Net-a-porter press day

Cruise 2010


When you think of a 'Cruise collection', three obvious things usually come to mind; neutral separates, safari inspired gear and prints. The Net-a-porter SS/10 Cruise press day however had some really fabulous items; from light and floaty fabrics to delicate silks and chiffons and cute glitzy and glamorous party dresses. There was also a really gorgeous selection of cocktail hour accessories and statement jewellery - perfect for that fabulous luxurious boat trip or party by the beach. It had all the right holiday essentials, hitting just the right notes for the sophisticated traveller.

What I really liked about it is that there was so much that was pleasing the eye including some really sexy lingerie from Stella McCartney and LaPerla, stunning jewellery and special gift items like diaries, passport holders and notebooks by Smythson. I absolutely loved the shoes - YSL's plum suede sandals where just divine, perfect to add a bit of colour along with that little black dress for an effortless and chic look. There where lots other show stopping dresses to choose from designer labels like Chloe, Alexander McQueen and Matthew Williamson to name but a few. It was also very delightful to see not just clothes but alot of accessories all in one place and there were some really dazzling pieces there. I was taken mostly by an Ashish all-over sequinned dress which was enchanting, I also liked Acnes asymmetrical print dress which had an element of youth but was cute and sexy at the same time - definitely one of those dresses you could easily wear from day into the night. The selection ranged from casual to beach, party and gifts and the show wasn't boring. It certainly proved how Net-a-porter has managed to maintain such a huge reputation to being titled one of the UK's leading on-line retailers and this display represented what the company is most known for which is delivering the best.

More accessories, shoes and jewellery...

Clothing...



FASHION SOMEBODY PICKS...

1.Burberry Prorsum eyelash feather jacket - £1.695, 2.Crystal necklace by Melene Birger - £130, 3. Ashish Sequinned v-back dress - £670, 4.Judith Leiber sunburst crystal embellished clutch - £2.715, 5. YSL Swarovski crystal ring - £200, 6.Smythson passport cover - £65, 7.Thakoon disco mirron jacket - £2.070, 8.Jimmy choo metalic snakeskin sprappy sandals - £495, 9.Giusepper Zanoti Ankle boots - £675, 10.Mulberry oversized suede clutch - £450, 11.Michael Kors Jet-set Chronograph watch - £470, 12. Jimmy Choo Candy Acrylic shoulder clutch - £295, 13. YSL Suede sandals - £685, 14.Stella McCartney Knickers-of-the-week pack - £125

Rhythm a la mode fashion show

On Tuesday night, I attended the Rhythm a la mode event which was organized by Dilema-modelling Agency at London's exclusive Embassy nightclub in Mayfair and it was absolutely amazing. International model and actress - Sophie Anderton was at the centre of this fabulous social gathering also making her comeback the same night. She wore astonishing signature pieces from four fabulous designers who were showcasing their S/S10 Collections that night and walked the finale in a gorgeous HMH Couture jade-green gown, later-on switching into yet another HMH indigo piece for the press pics.

It was a fashion show extravaganza which was mixed with live performances from the likes of former X-Factor contestant Chico, girl band - Candy Rock, Pierre Lewis and Egypt. Earlier we'd also seen another comeback performance from Cleopatra, the wonderful girl group of sisters who had rocked the stage and sparked such a great atmosphere with their energy, powerful voices and sassy style.

Along with HMH Couture on the team of designers showcasing on the night was also Omar Mansoor, Jasper Garvida and Wild Suga. We did not only see one type of design talent, but were presented with a huge variety of thought-provoking styles and interesting mixes of fabric and colour from each designer. It was a great display of clothing which was exhilarating all the way through. Each of the collections had their own strengths and unique qualities and you could not say that one was better than the other - they were all remarkable.

The aim of the event was also the raise money for BBC Children in Need and the donation will be announced on BBC one on Friday night (20th Nov) at 9:30pm. See below for images from the show:

Below: HMH COUTURE

HMH presented gorgeous draped evening gowns which had a Grecian inspired theme running through the collection in a variety of beautiful shades. You could see a graceful and confident woman emerging out of the girls as they walked the catwalk.

Below: WILD SUGA

Wild suga had some cute and sexy mini party dresses which had an added sweet and innocent touch.

Below: JASPER GARVIDA

Jasper Garvida gave us "soft femininity" with his silk-chiffon ruffle dresses. The stand-out piece for me was the dress that Sophie wore (above) with the pronounced hips. I loved Garvida's clever use of embellishment on such a delicate & light fabric - It definitely brought something more interesting to the piece, changing it from being just another ruffle dress.

Below: OMAR MANSOOR

Elegant and floaty is what we saw from Omar Mansoor's collection, very classy, elegant and sophisticated. He sure know's how he wants his woman to look and feel, the model's looked fresh and sexy and you could tell that they knew it too by the way the worked those dresses.

Below: Sophie Anderton in HMH Couture (After the show)

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Girl group 'Cleopatra' also in HMH Couture gowns

Photography by Ben Scott - www.photographlive.com

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Gresham Blake launches Womens wear collection

Right in the heart of Brighton is where you will find the Gresham Blake Boutique. A bespoke tailoring label which specializes in contemporary, made-to-measure tailored suits. Last night they launched their first women wear collection which had a fabulous turn-out; from regular locals to Londoners and people from surrounding the towns who were all very excited to see the new line. The bespoke label has been running for about 7 years now and finally launched into women's wear tailoring. The stunning range speaks for the spirit of the brand. Their designs are known to be very tailored, sharp and modern but with this new womenswear collection, you also find that it not too conservative but more for the fashion-concious customer and comes with a few bonus qualities which are extremely fun, quirky and sexy.


It was a great event which had a fantastic atmosphere and wonderful crowd to mix with. There were a lot of incentives going round all evening to get the customers pumping their purses, from glasses of pink champagne that kept flowing throughout the event, to great music, a 15% discount on all purchases on the night and a raffle to win a fabulous suit. The collection was simply irresistible, and I just had to try on an item or two. I really loved the corset skirt which was a piece I found really interesting and extremely flattering to the body. There was also another item that I relished on the evening which was a navy pin-striped blazer, a definite wardrobe staple and something I think every woman should own. It was well tailored with a wide pin-stripe and fit perfectly when I tried it on. I really liked the fact that it instantly went well with what I was wearing showing versatility and the fact that it was a piece that could be worn with almost anything and anywhere. There where certainly a variety of choices and pieces to pick from and some magnificent accessories to adorn the gorgeous styles and materials that the garments came in.

Gresham Blake is one of those hidden gems that are an absolute need-to-know, a place to go for those great one-off wardrobe staples, unique work-wear and extra-special gift items. Pricing is also unbelievably reasonable for what you get so you don't have to feel like you can't afford anything and there is something for everyone. At long last formal wear doesn't have to be boring and women can finally maintain a professional look but also be interesting and stylish.

This is a great stop to go for that one item you know you will wear almost forever with chances you'll find it on someone else being very slim. And I guest that something also that makes this brand very special.

To find out more and see the full collection visit. www.greshamblake.com

show LIVE studio

The Revolution Continues...

Between today and tomorrow (Nov 5th-6th), Nick Knight will be using the Live Studio during 10:00 & 21:00 for a 'fairytale' themed shoot for the February 2010 issue of British Vogue, with model Natalia Vodianova. Vogue fashion director Lucinda Chambers will also be present as-well-as hair stylist Sam McKnight, make-up artist Val Garland and manicurist Marian Newman.

Vodianova will be modelling outfits customised by some of fashions leading designers, which will then be sold at an auction with the proceeds going to charity.

(Above) Live captions from the shoot

After watching parts of this live showing throughout the day, I appreciate Knight's continuity and willingness to keep the public involved and allowing us a unique insight into the workings of the photographic studio and showing us what really goes on at a Fashion shoot. Will keep tuning onto Showshudio as there will be more to come. This Live Studio space will continue to be used each week by world-renowned fashion image-makers, including Shona Heath, Jason Evans and Simon Foxton, to shoot fashion editorial, portraits and film.

Also included in the live programme of shoots is a special project initiated by Nick Knight called 100 Portraits which I'm very excited about . Between 1-20 December 2009, Knight will photograph 100 of London's fashionable elite from models and actors to musicians and artists. The portraits from each session will be displayed in a gallery adjacent to the Live Studio at Somerset house and in an upcoming issue of i-D magazine. So if I where you, I'd definitely watch this space - Don't miss out!!

WWW.SHOWSTUDIO.COM/PROJECTS/FASHIONREVOLUTION/LIVE

WATCH

Also check out the NAOMI Exhibition live on Showstudio. You can draw and write messages on her; It's totally cool.

All you need is One dress

(Above) The 'Multi-dress' - Inala London SS/10

Watch-0ut for this cool new London label Inala London by Alani Gibbon which launched this year with the 'Multi-dress' for their Spring/Summer 2010 Collection.

The label specializes in multi-functional, reversible clothing which I think is an absolute fantastic and genius idea considering the many reasons why I hate travelling and the fact that now I don't have to worry about over packing with a dress like that. I have never seen anything this adaptable, the dress can be transformed into at-least 30 other styles which can either be casual or dressy. Yes just the one dress! The full collection is to be expected next year but meanwhile you can purchase the dress from the Inala London website for only £69.99. The clothing is unique, versatile and affordable - What more can you ask for? Check out this video I bumped into during a search on Youtube.

Beautiful Basics

Image above: from (SS/10 collection)

Every girl's wardrobe craves a few staple's, those kind of pieces that may be simple but reassure you that regardless of the progressing season's you'll always have something to wear and that's Joanna Skyes' speciality - creating beautiful basics that you will wear season after season with her new label, SKYES.

Joanna Skyes presented her 4th collection at LFW with NEWGEN this year for SS/10. After graduating at Central St.Martin's and also having designed for the likes of Alberta Ferretti and Armani, she already has pieces from her A/W09 collection selling at Matches.com and has been asked to head-up their own label Freda.

I think SKYES will succeed because of it's unique and androgynous tailoring techniques that are also iconic, luxurious and elegant and right now it would do alot of people a wealth of good to invest in something that they will have and wear for a very long time and this label brings just that. Pieces that will fit in with everything. Definitely one hot label to watch!

A design by Joanna Skyes for FREDA at Matches.
Click on image to view full line.

GET THE LOOK: Rock-glam biker chick

Above are three of my favourite looks from Roberto Cavalli's A/W 09 Collection.

Sex was at the centre of Roberto Cavalli's A/W09 Collection, but what I liked most about it was that there was a bit of toughness in the girl that he gave us, no wild things walking around in animal prints but super tough and hot chicks on leather and studs. I really loved the glam-rock/biker girl chic meets punk chic element about the collection and those thigh high leather boots were extremely sexy and totally kick-ass - the kind of girl you don't want to mess with this season who is extremely stylish, sexy but has a refined roughness about her giving her a new glamorous edge.

Create your own look by mixing it all up - Blacks, leather, latex, chain mail and studs to get that ultimate chic, glam-rock Cavalli look.

LOOK #1

Dress - Lipsy - £65, Thigh-high leather boots - Topshop - £120, Black studded clutch - Miss Selfridge - £28

LOOK #2

Leather studded body - Christopher Kane for Topshop - £75, Black bodycon studded skirt - Lipsy - £40, Thigh-high leather boots - Topshop - £120, Leather gloves - Accessorize - £30, Cross body studded bag - Miss Selfridge £28, Jacket - Oasis - £120

LOOK #3

Black jersey polo -Warehouse -£14, Leather studded mini-skirt - Lipsy - £45, Thigh-high leather boots - Topshop - £120, Leather studded jacket - Warehouse - £170, Black studded clutch - Warehouse - £40

The "Fast" Controvesy

Mark Fast is one of the newest designers to showcase at London Fashion Week in his second season and when I discovered that he had used Plus-size models in his latest show, I applauded him for taking such a huge step and bending the rules for a change.

As we all know in this Industry, beauty is defined by 'tall and skinny' but after carefully analysing the footage of his show, I could understand why it is such a BIG issue. As much as I like to believe that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes; and believe me I do, I couldn't help but notice when one of Fast's Plus-size model's nearly fell as she was making a turn at the and of the runway, it was a slightly uncomfortable moment to watch but I gave her the benefit of the doubt all the same; maybe she was just nervous but then again skinny models have also tripped, even fell flat on their faces on the runway in the past.

However, their walks may not have been as effortless and fluid as the skinny girls', but they worked those cute mini dresses and showed that anyone can do the catwalk. I do think that this move will spark alot of change in the industry and encourage other designers to create clothing for all types of women. Very soon we'll be seeing more Plus-size and black models on the catwalk and maybe in the future designers will even consider short models. Watch this space!

F.Y.I

PPQ used exclusively black models for his SS/10 show

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...for 'America's next top models' recent filming (Cycle 13), Tyra Banks only casted models who were 5'7 and under. Not the usual suspects I know, but at the same time it shows that short girls have the potential too.

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...also, the Sykes collection was presented on models up to the age of 70.

..then again, these are just topics for another blog post. Would love to hear what you think though. xoxo

Surf it, Try it, Buy it!

Virtual shopping has been stepped up a notch by on-line shop MixMatchMe.com providing a way of trying on clothes on-line making shopping more fun and exciting that ever before.


Whoever predicted that the future lies on the internet was pretty damn right! MixMatchMe's concept of providing a somewhat "virtual fitting room" makes on-line clothes shopping for women of all kinds across the globe a unique, easier and enjoyable experience. The fabulous thing about this site is that you can create your own style by trying on clothes on a virtual model and play around with accessories, shoes and handbags before you make a purchase. Totally cuts shopping time in half and what I like most about it is that the website is easy to use and the model stays on screen while you navigate between categories to add extra items to your look.

MixMatchMe currently has products from French Connection and Boden but what I would like to see in the long-run is more brands jumping on the bandwagon because this is the kind of shopping that girls dream about.

Below is an example of an outfit I put together for myself on MixMatchMe.com, Stunning sequinned dress, simple black pumps and a cute black clutch (All from French Connection) - Perfect for the party season!!!

Above: The Virtual Model wearing F.C
Dress - £260, Shoes - £100, Clutch bag - £60

Jimmy choo for H+M

A fabulous and much long awaited collaboration by a certain iconic British luxury accessory brand is now peaking its head from round the corner and it's something to kick us off into the party season with a bit of glam and edge. It's the H&M and Jimmy Choo collaboration which will be launching on the 14th of October this year.

This collection has been inspired by punk chic and the glamour of rock n'roll in the early 80s and will not only bring shoes but bags and accessories as-well-as a bit of something for the boys which is just brilliant that there will be something for everyone. For the first time ever, Jimmy choo will also be designing clothes can you believe it? - I just cant wait, and as the days count down it would be advisable to keep in mind the pieces that you're after so that when the doors are opened, no time is wasted on making decisions otherwise as you know it the rails usually clear almost at the blink of an eye. As always, the collection will be available to begin with at selected stores in all H&M countries so keep your eyes open and your ears peeled because this is definitely NOT one to miss.

Not just a pretty stoney face.

Ice Queen shows that she's got a sense of humor on Letterman show

It was nice to see another side of Anna Wintour when she showed that she actually has a good sense of humor by letting loose and displaying a less serious demeanor about her American TV's 'The Late Show' hosted by David Letterman. The Vogue editor not only smiled but laughed and it was nice to see that she is probably not as bad as they all say she is though that was in fact the subject in discussion on the show. The days are counting down and soon we'll be able to finally make or own judgements of what we think of Icy Wintour, but devil or not - we still adore and respect her for what she does and she does it pretty damn well. A true icon - Always!

Sequined Jackets

Balmain A/W09

The boyfriend blazer is one of this season's if not this years biggest trend and we see A/W09 taking it to a whole new level. It's well tailored, it's sequined and it's fabulous!

Balmain has made a huge influence on design and the high-street this season and for many high-street A/W Collections that have started to come out, I have seen many Balmain inspired looks alot of sequin on the high-street from dresses, skirts to trousers and though I already have a couple of sequined items, what's the harm in investing in another stand-out piece like the sequined boyfriend blazer. I love the fact that it's versatile and can change any outfit giving it more edge and punch in an instant be it day or night.

The sequined jacket comes in a huge variety of styles from the slouchy boyfriend blazer to tailored, cropped or shoulder-padded in different colours and patterns. I am particularly loving the one's I've seen from Topshop, Riverisland and Dorothy Perkins and I'll be ready to make a purchase once I've made a pick on which one to get.

Here are some of the high-streets best:

Topshop £115

Dorothy Perkins £70

Topshop £180

Riverisland £69.99

Fashion unmasked!

...most feared and respected to grace our big-screens this season.


This Summer comes the screening of the lives of the two most Iconic and influential women in fashion history to this day; Coco Chanel in 'Coco before Chanel' and Anna Wintour in 'The September Issue'.

The movie 'Coco before Chanel' tells us the story of the designer's rise form obscure beginnings to the heights of the fashion world. The story of how she rose, challenged and changed the fashion world forever. Coco's life was one of the most secretive and it is very interesting and exciting to finally be able to see how she made it into the industry and managed to channel her talents and create the most memorable, revolutionary and inspiring designs.



Anna Wintour on the other hand features in a film documentary of how she began her career at U.S Vogue and grew to be the most powerful woman in fashion to date. It is mainly based around the magazine house approaching September of 2007 when Vogue U.S developed and published their biggest issue ever, foamed of 840pages with a staggering amount of 727 which were adverts selling up to 13million copies which was at the time and still is phenomenal. At-least this time Wintour opens to all a window to her life and she can finally set the record straight on whether on not she really is the Devil in the Prada heels.



I have been extremely excited and simply can't wait for the films to premier, there could be nothing more to be over the moon about than experiencing and seeing what really goes on behind-the-scenes of the fashion world, especially the walls of Anna empire. Surely the woman can't be that intimidating and though she may be most adored and feared, everyone in the industry wants to be on her good side and what the rest of world really and probably needs to do is embrace that and take into account the fact that we all yearn to have a part of it - yes; the fashion, the glitz, the glamour, all of it!

A Giles Deacon spectacular at the V&A

Fashion in Motion

Giles (Photographed by self @ the V&A)

Fashion in Motion...A series of live catwalk events presented at the V&A, and this time I was able to go see Giles Deacon's showcase in the Museum's Raphael Gallery. The show celebrated and presented a mix of magnificent looks from some of his previous and past collections. Giles Deacon's work mixes a high level of craftsmanship with a whimsical approach often referencing 'pop-culture' and his pieces which usually feature dramatic proportions, startling prints and tactile surface finishes which combine to make elegantly irreverent clothes create the ultimate fashion display time and time again.

The gown's were striking and beautiful and I love how very light, floaty and flowey the fabrics where, so elegant and gracious as they swept across the catwalk. I spotted a few cute little cocktail dresses from his S/S09 Collection and how so to-die-for they appeared as they called to me from the center of the room. The man is a genius - he has managed to constantly deliver a variety of women's dress and wearable pieces. Of-course you will have to have a special event on the calender, but his clothes are versatile and can be worn by both the younger and older woman without looking a tad of the mark.

Above: SS/09 - B/W Evening gown

Above image: Pink dress (Bottom left) - SS/09, Black & White tunic dress (right) - SS/09

Top left: B/W One-shoulder stripe dress - , Bottom left - AW/09-10 Long Grey evening dress, Right - Satin floral print dress - SS/08

Above image: SS/09 & AW/09-10 looks, Red silk chiffon evening gown - AW/08-09

Above image: Top right - Embellished shift dress - AW/09-10, Bottom right - Grey corset A/W09-10