In Focus: Ollywood.

 Oly Innes (a k a Ollywood) 26 

Originally from Worthing (just outside Brighton), Oly moved to London 8 years ago to study photography at London College of Fashion. He is a regular party host and a scene heartthrob to both girls and boys alike. Here is an insight into Ollywood world.

 

-What is your style, how would you describe it and your influences?

There's two sides to me I guess. There's a side that always wants to be seen as very masculine and dark. When I feel like that I usually want to do a Tom of Finland look or something "gothy" or horror. Then there's another side of me that is super camp. Problem is, I make the ugliest woman ever, so I usually have to fuck it up a bit to make it work.

- Where do you go out? Which clubs do you like and make you feel most yourself at?

Well I used to work a lot in nightlife so I was everywhere, working at every party that would hire me. Now I go out a lot less and make a lot of effort when I do. I never really feel myself when I'm out. But I love Sink the Pink, Dalston Superstore and bars like The Glory and George and Dragon.

- What is the scene like in your home town? Is extreme dressing up a thing there or is it almost unthinkable?

Worthing is very quiet, it's mostly populated by old people so all the teenagers there are very frustrated. I was shouted at in the street for dressing a bit too strangely as an adolescent. The types of stuff I wear out in London would not be appreciated back there. I try not to go back there too much cos when I do I get sad at how "behind" everyone seems.

- Why do you love dressing up? What does it bring?

I didn't use to dress up much, it's mostly been a recent thing. I gave up alcohol and drugs 7 months ago. I wanted to still go out like I used to but I was finding it hard, I was getting nervous and shy. Wearing a costume is an amazing tool to help me feel more confident and helps me become a character.

- Have you had negative responses to your appearance?

Not really. I've heard of queens being abused in the streets and that's terrible. If you're going out in a look try and get a cab and stay in a group.

- And to end on a more positive note, how has dressing up helped you be who you are?

I see a huge difference between who I am with my friends or at home and who I am when I go out. When I go out I tend to become withdrawn because i get nervous. But when I wear a costume I become an alter ego. I can be sassy with people and be silly without needing to drink or do drugs.  It's been an amazing release for me.

all images ©OlyInnes 

"Isabella Blow : Fashion Galore" soon at Somerset House

                                 image by Steven Meisel

So, it's finally official - "Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore!"  is the next big event to add to your diaries peeps. The exhibition has been organized by the Isabella Blow Foundation and Central Saint Martins and will showcase more than 100 pieces from her collection. Curated by Alistair O'Neill and Shonagh Marshall, the show will be organized by theme and will spotlight Blow's aristocratic background; her early relationship with then fashion students  Alexander McQueen and Philip Treacy; her massive hat collection; and her love of the British countryside.

                  image by Miguel Reveriego

Daphne Guinness, a longtime friend who purchased Blow's wardrobe after her death in 2007 is the main contributor to the show and described it as a "bittersweet event" for her. Issy, who was an important figure in fashion and nurtured many a new talent, committed suicide at age 48 after years of battling depression. Daphne Guinness was her friend and is also the founder of the Isabella Blow Foundation, which raises money to promote fashion, and to encourage young and aspiring talent. It also funds selected charities that promote mental wellbeing.

"She made our world more vivid, trailing color with every pace she took." - Guinness said. "I do believe that in choosing to exhibit them we've done the right thing — and that it is what she would have wanted. I am doing this in memory of a dear friend, in the hope that her legacy may continue to aid and inspire generations of designers to come."

Among the labels featured in the show, in addition to the obvious McQueen and Treacy, are Jeremy Scott, Julien Macdonald, Viktor & Rolf, Fendi, Escada, Prada, and Marni. Heath has created bespoke Blow mannequins that will wear full outfits once donned by the late fashion stylist and muse.McQueen's entire spring/summer 2008 collection, La Dame Bleue, which the designer and Treacy dedicated to Blow, will also be on show.

The show is to run from end of November this year to March 2014.

LFW February 2012

Another LFW has just rolled out of our way and after the buzz of all parties has passed, we are left to reflect upon the talent and the highlights. Here is what we liked.

We start with London's favourite blogger and designer Fred Butler (also featured in the "New Club Kids" book) offered some hot candy looks in her first show. We loved it.

...as crazy as it goes, club-kids fashion was definitely involved in this splendid collection by Sister by Sibling who sell in boutiques alongside no other but our favourite dame Westwood.

 Sister by Sibling

Sister by Sibling

 House of Holland

 Fyodor and Golan are our winners of most quirky look this Fashion Week

    Fyodor Golan

Of course there is always one very distinctive look which arguably defines the best of  London Fashion Week and features in most magazine and papers reviews and this time it is this amazing Sarah Burton offering. Lee's spirit truly lives on through this stunning collection.

McQ

J. Anderson showed some alternative silhouettes and that patent leather catsuit is simply a must-have for the grown-up club-Kid that parties at members clubs in midweek soirées...

 J. Anderson

Marios Schwab

Thomas Tait 

Nasir Mazhar

 Louise Gray

 Louise Gray

 Jean-Pierre Braganza takes a sharp turn from the club-kid culture

Jean-Pierre Braganza

 and Mary Katranzou firmly puts her stamp on the trend of mirrored, symmetrical prints and asymmetrical silhouettes. Simply Brilliant!

 

photos credit: Catwalking.com

Remembering Leigh

Today's focus is on Leigh Bowery. The most creative, talented and seriously disturbing artist/designer/performer to come out of the Club-Kid scene. In a way we can argue that he created the notion of the Club Kid and pioneered the nightlife club culture with his ventures, most notably the London club Taboo.

His influence is everywhere today, so let's have a look at the person himself...