Editor @ Large . . . Fashion Finds

I have spent the last few evenings applying for Fashion Week tickets, but with the growing economic crisis, the number of designers shunning the catwalk (booooo!) for a video presentation jumps dramatically season on season. 

Check out the current video look book from Neurotica, for A/W 09. I love the dark and twisted prints. The garments are so wearable but have just enough to edge to prove you are a hip fashionista!

Note how well the whole production gels together. From spooky lighting to eery music.
Oh and the Make Up was done by my friend Vanessa Collins!

Editor @ Large . . . Kaya Scodelario - Effy from Skins!

It has been an earth shatteringly exhausting week and it's only Wednesday!
With two shoots this week for Random Magazine's A/W issue and another one to prep for next week, my head is literally spinning!
We love SKINS at Random, it oozes the cool, quirky and wild vibe of the magazine and of course, Effy (Kaya) is the longest serving and sassiest cast member.
We got her to come down to join us at The Queen of Hoxton, on Curtain Road, where we shot on the amazing roof garden! Was such an amazing day for it, though poor Kaya had to model A/W cashmeres and coats, it was a truly outstanding location.

Kaya was so lovely and down to earth - proclaiming the Random shoot, the MOST fun shoot. It must be nice for Kaya to shoot with people around her own age, after all, the reason she reckons that cast works so well is that they are all close in age groups, making friendships easy and automatic.

The fashion was fabulous, we had everything from DKNY, Matthew Williamson and Zanotti shoes, even a £7000 jewel encrusted dress (the most expensive thing Kaya has ever worn apparently!)
Here is a snippet from the shoot, but you will have to buy a copy of Random Magazine in October to see the full spread and believe me, it is definitely worth it!

Roving Reporter . . . Ugly Betty Loving

I love Ugly Betty, I think the idea for the show is genius! - I think that it maybe because I identify with Betty's foray into the world of fashion.
Unlike Betty I have always known and loved fashion, but like Betty I totally don't buy into certain aspects of this crazy world!

I also love the styling, I think Betty has an almost London Look that is just over done to the max. She totally has an eclectic, vintage thing happening, in London she would be the envy of the office (well almost) not the office joke!

But what I love most about the latest series is the little sponsorship mini ads by Diet Coke at the end of each part!
How hilarious are the little puppets!

Roving Reporter . . . Identity Solved

I've been told that apparently I don't do 'branding' very well.
Which I suppose is because, shockingly, though I could most definitely talk for England, possible a small - medium sized continent, I actually am rather shy.
I dislike being in front of camera's, hence why it's normally Bleu, or some other poor unsuspecting person that I snap as evidence of work, rather than pop into the pic myself. However now in the name of all things blog like and fashion, I am coming clean and revealing my identity, all be it still without the picture, after all I can't divulge everything at once!
So who is Roving Reporter and why does she get the inside scoop?

Real Name: Rivkie Baum

Job: Fashion Stylist / Fashion Journalist and most importantly, the
Editor at RANDOM MAGAZINE, the best and quirkiest fashion/art magazine around.

Favourite Past Time: Finding Fashion Scoop and gossip, tracking trends, sourcing new designers and watching runway shows!

Well there you have it, I am Roving Reporter and I shall continue to Rove and Report, but now I'm no longer CID, I'm laid out bare in my fashion threads!

Roving Reporter . . . Chanel Flash Mob

There was much talk about the Chanel Falsh Mob event at the Fashion Business Club on Thursday, but is it just me or does the video below suggest a very sad turn out indeed?

Roving Reporter . . . The Fashion Show Week 10

It was all about drapery and evening wear. This really put the designers through their paces so this was one of the best runways.
To help the designers through this week they got help from an ex 'show mate'. With some of the lively characters such as . . . Reco, Haven, Angel, Andrew and Keith came back to face those who knocked them out!
This week bitching was at a high as everyone was desperate for a place in the final four.

This weeks Fashion Show was so tense, they had just 15 hours to make a beautiful and fashionable evening dress.
I loved Daniella's steel grey dress and the use of the Swarovski crystals around the interesting shoulder strap was outstanding. Anna was so brave to use floral but it totally paid off!

The bottom two unsurprisingly held Jonny and JP . . . while JP's was just hideous, Jonny knocked off a Lanvin (or as he would say 'it's just very similar'. He pretended not to realise he had done and subsequently blamed his helper Angel, but the truth of the matter was that he isn't a great designer, especially not for beautiful evening wear.

The best moment was when Jonny got found out for stealing Lanvin's design . . . fav Fashion Show moment of all time!
They totally berated him . . . hilarious! Watch the moment of truth below . . .



This week guest judge was the Harper's Bazaar Editor in Chief (US edition) and guess what . . . She is a Brit chick!

As they debated what was worse . . . An ugly dress, which Issac Mizrahi says is the worst fashion crime . . . Or a total Lanvin rip off?

As it turns out Plagarism is worse! Bye Bye Jonny . . . Roll on the final!
Each designer has to make a collection! eeeeek! Daniella to win!

Roving Reporter . . . Catharina Eden @ BBB

Wednesday night saw me swan from shoot to party, this time heading into Fashion's spiritual home of Shoreditch! Felicities PR hosted a soiree to celebrate their latest showroom addition, which came in the form of Catharina Eden's beautiful and girly collection 'Jewelled Spine'.

Having spent the day shooting with photographer Dave Wise and BNTM winner Mercia, I found myself waiting for a rather late Editor in Chief of Random Magazine (Tomo Kembery). When we got to BBB, I caught up with my fav PR girl 'Heels' and her co PR starlets, before heading down into the basement room of Beach Blanket Babylon where the event was being held (BBB - for those kids in the know). 

After one or two drinks, the lights dimmed, the music began and models circuited the room in floaty dresses, with delightful jewelled spines. The collection mixed structure with girlish prints and silk chiffon. Colours were fairly neutral, with navy and green accenting the angelic whites and creams. I especially loved the floral, water-colour styled, prints. So on trend but also just so exquisitely lovely. The other dress that caught my eye was a full length dresses, with a white skirt and a sparkly applique of a little person. Gorgeous, cute and delightful. Well worth dashing across London for!

Several drinks and catch ups later - (It's amazing how much changes in the world of fashion in such a short space of time) I made it outside for a bit of passive smoking, whilst still telling my self I was leaving. 

We gossiped, bitched and generally dissected certain elements of fashion, when I eventually danced off into the night, some hour and a half after my first 'cheerio' - well that's fashion for you darling!

The horse - what was her name again Heels?

This horse has been living in the showroom and somehow made its way to BBB - I'm only gutted I didn't get to watch the lush PR chicks with their high heels and flowing blonde locks attempting to get this gigantic structure to the bar! 

Roving Reporter . . . The Fashion Show Week 9

OMG I have just finished watching this episode and I'm already desperate to see next weeks! I need it now!!!!

This week they had tarot card readings and had to use their reading and card as inspiration. This was task was pure and utter crap and saw Daniella create another boring, eighties stylee sheer shirt. Anna rocked the runway with her gorgeous print dress, while Jonny somehow escaped the bottow two with a childish look that was knocked up in vile lime and white tones.
Reco again was in the top two, although I still don't get his work, its boring, boring, boring!

Bottom two was Merlin and JP, a wise choice. JP so should've gone though, he has no idea what he is doing and could do with a few more years play before entering the big league. However it was Merlin that was shown the door.

Bye Bye Darling, we are just not buying it!

Roving Reporter . . . The Fashion Show Week 3

Part One: Setting the Scene:

Another week, another episode. Slowly the poor designers are being cut down and slung out and the stronger players are coming to the forefront. It's taken me a while to get to grips with who I'm loving and who I'm, in the words of Issac Mizrahi 'Just not buying'.

JP is definitely being under-estimated, there is something very London about his ideas. Always creative and thinking outside the box, even the judges constantly assume he is not going to cut it, only to find that he wows at the shows.

Reco is getting on my nerves! Seriously there is confidence, then there is cocky. He is bashing his team mates and becoming too controlling, he shouldn't of cut their patterns for them, let them work on their own, as you will see it didn't make him the winner anyway. Yes he is good and yes the judges and the audience like his design, but the whole 'it's so wrong for one man to be this talented' is just bull! I have watched many a new designer in my time and quite frankly he just isn't that impressive. If he really was that good he wouldn't need the fashion show to make it. After all, London designers are constantly working without money.

Daniella, she is still where my loyalties lie, but I just wish she would put her claws away fora little bit. Though sometimes with good reason, she needs to become a bit more of a team player especially in the early stages! - Still the best designer there though.

Part Three: The Show:

When facing the judges, surely you should put a guard on what you say! Daniella's team won, the correct decision I thought as the whole collection was cohesive and delicious but when she told the judges that Andrew's design was her idea I nearly died! Head designers are constantly feeding ideas to their workers and taking no credit, she should've just relished in the fact that she was a strong leader who got her team to win, but I think her reaction is purely to do with age and she hasn't got to that point where she can just let it go! However that move will not in-dear her to her fellow contestants and in the early stages you need friends as well as competition! 

Two Losers - only one elimination!

Haven - Why dig a whole for yourself! - Having said that I didn't hate the design that much.

Markus - You can't sew, which Fashion School did you go to? 

Both very poor pieces!

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!

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 . . . 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 . . . Is Twittering

We are on twitter!

Come follow us and be the first to know when the latest posts hit!

http://twitter.com/fashpack

http://twitter.com/fashpack

http://twitter.com/fashpack

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

The Scene . . . The Cobden

Goodness me, do my feet hurt! That will teach me to try and spend a whole night swaying to the latest bands in 6 million inch wedges! The night began with shed loads of free vodka, I honestly thought on more than one occasion that I was going to end up flat on my face! We drank delicious raspberry cocktails, laced with Russian Standard Vodka and with free drinks, the fashion pack were not far behind! The evening was hosted by a humorous drag queen at the members club 'The Cobden' in West London, it was quite frankly in the middle of nowhere - (mind you, anywhere without a constant stream of black cabs seems positively Suburbia to me) but had excellent decor, comfy seats, oh and too many stairs!

I spent the night with the infamous 'Heels' - yes my Carmen Electra, dancing diva is back! Black Boots (who had actually ditched the black for stunning electric blue and sky scrapper stilettos), my assistant 'Brogues', the gorgeous Nico Didonna, Buttons (you will have to look her up) and Stylista. We drank far too much Vodka for a Monday night in honour of 'Nikes' - see all the old crew pop back up. 'Nikes' is the editor of a very cool mag, as well as being a superb photographer of all things weird and wonderful and we had all gone to raise a glass to his work!

Alongside the drinks, the evening entertainment consisted of some fab musicians, (I have to get Nikes to send me their names! so you can all look them up!) The first girl had and amazing voice and was a sort of country and western version of PINK. Up next was the act that got us up on our feet! After a rendition of Jungle Book medleys, this super energetic, lanky, 40's dresses, white dude, kinda rapped in the most melodic fashion, totally brill! (- for you heels).

Lastly, but by no means least, 'The Ruskins' (no I have no idea what that means) took to the stage. Band member Eamon had unfortunately too much to drink, it was good and it was kooky, but I think next time, put them on earlier and keep them away from the booze! 

The night ended, as many do, with a fisticuffs between a guest and Drag Queen, and unfortunately 'Nikes' and another pal, (who we shall call) 'Flat Cap' got caught up and given a fat lip and a back injury (in that order). Word to the wise, its a private guest list, it will be found out who you are! Don't start fights, don't hit the host, we are not Rock and Rollers! This is fashion darling!

xxx

SPOTTED: People from: 'Random Magazine', LOOK Magazine, Luke Pasqualino (Freddie in Skins) - I don't know how I missed him! I only worked with him last week! Gutted!

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 . . . Breaking News!

Sorry boys, but Marc Jacobs is now totally off the market!

He announced his engagement to boyfriend, Lorenzo Martone.

Congratulations, Fash-Pack wish you all the happiness in the world, my aren't they a handsome couple!

We're assuming our invite is in the post!

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

Roving Reporter . . . Breaking News!

Jil Sander has signed an agreement to be design consultant with tip, top, Japanese brand Uniqlo!

Uniqlo is my favourite, back to basics brand!

The best for long sleeves, short sleeves and sleeveless, camis, vests and jumpers. The selection of rainbow jeans is seriously fierce and with Jil Sander now at the helm of both men and women's wear the brand is set to go from strength to strength!

It's a perfect appointment for the brand as Jil does perfect, nonsense dressing, block colours and great cuts. Uniqlo is practically a diffusion of this original genius. I can't wait to see what she does. 

Speaking of back to basics, American Apparel has reported a rise in profits! It looks like in times of trouble, we have all gone back to cosy, crazy, jersey way of life!