her hot pants, Marlborough lights and long blonde hair Moss is estimated to be worth up to £9 million.
But there is a new kid on the block ready to steal her limelight. Step forward, please, Agyness Deyn. Hailed as the “ambassador for British youth culture” and “fashion’s next top supermodel”, it appears the public have fallen head over heels in love with the blonde waif. Aged 25, she is nine years younger than Moss and seems to be symbolising everything British teens are currently interested in. Like Moss, she dates rock stars and has tried (unsuccessfully) to turn her stylish hand to singing.Is the fashion world ready for a new cool cat?
Agyness fits the bill with her outlandish dress sense and strong Lancashire accent so hopefully she will be here to stay.
Naomi Campbell and Jourdan Dunn
The first ever black supermodel to appear on the cover of Vogue in Paris and the UK, Naomi Campbell has remained in the spotlight since her modelling debut in 1978 after appearing in Bob Marley’s music video for ‘Is This Love.’ Campbell is renowned for her fiery temper and her most recent escapade was assaulting a police officer after her bags went missing at Heathrow Terminal Five. She has appeared on over 500 magazine covers and does lots of work for charity. She also classes Nelson Mandela as her “adopted grandfather”.
Ready to take the Campbell crown is Jourdan Dunn, an 18-year-old “rising star” from London. She is reported to have been ‘discovered’ in Primark, which she strongly denies.
“Everybody says I was spotted shopping in Primark. I wasn’t shopping. I was with my friend: she wanted to go in, I wanted to go home - and we were just mucking about in the sunglasses section,” she said.
Dunn was the most talked about model at the spring/summer 08 fashion show after appearing on 75 runways. She was the first black model to appear on the Prada runway in Milan since 1997 when Campbell appeared for the label. She hopes to get more women of different ethnic origins involved in fashion and with the hype surrounding her so far, this is a task she is likely to fulfil.
Claudia Schiffer and Doutzen Kroes
The 5’11” German model doesn’t really possess the quirky look favoured by the fashion world.Her appeal lies solely with the fact that she is classically beautiful; reminiscent of Bridgitte Bardot.
She doesn’t experiment too much with her look, but gets it right every time. She has lent her face to a thousand brands, from Versace to Accessorize. She acts as a spokesmodel for L’Oreal, trying to convince us that it’s their anti-wrinkle creams, not her enviable genes, that have her looking so good at 38.
The successor to her crown is Doutzen Kroes, the 23-year-old, 5’10” Dutch model. Like Claudia, Doutzen has been compared to Bardot, and possesses the same kind of blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauty. She is a Victoria’s Secret Angel, but like Schiffer is best known for her editorial rather than runway work. She has promoted many of the same top name brands as Claudia, and has also become a L’Oreal girl. You’ll see her promoting everything from lipgloss to hair highlighting kits as she is L’Oreal’s current favourite beauty.
Both girls are what many would call ‘wholesome’. There’s not much of the rock ’n’ roll about these two. They both list their hobbies as being outdoors-y activities like horse riding and water sports. Not quite what we’ve come to expect of the high octane worlds of celebrity and fashion.
Linda Evangelista and Alice Dellal
Karl Lagerfeld, Creative Director of Chanel, once said of Linda Evangelista: “There is not another model in the world as professional as she is.” Linda, now 43, was discovered when she was 12-years-old, during the 1978 Miss Teen Niagara Contest. Her parents are Italian, but she grew up in Canada.
She was a member of the first group of supermodels, the models whose names everyone knew and whose faces could sell a million designer outfits. She famously uttered the much-quoted line: “We don’t wake up for less than $10,000 a day.” She has become known as The Chameleon thanks to her experimental attitude to her look, particularly her hairstyles. This was sparked off in the late ’80s, when she cut her hair into a radical short crop.
Alice Dellal is clearly the pretender to her chameleon throne, due to her shocking half-long, half-shaven hairstyle.The English model has Iranian and Brazilian blood, which explains her dark, exotic look, not unlike Evangelista’s.
She is fairly new to the modelling scene, at only 20-years-old, but is already making a name for herself on edgy magazine covers, like Dazed and Confused.
She has shot high profile campaigns for Burberry and has taken over from Kate Moss as the face of Agent Provocateur.
The quirky look never goes out of style.
Monday, 1 December 2008
Fall for fashion: Meadowhall's Autumn Fair
[By Sarah Burns and Bethan Hill - First published in ForgePress 7 November. Photos: Marek Allen]
It was hardly London Fashion Week but the ‘Fall for Fashion’ show was the high street’s attempt to replicate all the latest catwalk-inspired looks.
It aimed to bring a bit of glamour and sparkle to Meadowhall and was also the closest we have got to real life models.
The show was called ‘Fall for Fashion’ and aimed to introduce key new autumn and winter looks to Sheffield shoppers.
It provided a platform for directional fashion and luxury brands to show off and hoped to make people’s shopping experience a little more luxurious.
The show opened with a tall, tanned blonde strutting her stuff down the catwalk dressed head-to- toe in black military with patent accessories from Jaeger London.
We have always classed Jaeger as an old fashioned brand but they are having a revamp and Kate Moss is even lusting after some of their stuff.
The next model reminded us a bit of Erin O’Connor with a short crop of black hair and mile-long legs. She wore a shaggy grey jumper and a black baker boy hat and pulled off the sixties mod trend a treat.
We swooned when a fair-haired, six foot tall, perfect cheek-boned male entered from behind the stage. He was dressed in a black trench coat and pointy shoes and was the sort of boy your mother would want you to bring home.
The next phase was called ‘Bohemian and Folklore.’ The models walked along to KT Tunstall’s ‘Suddenly I See’ and you could definitely feel the hippie vibe floating in the air.
One model had a pair of absolutely delicious purple suede knee high boots on that had funky tassels at the back. They were from Russell and Bromley so will remain out of our grasp until the next student loan arrives.
Brightly coloured tights dominated this collection and were worn with floaty flowery dresses and chunky jewellery.
Man bags were also quite prominent and one model grinned so much as he strutted down the catwalk in his that he almost broke into a giggle.
Next came the ‘Preppy’ look, and possibly the most student friendly.
Following catwalk influences from Luella Bartley and Marc Jacobs, this look was given the high street makeover by shops such as Lacoste, Scotts and Henri Lloyd.
This show featured polo shirts, jeans and trainers, all slightly modified to give a more creative edge. The bottoms of jeans were rolled up to reveal a peek of brightly-coloured ankle socks.
This look would be easy to mimic because a stripy cardigan and bright red ankle socks instantly update an old pair of jeans.
Amy Winehouse’s version of ‘Valerie’ blasted out of the speakers quite appropriately for the party phase of the show.
Patent and giant corsages ruled the runway and we sat in awe at the size of the giant spiky heels.
Glittery boleros added a bit more sparkle over pussy bow blouses and the addition of a red trilby added a rock and roll edge.
Again tights transformed key looks that we have all seen before, into outfits that were a bit more adventurous.
Males were uniformed in black with red or purple ties to inject a bit of colour and class into the outfits.
The stylist had definitely had more fun and creativity with the girls than the boys because some of their outfits were a bit bland and boring.
Next came ‘Gothic’, which the presenter described as "when fashion flirts with the dark side" (a cheeky slogan stolen from Vogue).
Models wore black, dominatrix style dresses with fishnet tights to vamp things up further. We were a little uneasy seeing knee high fishnets and thought they looked a bit tacky.
Hints of leopard print were injected to add some eroticism and leather helped give the outfits more texture and dimension.
We were lucky enough to be given a preview of Sienna Miller’s autumn/winter collection for her label Twenty8Twelve.
It was a bit boring and consisted of everything you expect to see Sienna Miller clad in.
Chunky jumpers, tight jeans and neutral colours are all a bit outdated and we were a bit disappointed with the blandness of it.
The final phase was called ‘Glam’ and lived up to its name. With Shirley Bassey’s version of ‘Get the Party Started’ blasting away you could feel the Christmas Marks and Spencer advert approaching from the distance.
One model had on an amazing sequin and feathered mini-dress that looked absolutely stunning.
Another wore a long cream silky gown with killer high heels and a chunky necklace.
The final dress was an electric blue mini that had crazy folding all over it and was simply amazing.
So, our top ten trends for winter, as inspired by the fashion show are:
Patent
It was on accessories everywhere, from shoes to bags to buttons.
Rolled up jeans
This season, if they’re not rolled up, they’re just not good enough.
Proportions
Think baggy tops with tight trousers, the silhouette we saw in each show.
Tights
Black tights are over, it’s time to embrace colours and patterns.
Jewel-coloured party dresses
Get buying the Christmas party dresses now, but don’t be boring, colours are great for special occasions.
Gothic
That said, black is back in a big way for evening wear.
Gloves
Day gloves, night gloves, leather gloves, lace gloves: they’re all big news.
Big bags
Fashion magazines may be telling us that it’s all about clutches, but Meadowhall knows that big practical bags are where it’s at.
Tailoring
It’s time for men to embrace the suit. Think sharp, clean lines, and wear them with attitude.
High necklines
Necklines go prim and proper, so if you’re a fan of the v-neck, it’s time to layer it with blouses and t-shirts.
It was hardly London Fashion Week but the ‘Fall for Fashion’ show was the high street’s attempt to replicate all the latest catwalk-inspired looks.
It aimed to bring a bit of glamour and sparkle to Meadowhall and was also the closest we have got to real life models.
The show was called ‘Fall for Fashion’ and aimed to introduce key new autumn and winter looks to Sheffield shoppers.
It provided a platform for directional fashion and luxury brands to show off and hoped to make people’s shopping experience a little more luxurious.
The show opened with a tall, tanned blonde strutting her stuff down the catwalk dressed head-to- toe in black military with patent accessories from Jaeger London.
We have always classed Jaeger as an old fashioned brand but they are having a revamp and Kate Moss is even lusting after some of their stuff.
The next model reminded us a bit of Erin O’Connor with a short crop of black hair and mile-long legs. She wore a shaggy grey jumper and a black baker boy hat and pulled off the sixties mod trend a treat.
We swooned when a fair-haired, six foot tall, perfect cheek-boned male entered from behind the stage. He was dressed in a black trench coat and pointy shoes and was the sort of boy your mother would want you to bring home.
The next phase was called ‘Bohemian and Folklore.’ The models walked along to KT Tunstall’s ‘Suddenly I See’ and you could definitely feel the hippie vibe floating in the air.
One model had a pair of absolutely delicious purple suede knee high boots on that had funky tassels at the back. They were from Russell and Bromley so will remain out of our grasp until the next student loan arrives.
Brightly coloured tights dominated this collection and were worn with floaty flowery dresses and chunky jewellery.
Man bags were also quite prominent and one model grinned so much as he strutted down the catwalk in his that he almost broke into a giggle.
Next came the ‘Preppy’ look, and possibly the most student friendly.
Following catwalk influences from Luella Bartley and Marc Jacobs, this look was given the high street makeover by shops such as Lacoste, Scotts and Henri Lloyd.
This show featured polo shirts, jeans and trainers, all slightly modified to give a more creative edge. The bottoms of jeans were rolled up to reveal a peek of brightly-coloured ankle socks.
This look would be easy to mimic because a stripy cardigan and bright red ankle socks instantly update an old pair of jeans.
Amy Winehouse’s version of ‘Valerie’ blasted out of the speakers quite appropriately for the party phase of the show.
Patent and giant corsages ruled the runway and we sat in awe at the size of the giant spiky heels.
Glittery boleros added a bit more sparkle over pussy bow blouses and the addition of a red trilby added a rock and roll edge.
Again tights transformed key looks that we have all seen before, into outfits that were a bit more adventurous.
Males were uniformed in black with red or purple ties to inject a bit of colour and class into the outfits.
The stylist had definitely had more fun and creativity with the girls than the boys because some of their outfits were a bit bland and boring.
Next came ‘Gothic’, which the presenter described as "when fashion flirts with the dark side" (a cheeky slogan stolen from Vogue).
Models wore black, dominatrix style dresses with fishnet tights to vamp things up further. We were a little uneasy seeing knee high fishnets and thought they looked a bit tacky.
Hints of leopard print were injected to add some eroticism and leather helped give the outfits more texture and dimension.
We were lucky enough to be given a preview of Sienna Miller’s autumn/winter collection for her label Twenty8Twelve.
It was a bit boring and consisted of everything you expect to see Sienna Miller clad in.
Chunky jumpers, tight jeans and neutral colours are all a bit outdated and we were a bit disappointed with the blandness of it.
The final phase was called ‘Glam’ and lived up to its name. With Shirley Bassey’s version of ‘Get the Party Started’ blasting away you could feel the Christmas Marks and Spencer advert approaching from the distance.
One model had on an amazing sequin and feathered mini-dress that looked absolutely stunning.
Another wore a long cream silky gown with killer high heels and a chunky necklace.
The final dress was an electric blue mini that had crazy folding all over it and was simply amazing.
So, our top ten trends for winter, as inspired by the fashion show are:
Patent
It was on accessories everywhere, from shoes to bags to buttons.
Rolled up jeans
This season, if they’re not rolled up, they’re just not good enough.
Proportions
Think baggy tops with tight trousers, the silhouette we saw in each show.
Tights
Black tights are over, it’s time to embrace colours and patterns.
Jewel-coloured party dresses
Get buying the Christmas party dresses now, but don’t be boring, colours are great for special occasions.
Gothic
That said, black is back in a big way for evening wear.
Gloves
Day gloves, night gloves, leather gloves, lace gloves: they’re all big news.
Big bags
Fashion magazines may be telling us that it’s all about clutches, but Meadowhall knows that big practical bags are where it’s at.
Tailoring
It’s time for men to embrace the suit. Think sharp, clean lines, and wear them with attitude.
High necklines
Necklines go prim and proper, so if you’re a fan of the v-neck, it’s time to layer it with blouses and t-shirts.
The hand that rocks the media
[By Keri O'Riordan - First published in ForgePress 7 November]
As Lynne Spears releases her tell all book about raising Britney, it seems to mark a new era of people cashing in on the rich and famous.
Far from false friends and kiss and tells, celebrities cannot even trust that their own family won’t cash in on their fame.
Lynne Spears’ controversial book ‘Through the Storm’ reveals family secrets such as the age Britney lost her virginity and her suspected drug abuse.
Although Britney seems to be coming out of the other side of her infamous breakdown, you have to wonder whether telling the world all her indiscretions would be the best thing for her clearly fragile mental health.
It seems that rather than having her daughter’s best interests at heart, Lynne is being decidedly more self-interested, as the only person this book could ever benefit would be herself.
The same can be said of Mitch Winehouse who published open letters to the press appealing to Amy to seek help for her addictions.
By using the media, he sensationalised his daughter’s addiction rather than seeking to help her; it became entertainment for the population and also gave him a good opportunity to talk to the press.
It seems that again and again parents have talked to the media, to try and ‘reach’ their wayward children.
Lindsay Lohan’s father slated Sam Ronson and appealed to his daughter to dump her.
In his blog he commented that Ronson was "a dark, hideous and a disgusting representation of humanity".
Now, it cannot be said that there aren’t parents all over the world who’ve made unhelpful comments about a range of personal issues, but a family argument takes on a totally new dimension when it’s played out in front of the entire world.
Why do I need to know that Lindsay’s father doesn’t approve of her way of life? Does he think that I personally will be able to convince her to straighten up?
Living your whole life under the scrutiny of millions of people isn’t easy. It’s one thing being seen rolling out of a club at three in the morning, or being pictured eating a KFC family bucket in a car park in Warrington, but when your family relationships are not even sacred, then you have to wonder whether it’s even worth it.
Its one thing for someone to use their connection to a celebrity to boost their own popularity, but it’s something completely different for a parent, someone you’ve known your whole life, to take advantage.
It’s not that they are even going around clubs boasting about the famous fruits of their loins, but it seems that they are using the media as a parenting tool.
How can helping to turn your child’s life into entertainment make anyone a better parent?
Knowing that Lindsay Lohan’s dad doesn’t approve won’t make her change, but it does mean that everyone knows who Lindsay’s dad is, even if he is narrow-minded.
However, it is a little sad that these parents feel it is acceptable to cash in on their children’s fame, and use it to boost their own celebrity credentials.
I find it incredible that the parents of those celebrities such as Amy Winehouse and Britney Spears who are having very public break-downs still court the media, especially when the chances are that the reason for their current emotional state could be down to them.
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