Ceecee wears Chanel (an inspiration/fashion blog)

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Note From Ceecee

Readers,

It has been about a year since I started this blog, maintaining and expanding its purpose: to inspire. I've started out with zero comments zero followers, and now I have about 200 followers and increasing comments on my posts. I've been trying to live up to this blog, you have no idea how hard it is to fight with other really amazing blogs out there in the fashion field and I guess I've pretty much done about 40% of the job. I've had e-mails from readers who say that they love this blog, blog awards, and I have to say I'm honoured and happy with all the effort I put in this blog, it really has achieved magnificent results. I've had artists, designers, photographers, companies, who tell me to publish them. I've had interviews, features, and all this took 1 year. To tell you the truth, I almost gave up half of that year but I pushed myself, because I wanted the very best for this blog, and the very best for the readers of Ceecee Wears Chanel. For all the other fashion bloggers, you inspire me. You've supported me, left me comments and such, and I didn't give up this blog because of that. So, merci my dear beautiful readers. With this 1 year of operating Ceecee Wears Chanel, I promise to give you only the bet, so help me out here, oui? Je'taime.

xoxo

Ceecee/Nuha

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Saturday, January 30, 2010

Art, Fashion & Nature: Interview with Artist Shona Mcquillan

CC, Shona Mcquillan

Just after Lena Erziak's fabulous bags, now i have something else for you darling readers. Remember how people always state that fashion is art and vice versa? Well here I give you an amazing artist who I stumbled upon on Twitter, Shona Mcquillan. Her artwork is basically on women and nature, capturing the blithe beauty of the female race with the natural beauty. Shona is an Artist/illustrator based in Birmingham, UK. She works mainly with pencils and personally i love the answers she gave me, her answers really express her love for her work.

Shona Mcquillan, Artist/Illustrator, UK

when did you start working in pencils and why pencils?

I've been a fan of pencils since I was a little girl! I like the time they allow you to work with them and the precision you can achieve.

Preservation, Shona Mcquillan

most of your artwork are of women and nature. why so?

Women are incredible creatures and I love being a woman. We can be nomadic, vulnerable, vibrant and gentle. We can change appearance like chameleons. I think that there's sometimes a strong perception of women as nurturers and this manifests itself in some of my work as how they interact with their surroundings and others. I like the contrast of femininity against masculinity; men are also incredible creatures and the differences should be celebrated. As for nature, this has always something that I've been close to; growing up near the Worcestershire countryside and being a great animal lover since I can remember play a big part in this.

which artist would you say is your idol?

I couldn't pin it down to one. Historically, I adore Bronzino, Velazquez, Francis Bacon and Sir Stanley Spencer. There's so many amazing artists currently working that make it impossible not to be inspired. Present day inspirations are Shawn Barber, Bec Winnel, Sarah Joncas, Ian Francis, Tessar Lo, Stella Im Hultberg and Audrey Kawasaki, to mention but a few.

Sora, Audrey Kawasaki

A portrait of Giuliano di Piero de' Medici, Bronzino

what inspires and motivates you?

Lots of things! Inspiration can come from an editorial in a fashion magazine, a film, a random idea that pops into my head or something I see during my day. Motivation can be hard and is always a self-driven thing. I work full-time in marketing, so I have to push myself to draw in my spare time. It's easy to get complacent about it unless I motivate myself. I love creating, I love working at getting better at what I do, trying new things and learning from my mistakes – these are my driving factors.

She Left at Four In Christian Dior, Shona Mcquillan

do you remember your first drawing, when was it and what were you thinking at that time?

A girl riding a horse. It was a crayon drawing I did when I was about three or four and remember being very proud of it. I promptly showed it to my mother! I can't recall what I was thinking at the time, but imagine it was thought spun out of freedom and enjoyment of drawing. The fact that I remember that particular drawing, and that it consisted of a girl and her horse, shows how I started focusing on females and nature from an early age.

did you go to art school? where?

I didn't go to art school. Although I took art qualifications at school and college, in terms of drawing I'm self-taught. Any art education I had never taught really me about the mechanics of drawing.

your drawings of women, did you imagine the exact look of the women you drew or did you come across these women in real life or maybe even dreams?

Night Service, Shona Mcquillan

I might get an initial idea of how I want a piece to look from a physical source or from something I've visualised in my head. I then source reference images to work with for lighting, body position, textures, pattern, etc. I'll creature a rough layout and then start working up a final composition. Often, I'll change elements as I'm working; repositioning and suchlike. It's never an absolutely fixed process and sometimes feeling a drawing as you work with it's as much a shaper of the final product than anything else.

every artwork has a story behind it, what does your collection illustrate so far?

In all honesty, it illustrates my own development and finally finding a style I'm comfortable working with. The subjects of the drawing shave all evolved independently of one another, although each subsequent drawing may carry things learned from a previous piece in terms of look or technique.

ll etait une fois, Shona Mcquillan

Rapunzel, Rapunzel, Shona Mcquillan

how do you come up with the titles of your artwork?

The titles are normally decided whilst I'm working on them, although I have been known to change my mind after it's finished! I might start off with a working title and then completely change it by the time the work's finished as it may have a different feel to me by that time.

What the Bellboy Saw, Shona Mcquillan

what techniques do you use in drawing, is there a trademark in your drawings that makes people easily recognize that it's your work?

I start off with a HB pencil to establish lights and darks, and then may add a little softer pencil to increase the depth of the darks. Then I start layers colour over the top, being careful not to dredge up too much of the underlying pencil, otherwise everything gets a bit murky. I try and stop layering just before I think I should. Burnishing (using a white or light-coloured pencil over the top of colour) blends and smooths the colours out right at the end. For some pieces, I might scan them into Photoshop to adjust the final colour and/or to resize them. I've had a couple of people comment that they see a distinct style and recognise that it's mine, but I think it's a combination of subject and technique that determines this overall.

which would you say is your personal pick from all your drawings? is there a personal choice behind it?

Purewater, (personally, my choice too!)

Purewater's my personal favourite. I think it marked a turning point in how I was working and how I was feeling about my work. I like the innocence of it, too.

on your website it said that you drew since childhood and then stopped when you reached your adult life. what happened then?

Life got in the way! I didn't have the drive after finishing college to continue drawing and ended up studying something completely different at university. Jobs, mortgage and the daily grind kept it at bay, but it had niggled me for years that I wasn't drawing. One day about 18 months ago, I just picked up a pencil and got on with it.

California Dream, Shona Mcquillan

what would you say is the ideal woman in Shona McQuillan's paintings? Is there this mystical blithe about her or something?

She's not an archetypal ball-buster or someone who's out to manipulate others. She's not trying to be something she isn't. She's a free-spirit; vulnerable to life and all that it brings, yet has gentle strength in that moment. A bit of a daydreamer. She could be out of reach, but in touching distance at the same time. She's a bit like me.

where have you exhibited your artwork so far? how's the response?

Having only been back behind the pencils for about 18 months I've not yet exhibited, but would love to do so in the future.

When the Music's Over, Shona Mcquillan

do you think you'd ever stop painting women?

I don't think so. There are so many more journeys for them to travel.

if you could, what would you love to paint besides women and nature?

(Laughs) Men! I think at some point, my girls may get to play with the boys!

what's the up-coming collection from Shona McQuillan?

I've started working on a series of small works based around a hotel. Of course, each one features a woman! It's an idea I had ages ago and never got round to working with. Each piece could be explained in a variety of ways and I want to leave it up to the viewer to decide what they want the story behind it to be.

With Silver Bells and Cockle Shells, Shona Mcquillan

People say that fashion is related to art. What's your opinion on this as an artist?

Oh, absolutely! Fashion is an art form in its own right and has the ability to influence, or be influenced, by other visual arts and vice versa. Fashion illustration has become the kind of work that people hanker after prints of or an influence to some artists. It's a wonderful relationship, and long may it continue.

Something New, Shona Mcquillan

Your Etsy Shop sells your work only in prints, what if we wanted to buy the original artwork?

I'm happy for anyone interested in buying an original work to contact me directly to discuss this. Some pieces are larger than the print versions – for example, the original Purewater drawing is about 22”x30”! Anybody interested in buying an original can contact me through my website at http://www.shonamcquillan.com.

Could you complete this sentence for me: 'art is.....'

....whatever you want it to be and whatever touches you.

Masquerade, Shona Mcquillan

To contact :

Shona Mcquillan Official Website
Shona Mcquillan Twitter

To purchase artwork :

Shona Mcquillan Etsy Shop

Labels: artwork, illustrations, interviews, pencil drawings, people, Shona Mcquillan

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Saturday, January 2, 2010

DESIGNER MOMENT: Lena Erziak, handbag designers.

Here at Ceecee Wears Chanel, I try to give only the best inspirations, designers, photos,shows, etc etc that I can dig out from anywhere and from anyone. This blog has been lucky enough to be graced with interviews with shoe designer/illustrator Mark Schwartz, who still continues to send me fantastic paintings of his work and now we have rising designers Leona and Hasna, who have created such amazing bags for women, perfect enough for any Voguette to stroll around with in the city!

And what's this I hear!?

Recently shot for GOSSIP GIRL and with the virtual fashion world and magazines spreading out the fabulous word of this new brand, the name Lena Erziak is really making her way up. Who
knows? Vogue might be interested soon enough, no? :)

Lena Erziak is a new name, could you introduce the brand to us?

The brand Lena Erziak represents the story of two sisters, Leona and Hasna, who dreamed of designing their own handbag line, based on bags that they desperately wanted to carry. All the Lena Erziak handbags are handmade in Italy, in Toscany. They are luxurious, sophisticated and speak to the women who recognize quality and beauty.

When did the idea to create a line of handbags occur to you?

Creating a line of handbags has been our dream since childhood. It isjust the right time and right moment for us.

Why not clothes or shoes?

Well actually we would like to do those as well. They are sure to come later on!

Could you recall when did you first start designing handbags and which one was your first design?

We started 2 collections ago. But Hasna ,started earlier, doing her arsapel Design school in Milan. Hasna’s first design will surely be a collector one day, but is not available to the public right now.

What's the must-have item from Lena Erziak for this fall/spring?

They are all must have! It all depend on your mood and where you go. The must-haves range from the Elio for a long day outside to the Paolo for a girls evening out in Manhattan!

How did you get into the fashion industry? Any help from idols, or such?

Our mother is a seamstress, so we got our influence from her certainly. Then later on I decided to go to school in Milan for fashion. But our unique and beautiful idea is our mother! And Gandhi after her.

Which one is your personal pick from all the bags you have designed?

Oh, this one is too hard, is like asking us to choice between our own children! We loved them all, and we are constantly carrying them all! It really all depends on the spirit of the day!

What is your style?

Elegant and timeless.

What inspires you?

We are surouned by inspiration. We find inspiration for the smallest thing like a certain scent to pictures of beautiful scenery to travelling. Everything is inspiring.

What's the ideal girl you could see wearing your designs?

The ideal girl would be a girl who loves life and is a free thinker. She feels good and comfortable in her shoes and in her mind. She makes fashion and her own style and it's not fashion who is making her.

Which material would you say is a fashion covet for this fall/spring?

We are into phyton skin, we love the softness of lamb skin, and the strength of a buffalo skin. Because in the end, the skin is what makes the bag voluptuous and sensual and that's why maybe women are crazy about their handbags.

People say that a handbag is merely an accessory and they don't think that women
need that many bags. What would you say about this, what's the significance of
handbags to a woman?

Well, I think it's personal. There is no right or wrong answer here, handbags mean different things to different women. It all depends on your fellings after all. But to us, a handbag is precious, private, and helps you to carry the things you need and you love to have with you. It's sensual too, this is the only accessories that you will be touching, and opening for the day. We do have a privileged relationship with our handbags. Our handbags reflect our needs of the moments too. A Clutch for the evening, Hobo for a long day working...Maybe that's why women love the handbags.

What's your future wish for Lena Erziak handbags?

To continue the way it's started, and to continue with success. To see people all around the world and think, “Not only is this woman beautiful, but wait a minute, she is carrying our Alessandro bag!”

What is fashion to you?

Fashion is fun, and should be treated that way. It is the opposite of serious.

What's the next step for the brand?

To continue to do handbags that we would love to carry!

How has marketing Lena Erziak's brand going so far?

It's going well! We have had the chance to have a great inhouse team so we are excited to see what the future brings!

What's the latest progress?

We have been shot by Gossip girl set for the next season which is pretty cool!

Could you complete this sentence for me:

'my dream is to....' have a better planet for our kids!

Also Featured By:

Rive Magazine

Models & Moguls Interview

The Paolo and Amadeo Lena Erziak bags as seen at Fab Blab Blog

Lena Erziak products can be found at New York, Stella Filante, 156 Ludlow Street, NY.

Lena Erziak Website: http://www.lenaerziak.com/

Lena Erziak is now on Twitter! : http://twitter.com/lenaerziak

p/s: Here's to a more mode, vogue, inspiration, love, laugh, Sonia, Lagerfeld new year lovelies! Bisous! xoxo

Labels: interviews, Lena Erziak, people

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Thursday, December 24, 2009

Ceecee's Christmas Gift Ideas List.

Labels: bags, books, dresses, found

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Sunday, November 29, 2009

Light Up This Midnight For You

1.) Je suis desole.

2.) I apologize too much, don't I? Ahhh I'm busy with work work work! Nonstop. I have to submit 2 assignments on Monday. I just bought two dresses fit for this bloody sun and heat that we've been haivng for the past few days. Yay! I want more dresses. I want more. This is not enough. I'm not satisfied. Booo!

3.) So yes remember how I said that I'd post up a whole blog post on light? Well, here it is! If you look at all these amazing photos that I've gathered from various sites, you'll see how there is light in every single one of them, natural light, light from bulbs or whatever, there'll all so mystical, don't you think so? :)

3.5) Yes there's a 3.5, I am so lazy to edit the numbering. Hah! So here we go! allez!

4.) And now...finally, from me, dancing in the light like this....regardez, with the stars.

5.) And finally, the love and heart of fashion....showered in the breaking dawn. au revoir! :) smileee!!! and gros bisous.

6.) I have enough light in my life right now, merci, dieu.

Labels: found

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Live life like it's an endless Sonia Rykiel show and an Alexander Wang after-party. Be charming, be authentic, smile more, laugh more, less Diva, less ego, be a Voguette, become fashion. I just love it when everyone loves fashion and when fashion loves them too.

"Ceci est un IT blog!"

NOTE: I don't claim any of the pictures of my property unless stated. This blog is created merely to inspire and to make people fall in love with fashion over and over again so, enjoy! Gros bisous xoxo

Contact: nuuhah@hotmail.com