Michelle Williams, 2006 in Vera Wang

Award season is one of favourite times of year, I love the thrill of staying up all night admiring the red carpet fashions, screaming at the TV for my idol to win a gong, and laughing at the OTT speeches – yes Gwyneth I am talking about you. For as long as I can remember the Oscars has been a routine of mine, I even used to hold my own viewing parties, I don’t think my pals would appreciate it as much now with me blogging away!!!

So with only a few hours until the first star hits the red carpet and gets interviewed by a terrible Ryan Seacrest I thought I would put together a few gowns that I would love to see, from classic Donna Karan and DvF to the intricate detailing of Elie Saab and Alberta Ferreti, and the sublime creations of red carpet specialists Marchesa, Jenny Packham and Oscar de la Renta. There are a lot of options but there are some gorgeous gowns in this list that I would love to see Emma Stone, Glenn Close, Viola Davis, Rooney Mara, Michelle Williams, Reese Witherspoon and Sandra Bullock wearing.

Day 3 was all about sustainable fashion label, Prophetik, which used to kick-start my London Fashion Week campaign but today was the only label that would get me out of bed. I was suppose to go backstage to this show but sadly my train got stuck outside Kings Cross so I only just made the show, which was a real shame as it would have been lovely to see this collection up close. Want to read more? Well head on over to my full review with more piccies.

With not many shows on my schedule I decided to check out the exhibition at Somerset House and my favourite section had to be the NEWGEN area. I have to admit I was a little disappointed to see it inside, for the past two seasons they have had little sheds outside on the Embankment, I also looked to see what this year’s collectable item was, last season it was bookmarks the season before postcards, if there was something this time around I didn’t find it. I did however find the amazing Christopher Raeburn, who as with Jeff Garner from Prophetik he cares about the environment in his designs.

Using reclaimed military fabrics and parachute silk this is a gorgeous collection of tailored outerwear rain-macs, sporty separates and a new range of bags completes the autumn/winter line-up. I have my eye on the parachute silk totes!!!

To mark their 10th anniversary supporting the NEWGEN talent scheme, Topshop has combined their high-street prices with 20 of the schemes alumni and a charity contribution to Centrepoint with a t-shirt collection. The line is fabulous and has something for everyone from my fav Holly Fulton graphic lips design to squirrel love by Peter Jensen, a floral beauty from Erdem, and a gorgeous print Mary Katrantzou. I loved the Topshop display with its exhibition vibe about it, and I loved the ice-cream van outside so I could pick up a tee, oh and can you spot my fav blogging pal Alex below??

Day two and I was off to another early start for Daks, which has also started to become a tradition and really kicks off my weekend nicely. As with every season Daks has taken inspiration from its British heritage, as well as the British landscape and architecture and designed some gorgeous pieces around its House Check. My favourite pieces had to be the gorgeous streams of outerwear with their circular seaming, quilting and panelled detailing – this season I have seriously be lusting after all the jackets. I also adored all the woven details added to tops and of course I also love the addition of pleats in any collection. Simply divine, in some ways Daks is kind of a minimalistic Burberry, which uses its heritage to produce great quality clothes, except without the huge venue, celeb-packed front row and masses of money.

Next up was Clements Ribeiro at the spectacular Goldsmith’s Hall, gorgeous high ceilings, fabulous chandeliers and the most amazing art collection. The collection itself had a fierce bohemian vibe about it with a bold colour palette and exquisite geometric patterns. I loved the styling, with dresses and skirts layered over leggings, the waists nipped in with wide belts, and finishing off the look were black, white and red elbow-length gloves. I do love knitwear and those longer length cardies are definitely on my autumn/winter 2012 wishlist.

No time to stop I then rushed over to Vauxhall Fashion Scout venue at the Freemasons Hall to check out Elisa Palomino, which just for the exquisite hair and make-up styling was worth rushing for. But this is a designer that really captured my attention and I am certainly looking forward to further shows.

I was starting to feel a bit like a pin-ball machine from Somerset House to Goldsmith’s Hall to Vauxhall Fashion Scout and then back to Somerset House’s Portico rooms for the Sister by Sibling salon show. But this was a show I was most looking forward to as they had styled Barbie for fashion week, and the brand is known for their outrageous knitwear. This season, the ‘Diamond Lil’ collection has a glamorous-yet-edgy feel about it, lots of vibrant colours, fun pom-poms, leopard animal prints, and sequins galore especially for the somewhat scary face masks – and all of which was styled by LOVE magazine’s Katie Grand.

John Rocha is always an amazing show, each collection seems to display the right mix of couture and ready-to-wear and for autumn/winter 2012 it was no different. Drawing inspiration from his memories of Hong Kong’s Happy Valley Race track and the patterns and colours of artist Sean Scully’s canvasses, which resulted in a mainly black collection.

The collection itself was a contrast of styles with elegant romantic maxi dresses to sporty biker jackets, statement outerwear, as well as pieces that had a rock ‘n roll vibe with the gorgeous textures of heavy crochet, velvets and felted wools. This is one stunning collection and I loved all the hand embroidery 3D floral appliqués and the finale gown is worthy of the red carpet.

[Pics: Style.com/Fashionista Barbie]

Who: Emma Stone

Where: At the 5th annual Essence ‘Black Women in Hollywood’ luncheon

Wearing: A white three-quarter sleeved Elie Saab Couture dress from the spring/summer 2012 collection, paired with Brian Atwood platform heels and a nude-toned clutch

Verdict: I love, love, love this Elie Saab dress, not only does Emma Stone look gorgeous in white totally pops against her striking hair colouring, but the fit-and-flare silhouette is perfection on her, but what I adore the most has to be the cotton-wool textured embroidery detailing.

This dress really is the perfect choice for a luncheon and I love that Emma wore it, what I am wishing though is that she had worn bright coloured accessories – maybe an electic blue heel or a Barbie pink clutch – this demure dress is calling out for a pop of colour.

What do you think – pop of colour of nude-tone accessories with this angelic dress?

[Pic: Elie Saab Facebook]

Who: Kristin Davis

Where: At the Vanity Fair and Ermenegildo Zegna Dinner in Los Angeles

Wearing: A H&M organic cotton apple green embroidered dress from its up-coming spring 2012 Conscious Collection, teamed with Jimmy Choo heels and a Rachel Roy OrphanAid ‘Ghana’ clutch

Verdict: It seems that H&M is the celebrity hotspot for red carpet looks at the moment, first Michelle Williams works an eco-look to the BAFTAs and then last week a host of celebs worked Marni for H&M at the collections launch party including Milla Jovovich, Drew Barrymore, and Winona Ryder. The latest celebrity to hit the high-street is Sex and the City star Kristin Davis who looks gorgeous in this apple green dress, which is reportedly going to sell for less than $70 – no UK price as yet, crazy really considering all that gorgeous embroidery on the front.

As well as the dress being affordable, her multi-coloured clutch is also only $49, plus it is for a good cause as proceeds from the sale of benefit OrphanAid, which helps children grow up in safe and permanent family settings with appropriate care and protection.

What do you think – do you like Kristin’s eco-friendly, affordable, doing her bit for charity look?

[Pic: H&M Facebook]

I am a little bit behind on my London Fashion Week reports, I blame my freelance commitments *which pay the bills*, so I thought it would be best to do round-ups of each day alongside reviews of my favourite shows. I always get excited about Day 1, it may not have the big hitters, but each season I have a packed schedule and it is always fun catching up with friends, watching the madness that is Somerset House, which seemed even crazier this year as the street-style snappers have quadrupled, and I get to see my one of my favourite designers, Corrie Nielsen.

First show was Antoni & Alison, marking their return to the catwalk and celebrating their 25th anniversary, it certainly woke me up with the music blaring and the very quirky announcer introduction of the brand. The collection itself, Models Walking Up and Down in Dresses, was simply just that streams of simply cut dresses, featuring eccentric prints such as brown paper bags, cellophane, feathers, glitter and sequins. This was definitely a different start to LFW than the usual Paul Costelloe that used to have this spot on the schedule, I have to admit I didn’t love it all, it did seem to go on forever, but what I did like was how all the models all sported short dark crops, and my favourite look has to be the slip-on tuxedo maxi dress, complete with a felt-tip bowtie and sew-on lapels – cute.

Next up was Corrie Nielsen, I know I have already written up my review of this gorgeous regal couture collection, but this was my first front row of the season, and what was special about it was the discovery of the very high-tech gear under the seat from Vodafone to recharge mobile devices. I know it was only the start of the day but it was fun charging up my phone.

I also bumped in my friend Fiona Fletcher, make-up/stylist extraordinaire, who brought her gorgeous poodle puppy, Tallulah – seriously cute, and totally makes me want a doggie.

Next up was Fashion Fringe 2011 winner’s Fyodor Golan and what a treat it was, not only was the collection amazing crazy couture genius but it was also my first show in LFW’s new showspace in the Embankment Gallery, which has a lovely long runway but a great intimate space.

Back to the main tent and it was the return of the Bora Aksu model army, which is always one of the best finales of any show. For autumn/winter 2012, the Turkish-born designer was inspired by Henry Darger’s pictures of The Vivian Girls in The Realms of the Unreal, which translated into a girlie-yet-dark romantic vision in a gorgeous colour palette of light shades of pink, peach, grey and burnt orange, as well as some exquisite prints, the designer’s first major foray and what a success.

I loved everything about this highly technical collection from the colours to the billowing babydoll silhouettes, striking cape jackets, fitted pencil skirts, and lots of bows and floral touches. This is one gorgeous range of clothes that I can’t wait to see up close at press days, also if there is one more show that features ‘face lace’ as seen also at Corrie Nielsen that I am going to call it a trend.

Then I went to the Savoy Hotel for Maria Grachvogel’s autumn/winter show, which is one of the most gorgeous locations – the ballroom has lots of beautiful chandeliers and suited the line’s Twenties meets modern-day free-spirited jazz girl perfectly. As always Maria delivered a glamorous line of floor-sweeping red carpet worthy gowns in jewelled shades with her signature draping detail. But there were also great tailored separates and outerwear, with her magic pants appearing in a cropped, cigarette leg and masculine slacks in wool tweed, but my favourite pieces had to be the cocoon jackets.

Back to the Embankment Gallery for Jean-Pierre Braganza’s ‘Chandelierium’ collection, which complete grabbed my attention with the gorgeous chandelier print on the invite. However, I had to wait until towards the end of the show for the chandeliers prints in violets and reds, which were striking on silk floor-skimming gowns, and it was a colourful end to a collection that was mainly black, grey and purple.

My second to last show was at the new Beautiful City venue for print masters Basso & Brooke, which was a gorgeous explosion of colour and clashing patterns in oversized jackets, tailored pants, and long-sleeve and sack-style dresses. The former Fashion Fringe winner’s also took their first steps into knitwear, and also showed off their new collaboration with the Cambridge Satchel Company, think the classic satchels with the duo’s striking prints – they looked amazing and I so want one!!!

My day ended with another former Fashion Fringe winner and possible one of my favourite labels for their understated luxury, Jena.Theo. Entitled Heavy Metal, the collection had a simplicity about it with silk chiffon shirts and printed evening dresses, and skinny jeans in varying washed-out greys, deep blacks and bleached blue washes. But as always their collection was full of their signature oversized, draped look, which still carries a very feminine feel about it. I loved all the leather detailing, the fringing, and I totally need a silk slouchy tee and this leather jacket below – gorgeous.

[All pics mine except Antoni & Alison from Style.com]

I always look forward to Holly Fulton’s show, I love her bold aesthetics filled with Art Deco geometric shapes and pops of colour, and Holly always has the most gorgeous pieces of jewellery. Last season, Holly took us on a seaside short break, for autumn/winter 2012 the Holly Fulton woman is channelling a little bit of Lady Chatterley, who has a thing for her gardener!!!

Holly Fulton really has come a long way and this collection has a seductive charm about it, with its sixties influences in the short shift dresses and the graphics influences of psychedelic pop artist Peter Max, teamed with floral inspiration taken from Edinburgh’s Botanic Gardens. This is a chic, lady-like collection with gorgeous boxy jackets, pencil skirts, sporty twinsets, and flirty cut-layered pleats and one of the brightest colour palettes I have seen this fashion week with her signature fuchsia pink hues and vibrant turquoise blues.

When watching this collection come down the runway I did ask myself why do more celebrities not work her looks, there were so many dresses that would work on the red carpet as well as press junkets, and I just hope more stylists get on board as these designs need recognition. I could totally see Reese Witherspoon working one of the hot pink numbers, and the black shift with metallic embroidery detailing would look lovely on Leighton Meester, and the quirky designs would work well on young starlets including Emma Stone and Clémence Poésy. I have to admit thinking about this I would love to see Holly Fulton do an eveningwear collection – I think her bold graphic signature would work well.

Oh and I can’t forget to mention the oversized pink furry bag – first look down the runway and I was completely in love!!!

[Pics: Courtesy of Holly Fulton/Talk PR & Holly snapped by me]

I love it when I discover a new designer, especially one as creative as Elisa Palomino, and her autumn/winter 2012 collection was simply divine full of gorgeous colours and opulent fabrics including velvet, silk and chiffon, with exquisite embroidery, ostrich feathers and avant-garde headpieces. Inspired by Florine Stettheimer’s book of poems ‘Crystal Flowers’, the collection captivated the era of the roaring twenties and was a gorgeous display of colours from vivid pinks and vibrant oranges, to deep purples.

What I loved most about this show had to be the drama, I loved all the velvet flapper dresses with intricate sequinned designs teamed with gorgeous feather boas by Zoe Sherwood and the red carpet worthy floor-sweeping gowns with oversized oriental motifs and florals, as well as the loose coats that hung off the models.

This collection was gorgeous and captivating, each look got my full attention and I was excited to see what was coming next down the runway. From the clothes to the colour, and the most gorgeous hair and make-up I have seen this fashion week. The fluorescent pink and purple wigs were striking, and the make-up done by The Body Shop team was just as dramatic with fierce eyebrows and a vibrant pop of colour on the lips – suited this collection perfectly.

I also have to say a little something about the very creative headpieces, which are having a bit of a moment this fashion week, I loved all the floral displays but my favourite had to be the flamingo – how cute is that.

There is always something romantic about Prophetik’s collections and after a season off, Jeff Garner’s sustainable fashion label has really developed its Southern Belle charm, that I just love. When at a Propketik show you can’t help but enjoy it, everything from the live musical accompaniment to the addition of wedding dresses, equestrian-style daywear, and the inclusion of some male models that would look at home on a cover of a Mills & Boon romance book cover, it always feel more than just a fashion show.

For autumn/winter 2012, the collection had a gorgeous selection of dresses from knee-length day dresses to floor-skimming gowns in hemp/silk blends and hemp wool plaid adorned with patch-work designs, lace, floral prints, vintage-looking military buttons, exposed zips, ruffles, culminating in a black finale gown with naturally shed ostrich feathers.

What I love has to be the Victorian sensibility of the line with the high-collars, which I have seen a lot of on the catwalks this fashion week, as well as the corset gowns, and the romantic hues of the colour palette with the pale shades of rose-pink, pistachio, dusky peach and snow-white.

One of my favourite looks has to be this pale pink gown, the corset, the lace cuffs, the ruffles, the laced-up bag, and the bow – simply divine.

The old-fashioned vibe of this label is what I adore, this is a designer who has a vision not only in design but also morally with his eco-friendly approach to fashion using earth-based dyes, vintage fabrics, and reviving elephant-painted prints in support of wildlife rehabilitation. He even used his captive audience to broadcast a very important message about the conservation of Rhinos with the help of his sponsor Lawrence Anthony Foundation in South Africa.

All too often designers gear their label around the commercial aspect, trends, and attempting to get a design slot on one of the big luxury labels, what I love about Jeff is his passion for fashion as well as his heritage, which always comes across in his beautifully crafted wears. Once again I was completely blown away by the collection – I wonder if I will ever be lucky enough to wear one of his gowns? One can dream right!!!

Not content with just modelling Sister by Sibling’s autumn/winter 2012 collection, my favourite doll Barbie took part in London Fashion Week with her own six-doll mini-exhibition within the NEWGEN space at Somerset House. Wearing the clothes seen in Sibling’s ‘Diamond Lil’ collection, Barbie look amazing in the funky knitwear, so much so I totally wish, hope, pray that Mattel bring out a collaboration that I can buy.

I do have to apologise for not getting great images but they were quite high up on a shelf and I wasn’t allowed to move them, which is why you can’t seen any of her shoes. Such a shame really as these beauties deserved to be showed off more.

My favourite two have to be the leopard-print dollies – how cute are they with their pom-pom headbands – I just love them.