The Fashion Voice

London Fashion Week: Day Two, In Pictures

2010-02-21T10:47:00.001Z

Saturday 20th February 2010...

House of Holland

Daks

Maria Francesca Pepe

Charles Anastase

Kinder Aggugini

Bryce Aime

Fashion East - Hekki Salonen

Fashion East - Michael Van Der Ham

Fashion East - Nasir Mazhar

Danielle Scutt

Romina Karamanea

Unique

Julian J Smith

Emilio de la Morena

Iris Van Herpen

Mark Fast

Mary Katrantzou

Belle Sauvage

Sado

John Rocha

Jacob Kimmie

Jasper Garvida

Ann Sofie Back

Holly Fulton

J Maskrey

PPQ

London Fashion Week: Day One, In Pictures

2010-02-20T21:40:00.006Z

Friday 19th February 2010...

Paul Costelloe

Orla Kiely

Charlie le Mindu

b Store

Maria Grachvogel

Aminaka Wilmont

Ramon Gurillo

Hakaan

David Koma

Body Amr

Bora Aksu

Ashley Isham

Jena.Theo

Felder Felder

Hannah Marshall

Jean Pierre Braganza

Sass & Bide

New York Fashion Week: Day Eight, In Pictures

2010-02-19T22:50:00.000Z

Thursday 18th February 2010...

Ralph Lauren

Isaac Mizrahi

L'Wren Scott

Calvin Klein

Tommy Hilfiger

New York Fashion Week: Day Seven, In Pictures

2010-02-18T21:44:00.000Z

Wednesday 17th February 2010...

Michael Kors

Oscar de la Renta

Jeremy Scott

3.1 Phillip Lim

Marchesa

Reed Krakoff

Anna Sui

Proenza Schouler

New York Fashion Week: Day Six, In Pictures

2010-02-16T21:44:00.000Z

Tuesday 16th February 2010...

Narciso Rodriguez

Sophie Theallet

The Row

Diesel Black Gold

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Max Azria

Rodarte

Vera Wang

Derek Lam

Elie Tahari

New York Fashion Week: Day Five, In Pictures

2010-02-16T19:34:00.002Z

Monday 15th February 2010...

Halston

Marc Jacobs

Monique Lhuillier

Donna Karan

Tracy Reese

Jill Stuart

Carlos Miele

Carolina Herrera

Zac Posen

New York Fashion Week: Day Four, In Pictures

2010-02-15T21:43:00.008Z

Sunday 14th February 2010...

Victoria Beckham

Thakoon

Diane Von Furstenberg

Herve Leger

DKNY

Malandrino

New York Fashion Week: Day Three, In Pictures

2010-02-14T21:43:00.001Z

Saturday 13th February 2010...

Prabal Gurung

Andy & Debb

Lacoste

New York Fashion Week: Day Two, In Pictures

2010-02-13T21:42:00.002Z

Friday 12th February 2010...

Preen

Jason Wu

Fashion For Relief

Nicole Miller

New York Fashion Week: Day One, In Pictures

2010-02-12T21:34:00.002Z

Thursday 11th February 2010...

Richard Chai

BCBG Max Azria

Belle Du Jour: Kristen Stewart

2009-11-23T22:04:00.018Z

Twilight fever has taken the world by storm, and it seems sultry star and leading lady, Kristen Stewart, is having a fantastic fashion moment. Wearing creations by top designers like Proenza Schouler, Gucci, Balenciaga and Herve Leger, Kristen accessorizes whatever she wears with major attitude...

Kristen Stewart photographed by Craig McDean for Interview

The November 2009 issue of Allure

The October Issues

2009-10-23T13:19:00.000+01:00

Words of wisdom from those in power this month...

"The words 'star' and 'icon' are tossed about rather carelessly these days."

Julie. L. Belcove, Editor, W Magazine, October 2009

"Fashion is Vogue's blood, but the connection between fashion and contemporary music grows ever stronger."
Alexandra Shulman, Editor, British Vogue, October 2009

"Christian Lacroix, in my view, led the way forward for the haute couture two decades ago by making it relevant and exciting for younger clients and for direction-watchers the world over."

Anna Wintour, Editor, American Vogue, October 2009

"It is London that leads the world in producing innovative designers and couturiers, and every year more talent streams from our colleges and universities."

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London and Guest Editor, British Elle Magazine, October 2009

"The core desire to look out best is not negated by a decline in disposable income... Because it's not our vanity that keeps beauty relevant. It's our humanity."

David DeNicolo, Contributing Editor, Allure Magazine, October 2009

Deja Vu - Designer to Highstreet...

2009-10-22T17:01:00.004+01:00

You look familiar, havn't I seen you somewhere before? Damn right you have, except I came with a significantly bigger price tag!

Check out Topshop's version of the A/W 09, Louis Vuitton, magenta mini. Exaggerated shoulders - check. Exaggerated hips - check. Tiny structured bodice - Check. This dress is perfect on so many levels. Oh and here's the best bit... the Topshop sale commenced online today and it's reduced from £50 to, wait for it, £25. Ker-ching!

Burberry Prorsum S/S10 Show Review

2009-10-20T11:54:00.004+01:00

It was the hottest ticket of London Fashion Week and the much-anticipated Burberry Prorsum Spring/Summer 10 show impressed a star-studded audience with perfect pastel shades and trench coats with attitude…

With a move from Milan to London, and a front row including Gywneth Paltrow, Liv Tyler, Mary-Kate Olsen and Victoria Beckham, Burberry Prorsum’s Creative Director, Christopher Bailey was under pressure to put on a good show and boy did he succeed.

The classic Burberry trench had been completely transformed and modernised into something young and fresh. Coats morphed into stunning mini dresses, while interesting silhouettes were created through structured, exaggerated shoulders.

To put it simply Bailey has given the trench a new-found attitude. The vibe emanating from the catwalk was this: It’s not just a coat, it’s a Burberry Prorsum trench coat.

However, it wasn’t all about the coats as Bailey also presented an exciting range of cardigans, mini skirts, bubble-hem dresses and skinny trousers all exhibiting intricately twisted detailing, adding variety to the collection.

Traditional Burberry shades of nude and beige were evident, but soft pastel tones of pink, lilac, silver, peppermint, pale green and blue made a delightful addition to the colour palette for spring.

Draped tulle dresses gave a youthful look, whereas duchess satin trench coats provided a glamorous, luxe feel for the season.

Waists were cinched in with belts in thick military styles and narrow brown leather varieties and sleeves were shortened to three-quarter length for the summer months.

Skyscraper platform sandals looked effortlessly cool worn with grey ankle socks, which is almost certainly going to be a big trend for spring/summer.

Glitter sprinkled from above as supermodels, including Lily Donaldson, Chanel Iman and Freja Beha Erichsen, strutted out onto the catwalk for the finale. As the closing show to the 25th Anniversary of London Fashion Week, the Burberry Prorsum show was like the icing on the cake. A fantastic ending to one of the greatest fashion weeks London has ever known.

Luella S/S10 Show Review

2009-10-20T11:50:00.005+01:00

For Spring/Summer 10 the Luella girl has grown up… Gone are the ditsy prints and layers of tulle we’ve come to expect from the former Voguette-turned-designer. Instead, in their place, Luella Bartley presented us with a more formal collection of fun, flirty dresses and pretty skirt suits.

More moderate than Bartley’s usual style, the collection still retains the tongue-in-cheek attitude of former collections.

A spectrum of colours was on offer ranging from muted tones of beige, black and white to louder shades of lemon, pale blue and bright red.

Dresses with sweetheart necklines, and even one with a cutout heart on the front, stole the show and are sure to sell like hot-cakes.

Skirts and dresses had high waistlines, accentuated with narrow belts in some cases. Silhouettes came in tulip shapes, some with padded hips for added volume. Whilst black tailored, knee-length shorts, and high-waisted polka dot trousers catered for those looking for a chic, less feminine look.

Well-made double-breasted wool coats worked as smart and elegant cover-ups, while skirt suits gave a pretty, grown-up style.

Bartley’s designs did not stop at the clothes as she also exhibited a collection of must-have boxy patent grab bags and shiny patent shoes, all topped off with cute girlish hair bows.
Luella’s spring collection may not be quite what we expected, but wearable, shapes in adorable, girly colours are sure to be a big hit for spring.

Kinder Aggugini S/S10 Show Review

2009-10-20T11:46:00.004+01:00

A collection of pretty, doll-like dresses inserted with juxtaposing dark fabrics, made up Kinder Aggugini’s ‘Loss Of Innocence’ Spring/Summer 10 collection.

With a mixture of textures and printed fabrics ranging from outsized polka dots and reptile prints to houndstooth tweed and fluorescent silk, the collection takes it inspiration from the darker elements of fairytales.

Tea-party frocks were ripped at the seams then reconstructed to create sexy, ragged, puffball dresses. Child-like curls created by hair stylist, Malcolm Edwards, and Cupid’s bow lips designed by makeup artist, Pat McGrath, both work to add to the sense of naivety and innocence.

“It’s that moment when, as a child, you realise that the stories you were told begin to reveal a different meaning. You begin to understand there is a dark underlying strand and the naivety goes,” explains Aggugini.

It’s not just about the dresses though… The collection also includes neat-fitted jackets, crafted with Aggugini’s Saville Row trained-eye and the look was topped off with hats created by London milliner, Stephen Jones.

As a Central St. Martins graduate, Aggugini has worked for top fashion houses including John Galliano, Vivienne Westwood, Calvin Klein and Versace, where he gathered a wealth of knowledge about fabrics.

With a prominent theme and fun, well-designed pieces, the ‘Loss of Innocence’ collection is creative, yet wearable and is one of the strongest collections on offer from London’s Spring/Summer collections.

John Rocha S/S10 Show Review

2009-10-20T11:40:00.004+01:00

Whimsical headpieces and ruffled mini dresses, contrasted with sculpted, sharper silhouettes made up John Rocha’s Spring/Summer 10 collection.

A palette of black and white was broken up with a rainbow of colours in shades of coral, green, peach, umber, almond and blue, dusted throughout with sparkling gold sequins.

Rocha used a range of textures to demonstrate his craftsmanship and to create a varied, interesting result including hand crochet that was treated and sculpted to create impressive silhouettes. Sheer panels were hidden throughout the collection within sculpted dresses and tops, adding an unexpected softness to sharp, clean lines.

Rocha had his work cut out with an A-list front row including milliner, Stephen Jones and Prime Minister’s Wife, Sarah Brown, but his diverse collection of jackets, trousers, jumpsuits, dresses and skirts was certainly impressive, oozing a distinctly delicate and dream-like quality.

Osman S/S10 Show Review

2009-10-20T11:28:00.006+01:00

In a single colour palette of white, accented with gold, Osman’s Spring/Summer 10 ‘White Collection’ offered simple and structured sharp silhouettes.

The absence of colour draws attention to the variety of fabric textures used including cheesecloths, blended silks and soft suedes in off-white shades.

Touches of gold used in patches and dip-dyed edges add a glossy, luxe-feel to the spring collection.

Kimono silhouettes mirror ethnical shapes of Japan while other, more abstract, shapes provide a futuristic, modern feel. Oversized eyelets looped through with jersey hint at a nautical theme for summer.

Echoing his Autumn/Winter 09 collection, Yousefzada has again produced interesting, trendy shades to accompany his collection that are sure to be hot sellers.

The ‘White Collection’ is all about crisp, cleans lines offering wearable, futuristic style for a pure, fresh look on hot summer days to come.

Paris Fashion Week: Day Nine, In Pictures

2009-10-20T11:26:00.003+01:00

Thursday 8th October 2009...

Giles

Paris Fashion Week: Day Eight, In Pictures

2009-10-20T11:17:00.012+01:00

Wednesday 7th October 2009...

RM by Roland Mouret

Kenzo

Wunderkind

Collette Dinnigan

Louis Vuitton

Elie Saab

Miu Miu

Talbot Runhof

Hermes

Dress 33

John Galliano

Paris Fashion Week: Day Seven, In Pictures

2009-10-20T11:13:00.009+01:00

Tuesday 6th October 2009...

Chanel

Jean-Charles De Castelbajac

Chloe

Valentino

Tim Hamilton

Alexander McQueen

Paris Fashion Week: Day Six, In Pictures

2009-10-20T11:07:00.008+01:00

Monday 5th October 2009...

Stella McCartney

Leonard

Guy Laroche

Giambattista Valli

Celine

Vanessa Bruno

Yves Saint Laurent

Paris Fashion Week: Day Five, In Pictures

2009-10-19T23:58:00.011+01:00

Sunday 4th October 2009...

Karl Lagerfeld

Andrew GN

Akris

Emanuel Ungaro

Costume National

Hussein Chalayan

Dries Van Noten

Kris Van Assche

Givenchy

Sonia Rykiel

Paris Fashion Week: Day Four, In Pictures

2009-10-19T23:51:00.012+01:00

Saturday 3rd October 2009...

Junya Watanabe

Haider Ackermann

Chapurin

Viktor & Rolf

Cacharel

Sophia Kokosalaki

Ann Demeulemeester

Comme Des Garcons

Jean Paul Gaultier

Loewe

Paris Fashion Week: Day Three, In Pictures

2009-10-19T23:44:00.011+01:00

Friday 2nd October 2009...

Issey Miyake

Gaspard Yurkievich

Bernard Willhelm

Christian Dior

Isabel Marant

Vivienne Westwood

Lanvin

Maison Martin Margiela

Veronique Leroy

Yohji Yamamoto

Paris Fashion Week: Day Two, In Pictures

2009-10-19T23:31:00.011+01:00

Thursday 1st October 2009...

Balenciaga

Manish Arora

Sharon Wachob

Balmain

Bruno Pieters

Rick Owens

Lutz

AF Vandevorst

Nina Ricci

Paris Fashion Week: Day One, In Pictures

2009-10-19T23:22:00.008+01:00

Wednesday 30th September 2009...

Anne Valerie Hash

Limi Feu

Felipe Oliveira Baptista

Peachoo & Krejberg

Gareth Pugh

Rue Du Mail

Milan Fashion Week: Day Five, In Pictures

2009-10-18T18:24:00.003+01:00

Monday 28th September 2009...

D Squared

Frankie Morello

Milan Fashion Week: Day Four, In Pictures

2009-10-18T17:55:00.010+01:00

Sunday 27th September 2009...

Marni

John Richmond

Etro

Missoni

Salvatore Ferragamo

Aquilano Rimondi

Gaetano Navarra

Ter Et Bantine

Milan Fashion Week: Day Three, In Pictures

2009-10-18T17:47:00.012+01:00

Saturday 26th September 2009...

Bottega Veneta

Max Mara

Roberto Cavalli

Emporio Armani

Iceberg

Moschino

Gucci

Brioni

Emilio Pucci

Milan Fashion Week: Day Two, In Pictures

2009-09-26T17:17:00.010+01:00

Friday 25th September 2009...

Byblos

Blumarine

Sportmax

Alberta Ferretti

Gianfranco Ferre

Haute

Versace

Jil Sander

Milan Fashion Week: Day One, In Pictures

2009-09-25T16:08:00.010+01:00

Thursday 24th September 2009...

Blugirl

Antonio Marras

Just Cavalli

Giorgio Armani

Moschino Cheap & Chic

Prada

Albino

CNC Costume National

London Fashion Week: Day Five, In Pictures

2009-09-25T14:45:00.011+01:00

Tuesday 22nd September 2009...

Peter Pilotto

Jeremy Scott

Erdem

Roksanda Ilinic

Jonathan Saunders

Nathan Jenden

Basso & Brooke

KTZ

Amanda Wakeley

Burberry Prorsum

London Fashion Week: Day Four, In Pictures

2009-09-24T23:34:00.016+01:00

Monday 21st September 2009...

Meadham Kirchhoff

Luella

Marios Schwab

Todd Lynn

Christopher Kane

Josh Goot

Jaeger London

House of Holland

Paul Smith

Felder Felder

Twenty8Twelve

William Tempest

Pringle

London Fashion Week: Day Three, In Pictures

2009-09-24T23:19:00.017+01:00

Sunday 20th September 2009...

Betty Jackson

Louise Goldin

Nicole Farhi

Qasimi

Jasper Conran

Julian James Smith

Matthew Williamson

Eley Kishimoto

Unique

Antonio Berardi

Falguni & Shane Peacock

Julian Macdonald

Vivienne Westwood Red Label

Richard Nicoll

Issa

London Fashion Week: Day Two, In Pictures

2009-09-20T16:54:00.018+01:00

Saturday 19th September 2009...

Mark Fast

Mary Katrantzou

John Rocha

Margaret Howell

Kinder Aggugini

Danielle Scutt

Osman

Ramon Gurillo

Jenny Packham

Hannah Marshall

Ashish

Charles Anastase

Pam Hogg

PPQ

London Fashion Week: Day One, In Pictures

2009-09-20T16:41:00.011+01:00

Friday 18th September 2009...

Paul Costelloe

Caroline Charles

Ashley Isham

Emilio De La Morena

Bora Aksu

Bernard Chandran

Sass & Bide

New York Fashion Week: Day Eight, In Pictures

2009-09-19T23:09:00.007+01:00

Thursday 17th September 2009...

Ralph Lauren

Isaac Mizrahi

Calvin Klein

New York Fashion Week: Day Seven, In Pictures

2009-09-19T23:04:00.009+01:00

Wednesday 16th September 2009...

Michael Kors

3.1 Philip Lim

Alexandre Herchcovitch

Anna Sui

Doo.Ri

New York Fashion Week: Day Six, In Pictures

2009-09-19T23:00:00.008+01:00

Tuesday 15th September 2009...

Badgley Mischka

Max Azria

Willow

Narciso Rodriguez

New York Fashion Week: Day Five, In Pictures

2009-09-19T22:55:00.009+01:00

Monday 14th September 2009...

Marc Jacobs

Zac Posen

Carolina Herrera

Carlos Miele

Jill Stuart

Donna Karan

New York Fashion Week: Day Four, In Pictures

2009-09-19T22:48:00.011+01:00

Sunday 13th September 2009...

Erin Fetherston

Tuleh

Derek Lam

DKNY

Herve Leger by Max Azria

Diane Von Furstenberg

Y-3

New York Fashion Week: Day Three, In Pictures

2009-09-19T22:44:00.006+01:00

Saturday 12th September 2009...

Lacoste

Andy & Debb

Chado by Ralph Rucci

New York Fashion Week: Day Two, In Pictures

2009-09-19T22:43:00.003+01:00

Friday 11th September 2009...

Nicole Miller

New York Fashion Week: Day One, In Pictures

2009-09-19T22:39:00.006+01:00

Thursday 10th September 2009...

BCBG by Max Azria

The September Issues

2009-09-15T10:32:00.002+01:00

Words of wisdom from those in power...

"This season, getting noticed means testing limits, so follow what the man sang and 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough'."

Interview, September 2009

"September is historically our biggest fashion issue - the one in which we bring you the Vogue take on the new season."

Alexandra Shulman, Editor, Vogue (UK), September 2009

"Everyone bats the word passion around these days that it has virtually become meaningless."

Katie Grand, Editor, Love, September 2009

On Michael Jackson: "Perhaps he was trying to construct a mask out of plastic surgery, implants, injections, and makeup in order to hide his true self, whatever that was."
Linda Wells, Editor in Chief, Allure, September 2009

"Fashion is so often presented in the culture as a thing of froth, which, of course, it partly is; but the bubbles are blown with care and a sense of values."
Anna Wintour, Editor in Chief, Vogue (US), September 2009

"Is our world getting smaller or are there just more people doing more intelligent and exciting things and getting them out there in faster and more futuristic ways?"

Mr. V, V, September 2009

Portfolio: Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott

2009-09-14T13:40:00.009+01:00

Fashion photography at it's best in some of Mert & Marcus's recent work...

'Cameron's New Groove'

Cameron Diaz - V - Fall Preview 2009

Styled by: Panos Yiapanis

'Into The Woods'

Natalia Vodianova - Vogue (US) - September 2009

Styled by: Grace Coddington

'd'

Diane Kruger - Interview - September 2009

Styled by: Ludivine Poiblanc

'Gloria'

Lara Stone - Vogue (Paris) - Septembre 2009

Styled by: Carine Roitfeld

En Vogue

2009-08-28T13:34:00.022+01:00

Legendary Fashion Photographers Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin have produced a fabulous collection of shots for French Vogue's Aout 09 issue. The shots consist of top models such as Lara Stone, Raquel Zimmerman and Natasha Poly, modelling the Autumn/Winter 09 looks of no less than 64 designers! Styled by Emmanuelle Alt, Joe McKenna and French Vogue Editor, Carine Roitfeld, the shots provide a detailed reminder of what we'll be wearing this winter...

Cover Look: Burberry

Left: Yves Saint Laurent, Right: Marc Jacobs

Left: Givenchy, Right: Chanel

Left: Louis Vuitton, Right: Balmain

Left: Vivienne Westwood, Right: Moschino

Left: Miu Miu, Right: Alberta Ferretti

Left: D&G, Right: Jean Paul Gaultier

Left: Balenciaga, Right: Paul Smith

Left: Blumarine, Right: Sonia Rykiel

Left: Kenzo, Right: Versace

Kate's New Collection

2009-08-27T18:38:00.013+01:00

Kate Moss's Autumn/Winter Collection for Topshop is on sale from today. Need I say more? Check out what's available in the stunning promotion photography below...

Belle Du Jour: Emma Watson

2009-07-15T09:32:00.006+01:00

A/W 09 Burberry Campaign shot by Mario Testino

British Elle, August 2009

Teen Vogue, August 2009

Emma Watson is quickly becoming a British style icon. Having appeared in numerous fashion magazines across the globe, the 19-year-old actress now fronts the A/W 09 Burberry campaign.

Markus Lupfer for Topshop

2009-07-14T13:36:00.000+01:00

Six words.... I heart sweaters by Markus Lupfer.

Imagine my delight at the realisation that the designer has collaborated with Topshop, again, and created a fabulous range of sweaters! The combination of cutting-edge sequin designs on light cashmere makes these delightful garments must-have items for any fashionista.

The range consists of five designs, priced at £85 and goes on sale in flagship Topshop stores nationwide and at Topshop.com on 15th July.

Haute Couture in Paris - Fall 2009

2009-07-13T08:34:00.013+01:00

Fall 09 fashion at its finest in Paris...

Valentino

Stephane Rolland

Maison Martin Margiela

Jean Paul Gaultier

Givenchy

Elie Saab

Dominique Sirop

Christian Lacroix

Christian Dior

Chanel

Giorgio Armani Prive

Alexis Mabille

Big It Up for Beth Ditto

2009-07-12T20:03:00.005+01:00

Celebrity endorsed collections are seemingly going from strength to strength. Predecessors in the field of celeb collections include Kate Moss for Topshop, Lily Allen for New Look, Madonna for H&M... the list goes on. But never before has a celebrity put their stamp on a collection for trendy, cool, fashionistas of a larger size.

Step forward Beth Ditto. Her collection for Arcadia's plus size clothing store, Evans, injects youth, fun and sparkle into the usually unexciting store. Comprised of statement sequin pieces, jumper dresses, fearless figure hugging dresses and printed leggings, the collection encourages women to embrace their curves... Diet? What diet?!

The French Touch

2009-06-08T16:48:00.004+01:00

Yet again French Vogue tops the charts with wonderful photography this month. The current Juin/Juillet 209 issue of the magazine includes a fun, youthful, flirty set of pictures shot by Terry Richardson and styled by Emmanuelle Alt. The French edition of Vogue remains one of my favourite magazines, however, I'm concerned that it appears to have reduced it's frequency to bi-monthly. Ahem!

'Flora' by Gucci

2009-06-08T15:40:00.005+01:00

It's fair to say that the Gucci 'Flora' Perfume Advert, shot and directed by Chris Cunningham is simply AMAZING. Shot over 4 days in Latvia in July last year, the advert, which includes a soundtrack made up of Donna Summer's 'I Feel Love' really is breathtaking.

The model in the ad is Australian beauty, Abbey Lee, and the commercial was recorded in a field filled with 20,000 white artificial flowers.

The print campaign

Stills from the commercial

Change is in store for London Fashion Week...

2009-06-08T15:16:00.009+01:00

Not only has the official British Fashion Council tent been given a new home in the form of Somerset House, but it seems some old London favourites are flocking back to their British roots and are choosing to show in London...

Pringle of Scotland and Burberry Prorsum have both ended their love affair with Milan, choosing to show their Spring/Summer 10 collections in London, whereas Matthew Williamson has abandoned New York and will also be showing his collection on this side of the pond.

London Fashion Week is well known world-wide for oozing with creative talent and with great headline designers such as these, the September shows are not to be missed!

Milan: Pringle of Scotland A/W 09

New York: Matthew Williamson A/W 09

Milan: Burberry Prorsum A/W 09

Costume Institute Gala 2009

2009-05-06T14:51:00.053+01:00

Celebrities, supermodels and the fashion elite gathered at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday night for the pre-opening gala of the 'Model as Muse' summer exhibition. But what did they wear? Here's the pictures...

Marc Jacobs and Kate Moss wearing one of his designs.

Marc Jacobs

Anne Hathaway, Victoria Beckham

Stella McCartney

Kate Hudson, Liv Tyler

Dolce & Gabbana

Molly Sims, Rihanna

Marchesa

Bar Rafaeli, Kate Beckinsale

Louis Vuitton

Leighton Meester, Madonna

Chanel

Diane Kruger, Anna Wintour

Atelier Versace

Claudia Schiffer, Jessica Biel

Versace

Blake Lively, Cindy Crawford

Calvin Klein

Hilary Swank, Eva Mendes

Beyonce's Balmain Moment

2009-05-06T13:55:00.005+01:00

It seems that singer Beyonce has developed an obsession with designer du jour, Balmain. Looking great in the S/S 09 military style jacket and the black sequined LBD with train from the A/W 09 collection, Beyonce's current fascination with the French fashion house looks set to stay.

Sailor Chic

2009-05-01T09:53:00.003+01:00

D&G

This week the high street seems to be flooded with stripes, anchors and anything else of a nautical nature. Bell bottom trousers, rope detail and espadrilles are the best way to wear this look. In a colour palette of navy, white and red, sailor chic is set to be a big hit this summer.

This trend sprung up all over the runways during the Spring/Summer 09 shows with sailor influences noticeable at D&G, Michael Kors, Emporio Armani and Hussein Chalayan and there's no time like the present to stock up on this maritime trend.

London is my Fashion Playground...

2009-04-23T18:48:00.012+01:00

The shot used in the Matthew Williamson for H&M ad campaign

It's not very often that temperatures soar in London, especially in April, but believe it or not, right not we're experiencing a HEATWAVE. Yes, waking up this morning the weather is glorious, again! I simply cannot stay in my Hoxton flat glued to my laptop today. Temptation is all around to go outside and the weather is not the only attraction...

Today is St. Georges Day and a celebration of all things English, but it is also the day that the eagerly anticipated Matthew Williamson for H&M line launches in selected stores nationwide. With this in mind there's only one destination on my radar, the flagship H&M store on Regent Street.

I set off early and head to the West End. On the way I check Twitter, where I learn that there has been some fashion-mad people queuing outside of the store since 6:30 this morning! Hmm, they must be devoted fans, there maybe nothing left!

I arrive to find the queue has disappeared and, thankfully, there's still plenty of vividly printed, floaty dresses left to satisfy me. The collection is impressive, with a combination of tough studded, leather waistcoats, silk blouses in shades of fuchsia and lime, a silk khaki coloured jumpsuit, a shiny blue tuxedo and vibrant printed dresses.

Some of the items from the first Matthew Williamson for H&M collection

Nicky Hilton wearing a shift dress and clutch bag both from the collection

Unfortunately, I'm too late for the bright pink tulip dress, zip leather jacket and Williamson's signature printed maxi dress (the most expensive item at £199.99). It seems the early crowd has completely consumed every last one of these delicious garments. They still hang in the window, though, and I gaze there for a while, before I leave with my purchase of a vivid blue, aqua and turquoise, leather patchwork clutch.

My purchase: the blue metallic, leather clutch with Matthew Williamson clasp

After my Matthew Williamson fix, I'm off to Carnaby Street to visit the 'White Dress Project' exhibition at the London College of Fashion space.

While I'm in the area, I cross to Hanover Street and wander past Vogue House. I get butterflies in my stomach as I remember that it was only last week that I submitted my 2009 Vogue Talent Contest entry. Fingers crossed!

I walk through Hanover Square gardens before I head on to Oxford Street. Stopping at Uniqlo, I'm impressed by the collection of around 300 statement tees on offer. I walk further up the street and I'm drawn into River Island by a Union Jack, oversized, leather handbag. Priced at £180, this delightful piece of British arm candy is now on my 'wish' list.

Distractions, distractions, where I'm really heading is to the top of Oxford Street to the flagship New Look store. Today the seventh Gold by Giles Deacon collection is launched in store, bravely choosing to go head-to-head with Matthew Williamson's H&M debut so I'm eager to check out the competition.

The collection is more affordable and the shades of coral, white and royal blue are attractive. It's made up of lots of casual pieces with the odd piece of statement party/evening wear. Embellishment and sequin is a feature that Giles Deacon has carried through from his earlier Gold collections, making this range sparkly and saleable.

I head to Starbucks to gather my thoughts whilst one of my favourite songs plays: The Sea by Morcheeba. 'I left my soul there... down by the sea...' Bliss!

As much as I've enjoyed my day of high street shopping whilst soaking up the sun, I'm aware that I must get back and work on the magazine I have in the pipeline. But, firstly, I make time for a trip to the new Dolce & Gabbana cosmetics counter in Selfridges... Happy days!

Project Runway

2009-04-16T00:10:00.006+01:00

Leanne Marshall has become the winner of the fifth series of the American version of Project Runway. Aired on British TV this week, Leanne beat the competition with her stunning, intricate designs, inspired by waves and the ocean.

Bagging the prize of $100,000, Leanne has since started up her own clothing line: LeAnimal. Her designs featured in a fashion story in Elle magazine, modelled by her Project Runway model, Tia.

Garments from LeAnimal are made to order and can be purchased from leannemarshall.com.

Leanne Marshall's Spring/Summer 09 Collection as seen on Project Runway at Bryant Park.

All That Glitters

2009-04-07T17:38:00.004+01:00

Admittedly I'm an avid fan of all things of a sparkly nature, so imagine my excitement when I came across this 'Stardust' fashion spread in the April 09 issue of W magazine. Shot by fashion photographers Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, the glittering shoot was styled by Camilla Nickerson...

Belle Du Jour: Scarlett Johansson

2009-04-07T17:08:00.006+01:00

You know you've reached the big time when you appear on the cover of none other than French Vogue, which is exactly what Scarlett Johansson has achieved this month. Arguably THE best fashion magazine on the market, the April 09 issue of the magazine pays tribute to Scarlett and her womanly curves, with references to fifties icon, Marilyn Monroe.

As the face of Dolce & Gabbana's new cosmetics line which is being launched this month, it seems Mademoiselle Johansson's modelling career is going from strength to strength...

Shot for French Vogue in Los Angeles by Mario Sorrenti.

The new D&G cosmetics campaign.

Topshop In The City

2009-04-03T18:49:00.008+01:00

Saavy New York shoppers were delighted by the arrival of Topshop into the Big Apple yesterday. Queuing from 6am, the crowd was eager to see what the British high-street brand had to offer. The new flagship store occupies 25,000 ft and is located in SoHo.

The opening was a very British affair, with many Union Jacks and crowns celebrating the 'Britishness' of the brand. Standing atop a podium arm-in-arm, Topshop boss, Sir Philip Green and supermodel, Kate Moss officially open the store to the American public.

The opening of the new Manhattan store coincided with the launch of the Spring/Summer 09 Kate Moss for Topshop collection. Kate used the opportunity to model one of her designs: a vivid green floating dress with thigh-high splits, which can be purchased from the new collection. The collection consists of feminine floral and Liberty print dresses, as well as tough, edgy jackets and sharp, sexy silhouettes. Here's a taster...

Acid Wash

2009-03-31T18:47:00.009+01:00

Hours of fun were to be found in one of the best items I purchased this month... Plastique magazine. The current S/S 09 issue includes some great stories and dazzling shoots, my favourite being the Acid Wash beauty story. Rainbow brights jump off the white pages and the look oozes some serious attitude. Simply fabulous! Check it out...

Belle Du Jour: Adele Adkins

2009-03-22T11:42:00.004Z

Adele at the Grammy Awards 2009

Having been styled by none other than American Vogue editor, Anna Wintour for the 51st Grammy Awards, Adele Adkins has since been catapulted to fashion fame.

Adele looked stunning as she collected her Grammys for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

With fashion friends, such as Wintour, in high places it seems this North London girl can do no wrong in the style stakes.

Paris Fashion Week

2009-03-13T21:32:00.001Z

So far we've seen what Autumn/Winter 09 has in store for us from New York, London and Milan, but Paris fashion week has been eagerly anticipated. Paris is branded as the fashion capital of the world and all of fashion's big players flocked to the french capital to show their collections. With some fantastic fashion from the fashion houses of Jean Paul Gaultier, Chanel, Christian Dior, Balenciaga and Alexander Mcqueen (to name just a few), no-where in the world does fashion week as well as Paris. Here's some of the best bits...

Thursday 12th March 2009: Day Nine

Miu Miu

Louis Vuitton

Chapurin

RM by Roland Mouret

Wednesday 11th March 2009: Day Eight

John Galliano

Hermes

Limi Feu

Chloe

Collette Dinnigan

Wunderkind

Elie Saab

Tuesday 10th March 2009: Day Seven

Alexander McQueen

Antonio Berardi

Valentino

Jean-Charles De Castelbajac

Chanel

Monday 9th March 2009: Day Six

Yves Saint Laurent

Manish Arora

Viktor & Rolf

Stella McCartney

Sunday 8th March 2009: DayFive

Sonia Rykiel

Givenchy

Christian Lacroix

Dries Van Noten

Hussein Chalayan

Costume National

Emmanuel Ungaro

Karl Lagerfeld

Saturday 7th March 2009: Day Four

Jean Paul Gaultier

Comme Des Garcons

Ann Demeulemeester

Loewe

Jeremy Scott

Haider Ackermann

Friday 6th March 2009: Day Three

Yohji Yamamoto

Maison Martin Margiela

Lanvin

Vivienne Westwood

Isabel Marant

Christian Dior

Gaspard Yurkievich

Issey Miyake

Thursday 5th March 2009: Day Two

Nina Ricci

Lutz

Balmain

Sharon Wauchob

Balenciaga

Wednesday 4th March 2009: Day One

Rue Du Mail

Anne Valerie Hash

Milan Fashion Week

2009-03-03T23:03:00.004Z

Fashion week continues and this week it's Milan that's in the spotlight. With big shows from the designer fashion houses of Gucci, Prada and Dolce and Gabbana, Milan Fashion Week brought glamorous high fashion to a celebrity front row, including Scarlett Johannson, Naomi Watts, Kate Hudson and Eva Mendes...

Day Six: Monday 2nd March 2009

Dolce & Gabbana

Versace

Pollini

Fendi

John Richmond

Valentin Yudashkin

Les Copains

D Squared

Day Five: Sunday 1st March 2009

Prada

Salvatore Ferragamo

Etro

Roberto Cavalli

Marni

Day Four: Saturday 28th February 2009

Gucci

Krizia

Albino

Moschino

Iceberg

Emilio Pucci

Sportmax

Blumarine

Bottega Veneta

Day Three: Friday 27th February 2009

Jil Sander

Alberta Ferretti

Burberry Prorsum

Gianfranco Ferre

Giorgio Armani

CNC Costume National

Day Two: Thursday 26th February 2009

Moschino Cheap & Chic

Missoni

Emporio Armani

Blugirl

Frankie Morello

A Day in the life of a Fashion Week Virgin

2009-02-24T23:10:00.006Z

Tuesday 24th February
Day Five of London Fashion Week

The day has come... it's my fifth and final day of London Fashion Week. It's an early start this morning, kicking off with the New Generation winners; Mark Fast and Mary Katrantzou showing at the British Fashion Council tent at 9am.

I arrive on time and join the ever-growing press queue. People waiting are muttering about how they think this show is going to be a good one as it's been eagerly anticipated. It's running late, but I suspect that's due to the difficulty of getting a sleepy-eyed fashion crowd to the front row at this early hour.

The show begins... First up it's Mark Fast. Showing a collection of sexy, body-con knitted dresses in shades of black, orange and dusky pink, his second sizzling collection is well-received by the audience.

After a ten-minute show the lights dim and I give the Mary Katrantzou press release a quick look. It has only one line which reads: "A woman who doesn't wear perfume has no future," Coco Chanel. The lights come up and British model Jourdan Dunn struts onto the catwalk in a beautiful silk shift dress printed with a stunning perfume bottle, which accentuates all the best bits of an hourglass shape. Simply gorgeous.

As I leave the tent, I wander past Erin O'Connor who is being photographed by a large number of photographers. I'm heading to the Science Museum for the Osman Yousefzada show. The Autumn/Winter 09 collection offers an icy pastel palette in shades of cream, white, pale blue and gold. Textures of wool , cashmere and jersey form the basis of the stuctured, simple collection but what I'm really interested in is those gold aviator-style sunglasses. They are wonderful!

After the show I drink the complimentary pomegranate Pre-tox drink which had awaited my arrival on my seat. Tasty, yet I havn't quite got my head around the idea of a Pretox just yet.

I hang around in the press lounge for the Ashley Isham show and Tess Daly waltzes past wearing a striking electric blue body-con bandage dress with a delightful red heart-shaped bag. Also here to see the show is Beverley Knight. Oh and there's Erin O'Connor again.

Ashley Isham Show: Beverley Knight, Tess Daly and Erin O'Connor in the front row.

I'm now heading over to Vauxhall Fashion Scout for the Avsh Alom Gur show. The tongue-in-cheek 'credit crunch' designs make me giggle and the show is enjoyable.

Next I'm off to meet a friend to head to the Mayfair for lunch, but not before I pop to the M.A.C studio in the tent for a makeover. They send me on my way with dark smokey eyes and a bag full of free products. It's a hard life.

My sixth and final show of the day is Bora Aksu at the Science Museum. I'm sitting in the second row having a sneek peek at my Bora Aksu goody bag which consists of nail varnish and eyeliner and the lights come up. The collection of floaty baby-doll dresses and punky leggings detailed with gold hoops is a great way to end my fashion week experience.

It's been exhausting but I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Roll on next season.