Vindictive - My latest Editorial

So the time finally arrived where my Editorial was able to be published, there's nothing quite like the excitement you feel when you share your work with people.

I worked with international photographer Ikwa Zhao on this project and we just clicked instantly, it's very rare to find someone who has the same vision as you and gets every reference you mention... we both found that connection and it made all our projects a breeze (stay tuned for our other work soon to be published). Overall we had such a great day even though we were running on no sleep and no coffee (the place where we shot was in the middle of no where). I also worked with makeup artist Wendy Kwei who is not only meticulous with her work but is the sweetest person you will ever meet and is now a close friend of mine.

Here's a sneak peek at the editorial which is called "Vindictive", for the full editorial head to A New Muse

Don't forget to head to my facebook page and "Like it" to see images and updates I don't post on here.

Mitch x

Behind the scenes

It's not every day that you get to see what happens behind the scenes so I thought I'd show a couple of shots my assistants took on my most recent editorial and an older beach shoot. We all like to have a lot of fun so we try to keep ourselves amused by doing silly poses and just generally keep an upbeat attitude all day.

Me trying to hide behind the beautiful Rachael Grasso

Trying to tie up a necklace.. the string was so small!

Rach being a rockstar while Vanessa Collins and I do some of our final touches

Doing my "Epic Light Reflector" pose.. 2 seconds later a big gust of wind came and it almost had me face plant into the sand

A sneak peek at my new editorial

Ikwa checking the shot while the girls relax on some milk crates

To see the full set of images and follow my work head to my facebook page and click "Like"

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mitchell-Steed-Stylist/137317079666479

Enjoy,

Mitch x

My website is now live!

Hey Everyone,

Hope you're all having a great week.

Just a small update to let you all know my website is now live with my online portfolio :)

Head to: http://www.mitchellsteed.com and check it out.

More fashion posts to come, just been focussing on the site.

Take care,

Mitch

Golden Globes

I'm not one who usually follows what's going on at the Golden Globes but as I've started styling people for red carpet events I thought it'd be appropriate to check them out and discuss my opinion.

As most of you know the Golden Globes have just been on and most of you only watched it for the red carpet moments. I think the hardest thing with red carpet fashion is that you have to find something your client is going to like, find something that will be well recieved by the media and also to find something fashion forward that is just forward enough for people. What I mean by "forward enough for people" is something that is ahead of the fashion game that people will be ready to accept as fashionable and not freaky, think of Gaga in the meat dress... not only was it too forward it was actually just completely wrong in all aspects (although she clearly showed how women are viewed as pieces of meat haha).

We saw many trends marching down the red carpet but one that stood out for me would be all the shimmering sequins. A few few versions of sequinned gowns showed up and we also saw a peek at different styles soon to be filtered down to high street stores (mainly the sequins.. I don't really think you'll find red carpet rip offs at Sportsgirl or The Gap).

Photo: Getty Images via WHO mag 

Here we have Tron Legacy star Olivia Wilde in a stunning Marchesa gown, now a lot of people gave her flack saying this was more for the Oscars and too extravagant.. but I say bring on the drama as she looked stunning. I love how the embellishing looks like clusters of stars seen from the Hubble telescope. Why this works: Its fitted at the bodice and it starts to expand from the smallest part of Olivia's waist, also chocolate is a trending colour along with other brown shades.

Photo: Getty Images via WHO mag  

Here we have the stunning Anne Hathaway in an Armani backless gown. It seems she can do no wrong when it comes to Armani. One thing I love about this is that it has full sleeves, a floor length hem but is backless which turns this into a sexy gown, it's not often that covering your front is considered sexy but "leave a little to the imagination" must be this actresses mantra. Why this works: this shade really compliments Anne's hair and makeup it's also just a really great gown!

Photo: Getty Images via WHO mag 

Scarlett Johansson is sporting this Ellie Saab gown with elements of ethereal beauty fused with Hollywood glamour. Now she did get slammed for wearing this being accused of looking "boring" I don't think its so much boring as it is too pale for her complexion, put this on someone with a darker skin tone or get a darker colour of this dress and it would be spot on. Why this works: this is a great fit and style for Scarlett even though the shade doesn't do much for her, I think returning to classic periods in fashion is something that should be celebrated so thumbs up!

Photo: Getty Images via WHO mag  

We have our OCD petite school counsellor ("Glee" for those a little lost) Jayma Mays in this stunning Alberta Ferretti gown. I'm so glad there is a sheer panel at the "V" of this neckline because without it the dress would be completely wrong. Why this works: not only does it really highlight her fiery red hair but she really suits old school glamour so this flapper inspired dress goes with her personality.

Photo: Getty Images via WHO mag  

Angelina Jolie in an Atelier Armani full sleeve gown. This shade of green is just stunning and I love how she's decided to go for something a little more classic for a change (last time I payed attention she was wearing a scary bondage dress and she was too skinny). Why this works: the open neckline adds an element of sensuality to this dress it also compliments the power shoulder incorporated into the gown, again the colour is stunning and it just really highlights Angelina's eye.

Photo: Getty Images via WHO mag  

Amber Riley in Oliver Tolentino showing that "Gleeks" can be red carpet winners. A lot of people with fuller figures always seem to think black is the way to go but Amber shows us that not only can you wear light colours, you can sparkle while you're at it. Why this works: It's asymmetrical breaking up Amber's figure it also cinches in at the smallest part of her waist, the texture of the sequin also break up the body with the fabric just skimming down her hips which compliments her shape.

I'm actually looking forward to the next red carpet event so stay tuned for my 2 cents on trends and top picks.

Mitch x

Copyright © Mitchell Steed 2011

2011 a return to blogging

Well a belated hello to all,

It's been a long time and a crazy crazy year (well almost a year) since my last post. I've gone from volunteering backstage at fashion shows to a full fledged stylist after working 24/7 ...months on end. I think one of the reasons for my success would be my realistic attitude and sheer drive and focus on where I want to be, there's nothing quite like doing what you love as a career (or in my case as a lifestyle). Many of you have been here from the start, many of you are new and many are yet to come.. so here's a glimpse at the story so far... I'm going to gloss over a fair bit as it has been very eventful.

The beginning story:

So it's been 3 years since I up and left my career in retail to jump head first into the real fashion industry (long long story short.. I was in retail for 5 years where I honed in my people management skills and frequently would style for VIP events and TV personalities/supply outfits for magazines... but it wasn't enough to satisfy me). I started this blog about 7 months after I left my job and also after being inspired by an intern I was working with (who is now a close friend) I needed an outlet to talk about fashion so this was a great way to share my views and passion.

The middle story:

The friend I mentioned above stumbled across a fantastic writing opportunity for herself and mentioned the site was looking for a stylist assistant, naturally I applied 3 weeks later as I was so nervous writing a letter. After meeting with the creating director I was actually offered the role of Fashion Editor due to my knowledge of fashion, my passion and the standard of work I presented (pretty much said my letter sold me instantly but wanted to see if I was the same in person). That's when I abandoned this blog as I was writing for the site, conducting photo shoots as well as juggling my assisting work so I didn't really have any spare time to write here.

It was about 4 months after joining the site that I decided to go solo and see if I could survive without assisting, this was not really my choice... I couldn't assist many people cause I don't drive... for aspiring stylist's out there you MUST drive... trust me you're going to see why later on in future posts. The first 3 months solo were really tough, work was really intense for really low pay (it beat working for free which I did for a YEAR! full time) I had a few jobs which back then seemed like high paying roles so they balanced it out a bit. A client who booked me the most went away for 3 months to do charity and I really learnt the downside of freelancing, 8 weeks of no work and you really start to panic and realise that maybe you have to put your dream on hold to get a job you hate in order to pay bills. The day she returned I went from bored and worried to flat out busy and jet setting interstate, it started with a few small fashion show cases to big fashion launches (including the infamous Vogue Fashion's Night Out which I styled fashion showcases for some of Australia's leading designers). Through all these projects I met some amazing people and my network exploded which led to new clients and amazing opportunities... oh and also did I mention fashion parties? this is a great way to have a free night out but also to meet new clients, where other people would run to the bar I'd stay in the group to socialize and network.

The present story:

Last year flew by it saw me go from assisting on shoots and runways at fashion week to styling fashion editorials, reviewing the runway shows at fashion week, styling runway shows, fashion show cases, hosting fashion talks, styling event launches, supplying outfit options for people like Jennifer Hawkins, personal consulting, being a Fashion Editor and being a personal shopper/stylist. .

The online magazine will be focusing on features rather than blog posts so I now have time to focus on my "wants/loves/needs" to share with you like in the past. I'm currently working on my website which will be going live soon (after I've changed my mind on layout 100 times.. my web designer is very patient) and I look to keep this blog up to date with not only on things I want/love/need but also what projects I'm working on so I can share some behind the scenes stories and photos with you.

Here's to an exciting and stylish future.

Mitch . S xx

Long time

Hey guys,

Been a long time since I've posted. I've been super busy now I'm starting to make it as a stylist and I've also been crazy busy with design studies.

I'm now the Fashion Editor of the online magazine www.anewmuse.net so check it out for my usual articles and for fashion editorials (doing first shoot this week so stay tuned)

Talk soon and don't forget to stop by the online mag and day hello ;-)

Mitch. S xx


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Coffee with a twist of sophistication

I'm having a coffee right now and as I was getting ready for some posts, I randomly thought of Jayson Brunsdon and his current collection. Jayson is an Australian designer and he makes gorgeous and really feminine looks. Whenever his name or work is mentioned I think "Sophisticated, glamorous, chic", he really knows how to make flattering garments and play with our senses using textured fabrics and wonderful colour pallets that have references to the Australian landscape.

I know it's been and is currently almost over in fashion land, but I decided to show off his SS/09 collection as I've had people in LA, London and Italy ask for some Australian fashion, so I dare not disappoint. Jayson's SS/09 collection took us to a really classic realm, over sized collars, big bows and shirt dresses played a major role throughout the range. I had the pleasure of using pieces from this collection at a special Designer showcase night at Myer (one of Australia's biggest department stores) it was great to see that the garments were even more amazing in real life and not just fab on the runway.

I love the pearly pink fabric that these shorts were made out of, it creates dramatic shading giving a lovely draped look and smooth silky textures that excite your eyes. This shirt is a must have, the masculinity from the over sized collar and rolled sleeves just makes a woman look sexy and chic.

We all know I have a thing for texture (well you should by now as I've used the word 28 times this week) but how amazing does this dress look! I love the over sized bow (another obsession of mine) It cinches in at the waist giving a gorgeous hourglass silhouette and I'm loving the mint green shade.

Nothing says 'Glamour' more then accordion pleats in a dress or skirt, Marylin Monroe eat your heart out! This look transports me to a croquet club when the ladies are having high tea while the gents are smoking cigars and talking about the new railroad being built....... ok I did go to a strange 1940's scene with that, but still it's a lovely thought.

I'm looking forward to his next collection and working with the garments again. Next year will be busy so I'm sure I'll get my grubby hands all over the collections in no time at all.

Mitch. S xx

Copyright © Mitchell Steed 2009

All images used are from the Marie Claire Australia website

Tight and Textured

DKNY PF 2010, I must admit I didn't fall in love with this entire collection, some of it I felt I'd seen 1000 times, or it could quite possibly be that I've viewed so much fashion in the last 24 hrs that the similarities shown between designers blended, either way I did find some great pieces that I melted over.

I loved that the collection had a high focus on texture, from the crumpled effect to gathering we saw some great silhouettes on display. The thing that attracted me at first was the use of colour against that good old classic body con dress, I loved how the fabric looked as though it had been wrapped around the models right there on the spot creating that perfect fit. After the garments from this collection that I loved and the men's line, I'm really starting to warm up to DKNY

I absolutely love these body con dresses, especially the electric blue number. These are the two I had in mind when I was imagining the fabric being pulled around the models

Here we have that lovely texture detailing, the obvious texture is in the jacket and skirt with the crinkle fabric, but with the dress above colour played a stronger part in the texture effect.

These images are of the looks that I loved in particular, head on over to Style.com to see the whole collection and decide what you like.

Mitch. S xx

Copyright © Mitchell Steed 2009

Sharp, Short, Stylish

After my day break from blogging I've noticed I'm now officially behind on my Pre Fall 2010 blogging. Everyone, everywhere is excited about the collections and I don't blame them, we see the fashion industry battle the GFC (Global Financial Crisis)by showing what's beating in our hearts, fashion will never die out and style is forever!

I know I normally blind everyone with my addiction to colour, but I loved the sleek & sharp design used in Jason Wu's PF 2010 collection. I loved how everything was cinched at the waist, it really shows off a ladies curvature and creates that lovely hourglass shape. The pleating in the skirt details really adds that feminine charm to the strong looks shown. It really reminded me of the Australian label Cue and what they have to offer instore currently (their current campaign shows off their edgier looks so don't relate it to this post)

Hints of colour, sharp lines, pleating and strong feminine looks, Jason Wu's PF 2010 collection reminds us why we love him so much. Check out the rest of his collection at Style.com

Stay tuned for Australian fashion posts to come (once I get some great images)

Mitch. S xx

Copyright © Mitchell Steed 2009

Tokyo Lights

WOW.....is all I can say, Versace's Pre Fall 2010 collection has excited me enough to be writing about this in a room with a temperature of 38*C (I have a towel...)

Taking inspiration from Japan and the Tokyo lights, Donatella Versace has created an ultra sexy and colourful collection. Body Con silhouettes, eye popping colour, tantalising prints and a new take on the mullet dress (I'll point it out later)

There's not 1 piece that I don't like, fashion is meant to be fun and this certainly has made me smile. I've gone all giggly over the amazing boots and heels, gorgeous bags and a killer utilitarian style jacket. For all those with humble incomes, don't fret as I for see many chain stores taking inspiration from this range and I'm sure you'll all get your versions of it, for all those with deep pockets, I can't wait to style you and see you show it off on the streets.

In this first block we see the bright pops of colour inspired by the neon lights of Tokyo, also some great prints that Japan helped inspire. I absolutely love the patent crumple booties and blue lace up heels, not only does the colour excite me but they are extremely wearable and versatile. We also see a homage to the 60's but with a street twist which makes this not only modern but relevant to the new generation.

In this second block we see the muted tone of navy, the first one is the jacket I feel is to die for! The peek=a-boo style skirt just adds that playful sexiness to the whole look. The bags are a must have, the multi colour blocks, the shades and shape just make it worth the effort to save for. Lastly we see the new take on the mullet dress, I love how it's asymmetrical, it adds that kind of blend of side split meets mini dress... either way I just love it

Here's to pop colours and edgy looks in 2010. For the rest of the collection visit Style.com

Mitch. S xx

Copyright © Mitchell Steed 2009

"Gams" a GO-GO!

Each year we see men's fashion getting more creative, we see the average guy care more about his appearance, we see the edgy get edgier and now we see more .....legs aka "gams".


The short shorts have made a comeback and I must say I'm actually liking it, obviously it looks great on male models so mere mortal men need to be careful when attempting this style. I first started liking the look when I saw it on the runway's a few months ago, but I was fully sold when I saw Brad Goreski sporting short shorts with dress shoes on The Rachel Zoe Project (where I learnt the term "gams")

Brad looking preppy and cute in Rachel Zoe's showroom (girls look at all those shoes... and this is a cropped shot!)

Dries Van Noten here showing us some clashing, one of my fav looks for this trend

Trussardi 1911 kind of sailor meets sports club meets 80's.... you following?

Michael Bastian mixing up the geek chic look with a buff model and street sneakers

Prada with shorts that seemed to be more like underwear, but still the overall look is chic

Gilded Age giving us a very American feel to this look, I met this guy a few years ago in a night club in Sydney, I swear he's wearing the same pants but cropped them into shorts...

Revenge of the nerds at Jil Sanders, I quite like the blazer with scrunched sleeves

Louis Vuitton, those sparkly shoes are still a lust have for me, the upper half of this is very wearable (so everything bar the socks) I would sport this in the warmer winter nights

LV at it again, this look makes me feel like I'm on holiday in the tropics... I have no idea why, maybe the bum-bag, sunnies and thongs combo (thongs = flip flops in Australia)

As it's Summer over here in Aus I may have to test out a few of these looks (fake tan all the way)

Mitch. S xx

Copyright © Mitchell Steed 2009

Retro Bluetooth

So everything seems to be getting smaller and futuristic looking the more we develop technology, but some of us suffer from that retro nostalgia and have trouble letting go. The cure? a rotary telephone headset that has been converted into a bluetooth receiver!! Gone are the days of weird chips for your ear, now you can walk with your chunky retro pride.

These babies have been around for ages but I remembered that Santa needed ideas for my Xmas presents, wouldn't be an Xmas without a novelty gift (but for practical use). I can really see myself at a shoot with one of these, I'd love it in a blue.... but the red would also suit me.

Mitch. S xx

Copyright © Mitchell Steed 2009

Strawberry Summer

My girl crush of the moment is Evan-Rachel-Wood (E.R.W), she fits into my latest obsession with red heads and overall I just love her look.

It's summer here in Australia, the cicadas are in full force with their melodies, all landscape colours are exaggerated and it's absolutely boiling today. It's a time where everyone (except me) goes out to sun bake in the harsh rays. Suggestion for the alabaster skinned, stay inside! if looking pale is this sexy then I'm following in E.R.W's footsteps and embracing the moon tan.

Never has drinking coke ever appealed to me so much on this hot day

If blonds live a fun life, then red heads live a dangerous one. E.R.W in a GQ editorial

Showing us that playing the victim can be sexy

Sugar is sweet, but this bad girl has a dark side

For those of you who are caught up in the True Blood frenzy then stay tuned, E.R.W is playing the Vampire Queen and boy does she play it well

Looking forward to seeing her more in True Blood Season 3!

Mitch. S xx

Copyright © Mitchell Steed 2009