jennie sais quoi

Every year during fashion week brands bring out their new collections that are to be worn in half a years time, giving us enough time to muse over the diversity of different trends and figure out what we like and dislike. So now that it's finally time for these clothes to arrive to high street shops and spring campaigns to come out, I and the rest of the general pubic can finally start rocking these looks. I have therefore decided to create a little summary of my 10 favourite trends from the collections this year as a guide to what to wear when I get stuck, and who knows, maybe it might give you some guidance as well!

1. Boxy Tumpet sleeves

I still can't get over the normcore trend that dominated 2014, especially the slouchy, oversized tees with bozy sleeves. This worn with a pair of mini shorts and heels that especially A Detacher nailed would look great during the summertime.

2. Sporty chic

This is a trend that's been around for what feels like ages but I've personally never been too hyped about it. However after seeing ADEAM's and Akris' exuberant creations I quickly changed my mind. I'd love to rock this look with fruity colours and a sleek hair updo.

3. Indian hippie

Alberta ferretti is among my favourite designers at the moment (given my bias towards all italian designers) and the fact that he so wholeheartedly embraced the native american suede look made me appreciate his collection so much more. Brown suede was used in other collections but to a lesser extent, like in this cowboy like ensemble by Prada.

4. Art or fashion

From this season I am probably the most intimated yet intrigued by this trend. Antonia Marras had some wonderful artsy prints and embellishments going on in his collection and I hope that one day I'll have the courage to wear the likes of them.

5. A-line everything

Since about a year ago I've been absolutely obsessed with Delpozo's 60's retro vibes, clean cuts and modernity. This season they continued this and took their love for A-lines to another season and I have to say I'm still quite smitten; the mini dresses, the top with a hem and the midi skirts, what's not to love?

6. Dress over t-shirt combo

I am so glad that Au Jour Le Jour brought back this cute 90s trend (that I would have worn as a 11 year old) and made it chic again with a strappy patterned dress and a loose tee combo; I can't wait to try this one out.

7. Asymmetric

The asymmetric trend was among the most reoccurring and clear trends of SS 2015 and Opening Ceremony was a proud ambassador of that. The wraparound dresses with an asymmetric form were my absolute favourites among with Christopher Kane's zig zag cut outs on various dresses.

8. Orange

Orange was all over the runways during the last fashion week, namely Giulietta, who made a safety vest orange look refined on a cocktail ensemble with a black and white sequins as well as Roksanda with a more subdued take on the neckline of a geometric patterned dress.

9. Glamour peasant

Isabel Marant's collection was one that caught my attention with its sacks of wheat adorned with diamonds and ropes. Her mini dresses didn't look the least bit cheap with her innovative design skills shining through. Who would have thought that a bag like, unfinished dress tied around the waist with a rope could look undeniably fresh and trendy?

10. Blue cotton shirt

This trend was probably my personal favourite out of all, and Jonathan Saunders did a wonderful job at spread heading it around fashion week. Previously I've been obsessing over white cotton shirts but when the hue changes to blue I feel like there are endless possibilities to make it a new and interesting look: just take Valentino for example, pairing the shirt with an ethnic and folkloric midi skirt.

All photos from here

New years aspirations

3:58 PMJennie Barck

News stories

9:26 AMJennie Barck

Here are two news stories that i wrote for a university brief for two different publications (consumer and business). I thought I would share these so you could see what kind of stuff we do and also because I'm quite happy with the way they turned out. I think this is also a really admirable cause and an important piece of news even though it is a bit outdated now. Enjoy!

Peppermint magazine

Canopy initiative protects forests to change course of fashion

As Christmas approaches, we at Peppermint are turning our heads towards new sustainable fashion organizations. With the increasing popularity of sustainable fashion, initiatives such as Fashion Loved by forest are attracting more and more retailers .This effort to stop deforestation has already seized the attention of major brands like H&M and Zara (finally!). By joining in, these retailers are pledging to protect endangered forests which in essence means getting materials from forests that are not endangered. So by 2017, you can be sure that the clothes you buy from the collaborators are in no way harming forests. Yay to quilt-free shopping!

Nicole Rycroft, the executive director of Canopy believes that the change is unavoidable now: "The largest and most iconic clothing brands on earth are sending clear signals that are growing in strength and conviction: no more ancient and endangered forest fibre in our fashions”. As leading designers like Stella McCartney join in, they set an example to their followers and can have a great impact on the course of the fashion industry. The brands collaborating are eager to see changes in the sourcing of materials too: "If we act now we can eradicate deforestation from the supply chains of man-made fibres. We''re embracing the vision and are ready to work with our peers to create real change on the ground to ensure a bright future for threatened forests" says sustainable development manager Fiona Wheatley from M&S. We salute you and your christmas spirit, Fiona!

Business Of Fashion online

Canopy collaborates with H&M and Zara to eradicate deforestation

BY BARCK 23 NOVEMBER, 2014

Not-for-profit organization Canopy has major retailers such as Zara and H&M joining the Fashion Loved by Forest initiative to stop the use of endangered forests for sourcing fabrics.

This effort to stop deforestation has already seized the attention of over 25 retailers. By collaborating with Canopy, these retailers are pledging to protect endangered forests which in essence means avoiding sourcing materials from these forests and getting them from forests certified by Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Instead of extracting materials from endangered forests, retailers are pledging to use more manmade fibers such as cellulose. Canopy has found out that less than 20% of ancient forests remain in undamaged areas to contain our biological diversity. Nicole Rycroft, the executive director of Canopy believes that the change is unavoidable now: "The largest and most iconic clothing brands on earth are sending clear signals that are growing in strength and conviction: no more ancient and endangered forest fibre in our fashions”.

Since the initiative was introduced a year ago, retailers have been implementing new purchasing guidelines, obtaining information about the supply chain and developing eco-product lines. The report recently released by Canopy states that it can also have a positive impact on a brand's image and supplier relations. As the combined annual sales of the participating brans is $75 billion, the impact this initiative has on the industry is quite remarkable.

Canopy is already an established company, having 15 years of experience of working with 750 customers to protect forests, but their work is finally reaching the major retailers.