Our annual Fashion Show

 
MODO's annual Fashion Show is this weekend, Friday 4th and Saturday 5th of March, at UCL North Cloisters, Wilkins Building, Gower Street, WC1E 6BT.

The UCLU MODO Fashion Society hosts an annual fashion show in order to showcase the works of various UCL student designers, the theme being 'The Show' in 2011. A vast breadth of diverse, unparalleled attire will be fashioned, ranging from effortlessly chic casual wear to more frivolous, flamboyant apparel.

The UCLU MODO Fashion Show is a full scale fashion show run by UCL students. It is unique in that all members are from a non-art/design background. Our society offers students studying at an academic institution the opportunity to pursue their creative interests. 


Apart from the designers' collections we will have a very special selection of performers in the interval.

Doors open at 6.30pm for the exhibition, with the show starting at 7.15pm.
Tickets are £8 and can be purchased from www.uclu.org/shop under the Society Events option.

Hope to see you there!

Have a look at how it worked out in previous years:

2010 The Green Show



preparing the 2009 Elements Show

Modo Fashion Show from Josh Blacker on Vimeo.




More photo galleries on MODO's website.

Alice In Wonderland's Fashion Legacy by V.B.

With the new Tim Burton film Alice in Wonderland gracing our cinemas this year it seems like an opportune moment to explore the influence of Lewis Carroll’s fantasy world on fashion’s imagination. This look’s eclectic mix of the girly and the surreal means there is great flexibility in the style, offering flights of fashion fantasy if you dare plunge into Wonderland.

Let’s have a peek down the rabbit hole....

The full dress or skirt is key to the Alice look, however if you do not want to look too 1950s housewife use soft fabrics to keep the fullness of the skirt without the rigidity. This soft skirt and white tights combination embodies the gentle girlishness of Alice, whilst the lace echoes Victorian styles evoking Alice’s underskirts or smock.

Whist this look is feminine and playful it does not have to be limited to pastel colours or flowing fabrics. Stripes echo Carroll’s eccentric word, whilst you do not need reminding who in Wonderland this quirky hat look emulates. A pinafore and blouse is a less girly alternative to the full skirt as it still brings to mind Alice the Victorian school girl.

 

Play with colours and fabrics to achieve the eccentricity key to Wonderland. Coloured or patterned tights or socks are mischievous and can be used with a more sombre outfit to still give it a sense of fun. Checked patterns tend to stir up images of Scotland or Texas ranches, however when worn as a tea-dress with a soft cardigan they channel the style of Alice through the fabric choice of the Mad Hatter.

The peculiar reigns supreme in Wonderland, so express your inner oddball within the safe constraints of Victorian tailoring. This wet weather look is a perfect example as the raincoat dress is surreal yet stylish and unapologetically feminine.

For the Alice in Wonderland look to take you through the last few months of winter and into spring team your quirky dress with thick tights, long cardigan and lace petticoat to ensure your look is eccentric yet warm.

As to that final touch of Wonderland, wear a pocket watch or teapot necklace to take the curiousness of the Mad Hatter’s tea party with you and never be late for a very important date.

Keep it Modo people ;)

Fashion in the freeze by V. B.

Over the last few weeks us Brits have been treated to sub thermal temperatures with no sign of a warm up anytime soon. Whilst fashion can often overtake the practical (high heels anyone?) when you are being subjected to temperatures well below freezing even the most stylish among us will reach for the chunky knit and slippers. I myself have been digging out most items in my wardrobe and wearing them simultaneously, taking the layered look to extremes that only a bag lady could appreciate. However as the following examples of winter chic will prove the big freeze can be met with style, keeping you warm, attractive and most importantly well-dressed.

Good tailoring is a must for winter as it prevents you looking shapeless and shabby when wearing several layers. The quality jacket, trousers and shoes help to keep this look sharp whilst the chunky scarf and cardigan create texture as well as warmth. The oversized hat helps add statement to the look, which is particularly important in winter when our fashion identity can be lost under a sea of black and grey coats.

Although it has been around for a few seasons there is still a calling for the jumper/dress look. The knitted detail of this jumper prevents it from appearing as a block of colour, whilst the red shoes give the look more distinction and a quirky twist. Thick jumper dresses are great in these freezing temperatures, however to make sure you maintain a flattering silhouette they should be worn with thick tights or skinny jeans and not anything which could add extra bulk.

The faux fur coat was a strong look in 2009 and whilst we are moving to pastures new in 2010 if you still want to get some use from your fur coat in the cold weather team it with a belt to pull in the waist and add structure to the coat. Faux fur can be brilliantly glamorous but can also add volume so this belted look keeps the coat nipped in and under control.

Layering is a very effective way to keep warm, however it can easily veer towards the hefty with clothing piled on rather than coordinated. For this look texture is key as too many chunky layers will lose shape and add bulk, whilst too many thin layers mean more and more items are required before any warming benefit. This is a good example of layering as a thin under-top is layered with a thicker medium layer, which adds interest with button detail, and then finished with a stripy woollen cardigan. A complementary pallet is adhered to so that no one layer is vying for attention whilst the all important belt is used to pull all the different layers together. The oversized scarf helps keep the look on trend and ties the colours of the three layers together.

Winter accessories can add interest and personality to dark and dull winter coats whilst simultaneously providing much needed warmth. For scarves this winter the longer the better providing the opportunity to twist and layer them in varied and individual ways. An exaggerated knit like this pink scarf is warm and distinctive, brightening up an otherwise dull black cardigan.                                                                             

This winter keep warm and keep it modo people ;)

Tights: The Underestimated Accessory by V B

We're all aware that the right shoes or handbag, or a well placed necklace or scarf can completely transform an outfit, however have we considered the stylising properties of tights? These everyday clothing items can completely change the look and feel of your outfit and can be worn in so many ways.

Bright tights add distinction and dare I say it pazzazz to all sorts of outfit. This burst of colour is particulalrly welcome during these dull winter months and whilst are gorgeous clothes are covered up by winter coats we can still show off those pins!

The ever fashion forward cast of Gossip Girl demonstrate the tights under jeans look which is genius as it allows you to wear those cute little shorts even in the British winter. It also adds a more lady like element by drawing attention away from scandalously short shorts to the whole of the leg.


White tights make a brilliant alternative to black as like black they go with everything but give the outfit and innocent playful edge. They also push those vintage buttons as they are reminiscint of the white stockings of a Georgian lady (uber vintage I know!) or even Twiggy if worn with 60s chic.

Tights can also be as sexy as stockings as demonstrated by the seamed tight, so popular during ww2 when they couldn't get hold of a pair they dyed their legs with tea bags and used eyeliner to draw on the seam! Just goes to proove how essential and brilliant tights are.

Keep it modo people ;)

Give Earmuffs a Chance by V.B.

I am definately a winter girl. I love wrapping up warm in scarf and gloves to brave the cold then coming home to a pure liquid cosy thick knit. However there is one winter item I have never sported and that's the earmuff. Whether its the image of little girls in bright pink fluffy ones or novelty burger versions the earmuff has never been the first point of call when the temperature drops. Now its November and it is definately getting cold (lets take a moment to say goodbye to those autumn blazers) I propose we think again about the earmuff as a quirky solution to that British winter problem; painfully cold ears.

Let's consider the alternatives. When I was on my gap year in Canada the ear protection of choice was not far off a sweat band that wrapped round your head like a wollen Alice band, never a good look. Then there's the oversized wolly hat pulled down over your ears which alas can only truly be carried off by trainspotters and patio gnomes. Now the dearstalker is ear covering head wear I would advocate anyday, its a classic look but hard to find south of Baker Street, so it seems the earmuff really is the solution. At New Look you can find these heart shaped ones which do edge on the cute side, however with their twist on the usual round version they're just kitsch enough to be cool.

If you want to get away from the fluffy Debenhams do these great Alpine versions.

So the next time the wind is blowing and it is bitterly cold outside you'll see me snug and warm rocking some earmuffs, and whilst I may get a few odd looks I know they'll be jealous as my ears will be warm and more importantly will look fabulous.
Keep it Modo people ;)

My Week in Cowboy Boots by V B

Cowboy boots are an absolute classic item and like a little black dress, or good winter coat, every girl should own a pair. My cowboy boot's heels have been replaced many times because I wear them so much and I intend to keep wearing them until I am working granny chic. Cowboy boots have that rare fashion trait of being stylish and practical as they are warm, waterproof, hard wearing and look great at the bottom of any legs.

When I first saw my cowboy boots I knew it was going to be a long lasting love affair; however like so many affairs of the heart I was going to have make sacrifices. At £95 they were going to be the single most expensive clothing item I had ever bought and I knew I could not part with the money easily. I would often walk by the shop and look at them or go onto the web to get a 360 degree digital view of my burgandy babies. I spoke to friends who already owned cowboy boots to see if they were a sound investment and showed the pair I had my eye on to anyone who didn’t get away fast enough. Eventually I managed to settle the money and my conscience and after the cashier managed to prize the cash from my grip they were mine and I have never looked back.

Too prove to you what a fashion must have Cowboy boots are I’m not just going to wax lyrical but demonstrate their versatility. Every day of the last week I have worn my boots with a different outfit for a different occasion, and as you can see below they looked great every time.

Friday

On Friday I went for a nautical theme to show that cowboy boots go with so many different looks. The boots gave quite a casual look a stylish twist which was perfect for attending lectures and coffee on campus. In the evening I was working on a radio programme for the University’s Destination London events. With boots in tow I attended a book reading and discussion event and interviewed the participants afterwards. In this situation a good pair of cowboy boots are great as their quality leather and fine patterned stitch work ooze quality and look smart enough for these formal intellectual situations.

Saturday
On Saturday I really put the practical side of my cowboy boots to the test by wearing them on an archaeological field trip. Whilst knitwear and anoraks are never a good look, the cowboy boots meant I could still bring a bit of style to the occasion. The boots had to brave rain, scale Roman walls and climb Iron Age Hillforts all the while keeping my feet dry and staying incredibly comfortable. Whilst archaeology is not synonymous with style on Saturday my cowboy boots proved practical can be beautiful.

Sunday

I went for a slightly rocky look on Sunday to show the edgier side of the cowboy boots and how well they work with new indie looks. I went to the Imax to see ‘Up’ (which was fab by the way, go see!) and yet again the boots were incredibly comfortable. I always like to look my best when heading into central London, so I can hold my head high among all the other beautiful people, and my boots made my look bold and my feet comfortable during a long sit down in the cinema.

Monday

Monday is another university day and so I went for a quirky look. What is great about cowboy boots is they do not tie your look down and whilst they may conjure images of checked shirts and line dances they are as flexible a wardrobe staple as court shoes or flip flops. By teaming the boots with a comic T-Shirt and bold colours they stand out as unique bright footwear that have been given a new young context a million miles away from their ranch hand forefathers.

Tuesday
Another day another museum. On Tuesday I rocked Roman Verulamium’s world by traipsing round the museum in my boots and a highly appropriate geek chique look. Yet again the boots looked fantastic and were as comfortable as anything as I walked from site to site. They effortlessly took me from Roman mosaics, to an 18th century mill, to a medieval barn all the while looking fab and feeling terrific.

Wednesday

On Wednesday my boots were treated to a night on the town as I took them to the opening of a new venue Proud Cabaret. Cowboy boots are great for going out as they can be dressed up and give your feet much need protection from wayward stilettos on the dance floor. I gave the boots a 1920s twist with my outfit and they fitted effortlessly into the cabaret scene.



Thursday
The morning after the night before and I am so glad I have my comfortable boots to wear. After Wednesday night I went for a slouchy comfortable outfit that required little effort. Whilst checked shirts should be avoided when wearing cowboy boots for fear of single-handedly recreating the Wild West, the wide checks, turquoise colour and long shape of this dress-shirt happily avoids cowboy syndrome.

As you can see from my week in Cowboy boots they go with so much, look amazing, and are comfortable and hard-wearing. If my living style demonstration hasn’t converted you, John Wayne will be having words!

Keep it Modo people ;)

Welcome, University Fashionistas!

This blog was created for you.

Whether you are new to university life or have been here for a while, this is the place to read about ideas on how to survive university life with style. As a London-based university society, we try to include creativity and inventiveness into our activities. The reason for this is that, being part of an academic institution, we fear that our creative interests might be undermined.

Our solution for this was to create a yearly fashion show where UCL students get the chance to design and others to model or work behind the scene. We also started to set up photo shoots and events aimed at allowing students to interact and use their skills in collaboration with each other, no matter if it is make-up, photography or any other creative activity. We love open-mindedness and readiness to experiment in every creative form.

Some people misunderstand the purpose of our society due to the "fashion" bit in our name. They assume that we are all about sitting down in a cocktail bar discussing the new Laboutin shoes or Isabel Marant collection in our brand new DvF dress. Let's not forget that we are students and as such we cannot afford most of these things (unless through some well planned hunting for bargains! we'll keep you posted about places and ideas on how to do it!).

Fashion to us indicates the ability to express YOURSELF through your image.

We love individuality and inventiveness.

This blog is therefore supposed to be a window of communication of our thoughts, finds and activities to the outside world. We hope that our members will be happy to share their experiences on this blog in order to inspire other fellow students from across the world.

We sincerely hope this plan will work.

Until then,

Keep it MODO, people ;)!