MCRFW AW 14

This season, Manchester fashion week will be introducing an independent designer showcase and I’m really excited to have been selected to take part.

Aside from a great opportunity for my label, Eustratia, and the other designers, I think it adds edge to the event, which previously showcased mainly high street fashion and draws attention city in general, giving Manchester a chance to show off the talent in its midst.

My showcase date is Saturday the 19th of April and I will be showing my A/W 14 collection, inspired by nature and the dark shadow mankind casts over the planet. Tickets are £16.20 and can be purchased here.

As part of the online promotion for the event I was featured on A-listed magazine‘s “designer talk” section and the official MCRFW blog.

You can view them on the respective sites but I have also pasted what they wrote on here.

Designer Talk

Eustratia

Sam Saeed

Dark, sultry and dangerously seductive.  There is something incredibly enchanting about ‘Eustratia’. Like something out of a fairy tale, designer Stacy Mavrou talks about her collection as a clash between fashion, fetish and art.

Beautifully handmade, with the ultimate attention to detail, Stacey works with latex amongst other fabrics to produce wearable and unique pieces.

At the age of 3, Stacey was taught to sew by her Greek Grandmother, also a seamstress. The name of her collection ‘Eustratia’ also resonates with her Greek heritage meaning  ‘good’ or ‘right’ path.

Her talent passion and ambition grew over the years – Stacey recalls how she simply had her bedroom floor as a studio and a grant from the Princess Trust which enabled her to pave her career as a reputable Manchester based designer.

Stacey added: “I enjoy trends and fashion but I prefer clothes that are versatile and can be carried forward from season to season, I therefore aim to achieve a unique but timeless quality within my work”.

This season, Stacey has been inspired by nature, contrasting textures and colours and the dark shadow cast over earth and mankind.  The much anticipated collection due to be released at this year’s Manchester Fashion Week 2014 #MCRFW14 will feature a muted base palette with contrasting textured or embellished panels, a multitude of layered appliques featuring contrasting textures and pops of colour.

You can learn more about the brand and view all previous collections at Eustratia.

Eustratia

http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/event/we-are-manchester-tickets/111839

Eustratia will be showcasing at MCRFW14 on Saturday the 19th, get tickets: (above)

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Eustratia are an upcoming fashion
boutique specializing in Latex clothing, lingerie and accessories. The creator behind the clothes;
Stacey Mavrou

Below are some images from the Lookbook! For all you fashion forward ladies!

Ticket Web MCRFW

These stunning lingerie pieces are not only very ‘out there’ and extremely cool, they look amazing on! If you want to see more of their gorgeous latex clothing they are having an event!!! On the 21st March, From 10pm onwards:

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LFW A/W 14 PART 3, Ones to watch

Ones to watch is one of my favourite shows. I love seeing designers with a fresh perspective and also enjoy the fact that there are multiple designers in one show. I always love variety and it’s a lot more convenient than having to go outside a queue again before being allowed in to see the next show.

The “ones to watch” showcase comprised of 4 designers’ collections and I have chosen my two favourites to feature on here.

sarah ryanFirst up is Sarah Ryan. I suppose this is quite a predictable choice for me, as I love monochrome, texture and attention to detail.

Sarah Ryan’s primary interests lie in the marriage of the extraordinary & the functional, using adverse textiles and materials to create an informed & intriguing silhouette.

Her collection ‘Auryn’, had a nomadic, utilitarian feel, heavily featuring multi-textured blacks and over-sized bags.

The most intriguing and aesthetically pleasing aspect of the collection was definitely the woven leather accessories, which I had the pleasure of seeing up close in the show room. I love the use of different weaving techniques and the way they look organic and structured at the same time.

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GEORGE STYLERThe second collection I chose to feature is by George Styler. It was definitely the most vibrant and colourful range of the season.

Serbian designer, George Styler graduated from the college of textile design in Belgrade. His style has previously been described as “World Ethno” and I can definitely see why.

His high-impact designs featured a variety of bold colours and sparkling embellishments in Russian-inspired motifs and 3D flower patterns.

He has successfully mixed elements of traditional garments with a playful, cyber princess vibe, creating a memorable and intriguing collection.

The hair and make up was the same for all the “ones to watch” shows but Styler transformed the models using intricately braided head pieces. Hair and make up is often a key part of the look and as a designer myself I understand the importance of making sure it complements the garments and reinforces your vision.

What I wore:a15

Thanks to Toria for the pic.

I loved this outfit but it was such a busy day I didn’t have time to get a full length photo, maybe next time.

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Vau Vau Fashion show Part ll: Fashion Circus

Those of you who have been following this blog, or my work in general, for a while might have already heard about Vau Vau fashion show. The last one was a great experience and this one promises to be bigger and better with more thought put into every aspect.
Following what has been described as ‘an evening of inspiration,’ Vau Vau is back by style demand and invites you to Part II: Fashion CircusSet in the picturesque Left Bank Church, guests are welcomed to a celebration in honour of all things fashion, and to a presentation party featuring the best of independent Northern talent.

Organised by Toria BrightsideIn partnership with fashionpony.co.uk and Urban Coco Magazine, Vau Vau includes:

– A warm welcome onto our runway for special guest Alysha Nett
– Complimentary goodie bags for the first 100 guests
– A runway show featuring award winning designers
– A presentation from innovative latex designer Eustratia
– Mini fashion market featuring one off discounts
– An exclusive signing by Alysha Nett
– DJ Babes from Nasty Gurl
– Cheap drinks all night (Beer £2, wine £2.50, spirit+mixer £3)

Doors open 7.30pm

Afterparty at The Kitchen Club, 2 Eastgate
Free entry for all Vau Vau guests

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW :

http://www.fashionpony.co.uk/womens/bestsellers/vau-vau-fashion-show-leeds-standard-advance-ticket.html

http://www.fashionpony.co.uk/womens/bestsellers/vau-vau-fashion-show-leeds-student-ticket.html

http://www.eustratia.co.uk/onlinestore

£10 Advance
£12 Door Price
£6 Student Advance
£8 Student Door Price
(Door tickets are subject to availability)

Email : vauvau@vauhaus.co.uk

I had the please of working on the posters and tickets for this event and will also be planning something special for the fashion show finale. If you follow me on social media there might be a sneaky peek nearer the time!
vauvauposter final
VAUVAUOPTION2Eustratia products will also be available to buy at our stall and I will be there to answer any questions and talk you through potential outfits. Hope to see some of you there!
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London Fashion Week Adventure: part 2

Super Electric Party Machine didn’t disappoint and we ended up getting up a bit later than planned the next day.

SATURDAY

I felt Saturday called for more casual, layered outfit because it was cold and I was tired.

saturday1 After some bad luck with our press passes, Danny and I hung out at Somerset House and he took some street style pictures.

streetstyleWe finished off the day sipping Prosecco in a swanky bar where unfashionable rich people looked down at us and drink tokens. I nearly asked if I could have a strawberry garnish but then thought better of it.

SUNDAY

On Sunday we got up early for the Mercedes-Benz Kiev fashion day. We were surprised to find no queue and to be offered front row seats, which we gladly accepted.

IMG_28331236675_10151887353221224_524746120_n1239991_10151852301415365_2106648468_n It was much easier to write and take pictures on my phone from this position and I was really pleased with the detail shots I got as the models passed in front of me.

First up was Anna K. Her pure and feminine white collection featured sheer organza blouses and dresses, practical shorts and trousers and a lot of frill trim. She had accessorized with plain black shoes and translucent bags.

anna KMy favourite piece was a maxi dress with squares cut out of the double organza layer that moved and caught the light as the model walked across the catwalk.

The second designer was Anton De. His casual collection of white, black, blue and metallic gold accents was quirky, cool and totally wearable. For me personally, the combinations didn’t work, my adventurousness in dress springs in a totally different direction.

anton de

LL was on next with an easy, sophisticated mix of tailored jackets and long dresses that hung beautifully and draped to reveal a shimmering pink lining. I also loved the custom jewellery that curved around the models’ necks and arms.

pink

Lia Syn was probably my favourite designer from this showcase with her light and airy collection of dresses and skirt in neutral tones. There were a few chiffon details that added an air of romance but my favourite pieces were definitely the leather harnesses with their intricately crafted, metal hardware.

lia

RCR Khomenko presented a jovial mix of outfits with a nostalgic feel, reminiscent of a child’s bedroom in the late 80s. I tend to appreciate slightly more concise collections and I don’t think I’d ever consider a loud cartoonish print but I can see a couple of these pieces being popular.

rcr khomenko The last designer of the showcase was Yasya. Her focus was clearly on silhouette and details. The collection on the whole was clean and contemporary and the textured fabric, sculpted sleeves and coloured piping added a little bit of an edge.

yasyaIMG_2822The team at Fashion Scout after the show.

MONDAY

Monday started a bit slow. It was my last day at Fashion Week and I wasn’t looking forward to going back to Manchester, this was only made worse by the fact that I had to drag my suitcase around the show with me. It was worth it, however, as Monday’s show was my favourite of the whole week. If you follow my work you will probably be able to see why.

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For me, Natasha Zinko had the most appealing tickets, set and show format. Even the champagne glasses at the presentation were beautiful.

1209300_10151859180955365_1817893486_nThis was not a catwalk show like most of the others we watched. It was a fashion presentation arranged around a large, white kiosk draped with giant snow drops and ivy and surrounded by patches smaller fake flowers and grass.

The models were dotted around a platform and would change positions at a ring of a bell. This magical setting allowed the audience to temporarily transcend into a different word of beauty and calm, I even forgot about my suitcase for a while.

Natasha managed to combine a variety of fabrics, colours and shapes, while still presenting a concise collection and definite theme. The doll-like models wore a variety of striped, checked, lace overlayed and textured fabrics, often paired with small hats. Pencil skirts, bibs and bustles featured heavily and boning was used to give garments a structured, feminine shape.

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At night we went to a performance based event, presenting Bas Kosters’ SS14 collection.

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Labelled a pioneer in outlandish print, Kosters prepared a food themed presentation and gave out drink tokens and sweet-filled peppers to guests.

IMG_5650IMG_5651IMG_5656The main event was a colourful, circus style performance featuring suits and spandex catsuits in food themed and striped prints. The styling included brightly coloured hair, glitter and face paint. Some characters also wore head-dresses as they all danced around on stage.

IMG_5709 IMG_5701 IMG_5750 IMG_5704 IMG_5815 IMG_5816 IMG_5730 IMG_5783Also spotted in the crowd was celebrity stylist and DJ, Alexis Knox.

IMG_5877This trip has made me realise I should go down to London more often. I used to spend a lot of time there but over the past year or so I’ve become a bit of a hermit.

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Visiting the yard

I walked into Bird’s yard to find that things had changed less that I expected. The rooms hadn’t been switched around yet but the third floor was being renovated and machines were so loud you could hardly hear what anyone was saying. There were plenty of staff on as we had expected the new jewellery room to be open so the work pace was quite chilled out.

After cleaning and reorganising my booth I decided to have a look round and take some pictures.

The first thing I noticed was that lovely crayfish had moved some new stuff in. I especially love the day of the dead T-Rex skeleton print, as well as the rounded corner moo cards (of which I have run out).

Pretty much immediately after this I noticed the large mirror and decided I had to seize this opportunity to get a picture of my whole outfit.

I was then asked to look through some magazines and find some interesting images for a collage. I really love this job because it reminds me of the non-stressful part of being at uni.

While looking through the magazines I came across “Fiyah!” a leeds mag I hadn’t seen before.

There was a feature on Bird’s yard inside and the Eustratia booth was visible in the picture.

I don’t think they mentioned individual designers but it was still nice to see.

The lady I was working with that day runs Urban fox. A label that makes the most adorable cushions. She also customises and re-upholsters furniture, there is a specific chain downstairs at Bird’s yard I’ve had my eye on since I first walked into the shop.

I have mentioned Belles Bejewelled on here before but I’d never tried on one of these strand necklaces. I decided to give one a go. It looked kind of cool and messy from the front but I preferred it worn over the shoulder.

One on each shoulder was a definitely strong look with maximum editorial potential. I’d love to wear these for a shoot.

It was Jubilee weekend so I decided it would be entertaining to try on Cloe’s inflatable crown and hold a diamond. I’m not usually the humorous type but this shop obviously inspires!

To finish off the nonsense, after re-pricing all the dresses on one side of the room I decided to try on a vintage wedding dress.

The top part didn’t really suit me but I love the layers of ruffles!