An Absolute Fashion Darling

Clic La Mode

2009-08-18T16:44:00.003+01:00

www.cliclamode.com is a networking forum that I have set up with James Lightbown. I have been very verbal on www.whoistesting.com for the last 4 years and with the WIT forum closing James and I decided it was somethingteh industry could not go without so came up with the concept of Clic La Mode.

At the moment it's just a forum but we have big plans for it (top secret at the moment). Clic is a networking site for professionals in the fashion, fashion photography and fashion marketing industries, from students through to working professional levels. So if you need a bit of advice or you've just seen the most inspiring picture get on the site and tell us all about it.

I'll keep you updated as the site progresses but even better why not join and give yoru 10 pence worth as this is a site for the industry and only works if people in the industry contribute. So get off your arse- stop posting on facebook and post on the forum.

Spaces Womens Gothic Shoot

2009-08-08T13:59:00.006+01:00

This is a shoot I worked on for fashion and lifestyle magazine Spaces. It was a womenswear story shot in a renovated church up in Manchester. The shoot was 4 double page spreads (DPS) and having to get a good ammount fo furniture in each shot as well as the fashion.

Photogrpaher was Tim McConville www.timmconville.com, hair and make up artist was Sarah Lee. Tim had mentioned to me that he wanted a feel of armoury and some unusual accessories so I got into touch witha fabulour accessories designer called Finch. He popped along for the day and bought some of the things hes been working on- he makes big bespoke pieces for editorial use. The shoulder piece is actually made of 300 spoon ends! Fab!

The clothing was from various brands including Ralph Lauren, Avsh Alom Gur, Paul & Joe amongst others.

Gossard S/S 2010 collection

2009-08-08T12:22:00.014+01:00

I shot the S/S 10 collection for Gossard earlier this year but have just had the images released so thought I'd whack them up here. Shooting for Gossard there was a huge ammount of prep- loads of preshoot meetings, this is the first season they have used a stylist for quite a while so I was really excited. They were after a tribal feel but still very commercial so the styling was to be subtle. So lots of jewellery - thank you very much to www.pebblelondon.com for all the beautiful jewellery.
Ok- credits; the photographer was John Oakley. Ian Chapel at The Message was managing the shoot working with the head of marketing at Gossard to get it just right for them. It was a three day shoot with lots of product to shoot. As always for lingerie big killer heels, jewellery and that was about it for styling. I did a little bit of set building - which you can see in the video but wasn't used so much in the edit.
Anyway, got some fabulous shots and have continued my world domination of the lingerie industry!

Banksy - Genius

2009-08-08T11:08:00.008+01:00

Ok, So this isn't really fashion however I love Banksy and find his work very inspiring. I love photography that can show a bit of irony, a bit of wit and charm which I think is a typically english trait and something we should embrace. As an artist Bansky is the epitome of those qualities. His work is also faultless,
which makes his work so easy to look at and almost goes unnoticed, but he is an artist and an incredibly talented one at that.
I used to work in Ladbroke Grove- many years ago now (and before Banksy was a household name), I can remember one of Banksys art pieces turning up just by the bridge by Kensal Rise- two policeman having a snog. The first time I saw it I actually laughed out loud. I stood there for a few minutes smiling and thinking what the fuck! Everyone in the office had an opinion on it- most people loved it but sadly the local council decided it was inappropriate and it was gone within a few days. Personally, I would far rather see pieces of art around the city than a plain painted wall. I love it- walking around London and you can find little gems of art that actually makes your day when you see it. It makes you open your eyes and look at whats around you and if you do, you might be lucky enough to see one of Banksys pieces.
It is unquestionable that Banksy is cool. In fact he is the sort of bloke that from his work I know I would love to hang out down the pub putting the world to rights. His art is poignant and his politcal messages are very inkeeping with the general feeling of society. I think perhaps it would pay the government to go and have a look at his exhibition and perhaps they will get a true insight into how the general public feel about the world. Banksy portrays an element of hope in all his work- a positivity that beams from his graffitti which is a rare and wonderful message. A graffitti terrorist is some peoples views, but an artist that makes me smile everytime I see his work in mine.
Banksy currently has an exhibition on at the Bristol Museum and I would suggest if you only make it to one exhibition this year- make it this one. The man is a modern day genius and whether you are young or old I think everyone will enjoy this exhibition. And, just like seeing Banksys work around the streets its free! It runs to the end of August. http://www.banksy.co.uk/

2009-07-02T21:12:00.004+01:00

Eye Candy is a mag I shot for last year but the issue has just come out. So I thought I'd show you some of the pics.
Photographer was James Lightbown www.jameslightbown.co.uk make up was the amazing Carol Brown www.carol-brown.co.uk and hair by the lovely boys at GregoryDean www.gregorydean.co.uk. The story was black on black, shot in a studio and then illustrated.
Product varied from Vivienne Westwood, Hannah Marshall (who is from My home town so have to give as much support to as possible but is also an incredibly talented designer), Bernard Chandran, Matthew Williamson, Erikson Beamon and E.G.(another supremely talented up and coming designer) amongst others.

Chanel ad/Baz Luhrmann cont

2009-07-02T20:54:00.005+01:00

As I've been looking at my post about Moulin Rouge I remembered the Chanel advert with Nicole Kidman directed by Baz Luhrman and featuring the most amazing Chanel dress- it alledgedly cost 42 gazillion (ok million) dollars to make (the ad not the dress). Ok I don't really get the whole ad- but the dress is stunning and makes me drool every time I watch it.
How does she get in a cab in that dress that quickly? You'd need someone stuffing it in after you....

2009-07-02T20:16:00.006+01:00

Ok Moulin Rouge by Baz Luhrmann has to be my alltime favourite film. It blows me away every time I watch it, the costumes, the set builds and the performances are all faultless. Baz Luhrman is in my mind an absolute genius, he is on a parr with Tim Burton for creating visual extravaganzas and continues to take my breath away.

Moulin Rouge is such an inspiring film for me as a lingerie designer and as a stylist. Every asect of the styling is impecable and something I continue to aspire to.

Some lovely chap has been kind enough to do a little montage of the costumes of Satine- which are stunning- so enjoy...

Other films well worth seing by Mr Lurhmann are Romeo and Juliet, and Australia- all visual epics and well worth watching.

Lady Marmalade - Delicious styling

2009-07-02T19:52:00.002+01:00

This video is so beautfully styled I continue to find it an inspiration. The film Moulin Rouge for which this is the soundtrack deserves its own post ( which I'll get round to at some point) as I must have watched it about 50 times. Burlesque at its best.

Spaces Magazine

2009-06-02T18:23:00.007+01:00

Up in Manchester again shooting with Tim McConville. I love Tim but its also really funny watching him stress out a bit! The shoot was for Spaces Magazine- menswear and homewear. We were shooting a in a tiny hotel room so was a bit cramped.

And its not very often I perv over the male models- but he was lovely! Mix of product from Matches, including Burberry, Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, also some Paul and Joe. I don't shoot menswear that often, but always a nice change when you do. It's always a bit more laid back as well so you can have a bit of a laugh.

Sweet Charity- dance scene

2009-05-15T23:35:00.004+01:00

This is one of the most amazing dance routines in all time- great styling- great film- they don't make them like that anymore!

Paying for sample loans

2009-05-15T23:03:00.001+01:00

I've been working on a big job at the moment- an ad campaign so limited credits to be given.

I've never personally experienced new designers charging to borrow samples before, but have had two relatively new designers try to charge me per day per garment. Budgets being what they are and a three day shoot this was no way possible for me, but I was also really surprised as I haven't come across this before.

I obviously told them there was no budget for this and they both dropped their fees but I'm just wondering if other designers do this and how on earth does anyone afford this type of shoot. I know its a case of they probably feel the shoot isnt that beneficial to the designers however this sounds steep to me for small new designers.

I know established big name designers charge 10% of the product cost per day, but never from smaller designers. Is this becoming more common and does anyone actually pay this when budgets are being cut so drastically?

T mobile ad- Liverpool Street

2009-05-15T22:21:00.004+01:00

I love this advert- makes me smile everytime- so here's how they did it and the full version. I know quite a few of the dancers and they worked bloody hard on this-but well worth it I think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVFNM8f9WnI

Hair and Beauty shoot- Richard Harvey

2009-05-15T22:06:00.007+01:00

A last minute photoshoot with Photograpaher Richard Harvey, I literally got a call on a Friday afternoon asking if I was free that Sunday. I was working on the Saturday so no time for any prep whatsoever, so I rocked up with my kit and basically had a play, really pleased with the final shots. Beautiful shots. And a great team to work with. The lovely Carol Brown did an awesome job of make up and the hair is absolutely fantastic.

Gossard Harrogate Lingerie Show

2009-05-15T21:55:00.008+01:00

I have worked at the Harrogate Lingerie Show (the UK’s biggest trade show for lingerie) for the last 7 years in various formats, from being a designer showing product, stand dressing, to producing the catwalk show. This is the first season for 2 years that I haven’t worked on the catwalk show, so I was thinking I wouldn’t head up there this February. I was then put in touch with Gossard http://www.gossard.com/ who I have known for a few years, who were looking for someone to dress their stand. I love doing this sort of stuff as it takes me back to my days in VM. I’d had several meetings with the client about what they wanted so had a clear idea of what I was doing. Had done techie sketches and I’d prepped as much as I could and had sourced flowers, vases, fabric, mdf, paint – you name it I’d found it.
I had two days to put the stand together and had the team from Gossard giving me a hand. I arrived on the Friday- possibly the only girl in the building working with very testosterone fuelled contractors so had a low neck top in so I could ask for favors where needed ( which I had to do within two minutes of being there). The Friday was horrific with the stand measurements coming up smaller than they were meant to so all my measurements were out so I was onsite with a band-saw cutting down my mdf to size. Up and down stepladders I was stressed, my body was aching and really was wondering if I’d manage to get it all done. I’d been pleating fabric for hours and my hands were sore from my staple gun. I left a little deflated but tried to clear my head ready for the Saturday. Luckily the Saturday went really smoothly and a slightly new approach and bigger screws made all the difference. I started at half 7 and finished around 9pm just tidying up and putting the finishing touches to the stand. It looked great and the client was thrilled so worth all the hard work in the end. However I am quite happy to never staple in a pleat ever again! I was offered a job by the burly contractors so I know if all else fails me can go and work with them!

Beyonce

2009-05-15T21:42:00.004+01:00

Absolutely awesome choreography!

And yes one of the backing dancers is a guy!

Etailer of the Year Awards- Emap

2009-05-15T21:15:00.011+01:00

I have worked for Emap before producing catwalk shows for award ceremonies- I did the Jewelry of the year awards last year, and this was the first show of the year for them. The production company Rah productions were producing the event http://www.rahproductions.co.uk/ with the staging/lighting by http://www.congobluedesign.com/ I work for Rah a lot on catwalk shows and events so have a really nice relationship with them and Paul Swaby who is the show director and choreographer. Paul’s been in the industry since time began, having worked as a model for years and now producing shows and events. Sarah Amos was choreographer for this event and did an amazing job. Congo Blue are one of the industry leaders and I love working with them, Ben Teale and his gang are a great team to work with produce amazing stages for events such as Clothes show live to concerts to small intimate shows. The event was held at Sketch http://www.sketch.uk .com just off Regent Street which if you have never been you MUST go, it’s amazing, absolutely stunning location and the pod toilets are awesome (although I found them a bit claustrophobic), it’s work going for a pot of tea and a cake during the day or indulge yourself for dinner in the evening (just make sure someone else is footing the bill). Anyway my job for this event was dressing dancers and models for a performance of dance and also a catwalk show and award presentation. The theme for the performance was inspired by Cirque de Soliel meeting Tim Burton, so black and white, a little quirky but still allowing the dancers to move freely. All on a tight budget! It’s amazing what you can do with a glue gun and a few feathers! The catwalk show was showcasing the award nominations, so product varied from http://www.yoox.com/ to http://www.www.asos.com/ to http://www.newlook.co.uk/ the show closed with all 10 models representing the winners again back into performance outfits – so circus inspired, I was inspired by the Britney Spears video Circus for this. Office supplied shoes for the event (had some amazing 6 inch heels which I have no idea how the models and dancers walked in.

Rehearsals were a nightmare as it was running much quicker than the event would run so I was in a mad panic- I was meant to be giving up smoking on this day and ended up smoking 10 cigs at a time! I had dressers from the London college of Fashion who all did an amazing job, and the actual show went really well, it was manic backstage but when isn’t it? The gorgeous make up was done by the incredible Lan Nyugen http://www.lan-makeup.com/ whose about to release her first book. I finally finished at around midnight so it was long day (had started about 9am).
The show made a two page spread in Drapers Record amongst other press and had amazing feedback.

Blue Bella Lingerie Photoshoot

2009-05-15T20:54:00.015+01:00

Bluebella Lingerie is a relatively new lingerie brand. You can visit the website at http://www.blue-bella.com/ This is the second time I have shot for Bluebella, the team was made up by the wonderful photographer James Lightbown and the lovely model Laura. James and I have worked together loads of times so we have an amazing relationship, we have a riot working together and my stomach muscles are generally aching by the end of shooting from laughing so much. We were shooting in Manchester at James’s huge house and all staying there so we could have a real team bonding session.

Styling for lingerie can be quite difficult, I love heavily styled shoots but this isn’t always appropriate for the clients so its fine balance of less is more. So for bluebella we were going for a simple understated look, very commercial. So simple accessories, killer heels (killer heels give a better arse shape so essential for lingerie) and understated background. The shoot had to work with the last collection so it had to be shot sympathetically to the last collection.

The shots varied from pretty ranges through to saucy dress up ranges for Bluebellas naughty collection. You can see some of the back stage shots and the finished images here or visit the bluebella website to see and order pieces. Bluebella also sell some adult toys so you can also see so there are some still life shots of rabbits and all sorts of contraptions that I claim to have no idea on what they are used for!!!

Some of the backstage snaps!

To start with- blurb about me

2009-05-15T20:03:00.002+01:00

Hi and welcome to my blog.

Being an absolute technophobe I may get this right or I may get this very, very wrong. I’ve had several people ask me to start a blog for several reasons, I have quite an interesting job and am always flying all over the place at the speed of a small fighter jet and my friends family and colleagues find it very difficult to keep up with what I’m doing so rather than one line on twitter or occasional posts on facebook, here you can see what I’ve been up to and what I’m working on and where in the world I’ve been working.

I get contacted by a lot of students so I offer a bit of advice, my thoughts and general waffle from what inspires me to my political views. Hopefully you’ll enjoy my pearls of wisdom and keep coming back, and if you have something specific you’d like me to waffle on about please let me know and I’ll do my best to satisfy you.

So a little about me. I’m a freelance stylist and design consultant. I studied fashion at Uni, specializing in fashion development. I graduated back in 1999, I did a few work placements and worked in retail and visual merchandising for a while and then managed to get my first job as designer for a lingerie company, I stayed there for 5 years and worked my way up to senior designer. After getting increasingly frustrated by the design vs costing issue I found myself moving into styling. It was never a considered move, I just kind of fell into it, so 3 years ago I braved the world as a freelancer. Luckily I have been able to build up a good clientèle and work with some amazing people and find myself working on some amazing jobs, some more bread and butter jobs and some down right weird jobs. However, I love it all and consider myself privileged to have such an amazing career. You can view my website at www.cat-watson.com

I’m also social secretary of www.whoistesting.com which is an amazing website for creatives starting out in the fashion photography industry so I would strongly advise taking a look for some solid advice and join the fabulous community on the forum for support and ask those questions you feel a bit stupid asking but really need to know the answers to.

So thats a basic profile of me.

Hope you enjoy my blog!

Cat
xxx