Christian Lacroix tribute to Elsa Schiaparelli

Unveiled last week at A/W Couture Fashion Week in Paris Christian Lacroix’s homage to Elsa Schiaparelli but unlike other couture shown this collection is not for sale but was shown at Arts Decoratifs Museum in a one off 18 piece capsule collection. Ever since Schiaparelli was bought out last year this is the first collection to be seen from the house by guest designer Lacroix it has been said that in early 2014 that is when the first in house designer collection will be launched both haute couture and ready to wear collections but the designer is still not named publically yet.

Christian Lacroix collection played on some of Schiaparelli’s signature traits such as harem trousers, oversized bows and ruffled shirts – the collection is a whimsical, fantasy exploration in honour of Schiaparelli’s theatrical aesthetic. Some of my favourite looks shown were the green dress it looks so luxurious and the way it gathers at the front and falls reminds me of a chandelier casting off speckles of glittering light. I also love the pink and black striped dress, if there ever was a party in a dress then this is it - mix of fantasy and funfair combined.

The whole collection is a juxtaposition of fantasy, theatre and opulence – a rare insight into designs created just for aesthetic pleasure and not with desired customer in mind. I cannot wait to see what next comes out of the Schiaparelli house – the inspiration from Schiaparelli is surely never ending.

All images from www.elleuk.com

Secret Emporium

T Rex rim sunglasses £35, Multi Print Backpack £58, Statement drop earrings £65, Tiger bum bag £28

 

 

A brilliantly unique creative website Secret Emporium is home to a host of new independent design talent - definitely one to look at. Above are all items on the website and my ultimate fave are the T Rex Rave rims perfect for summer holidays teamed with tiger bum bag - a force to be reckoned with I reckon.

‘Fashion Rules’ at Kensington Palace.

A new exhibition opened last week at Kensington Palace named ‘Fashion Rules’ 21 couture dresses worn by the Queen, Princess Margaret and Diana will be on show for the public to visit. This exhibition is defiantly one I am going to visit when next in London it showcases how much the Royals have influenced fashion over the past 50 years, but also how much they have credited British designers in them being recognised on a world stage.

 From the fifties Queens dresses designed by Norman Hartnell to the more daring younger sister Princess Margaret and her long time collaboration with Mark Bohan creative director at Dior – whose dresses were more provocative. To my favourite dress worn by Diana designed by Zandra Rhodes in 1986 of her tour in Japan – the subtle pink compliments the Japanese sensibility and shows how she dressed on royal visits had to be respectable to the nation she visited.



Image from www.today.com

Nowadays Kate is having a similar effect on the British public she uses her position as an ambassador for British fashion from her McQueen wedding dress to her wearing high street greats such as Reiss, Whistles and Hobbs. It is not just the public which the British Royals have influenced but many a designer such as McQueen in his Fall 2008 collection.

 

Image from blog.modelmanagment.com

 

Also, usually street inspired magazines such as Love have had a royal inspired cover – such as Agyness Dean in 2009 and the once renowned bag girl image of fashion Kate Moss has had a royal makeover on the cover of British Vogue in 2001.

 

Image from blog.modelmanagement.com

Image from blog.modelmanagement.com

 

 

This exhibition I plan to visit at the end of month so watch out for a proper review – but I think if you’re in London (it runs for the next 2 years) it is worth a visit because we owe more to the Royals and how we dress then it first appears.

 



Glasto fashion on the high street

My three favourite looks from Glastonbury festival are shown above - I like how each of Cara, Millie and Rita bring their own individual style to what they're wearing. Cara is all low maintenance/relaxed vibe, Millie brings an preppy yet rock n roll vibe and Rita is overtly glamorous with her fitted dress and oversized hat.

If you've got any festivals coming up or holidays, or even want to replicate their style below are some examples I've put together.

Cara - Hat: Urban Outfitters, Floral Bomber Jacket: Missguided, Skinny Jeans: Topshop, Leather Backpack: Urban Outfitters, Western Boots: Matalan.

Millie - Floral Headband: ASOS, High Neck crop top: Boohoo, Floral silk shorts: Rhianna for River Island, Cheslsea Boots: Office, Tie Dye Parka: Topshop

Rita - Bowler Hat: Boohoo, Dress: Zara, Bomber Jacket: Fred Perry

 

Mario Testini for MATE at Net-A-Porter

 

 

Mario Testini the designer, it's quite set apart from his usual job of photographing fashion but now he has lent his hand to designing an accessories range sold exclusively at Net-A-Porter. It is based on his iconic Alta Moda (High Fashion) photographs where he captured people in traditional dress from 5 different provinces in his home country of Peru. The collection consists of silk blend kaftans, tote bags, clutch bags and jewellery - they all are brightly emblazoned with snapbits of his original images. They would make for the perfect resort wear because of the bright vibrant colours they would sit well on a tanned body. My favourite items from the collection is the jewellery I love how they have a ethnic artisan craft style about them but are made from swarorski and gold plated elements, I especially adore the little pompoms hanging off the necklaces. Mario Testini has created this collection in association with MATE which is a not-for-profit organisation to promote crafts in Peru so it is not just an accessories collection but Testino's passion for being a Peruvian and his influence and inspiration is what makes the collection so special.

 

 

 

 

 

OTT Friday - The Thrill of the Hunt

 

 

 

 

 

Christopher Kane for Topshop Alligator dress - H&M Leather trousers - Vintage fox shawl - Fred Perry Bomber jacket - Leopard Nike Air Max trainers

 

 

For this weeks OTT Friday I've decided to channel my version of a modern warrior - it's all about the Roarrrrr factor.

 

 

The designers of the future - The Who's next Paris

The Who's next Pret a Porter x Arts Thread competition winners have been announced and they showcase their collections starting from next week - 6th to 9th July. Six industry experts and insiders judged numerous recent graduates from across Europe and the 10 winners will have the chance to showcase their designs over 4 days to industry experts it is a sound notice board for creating links between recent graduates and businesses. Judges included editor of Dazed and Confused and Head of Merchandising for Urban Outfitters so the winners have chance to make contacts with people who can further their fashion careers.

These designers were chosen for their uniqueness and represent 10 faces to keep track off since graduating and are sure to be big name hitters in fashion shows to come.

We have two British designers winners - Victoria Sowerby & Lucy Downes

 

Victoria Sowerby graduated from Central Saint Martins and the collection she won with is inspired by 90s youth culture and hooligan football culture. She combines contemporary print with a comical twist such as psychedelic print of Kevin Keegans head. Her designs remove any previous notions of sportswear of being dark and mass culture into a brighter, fun light by use of print and colour combos. I love her take on sportswear.

 

Lucy Downes -

 

 

 Lucy Downes graduated from Arts University Bournemouth and the collection she won with is also centred around sportswear but she is combining it with formal wear to bring about new shapes and textures to sportswear look. She uses feminine colours and print but by combining with structured materials it creates a more polished sportswear. I love her bomber jacket with paisley print patches.