I have now returned to the blogosphere! After a long period of not having access to the internet I have come back to blog once more. However, whilst I was away I have had time to take in the sights of my new home; London. As one of the Fashion capitals of the world, London is a pretty amazing place to be and I have been making the most of my new status as a 'Londoner'!

One of my favourite events that I have been to of late was an event at the V & A on Britsih Fashion. There was everything fashion related from the tailors of Saville Row to lecturers discussing the importance of Britain as a hub of educating the latest fashion design talent.

However, one of my favourite aspects was going to see fashion illustrator; Tanya Ling at work in the lecture theatre. Not only is she a fantastic illustrator but she has worked for a number of big names in the business from Louis Vuitton to Jil Sander. Here's some of her work for your perusal!

That is all for today, will slowly be blogging more pieces from my adventures in the past weeks soon!

xxx

This is like a whole new level of blazer, if I had £125 to casually throw at Topshop, this is where it would go.

 

I've decided that I need to re-create this look. Going to find as many vintage blazers as possible and pain-stakingly attach lots of diamantes to it. Can't wait.

 

And here's a bit of LOVE for everyone.

Feeling pretty positive at the moment, moving to London as from tomorrow! 

Good times to come.

xxx

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*STRIPES*

 

*BROGUES = ME LOVE*

I just adore these BROGUE SHOES, I picked them up yesterday on a whim. Turns out they are the new found love in my life. They may seem "mannish" but they add adrogyny to an outfit without being overpowering.

I have also had a recent trip to the Fashion Museum in Bath. If you're ever in the area I would really recommend going as I would say their collection even beats the V & A's inhouse collection.

 

I really loved this Ossie Clark piece, a real 60's piece of vintage fashion.

The September Issue...

So this looks amazing. A Devil Wears Prada style insight into the New York Vogue offices is nearly upon us. On September 11th the UK will have the pleasure of being able to have a fly on the wall view of Anna Wintour's day to day life at Vogue. I've decided that if no one will go and watch this with me, then I will head out and go to the cinema by myself like a complete geek. It will be worth it. Here's the trailer to get you a little more excited!

Ok, so now I've gone a little video crazy. But I have found a behind the scenes video from the most recent Burberry campaign featuring Emma Watson. Now I don't know about you, but I thought it was all PR that Emma has recently been dubbed as a fashion icon. HOWEVER, after watching this video I have a new found respect and although I'm sure the PRs had a lot to do with Emma's instanious leap from Harry Potter geek to fashion leader I actually think she comes out rather well in this...

 

I also found this really cute video of Alexa Chung in a behind the scenes video of an Elle cover shoot for the October issue.

I wanted to show off my new flowery tights. I feel there is an element of the circus in them, yet despite all this I still rather like them. Though I think they need to be saved for summery days.

Vintaaaaaage shoooosies!

Thought I'd share these shoes. They are my favourites. They were my mother's back in her heyday. I love them.

'nuff said.

The Beautiful Fall

I am currently reading this beauty...

It is a delightful tale by Alicia Drake about the relationship between Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Largerfeld in the 1970's. It's a really fascinating read, but that could just be me being all geeky as I love informative tales such as this!

I thought I'd also share with you my bargain buy. I finally acquired some sunglasses (despite the fact that summer is nearly over, sob) but I have finally found a pair I actually am willing to part money for...

I love the fact that they remind me of a cross between the old aviator glasses and the more recent bug glasses that have become so popular. (p.s. I got them for the merry price of one good english pound!)

Think that is all for today, other than I feel the need to express my recent craving to go to Paris and speak french and rifle through cute parisian vintage shops and boutiques. Ah Paris!

my most recent finds...

I have managed to pick up some absolute bargains recently and I thought I would share...

This is a gorgeous faux fur coat that I've picked up from ebay in time for the winter months to come.


And these two are my treasures that I've dug out on recent charity shop trips. I especially love the inner detail on the bag (and the fact that it cost 50p!)

Oh Florence!

Oh Florence, not only are your songs inspiring and lyrics poetic but your style is adorable...

Sometimes I wish for falling, wish for the release
Wish for falling through the air to give me some relief
Because falling's not the problem, when I'm falling I'm at peace
It's only when I hit the ground it causes all the grief - Florence and the Machine


Image Source: Lastfm

I desire the vintage faux fur coat...

a la Edie Sedgwick...

The new ‘power shoe’

Seductive, distinctive and aggressive- classic Nicholas Kirkwood. With a sultry patent architectural sole and a towering stiletto, these vertiginous heels are sure to get you noticed whether it is in a board meeting or at a dinner party. An enticing web of golden leather is pitted against smooth velvet edging towards a zip at the heel of the shoe. The fusion of these materials contorts this traditional feminine heel giving birth to the new ‘power shoe’ of the season, perfect for raising your game in the office.

It is clear that Kirkwood has approached his designs with a ‘no frills attached’ policy, dismissing feminine florals in favour of fierce geometric shapes. Angular lines and a metallic palette are offered in place of embellishment. “My heels are like modern architecture as opposed to Baroque” said Kirkwood “there is no pointless decoration”. Yet despite all this, these shoes will never fail to inspire those who don them. Instead, owners of Kirkwood’s creations can expect to feel defiantly confident and self-assured in his footwear.

Nicholas Kirkwood’s designs have oozed defiance since his introduction in 2005 as the winner of the Condé Nast Footwear Emerging Talent Award. Since then we have come to expect intelligent and sophisticated footwear from the London-based designer. His most recent Autumn/Winter Collection for 2009 maintains the moniker of Kirkwood with enough sultry and sculptural pieces that would make your Mother squirm.

Kirkwood’s new collection follows a range of hard-edge heels from last season, including a pair of patent leather, open-caged boots by Yves Saint-Laurent. These predatory heels are now being taken all the way through into the autumn months, adding urban-gothic sensuality to the average woman’s wardrobe. Alongside further sculptural and architectural pieces of the season by designers such as Balmain, it seems that power dressing has been revived once more. However, this time Nicholas Kirkwood has ensured that our feet are also feeling the consequences of the ‘modern woman’ with this dramatic and architectural shoe.

Image Source: www.nicholaskirkwood.com

Making shapes with this season’s sculptural pieces

Bold shoulders, daring angles and scalloped edges. Sculptural tailoring is currently dripping off every page of high-end fashion magazines. Creating powerful body shapes that command supremacy and authority at a time of financial vulnerability, this defiant trend forces instant power status.

An increasing number of designers are now playing around with the organic shape of the body, creating defiant shapes which inhabit space beyond the body itself. Designers accommodating this trend are most notably Jil Sanders, Nina Ricci and Balmain. The movement has even been rendered by the next generation of designers at the Royal College of Art in their MA show at the Victoria and Albert Museum. New designer Abbie Shaw developed a box-like dress with curvaceous panels and an enlarged zipper protruding down to the bottom of the garment. A playful nod towards the current structured garments of the season.

Although this look has yet to make its presence known within street style, celebrities are still willing to don the trend. The likes of Lady Gaga, Kate Hudson and even Kate Middleton have toyed around with the structural styles, buying into these new and authoritative garments. “Exaggerated shoulders are the ultimate in power dressing, from Balmain’s sharp spikes to Balenciaga’s softly puffed styles”, explains Miranda Almond, fashion editor at British Vogue.

In the past, dramatic architectural formations that distort the natural silhouette have appeared in collections by the likes of Alexander McQueen in the late nineties, as well as Franco Moschino much earlier in the eighties. With such a dramatic effect created by angular definitions, it is not surprising that this trend is springing up once more.

“This season, designers cut with razor-sharp accuracy and a precision eye”, says Sarah Harris, fashion features writer at British Vogue. “Even Christopher Kane’s delicate organza looks hard-edged, thanks to heavy black piping”. This is the rise of powerfully structured garments; certainly not a trend for the faint-hearted.

Image Source: Marie Clare

The high street hits back

This summer, Britain’s high street’s saw the backlash against the current economy crisis as it paraded what it had to offer down its very own Croydon catwalk. The nine-day series of fashion fun featured a variety of catwalk shows from recycled fashion to an Apsara Arts Bollywood Show. The week also consisted of an assortment of stylish workshops and fashion and beauty demonstrations inviting members of the public to partake.

In this dazzling high street affair, it was clear that fashion retailers such as Marks and Spencer, Monsoon, River Island, Clarks and many others wished to prove that they could do it just as well as the top end designers.
The Whitgift Summer Fashion Show did just that as they presented Croydon with an alluring array of Neon Brights from Marks and Spencer, a glorious Indian Summer from Monsoon as well as showcasing how to avoid those fashion faux-pas with their rendition of Glasto Glam.

What is clear from events like these is that the great British high street is certainly not going to sit back and watch itself fall victim to the credit crunch. Instead fashion retailers are fighting back in an effort to regain poll position as one of the main areas that the public spend their money. With many up market retailers now designing for the high street such as Roksanda Illincic for Whistles and more recently Matthew Williams for H & M the high street certainly is not taking that curtain call yet.

Undercover at the Fashion and Textile Museum

Last Saturday evening, a crowd gathered inside the precocious pink Fashion and Textile Museum to see; ‘Undercover: An Evolution of Underwear’. The museum’s latest exhibition showcases famous undergarments from the likes of Twiggy and Dita Von Teese, as well as offering a daring trajectory of the historical background from a range of underwear from corsets to suspenders, and bras to knickers.

On this particular night, an extra zest of theatre had been injected into the exhibition. As part of the London Bridge festivities, creative events company; ‘I Think I’m Here Darling Where Are You?’ had organised an extravagant, yet bizarre evening of performance for the crowds. From poetry to nearly-nude life drawing classes, there was a variety of entertainment at hand. The night’s finale even consisted of leather-clad models crudely parading through the exhibition itself, resulting in a rather risqué display of raunch and frivolity. Despite the evening having a vibrant and lively atmosphere, it was clear that this seedy spectacle pushed boundaries beyond the audience’s limits. The event quickly became a crude exhibition of nudity opposed to a presentation of the delicate undergarments that were supposed to be on display.

Yet beneath this melodrama, ‘Undercover’ is a playful exhibition; delving deep into the social and historical contexts of undergarments that are readily overlooked. Both informative and enjoyable to discover, this is a delightful exhibition featuring an array of designers from La Perla to Wonderbra. Perhaps the only aspect missing from the exhibition is the exploration of men’s undergarments, which would have added an extra layer to this already insightful showcase. Overall, the exhibition should certainly be visited if you happen to be wondering down Bermondsey Street and come across the pink beacon that is Zandra Rhode’s Fashion and Textile Museum.

Couture Candy

This week has seen the glorious world of couture come down on Paris in magnificent style. All of our fashion favourites from Dior and Chanel to Valentino and Jean Paul Gaultier were witnessed down the catwalks of Paris in stunning couture designs.

One of my favourites has to be Valentino with his inspiring use of netting to create sculptured head pieces. These millinery designs were often jewelled but still made the models appear mysteriously masked. Many of the Valentino garments also resembled corsets or lingerie adding to the sensuous nature of the collection.



Christian Dior also focused on undergarments in their 'undressed' collection which featured models stomping down the catwalk in silky blouses and laced lingerie. Iconic looks were also created using giant millinery styles and floral embroidery and were used throughout the collection.



Chanel carried a collection of prodominantly black gothic-inspired garments. However they did incoporate their signature tweed into the line with a series of tweed skirt-suits. My favourite of the Chanel collection was this gorgeous dress.



I just love the rouching as well as the hint of nude pink seperated with shocks of black which give the dress an extra edge.

However, sad times were met with the Christian Lacroix catwalk show. The designer spoke out that his collection was compiled through people offering up their services and materials for free following Lacroix's announcement of bankruptsy. The collection was still on top form with an imperial theme of splendour, thus creating a deceptive forefront to Lacroix's current state of affairs. My favourite Lacroix piece has to be this resplendent bride who is decorated from head to toe in finery.



Image Sources: Telegraph, Courtorture

Cecil Beaton Exhibition at the Chris Beetles Art Gallery

I love going to small art galleries where you don't know what random pieces maybe showing, so when I stumbled across this Cecil Beaton exhibition at the Chris Beetles Art Gallery near Regents Street I was desperate to go. As soon as you peer through the door of the exhibition you can see large images of such renowned celebrities as Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn suggesting the high status Beaton had as a photographer in his time.

Cecil Beaton (1904-1980) first made his name as a fashion and portrait photographer, although he also had a prominent role as an Academy Award Winning stage and costume designer. Beaton acquired his first contract with Vogue in 1927 after failing his degree and later also got his works published in further magazines such as Vanity Fair. Beaton was renowned for his photography of Hollywood's golden celebrities as well a selection of the Royal Family. Beaton also made an impact in costume design in a number of stage and screen productions, one such film being My Fair Lady (1964). In 1972, Beaton was knighted, yet suffered from a stroke that led to paralysis and within six years Beaton died at the age of 76.

The exhibition itself is fascinating with portraits of Gwili Andre (1932) as well as some lovely representations of the 'Bright Young Things'. You really feel that Beaton captures the romantic nature of his subjects, placing them in a realm of fantasy and mysticism. Beaton also designed images for fabrics which the curators of the exhibition have had upholstered on the chairs in the exhibition. This adds a whole new dimension to Beaton's work, bringing it up-to-date for a contemporary viewer.

The exhibition only lasted a matter of weeks (22nd April- 16th May) but I urge you to have a look at his works online, as they truly are stunning.

Chris Beetles Art Gallery

Decadent Delights at the V & A's Baroque Exhibition

As soon as you enter this dazzling exhibition there are a variety of words that come to mind. Opulence, exuberance, and not to mention “Magnificence” come to mind. The people of these times certainly were not in the economic crisis that we're in today, whilst “Credit Crunch” was certainly not a term they were accustomed to. The entire exhibition is dripping from head to toe in exquisite designs which feature on everything from silverware to the buildings themselves. Every item is made from the most expensive and precious materials and each is adorned with intricate and splendid designs. Think Sophia Coppola a la Marie Antoinette minus the sickly pink and with a lot less cake.

The Baroque period spans nearly the whole of two centuries and had a prominent effect on the arts all over Europe and beyond. It saw its beginnings in Rome where the Roman Catholic Church encouraged art forms to communicate a variety of religious themes in society. The aristocracy however used the style as a method in order to amaze any visitors that may be passing through their stately homes. The main order of the movement was to appeal to the senses and delight whoever views these complete works of art. However what is most fascinating about this artistic movement is its profound effect on all aspects of the arts. This is demonstrated from music and theatre to fashion and even the conceptual forms and designs of architecture from Palaces to more religious and secular spaces.

Although the movement had the primary function of assisting the Roman Catholic Church in conveying concepts and ideas to the general public through the use of exquisite designs. The style filtered through all aspects of society aiding the birth of opera through the likes of composer Henry Purcell as well as transforming theatrical spaces. Even costume design appropriated elements of the Baroque style as shown in the exhibition through a Man's theatre costume (1740-1760). The effect of the Baroque allows the exhibition to acknowledge the sheer spectacle provided in the 17th and 18th Centuries. This is a time when huge public displays were becoming fashionable whilst exhibiting your wealth was expected and certainly not frowned upon.

Highlights of the exhibition include a variety of pieces originally belonging to the Palace of Versailles in the time of Louis XIV. One of these pieces being a Cabinet from Versailles (1635-1705) which is decorated with a lavish gold design as well as a variety of paintings. Other items from the Palace include a number of portraits of Louis XIV suggesting his role as one of the iconic trend-setters of Baroque design. Naturally, there is more to see of Versailles than is presented in this exhibition. Therefore instead of transporting many more items to the exhibition, the visitor is taken on a journey to the palace itself via video footage that scours the palace and its gardens as well as the renowned Hall of Mirrors.

However, Paris was not the only country to succomb to the splendour of the Baroque style. The exhibition also aims to illustrate the global phenomenon of the Baroque period and its effect on the entire world. The curators at the V & A prove the effect of this global sensation with a house-sized Alterpiece of the “Virgin of Sorrows” (1690) which is from Mexico. In addition to this there are sketches of a now lost Opera House which was orginally constructed for an Emperor of China. The exhibition allows the beholder to witness sheer scale of this art movement across the globe which is quite astounding. Ultimately it brings together the opulence that was so readily embraced by all of high society around the world.

If you want to witness the origins of “bling” then you need to get down to “Baroque: Style in the Age of Magnificence” at the V & A. This is a luxurious exhibition to see with around 200 items to be discovered. The all encompassing nature of the exhibition with its vast abundance of artefacts and furniture allows the exhibition to entice all. If you're interested in design, theatre, music, religion or even if you just want to see an elaborate spectacle of magnificence, this is a copious exhibition for all to enjoy. You can also explore Baroque design even further by heading down to one of many of the National Trust Properties. These include Ham House, The Vyne or even Knole where you can explore the lavish luxury of the aristocracy even further. The exhibition itself continues until the 19^th July so head down to the V & A and check it out.

(Student price: £6, Adults: £11).

Image Source: V & A

Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones

Today I had the joy of going to the V & A's brand new exhibition: Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones. and a joy it was, from the moment I entered the exhibition, it had the allure of inspiration, set in a darkly lit 'magical Baroque garden' (as the leaflet so gorgeously puts). There is a definite sense of another world in this exhibition. Certainly for me, I was transported into another realm, and this one was full of hats!

Not being much of a hat-wearer myself, I was, needless to say, intrigued by what this exhibition would have in store (other than hats of course). However, I was pleasantly surprised and now have a new found respect for hats and the statement that they can bring to an outfit.

The exhibition is constructed in such a way that you feel like each time you find a piece of the exhibit, you have another glorious section of a secret garden. The exhibition itself, takes you on a tour of discovery from the inspiration for a particular hat, the creation, the milliner's salon as well as the client involved in the millinery process.

Not only this, but there was many a famous hat featuring in this exhibition. Audrey Hepburn's bonnet in 'My Fair Lady' (1938) by Cecil Beaton was exhibited as well as Sarah Jessica Parker's head decoration (this is more than just a hat darling) which featured at the 'Sex and the City' premiere in London last year which was by Philip Treacey.

This exhibition is a definite must-see whether you are a current hat fantatic or not. The exhibition is showing 24th February-31st May at only £5 for adults, so get to the V&A asap!

V & A Museum

Source Image: Huffington Post, V & A

V & A Fashion Talks- Giles Deacon, Vivienne Westwood and Christian Lacroix so far...

The V & A have always been an incredible hub of fashion- orientated atefacts, accessories and clothes steeped in historical and cultural value. What I have never noticed before are their fascinating Friday evening talks. This Friday I will be heading down to South Kensington to hear a talk by none other than Giles Deacon. Giles is not the only one to be hitting our favourite museum, he will be joined by the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Stephen Jones (as in 'Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones' currently showing at the V & A) and Christian Lacroix. With discount available to students, these talks are a must, so get your tickets before they sell out!

V & A Museum

Best of the Oscar Dresses

There was yet another glorious array of dresses last weekend at the Oscars this year as the best of Hollywood came out to celebrate the Oscar Academy Awards ceremony. I thought I would share with you some of my favourites!


Sarah Jessica Parker wore a beautiful Dior Haute Couture dress, by no means letting her fashionablee Sex and the City fans down. Not only does the fit of the dress look stunning but somehow the fantasy elements of this dress appeals to my fairytale sensibilities.



Freida Pinto who was nominated for the award of Best Supporting Actress for Slumdog Millionaire is also on my best dressed list. The effect of the one sided sleeve really makes this John Galliano dress an alternative and individual dress for the Oscars.


The lovely Kate Winslet can always be relied upon to represent English sensibilities and she does so in lovely one shouldered, two-tone YSL dress.


However, my favourite was Natalie Portman's choice of Rodarte as her Oscar dress. The romantic fluidity of the dress as well as its vibrant lilac colour makes Portman really stand out effortlessly.

I look forward to seeing what they wear next year!

Image Source: Cosmopolitan

Barbie hits fifty (and the runway!)

This year sees Barbie, our favourite plastic fantastic doll, reaching fabulous fifty. In celebration of this momentous occasion Barbie's PR has been making efforts to publicise the much treasured (if not, against the feminist) childhood toy. One of these efforts was translated into lifesize Barbie dolls hitting the runway at New York's Fashion Week. Barbie was in with many of our most fashionable designers of the moment including Michael Kors, Marchesa, Rachel Roy as well as Calvin Klein.


Image Source: Dazed Digital

Eelskin Purses by Heidi Mottram

On a recent venture to the Fashion and Textile Museum on Bermondsey Street to see their current exhibition on Swedish Fashion: Exploring a New Identity I made a new discovery. Whilst browsing carelessly around the Museum shop I came across a designer who has created a purely Eel skin range. Not only are these gorgeous purses soft to the touch and beautifully designed, but they are also entirely eco-friendly. You'll be pleased to hear that the materials used to create this collection is a bi-product of the eels and therefore does not harm our eel friends in any way. As a vegetarian myself, this comes as a very pleasing fact, so I urge you all to have a browse of Heidi's beautiful range!

www.heidimottram.co.uk

Source Image: Heidi Mottram

Hussein Chalayan: From fashion and back (22nd January - 17th May 2009)

The Design Museum always manages to impress me with it's wide range of Fashion exhibitions that it puts on from year to year and Hussein Chalayan's show was no exception. This Cypriat born designer has some of the most innovative and outrageous designs to date, this show is a must see as not only is it fashion forward but his ideas are inspired by a variety of disciplines from anthropology, philosophy, history and current technology.

From his cut-away tulle dresses, his LED dresses, remote-controlled dresses to the dresses of his current collection; Inertia that was presented in October 2008 at Paris Fashion Week, these designs are remarkable.

So if you're venturing into London before the 17th of May do check this exhibition out, it's not to be missed!

Source Image: Ego Design

London Fashion Weekend 4th-8th March 2009

It's that time again! London Fashion Weekend is going to grace us with its presence once more and I just can't wait!

The show is running between 4th-8th March at the usual venue of the Natural History Museum in South Kensington. There will be stalls full of clothes and jewellry at your pereusal as well as a catwalk show and a free fashion clinic. There is also the option of a goodie bag. (I love goodie bags!)

You can buy your ticket at the London Fashion Weekend website, with tickets ranging between around £10 and £29.50 according to date and whether you want basic entry or entry with goodie bag and entrance to the catwalk show.

Image Source: London Fashion Weekend

Rodarte Spring/ Summer 2009

The imagination and fantasy involved in this collection is divine, as is every collection that the Mulleavy sisters put their minds to. I think my favourite element of the Rodarte design is how the dress appears to blend in with the body so effortlessly, making the garment appear as though it is in fact part of the body.



This Spring/ Summer collection also has an added twist. The Mulleavy sisters have refreshed the now fashion staple: the legging, by cutting out sections, making them ready to wear as the weather begins hotting up.



Another addition to the collection is the mohair jumper which looks deliciously cosy, making the collection extremely easy to wear whilst the weather is still a touch frosty!

Image Source: Grazia Magazine