Squishy
Still dreaming about this Christopher Kane gel filled pouch that I spotted on Michael during fashion week... definitely one part ridiculous but also amazing. If anyone can please find a place that sells these for a fraction of the price I will be forever grateful. If only I could go back to my childhood self and stock up on them... I remember having a pencil case just like this.
p.s. if anyone out there happens to live in Zurich, I'm setting up shop at a market on Saturday. Give me a holler if you want the address. Would love to see some friendly English speaking faces there.
Flashback: Day 4 LFW
On day 4 of London Fashion Week the streets were split into two camps: brights and heritage. Okay, maybe it just felt that way because I shot outside Christopher Kane in the morning and then Burberry in the afternoon. At Kane everyone was in fluorescent brights from the designer's ss11 collection. It was a bit of a circus outside. Then at Burberry it was an even bigger circus and everyone seemed to have pulled on their tweeds and rich autumnal colours for the occasion...
With people like Kanye West and Sienna Miller around the paparazzi were going a bit mental. Slightly surreal and, apparently, nothing compared to what Paris is like (good luck if you're going). It's intense to get a good shot, especially if you want one without a gazillion people in the background as there are people everywhere. It was so much fun though and totally worth the mania.
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A paisley pajama party
Would you judge me if I said I was craving a wardrobe filled entirely with ss12 Topman? I loved the mixture of prints and textures. There were silky old school pajamas, micro paisley shorts and double breasted suits with cropped trousers. Then came the bright patent brogues, slubby 70s style knits and brash headache-inducing prints.
Would you judge me if I said I was craving a wardrobe filled entirely with ss12 Topman?
I loved the mixture of prints and textures (see photo 1). There were silky old school pajamas, micro paisley shorts and double breasted suits with cropped trousers. Then came the bright patent brogues, slubby 70s style knits and brash headache-inducing prints. Did I mention there were freaking awesome clutches and printed backpacks? Yah, it was good. I liked it, a lot. Don't get me wrong, I don't expect to see the men of England sporting these looks head-to-toe anytime soon. But if even a bit of this eccentric attitude works its way into their lives come spring, we'll all be better for it.
Photos by Jennifer Inglis.
View full set of photos from the Topman Design show here.
Flashback: Day 2 LFW
Re-re-wind...
My superwoman powers failed me last week and, despite good intentions, I was physically unable to post everything the day it was shot. (Doh - as if going through 700 photos each night and waking up for shows at 9am is single handedly possible) So, as a result, we'll be dangling in a London Fashion Week related time-warp for a few more days... I know we've all mentally moved onto Milan (hello! Prada and their cars... spotted a pair of sunglasses at that show I'm desperate for and a pleated dress) but in my little world London is still where it's at.
So, it was Day 2... I went to DAKS, Masha Ma and Ashish - I always love the day that Ashish shows because Somerset House is suddenly taken over by people wearing rad sequins - this year they came in the form of red tartan jackets and trousers - hott. Then spent the remainder of the day dodging heavy bouts of unpredictable rain. It gave me an excuse to spend a while in Toms Cafe where I nibbled on chocolate cookies and drank lattes (yumm - can't complain about that).
Just want to say a big fat thank you to everyone that left comments or sent message about yesterday's post. Really appreciate that people took the time to read it. Means a lot.
p.s. to avoid posting on LFW forever I'll be putting a hefty chunk of photos up on facebook and tumblr.
Natar Georgiou
On the last day of London Fashion Week Matthew came rushing over to my hotel in the morning to tell me he had just been sent the most incredible dress from Cypress. He didn't even have to ask if I wanted to wear it because I immediately pulled it over my head and started cooing about how much I loved it. The vibrant colours, mis-matched stripes, oversized shape, details at the wrists... I felt so snuggly and cozy all day but still like a million bucks. I never wear bright colour like this and I absolutely loved it. This dress has snuck its way to the top of my wish list... wearing it once just wasn't enough.
Wearing: Natar Georgiou dress, Balenciaga boots, American Apparel large leather clutch, Bottletop clutch (last photo), and Topshop ring. Thank you Kit for the photos.
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On being a blogger at fashion week...
Fashion week has come to an end but I've still got lots I want to show you from the week. Just a couple shows but mostly street style and the general atmosphere. Theres been a bit of a kerfuffle going on about the experience of being a blogger at fashion week this season... this is my experience and thoughts on it:
People are saying this season was different then past ones and that bloggers weren't treated the same. It's true. We were treated differently. Registration for fashion week opens months before the shows, normally you'll be sent a fast-track code beforehand so that you don't have to wait in line on the day. This season I didn't get a confirmation. When I went to register on the first day I discovered there was a separate line for bloggers - making three categories: buyers, press, and bloggers. When I got to the front of the queue there was a girl sitting behind a computer. She asked the name of my blog. I told her and passed over a card so that it would be easier to find. I stood there while she looked it over... wondering what she was thinking. There was a long line of people behind me. She looked up and asked what my stats were. I leaned in and told her, feeling slightly embarrassed to be saying with a bunch of people right behind me. It's not that I mind telling the BFC what they are, it was more that I wasn't expecting to be asked. Plus, is there a certain number that qualifies you as being 'big' enough?' How many twitter followers do you have?' - she asked next. So I answered. 'Have you been to fashion week before?' She eventually reached the conclusion that she 'liked it' so she printed me a pass. Before which she explained that, 'it was horrible to say, but a lot of bloggers are actually blaggers.'
Fair enough. I get it. I never expected to be considered press or to be waved into fashion shows. I don't expect it to be easy. I'm a fashion outsider and, to be honest, I feel privileged whenever I get the chance to go to a show. It just seemed like a last minute decision to have the process work the way it did. Maybe in the future the pre-registration form could be a bit more dynamic. Letting you explain what your blog is and why you want a pass. Yes, I'm a blogger but I'd rather like to think I'm not just a blogger. I also write for Yahoo's fashion channel and consult with brands/designers. But there isn't space on the form to distinguish the multifaceted nature of being a blogger.
All this has left the question of why I even want access to fashion week spinning in my head. Is it to sit on the front row? To get photographed in the courtyard looking fierce? To drink free Vitamin Water then get my hair and makeup done in the press tent? No. I love attending fashion week because I love the inspiration that comes from it. For me the six days at London Fashion Week are like a euphoric fashion induced mind-coma. I love attending shows, even if it means I'm standing in the back row. Sure, a seated ticket is better than standing - but only because it guarantees you entry first and you aren't left standing in line for an hour only to then be turned away. I love that I've been able to build relationships with different designers and PRs - that I can show my take on the best parts of a collection and give exposure to designers that people might not know about. I love hanging around outside, watching the mania take place... seeing Anna Dello Russo and Kanye West strut by in all their hyper-reality fabulousness. I love getting to see my friends. There's loads of people that I adore together in one place who I rarely get to see - getting to meet people who I follow on Twitter for the first time and discovering they're just as brilliant in more than 140 characters.
Yes, the relationship the fashion world has with bloggers is still having its kinks worked out - that was clearly evident in London this season. But it's a small kink in the great scheme of things and one I'm willing and going to ride out.
LFW Outfit: Day 5
Do you ever have those days where you wake up and can't find anything in your wardrobe to wear?
That's how I felt yesterday morning and so I had a last minute panic shop. It's fashion week though so this really isn't the sort of thing you ought to be doing at 9:30am when you've got shows starting at 10. Luckily, I've been staying in Covent Garden and so have a shoppers paradise right outside my front door. I scooted over to H&M for some budget retail therapy where I found this jumper, skirt and scarf - all for 35quid. I thew it on and ran out the door feeling quite the thrifty shopper...
Wearing: H&M jumper, scarf, skirt and socks (please note: this post is not sponsored by H&M - promise), Balenciaga boots (purchased from Caritas in Zurich) and Sambag tote.
First two photos by Sandra for Lily. Third photo by Frances.
Meadham Kirchhoff SS12
Pastel coloured balloons arched over the catwalk of the Meadham Kirchhoff show this afternoon creating a candy coloured paradise. Before it even began Spice Girls was playing and that was enough to get people cheering. In no way was I prepared for what was about to happen...
To begin, a group of impassioned dancers filled the center of the catwalk. They powdered their chests and applied lipstick before throwing themselves into a wild performance. Like rag dolls their limbs were thrown around into a can-can dance of the most unusual variety. While this was taking place the collection was shown. I struggled to know where to focus (as a result, so did my camera) because there was so much to look at and so much movement.
After the first group scurried off a new set of dancers took to the stage. Only these were young ballerinas and their arrival signaled the beginning of a far more regal and avant-garde collection than what was first shown. It was incredible. A show like nothing I've seen before. It was playful, imaginative, and perfectly executed all at the same time.
LFW Outfit: Day 4
It would be one thing if I had a private car to drop me at the door of every show... I'd wear heels all the time and be fabulous every day. I'd never have a hair out of place. But, the truth is fashion week isn't that easy. You're standing all day, waiting in lines, running after people to shoot and squatting to get the right angle. I'm not complaining - just explaining why my outfits are progressively getting more casual.Wore these maroon Zara trousers that I snatched up for 25 quid. Totally love them. Only got home to find they've split at the side. Umm, Zara?! Get your shizz together. They aren't even too tight (I promise). Have had a lazy morning, need to get myself together and out of the house. It's Meadham Kirchoff and Aminaka Wilmont today and the last day for womenswear.
Wearing: Iro leather vest (My Wardrobe), Zara trousers, Converse, Robinson Pelham jupiter bracelets, LiLiFi leopard clutch, and YSL arty ring.
Topshop Unique SS12
LFW Outfit: Day 3
I can't even tell you how excited I was every time someone asked me about my jacket today. Was over the moon to be wearing an original Charlie May item. This jacket is unbelievably gorgeous. It's the sample from Charlie's collection but she was kind enough to let me swagger around today in it. I'm so in love with it that I'm planning on having a black one specially made to see me through autumn and then in the spring this soft milky pink one. Did I mention recently that I was on the hunt for the perfect leather jacket? Mhmm. I'm so happy to have found the one and even happier to be able to support emerging talent.
Also sporting a pair of Balenciaga boots that I snapped up in Zurich from a charity shop called Caritas. It's the same place I found the Issey Miyake orange skirt from yesterday. Getting designer duds and giving to charity at the same time?! Umm, I literally can't think of anything better.
Wearing: jacket by Charlie May (check out her site for contact details if you'd like more info on her collection), Balenciaga boots (bought from Caritas), J.Crew tank, Monki skirt, leopard wrist clutch by LiLiFi (via HPR), YSL arty ring, and jupiter bracelets from Robinson Pelham. Photos by Shini.
LFW Day 2
Daks
Walking into DAKS at 9am was like a breath of fresh air. There were videos playing with footage from the British seaside in the 1950s and brightly coloured sweets were on each seat. Any lack of excitement I was feeling at being awake that early was instantly zapped away. This collection was filled with an endless supply of incredibly gorgeous pieces. I very rarely say this, but I'd honestly wear every outfit from the collection. The silhouettes were so feminine and flattering without falling into the overdone fifties cliche. I seriously loved it.
Masha Ma
Masha Ma was one of my favourite shows last year. Whenever I think about aw11 I always think about the final walk at their show - they had the most incredible patent red boots. Those red boots have completely solidified what this season is about for me. So, I had high expectations today and the collection didn't disappoint. It had plenty of origami folded pieces (swoon), sheer panelling (love) and the most beautiful asymmetric draped skirts. Completely coveting the entire outfit on the model below to the far left. I love the silhouette of the short skirt over the more fitted sheer under-layer and the print is gorgeous. Oh, and Masha Ma do the most beautiful things with leather...
Ashish
I always love the day that Ashish is showing because there's so many people around wearing sequins. Almost all the pieces are in Ashish's shows are covered entirely in sequins... patterns included lots of vibrant flowers and big brick prints. Loved the styling with the flowers coming out of the boots. The pale skin, dark lips and straw hats were perfect. Also, absolutely loved the simple dresses with draped backs... from now on I'll be dreaming in sequins.
LFW Outfit: Day 2
Today the weather was topsy turvy - it went back and forth between scorching sunshine and torrential rain all day long. The truth is, heels really aren't for me and so I ditched them and went for what I really like. Hah, that's right: converse. Felt unbelievably comfy today and was happy to act as the balancing chauffeur to everyone wearing impossibly high heels. Accidentally made the mistake of waiting until the end of the day to take photos of my outfit... hence the slightly worn out expression. Whoops.
Wearing: Issey Miyake Pleats Please skirt (purchased from Caritas in Zurich), Iro vest (via My Wardrobe), Converse, American Apparel bag, Weekday bracelet/ring and Bottletop clutch.
LFW Day 1 - Take2
In true ironic fashion my blog has decided to go a bit haywire. It happened last night at 2am when I was trying to get my photos uploaded from yesterday. The gallery feature has decided to stop working. So, instead of uploading a gazillion big images I've decided to try something a little different - the catwalk collage. Consider this a little test run. These are the remaining catwalk images from Day 1 that didn't make it up last night. Gave up fighting wordpress at about 2:30am and had to admit defeat.
Corrie Nielsen
Gravity was defied at Corrie Nielsen. Her sculptural cocoon like silhouettes strictly embraced each model, creating an Edwardian-cum-Asian feast for the eyes. Incredibly beautiful and so captivating.
Bora Aksu
Bora Aksu was beautiful. Collection started with a tribe of models lined up in a row that marched down the catwalk in unison - such a strong impact. I wasn't expecting to love the designs as much as I did. They couple vulnerability with an eerie darkness and look cobweb in nature - almost like they'd fall to pieces if too strong of a wind hit them. Definitely one of my favourite shows of the day.
Please note: unless otherwise stated, all images are my own. If you use them please credit accordingly.
LFW Outfit: Day 1
Hi there. It's the end of Day 2 of LFW... I meant to post these photos earlier but I've been experiencing some slight technical difficulties with this here little blog. Yikes. Bad timing, hey? Anyway. So, this is what I wore yesterday. Never ever want to take off this leather vest. I feel like it goes with everything. Seriously embracing colour at the moment and I like it. Just wait til you see the skirt I wore today - yiikes - it was Bright (so bright it got a capital b). For now though, enjoy this little bright red and yellow, denim-leather combination.
Iro waistcoat and Moschino Cheap & Chic trousers (My Wardrobe), Maison Scotch shirt, Robinson Pelham jupiter bracelets (via Golden Goose PR), Celine bag, Zara shoes, and Super sunglasses. Photos by Shini.