10'000 Firecracker blog views since October...

Yes, 10'000 views.

Anyway, just a little hint on what's coming soon. I've just emailed the finished pics of my 'future fashion' shoot to Select Mag, so as soon as thats out i will post it. (plus 2 exclusive pics will be on here.) The shoot was about forgetting vintage and stealing from the past and looking forward for a change. It ended up being quite a challenge for the stylist and I.

In contrast to this shoot, I've also emailed a couple of pics of the events company Geek Chic to Gossip Magazine, featuring 50's vintage clothes. So keep you eye out for that too. I think the same issue will also feature Hannah Ellen's 1st makeup column that I've done some beauty shots for.

What else is in the pipe line? I've got (finally going ahead) Lola Love's boutique S/S10 collection shoot on Tue. Then the final shoot for Kirsty Doyle's S/S10 Collection. Instead of just a basic look book (ASOS Style) shots, we are going all out on some more creative shots. I've even got a very talented 3D artist working on the back drop as we speak. Absolutely can't wait for this one.

I also hear Myfashionjunkie.com are about to launch the site, after a few hic-ups. Each week they will now be featuring a different fashion bloggers post. First ones mine! Search them on this blog to find out more about them.

Oh quickly one more thing, (oops I'm already running very late) I've going to see a preview of the Met quarters forthcoming goodies next week. So i think I'm going to incorporate that into a Male and Female fashion wish list for S/S 10. (I'll see if i can blag some stuff to give away on here too.)

Matt. xx

Street style. With Neil Lumberg- Model.

Neil popped in to get a few test shots for a New York modelling agency he is hoping to join. Since his wardrobe hits some major fashion trends we decided to stick them up here for a street style..

Union Jack Bandanna- Grand Central. (left hand)

Double denin!!! Gonna be massive this year. Hoody, Jeans and jacket all Levi. (Met Quarter)

Dirty Converse!!! Sorry clean just doesn't look right-schuh

Hat Vintage-Urban Outfitters.

Gloves. Topman.

Big Boots! This ones been creeping up for a while, but even though everyone is tucking their jeans into them, Its still a wicked look. Boots- Zara.

Jeans- All Saints.

Top- All Saints.

Exclusive first look. Kirsty Doyle's complete S/S 10 collection and shop opening.

Well as you may have noticed by the many Kirsty Doyle blog entries the past few days, I've been building up to the launch party, last night, and the finished look book for the spring summer 10 collection.

The party last night was a massive success gauged by the many empty Champaign bottles this morning and many of my press contacts telling me about their hangovers. 

So now the parties over Kirsty's is back in biz with her even bigger store in Liverpool one. (right in between flannels and urban outfitters) Again she be stocking Benna Jewellery and Nook and Willow (Liverpool made leather goods) but this time round she will also be featuring a make-up Bar where you can come in and book to get your makeup done in store. 

Kirsty and Benna-Center. 

Models back stage before the impromptus fashion show.

Hannah Ellen make-up artist.

Click to enlarge image.

P.s. Congrats to Sam McCaffetty for winning the silk dressing gown competition.

Matt. x

First look-Kirsty Doyle Spring/Summer 10 preview....

Hello readers, Just thought I'd throw a taster out there of Kirsty's forthcoming collection.

We have literally just finished shooting the product shots for the web site, the editorial shoot is later next week. So i'll post the full collection then.

Click to enlarge.
Model- Jodie.
Make-up-Hannah Ellen (left)
Kirsty (right)

For all the info on the new store opening next week, just look on the post a bit further down.
Don't forget the Kirsty Doyle comp on that post too.

Matt. x

www.kirsty-doyle.com 

Uclan fashion shoot special. Featuring top Manchester model Hollie Swain.

Photography- Matt Ford.

Model- Hollie Swain.

Hair & Make-up Hannah Ellen.

Styling- Daniele Timperly & Steph Elliott. 

Location- The broken bridge on Dock Road.

(I highly recommend you click to enlarge, these images can get a little lost on a computer screen unfortunately)

Dress with collar- Topshop. £55

Wedges- Topshop Boutique. £150

Tights- House of Holland. £10

Pearl Braces- Boudoir Boutique.

Dress- Chloe-Cricket.  £55

Black Jacket- Next £60

Smock- Topshop £35

Shoes- Topshop Boutique- £150

Hair Bow- Samantha Chong. 

Blouse- Matthew Williamson Selfridges.

We aimed to shoot 6 looks for this shoot but due to the fact it was raining then snowing and I nearly broke my neck falling over in the slime we decided to call it a day at 4. God bless Hollie, she didn't stop shaking for about an hour after...and who say's modelling is easy?

The stylists Danielle and Steph are currently in the second year studying Fashion promotion and styling at Uclan in Preston. There's a little more info on them on the blog entry below. 

I absolutely love working with up and coming talent, so if your reading this and still in Uni I'm more than happy to offer a Massive discount on shoots for your course work. (If your not though, on your bike)

Matt. 

x

Street style. with Danielle & Steph-2nd year Uclan Fashion promotion and styling students.

I'm just about to start a shoot for their campaign for 'fashion image.' Its going to show how to incorporate Styling, Hair & make-up, Photography and art direction and how it all comes together to make the final Image.

Anyway just thought I'd grab them for a quick street style before we start the shoot. 

Danielle (Left) Describes her styles as, "Glam shabby chek. I like a general mix of vintage and high street. Today I'm a little dressed down and wrapped up due to the fact we are shooting outside on a Feb afternoon." 
Check out Danielle's blog- http://www.xxdaniellexxt.blogspot.com/

Steph describes her style as ''Usually casual due to extensive travel, apart from the weekend when i go the complete opposite and everything turns to sparkle!" 


P.S. I will post there shoot in a few days.

Matt. x

Hot off the press! I've got a luxury silk Kirsty Doyle Dressing gown to give away in time for her new store opening..

Well my lovely readers,  just a little update for you.

First of all I have a (made to measure) luxury silk Kirsty Doyle dressing gown to give away exclusively to Fire Cracker Fashion readers.

All you have to do is email me at matthewrichardford@hotmail.com putting the subject 'Kirsty Doyle Competition' and then your contact details. I will get someone to pick one at random.

Thats not all, If you hadn't already heard; Kirsty is moving into her new store this month in Liverpool One. (20 Mansteys Lane) She is celebrating with a grand launch party on the 11th. I will be posting the pics and story on here straight after the event so keep your eye out, as i will also announce the winner at the same time.  If you want more info on the store please email info@avenham.com

We've also just finished the plans for Kirsty's brand new Spring/Summer 10 Collection photo shoot that we are doing this Saturday.  The pics will be used for the shop window display and magazines but if you want to see an exclusive first look then you know where to come...


Matt. X


To buy or check out the previous collections I've shot for kirsty.....

www.kirsty-doyle.com

Hooka Hairdresser's website launches, featuring my edgy B/W photoshoot.

Photography Matt Ford.

Make-up Hannah Ellen.

Fashion Styling Kathryn Robbinson.

Hooka Website Black & Ginger. 

Click to enlarge.

  For over 3 years Hooka has been known as Liverpool's most uber cool hair salon. With clients including Hollyoacks stars, well known scouse musicians (sorry they wont let me name drop. Dam professionals) and the odd nationally know models too.

Take a look at their new website here....

Hooka.

Models, Thomas Williams, Jonny Kerns, Kayleigh Winters and Lauri Paine.

Fashion predictions for Spring/Summer 2010.

Hello, been a while hasn't it.

I wrote this article over christmas however its only just been published in Gossip magazine so here it is.

Unfortunately Chanel doesn’t make crystal balls, however Gossip has asked me to forecast the forthcoming trends for 2010.

Where to begin?

To make an informed decision and not to just repeat last week’s Grazia I’m going to have to pull out all the stops and call all the best fashion designers, press offices and stylists I know. Already I’m lost in an array of conflicting opinions of what’s going to be big this year. I mean anyone can see one designers collection (be it their own) and pass their opinion off as the must have look to be seen in next season.

So back to the drawing board and a very long browse through Vogue.com and Style.com. After looking at designer collections by the best in British design to find out if claims that neon really will be back (already), polka dots, head to toe denim, belly tops and tracksuits with heels actually are the way forward. This is what I found.

Firstly the trends that took us all by storm this year, like Gingham and 80’s influence have again been masterfully reinvented in many Spring/Summer collections. Christopher Bailey, the creative force behind Burberry, has used delicate pastels and intertwining silk in a subtle puffball effect on his skirts through out the collection. The effect has also featured one of the best reinventions of the trench I’ve seen; the soft looking summer coat with 80’s pointed shoulders. Aspects of this combination of ideas will surely be filtered through to the high street and be wearable to a wide age range.

With designers rebelling again last years color blocking, the new stripped down pallet of nudes, cream and naturals is also featured in other collections including Matthew Williamson and Christopher Kane,. Their S/S10 collections consist of baby blues and pinks, creamy yellows, while John Galliano at Dior has utilised a decidedly dark and vampy feel. The 3 designers, amongst others, are showing a lot of lightweight metallic fabrics. This is new for a summer wardrobe and definitely something to look out for.

However if you still desire bolder colors for wild summer nights then after a sneak peak of what Topshop has to offer next year you can try their ‘La Latina’ looks which contain hip-hop influences, 80’s and 90’s inspiration and ‘tongue in cheek’ street wear. With super cropped Tee’s and sequin detailing, this is not for the demure! Plus with Christopher Kane’s use of sequins on his white floral motifs, it proves that this trend will also last longer than winter ‘09.

As for neon going to be back in already. Sam from myfashionJunkie.com tells me this time around it will be influenced by the punk era rather than 2007’s new rave.

Next on my travels to find out what’s coming up in style for 2010 I paid a visit to Voodou’s art director and British hairdresser’s awards 09 nominee Phill Gallagher. He claims that after another uncertain financial year, clients are still going for darker, shorter and longer lasting hairstyles that in my eyes look sophisticated on anyone. His most sort after celebrity style is Frankie from the Saturdays bob. 

 If you’re like me though and never quite sure whether to believe the hype, then you’ll just have to wait and see.

Matt.

Firecracker will be back next year with a Bang.

Dear Readers,

09 has been my busiest year so far as a photographer and I plan to make 2010 even busier.
With my shoot for Hooka being posted early January, one of my pics being featured in a forthcoming Vogue issue and a shoot planned for Dazzed and Confused magazine, it's already looking good.

I am currently seeing the New Year in with friends and family in Ibiza but as soon as I get back to England, I will be posting my Spring/Summer 10 style predictions which was written for the current Gossip magazine.  I am also finalising plans for various shoots including Lola Love's S/S 10 collection.
With 2010 looking set to be a fashion corker for both myself and Liverpool, I am certain this year will be one of massive expansion furthering our status on the UK fashion map.

Happy New Year everyone.

Matt. x