Author: Alicja Jasnikowska

London based Fashion Stylist & Writer with over 10 years experience working in TV, editorial & advertising. TV credits include: Ashley Banjo's Secret Street Crew (Sky 1), Gok's Fashion Fix (Channel 4), The 21st Question (ITV), Pop Goes the Band (Living). Published editorial work: Harrods magazine, JFW magazine, The Sunday Times Style, The Guardian, Country & Townhouse magazine, Exalt Magazine, Drafted, The Sun 'Buzz' magazine, She, Velvet (Dubai), Spoil Me (Greece). Advertising: Aspinal of London, Barbour, Burton, Gap, Gok for Tu at Sainsbury's, Interflora, Marks and Spencer, People Tree, Puma, Sleek Make-up, Timberland, Tusting Luggage, Weight Watchers, White Stuff. Celebs: Danny Dyer, Gethin Jones, Sarah Beeny, Gok Wan, 911, Joe Hart.

Hitchcock heroines

Published on July 10, 2013 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

Today sees the opening of ‘I Only Want You to Love Me’, a retrospective of the work of London born fashion photographer Miles Aldridge. Launched to coincide with the book of the same name, the exhibition highlights Aldridge’s bold use of colour and glossy yet dark images of women. Part Hitchcock heroine, part airbrushed Vogue model, Aldridge references both cinema and photography, citing film director David Lynch and fashion photographer Richard Avedon as influences.

I am a huge fan of these surreal, almost plastic looking shots, and the large scale on display is an assault on the senses. Aldridge’s female models – and he only really shoots women – often appear troubled, vacant or distressed, and there is a clear cynicism towards the perfect Stepford wife imagery that dominates advertising. This he feels, is something most people can connect with – “I think that’s why my work is collected and enjoyed,” he said. “It’s not black and white though – we don’t exist within an evil empire. It’s complicated. The world is a strange and troubling place and we live in the middle of it.” Stunning, glossy images that belie a deeper, darker message, this is thought-provoking fashion photography at its best.

Miles Aldridge – The Rooms, 2011

Miles Aldridge – Chromo Thriller, 2012

Miles Aldridge: I Only Want You to Love me runs from 10th July – 29th September 2013 at Somerset House
http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/visual-arts/miles-aldridge-i-only-want-you-to-love-me

English Country Garden

Published on July 9, 2013 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

Today’s post is a behind-the-scenes video of a shoot I styled for August’s issue of Country & Townhouse magazine (out tomorrow). It was shot at the stunning Cannizaro House in Wimbledon and features the gorgeous Fifi (check out her blog on http://fifislookingglass.com). Make-up was by renowned Beauty Editor Nathalie Eleni, with photography by the talented Clara Copley. I adored doing this shoot – it was so much fun and such a fantastic team. & it looks so pretty and serene. Hope you enjoy.

Clothing by Roberto Cavalli, Alberta Ferretti, Temperley London, J. JS Lee, Stills and Jean-Pierre Braganza. Accessories by Julia Clancey, Erickson Beamon and Bally, with ribbons, butterflies and flowers supplied by Barnett Lawson and McCulloch & Wallis.

Country & Town House – Summer Beauty Story – Behind the Scenes from Andrew Mackay on Vimeo.

Pastel palette

Published on July 4, 2013 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

It’s not often that I partake in a nail trend (my grooming routine is particularly low maintenance), but as the sun is planning to show it’s beautiful face this weekend I am going to share my current obsession – pastel nails. Chalky hues are a big trend for Spring 2013 – on one occasion I noted a game of nail varnish snap with two rocking fashionistas both touting a very chic baby blue.

Part 80s Miami beach, part fun-time Barbie this trend can be both pretty and punky. Initiated by 2009’s obsession with the now famous Chanel Jade green, the trend has since spread across the pastel colour spectrum to include lemon yellow, powder pink, sky blue and my current fave-lavender. If you’re usual go-to is red or coral, then give it a try. Like a sugar rush for your nails, you’ll be converted to these candy colours in minutes.

20 years of Hugo

Published on July 3, 2013 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

Ah! Hugo by Hugo Boss. If, like me, you have fond memories of the ever-popular fruity fragrance you may be interested in finding out more about the brand behind the bottle. Today sees the retail reveal of the Hugo 20th Anniversary Collection, featuring 20 key pieces with a striking red, black and white palette.

The collection has been unveiled to coincide with the anniversary of the Hugo line, launched in 1993 as a range with a more unconventional, experimental edge. With clean lines and minimal detailing, this understated collection includes patent ankle boots, a scarlet two-piece suit and a graphic monochrome blouse. Stunningly simple and easy to wear this is the ultimate capsule wardrobe. I’ll take one of each please.

In store today at http://www.store-uk.hugoboss.com and http://www.selfridges.com

NB. Furthermore, to coincide with this year’s anniversary, on 31st July London’s Saatchi Gallery will be hosting an exhibition entitled Hugo: Red Never Follows. Featuring the work of 20 urban creatives, the exhibition will comprise of video installations, murals and light features all inspired by the spirit of Hugo. The perfect avenue to champion your new graphic garments.

Hugo: Red Never Follows will open to the public for free from 31st July until 1st September.

Eudon Choi for River Island

Published on July 2, 2013 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

Exciting news alert! High street brand River Island will be utilising the skills of fashion pack favourite Eudon Choi for its latest Design Forum collaboration. Launching in September 2013, the 16 piece collection will include leathers, streamlined garments and biker influences, and is inspired by a 90s Peter Linderberg shoot with original supers Naomi, Cindy and Claudia.

I attended the Eudon Choi AW13 catwalk show in Feb & adored the Russian folk references, buttersoft wide leather pants and fab colour combinations. Accompanied by a string quartet – which included a kooky triangular balalaika – the feel was quirky, serene & romantic. With fans including Jessie J, Rita Ora and Ellie Goulding, as well as almost every fashion editor of note, Choi is well on his way to success. & if he brings his meticulous tailoring and attention to detail to the high street favourite then we’re all in for a treat.