My Fashion Life

Remember, happiness doesn’t depend upon who you are or what you have, it depends solely upon what you think.”

*** Dale Carnegie (1888 - 1955) American Public Speaker & Author ***

Valentino has hit out at Cameron Diaz and Julia Roberts for their sense of style off the red carpet. The Italian fashion designer believes today’s celebrities should look glamorous all the time and not when they just have to attend big parties. Speaking to German newspaper Die Ziet he added :

“Today you see Julia Roberts and Cameron Diaz running around looking unkempt in jogging trousers, they look like bag ladies, like homeless people. In the past, actresses had to commit in their contracts to appear in public like stars when they left their homes.”

Valentino created a name for himself in the 1960’s and is renowned for designing Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding dress for her marriage to Aristotle Onassis. He still designs for the Valentino fashion group which was split from the textile holdings of its former parent company Marzotto earlier this year.

Full Name: Alistair Allan

Occupation: Photographer and Designer for Bureau Conform

The concept behind Catwalk City is great! We are so consumed by what celebrities’ wear that we forget to appreciate the fashion we see on a daily basis…what motivated you to start Catwalk City?
Well, I know quite a few designers and a lot of their inspiration comes from people on the street, so I figured why not cut out the middle man and showcase the people that are influencing the designers.

Do you photograph street fashion only in London and if so will you be branching out to other cities?

I work primarily in London but I will be shooting in a few other cities in the coming months I have to work in Tokyo in November so I’ll get out onto the streets there and then I’m off to Cape Town a few weeks after that so you’ll get to see some fashion from there too. I am hoping to branch out into other cities in the future, but it will take a while to find the right photographers.

How would you describe your style?

That’s a tough one… a bit of a subtle hoxton-electro mix… you know the type, a bit of vintage and some H&M thrown in for good measure.

Who is your favourite designer?

I can’t pick one, because it changes on a daily basis… So at the moment I really like what Imitation Of Christ are doing and Basso Brooke for innovation, and Acne Jeans!

Where do you like to shop?

Urban Outfitters, the Illustrated People concession in TopMan, H&M (can’t beat a bargain!), Rokit and Ebay. On the odd occasion kokon to zai.

A lot of designers still don’t have websites and don’t see the need, however the use of the internet is steadily growing within the industry. Why do you think the fashion industry has been so slow to appreciate the value of the internet as a form of communication?

I think it is because of a few things, smaller designers don’t have the budget for well designed sites/newsletters so don’t want to do a half job and leave their customers with a bad impression. I also think print is preferred because image quality is much higher and more detailed than anything on screen. Designers respective PR agents should be more proactive in getting them set up with a simple online presence. I think this will go a long way to helping them get more attention.

Do you take photos on a day to day basis and if so how many do you have to take?

I can’t take photos on a day a to day basis because of the weather, time constraints etc, so I work a few days ahead and watch the weather to see how far ahead I need to shoot. I usually do about 3 shots of each person and set up the lighting beforehand so I don’t waste their time.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Stop talking about it and do it! We all talk about our dreams, but nothing gets closer to achieving them like a bit of hard work and a lot of late nights!

Visit Catwalkcity.com

Damon Dash will be selling back his 25 per cent share of Rocawear to Jay-Z and their silent business partners for $22.5m. He says he doesnt care what his they do with his share, as long as they “Just give me my money”.

Apparently the move came about after Jay-Z branded Damon as lazy. Damon Dash insists the split was amicable. Could the lucrative partnership between the two hip hop moguls be coming to an end?

:: Executive Vice President of Warner Music Grp, Kevin Liles attempts to change the Hip Hop attitude.

:: The most powerful woman in PR, Pat Kingsley talks to the Guardian about the cover ups, control and controversy.

:: Supermodel and photographer Helena Christensen is in love once again with Danish rock star Rasmus Walther-Hansen, after her break up in 2003 with the father of their son Mingus.

:: Fashion Editor of Cosmopolitan magazine Karen Hanes Larrain has filed a lawsuit against Diane von Furstenberg, after being knocked unconscious by falling lights at the Von Furstenberg show. Larrain claims she still cant work and is “shaky and dizzy”.

:: Never one to hold back, Naomi Campbell spoke out in defense of Kate Moss, saying “everybody is being bad to her”

Kate Moss’ recent apology has worked in her favour, Rimmel London have decided to stick with Kate and Christian Dior, H Stern and Fred Paris seem to be doing the same.

However she has lost 3 high profile contracts with Burberry, H&M and Chanel and further reports claim Burberry may be replacing Kate with Sienna Miller. A bit sad really considering Sienna is a complete copycat of the supermodel, but like a fake Gucci bag, she will never be the original. Photographer Mario Testino is in talks with the label to shoot the campaign which will be a very difficult choice considering he is one of Kate’s closest friends.

And so it appears the saga is coming to an end and with it brought endless non-revelations of sex and drugs in the fashion industry and the possibility of Kate’s first speaking interview to chat show host Michael Parkinson. Apparently she’s hoping it will help her salvage her career and win the public back, it’s also likely she’ll be going back into rehab.

The Sunday Times say she gets away with it because she’s “pretty”, which is probably true, but in truth we all have our flaws and she’s never been one to pretend that she doesn’t, unlike most.

Elle Macpherson is currently starring in the What becomes a legend most? advertising campaign for Blackglama. Blackglama has used personalities in the past such as Ray Charles, Audrey Hepburn and Judy Garland to promote their brand. Know for being the markerter of the world’s premium mink, Blackglama chose the Supermodel because “She embodies everything that Blackglama looks for in a legend- glamour, sophistication, and a timeless elegance. It is an honor to have her become part of our campaign.”

You can see Elle in a leading fashion publication near you!

[Blackglama]

Sometimes, infact alot of the time, many of us start our careers following someone elses dream, and if we’re brave, soon enough we get back on to the path to our passion. Osman Yousefzada is “one” of the many of us, a former city banker turned Fashion designer, this Cambridge graduate pursued a life in finance before caving in to his creative calling. After studying at Central Saint Martins, Osman made his debut with a collection inspired by his Afghan heritage entitled KALASHNIKOV. Now more than just one to watch, Osman has shown that his work is timeless, rich in talent and has managed to establish a name for himself in the competitive industry of fashion.
You describe your Autumn/Winter 05-06 collection, Imperial, as being “fuelled by the current political climate of conflict”. At this time people seem to want to forget about our current situation regarding conflict, why did you decide to confront it and what type of woman were you designing for?

Each generation has had its own conflict - it is part of humanity. However, one should be optimistic and look at how throughout history, conflict has brought about new evoltuions and developments in creativity. The women I design for are strong, confident and open to new ideas - someone who feels they need to be challenged and isn’t content with just the mundane in life.

How has your background in Investment Banking helped your career in Fashion Design?

Working in a high pressure environment where people do not suffer fools gladly has really made me fine tune my skills in business, persistence, tenacity and communication.

What difficulties did you find when changing careers?

I don’t really see it as having a career change. Everything that I did before has been part of a journey to where I want to be. I always wanted to create and make clothes from an early age.

Whom would you credit as your inspiration?

There is not one particular person who inspires me. Throughout my life I have met people, read, seen beautiful works, these all inspire me . I am always searching for inspiration.

Which item of clothing in your wardrobe do you value the most?

My ruched trousers that I designed and which I have made around 20 pairs all in differnt fabrics and colours.

What’s your favourite movie, song and memory?

Movie: I recently saw Piccadilly; a silent film from the 20’s. It was quite amazing how things became more poignant without sound and how that in turn allows for a more personal interpretation of the scene. The costumes were also fantastic.

Song: There are too many to mention but I am sourcing music for my show at the moment and am getting quite into the 80s electric sound

Whats the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

work hard and never give up and your hard work will bear fruit, and you will make your own luck.

Osman Yousefzada is available at Aquaint and Ashley’s boutique