What Is Color Blocking? The color blocking trend is when one wears an outfit that is literally made up of solid 'blocks' of color. It's not a new trend but it's certainly one that looks as though it’s here to stay. Top fashion designers just can't seem to get enough of it; with color blocking featured heavily on the S/S 12 runways during fashion week. Color blocking combines the use of two or more colors, which support and complement each other. An outfit can be made up of bright neons, monotone black and white, soft pastels or muted colors. And it's not just limited to clothing; bags, shoes, jewelry and other accessories can all get in on the trend. While color blocking gives lovers of
color the chance to unleash their creative flair, there are some do's and don'ts that should be followed with this trend. After all, the key isn't to come out looking as though you were just attacked by a gang of graffiti artists.
Dos & Don’ts DON’T combine more than three or four colors. Any more than that and you risk looking like a human roll of lifesaver lollies. DO color block in the same color family. For example: pinks, oranges and reds; blues and greens; etc. DON’T finish off your color blocked outfit with accessories that also feature the color blocking trend. You either want
your clothing as the statement or your jewelry, bag or shoes. DO tone down your outfit with neutral and simplistic colors. A bright yellow looks great paired with black; or a try rich red matched with grey. DON’T be afraid to experiment with unexpected color combinations. Try out blue, orange and green or yellow, purple and red. DO choose shades that are the same intensity. Like fluoro yellow and hot pink, or powder blue and baby pink. One word to remember when pulling off the colour blocking trend is... CONFIDENCE! Shine as bright on the inside as your clothing does on the outside.
Meet the Pixiwo Sisters! By: Karli Emma Smith
Nicola (left) and Samantha (right) Pixiwho? Pixiwoo! Sisters, Samantha Chapman and Nicola Chapman-Haste are the two British makeup artists behind the brand. Their makeup tutorials made them a popular YouTube sensation. Drawing inspiration from sources like Vogue magazines, films, celebrities, and the runway, their detailed, step-by-step tutorials have been viewed over 98 million times since Pixiwoo’s channel debut in 2008. Samantha and Nicola were born in Essex, England, and grew up in a small village just outside of Norwich. They both attended Old Buckenham High School and studied at Norfolk College of West Anglia. The sisters were very close, as Sam recalls some of her favorite childhood memories as playing dress up with Nicola using their extensive costume and clothing collection. “But we also enjoyed fighting,” Sam said with a smile on her face. Sam and Nic always had passion for the arts, as Sam once aspired to be a singer and Nic, a dancer. But how did two little girls with passion for performing arts end up behind the scenes working 51
MOD | Summer 2012
makeup? Turns out, the sisters’ interest in the beauty industry ran in their family. “My mum’s sister is a make-up artist and that’s how we got started in makeup, 18 years ago,” said Sam. Sam and Nic’s aunt, Maggie Hunt, is a leading, international name in the fashion and beauty industry. Maggie has worked with top photographers and directors and has created looks for celebrities such as, Rachel Weisz, Kate Winslet, Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Sir Paul McCartney, Janet Jackson and Cindy Crawford. “Watching our Auntie, it looked much more glamorous than it actually is,’’ Sam said. Sam’s career in makeup proved to be more glamorous than most, however. Samantha was a member of the UK MAC Pro team, which tallowed her to travel extensively, contributing her skills to fashion week shows in Milan and Paris. She’s been lucky enough to work with some of the greatest photographers in the world, along with celebrities such as Ashley Tisdale, Charlotte Church and Sir Paul McCartney. Some of Sam’s work has appeared in magazines such as Harper’s, Cosmo, Brides and Elle.
So how exactly did these two talented sisters from Essex become makeup queens of YouTube? According to Sam, it was accidental. “I made a video for a student and other people watched it and requested more,” she said. A few months later, Sam began creating tutorials on YouTube under the name of Pixiwoo. Soon after, Nicola joined forces with her sister, and now Pixiwoo has become the most subscribed to beauty channel in the UK, with over 30,000 subscribers and 300 videos. Though the typical work schedule for the Chapman sisters consists mostly of shooting and editing their YouTube videos at home, they occasionally take 1-2 days a week to travel to London and continue freelance work for fashion shoots, runway shows, etc. Samantha and Nicola also run five day makeup courses from their studio in Norwich. And through it all, Sam and Nic still find the time to be great mothers. Sam is the mother of two daughters, 7-year-old Lily and 3-year-old Olivia, and Nicola has an 8-month-old son named Harry. When asked how it feels to see how many people around the world view their video blogs, Sam responded, “It’s quite incredible, but also very hard to comprehend. We tend not to think too much about how many people watch, as it would be quite off putting.’’ When it comes to feedback, Samantha and Nicola have had their fair share of the good and the bad. “We get so many wonderful letters from people that have been struggling with certain situations in their lives and have found our videos [to be] a form of release for their thoughts. Also, many thank-you letters from people struggling with confidence and body image issues,” said Sam. As for the nasty feedback? ‘’We have gotten very used to it! I certainly wouldn’t recommend a career on the internet unless you have a very thick skin,” Sam replied. The sisters also find social media to be a great outlet for marketing their brand. ‘’If people like you, then they talk about you. Social media is an amazing tool for spreading the word,’’ Sam said. And it seems, spreading the word through YouTube runs in the Chapman
family. “We have twin brothers, 24, who also have YouTube channels. Jim has a channel that focuses on mens’ grooming and fashion (www.youtube.com/j1mmyb0bba) while John has just started a channel with his best friend Leon (www. youtube.com/theleanmachines), that teaches personal training tips. Our lovely mum Judy also has a channel where she occasionally uploads tips on dressing for mature women.” Along with their original channel of Pixiwoo, the Chapman sisters created
PixiwooMadness, a YouTube video blog for various makeup and hair videos that they did not want as part of their main channel. Tutorials include, Easy Festival Makeup, Quick & Easy Tips For Perfect Eyes, 10 Minute Celebrity Makeup Looks and more. RealTechniques is another channel created by Samantha for her brush line of the same name. Through this channel, she shows viewers how to use each brush and how to create different looks with different brushes. Real Techniques
brushes came about when Samantha was contacted by Paris Presents, the makers of eco tool and other beauty products, to produce an affordable makeup brush line. Real Techniques makeup brushes are 100% cruelty free, hand-cut and made of taklon, a synthetic fiber. Be sure to follow Sam and Nic on their personal Twitter accounts to keep up to date with their latest news - Samantha Chapman @pixiwoo and Nicola Haste @ nixipixi.
How To Wear
BOLD FLORALS By: Markeeta Waddington a denim jacket without looking as if you have fallen victim to double denim.
Dresses: Don’t be afraid of the bold, bright colors and large prints covering lots of this summer’s dresses. You really can’t go wrong here, just remember to keep the rest of your outfit simple. Sandles for day and either neutral or matching heels for night. Petites can wear this trend too, just remember if you are heading toward a large print to ensure it is stylized enough so it doesn’t swamp your frame.
Tops: What better way to say hello to the sun than putting on a flowery top? An oversized tee paired with some denim cut-offs or a plain jersey maxi skirt will see you through those lazy summer days. Alternatively, slip on a fitted floral bustier with a pencil skirt or some skinny black jeans and you’re ready for a hot summer night out.
Accessories: Not brave enough to add floral to the main menu? From Left to Right: Mary Katrantzou, Ashish and Peter Pilotto at London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2012 Well there are abundant *Image sourced from: fashionweek.hellomagazine.com ways to ease into it this trend, as well. Try using Say farewell to the winter blues with the intro- legs that extend into infinity, you can still get away a bright, floral patterned duction of bold, brightly colored floral prints for with the printed pants, skirt, shorts phenomenon. satchel or clutch, some cute summer 2012. However, if you’re worried about Depending on how brave you are, either go for floral wedges or flats or a a bright or subdued color to ease into the trend exactly how to bring them off the catwalk into vibrant silk scarf – it might and always pair with a plain top. everyday life, read on! just inspire you to take it a For a casual day look, pair with a plain tee. For step further! effortless chic or if your heading out, pair with a Bottoms: killer pair of heels and a sparkly top. One of the best things? You can even get away with wearing For those of us who don’t have supermodel 69
MOD | Summer 2012
YOUNG CREATIVES They’re the Ones to Watch! By: Ashlyn Hill go through to design?
Brandon: Deep thinking then construct-
ing.
MOD: How do you feel when people critique your work? Brandon: I feel okay, I guess. It’s really about how I feel about my work, since every garment I design is a piece of me; a piece of my mindset at the time; a piece of my heart. MOD: What was the first thing you ever designed? Brandon: A black leather and lace dress with an exposed spine.
“Indulge your lonely hearts with fashion and forever seek importance and inspiration” -Brandon Murphy
MOD: Tell me about yourself? Brandon: I’m just a guy who fell madly
in love with fashion, allowing it to grab hold of my heart and praying that it would never let go.
MOD: Why fashion design? Brandon: I design clothing because I
love seeing people feel beautiful. I love the visual arrogance a women gets when she puts on a gown I designed. MOD: What’s one thing you want to be known for? Brandon: My organic love for all things creative and beautiful.
MOD: You’re in such a competitive field how are you going to break into this world that some say is “saturated?” Brandon: Collaborating with and learning from the people that have paved the way for me. MOD: How do you find inspiration? Brandon: Sitting in dark rooms blasting
music - Going to galleries that focus on avant-garde art.
MOD: Describe the general process you
MOD: Do you prefer sketching designs or actually constructing them? Brandon: I prefer the whole process! I love the different stages leading to the complete product. I feel like it is something close to child birth, and seeing it walk down a runway is like a first birthday or some other monumental event in a human’s life. MOD: Who is your favorite designer/
artist/ Photographer? Brandon: I’m really inspired by Marc Jacobs’ story. As far as an artist, I love Jean Michel-Basquiat. Photographer, I would have to say Bruce Weber and Ahmad Barber.
MOD: What are your favorite blogs, websites, magazines? Brandon: I try not to read blogs or magazines I feel like they influence me too much as a designer. MOD: What and where was your best photo shoot? Brandon: In my apartment shooting with Ahmad Barber [for] BAD Dream FW/11. He is really an amazing photog rapher and working with him is like a magical experience.
Design is the search for a magical balance between business and art; art and craft; intuition and reason; concept and detail; playfulness and formality; client and designer; designer and printer; and printer and public. — Valerie Pettis
MOD: Tell us a little about yourself? Kathianna: I am a 21-year-old design
student studying to be a licensed interior designer. I love black and white photography and am sometimes claimed to be a free spirited hippie. I love to embrace the world the best I can with an open mind and inspire others to live life on their terms.
MOD: Why did you choose this field? Kathianna: I choose to be a designer be-
cause of its freedom. I can go into almost any field and leave my mark. Designing is fun, free and expressive. I love how my designs can help others enjoy life and expand their mind.
MOD: What’s one thing you want to be known for? Kathianna: I would like to be known as an innovator - A designer who takes calculated risks and executes them efficiently. Also for these risks to evoke a trend to inspire others. MOD: You’re in such a competitive field how are you going to break into this
world that some say is “saturated?” Kathianna: Well, the easiest way to break in is to jump in and show what you can do with confidence. There may always be someone that is considered “better” than you. It is all about how you plan to capture your audience and keep their attention.
tional material. Sometimes, I even find inspiration when I’m driving down the street. I see a colored wall and want to put a model in front of it.
MOD: Describe the general process you go through to take photos? Amie: For a fashion shoot: First, I research my idea by looking at photographers that have done similar shoots. Then, plan out the mood, lighting style, decide on location or studio shoot, model, clothes, accessories, etc. Then, schedule my model, hair and makeup and wardrobe [team]. I have to reserve a camera, studio bay, and equipment, then I put everything together and shoot it. Finally, I retouch the photos and print.
MOD: How do you find inspiration? Kathianna: My inspiration is usually
generated by images of nature, human geometry, art, my sketches and sometimes, short novels. Some snicker when I say novels, but in reality, reading a story paints an image in your head of what the author is trying to get across. And as a designer, [my] job is to create a physical environment that is truly creative and imaginative, same as an author.
MOD: Describe the general process you go through to design? Kathianna: Process, process, process! This is usually a mantra most designers live by great design has to have traveled through aggressive process and have been refined in order to get the grand product. MOD: How do you feel when people
critique your work? Kathianna: At first, defensive - then, grateful. It is a learning experience. When someone doesn’t have anything to say then maybe you didn’t take enough risks.
MOD: Who is your favorite designer/
artist?
Kathianna: My favorite architect is Zaha Hadid. Her work is truly beautiful and inspiring. MOD: What are your favorite blogs,
websites, magazines? Kathianna: ELLE Decor, Houzz, The Cool Hunter, Interior Design, HGTV, Architectural Records
MOD: Where do you see yourself in 5
years?
Kathianna: In five years, I see my career taking me abroad to do high-end retail stores and public art installations. MOD: Do you wish to exhibit your own
art show someday? Kathianna: Yes of course! Any designer would love to showcase their work to be appreciated. I’m not sure if it may be a physical exhibit, but something more technological, like projecting my space. I try to think out of the box so you will have to wait and see!
“I’m an all around friendly person, even my tongue can make a smiley face, no joke.” -Amie Brink
MOD: Tell me about yourself? Amie: I consider myself a well-rounded
and balanced person. I love people, and I’m a lover of beauty. My favorite food is the gluten-free lasagna that I make.
MOD: Why photography? Amie:I’ve always been drawn to taking
photographs since I was young. I would take pictures of everything and anything. It just seemed like the right path to take.
MOD: What’s one thing you want to be
known for? Amie: I want to be known for always doing the right thing and being a good person. I would love to be known for my beasty skills as a photographer but I feel that it’s more important to be known for the goodness you exude - with the plus that I can bang out some nice photos!
MOD: You’re in such a competitive field, how are you going to break into this world that some say is “saturated?” Amie: I follow my gut in whatever I do, so that drives my decisions. To me, it makes the most sense to network through friends and professors. I become friends with pretty much everyone I meet, and most of the time they have my back and send work my way. MOD: How do you find inspiration? Amie: Whenever I need inspiration, I
look to other artists and photographers and their work. From that, I find lighting styles or moods that I like and document the photos into my collection of inspira-
MOD: How do you feel when people critique your work? Amie: Critique might be my favorite part of the process. I need the input of my peers in order to create my best work. I need to know what looks good to everyone, not just me. I often send my work to my peers to get their opinions, even when I’m not in school. MOD: Who is your favorite designer/ artist/ photographer? Amie: Tom Munro, Patrick Demarchelier, and Richard Warren are up there on faves list. MOD: What are your favorite blogs, websites, magazines? Amie: I like small underground artist blogs like changethethought.com, and I love Cosmo because of the interesting sex tips. MOD: How do you go about picking the color scheme for your projects? Amie: I base it off of the mood that I am trying to evoke, or the season. MOD: Do you like still or action photos? Black/white? Colors? Why? Amie: I like my photographs to be still but suggest motion, and I seem to shoot more in color. Sometimes the color becomes the subject to my photographs. MOD: What and where was your best photo shoot? Amie: It’s hard to say what the best is, but I really enjoyed a collaborative shoot we did in my fashion photography class, in which we collaborated with the grad luxury marketing class. We all worked really well together and came up with really fantastic images - and some even better friends.