GUESS jeans holiday campaign 2014

When east meets west.

It's been a long time since I've publicly reviewed some fashion photography but with a sudden urge to write and as this blog was built up on editorial reviews; it's about time I started to showcase some more imagery! 

I've always been interested in travel and natural science. Before doing any of my fashion work I was on my way to studying zoology, further more - specialise in marine biology, buy a boat, then watch and spend my days swimming with marine mammals off the great barrier reef! Well, that vision took a different turn and now I get most of my environmental image kicks from gawping over the dynamic imagery in my favourite (non)fashion magazine, The National Geographic. 

Now if you combine this with my passion for Eastern culture - specifically animation and chuck into a fashion campaign we have a formula that oozes success. The formula is as below:

     Formula A.

Dynamic landscape photography + Eastern culture scenario + American heritage brand

= Chen Man's GUESS Jeans Holiday campaign. 

Chen Man's kickass, highly saturated eastern shoot sees models Megan Williams and Karmay Ngai battling it out as ninja warriors in front of a breathtaking Mount Fuji.

Chen's man use of powerful and rich colours create a vivid combination with the pieces from the GUESS Jeans collection. I can't say I've ever really know much about GUESS to express a solid, researched view of selected styling. My earlier memories of GUESS are of some smouldering blonde rocking some denim. But in this shoot, the styling from Satoshi Hirota is young, on point and complimentary to the 'east-meets-west' vision for the shoot.  

I would also like to mention the model casting. Megan Williams adds a youthful take to some of the more classic blonde's who have starred as previous GUESS girls, such as Claudia Schiffer. Megan's adaptable image plays great contrast alongside karmay Ngai who also emits youth and acts a new face to within a brand built upon heritage.

 My final thought: This is shoot is a key representation of what great photography and strong shoot production can do for a brand.It has opened my eyes to the world of GUESS and I intend to explore more. An eye catching and beautiful campaign.

A step in the right direction - Men's footwear guide AW14

Today, I attended a meeting at Cafe Boheme, my favourite french restaurant in Soho, to discuss some final ideas on an upcoming project. Whilst dining I was faced a enlightening reality in the movement of men's footwear for AW14. 

Whilst lunching and chatting away, I clumsily knocked off my cutlery which rattled and clanged as it bounced along the floor. I bent down to pick it up and couldn't help but notice my friend Jonathan's shoes. He laughed as he caught my gaze and swiftly replied 

"You can hate all you want, They're my new McQueen's".

Hate was a strong word to use. Initially confused and once the confusion subsided I was more intrigued into the movement of the market. I met Jonathan after leaving Condé Nast and the guy was never far away from the latest fashion trends; but I had to work out his latest decision.. Had he made a footwear faux pas? Or was ugly the new thing for shoes? 

After digging around at some of my favourite online shopping destinations, it seems I should never have doubted my friend. Ugly is definitely in - but not as we no it. It's more of that feeling when something should bad, it becomes good (wow, that probably doesn't make any sense! ha). From the extreme designs of Rick Owens to the colour sneakers from Raf Simons. I wanted to show you a selection of my favourite and wearable 'ugly' footwear. 

 1.McQ Alexander McQueen

Half buffed, half grained - This two tone combination provides the eye with unusual satisfaction.

2. Dolce & Gabbana Navy Hiking boot.

Chunky, really chunky. And an interesting idea of featuring a side zip.

3. Orange DSquared Boots.

Most people would probably look at these and wonder why I've placed them on the list. I find the platform funny to look at and the 'that 70's show' orange brings back all sorts of ideas about Ashton Kutcher's fashion on the show! 

4. Versace gold plated high tops. 

A bish bosh of zips, leather, shine and metal.

5. Kenzo monochrome boot.

I had more than enough 'ugly' shoes to pick from the latest Kenzo collection. This isn't because I hate them though, quite the opposite... I would wear them all. These aren't my favourite ones, but I like these squashed top, blown up monochrome bad boys. Great everyday shoes! 

6. Raf Simons sneakers.

"To infinity and beyond" is probably the first slogan that springs to mind when I see this colour conundrum by Raf Simons. They're the sort of shoes I think that look quite futuristic.. Maybe they make you run faster?