Wednesday 30 October 2013

INTRODUCING: VICKY OLSCHAK

As photographers and stylists at COW we love to look for new talent and inspiration from all over and this week we came across Vicky Olschak. Vicky is both a stylist and a photographer from Manchester who's work is a mixture of interesting fashion stories to real life documentary photography.
We love the honesty in Vicky's work, from the city centre food courts to the side of the road cafes, to the children at home and even the organised fashion photo shoots have a sense of normality and humour to them. We're pretty sure for a girl who has just finished studying and at still quite a young age, who captures people and places in such a dramatic way like this, will be able to make quite a mark on the industry!


We got in touch with the lovely Vicky herself to find out more about how she started, working as both a photographer and stylist and who inspires her work..

HI VICKY!
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO GET INTO PHOTOGRAPHY AND HOW DID YOU GO ABOUT PURSUING IT AS A CAREER?

I pretty much got into photography whilst at uni. I studied fashion but for the fashion styling side of the course. And to be honest, it actually took me a while to enjoy the photography side as I always felt it made me concentrate less on the styling whilst on shoots, and I wanted to pursue styling as a career. It was only when we started to work on projects where we had to document ourselves and others, when I really started to get into photography.

WHERE DOES YOUR INTEREST IN FASHION COME FROM?
I'm not really sure.. I've been asked this before and I always find it so hard to answer. As far back as I can remember I've always had an interest in fashion.

DO YOU PREFER STYLING A FASHION STORY OR DOCUMENTING SOMEONE ELSE'S LIFESTYLE?
My love does lie with styling so I always prefer styling a fashion story. Photography wise though, I prefer documenting rather than shooting. Although I appreciate the control you get from doing both roles on shoots, I see styling and photography as separate pursuits.
HOW DID YOU PERFECT THE TECHNIQUE OF FINDING SUCH INTERESTING CHARACTERS AND SURROUNDINGS TO DOCUMENT?
Everything comes from the concept and the idea behind the shoot. And research. I might come across a location, or a model and think that'd be amazing for a shoot and then come back to it when it fits in with a concept.


DO YOU LOOK MORE TO PHOTOGRAPHERS OR STYLISTS FOR INFLUENCE?
I look to everyone and everything for inspiration. I generally find a lot of styling inspiration from people on the street. Interesting characters. And photographers that document interesting people.

WHO HAS INFLUENCED YOUR WORK?
Martin Parr, Tom Wood, Gosha Rubinskiy are big influences. Jamie Hawkesworth, Nick Waplington, Katy Grannan, Nan Goldin... I also love the styling of Max Pearmain, Stevie Dance and Tess Yopp.

BEING FROM MANCHESTER, HOW HAS THE CITY INSPIRED YOU?
It definitely inspires my concepts. I tend to gain inspiration from my own life and past and being from Manchester has certainly influenced that.
DO YOU WANT TO TRAVEL MORE FOR YOUR WORK OR WOULD IT CHANGE THE AESTHETIC?
Yeah, I would love to travel. I think it would change the aesthetic in the way that I'd be inspired by a new environment, but I think the overall style of the aesthetic would be the same. Otherwise it wouldn't really be true to my own style and I wouldn't be totally happy with the images.

WHEN STYLING YOUR SHOOTS DO YOU USE A LOT OF VINTAGE AND IF SO WHY?
I tend to use a bit of everything... I'll look at the catwalks and trends and try to incorporate that with clothing and styling true to the concept and character; and I like that vintage allows me to do that.


WHERE CAN WE SEE MORE OF YOUR WORK IN THE FUTURE? WHAT'S COMING UP?

I'm currently working on styling shoots with a photographer friend of mine. We've been working on producing a magazine for a while too so hopefully that will be in the works in the future too. 




To see more of Vicky's work check out her website WWW.VICKYOLSCHAK.COM
Or on Twitter at @OLSCHACK







Monday 28 October 2013

ODE TO LOU REED

There is no way you could've missed the tragic news that the legend and inspirational musician Lou Reed passed away on Sunday, at a not so old 71 years of age. We do keep the blog pretty light hearted but with such an inspirational figure no longer with us we had to take a look back at what Lou Reed has achieved, how he changed music and influenced almost every musician around.


From the late 1960's when he fronted The Velvet Underground he made waves and brought a certain movement out of the streets, with friends like Andy Warhol and Patti Smith he was at the heart of creativity. Andy Warhol's art work was featured as the cover of the first album which is still a hugely popular and iconic image. The album caused quite the controversy and was one of the first to bring art, music and fashion together into the mainstream. The album was commercially unsuccessful but created a lifelong fan base for the band and Lou Reed. 

There is a famous quote from Brian Eno saying "that while the Velvet Underground's album only sold 30,000 copies, everyone who bought one of those 30,000 copies started a band."





In 1972 Lou Reed left the band and began a solo career producing albums and collaborating with other artists like David Bowie. His distinctive voice and lyrics of misfits, hustlers and transvestites were still not making it the top of the charts but touching people's lives like no other artist. His honest songwriting and emotional lyrics could make you laugh, cry and want to change your life and no one had ever really had that affect on society before. Even David Bowie said " I had never heard anything quite like it. it was a revelation to me." He released many solo albums including the self titled album Lou Reed, Transformer, Rock N Roll Animal and Sally Can't Dance.




Even if you are not a huge fan of Lou Reed's music there is so much you can take from him and appreciate from his life. With such an open minded approach to music, others, art, love and life he used the heart of the New York City to propel him into everything. This fuelled creativity and a lifestyle that many probably wouldn't be able to keep up with.   



Thanks to Lou Reed many musicians and bands were heavily influenced and went on to begin their own careers, that related to many people of all ages and most likely changed their life too.
Here are some of the songs we couldn't live without.

Transformer


Walk On The Wild Side


Sunday Morning - The Velvet Underground

Sweet Jane


 RIP LOU REED
MARCH 2ND 1942 - OCTOBER 27TH 2013
X



Images Lou Reed Google Search.

VULGAR VISUALS

You may have guessed from all of the Halloween posts, that we are pretty into this celebration! We have been busy decking out all of our stores with the best Halloween styles and visual merchandising to make you stop and look!

We have chosen the Day of The Dead theme which is nothing new but still as classic and exciting as always! Witchcraft, witches, vampires, ghosts, zombies, brides and ghouls also go hand in hand and will be scattered into pieces all over your store! Here's some of our favourite parts of the windows from different stores!





Saturday 26 October 2013

GET THE LOOK: Tess Yopp

Tess Yopp is not only one super snazzy dresser but also one of our favourite Stylists,  working for magazines including i-D online, Vrag, I Love Fake and Vogue Japan. Here are some of her key eclectic looks which mix shape, texture, colour, and layers. You see the same style through her work and every fashion story is always as exciting as the last! We love to see what she's wearing next and have pulled out a few items to look for at Cow to Get The Look.







Links Below to Get the Look:






OR VISIT WWW.WEARECOW.COM FOR MORE!

Friday 25 October 2013

NADINE CARINA X WE ARE COW

We have been listening to a lot of the gorgeous Nadine Carina lately. The experimental, pop, folk, twee, easy listening singer originally from Switzerland is now residing in the comfortable claws of Liverpool. Her music is a joy to listen to and each track is a pleasant surprise. Between electro beats and plinky plonky sounds Nadine's accented voice is just the most beautiful instrument.




Nadine came to Sheffield last Saturday for a gig at The Bowery so we asked if she would pop in store, choose out her favourite items and ask her a few questions. She is so nice and agreed and here's what happened.

HI NADINE, THANKS FOR COMING IN AND SPEAKING TO US! HOW ARE YOU?

"Hi, I'm good thanks. Thanks for asking me to come in."

WHAT MADE YOU MOVE TO LIVERPOOL AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN THERE?

"I moved to Liverpool about 4 years ago to study Music and I have one year left but will be staying because I love it. There is so much more Art and Music influence to me in England than in general than Switzerland."

WHERE ELSE HAVE YOU PLAYED IN ENGLAND THAT YOU ENJOYED?

"I have played in quite a few places but as well as Liverpool I also love, Leeds, London and Brighton. Brighton is so nice, I love the sea, the beach and all the little lanes. There was lots of people playing live music when I went and it was beautiful."

AS YOU KNOW BECAUSE WE KEEP TWEETING TO YOU, BUT WE LOVE YOUR SONGS AND CAN'T STOP LISTENING, CAN WE EXPECT AN ALBUM SOON?

"I am working on songs now and my EP launches on 18th November so I will see how that goes but I am always writing songs and will continue to and hopefully make an album in the future."

THE LOVE - NADINE CARINA

WHERE CAN PEOPLE COME AND SEE YOU NEXT?

"I will be in Liverpool, London, Leeds and Switzerland next." For more info click here.

YOU HAVE A COOL STYLE AND WEAR A LOT OF VINTAGE ON AND OFF STAGE. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY WEARING A LOT OF?

"I love a lot of colour, tropical and hawaiian prints. I love summer, I love dressing in the sunshine when you can wear what you want. I mostly just wear what is comfortable, a lot of oversized sweaters and t-shirts."

WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE CITY FOR SHOPPING?

"I like to shop everywhere. Obviously London has so much to offer but somewhere like Brighton that has all the independent stores and there's a place in Liverpool called Grand Central that has lots of little shops inside and some really psychedelic which I love."

THANKS NADINE, NOW GO AND RUMMAGE UPSTAIRS AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOUR FAVE ITEMS ARE IN STORE.

"I love so much in here, but I have chosen a tropical shirt, this 80's print tee, denim shorts, an oversized denim jacket and this customised sports jacket. Thanks for today it's been nice and see you at the show!"







KEEP UP WITH MORE FROM NADINE AT 









Thursday 24 October 2013

GET THE LOOK: GRUESOME GET UPS

Halloween is only one week away! Don't forget about us if you've left your Halloween outfit till the last minute! We have plenty of witchy, gothy, cheerleader, edwardian, bride, zombie style items online to get your teeth into!





Make sure you visit WWW.WEARECOW.COM or nip into your nearest store to find your gorgeously ghastly looks!

Wednesday 23 October 2013

INTRODUCING: Literature Thieves

Meet Literature Thieves, a Manchester based band signed to record label Red Deer Club! Angela, Amy and Cassie have a dream like contemporary 70's style that sits perfectly with their folky hits... think moon and stars, floaty prints, colourful hair, and a bit of paisley thrown in for a gorgeous vintage look that we love! Their influences include Simon and Garfunkel, Kate Bush, Stevie Nicks and The Carter Family, have a listen to their Soundcloud to find out more... or see them play live on 9th November at Star and Garter, Manchester.


Literature Thieves - Waves That Weave









“They deliver quirky folk pop filled melodies, three part harmonies, all done with a stylish off-kilter attitude, think Sea of Bees / Tasseomancy… Addictive and very catchy!” – Folk Radio UK -

“All beautiful harmonies, gently strummed mandolins and plenty of heart-bruising lyricism, this was less a grand statement of intent from one of Manc music 2012’s most amazing new bands, and more a cosy campfire sing-along with three bessie mates you’d yet to make.” – City Life




Tuesday 22 October 2013

SKIRT ARMY

Suit up and power though in a skirt! We have a huge range of vintage and reworked skirts online now. With minis , midis to maxis there is plenty to choose from. Skirts are a huge key piece for Autumn/ Winter '13 and with flared, pencil, pleated, floral, checked, plain and graphic prints we will never be short of options!






Monday 21 October 2013

STREET SMART: Your Latest Looks!

The next instalment in our run of street style snaps from our lovely COW customers! Here's a collection of Sheffield, Manchester, Nottingham and Birmingham's latest snazzy dressers... Red coats and denim make as a key feature with a bit of tartan cropping up once more!












        WWW.WEARECOW.COM