Hey everyone!
I'm a little behind schedule with the updates, so bear with! This next one is from November 7th.
So... this all came about rather by chance. Wing, a friend of mine, runs the Lazy Oaf Sales group on facebook, and is friends with one of the staff at the Lazy Oaf shop. Her connections ended up with her being asked to invite a bunch of people passionate about the brand to a V.I.P. launch of a new sub-label for the brand, called G.E.M.
I'm a little behind schedule with the updates, so bear with! This next one is from November 7th.
So... this all came about rather by chance. Wing, a friend of mine, runs the Lazy Oaf Sales group on facebook, and is friends with one of the staff at the Lazy Oaf shop. Her connections ended up with her being asked to invite a bunch of people passionate about the brand to a V.I.P. launch of a new sub-label for the brand, called G.E.M.
I could not have been more excited when I received my e-mail invitation, and set about planning to attend. I booked the day of work specially, so that I wouldn't have fatigue in the evening.
The event happened on a rainy Tuesday night at the Lazy Oaf shop in Carnaby, London.I ended up being one of the only people not wearing pastel pink! Why didn't I get the memo!? Mostly people were wearing super cute, fluffy looks, really going all out for the event. It was fun to see the details people added to their outfits, from handmade bunny ear hats, to customised Lazy Oaf pieces.
Outfit choice aside, this event was so fun and cute. We went down to the basement of the shop and Kunika, the cookie artist, had provided a bunch of special biscuits for everyone, and they tasted incredible-- so delicate and soft.
The downstairs had be re-decorated especially for the launch, with the walls painted a darling shade of pink, giving the whole space a warm, slightly surreal glow.
Outfit choice aside, this event was so fun and cute. We went down to the basement of the shop and Kunika, the cookie artist, had provided a bunch of special biscuits for everyone, and they tasted incredible-- so delicate and soft.
The downstairs had be re-decorated especially for the launch, with the walls painted a darling shade of pink, giving the whole space a warm, slightly surreal glow.
Everybody oohed and ahhed over the new collection, and we took turns trying pieces on, and commenting on who suited what! It was so much fun to chat with everyone so enthusiastically about fashion! Most unexpectedly, Gemma Shiel, the founder of Lazy Oaf herself, attended the launch! I found myself suddenly being offered a cold drink by her, and engaged in conversation with herself and Wing. She was super friendly and down to earth, seemingly almost still in awe that there were so many people out there loving and appreciating her brand.
I was so happy to get a picture with Gemma! (@gemmaoaf) My outfit was more punk-inspired. I have such a thing for stripes at the moment and wear that top far too much, haha. Gemma's look was so simple yet edgy and totally perfect on her.
I didn't end up buying anything in the end (though someone did spend an extended period of time trying to convince me, even calling other people over for back-up, to buy a cardigan. But it had no pockets so I ended up leaving it) but it was good to be there to see a new collection in person, and be part of such a fun, special evening. I think all the things that I would have liked to say to Gemma, and questions I would have liked to ask as an aspiring fashion designer more or less went out of the window... but that's life!
Top row: @cgiolo, @chantillic, @dodopotato, @rfrenchillustration, @charliejamison, @chocoreverie, @memz_x . Bottom row: @herajika, @reina_roo, @spiffykidd (or, you know, me).
After a couple of hours, the event began to wrap up, and while most people went off to Chinatown for food and Tuesday night shots, I had to head home. It ended up only taking an hour total from Chinatown to my bedroom, so I was very pleased!
I'm glad that I've been continuing to step out of my comfort zone this year. Even earlier in the year, this is something that would have made me so anxious and unsure of myself. By allowing myself to embrace these opportunities and take people up on their invitations, I've found myself experiencing things I never would have in the past. It's not quite over yet, but this has been such an incredible year, and I feel like I have a lot more happiness in my life!
Have any of you ever met someone who inspires you, be it a designer, artists, musician etc? Did you remember to ask any important "interviewer" questions? Or were you like me, and got too carried away chatting to them like an old friend? I'd love to hear about it!
Thanks for reading as ever, and see you next time ❤
