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Every 1st of January, we all aspire to carry out a New Year's Resolution. Some are much more unrealistic to be than others; I'm pretty sure everyone makes the statement: 'I'm going on a diet' after all of the wonderful food they have consumed over Christmas. To be fair, many people probably succeeded in that diet, so congrats are in order to them! But as for realistic resolutions, I think most people would agree that the desire to have a literal 'happy new year' is at the top of their list. I know that this time last year, I was set on having a memorable year, though my main goal was to work hard and secure my place at University. Now that the year is almost over, I can say that my resolution to have a happy year was certainly fulfilled. I wanted to share my top ten highlights of 2015 before the final page of its book closed, and so here they are:

10) Following new fashion

Fashion month seems to come around so quickly each year, and this year I was yet again astounded by so many collections. Those which stood out in particular were Raf Simons's Dior RTW SS16 show in September (which afterwards became emotional due to Raf's departure from the house) and Prada's blend of the 70s and the future in its RTW AW15 show in February.

Prada RTW AW15

Dior RTW SS16

9) Celebrities

This year I had the luck of meeting many celebrities who I look up to, most notably Alexa Chung. I've admired her for years for her chic style, bubbly character and positive influence on the fashion industry. I'm so happy I got to meet her, what a memory!!

8) Fashion exhibitions

2015 gave me the opportunity to visit three contrasting fashion exhibitions based on three massively influential designers: Alexander McQueen (Savage Beauty), Louis Vuitton (Series 3) and Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel (Mademoiselle Privé). Each of these exhibitions perfectly placed visitors into the character of the designer, and were all extremely interesting and informative for me as a keen follower of fashion.

Savage Beauty

Series 3

Mademoiselle Privé

7) Musical achievements

This year was a huge success for me in relation to my piano playing, as I passed my Grade 8 examination which has been an aim of mine since I first began playing seven years ago. I'm so happy to now be qualified at this level, therefore making it a massive highlight of my year!

6) Travelling

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to travel this year, visiting incredible cities with both family and friends. I look forward to travelling even more in 2016!

Paris (Feb)

Sorrento, Pompeii, Amalfi, Ravello, Capri (June)

Barcelona (July)

London (July)

5) Having fun

A few photos which speak for themselves!!

4) Meeting new people

I love meeting new people, and have had so many opportunities to this year! This is a highlight which I hope will form part of my 2016 too!

3) Finishing school

Finishing school was a big event this year, and honestly didn't feel real. After being in education for so long, saying goodbye to a daily routine was hard to accept, yet at the same time, I was ready to leave school and move onto University. (I am in this photo, it just may be awhile before you find me!!)

2) Hard work paying off in A Levels and as a result, being accepted into the University of my choice

I was thrilled with my A Level results as they allowed me to be accepted into my chosen University: King's College London, to study English. 

1) Moving to London

Moving to London has by far been the highlight of my year. It's been a dream of mine for so long now, and now that I'm here, I'm so happy. Now that I'm settled into the wonderful capital, I can only look forward to what 2016 brings for me whilst here.

The Cape

Nothing says winter more than a classic cape coat. Whether it be short or long, I've always found that capes are timeless; they do not fade out of AW collections as they are continually perceived as stylish. It's now officially December, which means that winter is upon us. Only two days into the festive month and I've already worn a cape, as it suits almost any outfit and has such an elegant and fashionable fall. As monochrome colours are a personal preference of mine in outfit choices, I find that, more often than not, I wear a cape with all black, as it is such a classic colour which looks effortlessly chic. London is in full Christmas spirit right now, and there's nothing I love more than waltzing around the capital in a dressy yet apt cover up! Have you got your cape ready for Christmas? I'd love to know!

Faye .xx

Both capes: Zara

Jumper: Topshop

Skirt: Zara

Mademoiselle Privé

Consuming the entire three floors of the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea, London, Chanel's Mademoiselle Privé exhibition showcased the history of Gabrielle Chanel, and ways in which her renowned fashion house has been re-invented through an 'enchanted journey' under Karl Lagerfeld. The combination of heritage and modernity radiated throughout the exhibition, allowing visitors an insight into Lagerfeld's creational changes which have modernised the house for the trends of today.

What I found with Mademoiselle Privé was that it appealed to all of the senses through the numerous aspects of the brand, from haute couture to fragrance to accessories. The sensory room room in particular allowed visitors to touch the vast variety of fabrics used to create the brands couture clothing, from delicate silks to the renowned tweed materials used for Chanel's signature staple suits. This sensory room lacked light, allowing visitors to experience the materials for their texture rather than visibility. Appealing to sight and smell was the futuristic factory room showcasing the ways in which the signature Chanel No. 5 perfume is created, both through large vats which continually opened and closed to reveal coloured scents used in the perfume, as well as a complimentary free workshop available for all visitors to experience. Another appeal via scent was the French garden, a stunning room filled with fresh green hedges carved in a pattern which was representative of the designers 'C' based logo.

What Mademoiselle Privé lacked was traditional pieces of Chanel couture clothing so that visitors were able to discover how Lagerfeld has maintained the origins of the house in his modernised collections. However, there was a great insight into Chanel's lifestyle through the places which influenced her as a designer. Even before entering the exhibition, visitors were guided through a garden leading to the exhibitions entrance, which was designed by Harry and David Rich to reflect the designers different moods in relation to her creations. Visitors were introduced to the exhibition by literally stepping into a replica of Chanel's renowned Rue Cambon apartment, the famous mirrored grand staircase being the main attraction for all to see. It's grandeur caused one to naturally visualise Chanel's models walking down the staircase in the house's early couture shows to present items of clothing which would go on to define one of the most influential fashion houses in society. This room was one of my personal favourites as it truly encompassed the traditional house of Chanel.

However, as a great admirer of Chanel's haute couture, a favourite of mine in the exhibition was this very room. I was astounded by the presentation of the clothing; the spirit of Chanel pervaded the room as bright, beaming poles of light served to hold mannequins in a way which captured a ghost like tone to each piece, perhaps hinting at Gabrielle's presence even in modern collections of today under the direction of Lagerfeld. Though at the same time, the presentation of the haute couture items allowed visitors to discover the embroidery detail involved in each piece of clothing, this detail in itself the main purpose of haute couture, as it is the maintenance of 'a tradition and attention to every detail that defines this exceptional quality and perfection'.

Mademoiselle Privé was an insightful exhibition for any visitor, as its presentation was unexpected yet creative in showcasing the history of Gabrielle Chanel and multiple sensory appealing aspects of her brand. Entering and leaving the exhibition through the Chanel inspired gardens left visitors feeling encompassed in Gabrielle's world, thus a great way of illustrating her continual presence in Lagerfeld's adaptation of Chanel today.

Faye .x

 

(self-made video showcasing the exhibition)

(outside the Mademoiselle Privé opening party: Lily Collins, Cara Delevingne & Annie Clark)

(selection of exhibition photos)