#WearItWednesday - #ESPnews Headlines, Stitchin Business's Festive Fayre, International Jewellery London KickStart Bursary 2015

Fast becoming an ESP Feature Favourite, I've received a number of enquiries regarding when #WIW will return to your screens. First of all, I'd like to say that I'm thrilled to receive feedback of that nature on a segment that I was highly enjoying bringing to you, so much that I even did so right from my hospital bed! Those who enquired will be pleased to know that #WIW will return early in the New Year, so watch this space! Now for some news from other arenas in the Fashion Industry...

Our wonderful friends over at Stitchin Business have two news tidbits for you; in the first, they intend to kick off your holiday season the right way, with a Winter Fayre at their brand spanking new, Holloway/Finsbury Park studios...

Image courtesy of Stitchin Business

Bring Your Own Drinks for the evening's portion of the event, but shop merrily until then, as couturier Andy Piccos and his seriously talented team measure you up properly, to find your literal perfect fit. Longtime readers may even notice a Deer, familiar face in residence...

That's not all though - ever fancied taking a lesson from the wonderfully wise AP himself? Well now you can, with the return of his weekly sewing classes! Find all the official information that you will need below:

"I have, for a long time now, wanted to offer more sewing classes and training to people who want to learn to sew or improve their technique. 

I'm a great believer in sharing skills and there are many people out there with sewing machines gathering dust because they don't know where to start, so, here is where you can. 

Stitchin Business' classes are for small groups (2-4), and are being held in our new studio. 

The classes are, initially for Beginners and those who are a little rusty. 

I will also be running classes and workshops for stitchers who want to improve technique and learn new skills. There will be workshops on working with zips, making things fit, working/re-working sewing patterns, copying your favourite piece, plotting your personal body block (the 'block' is the body pattern - the starting point for all your clothes making), customising garments, and whatever other needs arise. 

Courses are available on weekends and during the week - for full details please go to the website: Sewing Classes page.

Perhaps you and your friends may be interested in forming a sewing group?

Thanks for your time and I hope that you'll be up for some Stitchin - get in touch!

AP"

Watch Andy get stuck into a Deer Oh Deer Hunter Hood Once Upon A Time, Way Back When...

If all that wasn't enough for you, here's a word from the ever-glamorous team over at International Jewellery London on the 2015 KickStart Bursary Project, and their high-flying opportunities for next year...

*********************************

PRESS RELEASE

25 November 2014

IJL 2015 KICKSTART OPEN FOR ENTRIES

The KickStart bursary initiative, set up by International Jewellery London to support the Best of British young jewellers, is now open for 2015 entries. Since its inception in 2008, the KickStart initiative, which is supported by The British Jewellers Association, has given an unparalleled showcase to outstanding, emerging jewellery talent.

Event Director, Sam Willoughby commented: "Buyers, exhibitors and press always make a bee line for The KickStart stand at IJL in anticipation of seeing really inspiring, creative work. This is a great commercial launch pad for the lucky winners and I am confident that the 2015 line up will raise the game yet again – especially, as by then, we will have helped sixty young designers through the scheme. A fitting milestone as we celebrate IJL's 60th anniversary next year!"

The 2014 chosen few included Tom Blake, Agnieszka Maksymiuk Jewellery, Cara Tonkin, Cardinal of London, Charlotte Valkeniers, Jeanne Marell, Majdan Rocks, Rosie May Jewellery, SophieAliceHirsch Jewellery and Kristjan Eyjolfsson Fine Jewellery.  All had a great show, aptly summarised by finalist Tom Blake of keep me jewellery: "Being part of Kickstarter 2014 has been a fantastic experience for me. The learning curve is steep and things have moved very fast. It really is an incredible platform for jewellers starting out in the industry to get things off the ground very quickly."

The 2014 KickStart Bursary Finalists at last year's event - Photo courtesy of Hammond PR

Agnieszka Maksymiuk added: "The highlight of my career to date is being selected for KickStart 2014 and exhibiting at IJL. I would recommend this programme to any rising jewellery designer. The group stand in IJL's Design Gallery was an outstanding space, which drew considerable attention from both buyers and press. At the moment I'm preparing new work for some exciting events and they are all as a result of the contacts made at the show."

Leading jewellery forecaster and IJL's Trend partner, Adorn Insight, has confirmed that for the third year running they will award the Adorn Insight Award to one outstanding KickStarter. The award comprises of a year's subscription and valuable bespoke mentoring.

Juliet Hutton-Squire, Co-founder and Director of Adorn Insight, commented: "The future of the industry lies in the hands of the next generation of designers. As a consultancy, our interests lie at the cutting edge of the jewellery industry and we see KickStart as a fantastic opportunity to support and invest in new talent.  We share IJL's passion for innovation and are delighted to partner with them in this initiative by enrolling a KickStarter in our year-long, mentoring programme AiM."

Photo courtesy of Hammond PR

Last year's Adorn Insight winner Kristjan Eyjolfsson stated: "To be selected for the Adorn Insight award was the icing on the cake. The Team at Adorn Insight are very knowledgeable and supportive and I'm really looking forward to their mentoring in the months ahead and strengthening my brand as a result of their input.  Getting this recognition from our industry as well as the sales made during and after the show at Olympia, shows how well the KickStart programme is conducted and it has really given me and my brand the confidence and insight to head in the right direction." 

Once the ten winning KickStarters are chosen, the industry will be invited to vote for the KickStart People's Choice award via social media or the website. All potential KickStarters will be encouraged to campaign for votes. Savvy social media use last year achieved over 4,000 unique page views on the IJL website alone, over the course of just one month, reflecting the popularity of this initiative. The lucky winner will be given a free stand in the Design Gallery at IJL 2015.

The winning KickStart designers will be at IJL in Olympia showcasing their work from 6 to 8 September 2015 at Olympia GRAND.

Potential KickStarters are invited to apply online and ten of the most talented entries will win a place on this unique mentoring programme.  Winners benefit from exhibiting on a group stand at IJL 2015 and will also receive marketing and industry support from IJL and the British Jewellers Association. The deadline for entries is Friday 13th March.


IJL 2015 will run from 6 to 8 September 2015 at Olympia GRAND, London.

*******************************

That's all for now folks - see you Friday for some Film News!

Until the next...

ES ;)

#ESPspotlight on: MANIC PANIC, THE COSMETICS COMPANY WITH A COLOURFUL CHRONOLOGY!

If you caught my recent #ESPspotlight Review of  London Edge / The LEdge then you may recall I mentioned a colour and cosmetics brand that I was quite the fan of, because of a backstory that began in my personal favourite era - the wonderful days of LaDonna, the days of D.I.S.C.O. The sparkling days of the late 70s.

Rather than the days of sequins and glitter however, sisters Tish and Snooky - a part of Blondie's original lineup - were an integral part of the evolution of Punk. Not quite '2 Broke Girls', but a similar premise; the siblings were bankrolled with a $500 dollar start up loan from their Mum, which they invested, along with their clothing designs, in their first punk-style boutique to land on trendy St. Mark's Place, or indeed, the first anywhere in America. Their first investor and (Giver of Life) coined the name 'Manic Panic' - inspired by her day job in a mental health facility - and off they set on a historical journey that saw them rocking out on stage at night, and excelling as entrepreneurs by day.

Now, I was just taken with the novelty of the products and some really brilliant, engaging staff representing the brand to begin with; but on reading up on the company's history, I have to direct you to quite the inspiring read, or I just wouldn't be doing my civic duty as a teller of talented people. No-one can tell Tish and Snooky's story better than Tish and Snooky however, so here's their story in a nutshell:

Tell me these aren't two cool chicks you wouldn't want to take you on a day-long tour of New York, with a night ending in the best entertainment that Studio 54 had to offer - it could have been the wrong club for the genre but hey, you can't knock a girl's lifelong dream...or not find a way to work it into every dream she has.

Although that first store was all about the fashion, it's mainly the colour ranges - more specifically their hair dyes - that gained the siblings their multi-million dollar fortune, and notoriety. Whilst not a customer for their vibrant hair colour range - although I may give a pink-yet-lavender wig a whirl at some point in the future, just for funsies - it was their makeup ranges that enchanted me. Anyone who can combine two of my favourite creative elements - Music and Makeup - becomes an instant font of worship in my book. Have a little looksee at these Cassette Tape Eyeshadow Palettes, they just so happened to be one of my favourite finds on the day...

You may need to have been born pre-this Century to grasp the significance of a music cassette tape!

Even their stand had character, with plenty of it speaking to you, everywhere you turned...

Bruce Willis has NOTHING on a Tish and Snooky franchise...

From Gothic Beauty to Vogue, the Manic Panic name has become a recognisable favourite amongst the most respected editorial and runway cosmetology teams. So much so, that the ladies made the jump to the Silver Screen, when they donated hair and makeup products to 'CBGB'; the new biopic immortalising the famous nightclub / birth canal of Punk Rock, released at last week's music festival of the same name:

It's no wonder the brand is right at home, no matter the location of their latest Alternative Mecca. The one thing that I've picked up from these ladies, is that they don't fit in with you - they're fierce examples of the importance of cutting your own cloth. Oh no, from London Edge to San Diego's Comicon - you fit in with them...

For proof of their worldwide reach, you only have to look as far as some of their more famous clientele, and recall the eras of their careers stamped by shockwaves of colour through their immediately identifiable manes...

Green Day

Katy Perry

Rihanna

And do not, for one moment, think that these guys are 'it'; there are many, many more fans of this empire - inside and out of the spotlight - way too many to mention in fact. But you're more than welcome to see if you recognise any favourites of your own, and maybe get a little inspiration for a certain pending costume day...

Yours Truly? I'm off to learn more about CBGB...

Until the next...
ES ;)

#FindOutFriday with...Andrew Shirley!

...Andrew Shirley!

You're a lot more familiar with Andrew Shirley than you realise. If you look to the right of this page, you will realise that you've seen his work everytime you viewed Deer Oh Deer Ltd's AW11 look book, as well included in every collection you've seen publicised, placed alongside the lead photographer. 

An amateur, turned freelance 'snapper'; Andrew's hugely talented eye is garnering him quite the interest in London's Fashion and Music circles; filling his diary well into 2013, even earning himself his first International booking in the old US of A next July.

Spot the 'Doe'...

Read about the quiet talent bubbling under the surface of Deer Oh Deer Ltd's very first 'Stag', who just so happens to be the hubby of someone extra special that you might just recognise...

Well it's quite the Family Affair this week - Welcome my favourite Stag! As you already know, I'm a big fan of your photographic work and I'm beyond excited at the opportunity to put you in the spotlight! You ready for your close up?!

1. What inspired you to pick up your first camera?

Thank you very much for including me in your #FindOutFriday.

Introducing Andrew J Shirley

I'm not sure it was any one thing in particular. I know that I have always been more of a visual person and enjoyed photos as opposed to novels and such...My way of saying I have never been much of a reader, haha! I do find it hard to concentrate a lot, being faced with learning difficulties, so a 100-odd-page book used to fill me with dread.

2. You have got one of the most interesting eyes for angles that I have ever seen. How do you find your focal points?

'Shaping the World'...

It's nothing that has been so intentional that I have thought: "Everything must have a different perspective", I would say it was more of a situation where, I have taken a few snaps in standard portrait and landscape views and thought "let's see what I can get out of holding the camera this way..."

3. What ONE thing do you love about Photography the most?

All Shall Perish guitarist Francesco Artusato,
live at Camden Underworld

The different fields and different ways you can portray the same subjects. There is an endless amount of things you can do to make a photo look different and when you add the processing through programmes such as Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, you can change the whole look of a photo, along with the subject and anything else in the picture.

4. You did the most amazing treatment on a set of landscapes that to me, were already breathtakingly gorgeous beforehand. Can you explain exactly what 'Light Painting' is and how you went about producing the effect?

'Bright Lights, Big City'...

Light painting is when someone uses a long exposure time to create strands of light from such things as car headlights or waving a torch to 'write' the words. There are other ways of doing this too, but to explain wouldn't be enough; googling would explain better than I could!

The camera needs to be quite, if not completely still as the effect requires everything but the light source to be still. Anyone who sat in of a Saturday night and watched X-Factor, would have seen Light Painting without even knowing what it was as the sponsors, Talk Talk did it in the adverts with all the colourful lights. The brand name is also a Light Painting.

Andrew's artwork provided the backdrop for this Jelli Facebook cover photo earlier this year...

5. I like to think that all artwork are stories being told. What story are you telling through pictures?

Not just in pictures - Andrew's storytelling covers EVERY canvas...

It depends on what I am taking photos of. In the case of live shows, it can be the pent up aggression that the daily grind our lives and times generate and the explosive outlet that live music can be. In portraits, I would say it is whatever the client wants to portray; I'm only there to help show whatever emotion they want to show. In the case of light painting, what fun and beautiful things we can capture if you are in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing...



6. Is there anyone who has inspired you, style or method-wise?

From Rankin's 'Tuulitastic!' collection;
'an open love letter to wife Tuuli Shipster'
Photo courtesy of artnet.com

Well although people like John Rankin Waddell (known just as Rankin), David LaChapelle and people of the like are big names who get paid by the bucket load that, let's be fair - practically everyone would want to be able to get when they need a job done; I seem to be drawn to the works of people that aren't so well known...

'Bridget' from Shurie Jenai's
'Don't Blush' collection.
Portfolio available at ShurieJenai.com

I comb lots of different websites like Flickr, 500px, Pinterest, Tumblr, DeviantArt and Facebook, which does hold a plethora of amazing photographers and artists. People like Shurie Jenai, Daniel Barter, Miss Rain, Viva Van Storey, Al Overdrive and Craig Burton are an inspiration mainly because they are totally enveloped in their chosen fields, but throw them a different task and they can still floor you with the results...

I would like to say that Daniel Barter, Miss Rain and Al Overdrive are also amazing people who give me an unbiased critique, which I will follow and try my hardest to implement.

7. What's the most important lesson that you've learned so far?

One with Nature...

Probably 'Read, Practice, Repeat'. Just to take in as much information as possible; find out what appeals to you and then just absorb as much as you can without getting too bogged down in one particular area, where eventually things can get stagnant.

8. What do you find hardest about what you do and how do you plan to overcome it?

Stuck? Build a Bridge and Get Over It...with Lights!

I think there is a lot that plagues any artist in it's various forms really. They approach things like I do, with computer and console games. If I keep missing or not getting it right, I'll leave it for a day or so and come back to it with fresh eyes and mind, which is the moment you leap over that gap or figure out how to solve the puzzle. I do have to say these moments are the most ambivalent ever. Pure joy and utter rage that what can sometimes be tiny things were so easy to overcome; but because you were not in the right place mentally, you were just totally stuck...

The only problem is that if you were in a live music setting you need to keep going to gigs and concerts because that is the best way to learn them...unfortunately, hahaha!


9. What's your dream shoot and who would be your dream subject?

Actor Tim Roth ranks high on Andrew's list of shoot subjects

Well, you're gonna regret asking that question! Erm...I just don't know where to start, the list would be endless. People from all walks really...I would absolutely die if I could work with comedy legends like Rik Mayall, Adrian Edmondson, models Radeo Suicide and Quinn Suicide (from the Suicide Girls website), Sabina Kelley, Elegy Ellem, actors Christina Hendricks, Emma Stone, Bill Nighy, Tim Roth, Julie Walters...Tattooists Joe Capobianco, Oliver Peck, Nikko Hurtado...Singers and bands like Katy Perry, Upon A Burning Body, Periphery, As I Lay Dying; Hip Hop group Doomtree, P.O.S., Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa...See? The list is growing!


10. Ok, Ok! I get it! Last one...How does your love of IT and what you can do with photo manipulation compare to your love of capturing different visuals? Do you have a preference?


I do love all my lil gadgets and such but as I am still learning (as we all are) and teaching myself new things; the heavy and hardcore manipulation that I would love to be able to do, is still a pretty far off idea! My friend Daniel Barter has incredible processing skills (he would argue this) and I would love to eventually be as good as him and artists of the like. I think I am still building my confidence in my work and finding my little corner that I excel in. Once I have that, I'll be able to build on it...

Tale As Old As Time - Andrew tells a
Love Story in entirely his own way...

As much as I love and totally dig the extreme processing that can be done, I'm not sure it's something that I want for my work; not at the moment anyway. Who knows though? In a few month's time, I may realise that I have a gift for getting the most insane and awesome angle that is something new and fresh, which I would be insane not to go for and push...

_________________________________

As always, a mahoossive Thank You to Andrew for taking part! Please be sure to check out his hugely inspired portfolios and connect with one of the loveliest guys I know directly, through his Social Media Catalogue below:

Twitter (Personal) / Twitter (AJSPhotog) / Facebook 

Portfolios:

Flickr / 500px / Behance

What do you think of Andrew's work? Let us both know your constructive opinions in the comment box below...

Until next time!

ES ;o)