London Fashion Week: Sass & Bide SS13

Seductive femininity met masculine tailoring at Sass & Bide's SS13 show. From start to finish I was in a complete daze, from the monochrome palette to the deco and even disco touches of silver and gold metals. The super-sexy show was enthralling from start to finish and the parade of some of the world's best models only added to the wonder of the show.

True to their signature design style, the key thread to this collection was embellishment. Sequins, metal flowers and feathers all featured while a flash of colour was seen in the form of coral coloured shells and beading.

  

All-in-all, the collection was slicker and grown-up in comparison to previous collections but still had that Sass & Bide magic that I just love.

London Fashion Week: Jean-Pierre Braganza SS13

This season, Jean-Pierre Braganza once again played on his strengths with a collection focusing on intricate and unique tailoring combined with feminine sensuality. Being a champion of black clothing, I loved his use of monochrome for a spring / summer collection too (he's not the only one who's opted for this colour palette for next season either) combined with minty blues and a pop of bold red here and there.

This season JPB teamed up with artist, Zinaida Lihacheva and recreated her paintings within his prints, cuts and silhouettes to create and angular and architectural collection.

I was particularly enthralled with the multi-layer and asymmetric lapels and the use of leather in a gillet and cropped jacket- delish!

Givenchy AW12 Menswear Show

Menswear fashion week has shown some sheer brilliance. Friday saw the Givenchy show take place and while I might have something nice to say about the collection, I have to be brutally honest about those nose rings.

Riccardo Tisci's collection for the Parisian fashion house was inspired by his childhood obsessions; the American flag and the Minotaur. It's really unfortunate to the collection that the Minotaur was an obsession of his, as I'm really not digging these nose rings. I am usually someone who enjoys a bit of oddity, a grungy element and I LOVE a touch of statement jewellery but the only thing I think of when viewing these nose rings is WTF?!

Image via bloggar.afton

Harsh I know, but if you can't be honest on your blog, where can you be honest hey?

Moving on to the collection. Minus the nose rings, I enjoyed Givenchy's AW12 offerings. Sharp and contemporary tailoring, leather panelling and elements of stars and stripes in red, blue and white all featured. Embellishment in the same and contrasting colours to the fabrics added an interesting element, the dress coats were my favourite pieces and I do love a bit of head-to-toe black. WIN.

What did you think of the collection and the nose rings?

You Make Me Live Now Honey

What a delightful autumnal afternoon I've had. Strolling around in the seasonal splendor that is the juxtaposition of warm sunshine and crisp air, with my lovely friend was the perfect way to spend a Saturday. Especially when sporting some of my new and favourite autumn pieces. 

Trench (thanks to The Boy) and leatherette trousers: Topshop, silk slip: nightwear circa 1995 (god, I keep hold of things for way too long), draped tee: Primark, boots (again, thanks to The Boy): Office.

Here's a great song for those ears of yours...

                            

LFW: Teatum Jones SS12

Walking into the Teatum Jones presentation was like stepping into a peaceful oasis from the usual hustle and bustle of fashion week and it was a welcome rest towards the end of the day.

In my personal wardrobe I tend to shy away from pastels due to my pale skin and fair hair but that doesn't been I can't appreciate the beautiful washes of pinks, blues and khakis that were the main colours show in the collection. A pop of lemon, yellow organza added a fresh, spring twist in the mix too.

The collection was elegant, dreamy, fragile and almost fairy-like but to counterbalance that the chic, tailored pieces, dark prints, structured tux/lapel details on dresses and t-shirt necklines added contemporary and interesting elements to the ultra-feminine and ultra-wearable collection.

All images are my own, please credit if repeated.

LFW: Jean-Pierre Braganza SS12

Jean-Pierre Braganza's SS12 collection kicked off with a strong monochromatic palette. Which lead into khaki, blue and muted choral.

Maxi and mid-thigh lengths on the dresses were key as were the strong silhouettes of the well structured tailored pieces. It was an elegant collection and I loved the juxtaposition of the graceful dresses mixed with the  masculine jackets. The almost deco prints were pretty special too. These elements mixed with clean and simple lines and cuts made it a truly desirable collection. As a fan of the killer heel it was pleasing to see these throughout the show.

I also liked the fresh pink blush seen on cheeks and the fishtail pony-tails- a cute and contemporary touch.

The finale...

All images are my own, please credit if repeated.

LFW, Day 1: Caroline Charles SS12

So, that wonderful time of year is upon us again, September Fashion Week. Summer is just drawing to a close and just as we prepare ourselves for autumn dressing the spring shows for next season are thrust upon us (not that I'm complaining).

First up for me was Caroline Charles.

The collection was made up of loose silk dresses, cute tailoring and evening wear- including all over sequined pieces- all very wearable. The later pieces in the collection were less to my taste, although they were beautiful and elegant I'm just not a sequins kinda gal. BUT, the loose silk dresses, sophisticated tailoring and boater hats which all scream riviera chic are all pieces I can get on board with. Every single look within that section would be something I'd gladly cover my back with. Gingham checks, wide leg and tapered trouser shapes, delicate ruffles and florals in a colour palette of white and navy with pops of colour in teal and coral. I specifically enjoyed the silk jumpsuits, mid length navy silk dresses and the checked suit- just wonderful.

Top image: my own, all other images: Elle.com

The collection is the perfect wardrobe to cruise round the med in on your yacht. If like me (and many others) you don't actually have a yacht, jaunting around the city next summer in one of these pieces would be equally as satisfying.

The finale (please excuse the slight shake of the camera, I'm still trying to perfect my filming skills).

All-in-all an excellent way for me to start the season.

The Spirit of Fashion Awards

This week I was lucky enough to be invited to the pre-launch of The Spirit of Fashion Awards collection and pop-up store.

The McArtherGlen Spirit of Fashion Awards, which are in partnership with The Royal College of Art were started to push, mentor and develop emerging design talent. The initiative helps young designers to increase their profiles and develop their businesses.

After 12 months of development, and a full media and PR campaign the three winners (which were announced last year) are showing and selling their collections designed specifically for the project in a pop-up store in Covent Garden. The store is located at 4 Monmouth Street, London WC2H 8JB from 7th-18th September (perfect timing for those that are in the area for LFW- pop in between shows, it'll be worth it). The pop-up store will then move to Manchester and Glasgow.

The three winners are Carolyn Massey, Matthew Miller and Rachael Barrett.

Carolyn Massey designed two menswear shirts for the project. With her mainline collections exploring what it is to be a true gentleman, it's no surprise she picked a traditional Grandad style shirt as her starting point. Adding contemporary twists with contrasting colour bibs, mother of pearl buttons and a removable chain adds nice touches to the final product.

Matthew Miller's contribution to the project was his desire to create the 'perfect white shirt' and pretty perfect it is. Matthew’s design has been created using 3D software and digital print techniques.

Rachael Barrett's womenswear collection was inspired by classic school uniforms. Clean simple lines in delicate silks produced a chic and contemporary collection.

I was also lucky enough to walk away with a piece from the collection. I went for a black, silk dress by Rachael Barrett. It's just beautiful and is only one of 100 made in total which makes it even more special.

Many thanks to Hannah at i-am-beyond and Fiona at Rain Communications and the rest of the teams.

Read more here.

                              

Beware Doll, You're Bound To Fall...

Just a little bit in love with my new vintage trousers, even if they are a little bit 'Rupert The Bear-esque', maybe that's why I love them so?

Top: Topshop, trousers: vintage, belt: sample sale, shoes: Primark, necklace: a gift from my father to my mother, arm candy: H&M

Some Bob for you...