Brighton Fashion Week 2012 - The Brighton Frocks show

Alice Parsons took in the first show at the 2012 Brighton Fashion Week:

The 2012 Brighton Fashion Week ‘Catwalk show’ at All Saints Church, Hove, had all the pre-show excitement, anticipation and awesome looking guests of previous years. Also the same lengthy queue for the bar (allowing more time for outfit perving). And the promise of an entire week’s worth of fashion to follow.

I had the great fortune of being seated on the front row, close enough to the catwalk to see every sequin and goose pimple. Also possibly close enough to be blinded by the whirlwind of an opener that was Celia Arias designs. A display of outlandish characters took to the catwalk. An evil puppet mistress steered a sumptuous Japanese puppet into view. They were followed by a cautious gollum sporting a skull and plastic aeroplane helmet, who checked his surroundings before beckoning a shy green monster onto the stage in Little Sister, Big Daddy style.

Latex was next, Lucky Dame showcased a collection of naughty, nude and pastel colored dresses led on by stunning BFW model Tess Georgia Dimos (pictured below). Despite latex’s saucy vibe, the outfits still had something cute about them, although along with Arias' creations perhaps fall into the not so wearable on a daytime/public spaces basis.

Frantic About Frances followed. The range of vintage style boudoir underwear is glamorous enough to get the sailors wolf-whistling whilst still looking pretty damn comfy. At this point my neighbour turned to me and asked ‘Are the gussets big enough?’ to which I replied ‘Yes, I think they are’, a special moment and a rarity in modern underwear, I’m sure some will agree.  It was also brilliant fun getting into the vintage spirit with a burlesque striptease and union jack waving.

Aneta Mackonyte’s ‘Rainbow Warriors’ are influenced by Tibetan, Mayan and Incan mythology. ‘I am trying to unite my own knowledge and emotions by mixing fantasy and the everyday in a child-like way.’ Mackonyte explains. Happy models, wearing relaxed chunky layers echoed her message. Clashes of tribal prints, bright woven fabrics, bear hats and knotted prayer flags would be great for snugly winter outfits.

Other highlights included feisty punks at Charles of London and Flash Gordon futurism at Shara Haze. The hairy zombie men clawing at us from the catwalk were also a big hit. Student and BFW fan Astrid Harbour commented, ‘What Jylle Navarro created with a pair of knitting needles was absolutely extraordinary’. My only complaint of the evening being the large number of lollipops carried throughout the show and the slightly abrupt ending after the final designer.

This year the models were stronger than ever. Local beauties (stand outs including Ellis Anthony, Desiree Laidler and Liv), many modelling for the first time and doing a spectacular job, were supported by the talented backstage crew as returning BFW model Dimos explains. "A team of hardworking individuals backstage power through the hours to perfect the look on the already very beautiful models. Make-up artists, hair stylists, dressers and designers were all working round the clock to get the models out and ready on time. Backstage madness is always worth it in the end; the models graced the catwalk in their stunning garments. Brighton Fashion Week has done it once again and put on a show to remember."

I quite agree.

BFW takes place every year in May. For more information visit: http://www.brightonfashionweek.com/
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Review by Alice Parsons. Photos courtesy of Theresa Power and Brighton Fashion Week.

Tess Georgia Dimos interviews Bobby Six!

Bobby Townsend, the, ahem, brains behind Bobbysix.com, is used to being the man asking the questions. Sometimes though, like here, he becomes the interviewee, where he stutters and stumbles his way through the simplest of questions. This week, he was interviewed by the delightful Tess Georgia Dimos (above, who he interviewed earlier in the year) about his experiences talking to models. Here's a snippet:

Hey Bobby ! So, you have interviewed quite a few models over the past year or so, is it a pleasant experience speaking to a model? 

I first started interviewing models as I was very keen to feature a more eclectic bunch of people on my blog, rather than just bands. So I spoke to some writers, artists, film-makers, models, etc. The model interviews always got the most views, so I was obviously keen to feature more. As I started doing more interviews with them, I found that the quality of answer was invariably very good. At first, I couldn’t really work out why these interviews always went so well, but then I realised that, often, models don’t really get the chance to air their voice. They are just treated as glorified clothes horses, bossed around and not always shown much respect. So, when someone actually makes the effort to say, “Tell me about yourself, I’m really interested in what you have to say,” they are happy to take the opportunity to show that they are more than two-dimensional characters. The thing that often comes across is how much more to their lives there is than modelling. The generally accepted idea that models are vacuous is completely unrepresentative, in my opinion. The vast majority of models are intelligent, friendly and endearing.

You can read the full interview here. 

Getting To Know... Fanny Quest

Fanny Quest is the first person to star in one of Bobbysix.com's promotional videos. You can see the result of our video shoot below. First though, read our interview with the Brighton-based German model:

I started modelling after somebody came up to me at a party in Germany and asked me if I was interested in it. I went for a test shoot the next day and it went well, so that's how it began. After I finished school, I didn't really know what I wanted to study. I decided that, before I ended up studying something that I didn't really like, I should come to England to get life experience. When I moved to Brighton, I went to the casting for Brighton Fashion Week. It was a really great opportunity and one of the best experiences of my life.

I see modelling like art. It's not just a picture on paper but should really represent a person. I think I'm a very happy and friendly person and I try to bring that across.

I would really like to travel all over the world. I want to stay in England at first and, if modelling works out, I'd love to go to New York for a while because I've heard it's an amazing place. I think being in Paris must be nice. There's so much stuff you need to see in your life, to get to know what you really like.

Aside from modelling, I'd like to do something with media and communication. I would like to be a presenter because I love to talk - I am very talkative and open to people. But if this doesn't work, I would love to have my own bakery. My passion is baking, cooking and presenting food.

I'm currently listening to lots of jazz. I love jazz. And old music like The Beatles. Happy music. I don't like commercial stuff like Lady Gaga.

I absolutely love Brighton. Everybody is how they want to be. They are enjoying their lives and a lot of people are trying to live their dreams. Everyone is respectful. People don't have preconceptions and they get to know you before they make decisions about you. It's really nice and it isn't like, just because you are young and blond, you are stupid or something. People give you the opportunity to show them how you really are.

I had fun making the video for Bobbysix.com. It is always interesting to get to know what you can do. You just need to be a bit confident. Before you try it, you don't know if you can do it well or not, so it was good, because now I know. It's always important to learn new things and to be open.

You've read the interview and seen the pictures, now check out the video Fanny starred in, exclusively for Bobbysix.com:

Interview and video by Bobby Townsend.

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EatonNott launches design boutique and studio

 
On Saturday evening, Bobbysix.com was fortunate enough to attend the launch of EatonNott, an interior design boutique and studio in Brighton that caters for those who seek the unusual, desirable and bizarre.

The studio is a collaborative project between two artists, Jess Eaton and Jon Nott, who source and create a range of treats such as an intricately carved horse skull center-piece, skulls and skeletons, industrial furnishings, unusual antiques and general oddities. Of course, one of the highlights is Eaton's highly acclaimed 'Roadkill Couture' collection that we raved about during Brighton Fashion Week.

The launch featured models (such as the delightful Jocasta Aliix, above) wearing some of the Roadkill items and DJs spinning tunes, while guests nibbled typically unusual treats (such as locusts) and sipped the specially brewed - and very tasty - Gothic Ale while perusing the amazing range of weird and wonderful goodies on display.
 

We strongly advise you to see the place with your own eyes. EatonNott is based at 26 Preston Road in Brighton, so head down there to check out the beguiling juxtaposition of the beautifully ornate with the devilishly macabre. If you aren't local to the South of England, then have a look at the brand new online site here.

You can remind yourself of Jess Eaton's Roadkill Couture collection by revisiting our review of the Brighton Fashion Week Couture show. Also, you can stay up to date with everything EatonNott has got going on by liking their facebook page. Keep an eye on Bobbysix.com for load of photos from the launch and after-party. For now though, here are a couple of shots courtesy of Sarah Costello (the first of which features Nott and Eaton, with models Yasmin S Motovalli and Jocasta.

 

Getting To Know... Tess Georgia Dimos

As well as being a finalist for the upcoming Sussex Model of the Year Award 2011, Tess Georgia Dimos is an all-round lovely human-being. So we thought you'd want to learn a little about her. Here goes:

Modelling is not what I expected it to be. When I first started getting into modelling seriously with catwalk shows and photoshoots, I expected all the models to be competitive and bitchy, just like they are portrayed to be... Designers to shout at size four girls telling them they are too fat and photographers to come-on to any female model that walks in front of their lens. I'm pleased to say that nine times out of ten this isn't the case. Modelling is what I'd call the perfect job; not for all the clichéd reasons of getting made-up to look pretty and perfect. I have gotten to meet the most talented, artistic and humble people. Modelling has opened so many doors for me and my mind; I couldn't be more grateful. I have made lifelong friends, been lucky enough to have seen some beautiful places and, of course, had the most fun ever these past two years.

I am half-Greek. I lived in Ilioupoli, Athens until I was nine years old. I love the culture, speak the language fluently and adore my Greek family and friends, as they are all very open and close. Everyone is aware of each others feelings. If there was any bad feeling it would be resolved quickly and I love that - unlike my English family who would keep their problems to themselves and deal with it. I think that's very unhealthy.

Aside from my modelling work, I dream. A lot. I dream about the future and make up little scenarios in my mind. This is going to sound very 'Miss Universe' but helping and saving animals is something I've always been passionate about and I wish I could do it fully. Since a very young age I helped raise money for various different animal charities, including helping the working donkeys in Egypt. I used to raise money through organizing cake sales at school and sending money off to various animal charities monthly. I dream that one day I'll have my own charity and help make a difference, as an animal is defenseless when it comes face-to-face with a human. Something I'd also love to do when I'm older is open my own nightclub, or a nice beach bar, in Greece.

I am currently listening to The Black Keys, 22-20's, Broken Bells, Muse (old stuff), Bob Marley, Radiohead and Pyx Lax (Greek Rock band).

I'm really inspired by art and music. My mother is an artist and growing up beside her work has played a huge part in what I've become today. I see beauty in a different way. My mother captured moments and just painted them. Even if the object she was painting wouldn't cross your mind as 'beautiful' if you saw it in front of you, in a picture or a painting it can look stunning and change the way you viewed that object originally. Music, also, is something I simply couldn't live without, I love listening to sad songs - music that has meaning and moves you from the inside.

It might surprise people to learn that I used to be a huge stamp collector and that I still flick through my collection occasionally! Maybe that's something I shouldn't admit.

In the future I want to be successful, still smile at the little things in life and always be grateful for the life I've had. I always go by this Leonardo da Vinci quote: "As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so life well used brings happy death."

Tess is represented by www.motmodel.com and www.freshagents.co.uk. Why not check her out as the face for the Ophelia Fancy Out Of Control collection, and have a squizz of some of her other work with uber-talented photographer, Kevin Mason. Also, you can keep up to date with all the good stuff she has got going on by following her on Twitter.

Interview by Robert Townsend.
Why not follow Bobbysix.com on facebook for more interviews such as this?

Brighton Fashion Week - The Video

Okay, so I'm a writer by trade, but I've always fancied myself as a bit of a movie maker. While the less that is said about the "comedy" short I wrote and directed when I was at college the better (choice bit of dialogue from this film:"Oh my God, his willy's hanging out"), I am pretty proud to have co-directed this music clip of my friend being slapped repeatedly round the face in a car park (watch it, it's better than it sounds), and also to have appeared in this one.

Anyhoo, to the point. In amongst reviewing, photographing, interviewing and generally schmoozing with the beautiful people at Brighton Fashion Week, I also managed to shoot a bit of footage, which I have rather crudely pieced together and set to music. It's hardly Oscar-worthy, but it'll give you a taste of what this year's event was like. And, basically, it means you can spend the next five minutes looking at pretty people. And everyone likes pretty people. Check it below:

Words, pictures and video footage by Rob Townsend.
For more music, video and fashion, follow Bobbysix.com on Facebook.

Brighton Fashion Week - Introducing Tanja Stöcklin

 
As part of our Brighton Fashion Week coverage, Bobbysix.com chats to one of this year's rising stars:


“It was never my plan to do this.” 

On a blazing hot June afternoon, Brighton’s Corn Exchange is buzzing and bustling as the biggest and best Brighton Fashion Week to date approaches its finish line. In the courtyard outside stands Tanja Stöcklin. She has been at the venue since 6am, is sore of throat and clearly a little weary, yet there is still a sparkle in her eyes as she lets go an infectious smile. There have been many people for whom the week has been a triumph - designers, organisers, stylists, models - but if you are looking for the star of this year's BFW, then, in Bobbysix’s opinion, you need look no further than the 21-year-old from Switzerland.

When I suggest this to her, she accepts my praise with humility, and tells me that her modelling came about entirely by accident. “I was actually supposed to be an assistant stylist,” she recalls. “I just wrote an email to the head stylist and asked if I could help. She said I could. I went to a photoshoot to assist and a model was missing. They asked me if I wanted to be the model, so I did it, and then they asked me if I wanted to walk as well.”

And so began the would-be assistant stylist’s prominent role in the 2011 Brighton Fashion Week. “One of the my highlights was the Couture Show, especially the dress I was wearing for Alexei Izmaylov. It was a beautiful, really big dress and it felt really good to walk in. It was very playful. Also, I walked on a theatrical show for Former Glory. I was a zombie, which was fun.” However, her involvement in proceedings weren’t to start and end with modelling. “I also became the assistant producer for the War Child charity gig at the Concorde 2, so in the end, I did a bit of everything.”

Just as it has been for everyone involved with BFW, it’s been a long, busy week for Tanja. With all models giving up their time voluntarily and trying to juggle between fashion events and their day-to-day lives, late nights have invariably blurred into early mornings. But with such long working hours and hard work come feelings of satisfaction and achievement as reputations are carved and lifelong friendships are founded. Judging by the number of people that give Tanja a hug and a hello during the time I am in her company, it is clear that her dedication and generous spirit have resulted in her being held in high regard by peers and colleagues. And deservedly so. Indeed, the next evening, at the official wrap party, Director Lizzy Bishop would make a point of including Tanja in her list of thanks. 

Such love is reciprocated. “I think it’s brilliant,” she says when talk turns to Brighton Fashion Week’s role in the grand scheme of things. “It’s a good place to start, even as a model because I met quite a few people who did Brighton Fashion Week last year and they got scouted and did London Fashion Week afterwards. They say Brighton is a little London and I agree with that but the difference with this Fashion Show is you can see that Brighton is very alternative; for instance, the Jess Eaton collection. Also, the models don’t have to be, like, super skinny and a size six. There are more interesting, curvy women, which I think is good.” She pauses briefly, before adding. “They say beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, which I think is quite nice.”

During our conversation in the Brighton sunshine, Stöcklin remains constantly engaging. Her words are considered, intelligent and delivered with a soft Swiss accent while accompanied by gesticulation and a smile that could melt the coldest of hearts. We talk of her move to England a couple of years ago (“I just came over on a gap year. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do.”) and of how, when she was younger, she seemed more destined to be a footballer than a model. Having played to a high standard in her home country, she still has the skills to pay the bills. “I was at a party recently and it was a bit boring, so I found a football and was just on my own, doing keep-ups.” While this anecdote makes me lament the fact that I have never chanced upon a pretty lady with awesome dress-sense and a sick haircut entertaining herself by effortlessly juggling a ball between her left and right foot at a party, it also illustrates that Tanja Stöcklin is not your archetypal twenty-something. And anyone who would rather kick a ball around on their own than throw booze indiscriminately down their throat is okay by us.

After we make tentative plans for a kick-about in the near future, it is time for Tanja to head backstage to prepare for the penultimate catwalk show. In contrast to the looming horizon for the 2011 Brighton Fashion Week, there is no doubt that things are just getting started for Stöcklin. “I got scouted,” she tells me as we talk of what was to come next for her. While clearly flattered by the offer to sign with a modelling agency, it is not a decision that she was ever going to take lightly. “I’m a merchandiser for Zara and I am doing an Art and Design Foundation course, so I’m just really busy in general,” she says, while later explaining to us that, in the future, she has aspirations to run her own vintage clothing store.

“I think studying is probably more important than modelling,” she suggests. But she delivers this clearly genuine sentiment with a cheeky look in her eye that that suggests an assault on the modelling world actually rather appeals to this hard-studying, hard-working former tomboy. “I mean, I never thought that modelling would be something for me but after this week I realised that it is actually something I really enjoy. I still think my education should have priority, but I'm sure there will be some time for modelling next to school.”

There is a brightness of character about Tanja Stöcklin that suggests, whichever direction she chooses to head, she will make a huge success of it. Considering the positive impact she had on Brighton Fashion Week, it seems that modelling might indeed be a road worth venturing down. “I might accept the contract,” she says, once again giving off that winning smile. "Why not? It could be fun.”

Interview by Rob Townsend.  

Enjoyed what you read? Why not Vote for Tanja as the Face of Brighton 2012 at the Brighton Fashion Week website. 

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Brighton Fashion Week - Roadkill Couture Wows Crowd!

Following the Success of Thursday's Brighton Frocks show at St Martin's Church, Brighton Fashion Week returned to the same venue the following night for the Couture show. While it's hard to believe any more punters could squeeze into the venue, it seemed there was an even bigger crowd in attendance than for the packed-out Frocks show, and it was standing-room-only by the time the first model set foot on the catwalk at 8.30pm.

The Frocks offering was always going to be a hard act to follow and the first-half of the Couture show - while oozing elegance and style - lacked that dangerous, edgy, outlandish element that made the night before so exciting. However, that changed when, soon after the interval, Jess Eaton's Roadkill Couture collection absolutely blew the roof off.

Jess Eaton makes her pieces from animals that have died naturally or been killed for food. She's not out to shock, but rather wants to push recycling to the limit and make an increasingly wasteful world think about the nature of sustainability. If animals are being killed to stick in our mouths, shouldn't we at least put their skin and bones to use too? And not only does she put them to use, she creates things of pure beauty.

Amongst her amazing collection, she boasts a belt built from Marks & Spencer spare rib bones, a fascinator fashioned from rat skulls and a hat made from magpie wings. To reiterate, this wasn't even slightly about shocking the audience with gimmicks - there wasn't a ham-fisted Lady Gaga meat dress in sight - but rather was beautifully crafted and perfectly judged. It deserved the ovation it received.

  
For more examples of Jess' strange yet beautiful work, as well as other designers' collections and yet more backstage craziness, check out our Facebook album. While you're there, why not Like us, and we'll keep you hella up to date with all the other BFW stuff we've got going on, as well as the latest music news, reviews and interviews from around the world. And yes, you read it right, we did use the word "hella". 

Words and pictures by Rob Townsend
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Update: here is Jess' statement of intent, to add a bit of context to the above:

Brighton Fashion Week - Brighton Frocks Show

The Brighton Frocks show is always the beating heart of Brighton Fashion Week and, with designers Charlotte Appleby, Afton Ayache, Former Glory, Briar Rose Kelleher, Katie Newsam, Bugsy Pants, Sarina Poppy, I. Am. Ralph, Red Mutha and Joy Williams all showing their wares, it was no surprise to see a long queue snaking from the grand old St Martin's Church long before the doors opened. Upon entry, the glitterati of the fashion scene effortlessly offered their best Blue Steel to the snapping paps, air-kissed acquaintances and sipped wine while they excitedly waited for the show to get under way.

Backstage couldn't have offered more of a contrast to the relaxed vibe in the main auditorium. Anyone who has ever stepped behind the curtain of a fashion show will know the score. It's barely controlled carnage back there. An explosion of colour and a blur of movement. Boobs, bums, abs and hair everywhere as male and female models dash around the cramped room frantically trying to ready themselves. A fug of hairspray fills the atmosphere. Everybody is in somebody's way as they try to keep to the tightest schedule. Were the uninitiated to accidentally venture into this madness, they would never believe that proceedings would kick-off on time. But this is par for the course with a catwalk event, and the show does indeed go on, perfectly on schedule. Like a swan, no matter how much splashing and kicking takes place beneath the surface, the above-water elegance is never compromised.

 

 

Meanwhile, amid the madness, photographers were taking any opportunity to grab a few shots, meaning the tiny alleyway outside became an impromptu location for many a quick shoot.

As one has come to expect from Brighton Frocks, the show was typically diverse. One minute there's punk attitude emanating from the catwalk, the next, Marie Antoinette elegance. In front of a sold-out room in the majestic setting, I. Am. Frank engaged in a colour assault with a Klaxons-meets-Tetris twist, while the Bugsy Pants collection received the best reception of the night from an oohing and woohing crowd. Check out a few shots from the show below. A more comprehensive collection of photographs of the event, including more from the catwalk show, the backstage madness and the mingling crowds, can be seen at our facebook page.

 

 

 

Post gig, as the audience mingled with models and organisers, Bobbysix.com grabbed some opinions. Fashion aficionado and Brighton resident Tana Dean (on the left in this photo) said, "I liked the variety. Joy Williams and I. Am. Ralph, were the highlights." When talk turned to the importance of Brighton Fashion Week and its place in the grand scheme of things, she told us, "It's a really good thing. Everyone in Brighton is so diverse and everyone is fighting to be diverse."

Fashion student Hattie Cox added, "[Founder/Director] Liz Bishop does an amazing job. Brighton Fashion Week is like a gateway to London."

Former BFW model and genius illustrator, Alice Parsons, (who works under the name Owlstation) also enjoyed the occasion. "I thought the setting of the church made for an interesting show - with the clash between old holy tradition and sexy young things strutting their stuff. I really liked the choreography and the casting. I loved the music and there were some very cool VT things on the screen. Great fun." 

And so,  as the church emptied and the after-parties began, the organisers could happily kick back and enjoy a glass or two of wine, satisfied in the knowledge that Brighton Frocks continues to grow, influence and inspire. They can't relax for long though, as the Couture Show takes place at the same venue tonight. Let the craziness recommence...

Check out the full photo album from last night at our facebook page (just click the below photo). Models and revellers, Like our page to receive more updates from BFW. And, you know, just because we're awesome and we wanna be your friend.

Words and pictures by Rob Townsend.
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Brighton Fashion Week - War Child Charity Gig

In the decadent and opulent world of fashion, the chance to give something back is always met with enthusiasm, creativity and of course, style. Brighton Fashion Week is no exception. The event? A night of '50s rock 'n' roll fun crossed with an eclectic bunch of seriously great bands in aid of War Child, a dedicated charity that protects children living in war zones throughout the world.

The mood at the Concorde 2 was relaxed and ethereal as Brighton's most beautiful enjoyed a great night for a great cause, traipsing between the juxtaposed lively, energetic rockabilly room and the grungy main room.

The crowd lapped up the theatrics of South London party boys, La Shark. Decked out in face paint and a fine pair of red leather pants, frontman Samuel Geronimo Deschamps commanded attention as he stormed the floor, mounted the scaffolding and hung upside down, all the while screaming lyrics over the band's unique brand of synth-pop.
 
In between acts, revellers jumped and jived in style to classic '50s tunes courtesy of the Brighton Rumble Rockabilly Club and, of course, it wouldn't have been a Fashion Week event without a fashion show. While the dapper attendees certainly delivered, a show featuring edgy and inspired designers was thrown in for good measure, much to the delight of the room.

The brilliant climax of the night was definitely the mysteriously sexy headliners, Dark Horses, lead by sultry Swede, Lisa Elle. Fresh from touring with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Kasabian, they delivered a powerful, raw and inspired performance. For the previous acts, the crowd was convivial but there was something sobering and soulful about Elle's powerful voice that drew near silence and reflection from the audience. A truly beautiful way for the night to end.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Words and pictures by Celeste Macdonald. 
 
To see loads more photos from this event, 'Like' Bobbysix.com on Facebook and follow the links.