La Petite Anglaise

Introducing BENGT Fashion...

2012-03-12T03:21:00.000-07:00

Ok, before assuming that I'm going to tell you about yet another online store offering the exact same thing and flicking to the next page in irritation, hold on a second. This particular site isn't just a Net-a-Porter knock off. No, BENGT Fashion is an online boutique with a difference. FYI, I'm not saying there's anything wrong with stocking the regular role call of big name brands that appear everywhere from Collette to Harvey Nicks. I mean, Isabel Marant and Prada are incredible, hence why every shop and shopper in the world wants a piece of them. But what, in my opinion, sets BENGT apart from the rest is that it's all about sourcing, selling and therefore supporting the next generation of fashion talent. Rising stars Eudon Choi, Danielle Foster, Elliot Atkinson and Louise Amstrup all feature, alongside never-before-seen stunners from unknown fash grads. On top of that, the newly relaunched site also includes editorials, styling tips and of course, a cutting edge fashion blog.

1) Louise Amstrup Brooklyn Bridge T-shirt Dress, £297

2) Lauren Barfoot Silk Print Scarf, £170

3) Sager Forsberg Petrol Blouse, £235

4) Danielle Foster Caia Bag, £520

5) Louise Amstrup Sunset Dress, £249

6) MOXHAM Large Citrine Patent Clutch, £120

7) MOXHAM Small Pink Clutch, £90

8) Sager Forsberg Petrol Long Dress, £295

Let's be honest, whether it's Armani or Primarni no one wants to arrive at a party to find they're wearing the same dress as five other people and that, my friends, is precisely the brilliance of BENGT Fashion. If you're anything like me then you're probably going into new season shopping overdrive right now. If you're really like me, then you're no doubt suffering the financial results. Well luckily for us, BENGT are offering La Petite Anglaise readers (and writer, I hope) 20% off everything on the site between now and April 7th. The code for this delightful discount is ELLA20... Happy shopping!

Love Ella. X

La Petite Party Diaries: Juicy Couture & Fifi Lapin Masquerade

2012-03-11T07:08:00.000-07:00

I know it's the run up to Christmas that's usually known as "party season" but in fashion, the festive period lasts long after we've binned our advent calendars, got bored of our presents and packed away our novelty jumpers. This week was a particularly busy one for me with champagne at Tiffanys on Monday, the Monki store launch on Thursday and the subject of this particular party post slap bang in the middle. For SS12 blogger Fifi Lapin has teamed up with Juicy Couture to design a selection of gorgeous gifts and in true fashion form, they decided to host a nice, big bash to celebrate. As anyone who's so much as glanced at Fifi Lapin's blog will know, everything about the world's most stylish bunny is adorable beyond belief. Combine that with a company famed for being the ultimate girly girls' go-to brand and there you have a collection of goodies so darned cute it almost hurts to look at them. Naturally the party was equally delish and we were treated to custom made cocktails and Fifi Lapin cupcakes served by a bevvy of extremely good looking waiters.

I'm a sucker for a lovely shop so any excuse to spend an evening at Juicy Couture's divine Mayfair store works for me, but I'm pleased to report that Fifi's latest creations are every bit as covetable as expected... I also spotted a couple of colour-pop polo shirts (my one man mission to bring them back starts here) that I might have to return for asap.

Love Ella. X

La Petite Party Diaries: Upper Street Celebrates 2nd Birthday

2012-03-10T08:10:00.003-08:00

What with Fashion Month finally over, you'd be forgiven for thinking that style setters all over the world would be kicking back and enjoying some well deserved R&R. I mean, it's not exactly ridiculous to assume that all the journalists, editors, bloggers and buyers who've spent the past six weeks running on minimal sleep and maximum caffeine might be entitled to a few days off. But of course, that's not the case and the fact that fashion week's finished sure as hell doesn't mean that the fashion calendar is any less packed. The AW12 press days are just around the corner and the past couple of weeks have been packed with more parties that even the most committed of social butterflies could hope to attend. Then again, getting a sneak peek at next seasons designer goodies and spending the evenings sipping champagne is hardly cause for complaint. One such stylish soiree was bespoke shoe brand Upper Street's second birthday bash which they held at the W hotel last week. Like most 20 year old girls, few things make me happier than open bars and delicious footwear so any event that combined the two was always going to be right up my street. In between ogling the AMAZING shoe display and ransacking the cocktail and canape supplies I compared fashion week war wounds (mainly high heel induced) with fellow bloggers Ella Gregory of Coco's Tea Party and Danielle of Fashionista Barbie. We mingled, we munched, we drank far too much bubbly and at the end of the evening we came away with damn good goodie bags... All in all, not a bad birthday party!

Wall of shoes!

The Upper Street ladies: Julia, Lisa, Katie & Lizzy

Moi

Shoes, glorious shoes!

Love Ella. X

La Petite Weekly Wish List...

2012-03-09T02:13:00.000-08:00

Is it just me, or are the weeks absolutely flying by at the moment? I know that's a pretty lame way to start a post but the passing of time (much like the weather) is one of those deeply boring things that never ceases to fascinate me. I'm certainly not complaining though as now Winter is officially over and I'm ready to shop, shop, SHOP... Or at least I would be if I hadn't already spent the entire contents of my bank account on a Mulberry handbag. Still, there's no harm in looking is there?

1) Jonathan Saunders Oval cotton sweater, £358, available at Matches
2) Acne Sensational denim trousers, £190, available at Matches
3) Chloe metallic texture leather pumps, £315, available at Net-a-Porter
4) Miu Miu tortoiseshell sunglasses, £190, available at Harrods
5) Lipstick red extra-large snakeskin lip clutch, £475, available at Lulu Guinness
6) Theykens Theory Jezir Friend metallic tweed blazer, £550, available at Net-a-Porter
7) Chloe Madeleine patent duffel bag, £1370, available at Net-a-Porter
8) Carvela Anna Glitter Heels, £120, available at Kurt Geiger
9) Marc by Marc Jacobs A-line neon mini, £235, available at Matches
10) Miu Miu lace bow silk top, £365, available at Net-a-Porter

Love Ella. X

Look Du Jour: Little Bit Kitsch

2012-03-08T01:46:00.001-08:00

Dress & Clutch: Monki, Shoes: Topshop

Fashion is a very fickle friend. Just as last August I was sick to death of summer, I'm now SO over AW11 that if I see another chunky knit I might actually scream. The rich autumnal hues and plush velvets that not-so-long ago dominated my wish list have been replaced with pretty pastels, floral prints and broderie anglaise. London's weather finally seems to be catching up with the fashion calendar so I've decided it's high time to forsake my sweaters in favour of something a little lighter... And what better way to put a Spring (sorry, couldn't resist) in your step than with a healthy dose of kitsch? Polkadots, bow detailing and novelty clutch bag, oh my! Monki are right on the money with this tongue-in-cheek-chic ensemble which I'll be wearing to their store launch party tonight.

Love Ella. X

Oops they did it again...

2012-03-06T13:55:00.001-08:00

What is it about Burberry ad campaigns... they're always so goddamn gorgeous! It's probably something to do with the super hot model/would-kill-for-that clothing/Mario Testino combination... I mean, if there were ever a recipe for a stella shot that's it. Just when I thought my Eddie Redmayne obsession couldn't get any, well, sadder, Christopher Bailey goes and books him and Cara for yet another gorgeous set of snaps. To be honest I'm not sure which I'm more in love with, Eddie or his shades...

Love Ella. X

Look Du Jour: Check Take 2

2012-03-06T11:21:00.001-08:00

Shirt: H&M (again), Skirt: American Apparel (yes, again), Bag: Marc Jacobs,
Shoes: Tods

Having returned from the Gucci trip nearly two weeks ago now I frankly have NO excuse to be sticking to comfortable clothing. But seeing as Spring is refusing to materialise, my comfy cotton shirts might not be disappearing anytime soon. Last weekend I oh-so-nearly did the big new season wardrobe swap over - which basically involves packing up my thermals, extensive wooly hat collection and extra chunky knitwear then begging/emotionally blackmailing my long-suffering father to take them home - and frankly, thank God I didn't! I donned this embarassingly autumnal ensemble for a day of castings, meetings and a cheeky trip to Whistles or two. FYI those patent heeled loafers may look adorable but they're actually a size to small and I was virtually crippled by the time I made my second Starbucks stop... Then again, I did steal them from my Mum's wardrobe, so I suppose that's karma for you.

Love Ella. X

Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony at Village Bicycle

2012-03-06T01:27:00.000-08:00

Ask any random bunch of people who the coolest woman in the world is and the answer you'll get will most likely be the same, Chloe Sevigny. Ok, so she's got competition from the likes of Kate Moss, Alexa Chung and Florence Welch but Chloe's been breaking hearts and inspiring envy for over 2 decades and looks in no danger of losing her magic touch just yet. Golden Globes, Acadamy Award nominations and off-Broadway theatre credits aside, the indie film queen is most renowned for her sartorial flair. Chloe's striking looks and quirky style have rendered her the darling of the New York fashion scene since the mid 90's so it wasn't a massive shocker when the clothes horse decided to turn her hand to design. Since 2009 Chloe's collections for Opening Ceremony have wowed the critics and proved a major must-have for fashion forward women worldwide.

On the Catwalk...

If 80's street chic meets New York sleek sounds like your cup of tea then Londoners will be very happy to hear that Chloe's latest collection for the brand will now be available in Notting Hill. Since opening it's doors last summer, Willa Kestwick's boutique, Village Bicycle has fast established itself as the West London destination for all things cool and trendy. Suffice to say, Chloe's laser-cut leather, spray-on denim and scarlet leotard have found their spiritual home.

In the store...

1) Laser cut leather crop top, £465
2) Leather panelled jeans, £338
3) Cut-out swimsuit, £121
4) Denim and leather jacket, £529
5) Laser cut leather skirt, £338
6) Sweater with arm detailing, £274
7) Denim shorts with leather trim, £204

The full collection is available online or at Village Bicycle, 79 - 81 Ledbury Road, London, W11 2AG.

Love Ella. X

SS12: Dolly Girls

2012-03-05T08:55:00.000-08:00

Ok, what I'm about to say runs the risk of rendering me an absolute fashion pariah but here goes... Alexander Wang doesn't feature on my new season wish list. Don't get me wrong, I can fully appreciate the ingenuity of his designs, the masterful cuts of his garments and his talent with technological fabrics, not to mention the sheer cool factor that anyone who can rock a Wang ensemble instantly exudes. There's no doubt about it, the man's a sartorial genius but try as I might to covet his collections, I just know that what looks breathtaking on his catwalk will look plain foolish on me. After years of unsuccessfully attempting to work the effortless, model-off-duty look a la Alexander, I've given up. The phrases "sports luxe" and "street chic" are just never going to make my heart sing. But this season's penchant for all things girly... well that's another story. From frou frou fabulousness (with ironic undertones, natch) at Meadham Kirchoff to lashings of lace and adorable bow detailing at Miu Miu, designers all over the world embraced sugar and spice and all things nice with dazzling effect. But no one did dolly girl deliciousness quite like a certain Mr Marc Jacobs who's collection for Louis Vuitton wowed the crowds in Paris with a display of broderie anglaise, laser cut lace and pastel organza unlike any I've ever seen.

From left: Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu, & Meadham Kirchoff SS12

So if, like me, the idea of go-faster stripes and body-con cut-outs leaves you a little cold then do not dispair. The Olympics aren't this seasons' only style inspiration so make like Marc and rock a mint green twinset instead.

Love Ella. X

Look Du Jour: In Check

2012-03-04T02:39:00.000-08:00

Shirt: H&M, Skirt: American Apparel, Bag: Anya Hindmarch
Shoes: Russel & Bromley

After exhausting myself, and my wardrobe, during fashion week I arrived back in London last Friday with very sore feet and a serious craving for comfort clothing. The next couple of days were spent in well-worn Acne skinnies, oversized cashmere cardigans and, believe it or not, Converse. Even when Monday came around I couldn't quite rustle up the energy for anything excessively tailored. Sadly there are some engagements for which jeans and trainers cut quite it (i.e anything that involves going further afield than the nearest Starbucks) so with a busy week ahead I reached for the next best thing... a cotton checked shirt. Now I know it's not exactly the most original of outfit choices. Some might even deem the tartan shirt passé. But now and again the idea of a chiffon blouse and high heeled Chelsea boots just doesn't appeal and for those occasions, the trusty checked shirt is here to stay.

Love Ella. X

La Petite Weekly Wish List...

2012-03-02T12:52:00.000-08:00

I know it's been a while since my last weekly wish list but between London fashion week, the Gucci trip and college deadlines I (shock, horror) haven't had time to shop! Well that, my friends, is all about to change because SS12 has officially arrived and I'm oh, so ready to indulge in pastel shades, floral prints and colour-pop denim galore. Of course, in fashion land Spring began at least a month ago but now March is here hopefully the weather might actually catch up. After all, there are few things more frustrating than splashing out on a bunch of new season togs and then not being able to wear any of it without risking hypothermia.

1) Equiptment signature silk shirt, £231, available at Matches
2) J Brand mid-rise pink cropped skinny jeans, £225, available at Net-a-Porter
3) Gucci Ladybug leather coin purse, £150, available at Net-a-Porter
4) Charles Anastase porcelain blue jacket, £788, available at Matches
5) Salvatore Ferragamo Blue patent pumps, £255, available at Harrods
6) 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli satchel bag, £819, available at Matches
7) Anne Bowes Jewellery Bambi necklace, £150, available at My Flash Trash
8) Whistles Wysteria print dress, £150, available at Whistles
9) Acne Audrey silk platforms, £340, available at Harrods

Love Ella. X

Look Du Jour: Digital Revolution

2012-03-01T07:35:00.001-08:00

Dress: Jean-Pierre Braganza, Bag: Whistles & Shoes: Topshop

You'd have had to have spent the past few months living under a (deeply unstylish) rock not to be aware of fashions current obsession with digital print. This love affair started a few seasons back, when Erdem, Mary Katrantzou, Peter Pilotto et al burst onto the scene. Their knack with kaleidescopic colours sent the previous seasons' penchant for minimalism packing and has been dominating shops, magazines and wardrobes ever since. This evening I'll be tapping into the trend courtesy of Jean-Pierre Braganza who's fiery little numbers garnered rave reviews during London Fashion Week last season. Naturally I've prepped things up a bit with my Whistles' Ella Box Bag and trusty suede wedges but it's still out of my preppy comfort zone, at least a little bit.

Love Ella. X

Vogue to host first EVER Fashion Festival!

2012-03-01T07:12:00.000-08:00

I've long since come to realise that try as I might, I'm just not a festival kinda girl. I'd love to be one of those carefree Kate Moss-a-likes who are just as comfortable, not to mention just as stylish, in a campsite as they are on Kensington High Street. Now I have absolutely nothing against vintage denim shorts, biker boots and Barbour jackets. It's more the whole lack of washing/toilet facilities, central heating and chilled Pinot Grigio. One highly unpleasent weekend at Reading confirmed that I'm not, and never, ever will be a happy camper and I vowed never to attempt attending a festival again... that is, until now.

A couple of months ago the world's foremost fashion bible (AKA Vogue... Duh) announced that this April they would be holding their first annual festival. Anything hosted by Vogue is bound to be fash-tastic but it wasn't until I received the line-up this morning that I realised quite how unmissable this event would be. Think Christopher Bailey in conversation with Alexandra Shulman, Dolce & Gabbanna, Stella McCartney, Lucinda Chambers... And that's only day 1! With everyone from Tom Ford to Christopher Kane to Natalia Vodianova making an appearence you can bet your pastel pop-socks I'll be sitting front row centre. There are still a few tickets available so click here to order yours today.

Love Ella. X

Temperley London Aftershow Party

2012-02-29T09:21:00.000-08:00

As I'm sure anyone else involved in the mayhem of London Fashion Week will agree, one of the most thrilling and frustrating things about those fabulous five days is the intensive party schedule. I'll admit, spending night after night mingling with industry insiders and sipping champagne cocktails is hardly cause for complaint. However when you have shows starting at 9am the following day and need to look vaguely presentable, an open bar can (and often does) spell disaster. The sensible option would of course be to either pop into said soiree for a brief meet and greet before retiring home to bed, or simply not to go at all... But when has the sensible option ever been particularly tempting? There are certain events so swish even the most self-disciplined among us can't resist and one such soiree was Temperley London's post show party.

Alice Temperley

Moi

George Lamb & Poppy Delevigne

Jameela Jamil

Held in a vast, Mayfair mansion and attended by the likes of Poppy Delevigne, George Lamb and Jameela Jamil, this was one fash bash worth attending, not least because guests got a sneak peek at the brands fab new line for Filofax. We drank, we danced, we felt deathly the next morning... All in all, an evening very well spent.

Love Ella. X

Mulberry hosts Fashion Week Dinner

2012-02-29T00:51:00.000-08:00

With Lana del Rey on the FROW and super cute shaggy furs on the catwalk, Mulberry's AW12 show was one of the hottest tickets throughout the whole of London Fashion Week. As proved by their legions of famous and not-so-famous fans, the Brit brand is one of the most in-demand on the planet so it will come as no surprise that their ultra exclusive post-show dinner was seriously star studded. Held in stunning 18th century Mayfair townhouse, the Saville Club and attended by both fashion and hollywood royalty, the snaps from Mulberry's soiree left me absolutely green with envy. Emma Hill certainly knows how to lay on a spread (with a little help from top chef, Tom Aikens) and guests including Anna Wintour, Michelle Williams, Elizabeth Olsen and Alexa Chung were treated to a traditional English feast before enjoying an acoustic performance by Lana del Rey. Now that's what I call a dinner party!

Alexa Chung

Anna Wintour & Emma Hill

Lana Del Rey

Elizabeth Olsen

Love Ella. X

Behind-the-Scenes at London Fashion Week

2012-02-28T06:38:00.001-08:00

Much like with holidays, getting ready for fashion week is a hell of a lot more fun than returning to reality when it's over. Returning borrowed garments, finishing show reports, replying to your backlog of emails, going through all the hundreds and hundreds of photos you've taken (which, in my case, are 90% rubbish)... It's enough to give anyone a headache, let alone someone who's been running on minimal sleep and maximum stress for the past fortnight. There are still be a fair few shows to go in Milan and Paris but as of this week, it's back to college for me. So in the interest of dragging out the London Fashion Week fun for as long as possible, here are a few choice snaps from behind the scenes...

Me & Alice Temperley backstage at before show

Backstage at Temperley London

Backstage treats at Temperley

Maria Grachvogel finale in The Savoy ballroom

Afternoon tipple at the Topshop showspace

Topshop cafe

Me and Tala Samman of MyFashDiary at the Michael Van der Ham show

That Burberry finale

Just six months to go until the next one, bring it on I say!

Love Ella. X

Gucci Museo

2012-02-26T23:52:00.000-08:00

After finishing up our factory tour we all trooped back to the bus and made for destination number two, the Gucci Museo. As a Fashion History & Theory student I spend a fair amount of time visiting museums, some of which are undeniably gorgeous (Kenwood house anyone?) but I have to say that this was something else. On the outside the Gucci Museo was all traditional, Florentine magnificence. Inside it was the epitome of minimal, modern chic. We would get to spend the afternoon browsing the fash-tastic objets d'art on show but first it was time to hit the museum's restaurant for yet another gourmet feast.

'GG' sugarlumps, too cute!

Several hours and four delicious courses later we set off to the first exhibit, no doubt ruining the experience for every single other visitor with our incessant picture taking. Obviously my shoddy photography skills and DIY descriptions are no match for the real thing but even so, I'll attempt to give you a quick virtual tour of my personal "best bits"...

Suitcases, shirt cases and a hatbox dating from between the 1930's and 1960's

1979 Gucci Cadillac Seville

(SO wishing I hadn't failed my driving test right now)

Floral china & ashtrays, 1980's

Shoulder bags & moccasins in 'horsebit' print fabric, 1970's

Gucci Saddles

After 5 days of non-stop shows and parties in London, one night in Milan and then all of our Florentine activities, I was pretty knackered by this point. Aided by several extremely potent coffees I managed to resist the urge to crawl into bed and instead headed out into the streets of Florence. Thanks to my appalling sense of direction, what was meant to be a quick stroll around the city turned into a two hour trip. It was only with the help of several shop assistants, a couple of tourists and a very friendly bin man that I managed to find my way back to the hotel at all! Exhaustion aside, I wasn't complaining thought as if ever there was a city so beautiful it's I wouldn't mind getting lost in, Florence is definitely it.

Love Ella. X

Behind-the-Scenes at the Gucci Factory

2012-02-26T03:30:00.000-08:00

So, after an evening of extreme over indulgence my fellow bloggers and I piled into our waiting coach (again, think school trip but chicer… and minus rules, yay) to make our way to our first Florentine destination, the Gucci factory.

Me with Emily of Fashion Foie Gras, Tina of Bag Snob & Sandra of Sandra's Closet

Going in...

In some ways it was exactly what I expected the heart of one of the world’s oldest and biggest luxury brands to be. In others, it was quite the opposite. We were treated to a guided tour of the factory, encompassing every stage of production from selecting exotic skins to the art of bamboo bending. As you’d imagine, the place was vast and highly efficient, with expert craftspeople catering to every area of expertise and taking painstaking care to create only the finest quality things. What with Gucci’s emphasis on sticking to traditional methods and the fact that most of their artisans have working been there for about thirty years, I expected the factory to be somewhat aged and crumbly. Naturally that was not the case and the whole place was sleek, ultra modern and ever-so-slightly terrifying. The impressive, laboratory-esque studios were somewhat at odds with the hundred year old processes used to create their exquisite accessories, but I suppose that contrast is what makes them the best.

Noble Skins...

Handmade Fabrics... Including the one made using a wooden loom (see fun facts below)

A craftsman cutting skins by hand...

The top-secret prototyping studio...

That travel trunk...

Claudio bending bamboo for bag handles

Having spent over two hours being talked through the design process by a series of experts I could easily ramble on about it all day. Instead I thought I'd keep things short and (hopefully) sweet by sharing a few of my fave factory facts...

1) Exotic skins such as Python, Crocodile, Ostritch and Anaconda are known as the "noble skins"
2) Craftsmen have to spend a minimum of 5 years working with standard leathers before being allowed to gradually progress on to cutting noble skins.
3) One hand-finished fabric (above) is still made on wooden looms using a method that dates back to the 18th century.
4) Gucci's artisans are the only remaining craftsmen alive who know how to use this method.
5) Only 100 metres of this fabric is produced each year as even the most skilled craftsman can only make a maximum of 15cm per hour.
6) Every single sample for every single collection is handmade an entire year in advance in Gucci's super secret prototyping studio.
7) The AMAZING travel trunk (above) is only available to order and takes a whole month for two craftsmen to make by hand.
8) Said trunk costs €30,000 in fabric and a whopping €240,000 in Crocodile skin.
9) For their trademark bamboo handles Gucci only use the root of a specific type of Chinese bamboo. This is pretty difficult to get hold of as in only grows 10 milimetres per year.
10) Every single bamboo handle is bent by hand over an open flame (ok, a blowtorch, but open flame sounds way cooler) by the lovely Claudio.

Love Ella. X

La Dolce Gucci: First night in Florence...

2012-02-25T01:50:00.001-08:00

As a relative newcomer to the blogosphere, this week’s Italian excursion was only my second ever “press trip” and it would by lying to say I wasn’t extremely nervous. This wasn’t exactly helped by the fact that the majority of the 15 other bloggers who’d flown in from as far afield as Tokyo were seasoned pro’s, some of whom had been doing the fashion week circuit since back when Tom Ford still ran Gucci! Once I gotten over the whole “ohmigod-I’ve-read-your-blog-FOREVER-and-now-I’m-meeting-you-in-person” anxiety it turned out that they were, of course, a lovely bunch.

I wore... Skirt & Blouse: Whistles, Shoes: Topshop & Bag: Gucci

By the time we boarded our 1^st class train to Florence for phase two of the trip, I felt much more relaxed (no doubt helped by glass of champagne number 3) and began to get seriously excited for the days ahead. Having never visited the city before, it was love at first sight and I spent many a happy hour getting lost among the cobbled streets (and fabulous shops) before I left. And then there was our hotel… Never in all my twenty years have I stayed somewhere quite so exquisite as JK Place; the boutique, family run establishment who’s 20 tastefully decorated rooms and delectable cocktail bar we were to inhabit. Upon arrival we made for our respective boudoirs and immediately caused the WiFi to crash by all attempting to get online at the first possible minute (occupational hazard on blogger’s trip). After slipping into something considerably less comfortable I headed downstairs for an early evening aperitif, which unsurprisingly, turned into a fairly lengthy mingling/snapping/Prosecco drinking session, only brought to an end by the announcement of that evening’s feast.

Mathieu of Materialiste and Betty of Le Blog de Betty

Me with Emily of Fashion Foie Gras & Sandra of Sandra's Closet

Me with Aida Domenech of Dulceida

Le Table...

Me, Glamurama & Misha Janette of Tokyo Fashion Diaries

Three hours, six courses and God knows how many glasses of delicious Italian wine later it was time to (literally) stagger to bed. Suffice to say, I didn’t feel my most bright eyed and bushy tailed for our 9am start the next day.

Love Ella. X

La Petite Fashion Week Diaries: Gucci AW12

2012-02-23T11:08:00.000-08:00

I wore... Skirt & Bag: Gucci, Sweater: Joseph, Boots: Hobbs
Necklace: Anne Bowes Jewellery

I must say I feel very jet set (and more than a little bit smug) writing this post from my hotel room in Florence, waiting for the glass of Prosecco I ordered on room service to arrive. You will be getting the inside scoop on all our Florentine antics shortly, but first and foremost I think I should tell you about the trip’s main event... Gucci's AW12 catwalk show in Milan this Wednesday. As a long term Gucci obsessive I was beyond excited to actually be attending one of their shows and the experience certainly did not disappoint. After a morning of shopping we retired to our rooms before meeting in the hotel bar for a pre-show bellini or two. Fashion Week is probably the only time when it’s not only acceptable but practically mandatory to drink throughout the day and after battling our way through the throngs of paparazzi and street style snappers we arrived at the venue to be handed yet another glass of champagne. Now I adore London Fashion Week and pretty much all of the designers who show there but in terms of sheer fabulousness, it doesn’t hold a candle to this. Held in the Diana Majestic hotel (where we were also oh-so-conveniently staying) and attended by some of the most glamorous individuals I’ve ever laid eyes on, the show was off to a damn good start before the first look even hit the runway but oh… when it did.

Gucci AW12

Gothic glamour was the name of the game and Gucci’s creative director Frida Gianni offered it up in spades. This was elegant opulence at its very best, combining luxurious fabrics and a nocturnal palette with truly mesmerizing effect. Military style coats, slouchy trousers, and flat-heeled leather riding boots were interspersed with sheer chiffon blouses, fine lace and hothouse floral prints, making for fierce femininity with an androgynous twist. Outerwear came in the deliciously louche form of velvet smoking jackets, luscious furs and billowing capes, both practical and almost unbearably chic.

Gucci AW12

Gucci can always be relied upon to provide truly show stopping gowns and this season was certainly no exception. Velvet is a fabric rarely seen on the red carpet but Frida’s stunning leopard jacquard numbers, complete with naval grazing necklines and jewel toned sheen, could be about to change that. The same applies to feathers which covered entire dresses, inky black and darkly seductive. Just as I thought things couldn’t get any more mesmerizing we were treated to an array of dramatic, chiffon dreams complete with thigh-high slits and jewel encrusted bodices. Overall the collection offered a highly original take on “romanticism” according to Frida Gianni and I, for one, was converted.

Love Ella. x

La Dolce Gucci

2012-02-22T10:26:00.002-08:00

As you definitely already know, yesterday evening I jetted out to Milan courtesy of Italian fashion giant, Gucci. After making the mistake of requesting a late afternoon flight, I found myself landing with less than 10 minutes to get to the hotel, check in, attempt to make myself look/feel/smell vaguely acceptable before our welcome dinner. Somehow I managed it (although the blogger seated next to me may beg to differ) and got stuck into an evening of delicious food, fine wine and a hell of a lot of mingling. A full report from the show itself (one word: AMAZE) will be coming soon but for now here are a few arrival snaps.

The Golden Ticket

Monogrammed Gucci chocs, natch

The view from our welcome dinner

Hanging with fellow bloggers (from left) Tina of Bag Snob, Bryan Boy, Ingrid of The Bag Hag Diaries, Emily of Fashion Foie Gras & Misha Janette of Tokyo Fashion Diaries having pre-show cocktails

Me & Gucci's other "London blogger", the lovely
Emily Johnstone of Fashion Foie Gras

Love Ella. X

La Petite Fashion Week Diaries: London AW12, Day 5

2012-02-22T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hat: Vintage, Jacket: All Saint, Jumper: Zara, Shirt: Whistles, Boots: Hobbs
Bag: Mulberry

The last day of London Fashion Week is usually a fairly bittersweet affair. On the one hand you're sad that the bonanza of shows, parties and endless mingling is about to be replaced with an unwelcome return to reality. On the other, your toes are swollen, limbs aching, head throbbing and the idea of spending the next few days lounging around in your pyjamas has never been so attractive. Well there was none of that for me this season as after my final London show I would be dashing home to grab my oversized suitcase and head to the airport to catch my flight to Milan. But I still had a couple of London shows to go before embarking on my Italian adventure and first up was David Koma. I've always been a big fan of David's but this season he well and truly knocked it out of the park with a collection that fused his trademark bodyconscious, futuristic style with influences as diverse as ancestral portraits, 1920's menswear and Louis Icart's Art Deco paintings. Wool, fur and silks were combined with technical fabrics in a palette of stark monochrome shades and dark blues, olive greens and plum tones before erupting into another glittering finale. Sleek and structured silhouettes were juxtaposed with Victorian inspired ruched draping and distinctive, high collars made for fierce femininity with an androdgynous twist. The collection was less overtly sexy than David's previous offerings but all the more alluring for it.

David Koma AW12

It is a truth universally acknowleged that fashion shows never, EVER start on time. Well by Day 5 of London Fashion Week you're lucky if they start within 45 minutes of what it says on the schedule. After David's show I legged it out onto The Strand in the home of dashing across town in time to attend the Anya Hindmarch presentation which was supposed to have started 15 minutes previously. Suffice to say I didn't make it and ended up spending an hour sulking in Starbucks (every cloud, eh?) before heading back into the BFC Tent for my last show of the season, Holly Fulton. Minimalism all well and good but personally I can't help but feel that fashion should fundamentally make you happy or quite frankly, what's the point of it? Well it's impossible to leave one of Holly's shows without a grin on your face that would make the Cheshire cat look sullen and that is one of the many reasons why I adore her. It was another very late starter but I was happily ensonsced in the "blogger block" with Ella of Coco's Tea Party, Tala of MyFashDiary and Danielle of Fashionista Barbie so didn't mind one bit. According to the show notes Holly would be "chanelling a little bit of Lady Chatterly" for AW12 and that is precisely what she did. Think Lady of the Manor meets lady of the night with classic silhouettes in super bright shades of pink and blue featuring exotic, graphic prints and deco glam detailing. Silhouettes may have been demure, but the attitude of the show was raucous. Cute, collarless jackets, simple separates and chic cocktail dresses had been re-worked Fulton style with lashings of feathers, perspex, PVC and oodles of eye-popping embellishment. Polo necks and pencil skirts have never looked so covetable and once again I found myself declaring this to be my favourite show of the week.

Holly Fulton AW12

After that it was time to make a mad dash home to try and cram working, packing and maaaaybe catching up on an episode of Gossip Girl or two before my car arrived to whiz me off the the airport. It had been a fantastic, exhausting, exhilerating five days but fashion week certainly wasn't over yet.

Love Ella. X

La Petite Fashion Week Diaries: London AW12, Day 4

2012-02-21T00:20:00.002-08:00

Coat & Jumper: Whistles, Dress & Beret: Topshop, Bag: Mulberry
Boots: Hobbs

After a not-so-early night at the Ponystep Magazine party I was incredibly thankful for my leisurely 1pm start on Day 4. Not only did it give me time to catch up with my column for Velour Magazine online but I even managed to fit in an episode or two of Gossip Girl! By midday I was ready and raring to go and headed East for the Michael Van Der Ham show. This was my first visit to the Topshop show space this season and I'd forgotten quite what a spread they lay on. We were welcomed with champagne and ushered over to the Topshop Cafe which served everything from freshly squeezed apple juice to micro sized Shepard's pie and lightly poached salmon delicacies.

After making the most of the treats on offer we were ushered over to our seats to wait for the show to begin. We needn't have rushed as it was still a good half hour before things actually kicked off but when they finally did the ensuing show was so stunning that I would have happily have waited all day. The collection was somewhat more grown up since last season but retained the quirky playfulness we've come to know and love. Michael's signature patchwork detailing had been given a glam-over with rich hues, sumptuous silks and lashings of sparkle. Nudes, pastels, brights, chiffons, knits, florals... You name it, Michael used it. How the Dutch designer manages to merge quite such an enormous array of colours, fabrics and prints without creating a sartorial disaster is beyond me but the effect was nothing short of mesmerising.

Michael Van der Ham AW12

After that we all piled back into the LFW Press Bus (think school trip but chicer) and headed across town to Somerset House for Mark Fast. The kintwear extraordinaire chose a more muted palette for AW12, serving up subtle putty shades, dove greys, delicate nudes and the odd splash of cobalt. Whilst his trademark bodycon aesthetic still held centre stage, not everything was "barely-there" and Mark proved that he can do drapery and layering too.

Mark Fast AW12

By this point my levels of over-excitement had reached an all time high because next on the schedule was Burberry. Held in an enormous, glass structure Hyde Park and attended by the international fashion elite, the Burberry show is never anything short of spectacular and this season was certainly no exception. Paparazzi and street style snappers spanned almost to South Kensington, jostling to get a shot of the A-list attendees. Once inside, the FROW read like a "who's who" of important industry insiders and famous fashion faces. One one side sat Alexa Chung, Clemence Poesy, Eddie Redmayne, Rosie Huntington-Whitley (annoyingly even hotter in person) and Kate Bosworth. On the other, Anna Wintout, Emmanuelle Alt, Franca Sozzani and basically every other Editor or every other major fash mag on the planet. If, God forbid, a bomb went off at the Burberry show, I think it's safe to say that the fashion industry would completely collapse.

Annw Wintour

Franca Sozzani & Emmanuelle Alt

Sonam Kapoor, Will.I.am, Alexa Chung, Eddie Redmayne, Clemence Poesey, Rosie Huntington-Whitlely...

Just a couple of hours earlier I had declared Michael Van der Ham's to be my favourite show this season but after seeing Christopher Bailey's latest creations I'm not so sure. After toying with tribal for SS12, Bailey looked for inspiration a little closer to home and the collection was bursting with British influences. Tweeds, checks, and fine, tailored wools harked back to the brand's roots but classic styles were brilliantly blended with sporty touches, keeping things modern and fresh. Think country casuals meets haute couture with utility details and studded accessories. Sculpted, peplum pencil skirts were pared with cropped puffa jackets for ladylike elegance with a tomboy twist. Traditional pieces such as barbour jackets, skirt suits and of course, the trusty trench were re-worked in earthy hues and luxurious fabrics.

Burberry Prorsum AW12

All in all, the Burberry collection was nothing short of perfection and almost made me long for next Autumn to arrive. But even after the last quilted, plum velvet ensemble had stormed the runway (modelled by Burberry poster girl, Cara Delevigne), the show wasn't finished just yet. Suddenly the music was replaced by the sound of a storm brewing and despite clear skies outside, the venues glass walls appeared to be being pelted with rain. Out came the models, each with an umbrella in hand and even Anna Wintour herself failed to surpress a smile.

Burberry Finale

Love Ella. X

La Petite Fashion Week Diaries: London AW12, Day 3

2012-02-20T01:12:00.000-08:00

Hat: Topshop, Coat: A.P.C, Dress: Whistles, Bag: Mulberry
Shoes: Tods

I love Fashion Week for many reasons; the shows (duh), the people watching, the endless photo opps and last but certainly not least, the parties. Last night I was off to the Temperley bash which proved to be both incredibly glamourous and deliciously debauched as only an aftershow party (with a free bar) can. Suffice to say, I felt none too fresh this morning but there was no way in HELL I'd be lounging in bed because I'd managed to land a ticket to Mulberry. Given my sheer adoration for the brand, they could have held their show in a primary school class room and I would still probably have thought it was fabulous. Unsurprisingly, they didn't, instead decorating Claridges with golden handbag shaped balloons, supersized padlocks and more bonafide A-listers than you could shake a stick at. Anna Wintour, Olivia Palermo, Michelle Williams, Elizabeth Olsen and Leigh Leizark were all in attendance, as was girl-of-the-moment Lana Del Rey toting her namesake Mulberry bag.

Entrance to Mulberry Show

From left: Michelle Williams, Elizabeth Olsen, Lana Del Rey, Pixie Geldof & Azealia Banks

Centre: Anna Wintour & Bill Nighy

As for the collection itself... well it was definitely worth dragging my aching limbs out of bed for! Then again, that's no great surprise given the stellar form Emma Hill's been on since basically the second she took over. This season Emma drew inspiration from "Where the Wild Things Are" and offered up her own version of monster chic with super shaggy furs ruling the runway. Naturally coats weren't the only thing on the Mulberry menu and snuggly hooded shearlings, perfect parkas and quilted bomber jackets were interspersed with divine dresses in burnt orange lace and dappled, digital print silks. The combination of oversized outerwear and ethereal, chiffon numbers made for a romantic, yet deeply wearable, autumnal dream. Knitwear is always something this Brit brand does well and their AW12 collection included some seriously covetable confections. I'm not going to get started on the handbags or we'll be here forever but you can rest assured they were gorgeous.

Mulberry AW12

A wise woman once told me that during February fashion week you can either be chic or be warm and this season I decided, or at least tried, to go for the latter. Unfortunately the temperature plummetted on Day 3 so after Mulberry I was *ahem* forced to seek shelter in Starbucks. One venti, extra hot, non fat, triple shot latte later I had just about regained feeling in my toes so headed back out into the cold and across town to Somerset House for show number two, Marios Schwab. Marios's was the first fashion show I ever attended so I feel strangely loyal to the Greco-Austrian designer. Actually, it's not all that strange as season after season he wows his Editor packed FROWs which today included Harpers Bazaar UK's Kim Hersov, Grazia's Melanie Rickey and the legend that is Suzy Menkes.

Kim Hersov (left)

According to the show notes, Marios was "returning the the femme fatale he previously encountered" for SS12 and I certainly couldn't have put it better myself. For AW12 the designer continued doing what he does best, that is sleek silhouettes and effortless allure. The show began with an array of ultra chic tailored wool ensembles but just as I was starting to fear that Marios was coming over all prim and proper, out came the leather, lace and seductive sheer panelling. The collection was elegant yet ever-so-slightly subversive finishing up with a spectacular, shimmering finale.

Marios Schwab AW12

As you can probably imagine, by this point I was pretty exhausted so decided to nip home to watch Gossip Girl and reboot my energy levels before my last show of the day, Louise Gray. After an intensely frustrating couple of hours spent stuck on the tube (damn weekend track closures!) I arrived at the Topshop show space just in time to grab a glass of champagne and take my seat for Louise's show. The designer took her trademark "more is more" approach again this season and the collection was a visual delight of clashing patterns, super brights and layered textures. Louise's signature madcap approach to assembling her ensembles was at its' very best with eye-popping prints, neon hues and excessive embellishment thrown together with sweetly old fashion brocaded pieces and stunning Scottish cashmeres. Once again Louise Gray broke every style rule in the book but thanks to her talent with textiles and devil may care attitude, somehow pulled it off with aplomb.

Louise Gray AW12

Love Ella. X

La Petite Fashion Week Diaries: London AW12, Day 2 (part II)

2012-02-19T07:51:00.000-08:00

As you may have gathered, LFW day 2 was fairly full on and I've therefore had to split it into two separate posts... So to pick up where we left off, after satisfying my sushi cravings I headed back to Somerset House, planning on hitting the press lounge and actually getting some work done. In between stopping at Starbucks and a spending good half hour generally mincing around I somehow never made it and all of a sudden it was time for my next show, John Rocha. As far as I'm concerned, this show is a LFW must-see and with Virginia Bates, Leah Weller, Susie Bubble and Jameela Jamil on the FROW, I was pretty darned chuffed with my second row seat. There's always something other worldly about John's collections and this season was no exception. His trademark texture play was ingenious as always including everything from sheer chiffon and slinky silks to chunky knits, mohair, leather and PVC. The show was a fabulous fusion of haute couture and sportswear, contrasting the fluid and the sculptural to breathtaking effect.

John Rocha AW12

Next up was Todd Lynn, a designer who's work I'm ashamed to admit I don't know particularly well but certainly want to know better after seeing it in action yesterday. Sharp suiting, immaculate tailoring and minimal detailing were the name of the game with emphasis on the designer's masteful manipulation of fabric. Ultra modern and subtly sculpted, the strikingly simplicity of Todd Lynn's collection certainly set it apart from the crowd.

Todd Lynn AW12

At some point during London Fashion Week each season it inevitably pours with rain and that's precisely what happened on the afternoon of day 2. Naturally I didn't have an umbrella so was forced to make a deeply unstylish jacket-on-head dash to the nearest cab. My next destination was Westminster where Temperley London had invited me backstage (backstage post coming soon) before their show. I didn't think it was possible for them to top last season's venue (the British Museum!!!) but somehow, Alice and co managed it. One Great George Street provided a regal setting for the aptly named "Renaissance" show. As expected at Temperley, the FROW was strictly A-List with Jaquetta Wheeler, Jade Parfitt and Poppy Delevigne sitting alongside Peaches Geldof, Anouck Lepere and Jefferson Hack.

FROW from left: Pixie Lott, Peaches Geldof, Jade Parfitt, Jaquetta Wheeler, Minnie Driver & Poppy Delevigne

If you thought Temperley's SS12 offerings were delicious then frankly, you ain't seen nothing yet. The collection was utterly exquisite, unapologetically opulent and nothing less than a treat to behold. From what I've seen so far, it looks like gold could be the colour for AW12 and there were plenty of super luxe metallics at Temperley alongside rich autumnal hues, inky blacks and delicate nudes. The overall feeling was somewhat Slavic, with plush velvets, thick brocades and glossy leathers set against glammed-up folk touches and embroidered florals. Fabulous fur hats, sumptuous silks and gobstopper bling oozed high octane glamour, topped off with a blindingly bedazzled finale.

Temperley London AW12

Temperley London Finale

Getting that many buyers, journalists, fashion editors and assorted celebrities in, seated and then out of a venue is a fairly lengthy process. Add to that the fact that, even in fashion week terms, Temperley was a pretty late starter, and I found myself with roughly 10 minutes to get back to Somerset House for the Issa London show. What followed must have been a fairly comic scene; an impractically dressed, high-heeled mob legging it to their waiting cars or, somewhat less glamourously, piling into the London Fashion Week Press Bus. As you can imagine, stress levels were pretty high during that frantic journey back up The Strand but somehow we managed to make it in time and without anyone getting hurt. The Issa London show notes promised a "trans-siberian journey from Moscow to Bejing" and that is precisely what Danielle Helayal delivered. The collection kicked off with power prints and then morphed into slinky, jewel toned dresses and beaded, thirties style numbers before culminating in a sequence of baroque printed, fur trimmed emerald beauties.

Issa London AW12

Eight shows later, Day 2 was still far from over and after that I had to make a high speed dash home for a quick outfit change before the Temperley aftershow party. Countless cocktails were consumed, a lot of fun was had and (surprise, surprise) I felt none too fresh this morning.

Love Ella. X