London Fashion Weekend - SS13' Trends

The Trend Show I attended at London Fashion Weekend depicted four of the latest seasons 'must have' trends for Spring Summer 2013. 

A mixture of designer and high-street key pieces styled together by the legendary fashion director Hilary Alexander adorned the runway.

The first trend to be unveiled was Graphic Art - A combination of sharp-cuts, interesting shapes, block colouring, monochrome stripes, bold spots and digital prints define this trend.

Image: http://www.londonfashionweekend.co.uk - Trend - Graphic Art

The second trend to appear from behind the back drop was Urban Lifestyle - A personal favorite this look combines classic tailoring with chic contemporary styling. Longer lengths, 'Grown-Up Girls' style, dropped waistlines, day-dresses and statement jackets re-define the working wardrobe.

Image: http:www.londonfashionweekend.co.uk - Trend - Urban Lifestyle

The third trend to hit the catwalk was Eastern Promise - defined by it's title, this trend is all about taking those cultural influences, mixing them all together and creating something beautiful. Long gowns, origami style skirts, oriental prints, tunics, detailed embroidery and kimono style jackets are the key elements that define the detail to this trend. 

Image: http://www.londonfashionweekend.co.uk - Trend - Eastern Promise

And the forth and final trend to be unveiled was Doll's House - This trend epitomizes every-girls dream of their very own dressing up box and the wish to feel 'pretty' (oh sooo pretty as the song goes). This trends provides a modern take on this wish introducing, longer length pencil skirts, and shell-tops, party dresses, lace and sparkle. 

Image: http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk - Trend - Doll's House

Words: Nathalie Dawe

Images: http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk

Visit to London Fashion Weekend

London Fashion Weekend commenced on Thursday - providing the perfect finale to fashions most revealing week on the calender. The event allows everybody to get a taste of just some of the madness, glamour, hard-work and atmosphere that makes London Fashion Week definitive of great British fashion.

I attended the event on it's second day of the extended weekend, unknowing of what to expect, me and my friend had done our research and our expectations were high.

Our day commenced around 11am as we collected our official Radley show bags, full of little treats, vouchers and of course the essential show guide, we were ready to start a fashion packed day.

Outside the Vodafone LFWend Show Space.

The layout of the event throughout the grounds of Somerset House created a sense of adventure as you walked through each room set out in the style of a designer boutique. Another door followed, by another unveiled a series of (every girls dream) walk in wardrobes displaying collections from designers including  Hermione de Paula, J.W. Anderson, Paper London, DKNY Jeans, Pringle of Scotland, Tweny8twelve and The Cambridge Satchel Company to name just a few. 

The flags are out - LFWend Somerset House.

After browsing the collections you could opt for a spot of relaxation in the Bueno Lounge with unlimited free chocolate and a mini massage or treat yourself to a new haircut in the TONI&GUY pop-up salon, a facial in the Elizabeth Arden beauty studio or a lash makeover at the benefit brow bar. There were also plenty of photo opportunities with the Canon pop-up studio and Capital FM   snapping away providing lots of fun throughout the day!

Me (Right) and my friend Laura spotted by Capital FM.

The Vodafone show space dominated the central grounds of Somerset house, complete with its own catwalk show fronted by the stunning presenter Zoe Hardman for the 3rd season depicted four of Spring Summer 2013's biggest trends - The Catwalk Edit introduces us to these trends as Graphic Art, Urban Lifestyle, Eastern Promise and Dolls House (I'll cover these with my own views in a later post).

Zoe did a fantastic job hosting the show for a 3rd season, but i would have loved to have seen more looks for each trend, as the show seemed to be over so quickly. However those we did see perfectly pinpointed the key-pieces required for our next wardrobe update. 

En route to LFWend - 22/02/13

So this morning I'm on route to the most prestigious week (end) in fashion. LFWend at Somerset house. After a lack of sleep, and an early start I'm really excited too see what the event has to offer!

Tickets for the event are available from £15.5O-£40.00 depending on how much of the event you would like to experience.

I have chosen the shop and catwalk ticket which gives me exclusive access to the shopping department and a catwalk trend show.

There is also the very special Luxe ticket available for those who would like to be treated like a V.I.P for the day - These tickets are available from £120.00-£165.00.

For more information about LFWend or to still book tickets you vist the following link:

http://www.londonfashionweekend.co.uk

I'm off to have a fantastic day of shopping and catwalk shows with my friend Laura. Getting my wages on the same day as this a shopping event is really going to test my will-power.

If you want to know more about a day at LFWend I will be updating this post after the event!

National Postgraduate Study and Funding Fair

Today I attended one of the seven 'National Postgraduate Study and Funding Fairs' at The University of Birmingham. The event is held on behalf of targetjobs.co.uk. The employment website work towards helping provide 'the best possible start to your career' and is dedicated to supporting undergraduates and graduates looking to take those very important FIRST steps into what many may want to refer to as a 'proper' job.

Targetjobs.co.uk also provides a particular focus towards finding the right POSTGRADUATE opportunity for YOU! Holding events such as the National Postgraduate Study and Funding Fair to give students and graduates the opportunities to meet and talk to representatives from in excess of 100 universities.

Image: http://www.targetcourses.co.uk

Chris Phillips organizer and founder of the event was on hand to provide a seminar to students and graduates regarding - 'Funding your postgraduate study'. Having attended this seminar I would highly recommend it to anybody concerned about whether or not they have access too or are eligible for post-graduate funding. 

The seminar covered a range of different disciplines the most important being to ASK yourself...

- Will your post-graduate study give you an ADVANTAGE?

- What about the cost? Is their FUNDING available?

- Is your course REALLY essential to your industry?

- Is the course VALUED by potential future employers?

- Is the university HIGHLY-REGARDED?

What I most appreciated about the seminar was that it was completely unbiased towards or against postgraduate study. You was not made to feel as though postgraduate study was essential for ultimate success nor was you made to feel like it was completely unachievable - Something I believe is felt by many(myself included) due to how daunting the cost can seem, without the knowledge of the funding opportunities available.

If like myself you are considering postgraduate study its not to LATE... You still have plenty of time to apply and their are still National Postgraduate Study and Funding Fairs running in the following Cities:

- University of Sheffield: 28th February 2013

- Victoria House London: 7th March 2013

You can find out more about targetjobs.co.uk and The National Postgraduate Study and Funding Fair by clicking on the links below:

Target Jobs: 
http://targetjobs.co.uk/

National Postgraduate Study and Funding Fairs: http://targetcourses.co.uk/fairs-and-open-days 

  

LFW Autumn Winter 2013 - Day 5

It's mixed emotions as London Fashion Week comes to a close... for followers of the event everywhere its always an exhausting and exhilarating performance - The early starts, late nights and constant pressure to meet deadlines and look good while doing so! 

Thankfully many of us can get comfy on the sofa, grab the laptop and log onto the LIVE stream. Although i wouldn't EVER say no if i was ever given the privilege of being invited to leave my sofa and join the infamous FROW' for the unveiling of a new season.

The final day commenced with Simone Rocha unveiling a collection of pastel pink, asymmetric hemlines, layered skirts, black patent, collarless jackets, buttoned up shirts and full-fur separates for the Autumn Winter 2013 season. Epitomising the designers ideal client - 'A woman who wants to wear beautiful things' as depicted in the designers show notes. 

Other designers showcasing their Autumn Winter 2013 collections included, Lucas Nascimento, Paul Costelloe, Anya Kindmarch, Roksanda llincic, James Long Women, Emilio de la Morena, Nasir Mazhar, Meadham Kirchhoff, Ashish, Tata-Naka, Ostwald Helgason, Maria Grachvogel, Aminaka Wilmont and Haizhen Wang.

You can view each designer’s FULL Autumn / Winter 2013 collection and watch the show again LIVE on the London Fashion Week website via - www.londonfashionweek.co.uk 

I haven't had chance this week to have a really good look at the final day of LFW, but i will be updating this post shortly with my thoughts on the final collections from the most prestigious week in fashion - In the meantime please take a look at my coverage from the rest of the week!

Words: Nathalie Dawe

 

London Fashion Week - Topshop Unique

I didn't get chance to post about Topshop Unique but the collection was once again sensational, demonstrating youthful elegance vamped up by the brands trademark 'edge'.

Cara Develinge took the lead for the second time this season to unveil the Autumn Winter 2013 collection from Topshop Unique designer Emma Farrow.

London Fashion Week - Autumn Winter 2013 - Unique

The Model of the moment emerged showcasing one of my favourite looks from the show - A high-waisted wet-look skirt in voluminous black, a crop knit and over-sized velvet look coat and diamond  design bag.

London Fashion Week - Autumn Winter 2013 - Unique

The opening look set the bar high for expectations of the show and it did not disappoint. A balanced mix of high-waisted leather, over-sized outerwear, contrasting collars, velvet panelling, cropped knitwear, floral graphics and wet look sequins adorned the catwalk to a star studded FROW (The Front Row).

London Fashion Week - Autumn Winter 2013 - Unique

Other key pieces from the Unique collection included the classic crop, 3/4 length sleeves, silk pockets, oversized all-in-ones, thigh-high slits and the most popular piece for Autumn Winter 2013 - the midi-skirt.

London Fashion Week - Autumn Winter 2013 - Unique

Overall I felt the look of the Unique collection demonstrated a feminine silhouette beautifully, yet kept it's prestigious 'unique' sense of style on par with it's feminine update.

London Fashion Week - Autumn Winter 2013 - Unique

Through the use of wet-look and textured fabrics Emma Farrow epitomised the brands trademark 'edge' by adding a casual brogue, thigh high slits, patch of fur, calf reaching boots or a piece of over-sized outerwear.

London Fashion Week - Autumn Winter 2013 - Unique

These are just my first interpretations of the collection, but as an avid follower of the Unique label. It is possible that I will update these notes when I have the opportunity to study the collection further but so far so good!

London Fashion Week - Autumn Winter 2013 - Unique

Well done Topshop Unique!

You can view each designer’s FULL Autumn / Winter 2013 collection and watch the show again LIVE on the London Fashion Week website via - www.londonfashionweek.co.uk 

Words: Nathalie Dawe

Image composition: Nathalie Dawe

Pictures: http//www.londonfashionweek.co.uk

LFW Autumn Winter 2013 - Day 4

With the unveil of the Burberry Prorsum Autumn Winter 2013 collection - Day 4 of London Fashion week was amongst the most anticipated show of the event, globally talked about on twitter hours before it even began. The luxury fashion brand has been setting the bar for the future catwalk for a while now and it's long reign is down to it's innovative ability to update each trademark piece season after season.

While still keeping that strong sense of British heritage  building on their signature key pieces, Burberry continue to  strengthen their on-going reputation, demonstrating how a brand strongly leading the luxury market can still create a sense of it's original craftsmanship, updating it's trademark key pieces to suit a new generation and a new wardrobe.

London Fashion Week - Autumn Winter 2013 - Burberry Prorsum

Chief creative officer of the brand Christopher Bailey unveiled a montage of midi-lengths, cinched in waists, leather collars, bold stripes, fringed leather, pointy flats leopard print and chic love heart printed pieces (for the men too!) creating the collections key looks for the season. 

London Fashion Week - Autumn Winter 2013 - Burberry Prorsum

‘The belted mac’ is a staple wardrobe update, the unveiling of the piece is always highly anticipated come fashion week, but never fails to disappoint. Providing a fine example of the re-working of a classic as shiny metallics cinch in waists and defined pockets update the brands trademark piece.

London Fashion Week - Autumn Winter 2013 - Burberry Prorsum

The brands usual earth tones paid tribute to Burberry's signature palette while the monochrome prints contrasted beautifully with the enriched colour palette incorporated by the rest of the collection. 

Other designers to showcase their Autumn Winter 2013 collections included, Peter Pilotto, Sophia Webster, Antonio Berardi, Pringle of Scotland, Huishan Zhang, Michael van der Ham, Christopher Kane, Louise Gray, Erdem, Fashion East, 1205, Osman, GILES, TOM FORD and J.W. Anderson Women.

You can view each designer’s FULL Autumn / Winter 2013 collection and watch the show again LIVE on the London Fashion Week website via - www.londonfashionweek.co.uk 

Words: Nathalie Dawe

Image composition: Nathalie Dawe

Pictures: http//www.londonfashionweek.co.uk

LFW Autumn Winter 2013 - Day 3

Day 3 of London Fashion Week unveiled Autumn Winter 2013 collections from those who are amongst my favourite designers; Mulberry, Matthew Williamson, Marios Schwab, Temperley London, Vivienne Westwood Red Label, and Topshop Unique all dominated the catwalk today with a rich colour palette, strong tailoring, structured shilouettes and a hint of British Heritage.

For Autumn Winter 2013 creative director of Mulberry Emma Hill has developed a collection inspired by rural Englishness, depicted elements of British landscapes and nature are represented by the colour palette and prints carefully selected in each design. For Mulberry the sense of nostalgia is developed in the rich colour palette, chosen for the bulk of the Autumn Winter 2013 collection. 

London Fashion Week - Autumn Winter 2013 - Mulberry

A new venture for the designer, but one that ensures the classic Englishness, natural charm and luxurious appeal of the Mulberry brand still remains embedded in each look adorned by the living mannequin that is the model.

We all know for Mulberry it is all about the BAG! And this season is no exception, with each model strutting down the catwalk   conveying British elegance with the new 'IT' bag firmly clutched in the manicured hands of the models. This season it was all about the doctors bag.

London Fashion Week - Autumn Winter 2013 - Mulberry

Key pieces from the collection included the season’s statement midi-lengths, a palette of rich shades prints that define British heritage on modern tailoring with elegantly cut coats and mid-length skirts, leather key pieces, black fur, wet-look sequins, dropped waist-lines and a somewhat hint of 90's nostalgia with skirts being worn over matching 3/4 length trousers (Not quite sure about this one) All accessorized of course with a matching iconic Mulberry hand-bag - And of course their was a Poodle, also dressed in what can only be described as the most chic range in dog wear.

London Fashion Week - Autumn Winter 2013 - Mulberry

Mulberry was another designer this year drawing attention to the waist with tie belts, creating a defined silhouette. This combined with polished skin and the iconic shaped brows, enhanced the feminine feel to the collection.

With a collection that couldn't be of a sharper contrast to  Mulberry her show notes describe how she thinks of her clients as 'the best ambassadors for my clothes' - And when Vivienne Westwood unveiled her Autumn Winter 2013 collection today we could see what she meant when she described how 'When people discover them, they seem to have a edge'

London Fashion Week - Autumn Winter 2013 - Vivienne Westwood Red Label

Models emerged from the behind the scenes with graphic face paints courtesy of MAC, backcombed hair and dip-dyed nails. With ultimate attention to detail the collection was an array of contrasting colours and prints. Midi-lengths, asymmetric necklines,leather look fabrics, belted waists and high-waisted knickerbocker style trousers were all depicted as key pieces for Autumn Winter 2013.

Female elegance prevailed as the day closed with Marios Schwab unveiling his ultra-feminine collection, delivering high-levels of glamour for Autumn Winter 2013.

London Fashion Week - Autumn Winter 2013 - Marios Schwab

Complete with velvet drapes, sequin embellishment, chiffon layering and deep 'V' necklines Schwab created a glamourous and sophisticated silhouette encouraged by the designers trademark piece - 'A seductive little dress'

London Fashion Week - Autumn Winter 2013 - Marios Schwab

Contrast seaming, full-length sheer fabrics and cinched in waists created with velvet ties enhanced the female form and impacted on the seductive nature of the collection. 

Other designers showcasing their Autumn Winter 2013 collections included Preen by Thornton Bregazzi, Holly Fulton, Margaret Howell, Emilia Wickstead, L'Wren Scott, Mark Fast, Mary Katrantzou, Jonathan Saunders, Dominic Jones, Paul Smith, and Richard Nicoll.

I'll update this collection as soon as i can get access to the latest images from the Autumn Winter 2013 catwalk - For now i hope you enjoy Mulberry as much as i did! 

You can view each designer’s FULL Autumn / Winter 2013 collection and watch the show again LIVE on the London Fashion Week website via - www.londonfashionweek.co.uk 

Words: Nathalie Dawe

Image composition: Nathalie Dawe

Pictures: http//www.londonfashionweek.co.uk

LFW Autumn Winter 2013 - Day 2

Day 2 of London Fashion Week commenced with the Autumn Winter 2013 collection from DAKS. After being unveiled as the new head of the womenswear label in 2011 - Shelia McKain-Waid successfully delivered another great collection. 

Daks trademark Outerwear dominated the catwalk epitomising the brands British sense of timeless classics - beautiful craftsmanship was detected by the simplicity and elegance of every piece. 

London Fashion Week - Autumn / Winter 2013 - Daks

Two personal favorites are the all-in-one and the classic Midi length, both of which have made a big comeback on Daks runway for Autumn Winter 2013. The Key piece's have been updated with a sombre colour palette and tailored finish.

London Fashion Week - Autumn / Winter 2013 - Daks

Other key pieces included last seasons trademark trench updated with the bold heritage print featured throughout the collection.

Following Daks opening Sister by Sibling, Antipodium, Christopher Raeburn, Orla Kiely and Jasper Conran completed the mornings shows. 

Antipodium introduced a staple wardrobe update as the designer carries the shift dress into AW13 - Updating a feminine classic with PVC and wet-look style fabric epitomising his signature 'hint of kink' depicted by his show notes.

London Fashion Week - Autumn Winter 2013 - Antipodium

The FUN attitude of Sister by Sibling was captured by a cluster of dots, stripes and floral prints. The overall look was given an uber cool feel with casual footwear - And who more of fitting model to lead the collection than my personal favorite aka - Cara Delevingne. A model whose fun and quirky character has catapulted her to the top of an industry where the pressure often makes people take themselves too seriously.

London Fashion Week - Autumn Winter 2013 - Sister by Sibling

Moschino Cheap and Chic later emerged on the runway expressing creativity through it's notable updates on our wardrobe classics. The midi length again made an appearance becoming a key theme of the day, while bursts of pastel pink and fuchsia, cute clutch's and cropped jackets enhanced femininity and tailored two-pieces provided a touch of elegance to the otherwise edgy collection. A key trend already starting to emerge for AW13 is the dropped waist-line featured heavily on the Moschino runway - this is a trend I will most definitely be styling into my OWN wardrobe.

London Fashion Week - Autumn Winter 2013 - Moschino Cheap and Chic

The somewhat playful nature of the day continued with the unveiling of the House of Holland Autumn Winter 2013 collection showcasing his signature use of the bold and the bright with a colourful palette - Holland introduced bold prints, cinched in waists, a metallic trench and a hint of denim.

London Fashion Week - Autumn Winter 2013 - House of Holland

Other designers showcasing their Autumn Winter 2013 collections included palmer//harding, John Rocha, Marques'Almeida, Julien Macdonald, Todd Lynn, J. JS Lee, Issa, David Korma and Thomas Tait. 

You can view each designer’s FULL Autumn / Winter 2013 collection and watch the show again LIVE on the London Fashion Week website via - www.londonfashionweek.co.uk 

Words: Nathalie Dawe
Image composition: Nathalie Dawe
Pictures: http//www.londonfashionweek.co.uk

LFW Autumn Winter 2013 - Day 1

It was an early start this morning for fashion designers, stylists, make-up artists, journalists and BLOGGER'S everywhere as London Fashion Week opened its doors to us once again showcasing only the very best in British talent.

Whether you’re on the front row, or a tech savvy fashion geek(like the rest of us) logging onto the live feed via, you’re smart-phone / ipad / laptop, the one thing we will all be talking about for the next 5 very special days in the fashion calendar will be what went down THAT catwalk!

Officially opening London Fashion Week AW13' was of course the Chairman and CEO of the British Fashion Council Natalie Massenet and Caroline Rush. Ed Valzey (Minister for the Creative Industries was also present.

Invited to make those first footprints on the AW13' runway this year was Zoë Jordan recognised for combining a love of both androgynous and the feminine in beautifully tailored designs. The designer commented on the invitation in her show notes saying “It’s a huge honour to be opening London Fashion Week this season! Pressure is on!”

London Fashion Week - Autumn / Winter 2013 - Zoe Jordan

And the female designer did not disappoint - Introducing graphic, prints and interesting textures on strong silhouettes adorned by a busting colour palette of fuchsia and burnt orange which impacted perfectly against the chic-tailoring and contrasting monochrome featured in the collection.

Zoe Jordans opening show was quickly followed by collections from Bora Aksu, Fyodor Golan, Jena. Theo, KTZ and Felder Felder. For me Bora Aksu's collection was amongst the most interesting, said in his show notes to have been inspired by the 'Diane Arbus' photo of identical twins, the Turkish born designer reflects his signature style 'romantic with a dark twist' through the use of heavily textured fabrics ,softened by a butter cream palette and chiffon layering. All models were seen to be wearing heavily detailed head-wear injecting an element of the 1920's flapper girl - Emphasising something quite nostalgic about this collection every element of detail from the cinched in waists, created by the carefully crafted corsets to the full-skirt completing the perfect hourglass is what makes these costume like pieces so unique - and that dressing up box style a key trend to be considered for Autumn Winter 2013.

London Fashion Week - Autumn / Winter 2013 - Bora Aksu

Fyodor and Golans background in fine art is expressed by the duo's latest collection. With an acute attention to the brands trademark use of architectural shape and texture combined with a luxurious colour palette creates a dramatic impact with the unveiling of each look.

London Fashion Week - Autumn / Winter 2013 - Fyodor and Golan

Other designers showcasing their Autumn Winter 2013 included Eudon Choi, Jean-Pierre Braganza, PPQ, sass & bide and the Central Saint Martins MA student also unveiled their collections.

You can view each designer’s FULL Autumn Winter 2013 collection and watch the show again LIVE on the London Fashion Week website via - www.londonfashionweek.co.uk 

Words: Nathalie Dawe
Image composition: Nathalie Dawe

Pictures: http//www.londonfashionweek.co.uk

London Fashion Week (15th-19th February 2013)

London Fashion week starts tomorrow - it's that time of year again when every fashion designer, stylist, make-up artist, journalist and BLOGGER comes out to play, and with a new season comes a new trend, this trend usually begins with a designer and a sketchbook, it then comes to life after hundreds of hours have been spent by the creative team producing the new collection to then be showcased on our catwalk, for the most prestigious week on the fashion calender.

We watch every show in awe of the exquisite designs then if we are LUCKY the trends key elements are interpreted by our favourite high-street brands for us 'normal' people to work into our own wardrobes and create our OWN style!

LFW Autumn/Winter 2013 Artwork from www.wwb-online.co.uk

To make sure you don't miss any of the action from this seasons LFW you can view the final show schedule for Autumn/Winter 2013 by clicking on the link below.

The show schedule provides you with all the information you will need to ensure you don't miss the unveiling of your favourite designers latest collection. The majority of the shows are streamed live and the easy to read layout of the schedule lets you see where the show is being shown. The schedule key on the side of the web page can also be used to see who's sponsoring each show and whether or not your show is being streamed RIGHT NOW!

I hope you'll all be logging on to see some of the worlds most famous models adorn the catwalk once again - with snow on the ground and a winter chill still breezing through the air it's provided the perfect setting for the unveiling of Autumn/Winter 13's freshest designs. So please let the shows commence!

For the full A/W 2013 show schedule visit;
http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/schedule_aw13.aspx