Balmain Fall 2013 Show Review

Balmain. One of my favourite fashion shows at Paris fashion week, gave us a real treat for fall 2013. Shoulder pads were indeed present, (this is Balmain we're talking about) and colours were bright, very bright. Olivier Rousteing sure does know who to put on a show, and a fiercely fashionable one at that. Lets take a look at what he sent down the runway at Balmain this season...

In recent collections, Balmain has created striking geometric mini dresses, sky high ankle boots and severely cut jackets reminiscent of the 80's. This fall, colour was brought into the mix. Vibrant jewels colours in the form of emeralds, turquoise and shocking pink. Jackets were padded with quilted diamonds, like a court jester's costume, and adorned with studs and intricate patterns, ticking the oriental trend for this fall. Shoulders were big and pants were high waisted with huge belts, balancing out proportions of the models body. These baggy, harem pants are altogether quite new for Balmain as Rousteing usually presents leather pants that barely leave any space to breathe and give a more sharp, Parisian look. However, Balmain this fall seemed to apply that it was all about comfort and inspirations were taken from the oriental stories of old, not from inside the wardrobe of Joan Collins in Dynasty! 

Although this collection seemed masculine and harsher than the Balmain we usually know, there were feminine touches too. Long sleeved mini dresses with tulip skirts looked beautiful and would surely set you back at least £15,000. Structured silver dresses looked like they had been sewn using tiny pieces of glass as they shone and dazzled with the complexity of the patterns. Simply stunning; Kim Kardashian style. Yes, these Balmain dresses are defiantly attention grabbing so its no wonder that Katy Perry, Rosie Huntington Whiteley and Rihanna are just some of many celebrities who have donned a Balmain dress for the red carpet. 

Accessories was another key part of Balmain fall 2013/14. Earrings were silver and intricate, skimming the shoulder, ear cuffs sat snugly on ears and belts were used on almost every model. Metallics crept in here and there which gave the whole show an almost futuristic feel. You'll have to watch the show to see what I mean! 

As for hair and make up, hair was pulled back and clipped at the back of the head. Lips were dark as were eyes, with eyeshadow that had a tinted red/grey effect. Very eerie yet bang on trend.

I loved this show and the high drama (and shoulder pads!) it brought with it. I've seen these Balmain creations up close and let me tell you, they look like an Aladdin's cave; sparkly, vibrant and absolutely desirable. The price tag... Not so desirable! But in the face of fashion, what's a price tag when you can own a piece of Balmain?

RiRi for River Island - Take 2

After the success Rihanna received for her first collection for high street mega brand, River Island, she's decided to come back and do it all over again. Rihanna has started designing her second collection for the store with the same swagger and style she in cooperated with the first. Expect crop tops, khaki prints and tight mini skirts (this is RiRi we're talking about!) Here are some pics from the collection and the lady herself in the design process....

Red Carpet Style: Eva Longoria

There are many celebrities who stun on the red carpet. Beautiful dress, blow-dried hair, dazzling smile... The full Hollywood package. But nobody gets it right every time like Eva Longoria. The Desperate Housewives star always outshines all her contemporaries on the red carpet, with her gorgeous dresses that suit and flatter her down to the last curve and shimmering smile that gives her an air of confidence and style. Whether it be the Golden Globes, a movie premiere or even famously The Cannes Film Festival, Longoria always looks divine and creates the perfect photos for the throng of waiting paparazzi snapping away.

Only 5,4ft tall, Eva has admitted that 'Its all about proportions' when deciding what dress to wear to a red carpet event, usually highlighting her tiny waist as not to get drowned in a gown. Cleverly, she manages to always surprise and stun, choosing mainly tight fitting dresses with fish-tale hems to show off her elegant frame.

Yes, Longoria is definitely entitled to recognition, thats why I have chosen her to be this weeks best dressed of the week. From a turquoise blue Versace creation to a daring Pucci black dress, here are my favourites.
 

                                     

The Fall 2013 Hit List

After reading the September issues of various fashion mags and re-watching the fall 2013/14 shows, I have come up with my ultimate list of what to buy for the new season (and a few pictures to give you the idea!)

1) I need, need, need a tweed coat/jacket as seen at Prada, Dolce and Gabbana and of course Chanel. Tweed was seen everywhere at the international fashion weeks and will no doubt be a hit on the high street this winter. For those of us who can't afford a double - breasted, tweed Chanel coat (me included), head down to high street stores Zara and Whistles for the best quality fabrics and cuts. A coat would probably be more appropriate for those cold winter months but I personally would go for a jacket, which will see you through autumn to spring. Yes, I'm willing to brave the cold in the name of fashion. 

2) Next on the list, a pair of leather boots, with silver buckles and a broad heel preferably. A huge range of boots were seen this fall from the brave thigh-highs at Fendi to the smaller ankle boot at Prada. Varying in colour and pattern, heel and flats, the boot is definitely in this fall. I'd go with a pair from H&M or Topshop. And I would make sure that they're fur lined on the inside to keep your feet warm and the cold, probably wet weather out. Every fashion conscious woman will be scouring the shops for her pair of boots this autumn so if I were you I'd get hunting... Now! 

3) What's an outfit without a handbag? I have to admit, bags are my big indulgence, taking up at least 60% of my wardrobe. And this fall I am after the perfect bag to add to my ever growing collection. Last winter it was all about the big, minimalist handbags designed to carry the world and to take up a lot of room, and I mean a lot of room. My Zara bag eclipsed me and the poor, undeserving passenger next to me everyday on the tube. Thankfully, this fall we are looking at a smaller design and avoiding complex situations surrounding matters of storage. L.K.Bennett have a fantastic collection of bags as modeled by Rosamund Pike in colours ranging from deep tans to bright red. I'm also lusting after a satchel, a little geeky looking with lots of pockets. I'll get back to you on that one. 

4) Don't gasp, but a big, big trend for fall was the return of the mini-skirt. Yes, the dreaded primary school-cum-high school cheerleader pleated skirt is back with a vengeance. Marc Jacobs, Clements Ribiero and Vanessa Bruno were all in on this trend as were Versace and Chanel who went with the tartan/black grunge look. Truth is, the skirt is a hard one and requires a decent pair of legs. But worn with a big coat and boots, it can be tamed. 

5) The leather pant. Another tricky trend, and if you weren't sure what I meant by leather, I mean the spray on type that squeeze and make it difficulty to put on and take off. This trend should come with a safety warning, seriously. However, putting safety aside and fashion first, this is a trend that will look seriously good when done correctly. New Look and Topshop will feature these within their stores as will French Connection and Cos no doubt. I'm after a pair like those seen at Balmain: ankle length, adorned with zips and high waisted. Leather pants paired with a bomber jacket or blazer and a pair of flat brogues will easily tick the androgynous. 

VMAS 2013 - Best and Worst Dressed

On Sunday night, the Vmas 2013 took place in Brooklyn, New York, with a show that stunned, surprised and amazed viewers at home. Lady Gaga opened the show with a very energetic performance of her new single Applause, while Katy Perry, One Direction and controversially Miley Cyrus all took to the stage too. The big winner of the night was Justin Timberlake who was joined by his N-Sync bandmates which proved a big hit with the eager fans in the crowd.

Taylor Swift smugly thanked her ex Harry Styles in her acceptance speech for best female artist which caused twitter to go crazy. But, the subject that was on everyone's lips was the once, squeaky clean pop princess Miley Cyrus who performed her single We Can't Stop and then with Robin Thicke  which turned out to be the big thing of the night. It was clear that Cyrus wanted attention and to cause a little trouble. And lemme tell you, boy did she. Dressed in a tiny gold bikini and nothing else she flounced around the stage, twerking and grinding much to the horror of the audience. Will Smiths family, Rihanna and One Direction all seemed completely shocked and uncomfortable with her performance as the camera zoomed up into their aghast faces. I just wonder how her dad felt watching that....

Anyway, the Vmas 2013 were a huge hit and who could forget about the beautiful dresses on display? Selena Gomez looked stunning in Atleir Versace as did Taylor Swift in a Herve Leger creation. Ciara and Jordin Sparks went high in the glamour stakes too, opting for creamy coloured gowns while Katy Perry went for fierce leopard print in a shift dress by Emanuel Ungaro.  Once again Miley Cyrus's weird, black jumpsuit just didn't work and it was all just a bit much. It really wasn't Miley's night I'm afraid.

Here's just some of my favourite looks of the night...

Chanel: The Mother of all Fashion Designers

There are fashion shows and then there are Chanel fashion shows. Opulent, beautifully tailored and the 'big one' at Paris fashion week. The show that creates as much anticipation as the tense throng of journalists outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Paddington while the Duchess of Cambridge gave birth. Chanel sure does bring in the fashion crowds. The difference being one man. The immaculately dressed, silver haired, always hidden behind large black sunglasses man who claims that he would marry his cat if he could (yes, really!) Guessed who it is yet? Karl Lagerfeld. A genius practically engraved into the history books of the house of Chanel. A creative genius whose Chanel shows just keep getting bigger and better. 

The truth is that Chanel is the mother of all fashion houses; a leader of trends, a worldwide power base and a major boost to the fashion economy. Everyone waits for the Chanel show during the last exhausting days of Paris fashion week. What will Lagerfeld conjure up this time? What huge, completely over the top set will the Chanel models strut themselves down? Chanel is the fashion attraction, like Buckingham palace is THE tourist attraction in London; the place everyone wants to see. It seems strange that this house was started over 100 years ago, by a woman who set out to revolutionise womenswear and change the way in which we as women saw ourselves. Femininity in menswear. Could it be possible? To Gabrielle Coco Chanel it certainly was. Ladies and gentleman let me properly introduce you to Chanel.... 

Gabrielle Coco Chanel started her fashion business in millinery, hats to be exact, all the way back in 1910. A star in the making, Coco soon drew in the rich, influential ladies in Paris, who swarmed to her shop to grab themselves the latest Chanel hat. Branching out into womenswear during the First World War, she revolutionised fashion by scraping the formal, tight corset and brought in a more masculine form of dress. Men's jackets, light, jersey fabrics, straw hats and even, God forbid, allowing women to wear trousers, Chanel was changing the way women dressed. She introduced the now iconic tweed suit, those iconic pearl necklaces, the 2.5mm patent handbag and the sensational Chanel No 5 perfume, which Marilyn Monroe was quoted as saying was all she wore to bed... Coco had established herself in the fashion industry, previously dominated by men like Paul Poiret and Pierre Balmain. She was a woman on a mission and she was stopping for no one, especially not for her male competition. 

After loosing sales during the Second World War, Chanel shut up shop leaving Christian Dior free to dominate women's fashion throughout the 1950's with his 'new look'. However, Coco made her return in 1954, ready to make a mark on the industry once more, against Dior, who had brought back the corset and full skirt that Chanel fought so hard to remove from womens wardrobes. She began work on her new collection, ready to reclaim her fashion throne. 

However, the collection was not received so well by the French who felt her association with the Nazi’s had damaged her reputation. She continued to remain a favourite with her American and British audiences, which Karl Lagerfeld recently reminded us after showing the Chanel Metiers d'Art collection in Dallas, Texas. America remained a crucial part of Chanel's sales.  After a triumphant return and a major fashion house in her name, Chanel died in The Hotel Ritz, January 10^th in Paris 1971. That day the world lost an icon; a founding mother of the new woman and a trend setter that gained respect from everyone from Marlene Dietrich to Winston Churchill. 

Karl Lagerfeld today still pays huge homage to Coco in each and every one of his fashion shows, each time adding a special twist that only Karl can produce. One season we are in a barnyard with light, airy dresses in the most beautiful silks, with Lily Allen popping out of a bale of hay. The next, we are in the gardens of Versailles, with heavy influences to Marie Antoinette done the Lagerfeld way.

To be brutally honest, it doesn't matter where the setting, whether it be an underwater kingdom or around a gigantic globe, Lagerfeld always delivers the hottest trends, gorgeous accessories and classic pieces that could have belonged to your grandmother and still be handed down to your grandchildren. A huge hoola - hooped handbag was certainly the talk of fashion land after the Spring Summer 2013 show as was the Lego inspired clutch bag which has been sported by numerous celebrities including Rita Ora and Diane Kruger. The 2.55mm bag is still a best seller as are the Chanel pearl earrings and suit ensembles which come in a range of delicate colours from pastel blue to dramatic black. Chanel has something for everyone. From children to grandparents, minimalists to maximalists, hippies to traditionalists, Americans to the growing Asian market. An iconic brand. An icon heritage. Long live the legendary Karl Lagerfeld. Long live the house of Chanel.

Valentino Couture Fall 2013/14 Review

When it comes to red carpet glamour, Valentino have it covered. Beautiful silk gowns, intricate detailing all tailored with precision and care, Valentino are the masters when it comes to couture.  Everyone from Julia Roberts to Keira Knightley have graced the red carpet wearing a magnificent Valentino couture creation and have indeed shimmered and shone against those other mediocre dresses, also trying to impress the fashion pack. This season at the couture shows in Paris, Pierpaulo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri certainly did not disappoint and produced a show full of drama, a lot of high necklines and of course, stunning, beautiful dresses that caused most of the front - row to swoon in delight.

Grey, subdued tones ran this show which was obviously inspired by Victorian dress and the demure, sophisticated style of clothing of the early 20th century. High necklines, long sleeves, a line coats and black, silk shawls all were displayed before our eyes in the softest materials and finest detailing. Two piece suits in grey and check looked divine and very Valentino circa the late 1960's (think Jackie Kennedy but in 2013.) Skirts came to just below the knee and dresses were embroidered in gold brocade and beads. Minimalist floor length gowns in red, black and cream floated down the catwalk, looking elegant and almost saint like. Indeed all the models looked like angels with hair swept into a chignon and make up natural looking and serene. It was a show that stated that a woman can still look beautiful covered up, fitted into a flattering, angelic creation, rather than spilling out of a tight, revealing dress. For example -  Elizabeth Hurley in that tight black safety-pin Versace dress. Not very angelic. 

Print also did feature in the collection. An a line dress towards the end looked like it had been tie dyed, (I'm sure that's the incorrect term) as it had white circles dotted around the skirt and down the middle. We'll call it tie dyed for now! Flowery, mosaic inspired patterns also appeared on skirts, coats and shift dresses which also looked tasteful and completely desirable.

Since Valentino Garavani left his fashion house in 2008, the house of Valentino has taken a turbulent journey in finding their new identity. However, since Piccioli and Grazia Chiuri took the reins as the creative directors, Valentino has only risen higher and higher in terms of quality of clothing and beautiful handcrafted pieces that women (and men) can't get enough of. And this couture season was no different. Faultless and divine. 

Overall, Valentino graced us with another beautiful collection that even the great Valentino Garavani would have been proud of himself. This fall, Valentino couture offered us a lifetime load of faultless gowns in a demure, traditional fashion that only they could produce. Grazia Chiuri and Piccioli were certainly hoping to see a number of A-List stars in these dresses, and I wouldn't be surprised if there are. My bets on Anne Hathaway or Emily Blunt. If only a couple of digits could be knocked off the price of these gorgeous dresses. Then we would all look like angels, wouldn't we. 

LADY GAGA - APPLAUSE!!!

So last week Lady Gaga made her epic pop comeback with the latest single off her new album, Applause. Featuring electronic mixes and a catchy dance floor vibe, this new single is bound to go straight to the top of the chart and beyond. As for her music video, Gaga wears a range of pieces by Gareth Pugh, John Galliano and Martin Margiela. Amazing and a little crazy, thats Gaga for you! Check out Gaga's video now!!! #APPLAUSE @ladygaga

 

 

 

Punk it Up!

Punk. We've all been there at some point in our lives. Whether it have been a torn, battered leather jacket or a scary pair of Dr Martens, punk has snuck into our fashion lives before. This fall, however we are going all out for punk as seen at Saint Laurent, Chanel, Rodarte, Givenchy and most notably Versace, where Donatella labelled her collection 'vunk' in a Versace homage to the world of punk. Yes, if you haven't already watched the Versace show, I suggest you do so. It will get you well and truly into the whole punk vibe. Honest! 

Over at Paris Fashion Week, Hedi Slimane gave us a grungy, androgynous look with tartan jumpers and heavy, embellished boots for Saint Laurent. In fact, everyone one of his models looked like they'd just raided Courtney Love's wardrobe. Enough said. At Chanel, King Karl was also feeling the punk spirit as he presented a dark show, with a scattering of heavy tweed coats, latex boots and black pleated mini-skirts - altogether homage to punk. Vivienne Westwood, Fendi and Louis Vuitton all featured elements of grunge in their collections, most notably Fendi, where the models had dyed mohawk hair and dark purple/black lipstick. Givenchy also went for the whole 'dyed hair' idea, with each models hair tightly pinned in ringlets to the head and then dyed either red, blue or pink. Believe me it looked very cool. And for Ricardo Tisci's amazing clothes, the colour of choice was ultimately black with non other than Bambi appearing on a number of jumpers. Not entirely punk, but you get the idea. This fall its about standing out.  

So, what can I buy to get into the punk spirit this season, I hear you say. Not to worry... I have made a list! This season, the staples you need in your wardrobe are as follows: 

1) A distressed pair of tight, leather pants with maybe a couple of silver chains hanging from a studded belt around the waist. For inspiration check out the Dsquared fall collection. Very cool. 

2) A little black dress but the punk version of this timeless classic. Versace offered a range of said dresses in tight PVC and cut out detailing in black and white. I know it sounds a little risky in this day an age but paired with a winter coat and a casual bag, this dress can easily be toned down and keep you looking like Miley Cyrus did at the recent Teen Choice Awards. If you haven't had a chance to see Miley's dress yet, let me tell you in one word: disaster! But you fortunately can be saved from this utter misunderstanding of punk; just choose wisely when searching for that leather dress. Good luck! 

3) A jacket. Biker/ bomber? It doesn't matter as long as its leather and looks cool a la Saint Laurent. 

4) Dr Martens. If you haven't already got them, you need to buy some, pretty quick. Big, grungy boots are the only shoes to be seen on your feet this fall, so I would get hunting for a pair... fast. If not Dr Martens, you can't go wrong with black leather boots as seen at Chanel. Karl made it clear that the Chanel girl this fall was born straight out of the 90's with big boots adorned with Chanel metal chains and a chunky heel. 

5) Last but not least: accessories. Spikey collars, grungy scarves, black hats, silver jewellery, studded earrings (the bigger the better). This fall, it's safe to say that accessories really did make an outfit. Just look at those Andy Warhol print clutches at Dior and those amazing, blingy necklaces at Lanvin. Punk is meant to be cool and break the golden rules of fashion, so go crazy for accessories and rock the grunge look day and night. 

Punk is the new grunge this fall

Espana here I come!!

So this will be my last post for a while as I am off to sunny Spain. Yes, I am in urgent need of the sun, the glistening, azul sea and of course getting a nice bronzed tan that would rival Kim Kardashian's (hopefully).

What I love about Spain is the amazing tapas, white sandy beaches and just relaxing, not having to think about work, stress and deadlines. Like a kind of exotic haven, where nobody understands you, you understand nobody and you can happily pass a week living the quiet life without the hustle and bustle London provides on a day to day basis. The only downside, and this is a major downside, is that there is no wi-fi connection at all. Nothing. Nada. In a way, its nice that you feel you have no contact with the outside world, but after a couple of hours, the depression felt at being so far away from Instagram, Twitter and Sky News really does take its toll... And its a little lonely.

But on a brighter side, Spain is a richly historic and fashion worthy country. Spain gave us probably one of the greatest couturiers ever, Cristobal Balenciaga and other designers such as Paco Rabanne and Manolo Blahnik. Madrid Fashion week takes place bianually just like the major international fashion weeks, and offers great, up and coming designers and a more playful outlook on fashion design. Perhaps one day Madrid will even be acknowledged as a fashion capital alongside other European cities like the stlyish Milan and the Official Capital of the Fashion Empire since time began: Paris.

And finally, the most important part of any holiday: packing. One can never have too many bikinis or miniscule pair of shorts, so I say the more the better. Recentley, I brought a beautiful, blue bikini in the New Look summer sale and an amazing, light flowery, summer dress from French Connection, which will serve as a perfect cover up when the blazing Spanish sun becomes too much. Sunglasses are a must. Take note from the queen of sunglasses herself, Victoria Beckham, who is rarely seen without her aviators or large rimmed sunnies. While Beckham wears sunglasses to protect herself from the flash of paparazzi snaps, us mere mortals need to wear them for pracitcal purposes unfortunatly, so make sure if you're holidaying somewhere hot, take a pair of sunglasses (and sunscreen.) As for the rest of the contents of my suitcase, Ive taken a couple of dresses, light tops, kaftans, gladiator sandals, bracelets, a cardigan (just incase its a little chilly at night) and of course the September issue of ELLE UK, which I cannot wait to read while lounging by the pool.

So, I'll be back in roughly a weeks time, with a ton more of fashion stories to post. So remember to check back in. Goodbye London, unitl we meet again. Adios x

Forever Fendi

The Fendi fall 2013/14 collection shot by the one and only Karl Lagerfeld, features the model of the moment  Cara Delevingne and Saskia de Brauw. These are three of my favourite pics from the campaign; effortless and chic. Long live Fendi!!! 

Diane Von Furstenberg fall 2013 - Catwalk review

The glamour and power of 70's boho chic clearly influenced Diane Von Furstenberg this fall. As she presented her womenswear collection at New York fashion week in February, the scrutinising front row of editors and buyers alike all seemed to loosen up a bit as Chaka Khan blared out of the sound system and had many a foot tapping.

Furstenberg, a key fixture at New York fashion week, delivered a fun, energetic collection mixed with 70's glamour and colour clashing statement pieces. The models, all with amucuatly blow dried, billowing hair, struted down the catwalk enthusiastically, with some even smiling here and there, big wide grins, (yes, we saw you Miss Delevingne!) Make up was kept simple apart from a splash of bright red/pink lipstick that set the rest of the face glowing. 

As with the clothes, colour was a main feature in her fall show with reds, pinks and monochrome prints taking centre stage. Halter-neck silk printed jumpsuits came in burgundy and black, knee length dresses moved effortlessly and key hole shift dresses tied at the waist looked very Halston circa the 1970's. Frankly, this collection was Biana Jagger + Studio 54 to the max! 70's style done in the 21st centurary way, cool yet simplistic. 

Metallics were also thrown into the mix with shoulder padded gold blazers and skinny silver snakeskin pants along with leopard printed trousers and fitted high waisted skirts which added a touch of sophistication to the collection. The maxi is also in again for fall, but in darker shades to suit the more sombre mood of winter, but still glamorous and chic. I also spied Furstenburg's iconic wrap dress which is a staple in every collection she presents. For fall, the wrap dress was updated in an elegant monochrome pattern, tied neatly at the waist and dropping appropriately to the knee. A perfect dress to wear in the office and for Friday night drinks too. Ending with floor length evening gowns in electric blue and terracotta, the show came to a lively and happy finish as Cara Delevingne led out the smiling, hippy models followed by Diane herself; laughing and singing along to 'I'm Every Woman'. 

My favourite look of the collection was a beautiful blue floor length dress that floated effortlessly down the catwalk. Mind you, you'd have to have some guts to wear this particular dress as low cut and with a very daring thigh split, it's not one for the faint hearted! Nevertheless, the jewel colour of the blue and the thick tasseled belt looked amazing together and would suit any body shape. The snakeskin bags also caught my eye. As stylish and chic as they were, they were also big enough to carry all ones work clutter and hot enough to flaunt at a party (and it's not everyday you find a bag like that!) 

Well what more can I say? Diane Von Furstenberg fall 2013 was a joy to watch and brightened up New York fashion week like a rainbow on a rainy day. Boho chic done the Diane way, fun, fashionable and exciting. To quote a Queen song, 'I want it all and I want it now!'

Kate Moss for Versace

Seeing as we are heading closer and closer to fall 2013 and the prospect of buying a whole new wardrobe, I took a quick look at the ad campaigns for the upcoming season. Who should catch my eye but Versace, going all punk for fall 2013. But the flamboyant use of black leather and animal prints is not the reason my eyes lingered on this fashion house. For you see, Versace have recruited a very brunette, very suductive Kate Moss, who states intently at the lense of the camera in the shots by Mert and Marcus. Kate Moss joined by Dutch supermodel Saskia de Brauw, both sizzle in the campaign wearing the latest creations by Donatella Versace, which includes punky black slogan t shirts, tight latex shift dresses and patent box bags in yellows, reds and of course signature Versace black.

Moss, sporting a mane of brunette locks, also models Versace's eyewear this fall, suitably christened the 'Icon Stones'. The collection includes large rimmed specs in black and yellow decorated with the iconic Medusa logo; a key part of the brands heritage. Glamourous and very Italian, Kate Moss for Versace.

Check our Versace's fall collection at:
http://uk.versace.com/ 

Head over Heels for Sophia Webster

If there was any designers work that literally looked good enough to eat, Sophia Webster's shoes would win hands down. Candy coloured, pastel perfect and super cool, Webster is certainly one to watch...

Webster is fairly new on the fashion scene. A graduate from the Royal College of Art specialising in footwear design and also an attendee of Cordwainers College, Webster certainly knows her stuff when it comes to shoe design. After leaving uni, Nicholas Kirkwood snapped her up as his first design assistant, seeing the potential and creativity that Webster possessed when it came down to designing the perfect pair of shoes. After 3 years with Kirkwood, Webster was ready to fly the nest and start her own label, with Kirkwood advising her in every step of the way...Talk about dream come true! In the Spring of 2013, Webster launched her shoe label, Sophia Webster, to much critical acclaim and of course, featuring absolutly fabulous shoes!

Inspired by Rio de Janeiro and the colours, tastes and vibrancy of the city, her spring 2013 collection is exotic and very, very bright. Peep toe sandals ranging from pastel colours to dramatic blacks, wedge, kitten and stiletto heels and cute lace up booties all designed with Webster's bold, daring customer in mind. Speaking of daring, Webster's shoes aren't for the faint hearted. Rihanna, Anna Dello Russo and Solange Knowles have all been snapped wearing her unique designs, with Rihanna even having a shoe named after her. The 'RiRi' sandal, a favourite of mine, is cool, colourful and totally Rihanna!

The 'Mila' sandal in black is another of my favourites from the spring 2013 collection. Geometric and slightly optical illusiony, this heel is perfect to pair with a little black dress and also practical for day too. The 'Ipanema' heel is also amazing. If I could eat any shoe, it would be the Ipanema followed by the RiRi sandal for dessert! Baby blue, pastel pink and sugary yellow; the Ipanema looks like its come straight out of a cake factory, with red icing and blue laces sprinkled delicately over the top! A clever design and in gorgeous colours; bang on summers laid back trends.

Most importantly, Webster's heels are not only beautiful but also extremelly comfortable. 'I put a lot of padding in them (shoes). And the highest heel I do is 100 centimeters. Other people go all the way up to 150. I wouldn't be able to walk in that all day! So I try to keep them wearable,' the woman herself states, regarding her desire for women to feel confident yet comfortbale when out and about in her heels.

Frankly I could go on and on about Webster's luxury shoes, so I suppose I should get on to the most important part... prices. Arghh, I hear you groan, but alas, nothing is free in life. So for the iconic 'RiRi' sandal expect to pay a cool £595. For the 'Mila' black suede sandal, you're looking at £525, which is the average price for much of Webster's shoes. You want luxury shoes, then you've got to pay those luxury prices. Saying that the 'Ipanema' heel is on sale at the Sophia Webster website at £248, reduced from £495 - an amazing bargain for a fabulous shoe. 

So have you been converted into a Webster heel lover? Yes, oh good! Look out for celebrities donning their own pair of Webster's killer heels and I strongly advise you to too. Unless you're too scared to take a walk on the wild side...

You can check out Webster's designs at the website shown below or follow her on twitter at 
@SOPHIAWEBSTER_ 

http://www.sophiawebster.co.uk/ 

Shine bright like a Hollywood star

For my new art project I'm drawing all the Hollywood stars of the 1950's and 60's, so Marilyn, Audrey and Elizabeth are all in the process of having their portrait drawn by me!

This afternoon I've been sketching away at Audrey Hepburn's beautiful face in her iconic Breakfast at Tiffany's character, Holly Golihgtly. Her exquisite features and natural style come across so well in the movie, yet drawing her is a whole new ball game... Basically very hard! But I shall not give up and will draw on until my hand aches and my brow sweats with concentration.

I chose to look at the Golden Age of Hollywood for my fine art project because its a period in history that changed the course of film making forever. All those years ago, there was only the big movie stars to worship, no b list celebs or wannabes; only the real deal. Marilyn Monroe was not a great actress but her figure, beauty and witty quotes that kept the press hot on her heels, made her an icon. Her impact on the film industry and the public is still remembed today. Elizabeth Taylor swamped in her pearls, Rita Hayworth's dazzling teeth, Frank Sinatra's soulful voice and star presence, Grace Kelly and her beauty. These are the stars that really matter, whose iconic photos are vintage gold today.

I love Hollywood and the glamour that surrounded it in the 1950's. There is something so stylish and sophisticated in the black and white photographs of Hollywood actresses. Their positions, pose, hair and make is just flawless and utterly breath taking. There are so many celebrities today that the term 'star quality' is just thrown around to describe everyone from Tom Cruise to Kim Kardashian to Amy Childs from The Only Way is Essex. The world of the rich and famous is nothing now compared to what it had been all those years ago. Everyone's copying everyone, nobody is original and Hollywood is just brimming with hundreds of 'famous' actors trying to make it big. The days of Sophia Loren and Bridgette Bardot are no more. However, they are the still the true stars. The stars that shone, that had quality and were completely original.

With this project, I hope to draw these movie stars in all their glory and hopefully do them justice (fingers crossed). But even if Vivien Leigh looks nothing like Vivien Leigh in my portrait, you'll know exactly who she is. How? Because she's a Hollywood superstar!

Gucci Fall 2013 - Catwalk Review

Gucci Fall 2013 Review

Gucci kicked off Milan fashion week with a BANG, presenting a show full of drama, suspense and beautiful clothes, of course. 

Let's get straight to the point. For all those woman out there who live their lives in black, you have reason to celebrate! New York and London was full of dark, brooding collections with an air of mystery and magic. And now Gucci has indeed followed suit, with a gothic take on the brands standout dresses and skintight pants. Yes, Gucci was gothic, yet elegant and unforgettable.

Frida Giannini, heavily pregnant I should add, has been hard at work as we saw this fall. Her models looked eerie and unrecognisable with dark, heavy eyeshadow eclipsing the eyes. Hair was slicked back and shone dead straight behind the ears. Spooky and exciting! 

The show opened with a mass of boxy skirt suits in dark crimsons and black, moving effortlessly down the catwalk and fitting the models bodies like a glove. Tight leather skirts accompanied with beautiful jewel colours; pink, emerald and electric blue shone like diamonds in the dark skies above. Leather shoes continued to pound down the catwalk as our eyes were drawn to the check shift dresses, the embellished hems on metallic skirts, feathery capes and handbags glittering with studs. Beautiful accessories in the form of statement black chokers, shiny leather gloves and handbags in the most wonderful jewel colours were also displayed before our ever widening eyes. Where does one look with a show such as this? 

Frida's finale of dresses was spell binding. Floor length gowns swept along, covered in oriental inspired designs which just about covered the models modesty. Joan Smalls, the model of the moment, wore the most beautiful dress with a net material adorned with pink feathers along the arms, cuffs overworked with studs and a black silk skirt which moved beautifully. And then there was Karlie Kloss' dress, which again had a metallic skirt in crimson and what looked like two angel wings across the chest. A swirly design of sequins and jewels covered her arms. Embellishment like that is what sets Gucci above the rest. Detailed and daring. 

And so Gucci inspired and lit up our imaginations this season, while setting some serious trends. Dark reds and burgundy's are defiantly 'in' this fall as well as metallics, check, gothic designs and of course, black. A truly wonderful collection.

Quick note on accessories

Today I'm wearing a white peplum top with burgundy skinny jeans with gold and zip detailing, a bunch of bracelets and an egyption looking necklace. And I also find myself carrying a very cute red satchel with silver buckles!

Tomorrow I will wear something completly new. But it's not a sin to wear the same outfit twice once in a while; just mix it up. Over the years I have noticed that accessories completely change a look and can make you come across in a way that believe me, you never thought you would. For example, wearing a head to toe casual look with an armful of friendship bracelets, an everyday satchel and converses, gives the whole 'I look good but not trying too hard' look. Take this look up a level and you're a new gal! Same casual outfit, but this time try a spiked metallic cuff and add some silver earrings. Grab a clutch and pull on a pair of hot high heels and hey... You're working the same look but not the same! Get what I mean?

Accessories change an outfit. Shoes, bags, jewellery and head gear can transform your look beyond your wildest imagination, and I'm not kidding. The outfit I'm wearing now looks smart and functional but put on some Louboutains, a statement piece of jewellery and voila! I'm rocking a party look.

Try it some time. You might even surprise yourself!

Designs

Another look inspired by the French Revolution. The style of the dress is a little grungy and punk but still has references to the 18th centurary and the flower motif which I ran with. 

Saint Laurent fall 2013 - Catwalk Report

Saint Laurent Paris fall 2013 - Grunge, Androgyny and Parisian Cool...

I have to admit, before Hedi Slimane worked his creative magic at Yves Saint Laurent, I personally thought of this major Parisian fashion house as just another 'big name', nothing special and to be honest... A tad boring (sorry!) Since I was still attending nursery when the great Tom Ford was head of womenswear at YSL, I unfortunatly missed that milestone in the brands growth. Out with the old and in with the new, was Ford's slogan as he reinvented Yves Saint Laurent with a sexy twist and sense of Parisian chic that only Ford could muster up for his faithful customers. And then he left in 2004, and the great Ford Era came to an aburpt end.

Then came Stefano Pilati, (whom I do remember!), and his more reserved yet beautifully tailored designs that once again plotted YSL on the fashion radar. Elegant and wearable, Pilati brought his Italian, suave attitude to the centre point of womens fashion with his minimalist coats, furry stoles and sensual shift dresses. Yet he did not 'excite' me. No, YSL back then was mediocre, (I feel I am really winding Pilati fans up the wrong way!) With the merry-go-round of designers jumping here and there during 2012; Raf Simons moving into Dior, Alexander Wang to Balenciaga and most importantly the Dior Homme designer Hedi Slimane making himself comfortable at Yves Saint Laurent, one did not know what to think. Two seasons on and Hedi Slimane has ruled the roost all the way.

The fashion world waited with baited breath in October 2012, for the new Saint Laurent womenswear show at Paris fashion week to begin, and they were NOT disappointed. Excitement and suprise was generated when Slimane stated that the womenswear collection would be restored to its former title under the man himself - Saint Laurent Paris. A change in creative director and a change in brand identity - things were certainly shifting at Yves Saint Laurent.

And now for the collection, becuase it was quite a show! Boho style 70s maxis graced down the catwalk, large fedora hats and subtle references to the iconic 'Le Smoking Suit' were all presented to a front row which included everyone from Kate Moss and Salma Hayek to the ice queen herself, Anna Wintour. Skinny pants, masculine silhouettes, hints of a hidden gypsy and very cool, Slimane had arrived... And he knew it.

This season, Slimane kept with this dark, slightly gothic woman and gave us yet another cool, energetic and youthful collection. Perhaps the new Saint Laurent customer is a pack of edgy teenage girls as this season it was all about blingy hot pants and mini dresses. Oh yes, tartan dresses, fox fur coats casually hung over the shoulders, black army boots, leather skirts and a whole lotta atitude dominated the runway. And even though the whole collection was prodominantly black, it was a black that partied like a rockstar - hip, hot and dare I say it, slightly fun! Personally, I'd take the floral printed a-symmetric mini dress and the divine wool duffle coat that Miss Delevingne worked so well. And if I had to pick a third - any one of those hot black dresses that could so easily be dressed down for day and dressed up to party the night away in a swanky New York night club. This was indeed a collection that marked good old teen spirit with so many wearable wool cardigans and gorgeous warm coats, just right for those cold winter days.

Mr Slimane, you've done it again. I don't know what that something is but it's very cool, slightly androgynous and I love it. What will you do next season? We'll just have to wait and see...

Mexico treasures

Mexico Treasures!! Beautiful bracelets from the Riviera Maya.