Primark Autumn/Winter 2014

It is nearing the end of August now, which means as soon as September comes, most of the high-street shops if not already, will be supplied with all the new autumn/winter stock.  Not all that many everyday fashion shops show their new stock until it's official release, or at a press day; especially not online. But Primark have gone above and beyond, and have released the official AW14 campaign on the web.  

Primark has a very shaky reputation. Especially after the recent bad press about the manufacture's working conditions after a worker sewed a message into a garment pleading for help. Although I believe they are working on the matter, I am here to talk purely about the clothes.

The SS14 had some very strong pieces which were extremely affordable and 'non-primarky', although as normal there were quite a few naff pieces which are still in store now, trying to be flogged for a quid or two.

This AW14 collection looks too, like it has quite a few strong pieces, especially in the shoe and outerwear departments. Here are a few pictures of Primark's newest collection.

This fluffy coat above has to be my favourite item of the whole range. It is a direct copy of Topshop's Tea Pea coat which was extremely popular last year. 

The whole collection has some very good individual items which are very impressive within itself, although in my opinion, the collection lacked unity and togetherness. The styling in the photos has many weaknesses, although quite a lot of the clothes were nice.

Quality is often the most common problem with Primark's clothing, which is completely understandable considering the cost of the clothes to make. Although, sometimes, the quality can be too low to even be worth buying. Its hard to tell if these clothes in the pictures are good quality, the only way you can really tell is when they come in store and see them for yourself.

Overall, this collection has some strengths and weaknesses'. What do you think? Let me know in the comments!

Book Review: Talking Fashion

I read a quite a few fashion books. I've said this numerous times, but fashion books in general are my favourite genre - if it is a genre. I've read many over the years, but a few weeks back I picked up the book 'Talking Fashion' by Jan Kedves from the library, and I'm so glad I did.

This book was different to most books about the intriguing world of fashion. Most other books are either 'what to wear' kinda books, or hardcore history of couture books, either of which can be tedious. The concept of this book was basically interview after interview. It includes interviews with Raf Simons (being the most famous) to fashion illustrators, photographers - the lot.

Because it consisted of interviews and interviews only, it was written (obviously) in a completely conversational matter. Not everyone's cup of tea, but I personally found it very refreshing. Easy to read, and not mind-clogging at all. Casual and relaxing - something very new to the world of fashion literature.

Raf Simons was probably the most famous person who was interviewed in this book.

The pictures were also very well chosen and placed. Each relevant to the current subject the interviewee is talking about. Good quality with suiting captions, the pictures were un-faultable. 

If you, like myself, are an avid fashion reader, I recommend this book to you. It's oh so easy to read, and not at all tedious. Also, its very new and up to date. You can pick this book up for around £13.50 on Amazon UK. Its definitely worth the read.