Music Review - Black Moth Super Rainbow

Black Moth Super Rainbow is an American band who definetly has a sound of their own.

Very experimental and very psychedelic, their distorted vocals and array of analog electric instruments give them a very dreamy, and almost alien, sound.

Formed in 2002, they've been around quite some time and have quite the discography, but throughout their albums and EPs they've been able to keep their distinct sound and they have been consistantly amazing. I find their songs similar, but it isnt a bad thing when their music is so fantastic.

I'm sure it must be magical to see them live haha.

Their lastest album, "Eating Us", came out back in May, and it definetly does not dissapoint. They've also been kind enough to offer various downloads on their own website so be sure to check them out!

-Laura Schütte. [more from me here]
[been a little busy with portfolios lately sorry about that]

Big Things

The past two weeks have been a busy time here at The Fashion Press.  In these few weeks we've finalized our print magazine release for September 2010 and have been starting on some photo shoots. Featured here is a small preview with Emily photographed and styled by Cleo and I. 

This upcoming project will require a lot of work and a lot of fun. If you live in Ottawa and are interested in contributing to the magazine  send a quick email to leejones@thefashionpress.org. These are definitely new beginnings. But don't worry, we'll continue posting our usual interviews and articles. As always, feel free to send us comments and suggestions. 

Isabel of Hipster Musings

Isabel, a university student and intern at Alternatives Journal, has the coolest grunge inspired style this side of the blogosphere. When asked to describe her look she aptly states that it's something like a " bizarre anachronistic dishevelled granny". And how did she get interested in fashion? "It's genetic! My mom has a degree in Fashion Design and works as a seamstress." But her website doesn't only feature clothing. Along with her photos are daily tidbits which can range from feminist book reviews to ravings about music.

What strikes you about Isabel is that her style is unique and consistent. Coming across certain grunge-inspired pieces I find myself thinking, "that's something Isabel would wear".  She's definitely one cool cat with a unique vision. But where does she see herself in the future? The answer is simple "a happy and successful career woman living in Vancouver". To see more of Isabel simply click here. 

The Fashion Press Resident Photographer - a first look

These shots were all captured by myself. There will be more coming up. Hope you enjoy.

Music Review - Delorean

Delorean is a spanish 4 piece band originating from the Basque country, but now located in Barcelona. Theyve been around a while, and even started out playing some emo/punk stuff believe it or not, but they finally gained some hype after the release of their EP"Ayrton Senna" back in May 09'. Their poppy and happy sound always reminds me of a sunny summer day haha. Its just light and fun with some great beats; not to mention the accents. They can't not cheer you up with their recognizable sound.

Take a listen to their hit "Deli" and a pretty amazing mixtape[which they've made available for download]:

As well as making their own music, they make some pretty great remixes and have put their spin on some great artists including The Teenagers, Franz Ferdinand, and The Mystery Jets. You can download their most recent remix of "Islands" by The xx here off their blog.

They recently announced their upcoming full-length album entitled "Subiza", which will be out March 15th. Until then, theyll be touring with Miike Snow [which I will hopefully be catching in early April], jj and Lemonade.

Feel free to check them out at their MySpace or their FaceBook.

-Laura Schütte. [more from me here]

June Paski

June, an accounting student, has sleek and professional style.  In her own words she describes it as "androgynous, simple, comfortable and timeless". With the coolest bowl-pixie cut we've ever seen she certainly radiates fun yet professional.  At the moment her favourite piece of clothing is a black puffy shoulder blazer she sewed herself demonstrating she's not only a smart mind but a creative one as well. In the future she sees herself as an accountant for a magazine which for her the placing sounds perfect. To check out more of her style click here. 

Fraeulein Zucker of Dear Diary

Fraeulein Zucker, a Visual Communications student currently studying at the University of Arts Berlin, makes a living drawing for others. As well, she also has a fantastic website featuring daily tidbits of her life with drawings to go with them. When asked to describe her art style she seems a bit ambivalent and states "I don't really know whether what I'm doing is art, and I don't really know how to describe what I'm doing at all! I like the term "professional craftster" though, ha! I guess a lot of people would say that my style is really playful and a bit childish or naive. That might be true to some point, but the cuteness is only one part of it. You could probably call it "cute but dangerous" or "cute on the outside, punkrock at heart" or something. But in the end it's you who name it, I just do what I do!" Yet, as a student of one of the most prestigious art schools, we seem to think that's she's got it all together. 

But applying to art school certainly wasn't an easy process. When told of her struggles it seemed to us like a competitive bussiness. "It really took me a long time to get in there. Anyone who thinks art/illustration/graphic design is easy money should be prepared for a big piece of work that is applying for art school, at least here in Germany. After I got rejected for the first time I kind of resigned and thought I should become a kindergartener or something... It seemed so much easier at that point. Thank god my family and friends insisted that this was the right thing for me to do, and I kept applying at several schools. Every school handles the process a bit different. At Udk Berlin (which is where I am now) you have to hand in a portfolio. Then they choose a few people to take a test, which consists of an interview with the staff and a task that focuses on your abilities and creativity (i hate to use that word, everyone is "so creative" these days!). From everyone who took the test they choose again, and if you are chosen then you are in." Sounds much harder than getting into my English and Art History Degree. 

After tackling this system it seems she can do anything and she's certainly happy about her decision. "Still, even if the last [reply] didn't sound like it, I really like going to artschool! It is such a privilege, especially when you consider that only 10 % of all the people who apply at artschool every year are actually accepted. I guess my favorite thing about art school is that you meet really nice people that you share a lot with, that inspire you and that you can exchange experiences with! You also learn how that whole business works, which is sometimes really frightening, but also very helpful of course." And where does this bright young thing see herself in the future? "I really don't know. I'd like to be always searching, never arriving. I hope that I never get tired of what I'm doing now, but who knows? I probably end up working with children or in a library... I just know that when I grow up I want to live near the sea!" Quirky and fascinating, you can check out more of her art by clicking here. 

Crystal of Make a Wish

Crystal, a graphic design and photography student, is a fashionista with a lot on her plate. "I do a lot of freelance photography and graphic design work alongside my job as a photographer for my college's communication department." Though still a student, her style is mature and classic with quirky twists. When asked to describe it she states "Describing my own style is always hard to do. I dress entirely to my mood that morning, whatever colors and proportions seem right to how I'm feeling. My style is based around seeing potential in thrifted items that don't have much. My style is slightly quirky yet timeless at the same time."

And as any young lady with style would, she started a blog. "As a photographer I work with a lot self-portraits and with my growing love for fashion I started combining the two. I would plan whole photo shoots complete with outfit changes with myself, my tripod and my camera. I started posting my outfit photos on sites like Lookbook/Chictopia and then figured a blog would be the best place to share my fashion sense with a wider audience." Crystal has got motivation and is definitely head-strong. As she states of her future "I'm destined to work in some department in the fashion industry, whether it's as a stylist, an editor, a model or even a photographer. I won't settle for anything else, it's my passion. I always make jokes with my friends about things I'll do when I'm editor of Vogue, but in a way I'm kind of not joking. It's one of my goals in life to be an editor of some fashion magazine. Vogue would be ideal but I can compromise." To see where she goes, check this cool cat's blog by clicking here.