Roving Reporter . . . Fash-Pack Fav Rocks at Wireless!

'LET'S GET EXCITED!'

Back in April, AFW appeared and like magic I found myself with a whole new load of young designers to work with. If you cast your mind back, you will remember that Bleu Flats and I raved about new talent NAJLAA JABRI and her pearly button leggings. Well it seems like the music world caught on as a very excited Alesha Dixon wore them for her performance at Wireless Festival at the weekend! How FAB!

Fash-Pack going to the ends of the earth to find you the best talent around!

Picture: OK magazine

Roving Reporter . . . Fashion Fab vs Fashion Drab!

Im not a massive film buff, don't get me wrong, I love a moving movie or an action packed thriller as much as the next chick, but to me Cannes means one thing . . . Red Carpet Looks. 

Keeping an eye on the rich and famous, here is my Fashion Fab vs Fashion Drab . . . 

What do you think?

FASHION FAB - Angelina Jolie is absolutely stunning in this draped Versace number. The nude tone is bang on trend for this summer and it encompasses everything that is good about red carpet dressing. Flattering, glamorous and sexy, I am one jealous fashionista!

FASHION DRAB - This dress just makes me sad, Asia Argento, in Armani Prive, there is nothing good about this look. The print overwhelms her, the cut is unflattering and quite frankly she looks like a flower vase! Not a good look though certainly noticeable, for all the wrong reasons!

(images: style.com)

Do you agree? . . . 

Roving Reporter . . . Pick of the Day

www.boohoo.com

This online retailer is so underestimated but is actually doing some fabulous pieces right now!

I love this little skirt with the bow on the front! So cute for the summer and it comes in blue too! Wear with a fab tee or vest tucked in to show off the high waist!

Roving Reporter . . . Little Boots does a Fash-Pack fav!

Manjit Deu has been a huge crush of ours at Fash-Pack for a long time! 

In fact Roving Reporter was invited to his MA show by the sequin king himself and has been wowing me ever since. I was one of the first to champion the sparkly one and have not stopped on my crusade to tell the world!

He has since had editorials with the NY based, original, online, glossy, ZooZoom and the, coolest editorial magazine, 'Random', and tonight made the singer 'Little Boots' looked good enough to eat! 

(This is the only pic I have found so far of Little Boots from last night, check out those sequins!)

Fashion and Music come together and we love it!

(Manjit Deu - Sequin Vest)

(Manjit Deu - Archive Camouflage Beaded Jacket)

Luke Pasqualino (Freddie in Skins - wearing Manjit Deu)

Roving Reporter & Flats . . . Just Chilling

(Bleu with her hot new Blue accessory!)

Well today, Bleu and myself had a chill day . . . sorry I mean an official blog meeting. Well the truth is Bleu and I are rubbish at having serious meetings with one another. Mainly because we tend roll off on to tangents and funny stories. We decided to ditch Shoreditch on this occasion and head over to may spiritual home of Camden. Having scoured the vintage shops for brown, ankle boots to fit Bleu's enormous, clown proportioned feet, we finally settled for a drink and chips in the Lock Bar, so we could pretend we were on holiday and wave to passing canal boats!
Whilst in Camden Mollie and I also almost (literally) walked into Kate Moss's boyfried Jamie Hince, see Camden is cool!
Following Camden, we headed to Soho and popped into Nico-D on D'arbly Street to say hey, where Bleu and Nico tried to get me into a wet-look playsuit, seriously I love it, but on me hun? No way. See I feel Nico was being genuine in his belief I could carry it off, where as Bleu was just doing it for pure amusement . . . I declined!

Bleu and myself have big plans for this blog and with an exclusive Kings of Leon interview this weekend and a chat with funny man Matthew Horne still to come, you know that you are tuning in to the hottest blog around!
The colour has changed again and there maybe a bit of deja vu when I re-post the Zane Lowe interview (its to get us linked so we can keep getting bigger and better) but all in all Fash-Pack is developing and you lot are so part of it!

xx

Oh and I forgot! We were having coffee in Kingly Court at the cute cupcake place (sometime much after Camden) and who should sit behind us but Matthew Williamson! I nearly died! I was tres excited, but sadly too shy to go up to him and confess my love! ahhhh another day!

Flats talks to . . . Francis and Louis

Bleu caught up with Francesca from Francis and Louis:

Bleu: So, what's your inspiration, as far as the lyrics and the sound are concerned?

F & L: Personal experiences mainly. From being stuck in a car on the way to Spain (never do it), to a lover being unfaithful.
(Lucy is the lyrical genius behind Francis and Louis.)

Bleu: I love it! There's never a right way to form music, yet always an interesting way.
How long have you been together? How did the band come about?

F & L: It will be 2 years this summer that we've been together. It started in the summer of 2007, after Lucy was bought a guitar for her 15th birthday. We used to sit in her bedroom for hours playing songs we loved. Then the idea of a band seemed right.

Bleu: Bedrooms seem to be the place where all deep, subconscious, moments happen they say.
If you were a super hero, what would be your super hero name and why?

F & L: I'd be called Night Hawk - soaring through the sky at night capturing (or rescuing - RR?) innocent victims of violence under my Mama Duck wing. Lucy would have to be Super Legs and her legs are truly cracking. Even the Dutch think so.

Bleu: Legs she does have! and I bet you would have a mean mama duck wing!
What record could you drift of to sleep listening ?

F & L: Oh God, there are too many. I have a play list on my iPod called 04:59. It consists of around 200 songs I could fall asleep to easily.

Bleu: But out of all those...

F&L: Scott Matthews - Earth to Calm, Modest Mouse - Perfect Disguise (BBC Radio Session), or a song by a local band Vanilla Kick called 'The Escape' www.myspace.com/vanillakick - They are beautiful.

Bleu: Who is your fav British band at the moment ?

F & L: Bombay Bicycle Club, or Metronomy. Though, I'm concerned about the departure of Gabrielle from Metronomy. I'm not sure what's in store for them. Another upcoming talent has to be Peggy Sue (formally known as Peggy Sue and The Pirates) We'll be playing alongside of her this Friday in Norwich.

Bleu: If you were an object what would you be an why?

F & L: That's such a hard question. There are too many objects in this world. But I think I'd have to be a camera, I'd see so much.

Bleu: Where are you hoping to go with your music this year? Any plans?

F & L: We're planning on recording a new EP this summer, which will consist of 5 brand new tracks. It'll include a full band, unlike our previous EP.

Bleu: Where can we catch you playing?

F & L: This Friday! Come holla down to Wensum Lodge, Norwich, where you can catch us playing with Peggy Sue. Or July 6th at Norwich Arts Centre, as part of the Hot City Sounds week.

Bleu: Who is your music icon? and who is your fashion?

F & L: Nick Drake and Lovefoxxx.

Bleu: I'll leave you to decide which is which.

http://www.myspace.com/francisandlouis

Roving Reporter . . . Shoot Shoot Shoot

Goodness me, it's Bank Holiday Sunday and I have been up since seven! It is now 10pm and I'm just tucking into some dinner having spent the day shooting in Dunganess.

Where, I hear you cry?! Well it's in Kent, on the coast, it's kinda full of stones and a few randomly placed little houses, so totally not London! 

While I reveled in being out in the sticks, gushing at the cute little cottages, the quaint steam train and the general beauty of the peace and quiet, Bleu-Flats was falling into full scale panic mode! Having never been too far out of Shoreditch, my little Flats was actually having an allergic reaction to our surroundings and spent most of the day in the prep B&B room, eyes watering and tissues at the ready!
We were off to shoot a knit campaign, so while the crew froze to death, on the sunny but cold day, the gorgeous models were kitted out in the most lovely cashmere coats, jumpers and skirts! Damn!
The look was New York - London, Prom Grunge. Perfect really, as London has a punk reputation, while the Big Apple is famous for its pretty, prom style.
Featured are some clips from the day! Enjoy! xx

When we saw sheep, that's when we knew we were very far away from a Starbucks!

(Our gorgeous model Ulla, pulling a face! - how cute is she!)

The models rocking the doubles shots in stunning purple! We all loved these wool coats!

(Tom doing some work, everyone now . . . 1 2 3 READY, 1 2 3 READY, 1 2 3 READY!)

(Tom working again, here with Sarah, does he ever stop?! 1 2 3 READY)

(Ulla and the mitten puppet, definitely the most hilarious model I've ever worked with, she had us all in stitches!)

TOM! WHAT ARE YOU DOING? . . . Oh, the sun is too strong to see the pics on the camera, RIGHT, UHU, YEAH WE BELIEVE YOU!

Bleu-Flats, rocking her Kenny from South Park impression.

Tim sweetie, it's so not your colour!

Me in the Kenny South-Park hat, with Ulla, girls in pink!

Roving Reporter . . . THIS WEEK IN PICTURES - AFW

Alternative Fashion Week in Pictures!

Nelly George Hipkin's 50's fabulous, polka dot collection and acid coloured suiting. It was simply love at first site!

There was a similar style running through the whole week. We loved this cute frilly socks and heels ensemble, so very Dorothy!

Say it with a sailor hat!

Rocking it ladies! These girls were such a hit!

Roving Reporter . . . Alternative Fashion Week Day 5

Well, it has finally come to the end of AFW and the last day unfortunately did not sparkle in the same way as the middle ones. My stars of the day however are as follows:

*Cristiane Chaves, this was a great collection of minimalist styled monochrome pieces. Sassy wide trousers, jersey draped dresses and tops, beautiful dip dyed chiffon tops and my favourite pieces of the day. A structured, almost armour like pale pink dress. There was lots of wet looks and leathers in this sea inspired collection and this early collection in the show, turned out to be the one of the only notable things of the day.

*Ismail Erbil gets the award for the most weird and wacky show today. Using draped jersey, silk and leather combined with woven and sculpted VHS tape. Erbil used knits, weaves and creepy head masks to make the models appear like scary fashion monsters. It was attention grabbing, creative and mad, but sadly actually detracted from some clever, draped cuts of the clothes.

*Louise Crockett's BA (hons) collection was the other worthy of note collection. I must admit I was surprised that this was her first collection as the garments were well made, executed and designed. Cute, form fitted dresses, working wool, checks and leather laser cuts together. This was chic, wearable and delightful. 

Well that's it from Alternative Fashion Week! xxx

Roving Reporter . . . Let's Talk To . . . Afshin Feiz

Fash Pack may not have ever started without Afshin Feiz. I know this sounds mad, but it was this man alone that inspired such conversation between myself and fellow fashion devotees that I suddenly felt the need for a fashion forum where I could champion ALL the things I love about this industry. Top of my list is definitely this Parisian!
Afshin is probably my top designer for S/S 09, which says a lot as I usually hate the summer season (in general). He romanced the crowd with his floaty, ruffled, applique dresses, giving an edgy vibe with chunky silver chains!
So we were lucky enough that he agreed to have a chat!


Fash-Pack (F-P): When did you start designing?
Afshin Feiz (AF): I have been designing in one way or another as far back as I can remember but I started my own brand in 5 years ago in 2004.

F-P: What other designer would you love to spend a whole day with?
AF: Without hesitation either Tom Ford or Stella MaCartney

F-P: What are your influences for this season?
AF: I was influenced by Buddha’s silent sermon and the idea of appreciating simple things for their beauty without overanalyzing them.

F-P: What's your favourite piece from this collection, and why? Who do you see wearing it?
AF: I have so many favourites from this collection its hard to choose. One of my favourites is the pale yellow fitted dress with mini ruffles, appliqued chains and a cutout on the back shoulder. I see Kate Bosworth wearing it.

F-P: What differences do you notice between showing here and in New York?
AF: New York has caught up in certain levels as far as creativity is concerned with London with its amazing designers such as Rodarte but London still has the most creative and interesting designers in the world. I feel less restrained showing in London, there are less rules than in New York.

F-P: How'd you end up with all your music industry connections?
AF: Thats a difficult question, I don’t really know, some people l met through friends, others are people who approached me because they liked my work.

F-P: Are you planning any upcoming shows? Do you plan to be back on the runway for next fashion week?
AF: Not for the moment, I think that with the recession and the state of certain things in fashion at the moment, I am going to present my collections in a more intimate setting for a while and maybe even outside of the regular fashion calendar.

F-P: What's something you wish you knew earlier that might help designers just getting started?
AF: The most important part of your business is the commercial side. Without sales, you have no money and without money you don’t have a business. Press and shows etc are all nice but at the end of the day you have to really invest in the commercial aspects of things. Get a good commercial director.

AFSHIN FEIZ WE LOVE YOU AT FASH-PACK! XXX

www.afshinfeiz.com

Roving Reporter . . . The Style Report

Fly the Flag!

There are tones of trends around at the moment, from prom, eighties, floral and global travel as some of the top ones to choose from. However having my Friday mooch around Topshop I couldn't help but notice this very cool '40's' style / Fly the Flag look!

I am totally obsessed with this multi function, across the body / clutch, hard, heart bag! Alas, my big chunky Blackberry doesn't fit  in it, so I am currently debating what to do (buy a new phone?). At £25 I think it's a bit of a bargain, I only wish it was about 1cm bigger overall! SOB

TOPSHOP CLUTCH £25 - Click HERE

I also spotted this fab vest/tunic top. This deconstructed feel is very 'credit crunch' chic, as it looks like you have been eco friendly and recycled your grandparents 'street party' flags.

At £30, you can't really go wrong! Wear with leggings or skinny jeans (red), flip flops and tote; instant lazy, summer, cool!

Topshop Flag Tunic £30 - Click HERE

Roving Reporter . . . Pick of the Day

I was having my daily browse of Topshop when I came across this fab studded dress! With the weather warming up this punk number is great with leggings and a pair of battered gladiator sandals!

Click Here to Go Straight to Topshop to BUY

Introducing . . . Flats

You may by now be beginning to recognise a few familiar names in the Fash-Pack family. 

I know so much time has been taken up by the travelling circus that is 'Fashion Weeks', but now it is time to return to what we adore best. Discussing, swapping and waffling about fashion.

For those of you who don't know Flats (code names are used to protect their fashion status, identity and ability to work undercover), she is a fashion assistant dabbling in PR and styling. She has access to hundreds of famous faces and spends an obscene amount of time working the room. This made her the perfect candidate for the Fashion Pack!

While readily admitting she loves a good party, Flats is no airy, fairy, fashionista! Not over thrown by the fashion darlings, nothing gets past this witty (very witty), fashion chick!

Flats will be reporting on What's Hot, as well as keeping us all abreast of the coolest fashion parties, who said what, to whom and where it all went down!

Welcome hun! Let the Fash-Pack Gossip Begin!

Roving Reporter : Chloe

Goodness me! What a lush collection! The coat above is one of my favourite, Chloe presented a look of over sized coats, slouchy, tailored trousers, beautiful blouses and very girlish jackets.

The neutral palette reminded me of their colour palette for their Middle Eastern collection a few seasons ago. It was calming and cool, but perfect for the Winter months. 

These high waisted, bronzed trousers, tucked into boots were divine, bring back silky bottom halves!

I love the lace detailing on the shoulders too, there has been surprising little lace about for A/W 09, so it's nice to see it pop up here and there. 

With each new piece there was more excitement! How gorgeous is this jacket, it looked so vintage! Velvet is set to be the fabric of the season, so if you have any old velvet, dig it out for A/W 09, Love the collar!

The styling on the show was great. I have been going on about paired down elegance and this was very evident here. Beautiful, pleated chiffon skirts and dresses were rocked with divine, androgynous, tuxedo jackets. 

LOVE LOVE LOVE

Roving Reporter : Elie Saab

Used to seeing Elie Saab do his wedding dresses and gorgeous couture pieces, I was surprised at how wearable most of this collection was. Cute tea dresses, shifts and asymmetric frocks made the collection dance between beautiful evening and chic day wear.

Great electric blue and turquoise accented the monochrome palette. 

This was a very feminine collection, I loved the wide waist belts, lace and fur boleros.

Pencil skirts have been really popular for A/W 09 and this textured one above is perfect in lady-like chic.

 
Luckily Saab added his usual glamour with a selection of floor skimming, asymmetric dresses. Divine!

Body con is another trend that has remained bubbling for next season. Saab has done my favourite so far, I love these paneled pieces. Check out the models mini driving gloves. This had all the hallmarks of a sleek, racer girl look.

A gorgeous, wearable, collection full of lovely dresses!

Roving Reporter : Christian Lacroix

Christian Lacroix presented a lovely collection of tres wearable separates and sleek shifts today at PFW. 

Coats were over sized and exaggerated. There was a slight androgynous feel overall and the use of beautiful wools in  monochrome palette was chic.

Prints were very grown up. Wintery floral was used to break up the block colours.

I loved this little polo neck jumper. The appliqued sleeves are gorgeous!

More brocades! At least all the trends are coming together now!

Roving Reporter : Costume National

Costume National often stays below the raider, G-d only knows why though!

This was a delicious collection that slotted right into A/W 09's top trends.

There was fabulous navy/black mix brocades that took the form of tailored jackets and super high waisted skirts and cute shifts.

Trouser legs were again calf skimming and a pencil straight cut, while jackets featured the now total must have, eighties, structured shoulder.

Sheer fabric was still popular, with simple tees showing plenty of skin. Styling consisted mainly of cute shoe-boots, keeping the rest of the look quite clean, with bold lips.

Asymmetric dresses, which have been the must have evening look, were again shown here. I love this vibrant red one (again red IS the colour for next winter) with beautiful drape details.

And finally . . . metallic! Gold foil and brocade has been popular from NYC to Europe. Loved this mixed fabric dress. Block colouring with a twist!

One of the most wearable and for me desirable this week . . . I want!

Roving Reporter : Comme des Garcons

Comme des Garcons (CdG) is always a flight of fancy. Exaggerated silhouettes were played out in a host of delicious neutral tones. Sheer silk chiffon and organza were blended with quilted silk and brocades to create stunning coats and coat dresses.

Plaid has been suffering a decline overall, but has actually grown in popularity in Asia. Though hardcore devotees (such as Westwood) still use plaid it was great to see CdG play with the traditional fabric. They create beautifully draped pieces that worked really well with the depth of the tartan patterns. Trousers took on a legging form and looked almost brocade like. Rich and steeped in history this was an innovative and fun collection. The cute cropped trenches were a particular favourite.

Those that weren't of the legging variety, were true to form, CdG, wide legged, ankle skimmers. This overall 'baggy' silhouette saw CdG break all the rules with over sized tops and trousers teamed together.

A more wearable than usual CdG collection. Love it

Roving Reporter : Jean Paul Gaultier

While everyone else at PFW has gone all girlish, JPG has played the androgynous card!

Models strutted down in sharp suits that had far squarer cuts than what has already been shown so far for A/W 09. There was a harsher, masculine feel and it was very unisex, in fact some of the models had a real New York, 1930's speak easy style. 

There was some beautiful outerwear, check out in this picture above, the back of the model walking away. Fine mesh detailing on the yolke and stand up collar of the trench, is so gorgeous. This was masculine styles, with a delicate and detailed edge! Perfect.

Though the main colour palette was again monochrome based, there were flashes of bright blue and hot red (all very eighties).

There were plenty of lovely, chic dresses. Simple in design, perfect in cut.

Love these two toned tights! Boots have been creeping up the leg all week! There were some interesting waders earlier in the week but what we saw here were more wearable, 70's blue suede knee highs!

Naturally there was a splash of fur (all the best European shows have it). Take note of big shoulders, nipped in, skinny belted waists and lots of sheer and mesh styles. This is the look of A/W 09.