Em zine by Alex Woodcock

Em .

You? e r A en Who Ev

Em. Editors

Editor-in-Cheif - Alex Woodcock Graphic Design - Alex Woodcock Illustrations - Alex Woodcock Photography - Alex Woodcock

Contributors Isabella Di Nardo Lauren Jones Natasha McHugh

Em .

ISSUE 1

Editors Letter. To embellish something is to fabricate by adding decorative details or features, whether it be a garment or your online presence; everything can be embellished. Em is a zine which embraces embellishment in fashion with a fun and relaxed lens. For those of us that feel high fashion magazines are a little too serious and exclusive, Em is here to make friends whilst discussing the latest fashion news and trends with a twist. I’m a very opinionated, sarcastic, non-serious person and well… let’s just say that it will reflect throughout this publication, luckily for you. Now enjoy my darlings.

Alex Woodcock x

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Are ‘Quick selfies before work really quick? Natasha McHugh discusses our engagement with social media and effects on your mentality. inspiration, knowledge and a laugh now and again, to just being obsessed with the perfect world we are trying to create for ourselves online.

InstA DOR N

The word ‘embellish’ means to make something more attractive by the addition of decorative details or features. With social media becoming an essential part of life for just about everyone with a mobile phone connecting to the The thing that upsets me most internet, it enables us to shine about social media is the way in light on the aspects of our adwhich we seek approval of others, ventures that we want the worlds just about our lives in general. approval of. Embellishment online Most people may have taken down can be extremely useful but it can a picture or deleted a video bealso distract you from cause no one seemed Most people may have your actual goals and very interested or taken down a picture or achievements in life. bothered by it, it had deleted a video no impact. We want because no one seemed We live and breathe to stand out and be very interested to get bold but we shy away our likes on Instagram to in the face of people not doublego from usernames to numbers, tapping their 6inch phone screens our most hilariously relatable and making that little red heart quotes on twitter to be re-tweeted appear. by our friends and the people we look up to. If you haven’t posted a We need to learn that what we put picture of the food you’re eating, online, not everyone will always did you even go out for food that approve of, with fashion we should evening? It’s almost as if we live be bold and brave with the more for what we can see about statements we make and display ourselves on a screen than we do for others to get inspiration from. for our own happiness. Not copy, or follow, just display what you believe people can grow Don’t get me wrong, I love from. Ideas in fashion are fuelled snapchatting my friends on a night by passion, if you get enough out, laughing at the idiotic things people to bow down to your ideas we get up to or a selfie (or 10) if the or patterns, you will gain lighting is hitting the right spots. confidence and it will hopefully The question is, where do we draw ignite more passion for you to the line from enjoying social media continue producing art that people as a platform for networking, love.

You follow a certain trend in Fashion so you may fit comfortably in to what everyone thinks is acceptable at that time to be wearing. You probably posted a photo of the item on your account as soon as you got home as well, just to let everyone know you’re fitting to the ideal. It would be brilliant for us to want to purchase something or wear something for ourselves, not to brag about or feel like you have to show your followers.

attract people who can get you there. With clothes and style, it is different, because the matter of fact is, you do need the approval of others to get anywhere in the fashion industry. It is about respect, taste, skill, choice. Your online presence can be a carefully cultivated brand, but only if you need it to be that way, your personal life doesn’t need to be made better or bigger than it already is for anyone else.

Embellishment online can also Embellishment can almost turn make people have unrealistic into lies, we all don’t want to post views. The people you look up to the bits in your life you are not online, that have amazing lives, proud of or want to remember, beautiful friends and partners, they but can we not take from this that seem to have everything. They will maybe you should do things for have struggled, at some point, at yourself and not to please people some time. It should be as easy for looking at your achievements on people to talk about weakness as it a glass screen. If you don’t want is strength but it isn’t. to let these people see you at your worst, why even let them see you Maybe I was being too polite when at your best? Show people you can I referred to this as embellishment dress however you like, be friends online, it is more like pretending. with whoever you want, go to Playing a game to see who can be exciting places. However special approved of by the online world the most. Take the way we aim to moments may feel more special to you if you actually share them with promote the best of ourselves and the people who turn it so that we are able ...it is more like pretending. have been to make bold decisions in Playing a game to see who through the fashion, for others to watch can be approved of by the worst to get to and follow. Show the world online world the most. them with you. what you like, but make sure you don’t feel you are hiding any In the world of fashion, aspect of the journey you took to embellishment online can be a key get where you are. factor in starting to make a name for yourself. Post what you want to By Natasha McHugh. be your perfect life, then you may

Quick selfie?

We sat with Beth Chell, Make-Up Artist, who is fascinated by theatrical, fashion and special effects Make-Up who hopes to jump start a career out of her passion.

Hey Beth! Please tell us, when did you discover your love for make-up and how long did it take to become so skilled? One of my friends actually got me into wanting to go to the makeup industry, (Chloe Poole) and I’m still learning but it’s been about 2 years now since! That’s a long time! Where do you get the inspiration for your looks? YouTube tutorials, MUA’s on instagram, fashion magazines, yearly events so like Christmas and Valentine’s Day, and seasons so like summer and winter. Yearly events? Wow, that’s so different! so what are your favourite brands? I struggle when people ask me this because there’s so many, but I’d say Loreal, makeup geek, Anastasia, urban decay and Kat Von D.

Okay that’s interesting. So where would you like to go within the field of make-up artistry? I’d love to go into special effects like the really gorey stuff for movie sets and things like that!! How would you best describe your style and who are you biggest influences/idols? Biggest influences would be the beauty youtubers like NikkieTutorials, Jeffree Star and Jaclyn Hill, drag queens are also people I idolise so like Adore Delano, Willam, Alyssa Edwards and Bianca Del Rio. This is the creative and unique style I look up to when I’m creating my own work. Why did you get into make-up and why do you love it so much? I got into through a friend, but it stuck with me because i love doing it in my spare time along with doing it on friends and family, and clients that come in for me to do on my course at college. I’m passionate about it because I have so much fun doing what I do and I know going into special effects will open a lot of doors for me in the makeup industry. Thank you so much for your time! It was a pleasure doing this interview for you.

Beth

Sierra

So what are the biggest differences between British and Canadian culture?

While I do find some similarities in cultures, the biggest differences lay in the British lifestyle, in particular the pub culture, tattoo artistry, health & fitness community, and the fashion. Could you please elaborate on the following? It all breaks down to the different views on health & fitness; I am from the West Coast, where almost every person has a gym membership, drinks green juice every morning, and we catch up with friends over a hike or a snowboard session. From that trickles into how we eat & drink in the city; pubs don’t exist in Vancouver, and that culture is very big here in the UK. Going out for drinks is more for celebrating (we do make multiple excuses to ‘celebrate’ however). Clean eating, juice cleanses & ‘farm to table’ is an ongoing trend in Vancouver, and the whole aspect of being clean can be seen in how we dress and how we embellish our physical features; such as tattoos, piercings, hair colour & clothing. What are your opinions on teaching with tattoos? Is this deemed a problem in Canada? I am a creative individual, and my age group in Vancouver is less reserved towards tattoos than any other; however, people with sleeve tattoos and multiple piercings are still found to face a certain type of discrimination, whether that be in the job force or just in day-to-day life. Here, that tattoo culture & artistry is something to be proud of, and both men and women are celebrated for their body art. Back home, anyone in a corporate office, bank, hospitality or professional costumer service setting are expected to cover up as much body art as possible; however people in a creative industry are more than

welcome to wear their tattoos out in the open, especially in fashion & design. So, if people were to have tattoos in Vancouver, what would they be? The artistry is a lot more delicate; thinner lines, scriptures, and overall smaller (and easy to conceal). I am pro-tattoo, and already have set out to get a few while I’m here; but they have to be in places that I can easily hide. Here, bolder lines, shading, and heavy imagery is more of the norm. Younger men back home may have a single tattoo on their arm or leg, where as here men of all ages have full sleeves, on both arms/ legs nonetheless. And lastly, what are YOUR opinions on British Culture? There are many aspects that I love; it is more relaxed, and the style is more adventurous. It is easier to express one’s individuality, and there is much more history here, especially in London. From the architecture & design, to the street style, there is just a greater variety. However, I am B.C girl born and raised, and I miss my mountains, beaches, and the gym lifestyle.

We also joined Sierra McNeill, a Canadian fashion student, currently studying here in England. she talks about her culture and how it differs from the norms here in the UK.

for

B for Bella

Bella.

“Individuality is important; stand out, be distinct. Accessorise! It’ll change your life... spice it up.”

Coat: New Look Dress: Topshop Jewellery: Models Own Modelled by Isabella Di Nardo Styling by Alex Woodcock

B Yourself.

Under. The.

Radar.

Growing up in a little town in the again. middle of England isn’t always However, in year 9 I met my best peachy keen. From a young friend, at the time, and when you age I was bullied at school (you find common ground with somewouldn’t think it right? Lol) and one else it’s… well, comforting. I so, starting high could feel myself coming out of school, not knowing my shell more and it was liberatI didn’t want to be ing but still, I was under a single soul, was so nerve racking to say the Oasis fan in the radar. Yawn. the least. In lower the middle of a Blur secondary school, At the age of 14, make-up crowd. I stayed under the was becoming more of radar. I didn’t want to be the a thing than ever before. Most Oasis fan in the middle of a Blur 14-year-old girls are conscious crowd. I didn’t want to stand out, about their appearance anyway, I didn’t want to protrude, I just but for me? My self-esteem issues didn’t want to be made fun of seemed sky high.

I got in a rut. A downward, So I started to buy the clothes indie spiral. My sense of style I desired and dreamed of. The was black, denim, stripes, black, amazingly bright pink flared Harrington’s, docs and black. Did trousers. The dreamy, navy faux I say black? Yawn. It was boring fur coat. The sassy lace up jeans. and bland and I My sense of style was knew it too. But I me black, denim, stripes, Lord,Ifhelp I was to walk didn’t dare venture black, Harrington’s, docs around in faux fur out because I was and black. Did I say black? 4 years ago, my too scared of Yawn. god. My friends and everyone what people would say. around me would have looked at “Look at you dressed like a girl.” me like I had 3 heads. Not that they don’t already but you know. “Why are you wearing that, you Not the point anyway. But now? look weird, it doesn’t suit you.” I’m past caring. I shouldn’t care what people think about the way “You’re indie, you can’t wear I style myself and present mythat.” self to others because the way I dress makes me feel good. So …were only some of the things now I walk around in my faux fur, that people might say all going ribbed trousers and knee highs through my head when looking at proudly, not all once though! Topshop’s latest red ankle boots. Who do you take me for? So I wouldn’t buy them. Damn I missed out, they were amazing! And I can now say I am a more confident person knowing that Something in me snapped. I am now the version of myself I have always aspired to be. I was sick of dressing for other people. Behaving how they expected me to. And for what? What was I gaining? Nothing, Editors getting deep. that’s what. I was just making Get the insight on why I myself miserable… more so than became the person I am I already am. I know what you’re today and when my carethinking and oh it’s possible, less attitude was born. believe me.

Enhancement with the adiction of acid colour.

ACID ENHANCEMENT ACID ENHANCEMENT ACID ENHANCEMENT ACID ENHANCEMENT ACID ENHANCEMENT ACID ENHANCEMENT

Enhancement with the adiction of acid colour.

Model: Emily Chapel Photography and Styling: Alex Woodcock

Permanent Grillz. * Having a conversation with someone *

Them: “So how long have you had your braces?”

Now all I can think about is the thought that all they are looking at is my teeth and braces. We’ve near enough all had them right? So why is it still a big deal? Yes, I’m coming up to 19 and I still have a mouth of metal but adults have got them… and they had to pay for them. LOL. 4 years ago, a normal school girl went to an orthodontist appointment and came back with metal glued to her teeth. This 15-year-old girl had no idea what she was getting her self into. She didn’t know that every time she ate, food would get stuck in it. Every time she drank, the taste would stick to the metal and make her crave more sugar. Every time she’d chew gum, it would get EVERYWHERE. You get the point. I’ve had some of the weirdest thing stuck in there, not just food… pens, earphones, my clothes, my friend clothes. I couldn’t tell you how but you gals with braces you’ve been there too right? They are completely normal today. 33% of the entire population have undertaken orthodontic treatment at some point in their life and when you think of the whole world tha’t a lot of bloody people! (is that statistic really the whole world? - Or just the West?) It’s crazy when you sit and think about it. The idea of a bit of metal sculpting your teeth into the ideal beauty image, can it be considered a treatment of vanity? Or simply a self-esteem booster? I’ll keep you updated when I get these bad boys off.

Embrace the Grillz.

Haute Couture. French for ‘high sewing’; is custom made clothing, hand stitched from start to finish, usually with a lot of decorative detail and finishes. Considered an art form to some but others? Not so much. The question today that is on every fashionistas lips, is haute couture still relevant? There is a lot, and I mean a lot of history and culture behind haute couture, from Chanel to Balmain. But are they relevant still? Now the one argument that stands solid in stone is the craftsmanship. No other industry of fashion design and creation is made to the quality and the detail that haute couture is. Even Ready-to-Wear is factory made and typically in standardised sizes, where as haute couture is completely the pure skill of the most experienced and capable sewers. Now for the likes of high street, for us students that can’t really afford Chanel (even though we dream about it), Ready-ToWear, factory made clothing that is made cheaper and doesn’t require as much attention to detail, is a blessing. It allows us to get our favourite high street pieces at a cheaper price but it isn’t to the quality it could be if it was haute couture.

Haute

This leads to the next argument. High street knows how to do designer well. I don’t know about you but I’ve certainly been in the situation where I’ve been sat in my room watching the glamorous catwalks from Paris Fashion Week, the finest designers Paris has to offer. They exhibit the most alluring and beautiful garments. Enticed in their creations, that one golden dress that satisfies your every craving in a dress and you can only dream of ever own something like it. Then the next week you walk into Zara and there it is, presented before you, and the only word that comes to mind. BUZZING. You get a Versace look alike dress for a fraction of the price and that’s the real point. Is haute couture going to stand when high street can do designer so well? But then again we need to remember that it’s been standing around for a long time. But then again only celebrities can afford to dress in their garments? Ah who knows? Anyway, next point. The trickle-down effect. Commonly known that high end fashion brands eventually filter through and influence the rest of us, leading onto the high street etc etc. but is that necessarily true?

Couture?

What is true however is that since the social disorders of the 60s, an inverse process has evolved, where the clothes people wear on the streets have increasingly inspired designers. So if street style is influencing designers then what really is haute couture? Or Ready-to-Wear on the runway? Isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it just expensive/ overthought street style? So is haute couture still relevant? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll let you be the judge of that one.

What s ide are You On ?

Embroiderate.

As an industry, fashion is constantly churning out pieces frequently, but why? People get bored. However, one trend that has carried through from F/W 16 into S/S 17 is embroidery! Everyone and I mean everyone, will have an embroidered piece in their wardrobe; simple yet stylish, it spruces your outfit without even trying.

(P.S don’t forget about student discount!) The ‘Heartbreaker’ jeans are so subtle in style, but get massive love from us! Yes, it’s a little smaller and not as apparent but again it’s the little flourish of colour that will really make your outfit pop in a way that isn’t necessarily out of your comfort zone. Throw them on with a hot pink jumper to match the embellishment and some From shoes to denim, lingerie classic vans and you’ve got to jumpers, this review will be yourself simple style. Now, £46 looking at this season’s hottest does appear a little steep for a embroidery must haves and how pair of jeans, but the quality of to wear. As well as the not so hot. the denim is super strong, so see them as an investment because First of all, Topshop hold the these jeans will be with you to crown for stitched style! At least your grave. one piece in every line has This ‘Dream On’ peplum jumper embroidery which not only shows has just come in, it is similar to that it’s a must have but almost previous pieces but the added gives you no choice to resist; next flare and quirky slogan gives time you go in, everything will be us love love love! This jumper cross-stitched! will give you an urban chic look whilst keeping you warm in this Let’s start with denim! This cute mid-February, chilly weather. A-Line is a key piece in this The baby pink colour will suit season’s must haves! The little all skin tones and will bring out flourish of pinks your feminine side, ... will really make your and greens in even if worn with your outfit pop in a way that contrast to the favourite trainers. Add isn’t necessarily out of classic densome ripped hem jeans your comfort zone. im, boosts the and you’re ready! This colour and the jumper really is true to combinations you can put with size yet still achieving the overthis driven key piece by Topshop! sized look. However, £35 is a little Add a belt, plain tee and some too steep for something that may Stan Smiths and you’re ready to not be in style in 2 months time. be fashion forward with very little Now lets just take a moment. This effort. However, it does tend to fit bag is very Gucci ‘esque, without a little small so is recommended the Gucci price tag. The poppy to get the size up than what you embroideries and pearl studs give usually would have. For £36, the this feminine day bag a vibrant denim is thick yet look for spring and can make any comfortable and a reasonable outfit! This is a must have for us price taking the quality of the and we think every fashionista fabric into consideration. should have this in their

collection. This bag with an all black outfit and outfit and Topshop’s vibrant red Maggie boots and you can hop on that runway. I think £35 is fairly reasonable for a bag that can be worn for all occasions and the quality is amazing, so will last a really long time!

it works or not, is an entirely different question. In comparison to the Topshop jeans, they appear very hard to style with the clashing colours within the patches/embroider. Unless paired with a black top, which is just dull within itself, styling could be interesting… In terms of Not today fabric quality, it wasn’t great, Satan, they felt very thin as though Topshop has definitely got the not today. they wouldn’t really keep you embroidery look very warm if you were to go out down! Each key piece can be on a cold day. £29.99 seems expaired with other garments easily pensive for jeans that are difficult and quickly, for all us students out to wear whilst fashion forward there that only give ourselves half and feel cheap and thin. an hour in the morning, but still Unfortunately. Not today Satan, want that fashion forward flair. not today. Now. This denim jacket is a driven There are some brands however key piece by H&M. Displayed on that haven’t quite got it down as mannequins and placed at the much. For example these H&M entrance of the store for everyone shorts have pineapples to see. You think it’s not that bad embellished onto them with right? But the stitching it embroidery and beading. While unbelievably thin, it’s so gappy they are probably intended for and it looks totally unfinished. your holiday, they just cry out Again, the quality of the fabric 4-year-old supermarket clothes feels very cheap so £49.99 doesn’t without the cheap price. For feel like an appropriate pricing. £24.99 they are hard to style, you £49.99? Really? No. Thanks. would not see them any wear near the runway and you would want It’s not all bad though! This mesh a lot more for your money. slip with embroidered flowers is Another piece that is on H&M’s rather cute and very in right now! racks is this red slogan tee. “Life It can be accompanied with a is Rocky When You’re a Gem”… black slip underneath or a quirky yeah, I’m sure it is. As cute as it little crop top and skirt number could be on the right person, the with some heeled boots and you’re stitching is very shoddy, not sure actually ready to go out and kill whether it is supposed to be edgy it. However, it is overpriced for or urban but the styling of a dress made entirely of mesh; stitching doesn’t line up with the £29.99 is a bit steep is it not? slogan itself. It’s all a bit mish mashie. The quality of the fabric So I think we have a reigning isn’t great either; it feels cheap, champion. Topshop have perfectflimsy and although it’s only ed the embroidery trend down £6.99, it’s still a no from us. to a T. Sorry H&M maybe next These patchwork pants are season; give your competitors a intended shabby chic but whether round of applause.

Em .

Issue Two.

...See You Soon...

Issue One.