Fashionistas

Yohji Yamamoto - V&A Exhibition

2011-05-02T11:20:00.000-07:00

The V&A are hosting a mesmorising exhibition at the moment showcasing all of Yohji Yamamoto’s photography, some catwalks, illustrations and designs. I loved this exhibition and there was one dress that simply took my breathe away, it was a full length billowing dress with button details down the front and on the side. It is tailored beautifully for a womanly figure (although you would still have to smaller than the usual person).

I was intrigued by this piece as we became more famous for his collections that created a blur between the sexes. Yohji Yamamoto dressed women in suits and trousers, whilst men especially in the 1998 catwalk wore kilts and skirts. Throughout his career Yohji has been awarded some incredible awards and rightly so, in some ways he brought on the age of the power woman.

Unfortunately I was unable to take photos of the exhibition, but there were a few pieces I could take a photograph of. So if you haven’t seen this exhibition yet, here is a sneak peak of what to expect:

Copycat Kate Dress Delights Chinese Brides

2011-05-01T15:16:00.000-07:00

After reading the article, I thought I HAVE TO share this with you. For all the girls out there who fell in love with Kate's beautiful dress, you can get yours too for a bargain.

The Muyi Wedding Dress Company is selling its take on the creation, which it copied within hours of the ceremony, for just £200.

The business is located in Suzhou - known in China as Wedding Dress City, and home to more than 1,200 factories specialising in wedding gowns.

The factory's owner, 24-year old Yang Lifei, said she expected the dress would be popular with Chinese brides.

"Young people here want to live the dream," she said. "They want to feel like royalty."

The original gown was designed by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen.

The intricate lace work features roses, thistles, daffodils and shamrocks - the floral symbols of the United Kingdom.

It was hand-stitched by artisans at the Royal College of Needlework using a traditional technique dating back to the 1820s.

The Chinese version features factory-made lace bought for just £1 a metre. The seamstresses who toiled through the night to put it together earn the equivalent of £250 a month.

But the low-cost imitation is relatively faithful to the haute couture original, and includes an 8ft train and fitted bodice.

Royal wedding fashion - The Trends

2011-05-01T03:53:00.000-07:00

Blush tones, colour-blocking and navy blue emerged as the key trends of the stylish guests at the royal wedding.

The dress has been dissected, now for the make-up: perhaps fearing the result of an unfamilar hand, Kate Middleton chose to DIY on her wedding day, as has been widely reported in recent weeks. Kate Middleton wears earrings designed by Robinson Pelham. The bride and her family pick pieces designed by the Pimlico-based jewellers.

Proud maid of honour, Pippa Middleton, stepped out of the shadow of sister Catherine at Westminster Abbey. Arriving at Westminster Abbey in a figure-hugging ivory gown by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, Pippa, 27, drew gasps from the crowd. Her enviably slim frame poured into the satin-based crepe, cowl front dress; on any other day she could have passed for the bride herself.

Take a look at some of the most fabulous hats and fascinators worn at Catherine Middleton and Prince William's royal wedding.

Kate wows in second McQueen outfit

2011-04-30T09:43:00.000-07:00

Kate Middleton followed up her highly-anticipated wedding dress with an evening outfit by the same designer.

The elaborate creation by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen for the wedding was made of ivory and white satin gazar and designed to resemble an open flower.

Its intricate train stretched two metres 70 centimetres - modest in comparison to previous Royal brides. Kate's second Burton outfit for the evening celebrations was a strapless white satin gazar evening gown with a circle skirt and diamante embroidered detail round the waist.

She was also wearing a white angora bolero cardigan, St James's Palace said.

Kate's earlier dress was praised by the woman who designed the outfit for Princess Diana on her big day in 1981.

Designer Focus - Frida Giannini

2011-04-30T07:19:00.000-07:00

Frida Giannini, the creative director of fashion house Gucci has had a long history in the fashion industry, but has also promoted her interest in raising awareness for charities.

Born in Rome to an architect father and art history professor mother, Giannini took her interest in art and fashion to Rome’s Fashion Academy studying fashion design before working as an apprentice for a small-scale fashion house working in ready-to-wear.

Since then she began to work for the renowned label, Fendi where she was responsible for designing ready-to-wear looks. After three seasons of design Giannini was promoted to designer of leather goods.   It was this experience in such a noted fashion house, where she caught the eye of Gucci and was appointed the design director of handbags at Gucci in 2002.

Since then her role at Gucci has evolved, taking on the responsibility of Tom Ford as creative director. Although this would have never been an easy challenge the designer has always stayed true to her visions and has been praised for her feminine take on contemporary fashion, breathing fresh life into the label.

Quick Facts
·         When Tom Ford left Gucci in 2004, Giannini was appointed creative director of all accessories.
·         In 2005, Giannini was promoted again with Gucci, this time taking on the role of creative director of women’s ready-to-wear as well as retaining her role in accessories.
·         In 2006, again the designer saw her role expand and this time taking over menswear. Giannini was now the labels creative director.
·         As the creative director of Gucci Frida Giannini took on the responsibility of developing a new retail concept for Gucci’s stores, and having creative control over the advertising campaigns.
·         Giannini also continued the work between the label and UNICEF, which saw her collaborate with R’n’B singer Rihanna to help raise funds for children in Africa. This collaboration saw the pair design a collection of handbags called Tattoo Heart.

Have Faith comes to the UK

2011-04-28T09:15:00.000-07:00

It’s time to get our bikini bodies out and enjoy some sunshine, especially after you see this beautiful range of swimwear, designed by actress and model Jennifer Stano.

Jennifer has been all over the news, recently announcing her engagement ti billionaire businessman and professional actor Alki David. Her range called Have Faith is inspired by the glamorous life and style of ‘Vegas Pool Parties’ and has already proved to be one of the most popular ranges in Beverly Hills boutiques. Now that Jennifer has experienced success in the USA, she is bringing her stunning collection of bikinis, tunics and a variety of accesories including sarongs to the UK.

Have Faith believes in complimenting your beauty with the most exquisite fabrics, designs, cuts and comfort there is to offer and that’s why it’s the must have item for the beach or pool! My favourite is the Black Sparkle Bikini, which is pictured above!

Behind the Scenes of Have Faith

Bag yourself a Prince

2011-04-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

The royal wedding is coming up at the end of the month and everyone is going wild for it. London is soon to be packed out with people travelling to Westminster Abbey. Yet how did this ordinary girl capture the attention and steal the heart of a prince?

Prince William first noticed Kate when she walked down the catwalk for a charity event at university, wearing almost nothing . A sheer dress that flaunted her slim figure and showed off her underwear was the garment she wore, but since then she has been a hit with many fashion police forces and style gurus. The sheer dress was quite a faux par and something not a lot of us would want to wear or have the confidence to wear, but it certainly got Prince William thinking.

Kate’s most memorable and aspiring piece she has worn is the blue Issa dress she wore, when announcing their engagement, but she was becoming known for her style long before then. From frumpy to fabulous is the headline the Daily Mail has used and I would agree with it, long gone are the days of jeans and disguising her figure under heavy knit jumpers and in come the pencil skirts and tailored jackets. However, Kate Middleton has always been known to be quite a conservative dresser (she must not have had any say on that sheer dress then).

Now we see Kate dressed in Diane Von Fursteinberg , Crew Clothing, LK Bennett, Whistles and Jigsaw. Very modest clothing for a princess, well apart from Diane Von Fursteinberg, but everyone loves and deserves a bit of glamour from time to time. So now you know what clothing brands are staples in Kate’s wardrobe, and to be honest I am quite amazed Dior or Mulberry hasn’t popped up, you can get your very own princess closet.

My new fashion find - PICKURBERRY

2011-04-26T03:46:00.000-07:00

I recently recieved a news letter from pickurberry.com and saw imagery of these beautiful, stylish and colourful clutches. Low and behold when I went to the website, which has been running since 2008 (how did I not know about this!) and there are extensive collections from a whole range of new designers that are showcasing their work to buy.
PICKURBERRY is an exclusive designers online shop for young designers and I was, to say the least, blown away. From dresses to jackets, trousers to skirts and accesories such as, keyrings, jewellery, shoes and bags, you will find everything your heart could desire.

I love Serpui Marie‘s clutches, they are so bright and colourful and always put a smile on my face. As soon as I saw them, I was saying to myself; I want that one, and that one, oh and that one. I especially adore the lavender solid buntal minaudiere; purple is my favourite colour this season, even more so when it clashes with orange and pink.

Here are some more of my favourites that will be featuring on my wishlist this spring/summer:

Tassel Skirt by Kayleigh Ross

Romana Top by Ruffle Ruffle

Shadia Necklace by Tope Tijani

Charmed Meadow by Lilly May

Carrie Dress by Zsofia Weber

Funky Shoes by Kobi Levi

2011-04-25T02:44:00.000-07:00

Put some fun back into your step with some funky high heels that are sure to make a statement where ever you go. As soon as I saw these shoes on kobilevidesign.blogspot.com

I remembered why I love fashion and style so much. In recent times there hasn’t been much that has truly captured my attention and stayed with me for a significant time; apart from the likes of Balmain, Alexander McQueen, John Galliano and Christopher Kane (ok, maybe there is a few). However, this collection of shoes, I don’t think I will ever forget, they make me smile when I see them and they take me back to my childhood memories; going to the park to feed the ducks, going down my slide in the garden (falling off at one stage) and so on.

I love these shoes from Israeli footwear designer Kobi Levi so much, I thought I had to share them with you.

Fashion News Roundup

2011-04-25T02:30:00.001-07:00

It has been a busy time for fashionistas this week, especially with the hype surrounding Kate Middleton’s wedding dress. The likes of Jasper Conran, Alice Temperely and Alexander McQueen, have all be mentioned as the future bride’s favourites, but it has just been released that it is in fact a dress she has designed herself and it will be a fairly unknown boutique that we create her vision.
In other news:

John Galliano has been sacked from his own label
Gossip Girl costume designer, Eric Daman has collaborated with budget brand Charlotte Russe on a collection of prom dresses.
Fergie (Black Eyed Peas) launches new shoe collection
Pixie Lott and Lipsy join forces to create new line of dresses
Joan Burstein advices John Galliano to go back to basics
Rumours have it that John Galliano will either quit fashion all together or start his own brand.
Louboutin speaks out about taking YSL to court for copying their red soles, for the first time.

“I have the biggest respect for the house of Yves Saint Laurent,” the designer tells the Evening Standard. ”Having discussed the matter with them and not been able to reach an agreement, we have had to take this to court. My company has a trademark on the red sole and if we don’t enforce it this would leave the door open for other brands to copy us while jeopardising the identity of the Louboutin red sole. No one before me has ever used a coloured sole to define a brand’s identity. The red sole has become widely recognised as the distinct sign of my brand in the eyes of women all over the world.”

Gianfranco Ferres creative directors, Tommaso Aquilano and Roberto Rimondi, have left the label.
Sarah Burton (the designer who took over the Alexander McQueen house after his death) might be heading to Dior.
Diane Von Furstenberg will receive the 2011 Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal from the Municipal Art Society of New York next week, in recognition of her “outstanding contribution to the built environment of New York City”.

Designer Focus - Christian Lacroix

2011-04-21T12:44:00.000-07:00

If anyone knows how to reinvent and make a glorious come back, it is none other than the mighty Christian Lacroix. He was the fashion king of the Eighties and by 2008 he was back and with a bigger bang than ever before. His life has been up and down until he filed for bankruptcy in May 2009. Originally the designer set his hopes and dreams to become a museum curator.

The Christian Lacroix fashion house was launched in 1987 and he instantly won over his critics. Vogue labelled him “Paris’ most talked about designer” and The Sunday Times hailed “Vive Lacroix! There’s been nothing like it in 25 years.” Christian was known for his eccentricity and vivid designs, which has given him much success. In 1988 Lacroix’s first ready-to-wear collection was revealed.

Quick Facts
• Christian Lacroix was born in Arles in 1951 and studied Art History at the University of Montpellier
• Christian Lacroix is also known as a fashion impresario, who has been credited with single-handedly saving couture.
• Between 2002 and 2005 he designed for Pucci.
• Christian Lacroix became a household name as he diversed his creative flare into jeans, menswear couture, homeware, perfume, childrenswear, lingerie and ready-to-wear.
• He returned to couture in 2007
• He now has stores open around the world from Paris and New York to Dallas, Monaco, and Bahrain.
• Christian Lacroix also jumps into theatre design as well as fashion.

Dyed Smock Dress By Meadham Kirchhoff

2011-04-20T06:02:00.000-07:00

When it comes to the summer, I want to look feminine , yet still remain cool under the midday summer sun, so when I saw this dress, I instantly feel in love. This will do prefectly when I am on holiday, not only will it keep me cool, the print is amazing and Im sure Iwill be standing out from the crowd wearing this.

The dyed smock dress is created by Meadham Kirchhoff, a design duo who go by the names of Edward Meadham and Benjamin Kirchhoff. They both went to Central St Martins, Edward studying womenswear and Benjamin studying menswear. Since they graduated they launched Benjamin Kirchhoff, but have been recognised for their Meadham Kirchhoff designs, producing show stopping runways, which has awarded them Harvey Nichols, Browns, Liberty and The Shop at Bluebird as stockists. Now they have just collaborated with Topshop and this is one of many incredible creations.

Dyed Smock Dress By Meadham Kirchhoff

Price: £250.00

Oversized smock dress by Meadham Kirchhoff for Topshop.
100% Silk. Dry Clean Only.

Hand-stitched Vogue magazine cover

2011-04-19T15:04:00.000-07:00

This is absolutely amazing, the attention to detail is incredible. I found all these images on What the cool website and instantly fell in love with them. The artist is Inge Jacobsen and the work that has been created is mind blowing and something I would love to see more often. There are some fantastic pieces of art; taking images from high fashion magazine and pornogrpahic images from the internet as a basis and then using collage and stitching to create masterpieces.

My favourite one is:

Royal Wedding Fashion

2011-04-18T19:19:00.000-07:00

There is only one event that is on everyone’s lips this month, and that is the royal wedding. I have heard that there are some that aren’t too bothered about it, but how often do these big royal weddings happen? Not very often, the last was Prince Charles and Diana’s back in 1981 – 30 years ago!

In my opinion and I know in a few others out there, the best thing about a royal wedding is finding out what, but more importantly WHO the bride is wearing. I know it is an Alexander McQueen creation, but what will it look like?

I am more than excited about having a memeber of the royal family (and the future Queen) who understands and enjoys fashion, but also expreses style. The blue Issa dress she wore when the couple announced their engagement was incredible and I wasn’t the only one who thought that. I really wasn’t surprised that it was sold out within hours of the photos being released.

Throughout Prince William and Kate’s relationship she has come out with some amazing outfits that are fashion forward, yet sophisticated and fit for a princess. So it is going to be really intriguing to see what her wedding dress is going to look like and how it is going to be styled. This is fashion history in the making, just like the Elizabeth and David Emanuel wedding dress Diana wore.

Kate Midleton's Wedding Dress By Bruce Oldfield

2011-04-18T18:38:00.000-07:00

The British designer, Bruce Oldfield is more commonly known for his couture and bridalwear designs, with rumours circulating that he is the chosen designer to design the wedding dress of to be Princess Katherine.

Throughout his career he has caught the attention of many form royalty to modern day style icons. Oldfield has an impressive client list which have included and include; the late Diana, Princess of Wales and Queen Rania of Jordan, Jemima Khan, Sienna Miller and Rihanna.

Bruce Oldfield began in his career in the fashion industry at the age of 23 when he designed collection for New York based Henri Bendel. However, after a year he returned to London and showed off his first collection. His collection was very successful leading him to create private commissions and the opportunity to design the film wardrobe of Charlotte Rampling’s Le Taxi Mauve.

However, it wasn’t until 1975 when Oldfield established his fashion house and showcased his read-to-wear collections for the UK and internationally. Later on in 1978 he launched his couture line for private clients, which was a great success to the designer as he becomes best known for his couture lines. In 1980 Oldfield began to create coutire pieces for Diana, the Princess of Wales and this turned out to be a long and fruitful fashion relationship, that lasted 10 years.

It wasn’t until 1984 when Oldfield opened his first London boutique, which sold both his ready-to-wear and couture designs. It then took him 25 years in 2009 to open his second boutique, which is opposite his first boutique on Beauchamp Place, London. His second boutique now showcases his bridal wear.

Quick facts

Bruce Oldfield was born in 1950.
Raised and educated by Barnardo’s, the children’s charity care facility, in the North East of England.
He graduated from Central Saint Martin’s College of Art in 1973.
In 1986 and 1988 he organised the Bruce Oldfield for Barnardo’s gala evenings, at London’s Grosvenor House ballroom, which were attended by Diana, Princess of Wales.
In 1990 Oldfield was awarded an OBE for his services for the British fashion industry.
Oldfield also received an honorary fellowship from the Royal College of Art.
In 1998 Oldfield became a vice president of Barnardo’s.
In 2008, Oldfield collaborated with McDonald’s to create a new employee uniform.
This year, he was one of the first rumoured designers to create Kate Midleton’s wedding dress.

The Black Swan

2011-04-18T17:33:00.000-07:00

The Black Swan was a huge hit at the cinema and a sensation at the award ceremonies. Now it is one of the hottest trends to have come onto the catwalks this spring/summer 2011.

To create this soft, feminine look you will find the high street filled with billowing maxi skirts, bodysuits in an array of nude hues and light chiffon dresses.

For those seeking a high end inspired look take a peak at the likes of Erdem, Chloe and Donna Karan’s spring/summer 2011 collections. Others that have channelled this inspiring take on the feminine silhouette include Valentino, Lanvin, Chanel an Richard Nicoll. My favourite collection has to be Chloe’s (one of her creations pictured above); her long, one shouldered chiffon dress in a beautiful, rich nude colour is one of the most stunning pieces I have seen. As chiffon is such an elegant material, watching the dress float and glide down the catwalk was a joy.