25.02.2011- Fashion Week Top Five: London AW11

London Fashion Week seems to have flown by, and saw some fantastic events take place, most notably the the Mulberry presentation, which saw an A-list front row get lost in an enchanted forest. Here are my top five from London:

1) Giles

Innovative prints, sharp suits and exquisite tailoring made this collection a London high point for me. 

2) Julien Macdonald

A beautifully dramatic collection from Julien Macdonald, as he gave his trademark glamorous gowns a heritage twist. As well as the beaded and ruffled details, I loved the autumn inspired colours.

3) Erdem

I loved Erdem's spring presentation, and his vision of next season didn't disappoint. I loved the exotic prints which were given a slightly darker feel and the rich hues which were on show here.

4) Mulberry

 Mulberry's take on the English countryside proved as charming as you'd expect. Not only did this collection encapsulate Mulberry's quintessential English roots, but it also appeared extremely practical (how warm does that sheepskin gilet look?) Never before has the countryside looked so chic. 

5) Kinder Aggugini

Kinder Aggugini's presentation showcased lady like dresses and sharp tailoring. The monochrome styling and dainty floral prints proved that autumn doesn't have to be dark and dreary.

What did you think of London Fashion Week? Did you go? And which collections were your favourites?

(Image credit: style.com, fashiongonerogue and londonfashionweek.co.uk.)

18.02.2011- Proud Mary

Mary Katrantzou's interior inspired collection was one of the high points of the SS11 shows at London Fashion Week back in September of last year, so it seems more than appropriate that this week, just as fashion madness descends upon London once more, Topshop unveil their latest collaboration with the designer. Featuring Mary's now signature bold, graphic prints in an array of colours transposed onto silk, this capsule range really captures the vibrance and quirkiness of the SS11 mainline collection:

Turquoise Silk Print Dress, £120.

Black Silk Print Dress, £120.

Turquoise Silk Print Scarf, £50.

Black Silk Print Scarf, £50.

Although the collection is perhaps a little bit more expensive than previous ranges, I think the fact that each product is 100% silk explains the price. It looks like everything is selling through quite rapidly though, so move quickly if you want to get your hands on some Mary magic just in time for London Fashion Week!

Also, in celebration of the collection launch, and for a limited time only, the WAH nails salon in Topshop's Oxford Circus flagship is offering manicures with the choice of seven colourful nail designs created especially by Mary. What more could a girl ask for?

What do you think of Mary Katrantzou for Topshop? And what shows are you most looking forward to from London Fashion Week?

(Image credit: Topshop.)

23.09.2010- London Calling

London Fashion Week has now wrapped up, and along with Erdem, here are my favourites from the collections of the last week:

PPQ

 Vibrant sunshine prints and simple lines.

Topshop Unique

 There was a very dream-like quality to this collection, with the use of sheer, floating fabrics and
ethereal prints.

Holly Fulton

Kooky prints a plenty at Holly Fulton, where the shapes remained sleek and effortlessly sophisticated.

David Koma

Still retaining some of Koma's trademark heavy metal detailing, this collection was both wearable and feminine; I especially love the fuller skirts and the contrasting use of black and white which gave a very contemporary feel to the collection.

Burberry Prorsum

 

The biker jacket was back with a vengeance at Burberry. As well as the tough studded detailing, pretty dresses teamed with structured leathers were big news here, as were metallics. 

Mary Katrantzou

I loved Mary Katrantzou's collection, not only for the completely surreal lampshade skirts and printed dresses, but also for the divine colours that she used- her collection was a real ray of sunshine. 

Giles

 As well as featuring an iconic cast of models, Giles' SS10 collection was extremely fun and feminine, with ruffle detailing, full skirts and a palette of  mouth-watering sweetshop colours. Quintessentially London.

Which of the London collections did you find the most inspiring? And which of the Milan shows are you most looking forward to?

(Image credit: style.com and WWD.)

21.09.2010- Garden of Erdem

Erdem Moralioğlu, I love you. Yesterday in London town, the designer showed his gorgeous Spring/Summer 2011 collection, which translated the inspiration he had gathered over the summer as he was co-curating the V&A exhibition on the Ballet Russes to the runway:

I'm so much in love with everything it hurts. The dresses are so beautifully tailored to give an extremely feminine line and, as ever, the signature prints are vibrant and playful. Erdem's use of lace also adds another level of sensual elegance to the dresses, and the ballet influence shines through the entire aesthetic of the collection, from the ballerina plaits in the hair of the models, to the mid-calf ties on the shoes, created by Nicholas Kirkwood. It's extremely rare that I love every single piece from one show, but I could happily fill my wardrobe with everything from this collection. J'adore!

To view a video of the show (which took place outside!) visit vogue.com.

What did you think of Erdem's SS11 collection? Do you love it as much as I do?

(Image credit: style.com and vogue.co.uk.)

01.03.2010- Vintage Treasures.

I love vintage clothes and shopping for vintage; there is something magical about finding a unique piece that fits perfectly and instantly transports you back to a bygone era, whether it be the glamour of the 40's and 50's, the kooky charm of the 60's, bohemian chic of the 70's, or the shimmering extravagances and punk attitude of the 80's. My favourite vintage shop to visit in London is Rokit in Covent Garden; it really is an Aladdin's cave of one-off vintage pieces, and is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the styles and stories of the past. Rokit, with four stores in London (the others being in Camden and on Brick Lane), is the longest standing retailer of vintage items in London, and, unlike other vintage boutiques, has a new delivery of stock every day, meaning there is always something new and exciting to snap up when you visit. Unlike a lot of other vintage retailers and concessions, Rokit's items are usually very reasonably priced; I recently picked up a lovely fluffy white jumper from there which has kept me warm all winter, which was a steal at £15. Each item is professionally dry cleaned and pressed before reaching stores, so no nasty smells or suspect stains to contend with!

This spring/summer, what better way to embrace the season's nostalgic trends for double denim, 70's retro romantic and underwear as outerwear, than to invest in a true vintage collectable? Rokit is also the perfect place to visit to get perfectly and practically kitted out for the festival season, with playsuits, floral dresses, vintage sunglasses and cropped jackets (perfect for the inevitable summer downpours!) Even if you can't get to a Rokit store near you, their wonderful website, rokit.co.uk has a fantastic collection of over 10,000 items to choose from. I'm currently lusting after this gorgeous 80's jumper, which I might have to cave in and buy:

Perfect for the transition from winter to spring I think and the ideal way to inject a little bit of sparkle into my wardrobe (not that it needs anymore!)

(Image credit: rokit.co.uk.)

24.02.2010- London Fashion Week Favourites.

The best of London Fashion Week!

Mary Katrantzou

Visually captivating and vibrant graphic prints with a cute, feminine feel.

TOPSHOP Unique

 

  

When I first saw this collection, it immediately reminded me of 'Where The Wild Things Are'. Models are styled like woodland nymphs in a clash of function and fashion.

Julien MacDonald

  

I'm not normally a fan of MacDonald's work; I often find his designs overbearing and gaudy, but these dresses are simple and fresh, with beautiful lace details. 

Christopher Kane

 

 A refreshing new take on black with brightly coloured floral embellishments and jewelled details. 

Erdem
 

 

  

  

  

 

 Erdem's Autumn/Winter presentation felt very much like a natural progression of his Spring/Summer Collection; the same basic shapes were featured, but this time around the prints were reminiscent of the kaleidoscopic colours of the autumn landscape. I especially love the bird print dresses and Erdem's juxtaposition of colours here; my favourite from London.

Basso and Brooke

 

Yet more vibrant prints, to me this collection was evocative of Alexander McQueen's wildlife inspired Spring/Summer 2010 presentation.

Burberry Prorsum

 

 

This collection looks so warm! After the freezing winter we've had over here, everyone will be investing in one of Christopher Bailey's gorgeous shearling coats and a pair of sheepskin lined boots, which with their military feel are perfect for fighting your way through blizzards!

Jonathan Saunders

 

 

With cool hues and an ice-princess attitude, this collection was clean and contemporary. I adore the pastel boots. 

Peter Pilotto

 Featuring the graphic prints he has made his name with, the aesthetic of this collection is kept vibrant through incorporation of a flash of tangerine and metallics. 

What have been your favourite collections from London? Any that I've missed?

See you the other side of Milan! 

(Image credit: style.com.)