I Hate Portmanteaus.

So this post is a bit different to what I usually post, but I'm so excited about it that I have to share it with you.
Fashion Documentaries or as some like to call them 'Fashion-mentaries'. And as much as I hate anything to do with portmanteaus I can't help but love these.

There are two that are on my radar at the moment one is called 'The Tents' which is a documentary about the history & evolution of New York Fashion Week. There are loads of interviews from well known designers like Carolina Herrera, Donna Karan, Isaac Mizrahi and Zac Posen among others.

"The term 'The Tents' now resonates as a metaphor for the fashion show venue itself as well as the overall fashion week experience." says The Tents Director James Belzer.
Oh here's a lil NYFW trivia for you that I found out while re-searching for this article, apparently the first NYFQ was called Press Week and it was designed to shift the attention from French to American fashion during World War II. And it worked, a lot of Vogue magazines at the time would feature French designers however NYFW made them focus more on the American fashion industry.
Anyway check out the the trailer for 'The Tents' - what do you think? It will be screened in September during the New York Fashion Week.

The Tents Trailer from Marcus K Jones on Vimeo.

Another "fashion-mentary" that I am looking forward to watching this year is 'God Save My Shoes' a documentary about the relationship between women & their shoes. I'm sure you all will agree that most women (myself included) love shoes. There's just something about them that makes everything better.
I think what attracted me to God Save My Shoes is firstly because its about shoes and secondly there are interviews from Christian Louboutin & Manolo Blahnik two designers that I adore.
This documentary will premier in Paris during fashion week but until then check out the trailer:

My 'Color Clash Outfit'

I had a lot of fun with the new competition on ASOS.com. Since bold colors are in this season ASOS is giving away gift vouchers to the winners of their Color Clash Outfit competition - where you need to create an outfit using their Fashion Finder.

I used to shy away from colors a few years ago but now I love them - it's way more fun.

This is my entry:

Those of you who know me will notice that I managed to sneak in some leopard print shoes (i have a weakness for leopard print).

You can vote for my look or buy any of the pieces here.

Or make your own outfit here.

Items used in this look are: ASOS PETITE Exclusive Ruffle Cross Back Dress, Lita Shoes In Leopard/Pink, River Island Pink Plastic Sami Watch, Miso Cross Necklace, ASOS Pink Boyfriend Belt, Yellow Gold Orbe Stud Earrings from astley clark.

A feather in one's....skirt.

I've always been a big fan of the website P.S I Made This by Erica Domesek and is a D.I.Y. & style expert who lives in NYC.

Erica's creative motto is: "I see it. I like it. I make it." and what's great is most of her D.I.Y. projects are very simple to make.

My favorite is the feather skirt on the left.

All you have to do is get your favorite feather trim and a skirt to match. And then glue and wrap it all the way up - starting from the bottom.

A friend of mine had a really cute dress made out of feathers and I think making one would be great fun and won't break the bank.

Check out Erica's website - P.S I made this for more fun D.I.Y. ideas.

Fashion faux paws

I just found these fab animal inspired faux fur accessories called SpiritHoods. These unique handcrafted hoods are made in L.A and what’s great is that no animals were harmed – it is 100% faux fur and from what I hear it feels and looks real. These quirky hoods have been spotted on quite a few celebs like Ke$ha, Katy Perry, Vanessa Hudgens, Fergi & Pink to name a few.

SpiritHoods also believe in the conservation and protection of animals, and they’re helping out by donating a portion of their online proceeds from their ‘Product Blue’ line that help rehabilitate and protect that particular animal.

The Polar Bear SpiritHood is for people who tend to look out for those around them. The Caretaker. They are focused and goal driven, knowing what they need and doing whatever it takes to get it.

The Leopard SpiritHood is for people who are able to blend in to many different circumstances with ease. People with the Leopard spirit find comfort in many different social situations yet also appreciate being alone. Often territorial and protective the Leopard naturally commands respect, without needing to demand it.

It's an accessory that expresses your wild nature. I think I’m going to get myself a ‘Snow Leopard’ or ‘Black Cat’.

Dubai's got Sole.

'Most people look at sneakers and just see a pair of shoes. But some see a statement, a stance and a declaration. Our aim is to give them a platform.' - these are the opening lines of Sole DXB's Manifesto. Sole DXB is a forum created by three sneaker enthusiasts, Hussain Moloobhoy, Joshua Cox and Kris Balerite, through which sneaker buffs all over the U.A.E. can communicate, share opinions and inspirations, and set new trends for the region.

I had a blast at Sole DXB's first event - which was also the first ever Sneaker Summit in Dubai. There were some great kicks from Puma, Adidas, Nike and others. The event also had some great live performances by Dubai-based bands like Beat Antenna and Noush Like Sploosh, and also featured the Middle East’s debut screening of the documentary ‘The Mystery of Flying Kicks’.

If you live in Dubai you know that events like these are slowly starting to create and cultivate the art/fashion scene, which was previously non-existent. And it's great to see so many people show up and support such events. Slowly but surely, I think Dubai is headed in the right direction. And it's events like these that help to push it there.

Origami meets fashion

I love quirky accessories, and this Orishiki bag by Japanese designer Naoki Kawamoto fits

the bill. “Orishiki” is a hybrid word “Ori ”, taken from Origami, Japanese paper-folding

art, and “Shiki ” taken from Furoshiki, Japanese traditional wrapping cloth large enough

to wrap and transport goods.

This bag is great for avid travelers as it can be laid out flat taking up very little space in

your suitcase. Naoki Kawamoto has also designed a similar looking suitcase.

'Score 20 points for Gryffindor!'

I really love the dress Emma Watson wore to the London premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1.

This vintage feather lace dress by Rafael Lopez for Atelier Mayer is stylish and effortlessly chic. The Rafael Lopez style is described as a mélange of "The cool of England, the sensuality of Italy, the force of Spain and the chic of France" and I can see why. I’m not sure what I like more, the front, back or just the way she’s paired this dress with simple Charlotte Olympia pumps, a poppy pin for Remembrance Day and her ultra cute pixie haircut.

Emma has evolved into a style icon and has recently been on the cover of Vogue, Marie Claire and Dubai based Viva magazine.