Fashion & Film: Victim Fashion Street

Last month, I went to London College of Fashion's short film screenings created by some of the master's students. Most of the films were completely mesmerizing. Since then, I've been getting really into fashion and film. It's a beautiful combination. So, every week I'm going to have Fashion & Film Friday! (I know the alliteration is cheesy, but I couldn't resist). For the first edition, I'd like to feature a film from my designer of the month.

Love my little teacup

I went to Spitalfields Market over the weekend to browse, and I ended up buying something, as usual. But, I can't not love my purchase! I bought a beautiful teacup, saucer, and plate for £5! The woman behind the counter told me she believes it's from the 1940s. They also had a set of four cups and saucers with the same type of flowers, but each cup had a unique design, one with just one flower drifting away from a leaf on the inside. I chose the prettiest one to take home.

Boobies for Dessert

My boyfriend and I went to The Brickhouse a little more than a week ago for dinner with a burlesque show afterwards. It was pretty good. I really love burlesque and once upon a time considered becoming a dancer. The girls were from Seattle and the host was American, which was fun. The photos are from the opening act, which was the group doing a sort of Goddess or siren-like dance. That was my favorite. Some of the other memorable acts were: desperate housewife, belly dancer, cheerleader, Toddlers and Tiara contestant, and just some very sexy lingerie. They're not performing at the venue any longer, but The Brickhouse has ongoing shows. The one on next is from March 6th-31st, which will be a variety show (burlesque included). You can see what's on here: Cabaret Programme.

Then, lucky enough, I got free tickets to Proud Cabaret's After Work Affair premier! We went to the City location on Friday, which is absolutely beautiful. The red carpet leads to the entrance of grand mirrors and sparkling lights. The staff is also incredibly friendly. My bf and I each got a complimentary glass of champagne and relaxed in a very sophisticated seating area. There were waitresses in corsets and stockings circling the room, and two burlesque performances on stage. The first girl was an adorable flight attendant, and the second was a glamorous show girl. It's a very different venue than The Brickhouse. I preferred it, but I know they cater to two completely different audiences. If you want to go to the after work show, it's from 5-7:30 Wednesday-Friday during March. Find out more here: http://proudcabaret.com/

The handle for the bathroom stall

Sencha Cranberry Rose Tea

This tea is perfect for the morning, right before you leave for work. It has sencha green tea leaves, which are originally from Japan, and provides caffeine to keep you going and antioxidants to make you glow. The cranberry adds a bit of sweetness. I've mentioned rose tea before, as I've been in search of it here in London. I bought my first bag of it when I was in Malaysia last year. The tea lady told me it helps regulate blood-flow (also helps during periods!) and keeps you looking young. Although the sencha cranberry rose tea has rose buds in it, they don't appear to be as fresh as the ones I've had. Some of the goodness may disappear as the petals become dry, but I'm not sure. The tea is fantastic, anyway. I also bought a tea filter that drops into the cup, sort of like a tea bag. It's definitely ideal if you enjoy drinking loose tea, and the leaves blossom beautifully when they're done brewing.

Art Exhibit: "I do not expect to be a mother, but I do expect to die alone"

I came across an eye-catching art exhibition near my flat. Through the large window at Tony's Gallery on Sclater Street, is a room covered entirely in crocheted yarn. Floor, ceiling, walls, bed, and every item in the room was crocheted by Polish-born, New York-based artist Olek. She spent six months living in the room, crocheting text messages from her former lovers into the pieces, exploring the concepts of sexist opinions, privacy, technology, and communication. I took my shoes off and walked onto the yarn floor, examining every aspect of the room. I love women who explore sexuality and concepts around sex and feminism, and create art from it. Some of the texts include: "I need ur pussy on my face and my tongue in ur ass", "I want 2 b on top of u right now", and "Sweet sweet cock?" on the walls. And, "I do not expect to be a mother" on the bed. I would definitely suggest going to see the installation before it ends on March 23rd. It looks much better in person.

Designer of the Month: Meihui Liu, Victim Fashion Street

Reminiscent of a girl’s most playfully adorable childhood dresses, it’s easy to get lost in the dreamy creations of Meihui Liu—Victorian lace, frilly edges, and reconstructed romance. The Taiwan-born designer created Victim Fashion Street in 2000 from her love for vintage and crafty ability to produce hand sewn pieces. After attending fashion school in Paris, Meihui came to London in 2001 and opened her shop on Fashion Street, right off of Brick Lane. Since then, Victim Fashion Street has been on the catwalks of off-schedule London Fashion Week shows, drawing the attention of buyers from New York, Berlin, Hong Kong, Japan, and France. Meihui created two separate customized ranges for high-street retailer TopShop, was selected to participate in the promotion of British fashion in China, and constructed an exhibition inspired by childhood memories of playing dress up. After moving from Fashion Street to the West End, Meihui took a break from the busy fashion industry to have her daughter, Freya. Spending the last two years only catering to her usual clients, Meihui is now back, reinvigorated and ready to continue her commitment to eco-fashion, sustainability, and creative upcycling. After debuting at London Fashion Week’s Estethica, I had the chance to chat with her to find out what direction she’s heading in.

Krystle: It must be great to be back! How was your first time showcasing at London Fashion Week? What did you do to prepare?

Meihui: It was a very good experience. I knew two months before, that I was accepted, so I spent lots of time in my studio preparing. I went through so many of my leftover pieces in my studio and searched for new fabrics that were left over in factories, and vintage items to create lots of one-off pieces and accessories.

Krystle: Did you create a line specifically for autumn/winter?

Meihui: I’ve never gone by seasons for my collections. I know a few designers like that. We don’t let seasons and trends define our designs.

Krystle: How did buyers and press receive you at the event?

Meihui: I had many direct customers looking for items for themselves, not necessarily huge store orders. I had a lot of interest from press. It’s better for press to see my collections at the exhibition than on the catwalk—there they can touch the clothes and learn more about them, instead of seeing them for 15 minutes on the runway.

Krystle: So, where do you go from here? What’s your inspiration moving forward?

Meihui: The fabric I find is my inspiration. I never read fashion magazines, and I don’t let others influence me. Recycled vintage fabric is the part I love. I love its originality. I don’t like to make something that is the same as other people. It’s also really important for me to have things made in the UK, to support local small factories.

Krystle: How does your daughter inspire you? 

Meihui: I always wanted to have a daughter, so before I gave birth, I started to collect pieces and couldn't wait to make things for her. Since she was born, I’ve only made recycled, organic cotton dresses for her and the rest out of simple cloth to wear around the house or to sleep.

Lots of people ask me to make baby collections but I don't have much time, so apart for making dresses for her, I don't think I will make a children’s collection. 

Krystle: How would you describe your latest collections, and what can we expect to see in 2012?

Meihui: My latest collections, apart from some pieces (the dark antique lace crochet dress and vintage scarf, and the vintage union jack dress) have a very strong look. Everything is like fairy tale meets punk and Goth style. And for 2012, I will keep working on my fashion, art and textile fairy tale project. 

Visit Victim Fashion Street's website for more: http://www.victimfashionst.com/home.htm

Sh*t Girls Say on Vacation

My boyfriend and I are going to Marrakech for his birthday next week! 4 days, 3 nights. I'm so excited. This is totally going to be me next week!

"Do you guys have skinny girl margaritas?" Sooo funny.