I am so excited to see her new collection and find out all the details! But until then, how gorgeous is this short film!
Friday, 13 August 2010
Thursday, 29 July 2010
Boohoo AW/2010!
Their aw/10 range ticks all the boxes with dresses looking all futuristic and reminiscent of Lady Gaga. There was plenty of sparkle to dance around the xmas tree with, with sequins and embellishing galore. Lovely leopard print tops and jumpsuits which can easily become transitional and the aviator jackets were definately eye catchers coming in various colours and types of fur.
Boohoo have definately looked to the designers to bring us affordable fashion as I'm sure I can see some Burberry and Chloe in there. Their premium range Boohoo Pink has certainly stepped up a peg or too but the price has remained comfortably 'low'. Their Fur jackets are priced at roughly £70 and their more sophisticated dresses at only £40. Premium swagger for under £100.. I'm digging that!!
Boohoo Sister was the last of the collections that let us see Boohoo's new range for the 9 to 14yr olds. Easiest way to describe is think trendy clothes with less leg, mid rift and plunging neck lines on display. There was such a cute navy jacket that had bunny ears on the hood matching perfectly with this navy jumpsuit! Anyone fancy lending me their sister for a shopping trip or too!!
Well I'm off now to catch the last of Boohoo's summer wear with my gift voucher they gave me.
Smiles all around!
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Tuesday, 27 July 2010
Team Random headed off to check out the new range of watches from PANDORA.
There was plenty of glitz, Leather Straps and silver/gold alternative too. I really liked the fact that there was a great selection of large watch faces that still felt femme.
The event was held in the Mandarin Oriental hotel's ballroom and the garden that hosted the bar was gorgeous! There was even a garden swing and tasselled parasols!
While the boys stuck to champagnes and canapes, my latest partner in crime (who shall be poPping up on fash pack quite a bit) Ella and I started downing the most divine apple martinis. They were strong but good!
Hot singer ROX performed (wearing Basso and Brooke) she was featured in the most recent issue of RANDOM - wonder if that's where PANDORA found her! :)
Well I'm off on my hols so it was an early one for me so me and ella left the boys there! Who knows what mayhem they caused!
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Monday, 26 July 2010
Bodyshock Dance Company
Ages ago I headed up to Littlehampton to help out on a dance video. The dance group 'Body Shock' run by Suzy Mills was featuring music by her other half A Skillz from DJ duo A Skillz and Krafty Kuts.
PUMA helped me out by providing the dancers with all their gear and it is now up and doing the internet rounds!
The dancers are ace and I love the track!
Saturday, 17 July 2010
eddie musicuk wants to give you some E4 loving
PLEASE GO TO THE LINK BELOW AND VOTE FOR MY FAVOURITE BAND "EDDIE"
http://www.e4.com/Hollyoaks/doitandwin/2KDvwwxNsoeoP2HCny7tZm/vote.e4
VOTE VOTE VOTE
THEY ARE AMAZING AND LOVELY AND WILL ROCK THE WORLD OF POP
PLUS I STYLE THEM SO THEY LOOK FIERCE!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
www.myspace.com/eddiemusicuk
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
Editor @ Large . . . RANDOM shoot DIANA VICKERS!
OMG, what a day! I am totally beyond exhausted!!
(me interviewing Diana Vickers!)
Today we did our big celeb spread and cover for the September Issue and having filled a seven seater car with clothes and one little assistant in the form of the lovely Ella, it was off to ROMFORD!
(Is that a cover shot happening?!)
Why Romford you ask? Apparently its the only place that has a working ice rink in the summer months! Who knew!?
(my assistant Ella practicing skating)
We rocked up and we started to unpack, naturally I took up the most room, I really can't help it, I don't travel to a shoot light!
I had some lovely archive pieces from Jacob Kimmie (see ribbon waspie below)
and then some AW10 pieces from Harriet's Muse, Jaeger Boutique, Next, Miss Selfridge, Topshop, Lall London, Ada Zanditon and many more!!
(Diana's skates for the day)
Bling came from a number of independent designers as well as brands like Freedom @ Topshop and TOUS.
(Ella taking pics and Make up artist Martina with her assistant)
I loved all the looks today! We shot Diana on an ice rink, being all glamorous while she had these burly ice hockey places around her all bashed up. It really worked!
(Diana on the bench)
My favourite pieces were the Ribbon Train Waspie Belt by Jacob Kimmie and the skull ring by TOUS.
(I know I said I'd stay off the ice but . . . )
The piece de resistance came from Jeffery Michael Baker Design, who made a bespoke dress for Diana for the cover of RANDOM! In order to see it though, you will have to wait till September!!
(Tomo bossing everyone about!)
Also in the issue my exclusive interview with this perfect pop princess, who calls everyone pet, is gorgeous in the flesh and really sweet!!
(MUA and Hair man! - Martina (or Martini?) and Timmi)
I luv THE VICKERS!
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
Editor @ Large . . . Distractions!
This heat is insane! Finally got the internet to work in my bedroom so can finally type from my bed, soooo sex and the city! Well more overheated, cup of tea and fan in the city but never mind!
Today I am so distracted it's unreal! Im sifting through AW10 stuff and am mainly falling head over hills in LOVE with Miss Selfridge's dresses and surfing the next for a shortish t-shirt dress to wear under all the impractical see through things I have recently purchased!
Im pumping out from my speakers my gorgeous girl EDDIE and chilling to Owen Cutts (going to be mega by next year and then bopping to Sterling8, another name to watch, click on the names to go to the myspaces!
Keep cool (its all about the ice cream in this heat!)
Sunday, 27 June 2010
Editor @ Large . . . RANDOM ISSUE 3.1
Thursday night saw all our RANDOMers turn up for the Issue 3.1 party!
Keeping it Shoreditch we decided to host the party at the recently crowned, 'Bar of the Year' McQueens.
Upon arrival our guests were treated to Russian Standard Vodka cocktails that were fruit punch-esque, perfect as the weather was scorching and we all poured onto the street to sip our drinks!
Here are two of the latest RANDOM magazine fans! Fashion Assistant to Charlotte Stockdale, Isabel in all white and Idol Magazine's Bianca pulling a pose!
Downstairs in the super air-con basement we danced to some tunes! While upstairs Alex Prinz - Prince of East and RANDOM's 'Man About Town' absolutely smashed his DJ set upstairs! When he was finished we were all desperate for more!
Party sponsorship and goodie bags in the shape of giant pills came from Fly53!
My tired feet in my huge shoes as I sat on the pavement outside trying to get some air!A good night!! GO BUY ISSUE 3.1 of RANDOM - OUT NOW IN ALL MAJOR WHSMITH's!
Thursday, 24 June 2010
Editor @ Large ... Miss Selfridge Press Day
The collection is so vintage! It looks just like a boutique collection, so not high street.
While topshop will prob be imitating trends, Miss Selfridge will be creating them. The coats were divine and they have the best high street party dresses. It was all pure class!
So many bugle beads and sequins! Lots of chiffon and the cuts were simple but elegant.
Start saving! As you'll want more than one.
I love the faux fur trim mac.
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Thursday, 17 June 2010
Editor @ Large . . . Shoreditch House - ROOF
Sometimes the perks of my job make it ALL worthwhile. Monday was one of those nights.
Having caught the De Montfort graduate Contours show (more of which another time) it was a race against time to get to Shoreditch House for FASHBASHSOUNDCLASH as we were told the guest list was pretty chokka and it was a night not to be missed.
(The roof)
Used to nights in the Biscuit Tin room, I hadn't counted on being able to party the night away on the roof.
(Jeffrey Michael Designs and Mia)
By the time we arrived it was already pretty full and after a fruity cocktail we were to network.
Catching up with friends, drinking and dancing, the night was in full swing.
As the DJs pumped out tunes we danced on the faux green grass dance floor!
One of the DJ's
(DJ Nikki's amazing Louboutin flats!)DJ Nikki is the Sound Clash to the Fash Bash (Wale) and she was definitely knocking out the tunes, with live performances during the set from artists like Lingo Scott - Didn't know this guy before tonight, but I'm off to find out more, he was wikid.
We couldn't help notice that Nikki was a pretty snappy dresser! Check out those studded Louboutins!
(DJ Nikki's amazing headphones!! - will she have light up ones for Glasto?)
(DJ Nikki's amazing headphones!! - will she have light up ones for Glasto?)Overheard: Jeffrey Michael Baker - light designer / costume genius chatting to Nikki about lighting up her ears!
(The girls from Idol Magazine and Isabel 'Vogue Intern' on the end in white)
(Isabel in a stolen pair of specs) - don't she look cute?!
(The view from our bed)
Idol Mag's Bianca, Lingo Scott (who was in the middle of a set!) and yes Isabel!
(Dj Nikki with Isabel) two cool chicks!
(The girls from Idol Magazine and Isabel 'Vogue Intern' on the end in white)A party is no party with out girls to dance with! During GFW RANDOM met IDOL mag and we've been together dancing ever since!
Isabel on the end works for the amazing stylist Catherine Stockdale and is one crazy dancer!
(Isabel in a stolen pair of specs) - don't she look cute?!
(The view from our bed)Now if you've not been to the ROOF! Well let me tell you it's amazing. There is an outdoor pool with loungers, a covered area that resembles a beach bar shack and then on the patio there are BEDS! YESSSS BEDS! The view from which is amazing! All the concrete jungle of London's East End looks like lamps!!
We all snuggled on the beds under gas lamps and rugs to keep warm!
Idol Mag's Bianca, Lingo Scott (who was in the middle of a set!) and yes Isabel!Bianca and Isabel met last week at GFW and move in together in a week, yes grad fashion week can change lives!! These two crazy party girls need their own show. You've seen 'The Hills' meet . . . 'The Smoke'
(Dj Nikki with Isabel) two cool chicks!Well, that was a hell of a night and as we departed I realised that Shoreditch House is cool because its totally unsnobby. While everyone does seem to have money (drinks are expensive!) there are no extensions in sight! Dungarees and no shoes are just as welcomed as the latest mini and heels!
I want to live on the roof!!
Thursday, 10 June 2010
The Gala
The Gala show at GFW turns out to be the student alternative of the BAFTA's. This means that everyone gets that lil bit more dressed up, the paved entrance to Earls Court gets the full red (well pink) carpet treatment, complete with metal barriers (to keep the non-existent fans at bay) and well quite frankly it becomes a bit of a celeb fest!
The press room was brimming with famous faces. Erin O'Connor, who was working the room in bare foot looked fab in a silver beaded jacket, while Nicola Roberts from Girls Aloud, looked frightfully tiny but fashionista in a black and gold Vivienne Westwood number. Zandra Rhodes dazzled in purple and pinks hues, while Elle editor Lorraine Candy kept it chic in a black Prada number. As if that wasn't enough Biba stood chatting to Eley of Eley Kishimoto and Rachel Stevens and fellow Popstar Amelle from the Sugababes were spotted in the press room.
But obviously this was all about the graduates and the auditorium quickly filled up. With Ashely Banjo being GFW face of River Island, it was no surprise that Diversity opened the show. They wowed the crowed with their creative dance routine and put us all in the party mood!
Before the main catwalk show and awards, it was time to honour those students that normally get passed over. Those that choose to study fashion marketing, promotion, media and the like often don't end up with kudos that is showered onto design students so it was nice to see them getting recognised.
Bournemouth graduate Ellie Mountford scooped the Fashion, Promotion and Media prize, while Jessica Dance waltzed off (sorry I couldn't resist) with the Creative Marketing award.
Nathalie Murray walked away with the Textile Award, while fellow Northumbria graduate Alice Barnes took home the Hachette Media and Design award. Northumbria had an excellent night as Amy Quickfall got the Strategic Marketing Award.
Luckily several other Universities didn't leave empty handed. Colchester took home two trophies, with Ellen Devall winning the First Word Journalism prize and Kitty Keay receiving the Mulberry Accesories Award presented by non other than Creative Director of Mulberry, Emma Hill, who simple adored Kitty's bags.
Then it was Marie Clare Editor Trish McEvoy's turn at the stand who presented the first 'Inspiration' award, voted online for by students graduating from the 22 GFW Uni's. Unsurprisingly the winner was Lee Alexander McQueen, with the award being picked up by his CEO, it was no shock that this creative talent touched so many, he inspired rebellion and beauty, something many design students struggle for.
There was an awkward moment, when GFW awarded high street retailer River Island, essentially for 'Services to the High Street', but really it was a way of saying cheers for all the money to put this on!
We moved swiftly on to the catwalk stage. This year there were European Universities in the line up and a seperate International Collection of the Year, which went to Roya Hesam (Amsterdam Institute), which I reviewed earlier in the week.
The BHM Visionary Knitwear Award went to Ledina Zhang, taking Northumbria's award total up a notch and into the lead.
The Zandra Rhodes Catwalk Textile Prize unsurprisingly went to Anna Lee (De Montfort), who although I heard one journalist describe as "Ed Hardy on crack" due to its vibrancy and Chinese Dragon subject matter, the colours (orange and turquoise hues) were so vibrant and the mix of print velvet and silks didn't ensure that this collection was unforgettable.
The womenswear collection of the year went to my personal favourite Rhea Fields (Northbrook), who's latex suit jacket was so ingenius.
Menswear collection of the year went to Tim Crisp (Ravensbourne) who again was another favourite earlier in the week.
Finally the coveted River Island Gold Award that sees the winner walk away with £20,000 went to Manchester Met graduate Rebecca Thompson who's androgynous collection that had a strong '1800's' feel to it, that comprised of tailored trousers and intricately designed shirting, reminded me of Viktor and Rolf.
Under gold confetti, Rebecca took her walk of fame down the catwalk and the evening came to a close. It was off to the after party for drinks, tiny canapes and lots of dancing.
Cheerio graduates of 2010, let's see if 2011 can top you?
Rivkie Baum
http://fash-pack.blogspot.com
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Tuesday, 8 June 2010
Northhampton
Unfortunately for me this is my last show! Sob!
Northampton students bucked the trends tonight for fetish and clown and instead there were some interesting and well cut pieces.
Laurell Wilding presented felted wool coats with ruched backs and sleeves that were so thick in gathering they had a pleated 3D effect.
Alice Cleary utilised traditional white cottons to create shirting, playsuits and high waisted skirts that were overlayed with laser cut cottons that gave a lace effect. It had a hippie, 60's feel and the little peplums were so cute.
Olivia Brodman leather work in grey and blue hues with tasseled upper arms were very cool and reminded me of menswear designer Dimitri Stavrou's graduate MA collection of 2009. Again I like the mixture of leathers with soft jersey pieces and tassels mixing hard and soft and creating texture.
Amy Robinson showed a grungy hippie collection that was extremely wearable and wouldn't look out of place in Topshop's basement designer section. Again laser cutting was the key and the rose style cuts done by perforated cut outs was really effective. I loved the wool lined biker waistcoat and the combination of dusky pink, icey blue and black.
Alex Newton's 50's full skirts with full tulle underneath came in a host of block painted prints in green, pink, cream and black. Cropped biker jackets also came in these key tones, as well as front wrap skirts and shift dresses. It was a really cohesive body of work.
Finally menswear came from Garry Butterfield who showed great textile techniques with his stitched embellished leathers and fur. I loved the fur draped coat, the tan leather jacket with black stitching and the red leather harem trouser and shorts. Trousers had pleated/gathered waists and the taupe, brown and green palette really gave the collection a rustic feel.
Well that's me done, good luck class of 2010!
http://fash-pack.blogspot.com
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Northampton students bucked the trends tonight for fetish and clown and instead there were some interesting and well cut pieces.
Laurell Wilding presented felted wool coats with ruched backs and sleeves that were so thick in gathering they had a pleated 3D effect.
Alice Cleary utilised traditional white cottons to create shirting, playsuits and high waisted skirts that were overlayed with laser cut cottons that gave a lace effect. It had a hippie, 60's feel and the little peplums were so cute.
Olivia Brodman leather work in grey and blue hues with tasseled upper arms were very cool and reminded me of menswear designer Dimitri Stavrou's graduate MA collection of 2009. Again I like the mixture of leathers with soft jersey pieces and tassels mixing hard and soft and creating texture.
Amy Robinson showed a grungy hippie collection that was extremely wearable and wouldn't look out of place in Topshop's basement designer section. Again laser cutting was the key and the rose style cuts done by perforated cut outs was really effective. I loved the wool lined biker waistcoat and the combination of dusky pink, icey blue and black.
Alex Newton's 50's full skirts with full tulle underneath came in a host of block painted prints in green, pink, cream and black. Cropped biker jackets also came in these key tones, as well as front wrap skirts and shift dresses. It was a really cohesive body of work.
Finally menswear came from Garry Butterfield who showed great textile techniques with his stitched embellished leathers and fur. I loved the fur draped coat, the tan leather jacket with black stitching and the red leather harem trouser and shorts. Trousers had pleated/gathered waists and the taupe, brown and green palette really gave the collection a rustic feel.
Well that's me done, good luck class of 2010!
http://fash-pack.blogspot.com
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Manchester Met
The menswear. By Penny Armstrong was really fun. Graphic printed trousers, cropped below the knee, with fringed mesh (chicken wire-like) shirting and trousers, this was a fairly futuristic yet playful collection. Knitted loops embellished a jacket to create an oversized, semi cocoon shape, while the royal blue, red and grey palette worked perfectly with the mosaic graphic.
Caroline Mead's menswear however was full of heritage styling of plaid checks in mohair, maxi jumpers that swept the ground and pulleys that drew garments in creating balloon effects.
The menswear at Manchester was strong and Rebecca Neary's built in back pack jackets were well constructed and though not a new idea, a fun one nonetheless. I really liked the inky prints and the patchy dyes of the jackets in various blue tones. Whether leggings will catch on for boys or not, Neary is feeling the cream wool kind.
The strapped on multi gas mask inspired bags were cool, although I'd never find anything in them!
I loved Jessica Nicol's multi sleeve jackets that built up to look like walking pom poms. Hands were key and the white hand cut outs that dropped down created black shadow hands underneath. It was a clever concept.
Tulled chiffon also intrigued Poppy Warwicker Le- Breton who combined big ruffled top structures with snake charmer basket style skirts, they were huge knits and showed great skill.
This reflected well with Michael Bolton-Heaton's origami pom-pom skirts that added dimension to body con jersey tops with racer back panelling and cut outs.
Finally Sophie Blennerhassett's mis-matched, layered and raised knits teamed with chiffons in a host of navy, grey and chatreusse green were fun and eclectic. I loved the city shorts and the skinny ankle swinging trousers.
http://fash-pack.blogspot.com
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Caroline Mead's menswear however was full of heritage styling of plaid checks in mohair, maxi jumpers that swept the ground and pulleys that drew garments in creating balloon effects.
The menswear at Manchester was strong and Rebecca Neary's built in back pack jackets were well constructed and though not a new idea, a fun one nonetheless. I really liked the inky prints and the patchy dyes of the jackets in various blue tones. Whether leggings will catch on for boys or not, Neary is feeling the cream wool kind.
The strapped on multi gas mask inspired bags were cool, although I'd never find anything in them!
I loved Jessica Nicol's multi sleeve jackets that built up to look like walking pom poms. Hands were key and the white hand cut outs that dropped down created black shadow hands underneath. It was a clever concept.
Tulled chiffon also intrigued Poppy Warwicker Le- Breton who combined big ruffled top structures with snake charmer basket style skirts, they were huge knits and showed great skill.
This reflected well with Michael Bolton-Heaton's origami pom-pom skirts that added dimension to body con jersey tops with racer back panelling and cut outs.
Finally Sophie Blennerhassett's mis-matched, layered and raised knits teamed with chiffons in a host of navy, grey and chatreusse green were fun and eclectic. I loved the city shorts and the skinny ankle swinging trousers.
http://fash-pack.blogspot.com
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Bournemouth
Firstly congrats Bournemouth on the most comprehensive order list. The running order came complete in a book, with sketches! This made it super easy for us press people.
Eleanor Mountfort's collection reminded me of D&G SS10, denim body suits over wide leg trousers in caramel and soft side drapes into peg legs. Oversized rose prints in dusky pink, cream, brown and navy made this a calming yet wearable collection.
Mariya Shulga followed with her 'Resurrection' collection. A balance between beauty and decay I adored the smash brick prints that adorned catsuits, tees and stretch dresses. There were shoulder pieces in leather and cage structure accessories and one sleeved wrap coats that had smash glass prints. It was all uber cool.
Anna Tiesten showed a selection of childrenswear that made the audience cheer with delight and the actual collection was as cute as the models. Pastel pink shorts and map printed shirts for girls and a mini Cath Kidson-esque printed jacket for boys was gorgeous and beautifully made.
I really liked Roxanne Newman's collection of dresses that featured laser cut overlays, chandelier skirts, bubble hems and perspex jewellery. The woven leather front of the chandelier skirt was divine a real juxtaposition of modern versus ancient.
Emily Sharp's foam dresses in black and white were as sweet as the liquorice allsorts printed on them! Curved petal collars and cone shapes were used as embellishments. It really was very cute and the mini childrenswear clothes were lovely.
Mel Austin was probably my favourite, I loved the delicate fringed dresses, the fringes were vertical and looked like draped shreds. Neck pieces of leather worked leaves, over layed into sculpture format was just as gorgeous and the cropped sleeve jacket of the same embellishment was well produced. Duck egg blue and cream tones added to the serenity. While splashes of lilac and mauve added a pop of colour.
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Eleanor Mountfort's collection reminded me of D&G SS10, denim body suits over wide leg trousers in caramel and soft side drapes into peg legs. Oversized rose prints in dusky pink, cream, brown and navy made this a calming yet wearable collection.
Mariya Shulga followed with her 'Resurrection' collection. A balance between beauty and decay I adored the smash brick prints that adorned catsuits, tees and stretch dresses. There were shoulder pieces in leather and cage structure accessories and one sleeved wrap coats that had smash glass prints. It was all uber cool.
Anna Tiesten showed a selection of childrenswear that made the audience cheer with delight and the actual collection was as cute as the models. Pastel pink shorts and map printed shirts for girls and a mini Cath Kidson-esque printed jacket for boys was gorgeous and beautifully made.
I really liked Roxanne Newman's collection of dresses that featured laser cut overlays, chandelier skirts, bubble hems and perspex jewellery. The woven leather front of the chandelier skirt was divine a real juxtaposition of modern versus ancient.
Emily Sharp's foam dresses in black and white were as sweet as the liquorice allsorts printed on them! Curved petal collars and cone shapes were used as embellishments. It really was very cute and the mini childrenswear clothes were lovely.
Mel Austin was probably my favourite, I loved the delicate fringed dresses, the fringes were vertical and looked like draped shreds. Neck pieces of leather worked leaves, over layed into sculpture format was just as gorgeous and the cropped sleeve jacket of the same embellishment was well produced. Duck egg blue and cream tones added to the serenity. While splashes of lilac and mauve added a pop of colour.
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Nottingham Trent
This was to be a biggie. With 24 students to show I definitely needed to pace myself!
Samantha Bern's collection of soft silk and chiffon seperates was calming, well constructed and detailed. Pleat fronted, full trousers with sheer shirting with a ditzy, floaty print that reminded me of dandelions was grey on a cream base. A pleated front shirt jacket floated effortlessly down the runway and the turn up shorts looked totally elegant.
The grey toned palette added to the calming nature.
The knitwear at Nottingham was excellent. Emma Philpot's collection of crochet knits in grey and red were so well crafted. There were cowl hems, pomcho style tops and body con dresses. It balanced interest and commercial ability well.
Martha Ingle was the first menswear collection to show and I loved the kaleidoscope effect print. It was very sports chic and the hoodies and slim leg trousers made them look like action men. It was an interesting print but still really wearable.
Tiffany William's menswear focused on knit and was slightly more out-there. Knitted tunic boys? Or how about a jumper dress? I loved the woven in gold to the chunky raised knits.
My favourite collection came from Heewon Park which combined cobweb knits and stitching detail on chiffon. Velvet pleating and chiffon, sculpted knit panels on sleeves and embellishments in pale green, black and cream.
There were strong leather pieces from Thalia Goodwin and striking marble explosion prints from Jenna Harvey. The show ended with Shinsuke Mitsuoka's fetish inspired pieces in high shine black, massive silver, Gaga shoulders and draped chains. Fetish has been key in the students show and Nottingham offered a contemporary if not tinged with space version.
http://fash-pack.blogspot.com
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Samantha Bern's collection of soft silk and chiffon seperates was calming, well constructed and detailed. Pleat fronted, full trousers with sheer shirting with a ditzy, floaty print that reminded me of dandelions was grey on a cream base. A pleated front shirt jacket floated effortlessly down the runway and the turn up shorts looked totally elegant.
The grey toned palette added to the calming nature.
The knitwear at Nottingham was excellent. Emma Philpot's collection of crochet knits in grey and red were so well crafted. There were cowl hems, pomcho style tops and body con dresses. It balanced interest and commercial ability well.
Martha Ingle was the first menswear collection to show and I loved the kaleidoscope effect print. It was very sports chic and the hoodies and slim leg trousers made them look like action men. It was an interesting print but still really wearable.
Tiffany William's menswear focused on knit and was slightly more out-there. Knitted tunic boys? Or how about a jumper dress? I loved the woven in gold to the chunky raised knits.
My favourite collection came from Heewon Park which combined cobweb knits and stitching detail on chiffon. Velvet pleating and chiffon, sculpted knit panels on sleeves and embellishments in pale green, black and cream.
There were strong leather pieces from Thalia Goodwin and striking marble explosion prints from Jenna Harvey. The show ended with Shinsuke Mitsuoka's fetish inspired pieces in high shine black, massive silver, Gaga shoulders and draped chains. Fetish has been key in the students show and Nottingham offered a contemporary if not tinged with space version.
http://fash-pack.blogspot.com
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Liverpool
Elly Arif kicked off Liverpool for me. It was a menswear collection that had a distinctly historic Barbour feel. In hues of khaki and brown, it was very rural heritage and the macs and coats were well executed. I loved the 3D bib front shirt that had a bib pleating out from the bottom creating a cube like effect. The collection closed with a navy jumpsuit with pleated front, a menswear trend I so want to happen!
Michelle McGreavy brought me back into the zone with her fantastic womenswear collection. It was very architectural but concentrated on curved lines and silhouettes rather than angles. Big triple layered collars and stand up circular ones looked cozy in a mix of wool and leather, while the opening semi circle panelled skirt reminded me of Bernard Chandran.
There were further menswear shows from Emily Bennion who had pleated fold front trousers that fell into well balanced peg legs as well as cropped trousers cuffed and at the knee. Layered sheer tees with skinny waistcoats or well tailored jackets, that were fitted and gathered at the waist.
My final favourite was Chima Ohajura who's white body con silhouettes were juxtaposed by crinoline cage like structures that adorned shoulders and hips they were very petal like, twisted with wires and so delicate off set by huge perspex shoes.
A solid show
http://fash-pack.blogspot.com
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Michelle McGreavy brought me back into the zone with her fantastic womenswear collection. It was very architectural but concentrated on curved lines and silhouettes rather than angles. Big triple layered collars and stand up circular ones looked cozy in a mix of wool and leather, while the opening semi circle panelled skirt reminded me of Bernard Chandran.
There were further menswear shows from Emily Bennion who had pleated fold front trousers that fell into well balanced peg legs as well as cropped trousers cuffed and at the knee. Layered sheer tees with skinny waistcoats or well tailored jackets, that were fitted and gathered at the waist.
My final favourite was Chima Ohajura who's white body con silhouettes were juxtaposed by crinoline cage like structures that adorned shoulders and hips they were very petal like, twisted with wires and so delicate off set by huge perspex shoes.
A solid show
http://fash-pack.blogspot.com
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
De Montfort
De Montfort has a reputation for a solid fashion course, but even I wasn't expecting it to be that impressive. I barely had a chance to make notes as I raced to jot down details of nearly every graduate.
The first collection, based heavily on print had a bold palette of black and white, accented by orange. The collection, predominantly shifts with oversized perspex jewellery reminded me of Holly Fulton and the print was very graphic and angular reminded me of enlarged pixels or distorted dogtooth.
The first collection, based heavily on print had a bold palette of black and white, accented by orange. The collection, predominantly shifts with oversized perspex jewellery reminded me of Holly Fulton and the print was very graphic and angular reminded me of enlarged pixels or distorted dogtooth.
Abigail Westrup's collection should not have worked. Crochet combined with leather, biker style body suits with cut out sides crochet crop tops embellished with sequins and beads. It had an almost 'dance hall' feel but the delicate working of the raised crochet and the harshness of the leather was a genius combination.
The burgundy, cream and nude palette was soft enough to let the silhouettes do the talking.
Hoping for a break, I was presented with Elizabeth Winter's collection of padded coats. The silhouettes all bold, oversized and original were very architectural and the mix of quilting shapes emphasised the shapes. Oversized monochrome studs were added to the garments to give further 3D effect and the cone shapes and angular shoulders ensured for real spectacle. I loved the high necks and exposed orange zips that added a pop of colour to the grey/black palette.
Frezia Alnisa Zaraat was equally impressive and again, crochet popped up in the collection (perhaps a return to this style knit?)
Again Frezia mixed up traditional crochet with latex animal prints that layered both under and over crochet shirting, peeping through adding a richness and depth. I loved the shredded shirting, which seemed to be produced by a knitting of fringing technique. These were teamed with shorts or slim leg trousers, embellished with gold eyelets. Again a good palette choice of soft pint, white and popped by turquoise was superb.
My favourite collection came from Gemma Francis. In an interesting twist, she kept it punky but opted for calming music (unlike most who go for full on screams!) The collection was well constructed and the spike embellishment managed to be dauntingly beautiful. Mini dresses, shaped pvc skirts and cropped jackets all made an appearance and spiked strapping like dungarees.
On the menswear side Kim West went for a flight come cave man look. Short bomber jackets in leopard print and wet look blue. There was cropped chiffon grey leopard tees and leggings with sheer panels that revealed 'bum cheeks' can't see this catching on! There was the odd stretchy mankini with navy and animal print panels and collars carried faux fur trims. A strong collection with some key pieces, I only wished the male models would slow down!!
Print wise Anna Lee's brightly hued dresses and leggings were well executed and the shoes divine! While knitwear from Intisaar Mukadam was vibrant and had an African vibe to it. Waterfall cardigans, tube dresses and leggings in traditional fairisle techniques embellished with blocky round beads was eye catching, fun and professionally finished.
http://fash-pack.blogspot.com
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Monday, 7 June 2010
Editor @ large : Rochester my favourite
Rochester: my fav
Though I've analysed the show below this is my personal fav! There were so many great designers though I could've written this all for days!
And finally my Rochester favourite, well they do say save the best till last!
Carla Grima.
The finale of the evening who showed an outstandingly executed selection of watercolour style print, draped garments, predominently dresses. The prints in aqua, yellow, red and orange hues on a white base had a cross between Erdem and Basso and Brooke to them. The boldness of B&B with delicate watercolour style of Erdem.
The drape balance was so perfect and well judged that I was pleased to depart on such a high note.
Rochester is a real contender for holding one of the Gala winning collections.
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Though I've analysed the show below this is my personal fav! There were so many great designers though I could've written this all for days!
And finally my Rochester favourite, well they do say save the best till last!
Carla Grima.
The finale of the evening who showed an outstandingly executed selection of watercolour style print, draped garments, predominently dresses. The prints in aqua, yellow, red and orange hues on a white base had a cross between Erdem and Basso and Brooke to them. The boldness of B&B with delicate watercolour style of Erdem.
The drape balance was so perfect and well judged that I was pleased to depart on such a high note.
Rochester is a real contender for holding one of the Gala winning collections.
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
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