Fashion Bloc: A Review

‘Diversity is unheard of, discretion of taste, in our world of ours bitter triumph reinstated,

Rejecting the social norm is an ode to death, a stilted walk on a tightrope, a dancer suspended in flight, Cultural exploitation is a form of assimilation, fragmented boundaries, a bed of scattered lies,

Humanity is a flawed platform for justice, a black hole of misconception, the golden hour shattered,

But beneath the shattered glass is a new dawn, a new beginning and that beginning is Fashion Bloc’

As a social advocate for equality I was immediately drawn to the welcoming ethos of Fashion Bloc and its appreciation for Eastern European fashion. Eastern Europe hosts some of the most talented designers and yet their designs and sheer determination to succeed is overuled by Southern European giants- Italy, France and the UK. Me excluded, our culture is infatuated with labels but what if I told you that craftmanship, talent and dedication is not defined by what is on the label but how the clothes make us feel on the outside? It strikes me as importunate that humans feel the need to be labelled when the clothes don’t wear us… we wear them.

Fashion ethos aside I was impressed with the range of clothing that Fashion Bloc had to offer. Inspired by the rigidity of structure infused with the fluidity of dance, each item challenges a fashion perception, where no idea is left unturned. Bold, colourful and rejecting social bondaries it is clear that Fashion Bloc will change the scope of the fashion industry one step at a time. Founded in 2013 as a small start-up Fashion Bloc continues to challenge homogeniety in favour of its own unique approach to fashion and it is an attitude that I highly admire.

On the 22nd of October I was cordially invited to its prestigious Bloggers only event at Kaizo in Shoreditch. Located in a hair salon in a ‘hipsters paradise’ eager designers and staff made us feel at home showcasing their unique designs and talent for cultivating fashion-forward pieces that would suit all body types. In an industry where body image is pre-conceived Fashion Bloc tore up the rule book and determined that mainstream attitudes about fashion and shape did not apply here. Refreshingly different Fashion Bloc was more than just a label but a way of life, a positive outlook to fashion that is rarely seen in the Western Hemisphere.

Drawing upon its united ethos and admiration for the ‘social other’ Fashion Bloc employed a team of ‘hair professionals’ that would tease our hair into statuesque beauties to rival any fashion magazine. The Kaizo hair team thought outside of the box and created hairstyles that were unique, streamlined and effortlessly cool tying into the hipster aesthetic of Shoreditch. For my look the team channeled Arianna Grande meets Coco Rocha- sleek and sophisticated with a oriental edge my hair had never felt so slick.

Hair done it was time to check out the eclectic surroundings. The pervading scent of success was infilitrating the atmosphere and led me to a flatlay of unique bags designed by AgnesSignazc. A designer with a difference Agnes created a sustainable range that derived influence from modern art and its expression of identity through an artistic medium. Playing with colour, textures and shape was a key asset of the coveted collection and stood out from the crowd of mass produced bags that we are so fond of. More so Agnes was sweet, charming and was incredibly passionate about challenging societies perception of the fashion industry; Fashion is not materialistic but a platform through which you can truly express your identity.

The event also allowed us to try some of the new designer pieces that Fashion Bloc had added to its unique collection including a bespoke fringed ombre skirt, red duster coat ( which will be reviewed on my blog soon) among other innovative creations. I chose not to get changed as I wanted to review the items in a seperate post but will leave you with this beauty of a photo to drool over.

Fashion Bloc was more than just a business enterprise but it was the chance to network with other like-minded bloggers and engage with fashion in a fun and stimulating environment. The blogger above is the wonderful Christina from ‘XtineLoves’ a fashion blogger with an infectious laugh and equally infectious outlook to blogging. Her happy go lucky nature infused with an ambitious streak made her the perfect new friend. We are currently in talks about hosting a blogger event with the lovely Preppy Fashionist a social media influencer and Akua from Kuiya’s closet. Isn’t it wonderful how this all stemmed from a small fashion event?

I want to thank Fashion Bloc for giving us the oppurtunity to sample their collection, be pampered by the beauty/hair team and for the lovely giftboxes with lipglosses, silk scarves, socks and other equally fabolous treats. A special thanks to Adam Mastroianni an American photographer lost in the urban underworld we call London, Erek Goralski  the studio photographer, Kaizo hair & beauty team and a special thanks to Ieva for organizing the event.

Please follow their social media pages  below:

www.fashionbloc.co.uk
http://www.facebook.com/fashionbloc
http://instagram.com/fashionbloc
Tweets by fashionbloc

Join our discussion group at:

https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/fashionbloc

Photography: Adan Mastroianni & Edek Goralski

Top- Primark

Skirt: Topshop

Bag : Agnesignacz

Hair: Kaizo

Coat: FashionBloc