It's D-day...

So the day is approaching... tomorrow has eventually crept up on us and arrived! The time has come to actually do our final shoot, inspired by the petrol spill. Today we managed to get in the studio to shoot our final looks (even though these aren't official, as items are missing from the line-up). But, I thought I would share this with you anyway.

We are aware that some people may interoperate a few pieces in this collection as hideous - we are not blind I swear! But they work well together and look pretty amazing when used in the right way, I'm now evening contemplating buying a PVC shirt (hmmmm)! One of my favourite pieces, which was cut out due to it being so beautiful was meant to arrive clear and came in silver? Since when did transparent mean silver? lol!

These have not been edited as I have don't have photoshop on this laptop :( maybe when I can get access to the software I will give them a quick little tweak and enhance but for purposes of showing of the almost complete line up, they will do!

 

As mentioned some of the looks are not complete... in need of additional (hand made) socks, jackets and more precise bondage tape for the final shoot - which is coming ever closer. You will have to wait and see the finalised styling in the form of the final shots! :D The lighting alongside this styling will reflect our inspiration more than it would appear above. 

Just a few outtakes from today:

 

Jessica x

Photography: Jessica Gates

Styling: Emily Grimes and Rosie Bertuello

Model: Claire Gerrard

More Petrol

Today I managed to find a different oil spill... admittedly from the same neighbour (their car needs fixing), this time due tho the lighting, the droplets looked much more metallic, I'm wondering if this had something to do with the snow? Or that the sun was setting? Either way or for any other reason it was still very attractive, but I am finding this one much more inspiring with the holographic trend going on at the moment.

Jessica x 

All images: Jessica Gates

University Begins Again...

After a much needed christmas holiday, which due to me eating and drinking non-stop I didn't update my blog, my apologies!!! I am back at uni and back into the swing of things, and I must admit I have missed the work. And I am excited to tell you about our latest group project. So to start it off we were given a series of 13 film clips and images to gain inspiration from, after cutting it down to five and producing boards, we cut it downs to two and produced some more! Finally... Hooorah! We have are selected image:

(A1 - The Great North Road (1981-82) Paul Graham) 

Generally as a group we got the most from this image, we all seemed to gain something from it and our thoughts just went travelling all over the place and we gained a lot of linking research. From the photograph I took a picture of some really quite beautiful petrol. I know it sounds odd, but in my next door neighbours drive (thank you to their leaking car) I saw these blobs of petrol, I've never seen it like this before, not just the usual rainbow coloured puddle I always stop to pick up for luck. Instead the petrol was formed in shapes and in the light which showed of the unusual colours they reminded me of melted soldering metal. I just think it's really beautiful how it creates these extremely vibrant colours, where each individual blob is a completely different shade from the next.

I then went back to change to a macro lens and get up-close to the colours and textures. But in the minute that took me, my neighbour had re-parked their car in their drive. I think I may have weirded them out crouched down in their drive staring as splodges of petrol. 

It is this image that we have chosen to develop our final concept from. We are only in the beginning stages so I don't want to give anything away just yet, but I am extremely excited to get it going! 

Jessica x

All Other Images: Jessica Gates

One Day...

During our last project I had my first chance to attempt street style. This was a feature in our magazine concept 'Avenue', for mature women with style, purpose and substance. This proved extremely difficult, we knew these amazing woman were out there, but they were definitely hiding and we just couldn't find them anywhere! Until one Friday me and a few from the group took a visit to Portobello Market, where we found some absolute gems! These women are sure to put us youngsters to shame! 

This woman (above) would you believe it is 63, with no work! She literally didn't have a single crease on her face. Unfortunately I forgot to ask her secret, which I now will never know! 

These two above were so fun! They were best friends and both looked incredible! The one in the purple coat as she walked away shouted 'live life to the full'. It's women like these that actually get me excited about growing older.

This stunning ring that this lovely lady was wearing had a just as beautiful story to go with it. It was a gift from her husband, the flowers on the ring resembled all her children, and she was the vine that kept them all together. 

All Images: Jessica Gates (Author)

Then me and group member, Emily Grimes had the task of putting these images along with some taken by Aqsa Khan into layout, and this is what we came up with: 

Jessica x

My Christmas Wish-list...

Now I'm not spoilt, and will not be expecting to receive any of these, but a girl can dream right! I have chosen 8 items that I would like to get my hands on this christmas:

1. Since going to the British Fashion Awards back in November, I have been extremely upset with myself for leaving my camera at home, so many missed photo opportunities! The ridiculous reason I left my camera at home was because I didn't have a nice enough bag to put it in. Stupid I know, but when you have tried to look your nicest, the usual camera bag kind of ruins the outfit. Since then I have been looking for a camera bag to put my SLR in when I go on a night out. Unfortunately I can't find a 'posh' camera bag that doesn't look like a hikers backpack anywhere. And even though I have found some lovely gems they have all been casual. On the upside to this I stubbled across this lovely hard case leather camera bag from 'drop it MODERN'. I love it! Although modern it has a vintage approach and it looks like it will keep all your equipment safe with its structured interior, containing an abundance of compartments for all sorts. The 'clubbing camera case' search continues! 

2. I love a classic shirt, and am constantly buying clothes in sizes two sizes to big (or more). I have also recently fallen in love with Cos, so how suitable is this oversized shirt, in one of my favourite colours, green - it's square shape allows for a really relaxed fit! 

3. I have been wanting a LomoKino for a long time now. I have an extreme fascination with film photography, and thought this would be a wonderful way to transition myself into moving image. Then this MUBI edition has been released and I want one even more!

4. I have recently come across Regal Rose from twin sisters Rebecca and Louisa Warwick, and they produce some of the most beautiful jewellery. I love this handmade geometric armlet by the girls; the chain is adjustable around your upper arm with the longer chain that drapes below. Something I will definitely be adding to my wardrobe.

5. A dear friend of mine, who I don't actually see often but will always hold close to my heart happens to have the most bounciest of hair! She tells me it's down to these BaByliss Thermo Ceramic Rollers. I have naturally very curly hair but I like to get loose curls using tongs or straighteners. My friend tells me she puts these on first thing, then whilst they are in she has breakfast, does her makeup etc and then takes them out and is ready to go! What a time saver! 

6. I have notoriously puffy eyes with dark under eye circles. I am aware that this is purely down to genetics but I like to try! I have heard great reviews on Liz Earle products but haven't actually tried any.  So, I thought a good place to start would be with my problem area. Eyebright soothing eye lotion when soaked on cotton wool is a gentle and soothing way to wake up and revitalise eyes, which is definitely what I look for in the morning.

7. I have been experimenting with different lenses recently, which I have had on loan from my university. One I instantly fell in love with was the 50mm lens (of which I can't remember the exact one). I have actually asked for this from Santa, I opted for the Canon EF 50mm f1.8 MK2. I can't wait to get my hands on it (if I have been good enough this year) and experiment with the wide aperture. Hopefully some lovely christmas day photographs with follow!

8. Ever since I came across the Balenciaga Cutout Boots early this year I have been on the prowl for an alternative. I have found a few from Topshop (which I have seen on so many feet) to Jeffrey Campbell. But the ones I am truly craving are Jeffrey Cambell's, Roscoe boot. Not only do I love the shoe alone, but I adore this green shade they are available in, something a little different from your usual black boot.

Jessica x