BLANC Magazine Photoshoot

Lately I've been so busy with Uni life that I almost forgot about life outside of Gala. This weekend marks a very special occasion for me. It is the start of my celebrations for my 21st birthday. I thought I would give you all a blog-post before the fun gets the best of me. 
I recently modeled for a photoshoot for BLANC magazine. The shoot was based on Scottish Heritage and shot in nearby castle grounds. The very talented and wonderful, Rachel Byrne, photographed the shoot. Her patience and guidance made it so easy for me to model for her. Everyone should check out Rachel's tumblr here: http://thehighlandfling.tumblr.com/. 

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Els x

The Kane!

Christopher Kane manages to take his floral inspired Spring/Summer 2014 collection to a whole new level of style greatness. Floral prints isn't exactly innovative but this budding designer shows a more scientific approach to floral's, inspired by botanical illustrations. From the moment we witnessed the sharp black suit that entered first on the catwalk with petal-shaped , cut-outs revealing the bare skin beneath we knew to expect a canvas of dramatic style. The use of pastel colours with pale mint and lilac feather-light lace dresses could be seen heavily throughout the collection which brought delicacy and sensitivity almost like that of an innocent flower. Kane undoubtedly strives to brighten up Spring 2014 with this bursting palette of colour resembling a blooming season of blossom and growth. Of course, Kane managed to keep hold of his edge with London Street Style shining through with the occasional jumper sloganed with the word “FLOWER” or “PETAL”. 

A job well done!

Els xx

Cause This Is Thriller

Yesterday I started classes for the first semester. The first and only class I have on a Monday is contemporary and contextual studios. This is a core element in the course as this particular class aims to develop an awareness and understanding of all areas of contemporary fashion culture and its context. I'm already feeling inspired with new and original ideas. I hope to visit the Dressed to Kill exhibition in Edinburgh city over the next few days. Dressed to Kill showcases how Scottish artists have captured fashion, costume, and dress over the years so I'm extremely excited to check it out. 
Yesterday I too gave in my first college project. The brief was to design my own magazine spread with a self head-shot based on the i-D fashion magazine. Above is a picture of part of the project. 

Today I had the huge privilege of not only being in the same room as Deborah Nadoolman Landis but to also hear her talk about her ideas and work in the film costume design industry. Amazingly I got to sit front row as she talked to the hall about her "Real People" exhibition. Deborah has spent 30 years in the film industry and was nominated for an academy award so you can only imagine how happy I was when I heard she would be visiting the university. She has created iconic costumes throughout her career, such as the jacket of Indiana Jones, Michael Jackson's red jacket in Thriller. Deborah also created the costumes for films such as "The Blues Brothers" , "Burke and Hare", "Mad City", "The Blues Brothers 2000", "Coming To America" and so on! She was such a wonderful lady and kept the whole hall laughing. It truly was an inspiring experience. Maybe one day I'll cross paths with Deborah again....fingers crossed!

I hope everyone is enjoying their week as much as I am <3

Els x

Loving Life

I finally have the time to put the last of the photographs taken by Niamh on the blog. These blue striped trousers with this white Ben Sherman shirt and patterned jumper is definitely one of my favourite looks from the shoot. A perfect Ella outfit and I have to admit a part of me felt like my style icon, Solange Knowles, a patterned, tailored style goddess. I just love her! 

Tomorrow I start semester one at uni. It's been one crazy week and I'm absolutely knackered today. I'm loving life here. I've met so many amazing people already and I can tell the next few months are going to be some of the best.

Let the fun begin!

Els x

We Are The Future

Last week I had the wonderful and very stylish opportunity of working with a friend of mine, Niamh Donoghue. Niamh, who also attends Heriot-Watt University and is in the 3rd year of the Fashion Communication course asked for my help to model for her summer uni project. Niamh styled and photographed five different looks. I was delighted for the opportunity and we had such a laugh together, although that doesn't show much in the photos. I tried my very best to look as gloom and sad as I could to fit the brief. The experience was definitely a learning curve and I can't wait to see what is in store for me over the next few years after helping Niamh with this project. 

As some of you may know I am now a fully enrolled student at Heriot-Watt University studying Fashion Communication for the next four years. Over the last few days I have been enjoying freshers week. It has been a hectic few days and it is only now that I have time to sit down and write a blog-post for all of you. So far it seems the next year is going to be a pretty intense one with deadlines and projects throughout but also fun, exciting, rewarding and of course very fashionable. Today I had the daunting experience of meeting the course director but in all honesty she seems like a lovely woman who is going to take good care of all of us newbies. 

Tonight I'm off to Newcastle for a night out. The trip is part of Freshers week and it seems the majority of my accommodation block is going too so I better get planning my outfit!!

As my course director stated today "you are all the future"!

Missing all of you guys back home! 

Els xx

Day 1 Of My New Adventure

It's been a long day to say the least, not only have I been up since 5am, I also managed to travel to Belfast airport, get on a flight to Edinburgh and start my new life. Edinburgh is the prettiest city I have ever seen. Everything from the architecture to the people are making me feel right at home. If I'm honest with the amount of green I have seen it feels like I'm still in Ireland. I had a fabulous day looking around the city and taking in my surroundings. Unbelievably most of the day was taken up in Primark, yes I know how original but the Primark here is far too good. I got a few bits for my new flat including the softest cushions and cute floral pillowcases. Tonight I am staying in the city with my mum, who kindly brought me over. Tomorrow I get the keys to my flat and the real beginning to student life will kick off. 

Els xx

One More Night

The time has come. This time tomorrow I will be touched down in Edinburgh and starting a new life. I am definitely feeling a mix of emotions, nervous but excited and sad because I'm leaving my friends and family and most importantly Gizzy. Although my nerves are overshadowing the excitement I still can't wait to begin my new course in something I love to do, fashion! I'm looking forward to updating ELS' CHAMBER with all the details of my journey over the next few years. This course will allow me to focus on my blogging plus my future so make sure to check in now and again to hear all about this wonderful adventure. 

It is only the beginning! 

Els xx