Need to know..

London - one of fashion's capitals of the world. Twice a year we get to see the best of British designs, and with that we get to see what the future of fashion will look like with an abundance of emerging designers. So we have put together a little list of just some of our favourite designers that if you're not aware of, then you should be.

Bobby Abley

 

Launched in 2012, Abley is known for his unique take on menswear - with a nostalgic, playful take on some of our favourite Disney classics - including Aladdin, The Little Mermaid and The Jungle Book - combined with contemporary designs, his aesthetic is instantly recognisable.

Mimi Wade

Part of emerging designers scheme, Fashion East, based here in Shoreditch, Central Saint Martin's graduate was selected to showcase her debut AW16 collection back in February. Known for her prints, her 'Debutante Drunk' collection takes inspiration from Old Hollywood featuring edgy yet appropriate evening attire, from leather dresses with matching opera gloves, hand-painted with scenes from horror movie classics.

Christopher Shannon

 

From fine tailoring foundations, Shannon's mission, since 2008, is to create modern, relevant garments that have been influenced by diverse references both in menswear and womenswear. His most recent LC:M SS17 collection took inspiration from the Sports Direct with the use of their carrier bags and a spin on the logo, opting for a more current feel within fashion - Lovers Direct and Haters Direct.

Clio Peppiatt

 

Featured within the pages of i-D, Dazed and Hunger, as well as being a favourite of blogger Susie Bubble, Clio's tongue-in-cheek sense of humour is perfectly represented within her designs as she explores the themes of modern day femininity. With a vibrant colour palette, she aims to create unique, individual clothing to make women feel happy, bold and fearless. She recently collaborated with SkinnyDip for a collection of phone accessories.

  

 

 

 

 

Ashley Graham for Vogue

 

 FINALLY! There is a plus-size model on the cover of British Vogue..

The model, who has not only gained top model status within the past couple years, is a true adovcate of positive body image. She has even been made into her very own Barbie and will be a judge on the America's Next Top Model revamp!

We cannot get enough of this cover, and can't wait to see more plus-size models grace the covers of all our favourite magazines.

MoM

It's beginning to look  a lot like Christmas at AP. Our model of the moment, Natalie is busy busy busy today.

@fittingsdivision

History of Mannequins

As we previously told you about the latest Internet craze, the mannequin challenge, a few weeks ago we thought we'd do some digging into the history of mannequins. Especially because we work with human mannequins.

The word mannequin comes from the French word, mannequin, which had the meaning, "an artist's jointed model." Whereas within the UK, when mannequins were first introduced, the word referred to the models themselves. They were later called dummy, as they were used during the 1950's for nuclear tests to help show the effects of nuclear weapons.

The first fashion mannequins appeared in France, where they were surprisingly made of papier-mache in the mid-19th century. Later there was demand for a more lifelike appearance, and they started to be made from wax with false teeth, real hair and glass eyes from then on. But change was soon round the corner, and wax was then swapped for a more durable material - often combined with plaster.

Modern day mannequins can be found to be made out of anything, but the main materials being fibreglass and plastic. Retailers now more than ever are trying to be more innovative with the appearance of their mannequins within their stores with the use of glitters, sequins, mirrors combined with different poses - customers now look to the mannequins as a form of inspiration. With some stores even go as far as planning their entire year around the reveal of their window displays.

(Bergdorf Goodman's window display)

Stores such as Bergdorf Goodman's, Liberty and Selfridges go to great lengths in making sure that their window displays are the talk of the town - even going as far as turning to designers for bespoke, one-off pieces for the display.

An interesting fact that some may not know, is that when it comes to changing of the mannequins clothes, this must be covered. Back when mannequins first came onto the scene, a law was put into place that required the window displays to be covered when changing the clothes, in a way to protect the innocence of these some-what realistic figures.

Grace and Thorn

How adorable is our little office plant thanks to our new neighbours, Grace and Thorn!

@fittingsdivision

Model of the Moment

Name:

 Natalie.. Smith is my maiden name.

Wright is my married name and I still don't know which name I'm supposed to go by!

Age:

 38

Nationality:

 British

Hometown:

 Eastbourne, East Sussex

What were you doing before you became a fit model:

 I was a dancer

What do you enjoy most about your job:

 Getting to see the new designs before everyone else

Essentials you take to castings:

 My phone - I'd be lost without Google Maps, a comb and perfume!

Dream job:

 Victoria's Secret angel - you said 'dream' right?!

Currently listening to:

 Bruno Mars

Favourite movie:

 Dirty Dancing

Obsessed with right now:

 Pilates!

Guilty pleasure:

 Laying in bed all morning on a rare day off

Last book you read:

Dying to be me by Anita Moorjani

Biggest pet peeve:

Negativity

Twitter or Instagram:

 Instagram

Favourite emoji:

 😘

What do you get up to in your spare time:

 I love going for long walks with my dog, spending time with my friends and family and trying to get to Pilates classes

If you have another job, how do you find a balance between the two and how do you cope:

 I'm a certified Pilates instructor as well as a model and feel very fortunate that I have a nice balance between the two and enjoy both! Pilates is great because it keeps my body in shape and my mind calm. It does normally mean that I work extra long days through trying to fit Pilates clients in before/after shoots and fittings

Sum yourself up in three words:

 Determined, positive and stubborn!

Highlight of your career:

 I was lucky enough to fulfil most of my dreams as a dancer, but if I had to pick one it would probably be dancing for Whitney Houston. It was one of my first big jobs when I left college

What does the rest of 2016 hold for you:

 Lots more work up til Christmas, seeing all my loved ones over the festive season and then seeing the New Year in in Barbados

Robson

 

A sneak peek and behind the scenes look at Robson's shoot from today

@fittingsdivision

Skate at Somerset House

 

Nothing says Christmas like a skate at Somerset House

@fittingsdivision

Natalie

 

Here's Natalie! 

This weeks model of the moment. She shall be taking over our Instagram account this week, so keep your eyes peeled..

@fittingsdivision

Cléo

 

The always busy 'MoM', Cléo doing a little bit of modelling before a show at Soho Farm House

@fittingsdivision 

#Hipster Nativity

   

 

'Man-bun' Joseph and 'Pumpkin Spiced Latte-drinking Mary' are the stars of the new hipster nativity which is a perfect representation of what the nativity would look like if Jesus was to be born in 2016.

Instead of three wise men bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, the men arrive on segways bearing gifts from Amazon Prime. What more could you ask for?!

The shepherd can be seen with headphones in, glued to his iPhone, where he is probably streaming the latest episode of Planet Earth II, whilst Mary and Joseph get the perfect duck-face selfie with the newborn all for the gram...#nofilter

And don't forget the animals! With everyone gone all gluten-free mad, it's no surprise to see the cow eating gluten-free feed, whilst being branded as 100% organic. Turn to the sheep and it's in the festive spirit wearing a Christmas jumper. The stable itself also has had a 2016 revamp. Look closely and you can see that the roof comes with it's own solar panel and we wouldn't be surprised if there was wifi.

It couldn't be more 2016 if they tried. And it could be yours for a mere $130!

Not sure if we would splash that much on something you probably could make yourself, but it is rather amusing.

99 problems

 

Need we say more...

Natalie

 

Introducing next week's 'Model of the Moment', Natalie who will be taking over our Instagram as well as featuring on on our blog.

Keep a look out... @fittingsdivision

Happy Thanksgiving

 

Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends and family across the pond!

Instagram

 

Are you following us on Instagram?

@fittingsdivision

Model of the Moment

 

Name:

 Cléo Caetano

Age:

30

Nationality:

Brazilian

Hometown:

Santos, Brazil

What were you doing before you became a fit model:

I'm a professional singer/songwriter and performer

What do you enjoy most about your job:

Well, in modelling the best part is to know what looks best on your body and have the opportunity to stop and pay attention to the details. Knowing yourself plays a great part to a more confident life

 Essentials you take to castings:

Deodorant, leggings... and bras!! I have three different bras in my purse... the curse of breastless model!

Dream job:

I'd say a worldwide tour singing at sold out stadiums. I tour a lot and I can't complain but I'm not Madonna, you know!

Currently listening to:

Childish Gambino - he's good! And his videos are so creative

Favourite movie:

Before Sunrise. Old school Ethan Hawke + popcorn = perfect combo

Obsessed with right now:

Glittered boots - I want them all!

Guilty pleasure:

Chocolate spread. I eat with a spoon and I can manage to eat the whole thing if you let me... God bless the gym!

Last book you read:

Kind boring this one - I'm reading a lot about the music industry in general. The boring legal details all musicians should know

Twitter or Instagram:

Instagram... never know what to say on Twitter

Favourite emoji:

 😂😂😂😂😂😂

What do you get up to in your spare time:

Watch movies and eat A LOT in my bed

If you have another job, how do you find a balance between the two and how do you cope:

I'm a singer/songwriter and performer so I work mostly on the weekends and studio sessions are quite flexible 

Sum yourself up in three words:

Mysterious bubble of energy - more like a sentence right? Maybe, mysterious, bubbly and energetic. The first one sounds more poetic though

Highlight of your career:

I managed to perform at amazing places all around the world but the highlight was definitely a festival in Northern Europe. I sang for a crowd of 6,000 people!

What does the rest of 2016 hold for you:

I can't believe 2016 is almost over! I hope I can finish recording my EP. I'm really excited with this project. It's quite different from my previous music, more dark and mysterious but still upbeat.

Check out Cléo's YouTube channel and website

 

 

 

Cléo

 

Behind the scenes on our Model of the Moment, Cléo's video shoot

 @fittingsdivision

Tasty Tuesday's

 

This weeks Tasty Tuesday's... Banoffee Pie sprinkled with chocolate😍 

@fittingsdivision

Model of the Moment

 

One of our Model of the Moment's, Cléo shall be taking over our Instagram account all this week and we shall also be interviewing her later on in the week. So keep an eye out!

Here she is at one of her castings this morning after a gig in Holland and late night recording session last night!

@fittingsdivision

Office Life

 

When you are literally working around your dog

 @fittingsdivision

It's Christmas

 

Christmas has come to town and all our childhood dreams have come true

@fittingsdivision

Toni

 

The beautiful Toni shooting for Bamford's AW16 lookbook 

@fittingsdivision

#BankCurious

 

The most relaxing bank has come to Brick Lane 

@fittingsdivision

Claire

A little boomerang behind the scene action from Claire

@fittingsdivision

Plus size Barbie

At some stage we've all wanted to be made into a Barbie doll and for plus-size supermodel Ashley Graham that dream has just come true.

Barbie manufacturer Mattel has revealed the new doll based entirely on the model in an effort to represent women of all sizes. Just this year the brand also revealed petite, tall and curvy body types in January. And with this latest news it a step in the right direction.

Graham is hopeful that this change will help to encourage body acceptance among young girls today; "Now every girl does look like Barbie," said the model, "It's not an unattainable thing. Now, they can say, 'That's my Barbie. I look like that one."

But the doll couldn't be made without one specification that the company just had to fulfil. 

"She had to have her thighs touch," the model told The Hollywood Reporter. "No ands, ifs or buts about it. And I asked for cellulite but obviously plastic and cellulite don't go hand in hand. It was important that the Barbie resembled me as much as possible. The thighs touching was one way to show young girls that its OK for your thighs to touch, despite society saying that a 'thigh gap' is more beautiful."

Boxing Day

A petition has been set up to call upon retailers to close all shops this Boxing Day. The Change.org petition, set up by Ian Lapworth has gained more than 100,000 signatures and is well on the way of reaching its goal of 150,000 signatures.

Lapworth set up the campaign over a month ago in a bid for a less commercialised holiday season and to give staff a break over the festive period. Once the goal of 150,000 signatures is reached it will then be passed onto Prime Minister Theresa May in the hope that staff will be given the longer break that they deserve and spend time with their families.

"Whilst not everyone may see Christmas as a religious holiday, it should be respected as such, and retail workers (who work so hard on the run up to the big day) given some decent family time to relax and enjoy the festivities like everyone else," the petition says.

Thirty or forty years ago it was a different story. Shops would stay closed for longer periods over the holiday season. But in recent years, it has become the norm for retailers to extend their sales periods, opening ridiculously early on Boxing Day to compete for customers. Meaning staff must return to work, sometimes after only one day off.

One signatory, Ruth German added, "Christmas is for families not for retailers to make a quick buck. Give the hard working staff an extra day to spend with their families."

Although we agree with this petition, it would be unfair not to mention everyone else that has to work on key days such as Christmas and Boxing Day. For example, everyone working in restaurants, bars and clubs. They also don't get much time off over the festive period, with some having to work throughout the whole month with little time off.

Christmas has become so manic it's time for it to wind down a little and enjoy the simple things in life.

Coming Soon

 

Who will be our next Model of the Moment?

Mannequin Challenge

Over recent years we have seen internet crazes take off and become the thing that you just have to do. From the Harlem Shake to Ice Bucket Challenges, each year there is something new. And this year is like no other. Introducing the Mannequin Challenge.

If this is the first you're hearing about the internet phenomenon, then where have you been! Even some of our favourite celebs, sport stars and personalities have got on board, from the likes of music superstars Destiny's Child and Adele to even making it's way to the White House, where the basketball team Cleveland Cavaliers called up First Lady, Michelle Obama to help pull off their challenge. Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton even took part in her own attempt in one last bid to gain those Millennial votes.

But what exactly is it? Well, it's basically exactly what it says on the tin. All you have to do is pose and keep that pose - like a mannequin - whilst someone goes round and films everyone. Once the clip is all done and dusted, users share the footage with the hashtag #MannequinChallenge. The crazier the pose the better.

Click here so see some of the best ones so far.

Rosie

 

#repost

All wrapped up this morning for my casting!

@fittingsdivision

What we're looking forward to...

As the festive period draws upon us it's time to start thinking all things Christmas! And two things we cannot wait for is Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland and ice skating at Somerset House.

For those of you who have never heard of Winter Wonderland, it's exactly that! From Giant Wheels and the UK's largest open-air ice rink to London's largest German style Christmas Markets, it's something that you just have to experience. It's an extravaganza like no other.

Keeping with the Winter theme the other thing we're so down for is Skate at Somerset House.  For those romantics out there then this is probably the one for you. Skate either day or night as they offer exclusive Club Nights with music from top international DJs.

 Get your tickets now because both the attractions and ice-skating are bound to sell out. We've already got ours!

urbansolid

 

urbansolid have taken over the streets of East London

@fittingsdivision

BTS

 

Behind the scenes fitting shot from the lovely Fiona

@fittingsdivision

Dancing Divas

 

Our very own Florrie and her BFF shall be on our screens pulling the best pranks on the public this Saturday at 9am on CBBC😈

Here's a little preview if you can't wait until Saturday morning..

http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/watch/spectacular-superhero-prank 

It's officially Christmas

 

Yes, the John Lewis advert has finally arrived! Which means Christmas is finally upon us. Some might see the classic Coca Cola advert the start of Christmas but in recent years, the John Lewis advert has become the most highly anticipated advert around.  

From last years heart-felt 'Man on the Moon' which pulled on everyone's heart strings, this years offerings brings us 'Buster the Boxer'. A rather uplifting advert compared last years, the retailer has decided to lift everyones spirits telling the MailOnline that they tired to inject more fun into the commercial beacuse 2016 has proved to be a 'tough' year for Britain and that they acknowledged that last year's 'Man On the Moon' was 'a bit sad'.

We don't want to say anymore cause we don't want to ruin the surprise! 

Christmas is on the way...

Black Friday & Cyber Monday

 

Black Friday and Cyber Monday is almost here.. *cue dramatic music*

 The annunal events that fall upon the same weekend are only two weeks away - 25th and 28th November - and they are fast becoming the biggest online shopping days ever! So it's time to get prepared if you're going to get on those sales and get yourselves some bargains.

 For those braving the high-street or those who prefer to find the best deals at home in your pjs, we decided to give you some top tips for getting the best deals...

Do your research... know what it is exactly that you want to buy otherwise you'll just be buying anything and everything!

Stick to your list... after doing your research create a list and don't stray! Yes, there might be the temptation to add extra things to your basket because they're so cheap but it'll soon add up and there goes your budget. But if you find yourself having bought everything you set out for and then have a little extra cash then why not treat yourself. It's Christmas!

Try things on... always try things on, it'll save so much time. You see something and just can't resist buying it because of the price but once you get home it just looks awful and now you're stuck with this purchase. Don't worry we've all been there.

 Good luck and may the odds be ever in your favour...

Magic Has No Size

 

New York based-artist Jonquel Norwood has reinvented some of our favourite Disney princesses in a way that is more relatable in today's society with clothes on trend and with confidence and positive body attitudes.

For her 'Magic Has No Size' series, Norwood created curvy versions of Cinderella, Jasmine, Belle, Snow White and more of our childhood idols.

 

"I was body shamed most of my life and... like most, I believed I had to slim down in order to truly be a member of society," she shared with Bustle.

"I created these designs to celebrate the 67 per cent of women who are unrepresented in today's media," she said in a statement. "All of the princessess are wearing clothing inspired by actual plus size brands, in an effort to draw attention to those who have dedicated their brands to dressing curvy women."

We cannot get enough of these refreshing designs and can't wait to see more!

 

2016... The year of the choker

 

The choker, the winning accessory that has made a comeback thanks to an overall nineties resurgence. Whether it be velvet, thin string wrapped and tied in a bow, bandanas or statement jewels, you can't escape them. They literally are everywhere!

The nineties has become a massive trend this year what with slip dresses paired with a simple tee, grunge and denim jackets, the choker has been the key piece. From it's original roots in films such as Clueless and The Craft, celebrities and It-Girls such as Kendall Jenner, Gigi, Bella, Rihanna and many many more can't get enough. The model and reality star, Kendall Jenner has even been dubbed the Queen of the Choker as she is rarely seen without the trustee accessory from the red carpet and for her off-duty style.

Retailer New Look has reported that it has sold one choker every nine seconds, and one every five seconds at the weekends. Which for those who see that the choker has had its moment and that their time is up just shows that they aren't going away anytime soon.

It's nearly that time...

 

More than a decade after the loveable Mr. Darcy first graced our screens in 'that' jumper, the ugly Christmas jumper trend still remains as popular as ever. We hate to say it but Christmas will be here sooner than you think, so it's time to wack out that hideous jumper and join in on the festivities.

With Whoopi Goldberg herself creating a capsule collection of these unique sweaters, it's time to get looking for the one. Whether its full of bobbly bits, tinsel, flashing lights, the more the merrier! Wear to your works Christmas do, down the pub Christmas day, or if you're too embarrassed just at the house, you have to embrace this trend. Tis the season to be jolly after all!

Measuring Guide

As we created a measuring guide video we thought that we would also write down where to measure yourself as well in case you just don't have time to watch our video.

But in case you do, here's the video..

#BornToFit