Book Of Skulls

Photo's courtesy of Praline

Ever since a young age I have been a huge fan of skulls. Now not in the somber, obsessed with death sort of way but more of an appreciation of its progression to become one of today's most recognisable symbols of visual contemporary landscape. 

Whether its Mayan sculptures, shrunken heads, or sugar skulls, modern society have recreated them into pendants, artwork and jewellery adopted across the full spectrum of the industry from Alexander McQueen's iconic knuckle clutch to Wilfox's skeleton print sweater. Although nowadays it seems as though the skull as an iconic symbol has been around for ever, it wasn't until the 1970's that the skull becomes an icon for post-modern society. Unlike other more conventional symbols, the skull is used to set you apart from the crowd and break boundaries in main stream fashion. 

Spending the last few days at GFW and nosing around all the stands, I stumbled upon the 'Book of Skulls' by Faye Dowling at one of the book retailers. Packed full of illustrations, drawings and photographs I can't wait to use it as a source of inspiration for my next graphic tee designs.

Bound in a skeleton like binding the book draws together today's most iconic cultural symbol in the form of fashion, street art, graphic design and music, from Damien Hirst's diamond skull to skeletal emblazon dinner wear, the book is the ultimate collection of skulls from the unusual and alluring to the iconic and the down right bizarre.

Head over to Amazon to get a copy for yourselves. 

Urban Jungle

What I'm Wearing: Topshop Leaf Print Shorts & Top, Tahlia's Closet Necklace & Gap Designer Edition Wedges.

Following on from last years pyjama suit trend, Topshop has created their very own summery two piece complete with all over leaf print. Finally tracking this little ensemble down in about the 5th store I had to go into, I couldn't wait to show it off in the beautiful summer sunshine. Channelling Mowgli from the Jungle Book, I headed to my second day of GFW at London's Earls Court to take the recruiters by storm.

White

What I'm Wearing: Zara Leather/Mesh Tank & Skort

So today's been rather exciting, not only am I officially back in London for good wayhay, but it was my first day at Graduate Fashion Week. A fun filled day packed full of shows, talks and endless endless portfolios. The level of work across all of the UK's Universities is outrageously fantastic this year, I felt like almost hiding my portfolio away from the Leeds University stand due to it's rather unworthy status I wish I was joking. Cannot wait to share with you all some of the amazing pieces I snapped today, may just have to head to the "bloggers bar" at GFW tomorrow to try and cut down the ridiculous amount of photo's I took. After putting in almost a 10 hour stint at the stand, it is safe to say that I am absolutely shattered. Time to cuddle up in bed with an episode of Mad Men on my iPad.