Skin and bone

Hello friends!

Frankie here (of Swell Vintage). This blog is where I will be documenting all of my styling related activities. I will be writing about all manner of things - behind-the-scenes accounts from photoshoots, designers I have worked with or am inspired by, organisations I admire and the events I have attended. If you like that sort of thing then please, stick around - it's about to get interesting!

Recently I attended the press event for Bloody Gray at the über trendy Hoxton Pony in Shoreditch - and it was an absolute joy. Not only was the talent offering extremely strong and impressive, but it was clear that Bloody Gray geniunely believe in their clients and are proud to represent them - and quite rightly so.

Although everything on display was unique and lovely in its own way, there were a few designers that really stood out for me. TOSHA's array of black dresses with oversized corsage detail were stunning and powerful, and I was also dazzled by the simple yet striking silhouette courtesy of E.G Emma.Griffiths.

However, the pieces that really caught my eye and (metaphorically) smacked me in the face were the designs by Rachel Freire. Explosive, bold and fearless, Rachel has taken the leather trend and gunned it to 88 (I can quote Back to the Future if I want to, dammit). I don't think any of my poorly constructed sentences could even begun to do her collection justice, so it's probably best you just see for yourself:

(This ring was cast in silver from a HUMAN vertebrae!)

(This piece is made from yak nipples - yes, you heard me right. Yak nipples.)

All images courtesy of RachelFreire.com

After this incredibly psychantic post it should go without saying that I am well and truly smitten with Rachel Freire right now - especially that incredible ring. I am also really excited that I get to feature some of her mind-blowing collection on a magazine shoot I am working on at the end of the month - watch this space for more on that soon!