Work Experience at River Island

I am currently just over half way through my two week buying placement at River Island Head Office (Westgate) and I am really enjoying my time with the company. I am working on the mini kids department which is really exciting as the department is only one year old meaning that we can experiment with styles and try out new patterns and fabrics as it lacks the long lying history that other departments such as womenswear have (e.g. yearly bestsellers)

During my placement I have been learning the daily tasks of a Buying Clerk; I have attended fittings in which we try out our samples on a mannequin to see how they fit. Being on a children's department also means we need to be extremely aware of safety precautions such as pockets and draw strings (on hoodies etc) being non functional.

I have also been monitoring and updating my critical path which helps you keep up to date with when products are being shipped, delivered and so on.

The fast paced environment of River Island has meant that every day is different, which makes the job more exciting.

First Look: Kendall and Kylie Jenner for Topshop

The Kendall and Kylie Jenner range exclusively for Topshop dropped earlier this week (Wednesday, 3rd June) and has already practically sold out online. The range, predominantly featuring crop tops and lots of florals has been designed by the girls in hope to create a range for young girls but also to reflect their own personal styles. 

"When working on the inspiration, we very much wanted to capture the essence of our own lifestyles and create pieces that would fit perfectly into our wardrobes," Kendall and Kylie said in a statement. "We hope you have as much fun wearing the collection as we did designing it!"

Whilst attending their launch the girls both looked incredible debuting looks directly from their collection. Kendall opted for sheer & cropped wide leg trousers whilst Kylie mirrored one of Kim's signature looks; tight bodycon midi with gladiator heels. 

The collection is priced at usual Topshop retail prices ranging from £28-£80. Below I have picked out some of my favourite pieces:

Floral Tie Playsuit, £45.00

Tailored Duster Coat, £80.00

Palazzo Trousers, £40.00

(Worn by Kendall at the launch) 

Whilst the collection does have some nice pieces for Summer, I feel it lacked the WOW factor after such a build up. What do you think of the Jenner:Topshop collab? 

The CFDA Fashion Awards

The CFDA Fashion Awards aims to recognise design excellence across the entirity of the industry. Every year the event is exceptional: a celebrity event attended by the likes of Anna Winter, Kim Kardashian and Chrissy Teigen. This year saw some new and reoccurring winners. For women’s wear the winners were Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen for The Row and for mens wear the winner was no other then Tom Ford. On the accessory side of things, Tabitha Simmons won.The value of winning a CFDA award is recognised in the fashion industry. Winning a CFDA award has helped the likes of designers like Zac Posen and Marc Jacobs gain more exposure and attention in the industry. For the Olsen twins, this is not their first time winning an award; they previously won in the same category in 2012, and 2014 they won the award for accessory design. The twins seems to have become a fan favourite of the CFDA. The award has come at the perfect time for the twins, as they prepare to launch their first store in NYC later this year.

This year's CFDA awards were critiqued for seeming a bit too repetitive and predictable. Every designer in the women's wear category (Mary Kate and Ashley, Michael Kors, Joseph Altuzarra, Marc Jacobs, and Jack McCollough and Lazara Hernandez of Proenza Schouler) have won the award at least once. 

The style icon award this year went to music producer and singer, Pharell Williams, who still refutes his status as a style icon, saying, "I’m not a style icon. I’m just inspired. I am other, and I am O.K. with that." Despite its critics who say the event has become too predictable, it's still quite an impressive event and a major part of the fashion calendar.