New Mac Store Launch

Last week the Mac store in Nottingham closed down as they were moving to a new store up the road, next to all other designer stores like American Apparel, Kurt Geiger etc. I found out the first day that the new store was opening and got myself there like true Mac fan I am! 

The store itself didn't have anything new, or exciting as if you've ever been to a mac store, you know that the visual merchandising and interior are the exact same no matter which store or part of the world. However, as a Mac enthusiast, all the unused, newly stocked products is what excited me. 

I had a little chat to the manager or the store and she explained to me that they moved because they were at the old store for almost seven years and just needed a re-wamp, a new look and feel to the store. They also have more space to house more products and a more makeup stations that allow customers to sit and try products they wish to buy. She did seem quite happy because they new store has the new Mac banner, allowing them to show customers how recent the store has opened. 

I was like a lost puppy running around trying on all the products (not that I don't do that anyway) but the fact that it was all brand new made me go crazy! I really like the way everything is set up. The only thing that's a little frightening for me, the store is exactly opposite to where I have started working and that is just going to be tough on my purse.  Oops! 

I wish the new store all the best and success! 

1st Year Fashion Show

The other day I realised how lucky I am to be studying and Nottingham Trent University. On Friday, the first year fashion design students set up a fashion show to showcase their work. The reason I found out about it was through a friend who was modelling for the them. I went to go support her as it was the first time she was walking the ramp but thankfully, I'd decided to take my handy dandy camera along. As soon as the show started, I took my camera out in awe. 

All the outfits showcased have used architecture as inspiration. This hit home for me because I used architecture as a theme for one of outfits I made at A-level. I know how complicated the designs have to be as the structure of each item as to be stiff and lined. Looking at the outcome of designs produced by level 1, I am extremely impressed. I wonder, If this is the level of work that goes into producing the designing in first year, I can't wait to see what they're work will look like at the degree show, when they finish their course. 

Fragrance Workshop

I know I talk about how much I love being on my course but It's days like today that helps me rekindle the flame. Our new project for this semester has been all about fragrance and hence the University had called in a guest lecturer, Karen Gilbert, who has spent years learning and teaching all about the art of perfumery. She hosts workshops, where people come in to try create their own fragrance or learn more about perfumes suited for them. We FCP students were lucky enough for her to come in and present a lecture and let us be part of a two hour workshop. 

It was quite an interesting workshop and I learnt a lot about the background in perfumery. I always knew a lot of ingredients go into making the perfect scent but being able to make it myself helped me understand the different levels (heart, fixable, notes, etc) so much more. 

My team and I wanted to experiment rather than get stressed about it so as a little joke, we made an imaginary lady, who was in her early 80s and didn't want to smell stereotypically 'old'. So we tried to create a fresh yet musky scent. She also wanted to feel youthful and smell good enough to go out for a date if she wanted. 

We just had fun with the whole thing and hence it was quite the enjoyable process. I now know so much more about what goes into creating a fragrances. I feel more confident after this workshop to communicate and promote the fragrance brand my team and I create for the new summative project.