Bip Ling is one of our favourite additions to the fashion blogosphere. With an enviable fashion heritage (her mother and father both work in fashion illustration) and a look that has earned her the title of UK style amdassador for fashion store Forever 21 (not to mention the ability to work a quirky hair accessory like no other), her blog is fun and charmingly irreverant, rejecting pouty posed photos for flashing Gifs, My Little Pony Pictures and 'Bathroom Outfits' snapped in the mirror.
After turning her hand to DJ-ing, selling art and appearing on many a Fashion Week front row, the talented Miss Ling has added another string to her bow - producing a catwalk show for Diet Coke at this year's Clothes Show Live (2-7 December). We caught up with Bip to find out what to expect on the runway...
You’ve produced a catwalk show for Diet Coke at the Clothes Show – what were your influences when creating the looks?
The Diet Coke Fashion Live show is ALL about fabulous accessories. I played around with the themes of Paris, London and New York, creating accessible and fun on-trend looks. I am very excited to be hosting my own catwalk show with Diet Coke – I’m really looking forward to seeing my creations come to life!
You sell art on your blog – if you could own any piece of art in the world what would it be?
It would be pretty cool to have Hans Holbein the Younger's A Lady with a Squirrel and a Starling, or Jeff Koons' Hanging Heart.
Where do you shop – any hidden gems you care to share with us?
I like to shop in vintage shops the most - some of my favourite pieces are vintage dresses. There is a vintage pop up shop on Brick Lane which I think is only open on Sundays, its in a basement, sometimes when I walk past it's open, and sometimes it isn't – so it feels like its quite a find when it is! I also love shopping in Liberty - especially for Christmas presents, you can always find the best gifts, and I just love the interior – it is such a classy place to shop.
What’s your favourite ‘Bathroom Look of the Day’ you ever posted on your blog?
Well actually I think my favourite look was yesterday! I started taking the pictures in my parents’ bathroom but as I've moved out and don't have their big bathroom anymore I now take photos of myself and make a collage from a photo of a selection of different bathrooms, which is nice for a bit of variety!
Why did you decide to start blogging – did you ever imagine it would progress into a career?
I started my blog because I like the idea of keeping a diary - I really love looking back at my old posts and remembering whatever I was blogging about! It's like a photo album/scrap book and to be honest I had no idea that it would become part of my career – now I can’t imagine life without it. I love getting feedback on my blog – visit bipling.com and tell me what you think!
"I had no idea my blog would become part of my career – now I can’t imagine life without it"
Blogging aside, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to host my own TV show - and I've already been developing an idea, which I made myself on Final Cut Pro – watch this space!
What tips would you have for anyone that wants to get into blogging, or start a blog?
A blog is such an easy way to document anything you want as you can make it your own. There are no rules, you can blog what you like, when you like. What is really fun is that you can get creative, and then a couple of months later you have produced something for yourself that you can share with the world - if you want to of course!
Party season is approaching – what’s your perfect party outfit?
My favourite party outfit is a big vintage flowing dress with puffy sleeves and flowers, cute ankle socks and some beautiful high and sexy shoes with a giant glitter bow. For make-up I’ll rock a little bit of attitude with glossy deep red lips and dark intense eyes.
As a DJ, what songs are on your party playlist?
Rapture by Blondie, Do You Think I'm Sexy by Rod Stewart, Fools Gold by The Stone Roses and Mr. Scruff Get A Move On - perfect for the Christmas party dancefloor!
What items (fashion or otherwise) are on your Christmas list?
Well I really want an iPad2 - with a pink cover. I wouldn't mind a few new My Little Ponys and I also want a pink BMX bike so badly – I think there is a bit of a pink theme going on in my wish list!
If you could rummage through anyone’s wardrobe in history (and steal a few things for your own), who would it be?
Peggy Guggenheim! She bought great art so she must have bought great clothes – fashion is an art form after all.
What item of clothing, or accessory could you not live without?
My dark red velvet PPQ bow. I just love bows and have tried to incorporate this in my styling for Diet Coke Fashion Live – a quirky hair accessory can really pull an outfit together and make a look unique in an instant.
Is styling something you plan to do more of after this show?
My Mother always told me that everyday is a style day so that would be a YES, why not? It has been a fantastic opportunity to team up with Diet Coke and Clothes Show Live, so I would love the chance to do it again.
Which is your favourite autumn/winter trend?
I love this season’s fur hats – very Russian inspired. I really love the Burberry white fur hat, it is so cute. I think I should add that to my Christmas list too – it keeps getting bigger!
Bip Ling has teamed up with Diet Coke to produce catwalk show Diet Coke Fashion Live - catch it on the Image Catwalk at the Clothes Show Live, Birmingham NEC from 2nd-7th December. Don't miss Bip introducing the show on Friday 2nd December at 12.30pm. For tickets, go to clothesshowlive.com.
Become a Diet Coke friend at facebook.com/dietcoke
Words: Lauren Smith
Picture credits: Rex Features
