Berkley Belongings

Ahrends Burton Koralek’s Berkeley Library was the backdrop for our latest shoot which showcases pieces from Natalie B Coleman's AW13 collection 'I Belong to me'. NATALIEBCOLEMAN studied fashion at the Limerick School of Art & Design and completed the MA course at Central St. Martins, London, before establishing her own womenswear label in 2010. We fell head over heels for her digital printed suits (as seen in Elle 2013) and her streamlined jumpsuits (with pockets!).

Trinity College Library was the building that kick-started the architectural practice Ahrends Burton Koralek. Richard Burton, Peter Ahrends and Paul Koralek studied together at the Architectural Association and when Koralek won first place in the competition for a new library at Trinity College he contacted the pair to set up a practice together. We love it when a college pact comes to fruition!

The building was completed in 1967, the first to be built at Trinity College since the 1930s and the largest since the 19th century. Now a protected structure, the simple surfaces of the reinforced concrete (made with white cement and light coloured sand) and large bay windows of curved glass in bronze frames have weathered beautifully.

Each season Natalie creates strong narratives inspired by women's stories, secrets and their longing for individuality. She has worked in New York and Iceland and her travels resonate in each collection.   We can vouch for the beautifully sophisticated finishing and attention to detail.

We just love the juxtaposition of the in-situ concrete, the granite and the liquid qualities of the glass against the bold prints and vibrant palette of Natalie's latest collection.

Thank you kindly to Natalie B Coleman for her collection, to Coldlilies for the wonderful jewellery and to Arnotts for supplying the beautiful shoes for this shoot. Special thanks to photographer Jason Branagan,  make-up artist and hair stylist Andie Pierce and Ciara Donnelly, both at LA College of Creative Arts.

All styling is our own.

Ciana wears:

First Look 
Digital print suit by NATALIEBCOLEMAN
Black platforms by Kurt Geiger(worn throughout)
Mary J Earrings by Kirsten Goss (worn throughout)

Second Look
Digital print maxi dress by NATALIEBCOLEMAN
Hex Zigzag Ring in Gold by Anna Byers
Black platforms by Kurt Geiger

Third Look
Black leather dress by NATALIEBCOLEMAN
Black platforms by Kurt Geiger

Becky wears:


First Look
Pink silk shirt by NATALIEBCOLEMAN
Blue leather pants by NATALIEBCOLEMAN
Starlet Aurora Cocktail Ring in Gold by Sonal Talgeri Bhaskaran 
Gold and perspex platforms by Jeffrey Campbell for Buffalo 

Second Look
Red jumpsuit by NATALIEBCOLEMAN
Hammered Oval Ring in Gold by Tawny Phillips 
Isosceles Gilded Bangle by Niamh Spain
Black platforms by Kurt Geiger

Third Look
Black silk shirt by NATALIEBCOLEMAN
Red leather pants by NATALIEBCOLEMAN
Black platforms by Kurt Geiger

Parson's Podium

It's safe to say Penneys is a favourite haunt of many Irish students so we thought it befitting to shoot some of their Autumn Winter 2013 collection in the grounds of Trinity College. With one of us still attending college and the other working in London, we couldn't be happier with what Penneys has in store for us this season! 

Parson's Podium, designed by Grafton Architects, was built in 2002 as an extension the Department of Engineering. The architects had a number of conditions to take in to account when designing this space. Aside from issues of materiality (existing stone university buildings lay to one side with the brick urban block to the other) and marrying the old with the new, an old sycamore tree had to be preserved. Most interestingly of all the architects had to ensure that the 'Finn's Hotel' sign painted on a nearby brick gable end remained visible as this was where Nora Barnacle was working when she met James Joyce in 1904. 

The podium successfully ties together these disparate elements all the while providing the department with additional research and teaching space.  

For all of you (p)leather lovers out there, this season's collection at Penneys will not disappoint! Whether its pencil skirts you're looking for, coats, jogger pants, chunky heels or 'all you can carry' bags, there's a leather version to be found. For those of you looking for an alternative to the staple beanie hat, there's a beaut of a fedora set to hit stores in October. Our favourite piece in this shoot was the tailored jumpsuit featuring cut out details. The cobalt blue biker coat even has us excited about being cold again! 

Ciana wears

PU pencil skirt 

grey tshirt with roll up sleeves

bejewelled collar

black peep toe suede effect ankle boots

black coat with leather sleeves

PU joggers pants

black and white mixed knit jumper with PU shoulder details

ankle boots with multiple straps and gold buckle detail

limited edition bag with gold chain trim

Becky wears

black fedora

tailored jumpsuit with cutouts

ankle boots with multiple straps and gold buckle detail

round rimmed sunglasses (asos)

cobalt blue biker coat

slim fit PU pants

black ankle boots with gold plate detail on toe

over the shoulder bag with crocodile skin texture

All clothes available from Penneys. All styling and photography is our own. Many thanks to everyone involved!  

And if you haven't gotten the chance yet, please vote for our post 'Bull Island' to win best blog post at this year's Irish Blog Awards. Just follow this link:http://www.blogawardsireland.com/category/best-blog-post-2 Click 'Concrete Collar-Bull Island' and 'Submit'. Simple! 

Many thanks!

B+C