Debenhams to use size 16 mannequins

Size 8-10 Size 16-18

Debenhams department store are to start using size 16 mannequins?

Apparently Debenhams will be doing a trial of 'plus size' mannequins using Ben de Lisi (yanno, yer man from Project Catwalk) is to showcase his new line.

The majority of clothing stores in the UK and Ireland use size 8 - 10 mannequins, including Debenhams and M&S.

According to research, Debenhams stocks up to size 26 in womenswear, and over 40% of the sales are size 14 and size 16, and the average British woman is a size 16. Which means basically, it makes sense to use size 16 mannequins. There will be a brief trail using Mr de Lisi's line, and if it flies with the public, then it will be kept on full time.

This theory has been tested before though, John Lewis used size 14 mannequins in it's flagship store and the whole idea fell flat on it's face.

[Swiped from the Telegraph]

Susan Ringwood, chief executive of charity Beat, which campaigns against eating disorders, said she supported Debenham's idea: “Women often feel it is their fault that clothes don’t look as good on them as they do in the shop window.

"It's good to have mannequins that reflect the diversity of female shapes in Britain."

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The Man Who Drew The Bug-Eyed Monsters

Last night I ended up watching an excellent documentary on Reynold Brown, called ''The Man Who Drew The Bug-Eyed Monsters''

Reynold Brown (1917 - 1991) was an L.A born illustrator who basically drew every movie poster you've ever seen from the 50s.

Reynold Brown has always been a huge inspiration for me, I just never knew it until I saw the documentary! When I was in secondary school I took a big interest in posters from the 50s, especially b-movie horror posters. I was always under the impression that there was a 'style' of posters, that everyone drew the same, but I found out last night that they're all by the one person!

I had a bit of a rubbish art teacher, who told me studying poster art wasn't the best way to go about getting a career in art (thanks, Ms Kavanagh). And I will say, 4 years of Graphic Design college will prove that actually, poster design is a pretty bit part. I honestly never came across his name, I just pulled pictures of his work from books and vhs boxes.

This documentary gave me a huge insight into the world of poster design from the 40s onwards - it explains how illustrators like Reynold Brown never signed their name to the artwork, and if they did, it would be removed. They were under appreciated, poorly paid and were basically unknown. They also had at best, 3 day deadlines to finish the posters! (I couldn't make a gig flyer in 3 days without the help of my computer)

The documentary was made in 1994 so it's hard not to be put off by the ''art historians'' with giant glasses - but it's still well worth a look. Any reason to procrastinate!

Much love for Reynold Brown!

Trainwreck

Dublin's finest Indie night (yes, I know I'm biased) has left The Academy and found greener pastures in POD. This friday marks the launch of the new and improved NoDisko, who are setting up camp as part of new friday night club Trainwreck @ POD.

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There's 3 rooms at Trainwreck, each one bursting with friday night goodness:

(stolen from Trainwreck's facebook blarb)

TRAINWRECK Fridays promises to deliver the ultimate night out, combining all the best elements of Dublin’s vibrant club scene for one door price, all under one roof! And don’t forget The Massive beer garden!

The POD:

Shaun D'Arcy

Donal Mooney

Steve Neligan

Mark Murphy (Tea)

Music: Think Style of Eye, Dusty kid, Claude van stroke, Anja Schneider, Sebo K, Adam Beyer, Modeselektor, Marco Corola, Jesper Dahlback, Paco Osuna Anton Zap,Cabin Fever,Jerome Sydenham,Ron Trent,Chateau Flight,Dj
Koze

Chocolate Bar:

JNK (Lady Jane)

Music: Chocolate bar will be a medley of Soul classics, vintage Pop and a smattering of old school Rock mixed together for a dancey-yet-chilled out vibe.

Crawdaddy:

NoDisko DJs

Music: Curated by the Nodisko DJs will feature their unique blend of jump up and down indie hits and cutting edge electro mixes. Expect regular live appearance from top national and international bands and up and coming art installations.

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This Ain't No Disco

no simcard, N o D i s k o , no photo, not here

This weekend Antonation and the NoDisko team graced the decks at The Good Bits for the third time. Himself and Sometimes Babs of 'The Neon Vampires' were due to DJ in the indie lounge upstairs, but a last minute discussion between NoDisko promoter and Good Bits manager secured them the downstairs room next to the Cave.

I always enjoy going to anything that himself DJ's at, because ever since I worked in The Academy (old home of NoDisko) I've thought that he is a fantastic DJ and I like the music he plays, so I always enjoy myself regardless of the venue.

But I have to say, I really fxcking hate The Good Bits. I can't help it. If the boyfriend didn't DJ there, you couldn't pay me to set foot in that place. I can deal with the bad layout of the venue, I can deal with the juvenile organisation, I can even deal with all the random steps in the pitch black, that trip me up every time I go to the bar. What I can't deal with, is all the stupid and annoying drunken underage brats - not one of them out of school yet.

The minute I got there on Saturday, straight from work, I got out my phone and took to facebook, writing ''bang of underage kids in here'' which got a lot of 'likes' and generally hilarious replies. My age and modest outfit obviously made me stick out like a sore thumb, as I was asked TWICE was I a drug dealer. Not by the bouncers, thankfully, but by random children. No, I am not a drug dealer, get out of my face or I will glass you.

On the plus side I did get to spend my night nattering away with Louis Xmas and (Sometimes) Babs and dancing to the finest tunes. I also got plastered on cider.

I've thrown in some pics taken by Patrick Hough, not the usual photographer for Punch!, more of a stand in. The photos are a little bit over-edited, but I like them none the less. I don't particularly like the one of me where I look like I'm made of gold, but it does make me sing Spandau Ballet in my head every time I see it.