Fashion Hot Mess

The September Issue

2011-09-26T11:25:00.000-07:00

For me the month of September welcomes the new. I would think this dates back to all of those Septembers I spent preparing to go back to school. The new academic year brought more than simply new subjects and teachers. It brought something mildly more important than learning. So much more important.

It brought a new school uniform. Shiny black leather (regulation naturally) shoes and a brand new school bag – style: relative to current trends (so basically what the other 179 pupils in my year may have had or may have been getting).

I am still not decided which school bag was my favourite. Either the Smurfs back pack which my white haired blue eyed five year old self enthusiastically wore on both shoulders skipping into my very first day of primary school. Or the lilac satchel from Warehouse (a £10 bargain of the pre recession noughties) which my ‘uber cool’ seventeen year old self wore nonchalantly, later to graffiti with the latest schoolgirl crushes of myself and my girlfriends. The jury is still out.

So it was with my bag, royal blue woollen blazer, (shapeless) knee length skirt and other new items of school uniform that I would have only my best foot forward to kick off the month of September. I had that annual buzz and expectations of what lay ahead in that first month and the year to come. September was always fabulous.

Although my years of academia and back to school buzz have drawn to a close I still possess an excited anticipation at the start of the month thanks to those memories. Out of education and into work; for most people September is just another month. For fashion worshippers September brings a whole lot more than just daydreaming of the next holiday (though blissful); it brings September issues (this year Vogue UK, Paris and Australia are the months reading thanks to travelling relatives!), as well as … ding ding ding!

Fashion weeks!

We gots to love the online live streaming from the major fashion capitals!

Naturally when the first of September blew in this year, it also blew butterflies into my tummy in anticipation of what the month was going to bring.

Okay it’s miserable outside, but that is not killing my hype! Okay the news is a reflection of the weather (miserable), but that is still not killing my hype! That is until the retail news was revealed and it was one headline in particular;

September is the new January

: folk are tightening their belts and slowing down to an almost halt on spending in Septber. More and more shops are being boarded up across the country and company figures are dropping (unless you are Hermes that is http://www.mindfulmoney.co.uk/?lid=6996 ).

Okay, my hype is now killed and the prospect of September is now not so exciting. I mustn’t forget that my daydream version of September is not actually reality and that the world of fashion and retail is suffering just like everyone else. I am incredibly disheartened until I spy something that can still make this month the shiny disco ball of excitement which I crave.

Vogue September issue is still here, as are international fashion weeks and the potential of winter coat shopping. The September reality cloud of misery has a silver lining and the I can still have my annual excitement. September is fabulous again! Just like it was on my first day of school! Fashion is triumphing and making my world a better place!

Paris Highlights Fall 2011 Ready-to-Wear

2011-03-19T04:08:00.000-07:00

Andrej Pejic vs. Girl Power

2011-03-19T03:44:00.000-07:00

I can't decide if the model du jour Andrej Pejic (the male gracing the female catwalks for those of you who have been living under a rock recently) is boosting girl power or snatching power from the girls by taking over the conventionally female role.

Perhaps with the lines between male and female becoming increasingly blurry it is just power to the people as opposed to girl power or boy power.

It seems that the fashion world is no longer dictating the embodiment of female perfection .. size zero is no longer THE catwalk size. Some models curvy, some not, some with voluptuous breasts, some with little or none. The model of the 'perfect' woman has transformed so much now that men want in and do you know what? If Andrej Pejic is anything to go by, men can do it!

I wonder if women will follow suit and butch up for the male model world. Gender in fashion has now been torn apart and haphazardly stitched back together in a one size fits all.

In the words of the feminist Judith Butler "appearance is an illusion" .. so all we really need worry about is ensuring our appearance is elegantly fashion hot and messy (and fabulous dahling) so that our individual illusion gives girl power, boy power or power to the people.

Separated at Birth?

2011-03-13T04:15:00.000-07:00

Tim Gunn and Julien Assange

Lady Gaga - Behind The Scenes - Thierry Mugler Fashion Show - Paris

2011-03-03T13:38:00.000-08:00

Exclusive interview: Andrej Pejic

2011-02-25T02:40:00.000-08:00

I Meet Dress

2011-02-25T01:41:00.000-08:00

Ah shopping, an addiction which is up there with the fabulous things about being a girl!

In 2011 I have (so far) four weddings to attend. This means four different dresses...

Sigh...

And by sigh I mean – a guilt free excuse to shop and spoil myself! Hurrah!

I have passed recent free time scouring the internet for the perfect dress.

Perfect dress number one

Perfect dress number two

Perfect dress number three

Perfect dress number four

Did I mention four weddings? So I need four perfect dresses. (Zero guilt since it’s for other people's benefit really!)

I found myself in a maze turning a corner to face a virtual brick wall when searching through the hundreds and thousands of dresses online to find the perfect one. Nothing...

I was bubbling up to throw a good old female strop when I discovered the (virtual) answer to my fashion prayers!

I need a dress, I meet a dress... I discovered the fabulous website ‘Girl Meets Dress’

Borrow a designer dress? Eh, yes please!

(Why did I even hesitate there!?!)

Tory Burch

So here’s how it works:

Simply peruse the collection of over 100 designer brands and 300 designer dresses (Marc Jacobs, Temperley, Chloe) and add up to 3 of your favourite dresses into your Shopping Bag to try on.

You can keep these beauties for two nights or seven nights (If you’re a hot mess when you party, insurance is a simple £7 - you have nothing to stress about!)

Tata Naka

Schedule a delivery date, and your dress will appear at the doorstep of your choice – home or office. Next-day and even same-day delivery (if you live in London) is available, for last-minute fashion emergency. You can pre-order your dress or bag well ahead of your big night if you wish and we’ll send it to you in advance to try on so you have complete peace of mind and your outfit sorted!

Let them know which one you have chosen so they can refund you the difference and then enjoy wearing it and bask in the compliments and admiring glances you will get being a glamorous designer fashion hot mess!

Once you are done, just pop your dress back into the pre-paid packaging and drop it into your local Post office. No need to dry clean, ‘Girl Meets Dress’ takes care of those irritating chores!

While we’re here I’ll just give you a background to the company – a mini fashion history lesson!

Stella McCartney

Girl Meets Dress was launched by Co-founders Anna Bance and Xavier de Lecaros-Aquise after Anna left her career in Public Relations at Hermes.

The vision to set up Girl Meets Dress came after she was inspired by the constant lending and borrowing of the collections which goes on behind closed doors within the fashion industry - for either fashion shoots or for celebrities to wear to events.

She thought it be wonderful if all women had access to this same service - the option and freedom to borrow any dress they wish for every event throughout the year. The luxury to have an endless closet.

“It is a fun concept and women have really responded to it. Hopefully we have answered their prayers by giving them a new way to shop – a fun and affordable way to try new designers and always ensure you look your absolute best without compromise.”

Fashion changes so much and of course there are many key purchases in a woman’s wardrobe – but we all love the idea of wearing a different dress for every event by designers we have always wanted to look amazing in!

Roberto Cavalli

I already have my eye on four fierce dresses to wave the fashion fairy god mother wandfor the the nuptials in 2011!

Girl Meets Dress you have rocked my world and solved my (one of many) fashion dilemma!

Ssssshhhhh - let's keep this our fabulous little secret!

www.girlmeetsdress.com

Posh Baby Reading

2011-02-23T06:45:00.000-08:00

So Victoria Beckham is pregnant ..

According to celebrity gossip she is doing just about everything in her power to have a girl ..

Taking it all with a pinch of salt, but at least if she has a little girl she can have designer fairy tales read to her by the Beckham clan

Perhaps Sleeping Beauty as re told by Camilla Morton and illustrated by Christian Lacroix

Or ...

Or perhaps "This Little Piggy Went to Prada" - nursery rhymes with a designer twist ..

Designer reading for a designer baby!

Ah the life of the rich and fabulous!

Mopping Up Avril

2011-02-23T04:46:00.000-08:00

I know the Brit Awards were a week ago, but I cannot get Avril Lavigne's dress out of my head ...

All I could think when I saw it was

Is this a love (hate) child of the feather duster character from Beauty and The Beast and a conventional mop?!!

Musing over what possessed her to wear this 'dress' ...

Maybe it's easy to clean?

Maybe she's OCD so two birds one stone - nice dress, can clean things whilst wearing it ..

Hmmmm ...

My eyes are still offended though ..

Blow-Up Trailer

2011-02-23T01:36:00.000-08:00

Love the Movie and love the poster!

Betsey Johnson FALL 2011 COLLECTION, MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK

2011-02-16T12:42:00.000-08:00

Oh yes Betsey J you are one hot mess!

Tom Ford Je t'aime

2011-02-15T10:53:00.001-08:00

Tom Ford never fails to deliver with his sexy hot mess ad campaigns .. Why is my eye sight not bad enough that I can have glasses! Thank God for lense free ones to suit for now!

Masquerade meets Dior

2011-02-14T02:51:00.000-08:00

I love seeing an image and I immediately associate a song with it (and have a mini musical in my head!)

This happened with several of the Dior Spring 2011 Couture - The Phantom of the Opera's Masquerade was my personal soundtrack to it!

LOVE.

GaGa Incubates @ Grammy's

2011-02-14T02:30:00.001-08:00

Grammy Awards?

Not if you live the the Haus of Gaga ..

What one persons red carpet moment that makes all of the hard work possible, is another's opportunity for a red carpeted piece of performance art.

Gaga didn't even walk the red carpet (at least her red carpet outfit can't be slated by the fashion police) - she was carried in in an incubator! She was eventually Born (This Way) for her performance.

I love this woman. She is one evolving piece of performance art that makes me proud to be a little monster!

Haus of Gaga's Nicola tweeted from the Awards last nite:

.. Gaga is in incubation. Tonight's performance is in collaboration with Hussein Chalayan and House of Mugler ..

Gaga you are personification of FASHION HOT MESS

Women's Dresses @ shopalike!

2011-01-31T10:39:00.000-08:00

January is over .. time to shop again!!!

http://clothing.shopalike.co.uk/dresses/

http://news.shopalike.co.uk/

Calvin Klein Collection 2011

2011-01-17T10:37:00.000-08:00

Read This!

2011-01-13T09:07:00.001-08:00

If you are going to read one book in 2011 - make it this! I am usually sceptical about celebrity autobiographies, however the pretentiousness and attitude which usually comes with them is a welcome absent in this book.

The supermodel gives an insight into the horrific conditions and experiences of refugees in the Sudan as well as painting a vividly beautiful picture of the landscape of the country pre war.

This is a woman who has grown up witnessing atrocities none of us could begin to even imagine.

It has also reminded me not to be so quick to judge.

Alek Wek - you are a strong glamourous star. You deserve your success!

Ages of ..

2011-01-12T12:43:00.001-08:00

When does age stop to matter? In the past a common faux pas for relationships was young girls with older boys or older women with younger men; age got in the way and served as a hindrance. Nowadays age is not so much a setback for relationships (within the law naturally); anything goes and even television shows celebrate the societal norm of age not being problematic. Cougar Town anyone?! There was a time when age mattered but now it merely seems to be how we act or wear our age that matters.

Children were once considered adults once they turned 18, but nowadays that doesn’t seem to be so important. In parts of the UK children emerge from a chrysalis of childhood and are legally adults at the age of 16. Even though 16 is the legal age for it; working (part time aside) used to be regarded as solely for adults, well until age blurred this line too. The kids are emerging early out of their chrysalis and spreading their wings over the adulthood line long before we expect them to.

No doubt the debate of the pros and cons of children growing up too soon and being too young to for certain pursuits won’t be going away any time soon.

I had a flash of adult maturity watching Fashion TV when the that girl is far too young to do that thought went through my head. Subsequently I wondered if this ‘mature observation’ was simply inane jealousy.

Probably.

Especially since the far too young girl was Frida Gustavsson. The model. In Chanel. On a catwalk. In Paris. During fashion week. She is 16. It is outrageous not to be jealous of anyone in Chanel, especially one being paid to wear it in one of the fashion capitals during fashion week. Not outrageous however to band aid that jealousy with a that girl is far too young to be advertising pieces which are aimed at women thought. It seems that age is not a restriction in the fashion world – if their level of maturity is that of an adult, why not treat the person as one?

In some respects, age is only a couple of numbers side by side - it is how we wear age and maturity that really matters.

Age doesn’t matter folks!

And yes, it was jealousy of Frida Gustavsson.

Snaps of my NYE party ..

2011-01-01T03:35:00.000-08:00

If only ..

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

** MERRY CHRISTMAS * *

2010-12-19T03:45:00.001-08:00

** MERRY CHRISTMAS**

Have a safe and fabulous Christmas!

xXx

Presents for YOU!

2010-12-19T02:41:00.000-08:00

I adore buying gifts for loved ones at this time of year, however at times my selfish side kicks in and I just want to buy presents for myself!

Most of my Christmas shopping is now done .. www.monsieursteve.com deserves a cheeky visit to reward FashionHotMess some trashy urban funk t shirts at a ridiculously affordable price!

Dress them up, dress them down .. leave your dignity at home

Student Protests

2010-12-04T10:03:00.001-08:00

I love this image from the student protests in London last week. The school girls protecting the police van giving a pacifist feel to the protests. They've given a mature chic look to a school uniform by such a simple peaceful action.

Make love not war!

Picture from The London Standard

The Google of Fashion!

2010-11-21T13:58:00.000-08:00

I know I am a week behind on this discovery ..

But check out the new google for fashion!

www.boutiques.com

"Boutiques.com is a personalized shopping experience, brought to you by Google, that lets you find and discover fashion goods through a collection of boutiques curated by taste-makers -- celebrities, stylists, designers, and fashion bloggers. Boutiques uses visual technology to help fashionistas discover and shop their look and creates the opportunity for designers to showcase their collections and latest inspirations online.

Boutiques.com is built on technology developed by our team of fashion experts who work with engineers to “teach” our computer systems to understand various patterns, pairings, and genre definitions. When signed into your account, Boutiques.com learns about your style and preferences and in turn, provides you better results and recommendations over time. Ultimately, Boutiques.com will provide shoppers with a much richer and interactive shopping experience and help drive traffic to retailers' websites"

1984 = 2010

2010-11-07T06:09:00.000-08:00

Check out the 2010 FALL Trends from 1984 Wham! Last Christmas video!

(also a great excuse for getting festive!)

I like to look at the pictures ..

2010-11-07T03:36:00.000-08:00

To celebrate 30 years if i-D Magazine this book celebrating the covers of the acclaimed magazine has been released by founder and creative director behind the magic, the incredibly hot fashion messy Terry Jones.

If the pictures aren't enough for you (as if!), there are also the tales behind the images.

Go on, Christmas is too far away .. treat yourself!

I am!

Lanvin for H&M - Fashion Show

2010-11-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

Cannot WAIT!!

Maison Moschino Hotel in Milan | Opening Party

2010-10-28T02:25:00.000-07:00

Getting my freak on to thank Giles Deacon!

2010-10-28T01:52:00.000-07:00

As I have already commented in previous posts the next 300 odd days will include several weddings to attend.

To start with is one of my best friends getting married on the second last day of 2010. Miss organisation over here got my shop on at the beginning of Autumn and came across a fierce yet elegant deep red velvet dress which I snapped up pronto.

How delighted was I then when I saw Giles Deacons Spring 2011 collection for Emanuel Ungaro; one of the dresses in particular ^^^ with an amazingly similar cut and shape to the dress I had purchased!

Early trend alert!

Do you take the style for this winter wedding looking fashion forward to Spring?

I do.

Thanks Deacon for helping me get my fashion freak on ♥ !

KSUBI - Favourite Ad Campaign 2011

2010-10-23T02:05:00.000-07:00

New favourite ad campaign?!

The 2011 campaign for Australian brand Ksubi eyewear ..

Check it ...

www.ksubi.com

Time to purposefully fail some eye tests!

HOT

Obscure Couture takes fashion east

2010-10-21T06:37:00.000-07:00

Oxford dictionary definitions:

Obscure: adjective (obscurer, obscurest)

Not clearly expressed or easily understood.

Hard to make out or define; vague.

Couture: noun

The design and manufacture of fashionable clothes to a client's specific requirements and measurements.

Fashionable made-to-measure clothes.

Ultimately what the Oxford dictionary is defining for me is that if a fashion label is called Obscure Couture... it is:

not easily understood fashionable made to measure clothes.

Initially when I considered this I thought Oxford dictionary do not be so harsh! However, following that split second (plus several extra) I recognized that this in fact makes perfect sense.

Obscure Couture advocates individuality with their bespoke pieces in a war against the high street faceless fashion. Faceless fashion is for those who don’t have to think about what they are wearing and ‘style’ seems easy to these lemmings who are drawn to recreate what they see on mannequins in the high street stores. Obscure Couture is for those who have a belief in uniquely instinctive, confident fashion and who are not afraid to be that bit different (in a fashion hot mess manner of course!).

The label’s debut collection brought this fearless individual fashion east, to the Barras in Glasgow last weekend.

They had presented a glimpse into their Flesh & Bone collection with pictures in their press release (see previous blog post), but this was nothing compared to the sexy, detailed texture, layered, unique punk fashion that was bestowed upon Glasgow with their show.

Obscure Couture pledge that they “subvert the classic Victorian silhouette and harness punk’s stark harshness to create a brash clash of sex and beauty [sic].”

The pictures speak for this pledge and by and large rebelliously speak for themselves!

If any of the garments have (of course they have!) tickled your punkish senses, you can order one for yourself:

mail@obscure-couture.com

Go on, join in the campaign against faceless fashion and join the welcoming (and moving into) of the house of obscurity!

www.obscure-couture.com

PHOTOS: Jamina Davidson

FTV.com - F.FLOOR KARL LAGERFELD

2010-10-20T04:19:00.000-07:00

FALL 2010 RTW

Breast Cancer Awareness RL

2010-10-13T08:57:00.000-07:00

Support Breast Cancer Awareness month in style with the Pink Pony campaign by Ralph Lauren

I think of RL and I picture the Polo Shirt with the pony logo, but I am loving that you can purchase a t shirt to customise yourself and all for a fantastic cause!

Bye bye preppy .. hi to fashion hot and messy!

www.ralphlauren.com

Jacob Coupe shot by Giorgio Codazzi for METAL MAGAZINE

2010-10-12T12:02:00.000-07:00

Christian Dior vs. Barbie

2010-10-10T13:58:00.000-07:00

Okay so it’s not the festive season quite yet and unless you have been in department stores such as Selfridges (which has had its Christmas range in stock since early August) you may not have thought much about the yuletide season.

Yet the mornings and nights darkening have prompted festive musings, the iPhone Christmas countdown app and Christmas themed nostalgia.

I am a huge fan of Christmas; seeing family and friends who are scattered across the globe thanks to careers and travelling, although most importantly for getting presents!

My favourite presents were always the Barbie’s or Barbie accessories that were waiting for me on Christmas morning. Even one year when I was sick, nothing could spoil the day for me as I had a Barbie camper van to amuse myself with.

So even though it was for Spring Summer 2011, Christian Dior’s latest collection took me right back to my Barbie obsessed childhood and Barbie style Christmas presents (thank you Santa Claus!). The flamboyant colours, the matching, the sexy shades, the nautical theme of the Dior catwalk immediately made me think Barbie! Barbie! Barbie!

It brought me back to a perfect childhood of Barbie and Christmas time!

I want it to be Christmas, yet with this gift from Dior I want it to be summer!

Good memories, good times, HOT collection!

❅ Merci Christian Dior, merci ❅

Funeral for a Flower

2010-10-01T02:56:00.000-07:00

I love flowers. I love seeing people walking along with a bouquet of flowers. It leads me to picture the lives of these people and let my imagination wander. Who are the flowers for? Do they belong to this person? What is the reason for the flowers? Apology? Celebration? Commiseration? There is a serene disposition to these scenes.

As a student when I lived in Amsterdam I would regularly take myself to the famous bloemenmarkt (flower market) for an afternoon of tranquil escapism. The aromas, the bright colours, the local vendors passionate about their trade would remind me of my fondness for flowers.

So there you have it, I like flowers (I’m female, I have to!). In markets, carried by the stranger on the street, but not printed onto clothing.

I have already blogged my negative opinion on floral print therefore I won’t repeat that rant! In the previous blog post I welcomed winter's arrival solely so we wouldn’t be subjected to the sight of the floral print and would be rewarded with the classics of the Fall 2010 styles.

Then comes along D&G’s Spring Summer 2011 collection at Milan Fashion Week – it had some cute pieces but what failed for me was ..

Floral – fail

Maxi – fail

Cuts that will be unflattering on any female unless they fit the size zero measurements

As a recent opinion noted due to this trend, you can eat more at summer barbecues, however good luck getting out of that floral maxi tent and into your bikini after one too many chargrilled burgers!

I did like this flirty gingham and denim look though ..

Not all negative with Fashion Hot Mess and D&G!

For the love!

Balmain Spring Summer 2011 Video by Karen Kooper

2010-10-01T02:23:00.000-07:00

BLEU DE CHANEL - THE FILM directed by Martin Scorsese

2010-09-28T14:34:00.000-07:00

Obscure Couture Flesh & Bone Sneak Peak

2010-09-28T11:14:00.001-07:00

On Sunday I had the opportunity to call into the workshop studio space of the new hot Glasgow fashion label Obscure Couture!

The bleary eyed designers who had had merely a few hours sleep in 48 hours in the rush for completion were more than willing to chat about Obscure Couture and their vision for the label.

Jenn and Lyndsay, the designers behind Obscure Couture gave me a sneak peak of their debut collection "Flesh & Bone" in anticipation of their launch show on

October 15 2010 @ The Barras Centre in Glasgow.

I love how trashy tranny urban chic these tasters even are!

The sneak peak oozes hot messiness all in the name of fashion!

Roll on the show and let the hot messes walk!

www.obscure-couture.com

www.facebook.com/obscurecouture?ref=ts

/www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=157464387605697&ref=mf

Obscure Couture Debut Collection Launch!

2010-09-28T10:50:00.000-07:00

♥ Obscure Couture debut Collection launch ♥

Flesh & Bone

October 15 2010

www.oscure-couture.com

See you there!

I can't wait to see this trashy chic hot mess collection!

Winter Want

2010-09-28T04:48:00.000-07:00

My want for winter is the Burberry Prorsum Shearling Funnel Neck Aviator jacket!

Yes, I know the high street is awash with replicas of the jacket. I know that the high street produces faceless fashion.

This faceless fashion is fierce!

And affordable …

With Burberry’s priced between £1,895 - £2,195 ... high street it is then!

This Winter I am a victim of high street faceless fashion.

Just don’t tell anyone in 2011!

http://uk.burberry.com/fcp/categorylist/dept/women_prorsum_coats

Bold Souls re style event

2010-09-27T10:19:00.000-07:00

Bold Souls Pop up re style event!

Will you attend? Yes!

Er, what exactly is it?

So I know it is a styling and sales event with local independent designers. Les Garcons de Glasgow photographer, Rainbow Room International hair stylists and professional make up artists – check.

Run by Silvia Pellegrino and James Rennie of my new favourite fashion house, Chou Chou Couture?

I am there! I am there with (hot messy fashion) bells on!

www.chouchouchouture.com

I arrive and (naturally) the first rail of clothes I go to is those of Chou Chou Couture.

James talks me through the pieces, whilst Silvia enthusiastically invites me to try something on! It is wonderful to go to a sale event and not have a product pushed at you to purchase. As I was drooling over (not literally folks) the lace crop vest I was interrupted by a model who wanted to change what he was wearing.

Perhaps I should have mentioned that there were models wearing different pieces from the different designers who would be styled in a new look every so often. I dedicate most of my jealousy towards them; most adults will fondly recall playing ‘dressing up’ in their childhood – this was a thrilling adult version!

Each free space accommodated a local independent clothes or jewellery designer. I took time to chat with them all; each one exuding enthusiasm and motivation in discussing their pieces and business.

Kitsch inspired jewels by Glasgow based designer Sally Reid. A mixture of genuine vintage charms and modern trinkets combine to make Florence Box Jewellerys' collection of retro accessories. The designer will be hosting jewellery tea party nights with champagne rather than tea to add a fizz to the event!

www.florenceboxjewellery.co.uk

Designer and seamstress Jennie Loof amazed with her customised shoes and hair pieces, as well as dresses (and fabulously friendly personality!). Check out the pics and more on her website:

www.jennieloof.com

Need I say anymore about these unique one of a kind dresses from MeeMee Couture, except that you are a guaranteed hot mess at any event you let these individual custom made pieces take you to! Boutique is soon to be opened in Kilwinning so keep an eye on the website for more details:

www.meemeecouture.co.uk

Here is a snapshot of other pieces which helped make my Saturday afternoon:

Bold Souls came, they promised re invention, style and unique ..

They delivered!

With their next event in November and rumors of pop up re styling events being held monthly, I am keeping my Saturdays free and my internet on fire checking out all of these hot mess independent designers!

www.rainbowroominternational.com

www.welcomehomestore.co.uk

www.mandors.co.uk

www.lesgarconsdeglasgow.com

www.saratogatrunk.co.uk

www.grassrootsorganic.com

Thanks to Bold Souls and all involved in the organisation of the event!

Scarf = whatever you want!

2010-09-26T11:15:00.000-07:00

When I complimented this dress my friend Lorna wore to a birthday, I didn't expect her to answer with

"Thanks, it's actually a scarf!"

Check out the pics - possibilities are endless when you have the originality and creativity!

HOT!

Living in La La Land Launch

2010-09-23T02:20:00.000-07:00

I walked in dazed and confused...

Dazed and Confused! They have one of my favourite magazines on a shelf and it’s the first thing that I see!

In the words of the orphan Annie “I think I’m gonna like it here”!

I am at the launch of a new independent fashion boutique in Glasgow’s West End which is coinciding with the launch of issue 6 of The Coveted Magazine. The editor Sarah Graham is also the owner of this new shop.

She is welcoming and took time to speak to everybody who came. A genuine, warm person who is evidently enthusiastic about her new venture. Well, when I say genuine, she is genuine about absolutely everything, except for her attempt to convince me that her father is the Satorialist!

Living in La La Land compliments her vision in The Coveted Mag; which is the support of the Scottish Fashion Industry. She supports upcoming designers as well as students and monthly will be stocking local student collections. The incredible support from a local boutique could be just the stepping stone for students and designers in promoting and establishing themselves and their collections.

The shop stocks magazines from the Fashion World and will be hosting a fashion magazine swap shop on Thursday 21^st October. (That explains Dazed and Confused!)

Amongst the stock in the boutique there is clothes, accessories and fashion props. I began considering what I would buy as Christmas gifts, the festive thoughts more than likely encouraged by the cute t shirt with the gold Christmas tree silhouette (to buy for someone to ‘borrow’ off them!). The clothing was mostly quirky tops which could easily be styled to ones individual look – my favourite was a white vest with a unicorn on it. Carried me to my own La La Land!

The jewellery currently stocked is Tatty Devine which has a worldwide following within high fashion to celebrities to everyday fashionista’s – impossible to go wrong with that!

Come to the store and have a look for yourself, soak it all up and let the boutique transport you to your very own La La Land of fashion!

Take some time to talk to Sarah and pick up a copy of the Coveted Mag while you’re there!

www.livinginlalaland.co.uk

www.thecovetedmag.com

www.tattydevine.com

www.gum.wordpress.com

The "Don't" Help Pakistan Campaign

2010-09-22T02:59:00.000-07:00

I produced a fashion show in aid of the floods in Pakistan. The 'Fashion For The Floods' show complete with high street trends complimented by Asian traditional clothing and Henna artist decorating the guests opened with this powerful video.

The video is part of a campaign to help Pakistan by "house of glaMO". I found it incredibly thought provoking and reminded me of the reason why I was producing the fashion show and I needed to take my guests back to the real purpose of the show they had paid to attend.

It worked in reminding me that we need to keep helping and I can only hope it worked for them so they continue to donate generously to a country crucially in need of our assistance.

I hope it did the same for you.

www.houseofglamo.com/blog

ViP To Chouchou couture

2010-09-19T02:36:00.000-07:00

Last week, we were invited to Chouchou Couture‘s “Cozy” sample sale. As far as intimate gigs go, this was pretty close-and-comfortable. Held at the designer’s penthouse quayside apartment with fabulous views over the cityscape through floor-to-ceiling windows, only a funky video installation featuring Chouchou‘s promo shots and some slick graphics projected against the back wall, and of course two rails of handcrafted garments set this apart from a house party thrown for a bunch of friends.

As the late summer sunlight streamed in through the windows, designer Sylvia Pellegrino greeted guests

with prosecco and peaches and her million-dollar smile, setting the mix of mates, journos, local designers and clients-cum-friends, such as a pixie-like chick for whom Pellegrino is designing a floor-length silk one-shoulder gown for what looks like a 21st birthday fit for a princess. A fairy godmother to make you the perfect dress?

Sounds sugar sweet to us!

Chouchou Couture is all about the person and the personable. The night had the feel of a party, even if we did manage to throw in an impromptu photo-shoot!

A designer qualified from CSM, Pellegrino designs her own collection but also provides a

made to measure service, working with the clients’ ideas as well as her own to make people’s dreams a reality. Not only that, she can turn her hand to any well-loved garment you might bring to her attention, and trim and chop to make any adjustments necessary to make what’s frumpy fabulous. Be it vintage, high street or even designer, she has the eye for detail and skills required to turn that dress you never wear into the centerpiece of your wardrobe with a stitch here or new detail there, or by sometimes taking the whole thing apart and starting again.

"It’s often so simple!” she exclaims, in her purry Italian drawl, describing garment transformations through the most basic of alterations. This is the fabulous fashion fairy who can throw a wand of new life over clothes.

A native of Rome, she has spent a considerable amount of time in LA, a city she continues to visit and draw inspiration from; in many ways she embodies these places in her sensual, sunny personality. Her current collection is for similarly bold-and-beautiful, body-confident women. Inspired by dancewear (Zumba is a personal passion of Pellegrino’s), there were synthetic bodys and leggings in fantastic colours as well as hooded dresses and embellished vests in grey jersey and printed wool fabrics, not dissimilar to the wares of that other LA-based sports-inspired brand, for whom Pellegrino worked over in Amsterdam. Yet of course, hers are of far more designy vibe, mixed with an Italian sense of sexuality with short hemlines de rigeur and a dash of leopard-print, as well as that perfectly polished thing our Italian cousins pull off with so much ease and grace.

Ever the international chameleon, she studied design in London as well as a brief but very happy stint at our own University of Glasgow as an Erasmus student. In her work, the quintessential British eccenricity is clearly present in her love of vintage and throws a spanner in the works to all that sassy ‘n’ sexy LA/Italian shit. Reusing forgotten textiles is a Chouchou speciality and printed silks range from pretty polka-dot to quirky candy colours and carriages. There are over-sized blouses and a fabulous tartan coat reworked into a jacket.

On a recent trip to LA, Pellegrino claims the Americans didn’t know what to make of the curveball in the colection, but here there is the swagger and sex appeal to carry it all off. One of our favourites was a super-shiny floral print high-waisted puff skirt that seems to combine the glitz and shape of the dancewear with that odd British sarotrial sense of humour. Also, a peach blouse had been shortened from a granny-chic dress to sex kitten status and would work a treat with denim hotpants and a mane of tangled, youthful locks at any Glasgow hotspot. But in the end we had to settle for the high-necked leopard-print softer-than-silk tunic top. We need some of Chouchou‘s Italian sex appeal – British quirkiness and frump?

Coming down with it, mate.

www.chouchoucouture.com

Chouchou Couture stockists:

We Love to Boogie Vintage www.welovetoboogievintage.com

Welcome Home www.welcomehomestore.co.uk

and in Godiva www.godivaboutique.co.uk

Photography: RN Smith http://handbagsandfaghags.wordpress.com

Kate Moss 3D - KM3D 1 - AnOther Magazine

2010-09-18T01:08:00.000-07:00

Fashion at the Fringe

2010-09-05T03:51:00.000-07:00

Article for GUMagazine

August 2010

Think Edinburgh Fringe, you would think performance rather than fashion. Che Camille, a design workshop based in Glasgow combined performance and fashion in staging the first fashion on the fringe in its opening weekend.

The eclectic performance aspects which the fashionistas were delighted with were slotted amongst the diverse displays of fashion from Scottish designers. They came in form of a ukulele accompanied song written for the woman of the hour (in the sixty minutes previous to the show) and “Rock The Shop” - a rap about the history and origins of Che Camille. (Check out the music video on youtube.com!) Naturally the greatest form of the entertainment came from the impromptu drag act from the hot mess that is Lady Munter for her own half time show.

Now, back to the fashion.

Continuing her support of the local, all fourteen designers exhibiting at Camille’s show were Scottish. The pieces played right into the hands of key trends for Autumn Winter 2010, regardless of which designers collections will have tickled your fashion taste buds.

Hibernate Design and Judy R Clark wrapped up their models in tweed to compliment Chanel’s Fall 2010 look. Hibernate Design also displayed knitwear that would do granny proud, although on the contrary Miss Dixie Belle would make granny blush with her eccentric lingerie flaunting corsets, nipple tassels, suspenders; the works. Granny might not appreciate, but it would certainly make us bitches and our boyfriends proud. Both Christina Beth Kean and MIA mocked the yawn recession gloom with funky gold pieces on the models, for the Christmas party anyone? Embracing the looks from McQueen to Anna Sui, the designers at Che Camille’s Fashion on the Fringe show covered every frosted base for the chilly season ahead.

What the fashion on the fringe provided was the designer trends without the designer price tag. So don’t go blowing that student loan on the high street, invest in affordable, unique pieces in which you will not only stand out in but also promoting those so often unfortunately neglected Scottish designers.

DESIGNERS: Claire Ferguson, Kristina Beth Kean, Nonchalant by Gemma Carver, Miss Dixie Bell, Hibernate Design, Hayley Kruger, Jayne Stephens, Jane Gowans, Pure by Catriona Garforth, Judy R Clark, MIA, Little Sister Lucy, Pea Cooper Millinery, Obscure Couture

www.checamille.com

Smokin' Hot Fashion

2010-08-22T14:10:00.000-07:00

Who said smoking should not be used in advertisements?

Kate Moss certainly makes it look sexy (again) in this Isabel Marant campaign

Fucking the system brought to you by the best

Loving it!

Time for a Marlbro Light ...

Flower Power-Less

2010-08-22T13:48:00.000-07:00

Betsey Johnson Spring Summer 2010

As one of those individuals who has self diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a phrase I am not likely to be heard uttering is “hurry up winter!” However I am finding myself gazing at trees with the notion of embracing my inner eight year old and climbing them to howl it from the treetops. The reason being?

Winters chilly arrival heralds the departure (less morbid word than death don’t you think) of most flowers. Fashion gods willing this will also include the departure of floral print.

Whilst I am guilty of possessing floral print clothing (a cute light blazer bought for a recent trip to Dubai), I can’t help but begin to detest it.

Personally I assume the trend was not intended for head to toe including matching shoes and bag to resemble what would happen if Amsterdam’s famous flower market exploded over plain clothing and created one single look. The floral is becoming a high street eyesore which is compelling me to ditch the summer look and pull out my vintage fur cape ready for the autumn.

In addition to floral prints being overdone on the high street, they have also been overdone at the summer music festivals where the flowers have been trampled on as the bleary eyed festival goers stampede from the venue in a partied out haze.

Please save us all from this eye sore and do this with your floral prints.

It’s about time for the autumn.

Capes at the ready!

Prabal Gurung Fall 2010

MJ is not dead .. in Fashion

2010-07-16T08:41:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson has repeatedly influenced the world of music, art, fashion

In life and in death

It would seem that the legend was not far from the mind of Ammar Belale when designing his collection of Pakistan Fashion Week WINTER 2010

Continuing his crusade for the androgynous female his collection suggests how us girls can channel our inner MJ through our fashion

Long live MJ and the red leather look!

http://www.runwaypassport.com/pakistan-winter-2010/designers/ammar-belale

www.ammarbelal.com

You've Got Mail

2010-07-16T05:27:00.000-07:00

Since I am from Ireland, I would rarely beg for a postcard or any general correspondance in the post from the country (when I can contact everyone and vice versa straight from my iPhone, why would I) ..

Until now!

Six stamps have been released honouring six Irish designers and now I will take a card or a letter or even a stereotypical sheep on the road postcard so I can get one of these!

So you know what to do

Get to Ireland and

Sign

Seal

Deliver!

Want this fabulousity from UAE ...

2010-07-09T12:18:00.000-07:00

I am in a dessert ...

I am thirsty ...

I need something to quench my thirst ...

The only cure is this ...

Brought to you by Mohammed Sultan Al Habtoor and Tamara Al Gabbani for House of GlaMO

www.houseofglamo.com

Who Inspired Christopher Kane s/s 2010?

2010-06-30T06:14:00.000-07:00

Me .. clearly ; )

A Doll's House

2010-06-13T05:34:00.000-07:00

Who needs models when you can create your own porcelain version complete with real hair and makeup perfected by professionals.

In an upcoming exhibition in London, Dutch fashion designers Viktor and Rolf will be show casing their unique collections which span over fifteen years using a variety of sizes of these flawless dolls in a dolls house inspired layout.

Fashion, nostalgia, couture, inspiration, originality teamed with porcelain beauty’s which are curvy and far from size zero?

Yes please!

Opens 18 JUNE 2010.

https://www.barbican.org.uk/news/artformnews/art/the-house-of-viktor-and-rolf

http://www.viktor-rolf.com/index.htm

Sex and the City fashion inspiration?

2010-05-29T11:20:00.000-07:00

At least we had, or thought we had the comfort of ..

If the movie isn't great, the fashion will make up for it ..

Wrong!

With the exception of a small number of pieces, there was nothing overwhelming about the fashion in the movie.
In fact the most overwhelming fashion was the red dress which Samantha wore in the kareoke scene in Abu Dhabi - hot, but..

A bit too reminiscent of the red dress Carrie has hidden in the back of her closet in the first movie.

Disappointing and uninspiring all round.

Did Someone Order Two Fashion Hot Messes?

2010-05-15T02:45:00.000-07:00

Blondes .. white blondes .. have better fun

They are top of the class of fashion hot messes

Proof in the pic

To Have and To Hold .. My Magazine

2010-04-22T07:10:00.000-07:00

I have recently become obsessed with the Tom Ford 2009 sunglasses campaign starring model Carolyn Murphy I know … delayed reaction, right! It has not been a recent discovery; I have been aware of the campaign for months. However, it has suddenly appeared in the window of local opticians – no doubt the season being the grounds for this. I seem be more aware of these Tom Ford campaigns in the windows of local opticians than those featured in the advertisement pages of magazines. I blame this on the occasional disregard for ad campaigns when devouring a much anticipated issue. Carolyn Murphy is one of the most beautiful natural women I have seen used in an advertisement campaign for a long time.

I decided I wanted a copy of this for myself and the easiest way to do this (aside from the going in and fluttering eye lashes at an optician asking for theirs) was to find my own copy within old issues of fashion magazines. I had set myself a mission and became obsessed with not resting until I found a copy for myself.

Eventually my obsessive (and perhaps somewhat compulsive?) mission was a success and I had found what I was looking for. Not bad going!

With time on my hands and finding myself sitting on my floor surrounded by current and old issues of fashion magazines, I then leisurely spent time flicking through the publications (without reading every article or I would still be there!). Some aspects of shoots and fashion I remembered from reading the first time around and for others it was nearly like reading a new (albeit marginally outdated) magazine! A relaxing few hours of old school fashion entertainment, inspiration and me time … in a way I wouldn’t mind doing it again … right now!

There has been an ongoing debate of online versus ‘real’ magazines and the issue of which is better. Sure there are pros and cons for each but my vote undoubtedly lies with real magazines you can hold in your hand. With being able to spend as much time as you like flicking through old publications, tearing out pictures (perfume samples) and articles the real magazine wins hands down, especially in the knowledge that this cannot be replicated with online magazines. Shakri Amirkhanova in Pop Magazine SS 10 joined in the debate and her opinion is an ideal analysis of it;

“… magazines have always been a perfect medium for the synergy of talents and collective vision that influences the ways we think and love – the true barometers of our times, as relevant as history books.”

Well said …

I’m off to surround myself in old magazines again …

www.thepop.com

F-Alice in Wonderland

2010-04-22T00:25:00.000-07:00

Hot off the Press from FashionHotMess in Brussels ..

The style in Brussels already suggests that the conventional isn't the norm for the fashionistas in the capital of Europe. This spills into untraditional creative fashion shoots.

Previous blogger post explored how to make Alice in Wonderland themes stand out from the countless others.

In Brussels; using only men in their shoot turns the enchanting fairy tale upside down and wrong way round and hurtles us into an alternative original magical world. This style immediately makes the shoot stand out.

This shoot was for Belgian magazine LABELS

Photographer: Michael Querin

Stylist: Benny Van Velde

Makeup: Orla McKeating

Alice is Everywhere .. It's all in the presentation!

2010-04-19T12:45:00.000-07:00

Window Display @ Printemps, Paris

Alice in Wonderland is the major fashionable fairytale du jour. From catwalks to window displays to jewellery, from professional to amateur designers there is no escaping the magical fantasy.

Versace Spring Summer 2010 RTW

At a charity craft fair I came across yet another familiar Alice themed jewellery collection.

The designer not only focused her creativity on her individual pieces each magically tying in perfectly with the enchanting fairytale, but the presentation of her pieces did the same. With the use of playing cards on which to display the jewellery, the pieces remained in Wonderland. It caught the eye and expressed the dedication to her work.

http://t-boo.myshopify.com/

With Alice in Wonderland being in style this summer it is all about how you present and style the theme.

Look to not only the professionals but also the amateurs to magically inspire.

Fashion Kills ...

2010-04-16T06:23:00.001-07:00

Loving this picture

Fasion Kills ...

Calm, gate crashes emptiness, jails boredom, parties in the bare space like a catherine wheel of inspiring sparks of funk

♥ Happy Easter ♥

2010-04-04T03:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter

I would like one of these eggs rather than a chocolate egg

Winter Vamp Bites Again

2010-03-11T06:34:00.000-08:00

So his influence for Fall 2010 Givenchy was said to be skiing and scuba, however the dark colours in the collection by Riccardo Tissci, which are predominantly present in the majority of Fall collections were reminiscent not of a bright and cheerful sporting event but rather of a winter bright, yet silent and bare landscape. This impression may be due to the use of black, red and lace. An inevitable association with the employment of black and red in fashion instinctively evokes the vampire. Was he considering the representation of red with blood against the black? Or have I just experienced too much of vampire in common society?

Vampires seem to be present everywhere, whether through fashion, books, music, film, television; an obsession appears to be present. I have sunk my teeth into the books, scrutinized the movies, bought the soundtracks and am cautiously approaching (with stake in hand) the vampire on television.

From the eighteenth century the notion of vampires produced a mass hysteria in Europe and its influence over art and culture developed. This flame has been rekindled today within art and culture and might we perhaps experience another mass hysteria?

Rather than anticipating a mass hysteria of 'what will I wear' now that it's Fall, another type could ensue. This Fall may bring about a mass hysteric dash to the high street to re create the vampire look straight from the catwalks of the fashion capitals.

Time to embrace the pastels and bronze yourself for this season, whilst simultaneously envisaging your inner vamp once the sun sets on summer and the winter begins to bite.

Favourite Balmain Dress

2010-03-10T13:17:00.001-08:00

Love this dress from Balmain Fall 2010

Reason to have a boyfriend ...

2010-03-09T12:58:00.000-08:00

You can steal their clothes and channel Hussein Chalayan Fall 2010 look

Oscar 2010 Worst Dresses

2010-03-08T07:25:00.000-08:00

Sharlto Copley in ..

.. her dressing gown?

A Midsummer Nights Dream School production costume?

Answers on a postcard!

Vera Farmiga in Marquesa

Although this made me think of elaborate over the top napkins at an 80s Wedding top table

Anika Noni Rose

I look at this dress and think - was the inspiration behind this a seaside themed bathroom mirror? The bodice certainly looks as if it belongs on one! Or perhaps was taken off one to create the dress ..

Well I guess you could say it is sustainable fashion if it is the case!

Oscars 2010 Favourite Dresses

2010-03-08T07:17:00.001-08:00

Maggie Gyllenhaal in Roland Mouret (I found it very Matthew Williamson)

Sarah Jessica Parker in Chanel Couture

Demi Moore in Atelier Versace

Spotted At Paris Fashion Week ...

2010-03-07T12:36:00.000-08:00

P Diddy

Grace Coddington

Rick Owens

Tim Blanks

What way to wear my hair in the chilly season ...

2010-03-07T10:09:00.000-08:00

Junya Watanabe

Giles

Gabriele Colangelo

Christian Dior

Bottega seems bulging

2010-03-02T03:45:00.000-08:00

Spring and Summer and sunny weather brings fabulous yet tasteful flesh revealing styles. As Winter thaws, so do we - ready to face the outdoors and picking up again that forgotten New Years resolution of hitting the gym. With the prospect of displaying more than hands and heads, exercise is top priority again and comfort eating does not seem as necessary as we can barbeque and enjoy fresh foods again. We love summer time for the light, the warmth, the fresh air, the fashion, the joy, the picnics .. I could go on and on ...

When Winter arrives again (which always seems too soon), it's time to cover up and comfort ourselves with hibernation in cold dark nights for the next few months. Automatically I eat more in Winter time - my body needs it to stay warm! Then comes Christmas with which comes the fabulous feasting! In Winter I still want to keep my style like many others, in comfort and not too tight so I have a little room to eat a little chocolate. A little room I said! If I have too much room in clothing, yes it may be comfortable to wear, but not comfortable on the eye. Bottega Veneta had some loose styles on the catwalk for their Fall 2010 Collection, but their 80s style trouser suits I will stay away from. Unless stick thin avoid avoid avoid! There are pieces which will only compliment the models wearing them on the catwalk and these are an example of them! This is something that high streets should not re create.

I didn't mind so much the rest of the collection though ...

Dsquared² Wet Look

2010-03-02T02:24:00.000-08:00

As much as the sharp reds and blacks in the Dsquared Fall 2010 collection were tempting for colour contrasts to stock up with in time for Winter (if this Winter ever escapes us!) - the use of latex dampened potential. Wet look leggings anyone? They have been done, re-invented and re-invented again - do we really have to endure another season of plastic high street alternatives (which is inevitably in production following Fall RTW collections) to what is sent down the catwalk?

Altuzarra Pop Yo' Colla'

2010-02-23T12:48:00.000-08:00

Go the Altuzarra way of warmth this fall and pop yo' colla'

Paul Smith Women

2010-02-23T11:26:00.000-08:00

This piece from Paul Smith Women Fall 2010 RTW made me want to pick up the pace Paul Smith style with my knitting skills and make one for yours truely ..

Matthew McQueen

2010-02-22T12:31:00.000-08:00

Did Matthew Williamson's Fall 2010 show remind anyone of a certain designers Spring 2010 show?

Matthew Williamson Fall 2010

Alexander Mc Queen Spring 2010 immediately sprung to mind

Similarities in the fabrics?

Alexander McQueen Spring 2010

Derek Lam Is Hanging At The Ranch

2010-02-17T12:48:00.000-08:00

Derek Lam was lassoing in the leather, the suede, the silks, the fringing, the hats, the fur to reveal to us fashionistas that the trend-spiration for Fall 2010 should be down at the ranch in the Wild Wild West

An alternative and relaxed manner in which to have fun with your fashion

It is time to dig out the cowboy boots..

Bibhu Mohapatra ... Vintage?

2010-02-17T12:37:00.000-08:00

Bibhu Mohapatra Fall 2010 Collection was inspired by the movies: Il Conformista and Metropolis

This collection inspired me to think !Vintage! and immediately want to shop !Vintage!

Loving the third collection from this designer! The fur is adding on elegance already to a collection which oozes class!

Watch this space!

http://www.bibhu.com/home.html

Mardi Gras

2010-02-14T11:01:00.000-08:00

February 16 is Mardi Gras - or the final day of Mardi Gras celebrations depending on the city

Get in the Carnival atmosphere and wear multi coloured, sequined, glitter - with what you wear - clothes, accessories, make up, hair

If you can't beat them .. join them!

Any excuse ..

Ouch Even Agy Can Be Fashion Road K!ll

2010-02-14T07:13:00.000-08:00

At Naomi Campbell's 'Hope for Haiti' fundraiser fashion show in NYC, Agyness Deyn took to the catwalk in Burberry heels

She fell once ...

She fell again ...

She eventually took off the shoes

All with a smile - I don't see no diva here!

NYFW Inspiring Your Valentines ..

2010-02-13T07:04:00.000-08:00

With Valentines Day a day away - whether you are celebrating being single and using the day as a reason to dress up, go out and look fabulous for no-one but yourself ..

Or if you are planning a night of romance with your beloved ..

Check out some of the latest from New York Fashion Week dresses as some inspiration for how what to wear for Valentines Day ..

Jeremy Laing

Generra

Rachel Comey

Jason Wu

Yigal Azrouel

Bensoni Fall 2010 Collection (falls down with haste)

2010-02-13T06:44:00.000-08:00

Not lucky enough to be in New York City this week, never mind attend Mercedes Benz Fashion Week to witness the premiere of the Fall 2010 collections I had to resign myself to the internet for pictures and reports of the collections and what the inspiration was behind them

Behind the collection of Benjamin Channing Clyburn and Sonia Yoon of Bensoni, the inspiration was a grandmother tailoring a wardrobe to fit a contemporary style. The pieces themselves demonstrated a large variety of fabrics and tailoring. However, there was little continuity to the collection and perhaps this was the objective so Bensoni could reach a range of individuals. Whilst the more casual pieces seemed to reveal hours and effort of input, the evening dresses hinted at a sizeable last minute thrown together DIY attempt at elegance. Most notable in the dresses was a white piece with black fringing. What some may wish to call a ‘Monet’ dress; one that looks oh so good from afar, but what is going on when you study it up close?

The fringing automatically brought to mind false eyelashes which had been hastily added on to a LWD (little white dress) to create designers own take on the LWD

Less haste next time Bensoni

See the full collection at

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2010RTW-BENSONI

Central Saint Martins

2010-02-09T04:58:00.000-08:00

I was originally going to start this blog post reviewing an article in Sunday's Observer about Louise Wilson and the famous Central Saint Martins

However rather than tell you what I think about this insight into the opinion and experiences of the director of the MA Fashion Course - have a read for yourself

Remember it has not been an easy runway to travel for those successful graduates of Central Saint Martins (Gareth Pugh, Christopher Kane, Mark Fast - to name (drop) a few)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/feb/07/central-saint-martins-louise-wilson

Burberry L!ve

2010-02-09T03:13:00.000-08:00

Burberry are the latest to announce a live streaming of their show on February 23

However, Burberry have gone that extra step further with the announcement that not only will the steaming be live, but it will also be in 3D

Christopher Bailey has designed 3D glasses for this experience!

Excitement at this development in the streaming of fashion shows!

More exciting though for selected V.I.P guests in selected city who will be lucky enough to have the 3D Burberry experience

2D for the rest of us then - hopefully that's all we can complain about with Burberry. February 23 will tell ...

www.burberry.com

Pop Magazine

2010-02-07T13:15:00.000-08:00

POP magazine is a ground-breaking, twice-yearly title. With top-notch visuals, Pop has contributions from celebrated artists, famous photographers, wayward fashion designers, deluded writers and a fair few celebrity types

I heart it and Spring / Summer 2010 is waiting for you on the shelves!

Do You Want To See LFW LIVE??

2010-02-04T05:35:00.000-08:00

London Fashion Week has announced a digital schedule which will have a live stream of all of their shows!

www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/digitalschedule

LFW is the first fashion week to provide its world wide audience with such an initiative of live streaming!

See you there on February 19!

No matter where you are in the globe you can witness London Fashion Week l!ve for yourself!

We love the internet!

Chanel Couture Hair Inspiration

2010-01-28T13:13:00.000-08:00

Chanel Spring 2010 Couture

I couldn't help when looking at the Chanel Spring 2010 Couture Collection - aside from the absence of Lagerfeld's usual inclusion of black in the collection - was the distraction from the collection to the hair styles of the models.

Who inspired the hair styles Chanel?

Gaga perhaps?

What Is Couture To You?

2010-01-28T13:08:00.000-08:00

Couture .. is it ..

Art or Fashion?

Art and Fashion?

Fashion for those who can afford .. Art for those who can't?

Christian Dior Spring 2010 Couture