RIP Bill Cunningham

On Saturday, legendary photographer Bill Cunningham passed away at the age of 87. 

It wouldn't surprise me if during his life time, Bill surpassed the millions mark on how many photographs he took. I can't think of anyone before him or how anyone after could catalogue the people of New York City as extensively and devotedly as he did. 

Bill understood the importance of balance. Yes, he attended all of the exclusive fashion shows, but he also found unimaginable beauty in normality - taking time to photograph inhabitants of New York on the street, simply going about their daily business. 

What I loved the most about Mr Cunningham was his constant joy. I've never seen a photograph of him where he isn't smiling (even when he was out in the freezing cold wearing his signature electric blue anorak). Sadly, true joy seems to subside with age, but Bill remained young right up until his passing. He discovered what he loved doing more than anything in the world and he made it his personal mission to pursue it every single day. If that isn't admirable I don't know what is. 

I was introduced to Bill when watching 2010 documentary 'Bill Cunningham New York' on Netflix. He really was such an amazing and humble character - please give it a watch if you have the time!

We're all so sad to see you go Bill, but so honoured that you stuck around for so long. You simply did what you loved doing, and we all adore you for it!

Bill Cunningham 1929-2016

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Google Images. 

Instagram X2

Welcome back!

I know that some of my readers will be aware, but I recently decided to set up another Instagram account. Ask anybody who knows me, i'm an addict, but I've always focused my energy into my personal account which has never been themed - consisting only of images I feel like posting (mainly food, oops!)

Since starting my journey as an FCP student, I've come to realise just how important self promotion is. I absolutely adore blogging about things of interest to me, so it seemed only right that I have an Instagram account directly linked to it. I've decided to embrace the themed side of things, with an overall high key lighting/pink + white vibe. It consists of my own photography as well as gorgeous shots I find on Pinterest (don't worry, I'm always sure to credit the photographer where possible!). I've also integrated some of my favourite quotes throughout the centre, which I feel sets my account apart from any other themed ones I've seen so far!

I would really really appreciate it if you could all give me a follow @lovelanaskye.

I've come to really love getting into a routine of updating you wonderful lot on a regular basis. 

If you enjoy my posts and perhaps return to my blog often, then I promise my Instagram accounts won't disappoint! My personal account is @lanaskyecaven.

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Google Images, Myself. 

The Live Theatre: Mobile

The Live Theatre in Newcastle upon Tyne is recognised as one of the great new writing theatres on the international stage, deeply rooted in its local community. It produces work as varied and diverse as the audiences it engages with, while also using theatre to unlock the potential of young people.

Last week, I payed them a visit to see their show 'Mobile'. I had absolutely no idea what to expect, but was excited nonetheless. We were told to wait in the bar 15 minutes prior and that we would be 'collected'. 

To my surprise, the entire show was situated in a caravan, meaning the audience could only be 9 people maximum at a time. This might sound a little intense, but it was really effective as it allowed us to get to know and understand the actress and her story. The 40 minute production ended up having a focus on class and social mobility. It was a show about who you are, where you have come from and the influence that your parents and their upbringing had on you. I felt that this really came through considering there was such a small time frame to get the message across!

If you live in Newcastle or will be visiting at some point during summer then definitely give it a go - it was featured in NME Magazine's 100 Things To Do This Summer!

Love, Lana Skye x

Photo Credit: Google Images, Myself. 

Buy Your Own Snapchat Filter

Up until recently, I thought that only the people working for social media giant 'Snapchat' were behind the geo-filters we all see and use. 

However, this definitely isn't the case! After doing a bit of digging on their website, it seems anybody can create their own unique geo-filter, no matter what the occasion! I'm personally obsessed with taking photographs in different areas and swiping through the filters to see if there's anything new and exciting that'll add that extra something to my snaps. 

I think this is such an amazing touch, as it allows anybody to leave their mark. My favourite one so far was from TV Presenter and Model Chrissy Teigen's baby shower. The typography and colours were just perfect. 

From what I've gathered though, they can be fussy about the designs they accept. I'm now tempted to sit on Photoshop for hours and hours creating!

What do you think about this added touch? 

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Google Images, Snapchat Website. 

Throwback: Unconventional Dior

Dior Dior Dior.

The French fashion house has been up there as one of my favourite luxury brands for some time now. Yesterday before I headed off to work I found myself indulging on their past haute couture shows. Always so beautiful and feminine. 

There is one show, however, where I found myself being enticed in a different way. Not through the clothing and accessories, but the location and setting. Whenever I think of Dior, floral patterns along with anything heartfelt and pretty springs to mind, but for last years Spring/Summer show, it seems Raf Simons wanted to take a different approach. 

I've fallen head over heels with this pink carpet and white scaffolding combination - a huge juxtaposition of their traditional feminine edge with enough structure to make your head hurt (in a good way!) 

My only concern is that any children who see shots from the show think its a girly play area!

Here's a link to the show if you haven't seen it already:

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Google Images.

Video Credit: YouTube. 

NTU Degree Show 2016

Welcome back!

As a first year Fashion Communication & Promotion student, I made it my mission to have a proper look around the NTU Degree Show as I knew it would provide me with an invaluable insight into the standard I'll need to be working at for third year. My first port of call was the Newton Building - home to the incredible work of Fashion & Product Design students. I was completely blown away by the talent on show. 

'Oxley' by Hilary Shackleton.

 I fell in love with this tie-front clutch bag!

'Unveiled' by Stephanie Gunn.

I obsessed over the pieces by designer and communicator Darcie Scholes.

A pink lover's dream!

'Demetriou' by Georgia Demetriou. 

I was particularly impressed by this thermochromic long sleeve jacket as the colour would adapt to body heat.

'SMTH' by Daniel Smith was my all time favourite - so much attention to detail from the clothing to the walls surrounding it.

'Bare Baux Intimates' by Jessica Leigh Haughton. 

'Rohani'.

After this, I headed to the Waverley building - home to the FCP degree show branded as 'FLIP'. I said to the friend I went with who is also an FCP student "This is either going to make us super excited or super nervous." I can hand on heart say we both left feeling amazing. It was so insightful to see all of the work on display and I really enjoyed talking to a handful of the third year girls there (thanks for all of the tips if you're reading this!)

Above are some of the dissertations handed in for marking - a breath of fresh air from the spiral bound black and white copies most courses settle for.

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Myself. 

The Design Studio Hawarden

Welcome back!

I am a girl, who like many others, can never have too many items of clothing. My collection of jackets and coats in particular seems to be growing extremely quickly, so you can imagine my excitement when I came across 'The Design Studio Hawarden' on Instagram. 

Here's a little background information if this is the first time you've heard of 'TDS':

The Design Studio, ‘TDS’ is a Mother and Daughter duo, made up of Sally (Mother) and Lettie (Daughter). Sally lectured in Fashion & Textiles for over 20 years and was always so passionate about teaching textiles, the history of fashion, fashion prediction, design and the construction of clothing. Since an early age, Sally took an interest to fashion design and making clothing. Lettie, an avid Social Media user took to Instagram to share the process of how clothes were being designed and made by Sally. 

Through Instagram, this created a huge interest and following from individuals all over the world wanting to own Sally’s unique, handmade creations. Lettie says that; “Having a Mum who taught fashion, has been a great asset for someone like me who is obsessed with the latest fashion and clothes! She has always made my outfits since I was a baby and my passion for clothing, style and design is all because of my talented mother who from an early age taught me about the importance of style, structure and shape”. Through this, Lettie has combined her love for both fashion and social media creating ‘TDS’.

Both Sally and Lettie design each garment and Sally then creates them from her Home Studio, in Hawarden. Each jacket is a complete one off, exclusive design making every ‘TDS Bomber Jacket’ entirely unique.

What I love the most about this brand is that the brains behind it are so tight-knit - just a mother and her daughter embracing their passion for clothing and sharing it with the world. I also adore the idea that every single piece that they create is one of a kind - perfect for all of the fashion fanatics that live for wearing garments they know nobody else owns. 

The only trouble I have with TDS is deciding which jacket to purchase - there are way too many that I like to just select one!

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: TDS Instagram.

Text Credit: TDS Website. 

My Last Few Days At University

Welcome back!

It's official, my first year at university is over and I can't believe how quickly the time has passed! 

It's been such an incredible experience and I've loved every minute. I got up to quite a lot during my last week, so I thought I would share a photo series with you all! My beautiful family came down from Newcastle for a few days which started my final days in Nottingham perfectly!

As soon as they arrived we visited Pitcher & Piano for a few cocktails - the interior of this place is to die for!

I love that they refer to the girls as 'Queens'!

After exploring for a few hours, we headed to Bills for dinner. 

If you've never tried their Pink Lemonade then you're seriously missing out! 

I had the Halloumi & Hummus Burger. So good!

The following day, I took them to The Nottingham Doughnut Company. The doughnuts from this place are better than Krispy Kreme in my opinion!

Of course, we took a trip to Five Guys during their stay!

After my family left, I wanted to make sure I spent time with my flat mates and friends! Due to the weather being absolutely gorgeous, we made the spontaneous decision to take a picnic to Wollaton Hall & Deer Park (this is where Batman was filmed!)

I loved my little outfit - I wore a simple striped dress from Jack Wills, teamed with a pale pink Zara backpack and some lace up espadrilles which were also from Zara!

After exploring for hours on end, we all headed to The Riverbank Bar & Kitchen for some drinks!

So much fun!

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Myself.