A cool fashionista: Szimonetta Szabó

Szimonetta Szabó: Fashion designer

Szimonetta Szabó

Eye-popping and inventive creations have helped distinguish this enigmatic designer.

Upcycling and high kicking: Black and yellow jumpsuit created by Szimonetta

Szimonetta's black and yellow jumpsuit was a show-stealer at the FashionSistas set during London Fashion Week - so we had to find out more about it!

She told A Creation:  "This jumpsuit is a really interesting piece of my collection because you can change its style according to your taste. You can wear it on several ways, twist it and play with it to create a totally new look".

The model did exactly that on the runway - twisting its straps and showing off its versatility as she floored the catwalk with the design.

Szimonetta, whose brand Poen de Szimiy, means "Joke of Simi", also spoke about the upcycling aspect of the suit: "The bra is made from crisps packaging  which was a main "fabric" in one of my previous collections. The idea came to me because my boyfriend ate a lot of crisps when our class was preparing for an eco-friendly fashion show".

"I would like to use my knowledge to help in humanity and show that fashion is not just for external gratification but it is an important thing which can make the whole world better".

 - Szimonetta Szabó

This wonderful designer takes her love of fashion seriously with the duty of environmental care. She likes to recycle fabrics and adds: "Today in this crazy rushing world sometimes we forget what it is to be happy. We are so wrapped-up in the external side of fashion so it's my desire to bring something special into people’s lives to break the monotony. I want to help people to rediscover what a miracle it is to be young and happy without barriers and show the world who we are inside".

Szimonetta began working with FashionSistas after meeting the CEO, Rose Perkins, at a Superstar Club fashion industry networking event in February. "I was wearing one of my own creations which Rose loved. She ordered it for her boutique and we have worked together since". The jumpsuit Rose picked for the Angels of Fashion was modified to fit the theme of "Back to Black", focusing on black and gold.

Szimonetta poses with Samantha Jane in her black and yellow creation for FashionSistas at London Fashion Week

At the same time, Szimonetta has been busy desigining and showcasing her second collection. Her first line, Love, which she developed for her graduation in her native Hungary, debuted in Riga, Latvia and her clothes have since brought her to London and Las Vegas.

Her vibrant, colourful and bohemian pieces include crazy ideas. She likes to incorporate art motifs and handmade work into the garments, which we are  delighted to say are still extremely wearable!

Szimonetta is currently  bursting at the seam to start her AW14-15 collection. She tells us she has a few upcoming engagements to complete first which include fashion shows, photo-shoots and unsurprisingly - award shows: "On October  26 I will have another fashion show in London, I am one of the finalists of  'Fashion designers and craft makers' as a Radical designer at the FDC Young Designer Awards . I will show an Avant-garde collection with hand-painted pieces".

Young Designer Awards 2013

We look forward to see what good fortune the future will bring for Szimonetta and we're even more excited to find out  what she will deliver to the world!

"In designing my collections I always try to keep in my mind one serious question: What do people need the most in their weekdays?  I want people to feel their unique selves and feel special while they are wearing my dresses and complete it with their smile. :)" 

- Szimonetta Szabó

You can keep up with Szimonetta here and we'll leave you with some pictures which show-off her creative jumpsuits. The pink flower figured and grey one is the original one she designed and the photos show just how versatile it is.

Countdown to the biggest transport snafu London has ever seen?

London, host city to the 2012 Olympic Games, will be shouldering the burden of up to three million extra journeys each day during the global sporting event, putting its transport system to the test.

Across both games there will be 14,000 athletes, 7,000 technical officials, more than 20,000 media and 11million spectators.


How our transport infrastructure deals with the surge in numbers during the summer months - when it will be used more than ever before - will largely determine the success of the games as a whole.


Transport disruptions have the ability to affect us in more ways than simply delaying the time we arrive at our intended destination. A disruption to the individual often has a knock-on affect that snowballs, even affecting society itself.


So far, the outlook has been dismal. Potential staff cuts on the railway as well as flexible hours for staff on the underground will only serve to further strain the transport network. 
We took a quick look at the issues that will be affecting the nine million plus ticket holders, commuters, residents and tourists alike as they struggle to traverse the nation's capital from July 25 to September 11.

Games Lanes 

Dedicated lanes to ensure the uninterrupted passage of athletes, VIPs, officials and media - will impose restrictions on the flow of traffic to and from, in and around, Olympic venues. Pall Mall will be closed to motorists over the Olympic Period while it is used for events such as the marathon and the nearby Equestrian centre is built.




Taxis
The result of all that traffic congestion and prolonged queuing time? A taxi-fare that gets bigger and bigger while you go nowhere. Many of London's black-cab drivers are threatening to quit the streets in protest against travel restrictions.


Steve the black cab driver: "They've got us handcuffed during the olympics, I'm going to have to use a helicopter to get around."


Tubes and Trains
Over 20,000 railway network job cuts will leave London with a 'third-class service' with 'eye-watering' fare rises. Not to mention the serous risk of over-crowding as commuters clash with ticket-holders on their way to an early-morning event showing.


Cyclists
Don't rely on the the indestructible Boris Bike to get you around the city during the games. There's a real risk of strike action by members of the RMT Union that could lead to severe disruption in services including Barclay's Cycle Hire, whose workers are affiliated to the union.
Andreas @ London Cyclist: "Many of the bus lanes will be closed to cyclists to allow for officials, sponsors and athletes to move through the city. I fear that safer routes through the capital will be restricted for cyclists and we'll have to merge with the rest of the traffic."


Hospitals and donors
Road closures risk preventing medical supplies and even donor blood and organs from reaching hospitals in good time. Hospitals in London are considering reorganising surgery timetables, changing shift patterns and moving delivery ties all to accommodate the olympics. 


Businesses
Although TFL has been engaging with businesses, there are many who have been left feeling disillusioned by false assurances as to the extent of travel disruptions. 45 companies in Hackney Wick have expressed their discontent for the disruption to their businesses by sending a petition to their local council.
Graham Phelps of Phelps Transport: "All we have been told is that we will be able to trade and we will be fine. If something goes wrong we've had it."


Commuters
Companies have encouraged their workers to stay at home or work alternative hours during the games. Economists have forecast that the overall affect on the economy will be negative, despite the retail boost from visiting olympic-goers.
Are you affected by any of the issues above? If so leave a comment letting us know how you plan to get around on @FJMayhew or @ryrealtalk

We are in a race between disaster and catastrophe

Today, someone I consider a friend, posted a few rants on facebook.

First she posted a link to a note that her friend had posted. The headline screamed MUSLIM DAY OUT IN ALTON TOWERS.

I read the note, there was no source, just an article stating that the day was planned in summer for a day of halal food at alton towers, prayer sections and segrating the sexes from going on rides together, and a quote from a 19 year old boy who wanted to go on that particular day, tried to book it and was refused because he was a non muslim.

I then read her post about the current government being wankers and racist to christian people.

A couple of her statements I remember read:-

'Can you imagine the muslim reaction if we demanded a day out?'

'The government are breaking the law, what about the Equality Act 2010?'

Then her friend added a reply. His profile picture depicted two drunken looking men {likely himself and a friend) red faced, one arm up, each with mouths open as if they were shouting. If I were to judge his picture I'd say they had ASBOs. He said, and I'm paraphrasing:-

"When you defend this country you get labelled a racist!" 

My friend replied to him to reassure him he's not racist in this case by speaking out. His response was?

"FUCK OFF ALL YOU PA*I SCUM"

(That is not paraphrased. I have censored -  although, he did not)

I decided to google this news story. Firstly, it was from 2006, secondly it was organistion that had created a promotional event called 'Muslim Day Out in Alton Towers'. Other people were welcome at alton towers on the day, but would have to adhere to the segregated rides and halal food which I agree is unfair - religion should not be enforced upon anyone.

But the Muslim community certainly weren't demanding a 'Muslim Day,' organising it, or even attending it! The group who were obviously trying to promote themselves and cause a stir couldn't even shift 1,000 tickets and it ended up cancelled - I know this, because the Sun were so interested in following up on the story. I didn't read the full conclusion but I'm sure they encouraged their readers it was down to them the day out didn't happen.

I disagree.

I believe that is a good representation of the Muslim community in Britain. There are only a few idiots (as in any class, creed, gender, religion, race, country etc etc...)  and unfortunately they draw the media attention and we all should understand there is an underlying reason for that. We think we have a free media, but hopefully the recent Rupert Murdoch scandal will wake up any zombies who believe they're being told everything objectively.

It's interesting that this occurred today. Just yesterday I began this blog completely differently. I was shocked to hear that pop star Kelis rant on twitter about experiencing racism at one of the London airports, here is her account:

http://twitter.com/#!/iamkelis

"We just landed and I had the midget (her son) with me. We get in the passport control line and apparently pissed this one man off cause he thought I cut the line. Which wouldn't be far fetched of me but this time I actually didn't (not entirely anyway) well the point is from 0 to 60 This fat red faced sweaty "man" (I use the word man loosely here) started calling me a slave and told me to call him sir and how I was Probably a disgusting Nigerian. He called me kunta kinte and ranted and raved some more.

The man behind the passport desk laughed, shook his head in agreement I guess, and said "kunta kinte". All the while the entire line full of people I just sat on a plane with for almost 3hours, over 50 people said nothing. I mean literally nothing. Didn't flinch. We all no I'm no saint, so I retaliated. Not the way I wanted to Or how that pig deserved. But #1 my gorgeous baby boy was literally sitting on my hip and #2 I'm a believer. And we are better. Sposed to be.

Anyway, it made me think. This person was aprox a 50 year old English man. I didn't say anything at the time of the riots in London. For a lot of reasons. But I am in lLondon all the time and today I'm gonna say that the racial issues in the UK are disgusting. It's racially decades behind progression because everything is swept under the rug. People don't talk about it. People don't fight about it. Not mentioning a problem doesn't make it go away. I bring it up now because as an American it is abundantly clear that my country has a Smorgas board (spelling?) of disgusting racial problems. We are the poster child for racial inequality even still with a black president But its NO SECRET! And that I can fight against. I can try to prepare and teach my son. Because its out there. But you can't fight for or against something no one is willing to talk about or even admit exist. Everyone wants to be politically correct. But who really cares? And what does that help. I could go on and on. I won't. But maybe someone will start to talk about it from here."

I think we should talk about things, I find my own experience of racism mainly at school subtle but definitely life changing. It affects my confidence and belief in my self worth. My friend is so upset that there is no Christian sort of day, when she's Catholic. Earlier this week she had posted an image of the UK map with block letters written over it: "FUCK OFF! WE'RE FULL" but forgets her grandfather came here from Ireland - but then again I'm unsure if it's Northern Ireland - technical issue there in my statement.

I got involved in the posts on my friend's page, I told her she's getting angry over something which happened in 2006, and her friend who says he isn't racist, is a racist.

She deleted my reply informing her to stop being incensed over something in 2006. She deleted her friend's comment, then she wrote me a message which didn't resolve any of my issues. She ignored that it was an old article and asked why the muslims think they can do this, but that' I'm a mate, so no offence.

I told her I was not impressed by the 'you're alright you are, no offence' response.  I said

If the Sun wrote this in today's paper (it is not online as a new story when I googled it) it sounds like they're rehashing an old story. Also that organisation whoever the f they are, are probably just trying to stir things to promote themselves. This organisation organised a day out in 2006, less than 1,000 muslim's bought tickets so it got cancelled so how the f do muslims get the blame? They didn't ask for it. I can't believe you fell for it.

I have to wonder about someone who doesn't open their mind to facts plus the same day I read an article on a young boy jailed for 'trolling'. Sean Duffy posted offensive videos and messages on tribute pages for a girl who committed suicide after being bullied. The boy who was jailed actually suffered from Aspergers syndrome which may have affected his judgement. I would be less shocked if my ex-associate had ranted about this issue because to me.

I have no problems with people who debate and keep an open mind to the truth.

It does make me question where I fit in when it comes to contributing to the media. I don't believe in vilifying a religion over a group's actions. Condemn the group!

AmyAmyAmy & the world...

So it's 2amish...oh actually its 3.

And I can't sleep, feeling so sad about Amy Winehouse. I can't bear to watch the news. Everything going on in the world is depressing.

Amy Winehouse live

In the past I've complained about all the bandwagon jumpers jacking Amy's style [debatable, will go into that] while she's been out of the charts herself. I've been missing her herself, and rooting for her.

I just hate the music industry's 'onto the next' attitude - to me Amy Winehouse is a person before she is a product, and unlike what the media reports in response to her passing I believe her music outshone her troubles.

Her troubles were part of the package of being famous, and if you've read/followed Amy, you'll know it wasn't her intention to become famous.

Fame has always been destructive, because the people who are high profile are always struggling to be 'good enough' to whatever expectations are placed upon them. These days it's worse because of 24/7 news and gossip sites hounding people like Amy and mocking them instead of being positive.

I feel so sad that I have to grow old without so many of my favourite artists, Lynden David Hall, Aaliyah, Lefteye, Michael Jackson and now Amy Winehouse. Apart from Michael Jackson I felt like I loved these people before their 'stardomness' or high profileness went into overdrive. Each one of them gave interviews that I related in what they were saying, and I have memories to their individual songs, of buying their albums, or reading about them and getting excited over interviews.

When Aaliyah died I felt like I was experiencing what it felt like to lose Otis Redding - a fantastic young singer who was respected but still growing. I also felt like she was a sister, a really cool sister. I can't believe she died a week before 9.11 attacks, so long ago now, but I remember where I was, how I felt, that I believed it to be an internet hoax, that I used to watch Romeo Must Die bonus features nearly every day until the day she died.When Lefteye died it connected with a personal loss. When Lynden David Hall died on valentines day in 2004 it felt sickenly sad. He died of a rare case of lymphoma which not enough [black] donors give to. He was so talented and soulful but not many paid attention to his benefit concert, and for years not many people even knew he had died. It hurt me that he was not appreciated enough, but I felt priveleged to love him.

When Michael died, wow, I really have to keep that blog to one on its own because that will be long.

And now Amy... That voice. She embraced a sound and style but made it modern and she was a breath of fresh air in today's British music industry. Amy's pain and joy wasn't only in her heart when she sang, it was in mine. Her soulful voice really came from somewhere deep. I can't say the same for  the Amy Winehouse bandwagon jumpers. She has writing talent, she took time over creating her music, playing live instruments, sampling and referencing hip hop. This is why she is individual.

I love you Amy, thank you for the music and for giving all you had to give.

Acoustic Night at The World's End - Finsbury Park

Sundays are meant for relaxing, so Acoustic Night at The World's End is a great way to spend it.

I had the pleasure of going with my sister. The set is hosted by Kal Lavelle  who has appeared in the ITunes Top 10 Singer/Songwriter chart after releasing her album and is a support act for Ed Sheeran.

Its a free night, down the pub, intimate atmosphere, a few different acts, even some comedy thanks to banter between artists and the audience.


One of the acts on last Sunday were Irish group of ladies called Novas Basement who sang sweetly and played the cello, guitar and violin between them.

I definitely recommend it as somewhere to go on a Sunday. You get free sweets too!

Kal Lavelle performing at Finsbury Park's Worlds End with Antonio Lulić who is originally from Yorkshire. 

My Experience of Catch 22 so far

It's been 5 weeks since I joined the Catch 22 Academy in London's Bernie Grant Arts Centre and what a journey it's been, my life has completely changed!

Just 6 weeks ago I was working part time in my home-town of Bradford, cold calling people trying to get them to take advantage of the government grant for getting their homes insulated.

I was writing in my spare time and working in a school doing some pretty amazing art projects such as creating tape sculptures and Egyptian murals.

I applied for the course believing that I could achieve my ambitions if I put the effort in to what I really wanted in life. Within a week of my Catch 22 interview I came to London.

My first four days included attending the course and searching like crazy for a place to live. In fact the first Wednesday I came there was a tube strike which made my second day a challenge in just getting around! So I knew I had to find a place nearby - which I did on the Thursday but couldn't move in straight away, but at least I got that ticked off my list pretty quickly.

Catch 22 Magazine  gave me the tools to believe in myself. It can be scary to push yourself but you have to get round certain corners to progress and that started with me. This has been the best decision for me and even looking back, everything seems to make sense now.

Next I had to find a job; So the endless applications began...more on that next time.

Might be cliche but this song sums up my experience so far, I love Sam Tsui's covers: Sam Tsui "Don't Stop Believing"