More S/S 13 Collections: B&Sh, Lolly's Laundry and Custommade

More from the S/S 13 press days now and a few week's ago I was invited along to boutique fashion agency Inexcess to preview the S/S 13 collections from their exciting line up of international labels.

I've already covered the By Malene Birger 'Celebration' collection earlier, but Inexcess also look after French brand B&sh, alongside fellow Danish natives Custommade and Lolly's Laundry.

Lolly's functional and practical styles wowed in a gorgeous palette of faded blue hues and a statement yellow knit - a shade which has been cropping up quite a lot this season. So much in fact I'm going to lay a bet this will be your new favourite colour come Summer.

Custommade are making their UK debut this season, and I for one could not be more excited! The label focuses on wearable luxury with their pre Spring 13 collection that features lightweight knits and polka dot denim. Sequin blouses are easily thrown on, begging to be paired with jeans for a casual date night.

See what I mean about that yellow! It popped up again at B&sh, this time accompanied by lace, whilst waffle knits and Jacquards were popular on jackets. Surface texture is definitely the name of the game here especially on my key piece; a technicolour dream coat and matching trouser set as seen below.

Many thanks to Inexcess for inviting me along to their press day. To find out more about each label just click here. 

Trend Alert: Winter Florals

Dark and sexy, flocked and digitally printed - the trend for florals is re-imagined for Autumn / Winter 2012.

Like summer you can still wear your florals head to toe - just in a new palette of sophisticated purple, forest green, burgundy and black. Tough black boots, leather gloves and fur accessories should be your go to additions, whilst a berry coloured lip completes your transformation into a defiantly blooming winter rose.

If you need more inspiration look no further than a host of designers who have tapped into this trend: Christopher Kane, Erdem, Burberry, Mulberry, Dolce & Gabbana and Marni to name but a few.

 

1. Dress, £695, Mulberry

2. Gloves, £15, ASOS

3. Dress, £30, AX Paris

4. Shirt, £45, Warehouse

5. Skirt, £1,650, Christopher Kane

6. Trousers, £36, Topshop

7. Blazer, £68, Topshop

8. Clutch, £32, Accessorize

9. Shoes, £1,125, Nicholas Kirkwood

 

Get it Now: Toast 15 Anniversary Collection

This autumn, British clothes and homeware brand Toast celebrates its 15-year anniversary with a small, partially retrospective collection.

Inspired by the brand's archives or freshly conceived using Indian artisanal or British fabrics, the limited-edition pieces include a wool crepe dress with Peter Pan collar, a long coat in Scottish woven pin-stripe wool with a silk lining that varies from coat to coat – either herringbone silk, vintage sari or Benares brocade.

Presented in a range of blacks, old whites and pale natural gold tones, Toast 15 also comprises three shirts with hand-stitched detailing, a silk top, two jackets – one Indian-made, the other UK-made – patent leather derby shoes and two scarves.

The collection is available now, both online here and in Toast’s Notting Hill store.

By Malene Birger S/S 13 Preview

Last week I was invited along to preview the By Malele Birger S/S 13 Collection - 'the Celebration' - which will hit stores in early 2013 to mark the occasion of the brand turning 10.

The collection is a true celebration of the history of the brand - "an occasion to reflect on all the goals achieved but also an opportunity to set new ones" says the founder Malene Birger. A personal tribute to loyal fans of the brand, friends and colleagues you will find classic BMB looks re-invented throughout in new fresh colourways for spring.

This season is all about white - leather or lace, studded or light reflecting. Pink is also a returning favourite - featured in the first By Malene Birger collection - and is still a personal favourite and a spot colour used on accessories and inside details.

 

The silhouette is modern, feminine and 50´s inspired. My favourite pieces include leopard print pink jeans, a white biker jacket that transforms into a gilet by unzipping the sleeves and some amazing sequin hot pants.

The finishing touches include studded ankle boots, multi strand statement necklaces with neon accents and yet more neon and diamante jewellery.

The collection will be available to buy from selected stores and online here from early 2013.

Payday treat: Zara glitter slippers

This month's payday has been a long time coming and if like me you feel the need to splurge - but not too much with Christmas looming - these Zara slippers are the perfect antidote.

A refreshing alternative to heels on a night out the slipper is fast replacing sales of stilettos this Autumn / Winter and who can blame us when they look like this!

Zara's version come in glittering gold or silver, with a tiny and practical 1.5cm heel. They are available in store and online now for £29.99.

 

Whatever you choose to buy this month happy shopping! x

Previewing Darling Spring / Summer 2013

My first round of press days kicked off last week with a preview of the Darling S/S 13 collection, held at the brand's showroom just off Oxford Street. Darling is known for its vintage styling, pretty tea dresses, lace embellishment and a focus on florals. The new collection did not disappoint on any of these points, instead experimenting with a brighter and bolder colour palette of coral, turquoise, orange and yellow, as well as soft blush pinks, pale sky blues and "take me on holiday please" pure whites!

Statement pieces include a ruffled red dress with a crystal embellished neckline (see below) a 1950s inspired floral print dress and lace biker jacket (see above) The accessories line, now in its third season, has also evolved to include clutches, day bags and purses including a floral print satchel and a mustard cross body bag with a lace trim as seen below.

 

 

 

 

If you can't wait until next year Darling's A/W 12 range is currently available from ASOS, a host of independent boutiques and online here.

Savannah Miller's collection launches on Nelly.com

Yesterday saw the launch of Savannah Miller's highly anticipated solo debut collection on online retailer Nelly.com.

After teaming up with her famous sister Sienna on boutique label Twenty8Twelve, the new collection is simply named 'Savannah' and will be available exclusivley from Nelly.com for A/W 12.

Focusing on a 'global traveller' theme, cosy knitwear pieces in 50 shades of grey feature heavily, with faux fur outerwear pieces also causing a stir. Key motifs for the season include African printed silk dresses and Navajo embroidery on a duffle coat.

The office Christmas party is also catered to with dresses in silk, all over metallic sequins and a rich purple velvet as seen below. The pink mini peplum dress seen below would be perfect for a red carpet Sienna Miller moment don't you think?

Hopefully we can look forward to more collections for S/S 13 but for now you can buy the collection online here.

With Thanks: I was able to see the Savannah from nelly.com collection up close and personal at the Push PR press day, many thanks to the team for inviting me along.

Fifty looks that changed the..

Fifty Looks That Changed the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s - three new books by Paula Reed are now on sale in the Design Museum Shop.

 

In Fifty Fashion Looks That Changed the 1950s, Reed examines the bombshell glamour of Marilyn Monroe in ‘How to Marry a Millionaire’ to Christian Dior’s New Look and Balenciaga’s double A-Line.

The 1960s book captures looks that defined a decade from Mary Quant’s miniskirts to denim-clad hippies and Celia Birtwell’s romantic peasants.

The 1970s book delves into the fashion looks of Bianca Jagger in Halston, Diane Von Furstenberg’s first wrap dress, the rise of punk and the influence of BIBA. Paula Reed details all the prominent looks of the decade and shows the influence the 70's has had on recent high street and catwalk fashion.

 

Fifty Fashion Looks That Changed the 1950’s, 1960s and 1970s are all available from the Design Museum Shop, priced at £12.99.

Location: Design Museum, 28 Shad Thames, London, SE1 2YD

One To Watch: Beloved for Autumn/Winter 2012

Last week I was lucky enough to be invited along to Beloved's A/W 12 press day at the brands showroom, just off Oxford Street.

Though Beloved may be the new 'little sister' label of Darling (the go to label for pretty, vintage dresses) it is a totally new incarnation - a fun and flirty partywear with an eye on current fashions.

The debut collection features luxe fabrics - think velvet, lace and brocade - in a colour palette of metallics and monochrome alongside this season’s hottest tone; aubergine.  Embellishments such as sequins, beading and lace panels perfectly fit in with this season's baroque trend.

Statement pieces include shift dresses with a heavily bejewelled contrasting collars as seen below, jacquard cigarette pants, taffeta dresses, a metallic pleated skirt and a laser cut faux leather skirt - my favourite piece in the collection as seen above.


See look book images and where to buy after the jump.

More Apricot for A/W 12

Fashion brand Apricot has announced that it will be launching five concession departments in Outfit stores from the 31st of October.

The brand will launch into the following Outfit stores: Greenford, Edinburgh, Newbury and York. In addition, Apricot will also have a concession in the new Bedford Outfit store which opens on 28th November.

Apricot now has over 500 concessions and is already stocked in the likes of New Look. Known for their statement prints and flattering shapes, from stylish evening wear to cosy knits, Apricot focuses on seasonal trends at affordable prices.

To celebrate I've selected some of my favourite pieces from their A/W 12 range below.

Happy Shopping! x

You can see Apricot's full range online here.

Kobi Levi's 'Footwear Art' Pop-Up at Selfridges

Pioneering Israeli footwear designer Kobi Levi makes his UK debut with an exclusive pop-up boutique at Selfridges London yesterday.

Whilst sharks, mallards, cheerleaders and Madonna might not be typical reference points for shoe design, Kobi Levi looks to unexpected places to influence his hand-made creations which fuse footwear with fine art and sculpture.

It's no wonder these were the shoes of choice for Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' video (see below)
 

The collections will be introduced to the UK for the very first time in Selfridges’ Shoe Galleries - which happens to be the largest shoe department in the world. Believe me when I say I have got lost in there before.

 

Twenty-five styles from the collection will be available from the boutique, with prices ranging from £650 to £2,050. Each pair is limited-edition, with only twenty of each being available globally.

 

 

Matthew Williamson Joins Twitter

Exciting news everyone: Designer Matthew Williamson has chosen today (Monday 22nd October) to start tweeting!

The account @MWWorld sent its first tweet 2 hours ago, revealing intimate footage behind the scenes of Williamson's 15th Anniversay film 'XV'.

The backstage video is available to view now on YouTube and shows footage of Sienna Miller, Poppy Delevingne and Valentine Fillol-Cordier joining Matthew and a host of models on location at Aynhoe Park.

From the ballet choreography to close-up views of the gowns and an interview with the man himself this backstage pass is a definate must see - and enough to whet your appetite ahead of the official unveiling of the video in full next week.

Anthropologie presents h by Helen Bullock

Anthropologie is set to launch an exclusive capsule collection ‘h by helen bullock' with the
eponymous Central Saint Martin’s graduate, to be stocked in the UK and US from November.

Over the last few years, Helen Bullock has established herself as one of the UK’s most-promising fashion talents, showing at Vauxhall Fashion Scout for two seasons running and it was here that her designs' caught the eye of Anthropologie's buyers.

The three dresses show off Bullock's signature artistic prints - all hand painted or stencilled - which make a bold statement whilst staying feminine due to the cuts and draping.

 
‘h by helen bullock’ will be available from Anthropologie in the UK at www.anthropologie.co.uk from November 2012.

Brand Focus: We Are Knitters

Its time for my last knitwear designer profile now in celebration of the last day of Wool Week 2012.

Leading an entire movement of hip young knitters across the globe, We Are Knitters debuts their A/W 12 collection of beginner-friendly knitting kits alongside gorgeous ready made natural wool pieces in the UK.

The Spanish brand picked up on the craze during their travels through Greenwich village in New York and are now looking at working with selected stockists such as Urban Outfitters and ASOS to bring the brand to the UK.

The ready to knit kits each contain a different look for you to knit; tees, sweaters, vests, cardigans, scarfs and beanies come in four skill levels of their own  - meaning anyone can do it. Probably even me.

Gone are granny shades and dated patterns, We Are Knitters celebrates the reinvention of knitting, with chocolate, berry and cream shades and fashion forward styles.

The debut collection is available from selected boutiques and online here, with prices starting from £45.

Trend Alert: cosy knits for wool week

In celebration of Wool Week 2012 (15th - 21st October) this trend post is exclusively for cosy woollen knits.

However not just any knits are going to pass muster with me! So I've picked out some of the finest, cutest and craziest I can find on line.

From preppy Jil Sander to the cartoon inspired Phillip Lim all these pieces are pure wool or wool mixes guaranteed to keep you warm this winter.

Happy Shopping. x

1. Jil Sander, £360

2. J.W. Anderson for Topshop, £69.99

3. Paul & Joe, £135

4. Kenzo, £425

5. House of Holland, £345

6. Topshop, £48

7. Markus Lupfer, £305

8. Levis Made and Crafted, £180

9. 3.1 Phillip Lim, £390

Sneak Peek: Amy Hall S/S 13

As my second designer profile for Wool Week I'd like to share with you a sneak peek at knitwear designer Amy Hall's S/S 13 collection. 

Inspired by Hall's passion for travel and after an unsuccessful attempt to return to India earlier this year, she channeled this energy into a collection with a colourful palette that takes inspiration from traditional Indian dress.

Each piece is handmade by Hall and her small team in Dalston from silk and cotton yarns using a variety of hand-knitting techniques, including an open lattice stitch inspired by fishing nets. 

Collection highlights include the bold and dramatic Marari gown, the Ajanta lattice cardigan and the Kota long cardigan. Lighter separates are also incorporated such as loose vests and a mini dress for layering or wearing between seasons, as well as a classic short skirt.

I really like the way the look book images have been styled and though I don't usually think about wearing knitwear for summer Amy's collection definitley has me re-considering!

Biography: The latest collection is the designer’s fifth and follows the success of former collections including a three-piece concept collection for WSP Future Cities, where she was selected to represent London for an urban design project that was launched at a show in Stockholm earlier this year. To find out more about Amy just check out her website here.

Friday treat time: Jonathan Saunders designs scarf for Harvey Nichols

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Havery Nichols' Edinburgh store, Jonathan Saunders presented his A/W 12 collection last night to a host of fashion followers. 

 

 

The Edinburgh native has also designed and produced 50 limited edition cashmere and modal blend scarfs exclusively for Harvey Nichols Edinburgh. 

 

 

This 'Noveau Bird' scarf is a real collector’s edition and features a repeat print of multi-coloured house martins and stylised wisteria blooms.

 

 

If you are in need of a Friday treat this is the perfect antidote to the gloomy weather outside and sure to brighten up any outfit over the coming months.

The scarf costs £290 and is available to buy at the Edinburgh store or online here. Image Credit: From the Harvey Nichols website.

Sneak Peek: Katie Rowland's first cruise collection

British jewellery designer Katie Rowland is set to launch her first Cruise collection for the brand entitled Circe - after a mythical enchantress if you were wondering - this November.

The collection continues the designer’s fascination of Greek mythology (hence Circe) and geometric styling; offering strong, sculptural silhouettes with a distinct, feminine and elegant edge.

The collection interprets cat-like claws from Circe’s mythical beasts into rings, detailed cuffs, and striking claw drop earrings pictured below.

 

An art deco theme is also apparent throughout, especially across statement cocktail and solitaire rings and more delicate necklaces.

 

Across the line precious stones citrine and smoky quartz are combined with a warm palette of yellow and rose gold. Midnight blue stones are also set against the vibrant, turquoise of chrysoprase - a moody colour palette perfectly in step with fashion's dark side this season.

Biography: Katie studied jewellery at Central St. Martins after graduating in Graphic Design from Kingston University. Since launching, she has been named in the industries ‘Hot 100’ list compiled by ‘The Professional Jeweller’, awarded the ‘New Jewellery Designer of the Year’ at the UK Jewellery Awards 2011, the ‘Lonmins Design Innovation Award for Platinum’ as well as receiving the ‘Coutts New Jeweller Award’. You can check out her website for stockists here.

Chanel Exhibition: Instagramming The Little Black Jacket

On Sunday I headed over to the Saatchi Gallery on the Kings Road for a nosey at The Little Black Jacket Exhibition: Chanel’s classic revisited by Karl Lagerfeld and Carine Roitfeld.   

You’ll find a total of 113 photographs on display at the gallery that range from black and white to striking colour, modelled on a range of "friends of the House" - basically a selection of stunningly beautiful people such as models Stella Tennant, Edie Campbell, Milla Jovovich to celebrities like Alexa Chung and Sarah Jessica Parker.

What I enjoyed most about the exhibition was the way Lagerfeld has perfectly captured each individual personality, from those who have adapted the garment to reflect their own sense of style to the more straight-laced.

Below are some of my favourites, all in instagram naturally.

carine roitfeld styled as Coco Chanel herself

Kirsten Dunst strikes a pose

Model Behavious from Jourdan Dunn

Dakota Fanning is dark and gramatic with gothic eyeliner

Whilst her sister Elle is girly and sweet

See more after the jump

Introducing Blake LDN

This post has taken me awhile to get up so profuse apologies to the lovely Alice from the brand for my tardiness!

Never the less I would like to introduce Blake LDN to you – a new line of luxury knitwear with a twist.

Along with Danielle Romeril, Blake is a brand I first discovered during London Fashion Week this September and it was the beautiful simplicity, obvious quality and colour palette before me on the rail which immediately drew me over. Learning the story behind the collection is equally inspiring.

The brand’s mission is to create contemporary knitwear with a focus on sound sourcing and manufacturing. Blake promises to only collaborate with like minded people, celebrating the provenance of the garments through its Origins campaign film which shows the collection’s journey from design to completion, illustrating the craft and detail behind each piece.

Another nice touch is that each piece in the Blake collection is part of a numbered edition – a reminder that it has delivered on its promise of luxury. 

The capsule S/S 13 collection is knitwear at its cleanest and simplest - subtle and wearable - with the highest quality construction combining cotton, cashmere, angora’s and wool. Blake uses the most luxurious yarns – all made in the UK.

Tailored styles will avoid the dreaded knitwear sag whilst a sharp but concise colour palette includes fresh greens, blues and creams.

Biography: Heralding from London’s Central St Martins, Alice Ashby has previously worked as Assistant Knitwear designer at Rag & Bone in New York and co-founded luxury knitwear label The North Circular two years ago. She now launches her own line - Blake LDN – with a capsule S/S 13 collection this September. You can check out the website here.