The idea; to present a view of visual creativity
new to the blog.... the fashion idea;
About my area; OK so I don't live in the style havens of London or New York or other mooted culturally brimming cities. But I do live in a unique spot in the UK, Nottingham.... (please note there will be no propensity to feature green tights on men or otherwise) but the Robin Hood connection does more than give a vague insight into the social and geographical position of this city.
Nottingham is as far away from the sea as you can get on this Ilse. It is directly linked geographically and economically through history to both 'north' and 'south' and all the people who have lived and settled here show that on the streets - there is an eclectic mix of ideas and people.
The mill girls of previous generations have lived and breathed fashion changes from the cotton mills by the Manchester ship canal, and the Liverpool docks across Derbyshire and the Peaks to the wool mills of Yorkshire. And the coal mines (as was) and steel foundries from Nottingham's north suburbs through Sheffield to Newcastle. The mix and attitudes (and humour! always an important part of not taking yourself too seriously don't you think) have evolved to create an atmosphere quite unique.
An hour and 30 on the train (sorry 1 hour 50!! tut tut its getting slower!) and you are in London and a lot of people have chosen to live here because of that. And like all university cities these days (and we have two! -although the original University would argue otherwise) a lot of students stay here from all over.
Paul Smith was born in a suburb here and in the early 80's opened his original (and still functioning) shop in Byard Lane. G Force opening around the same time stayed in the same shop in Hockley up until last year, now preferring to trade on the Internet. Like a lot of inner city off the 'airport style shopping mall' routes Hockley district itself has not really changed ie; always leaving itself (and rents presumably) more accessible to independent fashion and the like.
So despite the massive Lace Market loft conversions over the last ten years the shopping in this area has always been interesting. Shops with designs from Dries Van Noten etc., have come and gone, Wild Clothing an off the wall 'vintage' has been there since punk was a baby. A fantastically inventive interiors shop with prices to match rubbed shoulders with Void the goth shop of choice. Needless to say the expensive Interiors shop sold up and left last year and the dark shop remains. Two new independent shops have just opened one vintage source and the other with lovely eclectic and elegant womens wear with an enticing shop window reminiscent of that unsettling edgy side of Victorian decor... just a little bit curiosity shop!
down by the waterfront...
The ethos; Open mind:The attitudes and influences that have shaped us have been profound since the industrial revolution all these ideas and cultures bundled together bringing us to our present day and the way we see it and wear it....
Comments