Monday 4 May 2009

Apologies for unexplained hiatus

Once again, apologies are in order: I've been away for a week, and missed y'all tonnes! Basically, post-dissertation hand-in, I completely crashed and pretty much just slept for the past week, interupted only by migraines and horrendous stomach pains. Oh the joys. I *think*, cross fingers, that that's all done now, so all that's left to do is get back on the horse; work-wise (4 weeks to go to finals!!!!!!!) and blog-wise!

So... Fashion show coverage as promised. I thought I'd highlight one of the bigger names first: Katherine Hamnett.

Having been a huge success in the 80s, with her slogan tees, distressed denim and clothes made out of parachute silk, this decade has seen her company relaunch some of those seminal designs for the fashion-conscious-but-ethical consumer. They only use organic cotton, and ensure fair prices and ethical working conditions. (More on the organic cotton initiative can be found on her website *here* and at the EJF page *here*) She's basically one of the unsung heroes of a lot of recent trends: Balmain's distressed jeans, those iconic House of Holland designs; all hark back to some of Hamnett's original design ethic...

So having her tees at the fashion show was extremely interesting. They were shown a couple of times on the runway: most impressively, in pink with a tweed skirt and knit scarf
They were also shown on the first dance group who performed: the amazing SIN (Safety in Numbers) Cru who are a hip-hop dance group, based in Cam, but world-reknowned, performing on ads and programmes for clients like Top of the Pops (oh... nostalgia...), MTV, Adidas and Levis, as well as ranking well in international competitions. And I have to say, their routine was IMMENSE :-D As, of course, were the tees they were wearing ;-)



The "Choose Life" tee, in vest-dress form, can be found in the Hamnett e-shop in black and white *here* - sooooooo cute! 

According to her website:

"Katharine Hamnett's original CHOOSE LIFE t-shirt brought her worldwide fame. It was her biggest seller in the eighties and now it's back and available in 100% organic cotton.

CHOOSE LIFE first appeared in a Buddhist exhibition that Lynne Franks, of Ab Fab fame, hosted. The CHOOSE LIFE t-shirt embodies an all-encompassing statement about ideal behaviour.

It's not about the anti-abortion lobby. The US anti-abortion lobby attempted to appropriate CHOOSE LIFE. We are taking it back and promoting its real meaning. Ours is authentic and I believe in a woman's right to choose.

I'm a big fan of Buddhism. To portray the message more clearly, I suggested writing it in huge letters on a t-shirt that could be plainly seen on a 35mm contact sheet.

CHOOSE LIFE was relevant then. CHOOSE LIFE is even more relevant now.

CHOOSE LIFE is a message forever.

CHOOSE LIFE over WAR

CHOOSE LIFE over DESERTS

CHOOSE LIFE over EXTINCTION

CHOOSE LIFE over everything you do"


Admirable sentiments in my opinion...

I'm supposed to be revising now, so until tomorrow! 


Xxxc

P.s. I am so ultra-behind on GoogleReader and comments, so once again, bear with me!!! :-)

22 comments:

Couture Carrie said...

No apologies necessary, darling!

Very cool pics - love the breakdancing!

xoxox,
CC

DaisyChain said...

No apologies!

Children of the 90s said...

That's interesting about the origin of the phrase, the first thing I thought was anti-abortion. I love her stuff!

Lindsay said...

Glad to see you're back!

Thanks for highlighting what that shirt really means. I've always thought it was a "pro-life" statement.

Take care!

Claudia said...

I like the real meaning of that phrase

Bradpetehoops said...

Awesome fashion and blog.

Clara Campelo said...

thanks :]
xx
http://pieddepoule.blogspot.com/

Elizabeth Marie said...

How cool!!

I love the sentiment behind the shirts also...and break dancing-AWESOME!

I'm glad you're feeling better! xo

Doshii said...

thanks for your lovely comments

i will always choose life :D

Anna said...

Hey (:
I tagged you!

Unknown said...

fantastic shirts. and oh yeah, that choose life shirt is just totally iconic. its a legend! looks like a great show that teaches a lot of things as well.:)


much love

eden

Anonymous said...

Ohhh I think we all go on a short unintended hiatus once in a while! Awesome pictures I'm sure that break dancing was incredible to watch! AND I am in love with the meaning behind that t-shirt! Good luck on finals (mine were killer, but I am oh so happy its over)

Alex said...

I'm not going to lie...I thought that said CHOOSE LIFE over DESSERTS...

yiqin; said...

OMG I always wanted to try out dancing!!!

Winnie said...

It's that time of the year when most bloggers are so busy with exams and what not, so no worries!

Hope revision/examage goes well, good luck!

Rain said...

Yup, No apologies needed!

thanks for your comment @ my blog!

erika sorocco said...

I truly want that first outfit. Pink + tweed + knits = love. :)

Francheska L said...

welcome back dear!!!!
:)
Im happy to hear that you´re better now!!
nice coverage here!
I enjoyed reading about it!
xx

VanessasRunway said...

I like seeing the real message behind the letters. That's awesome. :)

La Mimi said...

Oh lovely you! 4 more weeks and you will be done, just keep that in mind when you are studying like crazy and feeling ready to give up...It will soon be over:)
what r your plans for the summer?

P.S. I want one of those t-shirts...I choose LIFE! :)

xoxo
Mimi


http://style.la-mimi.com

Teach.Workout.Love said...

loveee those pictures! :)

kadler said...

Don't worry - sometimes we all just need a little vacation. Welcome back!