Yasmin Sewell's Blog

Baby Advice

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:05:54 +0100

Ok, I promise I won't be one of those soon-to-be mums who blogs about pregnancy ups and downs and baby pics. But I do have to mention that while I'm currently here in Sydney doing a project with Westfield Oz (to be blogged at a later date), my dearest family and best friends decided to throw me a last minute baby shower. I'm only about half way through and things are not quite sinking in yet but getting those cute little baby grows did get me kinda excited. You know when you get a bunch of Lebanese mothers involved there's going to be Tabouli abundant. Nothing like Auntie Norma's home-made. I asked all the mums in the room to give me their top motherhood tip. I'll share them with you and if you have any more please send them through - and then I promise no more baby stuff (maybe until after the birth).

Top Tips:

1. Amy - Whatever works.

2. Mum - Never put a baby in a sound-proof room, so that they get used to sleeping through noise.

3. Auntie Norma - There is not right way to do anything, stay calm and do it your way.

4. Angie - Pack a snack.

5. Aunty Lourice - Treasure every moment.

6. Jacquie - Get lots of baby sitters.

7. Em - Every moment is a phase, and every moment will pass so just go with it.

8. Antonia - Read a book to them every night no matter what.

Antonia's ring- on- a- string sex prediction - BOY. Let's see.

Moussaka Moussaka

Thu, 12 May 2011 15:59:17 +0100

Anyone been to Kreta? Hit me up with your thoughts.

Kyle and I had a long weekend in Crete and stayed at a beautiful village boutique hotel not far from Rethymnon town. The hotel had its own organic vegetable farm and the gardens were full of lemon trees, orange trees and herbs. We played hours of gin rummy, watched Oscar-winning films (and Backdraft), lay by the pool and ate way too much feta and moussaka Let me know if you want any recommendations.

Saint Patrick's Day

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 16:12:32 +0100

Last weekend my dearest Patrick got married to the equally dashing John Orr at Islington Town Hall, followed by lunch at the Savoy. Are they not the most handsome couple?

Ileana Makri customised ring.

The Crescent Moon

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 18:01:27 +0100

Is there anything more special than having a coat made and designed for you, tailored just to fit your body? Koki Kang is one of my dearest friends, he's' been in my life for over 10 years and has a huge amount of experience making beautiful clothes. I first met him when he was designing at Boudicca, and he's since worked for many major brands such as Aquascutum. I asked him to design a piece with me in mind and this is what I got. He named it the Crescent Moon Coat. This is real luxury.

I think he needs to start his own bespoke, contact him if you want to create a piece for you. Believe me, it's well worth it.

koki.kang@yahoo.co.uk

Sunsets And Kirkwoods

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 17:50:40 +0100

How amazing is the sunset from my room at the Standard Hotel in NY where I stayed for Fashion Week? I could even see the Statue of Liberty. If you ever want to book a great hotel in Manhattan, or just want to get hooked up contact my mate Ruby at http://www.referredbyruby.com.

Now into the Kirkwoods and off to London.

What A Rivington Night

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 17:01:47 +0100

Alex Stylianidis the girl who makes Liberty beautiful, me and my tough guy Kyle Robinson.

It was my birthday last week and I turned 25 - nah it was the big 35, mental right? I invited a bunch of friends to the Rivington in Shoreditch to celebrate me but also the amayonaising roast chicken!

Kyle and Jordan Askill (possible angel).

The eternal honeymooners and my adopted London family Mary Portas and Mel Rickey.

Athena Procopiou - doesn't she have the best hair and her scarves are proper coolio - http://athenaprocopiou.com/

The one and only Brix Smith Start - HOT.

Me, Mel, Brix and Pixie (face of Mulberry) - straight to camera.

A love letter from Andrea Pfeffer.

Vanessa Coyle got me in a head lock - if I would pay someone to style me, it'd be her.

Oh so handsome boys, George Macperson, Jordie, Jeremy Hershan and Kylie.

My treasured team Hannah and Patrick.

Got a new pop-up book to add to my collection - thanks the Pfeff!

Prima Ballerina

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 12:14:57 +0100

I was lucky enough to be invited to a private screening of the film Black Swan, courtesy of Frame in Shoreditch. Once I arrived I was sized up, literally(!), and kitted out with a Bloch ballet pack consisting of a black leotard, pink tights and black satin ballet shoes (very on trend). I looked very professional for my following Black Swan themed ballet class (sorry, not including pictures of me in these for obvious reasons).

MAC were on-hand to re-create the amazing make-up, or just plump a lip or embellish our eyes. The class music was the soundtrack of the film for the most part. I even got to learn a *ahem* simple routine to the dance of the Black Swan. Move over Portman.

Check out Frame at moveyourframe.com. It’s not full of the usual mind-numbing work-outs. They do things like Jane Fonda Aerobics and Glee Classes! Frame are doing a Black Swan season too, every Saturday throughout the month of Feb - see the film and get inspired to release that inner ballerina.

So, the film. Haven’t you heard enough about what everyone thinks? It’s brilliant, I dare you to go in pink tights.

Yoga Time

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 12:18:36 +0100

James D'Silva doing homework with the boys at the St Margaret's Shelter.

Calling all of my readers! I wanted to share with you all an awesome fund-raising event which is being organised by my pilates instructor; one of London's top movement teachers, Franziska Rosenzweig.

The event is happening on the Saturday January 22 from 2pm through to 5:30pm - at Yoga Haven, 63 Wingate Square, Clapham Common, London SW4 0AF - and all money raised will be going towards a brilliant cause. To give you a brief rundown of Sponsor A Smile, they are a small fund-raising group that works in partnership with The Traditional Yoga Association. They are focused on raising awareness and funds in support of building and education projects for the St Margaret Home, which is a shelter for orphaned and street Children in Goa, India. All the boys who are at the shelter have had a extremely tough lives. The home desperately needs more funding for things such as shoes for the monsoon season and basic school utensils like uniforms, satchels, books and pencils - and this celebrity fund-raiser aims to help them out enormously.

The fund-raiser is an afternoon of yoga where participants will be able to choose from three out of nine classes taught by the best and most famous teachers in London, as below:

James D'Silva - trainer to Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sting and Trudi Styler - who will introduce his own method of exercising, The Garuda.

Katy Appelton - yoga teacher to Geri Halliwell.

Gideon Remfry - expert guest writer for Men's Fitness and celebrity trainer on Britain's Top Model.

Genato Paroni - coaches principal dancers for the Paris Opera Ballet and the Royal Ballet.

As well as Anna Maria Ronnqvist, Kyrstal Nash, Franziska Rosenwig and Denzil Bailey.

All they ask for is a £50 suggested minimum donation, either paid via Justgiving: http://www.justgiving.com/Sponsor-A-Smile or on the day (cash or cheque only).

This will be an amazing experience, with all money going towards a super cause - what could be a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than enjoying some incredible yoga classes?

If you want to find out more information or register please visit www.sponsorasmile.org or call Franziska on 07951 909 549.

Sharukh Allabhakshi.

My Aussie Top 5

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 13:47:53 +0100

1 - Go to the Sisters Cafe in Sorrento, Melbourne for the best cafe grub in the country.

2 - Wear a pair of very, very short cut-off denim shorts (otherwise you'll be the only girl between 12 -35 who isn't).

3 - Invest in one too many T-shirts and pairs of jeans from Palm Beach brand Bassike.

4 - Treat yourself to a beautiful Scanlan and Theodore dress and wear it to dinner at Sean's Panaroma.

5 - Avoid the sand: go beyond the beach, find a rock pool and sit in it.

Party Perfect Kane

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 10:47:51 +0100

This is my favourite Christmas party dress of the season. Good tidings we bring to you and your Christopher Kane.

Paradise Point

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:32:05 +0100

Cameron Jones.

Last Friday, Hannah and I decided to venture out to see a band Hannah’s super talented songwriting boyfriend Jordan has been working with. Just to give a small intro’ to Jordan, he’s an amazing songwriter who just wrote a song for Placebo’s latest album – class! So the new club night, which inevitably was way past our bedtimes, was called The Face and was at Punk in Soho - and being run by Steve Strange, founder of the infamous Blitz Club. Rumour was Johnny Depp was meant to be there… he wasn’t, sadly, but our broken hearts were mended by the band.

They were called Paradise Point and we feel we have to mention them as they were amazing. It was their first live show and they were awesome – totally refreshing compared to the usual uninspiring boybands around at the moment.

You can and should check them out at -www.myspace.com/paradisepointmusic

Here are some photos to enjoy!

Spot the proud parent!

Welcome To Wally World

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 15:05:22 +0100

I figure when you're in United Arab Emirates why bother blogging about the endless high rise shopping malls and luxury stores when I can show you Iceland Dubai! Yep, about 40 minutes from the city we escaped and found the source of all excess. The pictures really don't show the mammoth scale of this place, combined with the fact that it had just opened that week so we were pretty much the only people there. It was trippy to say the least - very National Lampoons Vacation. You can't hear the music either, imagine Katy Perry techno club mixes and German dance music REALLY LOUD. If you can't hear it, here's an example:

Are you there in spirit? Enjoy the ride...we did.

Ps this blog entry is dedicated to http://poochie.tumblr.com.

Finally found some people playing in the "polar games."

Attempted streaking.

Ummmmm......... Burgers.

Kyle and I - the day really took it out of me.

New York City

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 14:59:33 +0100

The reflection of the chandelier at the Boom Boom - it's like a spaceship, right?

I know it been a while, I'm really sorry but I've been right in the midst of all the Fashion Week madness and have had no time to blog. I figure as you're all probably bombarded with Fashion Week images, I don't really need to show you any more of that. So, I ducked over to New York for a few days in between London ad Paris fashion week for meetings and walk throughs.
What I love most about the city is the constant newness and intense energy - you can still buzz off it for months after you have left. I went to the Highline for the first time (the old overground railway now turned into a garden walkway) - genius. Ate at my favourite Cafe Gitane (the one at the Jane hotel which is like an old Cuban ball room), and went to the most mind blowing bar called the Boom Boom Room. The beautiful waitresses were dressed by Rubin Chapelle, a young designer I remember looking at way back in the late Nineties. Man am I getting old.

The Boom Boom room.

The Boom girls in Rubin Chapelle.

Sunset and a bottle of wine at the Highline.

Laura, Cho and I having a New York moment.

Rising Richie

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 11:55:53 +0100

I heard through the fashion grapevine about a very young and talented Chinese designer called Huishan Zhang (known as Richie), who just graduated from Central St Martins. One of the things I love about my job is being able to spend time with these newcomers, give them advice and talk about their plans for the future. Richie turned up at my place on his birthday (his mum said it would be good luck), and he blew Hannah and I away with his hand embroidered lace that he wanted to appear three dimensional. He has already won a placement at Dior, just received sponsorship from Deutsche Bank and is now setting up a studio in London - Christopher Kane received the same grant. Hard to really capture the beauty in pictures but his website should be up soon - keep an eye out for this one.

London Fashion Week

Sun, 19 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0100

Fashion week is well underway and all I can say is WOW! My boyfriend wants to karate chop me in the face and my apartment is a mess, outfits everywhere!
Here's to you Mel Rickey www.fashioneditoratlarge.com and Brix Smith Start www.start-london.com for making me feel all warm and fuzzy.

Anya On The River

Sat, 18 Sep 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Anya Hindmarch always comes up with brilliant unique ways of showcasing her new collections. I've previously been to Anya's day spa, The Bag and Bottle (Anya's pub), and now Anya's Pier and her Hindmarch cruises on the Thames for spring/summer 2011. The sun was shining, the cake and coffee were sweet and I got to rest my dancing feet.

Blogging Bonanza

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 16:50:34 +0100

Robinsonpfeffer.com.

I attended the Robinson Pfeffer autumn/winter 2010-11 online bloggers event, it was a BBQ bonanza (I figure as it’s my boyfriend Kyle's showroom and now that I am officially a blogger I should make an appearance). Check out some of the brands they carry which I've been supporting and wearing of late such as dressup.net.au, obakki.com, zambesi.co.nz and alpha60.com.au.

London summer accessories.

Richard Gere was here.

Toby Jones jewellery www. tobyjones.com.au

This is not Henry Holland.

Kyle (he works out - he told me to say that) and Shin from parkandcube.com

The grub, 250 sausages demolished.

Pippa, Kyle's litle sis wearing athenaprocopiou.com

THE BLOGSTARS.

Stockholm Fashion Week

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:43:34 +0100

I attended Stockholm Fashion Week last week and saw lots of great "twisted basic" collections, as Susie Bubble so perfectly put it. The standouts for me were Nakkna, Hope, Camilla Norrback and WhyRed. The thing that makes the Swedes so interesting is their commerciality. I always expect a brand is going to be a certain price point but the Swedes are very savvy and not at all extravagant. Their not really into pricey clothes – they prefer pieces that are just cool, look at Acne as their best example. But, what I really want to mention are the incredibly beautiful people, in particular the female bloggers with very big cameras - my pick as the trend of the season.

The Hunt Is Over

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 09:28:23 +0100

As you would have seen from an entry a month ago, I have been searching for a personal assistant. I was overwhelmed with all of the lovely and enthusiastic people who applied and whom I met – there were some outstanding applicants but, of course, in the end the job required one person who stood out the most. Ms. Hannah Clark started with me on Monday and I’d like to welcome her on board – and wish her all of the best with her new role as my much trusted and dependable P.A – well done to Hannah and a big thank you to all of you for making this a really educational and fun experience.

If you’re wondering about the magic Mr Patrick – he’s always going to be around in some way and I’ll be sure to let you know what he’s up to when the time is right.

Berlin Bliss

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 09:23:18 +0100

It was 42 degrees and almost unbearable wandering the vibrant streets of Berlin. Before I escaped to the lakes, I managed to find a customized War T-shirt and take a few street art snaps. Of course there was an anti-gentrification protest with DJ's and transvestites - couldn't see Viking man though. After two hours in the heat we escaped to the Badeschiff meaning "bathing ship" - where else but Berlin? This City is magic.

Acne Opening

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:34:11 +0100

Acne store-opening party last night on Dover Street - there were dozens of embellished beautiful waiters on all four floors. Oh yeah, and Patrick and I made some new friends.

The Great Assistant Hunt

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 09:55:36 +0100

Here are some of the interviewees for my new assistant position. I've learned a lot during this process as this younger generation are very opinionated, particularly about Topshop. Most of them seem to love Cos and Whistles and some of them can dance.

Joel: He's really into David Koma. He has his own blog WWW.DASHEMPIRE.COM and his favourite designer store is Browns. His favourite high street stores are All Saints, Reiss and Zara. He's loving the festival chic trend right now and if he were a women he'd like to be either Victoria Beckham or Sienna Miller. He thinks that I am "FEROCIOUSLY HAUTE".

Sakura aka lelalondon.com: she has a passion for make up and has worked at Mac, Clinique and been a self-employed make up artist. She's also worked for Chanel in the US. She has a great love for the theatre and has appeared in many productions. She has 15 years dance experience.

Hannah: She's a firecracker who's currently working in real estate (where I started), she's been working as senior co-ordinator of a lettings team in Islington for three years. She loves Acne, Chanel, Miu Miu and Margaret Howell. She is desperate to get into fashion, and she loves Cos. She thinks Islington and Dalston are the best places to buy in London right now.

Asha has been studying hard at business school and been a hedge fund office manager. She doesn't like Topshop, she thinks it's like a uniform but does like Urban Outfitters. Her favourite labels are Peter Pilotto and Philip Lim. Her interests are chess, piano and gym.

Jenni: An adorable Sussex lass currently living in Chichester but ready to move to London. She knows her stuff. Favourite designer stores: Selfridges and Liberty. High Street: Cos, Whistles, Top Shop and Reiss (she takes her brother shopping there) Her top trends for spring/summer: pastels, stripes and preppy. She put together a dream store for me with her wish list of brands like, Isabel Marant, Reed Krakoff and Pauric Sweeney. I'd definitely shop there.

Can you pick which two are making it to the second interview?

The NEWGEN Elite

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:17:43 +0100

The NEWGEN designers were announced at Somerset House last week and I'd like to mention a few of the ones that I am particularly fond of and have had the fortune of knowing and working with. These are, in my opinion, the ones to watch.

Jordan Askill

He creates exquisite pieces of jewellery and art, was Sydney-born and raised and is now based in London. He worked for Hedi Slimane at Dior Homme in Paris. Now he makes delicate heart rings and diving swallows pendants with sapphires. Jordan has a way of working unlike anyone else I know and seems to float just above the ground. He is such a gentle soul that sometimes I think that he might even be an angel.

JW Anderson

Jonathon W Anderson has a extraordinary mind. He was solely a menswear designer creating androgynous and elegant collections until a few of us convinced him to make clothes for women. I first saw his pieces for menswear in a showroom in London some years ago and fell in love with his "eye for and eye" bracelets. We started stocking them in Liberty and we’ve been increasing his accessories order by double every season since. My personal favourite is a bone brooch he made me in the shape of a flamingo with dangly pink beads for legs. His first womenswear collection will land in Liberty at end of August - there are waiting lists for his heart t-shirts already. I think his level of taste, truly unique sensibility and dreamy looks will take him far.

Michael Van Der Ham

Immediately after seeing Michael's first fashion show last year I literally ran backstage to secure exclusivity for Liberty. I had one of those moments that rarely happens to a buyer, and it paid off. The Dutchman is astute, savvy, kind and incredibly aware of where fashion is moving and, most importantly, he makes magical clothes that make women look beautiful. His first collection landed in Liberty and sold out in weeks. His second is in-store now and I want every piece.

Peter Pilotto

Peter Pillotto and Christopher De Vos are the most established of the bunch with already 27 of the worlds best stockists worldwide. They're on their way to becoming a huge international brand and are just so polished for a brand that is still so young. Women die over their dresses and their move into knitwear and tailoring last season took them even further. Their two tone leather and wool blazer was the only piece from any collection that I did a personal order for last season - see a pic from one of my first blog entry's. These boys mean business!

For my next entry, I'll be documenting the process of finding a replacement for my assistant Patrick, it’s gonna be intense. If you're up for applying for the position feel free to email me to you@yasminsewell.com

Me, Margiela and Mr Erdem

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:32:38 +0100

The Martin Margiela exhibition launched last week at Somerset House and it's on until September. Whether you're a fan of the brand's abnormal elegance or not (and I absolutely am) it is a must see.

Liberty crew Rob, Ruby and Shaun

Deep into the exhibition Margiela madness starts to take over; Alex Stylianidis and I conversing with imaginary friends.

Apparently it’s all about navy stripes and camel suede shoes this season.

Not sure if I was allowed to take pictures in the actual museum, but I did sneak in a few. Ran into the ever charming Mr Erdem - we had a horizontal stripe "snap" moment.

My favourite look of the night.

Nipple pinch.

Bryony, one of the Liberty team, and her stalker George Lamb.

They made me happy!

Magical Marrakech

Fri, 21 May 2010 17:09:15 +0100

A big long blog entry today to make up for my absence, and I’ve got loads to show you after being in Marrakech for an adventurous eight nights...

Part 1 - What's your best price?
The first few days we stayed at Riad Farnatchi (www.riadfarnatchi.com) which was pretty spectacular. Lynn their manager is beyond amazing, she pretty much took care of our entire holiday for us- I’ve never quite experienced service like it. My top two restaurants picks are Foundouk and Bo & Zin, but we found that in quite a few of the glamorous places the food wasn't quite as good as the surroundings. Our days were just about getting out into the souk and shopping/bargaining. Lynn calls it "souking" one of those past times where the hours and days fly by, and it’s a little addictive. The snake charmer used his brilliant sales skills and literally just threw his snake over my shoulders and then expected a backhander, I was into it but my boyfriend did a runner!

Last time I did this was I was 5 years old on a school excursion to the local Sydney Zoo

The private dining room at Farnatchi

My buying brain went into overdrive when I found these scarves, this man with no name makes them, and the scarves are label less. You can watch him weave them with this old school, hand made machine one by one. I was doing the maths; £22 cost is a total bargain- maybe I should get them into liberty? But in the end, there was not enough on offer to really make it worthwhile and perhaps a little late in the season to be buying summer scarves. Another one of those things you leave in the medina, but go back to later with all your savings and an empty over night bag to keep your loved ones looking and feeling good.

Can't really go to Marrakech without visiting the YSL memorial at the Marjorelle gardens. Most of his famous Love pictures are on display in the gallery.

The ponds in the Marjorelle gardens

One of his illustrations. Maybe if I had been fortunate enough to buy the brand when he was still involved I might have received one of these infamous Christmas cards

Part 2 - Flying carpets!
As you know I've just got a new place and have been furnishing it. I was relatively open to buying a carpet, I think they could sense the interest in my eyes and man they really went to town on us in there. We spent a good couple of hours bargaining, arguing, getting a tad emotional even, but finally I walked out with more than one. Seriously I don't know how they do it- exceptional selling skills! We bought four!

Who really knows if I got ripped off? I figure that if you love them then the price is exactly what you want to pay for them right? And apparently they are magic flying ones too!

Part 3 - Desert missing the rain man
Over next few days we left the medina to head for some R&R out in the dessert. We stayed at La Pause (www.lapause-marrakech.com) owned by a very chilled out French man called Freddy. It was a super special place with some really tasty grub, no electricity or town in sight. We hiked, ate, played cards, ate, tamed some wild camels and just explored and ate.

Our last hotel was the Les 5 Djellabas (www.les5djellabas.com) a relatively new resort owned by the uber cool partners of the Foundouk, just outside of the medina. We stayed in African huts and just sat by the freshwater pool eating avocado and crab salad for the last few days of sunshine. Marrakech is really not quite like anywhere I've ever been before; you've got to experience it at least even for a long weekend. If you get a chance pop in and see Lynn at Fardnatich, she'll sort you out- that woman really is the bomb.

Next entry I’ll upload some of the goodies we scored, stay tuned World...

In Bloom

Fri, 07 May 2010 12:26:41 +0100

Ok, just can't get enough of the cherry blossom currently in bloom right outside my window. I’ve only got it for a few more days...the wind is blowing, moment is fleeting.

Taking Liberties

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 11:40:21 +0100

So you know I’m moving house next week. Think it’s about time I use my Liberty privileges and pick some killer furniture pieces...

This couch was love at first sight, but I wasn't sure. In the end I went with my heart (and the mirror), along with all time classic "Chairmakers Chair" from Ercol.

I think these pieces will stand the test of time, don't you?

A Weekend In Amsterdam

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:54:35 +0100

Had a lazy weekend in Amsterdam; spent most of the time wandering the streets photographing OTT shop fronts, here are my two favourite pics.

Moooi gallery, an amazing furniture store in Amsterdam, also stocked at Liberty. They've really gone for it with the King Kong lamp.

Febo "very" fast food - apparently this is huge in Holland, they even cater for corporate events??

Spring Clean

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 14:49:26 +0100

April 7, 11 degrees and maybe, just maybe, we're seeing a few signs of spring coming...

I'm about to move house in a few weeks, so the time for a spring clean is now. With the help of my very handsome assistant Patrick and our machine of an intern Steph (who inherited a few pieces that we edited), we immersed ourselves.

Tackling through it!

Patrick convincing me never to throw away that Sonia Rykiel rhinestone number...

Steph inherits the slightly moth-eaten Toga top from last season.

Patrick nailing it as usual.

Magical Mr Manolo

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:36:33 +0100

Manolo ready to charm at the press day

He is quite frankly the most charming man I’ve ever met and finally London can access more from the magical Mr Manolo Blahnik. My client Liberty is doing a very special collaboration with him, launching in September during Fashion's Night Out.

He's always used Liberty prints but he’s created some specials just for us. Also, the man himself will be curating a space and holding an exhibition in the store. I personally can't wait to get some of his custom-made shoe horns and cushions - he’s even done Christmas decorations and chocolates...yummy!

Off To Meet The Queen

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

First dress option from Marios

I was one of the lucky 300, as quoted by the invitation, "clothing" industry people who were invited to meet the Queen last night. Dress code - day dress or lounge suits (hats and gloves not required). So, what does one wear? Especially knowing that the room is not just full of clothing industry but fashion industry heavyweights - and the best of the best of British talent. So I went for one of them, Marios Schwab. He sent me a few killer looks from his latest show, the first maybe too formal, but the final look was perfect: demure, conservative but still Marios conceptual. To top it off, a leopard-print mesh bag from Oroton, just because I wanted to carry something a little Aussie with me.

Second option - maybe too formal

Having a go with first look, cute but maybe too much for a day dress, right?

My demure look from Marios the master, teamed with my Oroton "aussie" bag.

SEE WHO ELSE MET THE QUEEN HERE

Very Vionnet

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:09:01 +0100

Went to see Vionnet's new collection, which was showing privately at the apartment of Jean Cocteau overlooking the Palais Royal. I snuck into the bedroom and found a blackboard that was Jean's original address book noting names and numbers of people like Picasso…only in Paris.

Vionnet models at Jean Cocteau’s apartment.

His original address book.

Merci Liberty

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:16:27 +0100

Merci, Paris' most beautiful concept store, turned into Liberty print heaven with our collaboration launching last night. If you haven't been to Merci, it opened last year with products like: wooden forks; vintage chandeliers; books; fashion brands like YSL, Stella McCartney and Acne; an awe-inspiring haberdashery area; a gallery; and of course childrenswear (Marie-France Cohen is the owner and founder of Bonpoint). All of the profits are donated to a children’s charity in Madagascar. The adorable and affordable items will also be in Liberty from Monday March 8 to 29, but I'm sure - based on the madness last night - they'll be sold out before the...

Merci's new floral frontage

The customised Fiat 500 in Liberty print

Hundreds of strips of Liberty print falling from the ceiling

Mugs!

Sticky tape - amazing!

Little baby in a basket

Queues of people were waiting for the crushed fresh raspberries in Prosecco

The world’s slowest barman, but looking very sweet in Liberty print aprons (also for sale)

The DVF girls grabbing the mini briefcases (my personal favourite), before they sold out

Marie-France Cohen’s grandchildren playing with the props

Yasmin Through The Looking Glass

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:20:39 +0100

One of those big Fashion Week dinners in Paris, luckily this was a good friend’s birthday so we got to relax after our 14 hours of power. We went to Derriere restaurant in the 3rd that has hidden smoking room that you can only access through this magic cupboard...

The unassuming mirror cupboard

Pontus from Acne jeans about to escape…

Le smoking room

Over The Rainbowwaive In Paris

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:12:42 +0100

Some goodies at the Rainbowwaive showroom in Paris. They have one of the best selections of British, American and a few Greek brands – including Meadham Kirchhoff, Marios Schwab, Peter Pilotto, L'agence, Camilla Skovgaard and Ileana Makri - it’s a long appointment.

Killer look at Meadham

The Liberty edit of Meadham

Me in my favourite Peter Pilotto piece (and a personal order)

Ileana Makri's magical titanium ring with three gems

Illeana modelling her new diamond ring that wraps around three fingers but sits just in the middle of them...genius

Ethically Speaking

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Ethical fashion is something I'd like to know more about and, as a buyer, collaborate with as much as possible. The problem up until now is that these brands don't always relate so well to fashion. I've learnt these last few months, while I've been mentoring some of the up-and-coming ethical brands, that the ability to fully create what you envision is much more difficult. If you're like Good One and only use recycled materials there are obvious limitations with fabrics, but Nin -who is the designer - managed to create some really desirable, body-hugging and easy to wear pieces that I loved.

Minna, who works mainly with organic fabrics and vintage details, has a really feminine aesthetic; I love that she did long dresses for winter in washed out silks with vintage lace and chain on the shoulders. The North Circular had a great exhibition space at LFW Esthetica with "nanas" hand knitting and chewing the fat all week long.

The "nanas" at North Circular hand knitting at the LFW Esthetica exhibition.

Fashion Week Prep

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Ok, these are all my clothes (with a few new pieces from Acne), piled onto my bed the night before LFW started......it still doesn't look any better now.

Girl Loves Boy

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +0100

JW Anderson showed his first ever women’s collection at LFW, he's been designing menswear for a few seasons now and I've been pleading with him to do women’s since he graduated in 2007 from LCF. I knew if he took those genius ideas he has for accessories (see bangles, rings and shoes above and below!) and adapted them in ready-to-wear I'd fall for it, and I did...LOVE the heart T-shirt! (So much that I wore it to the Liberty Corso Como launch.)