Viktor & Rolf's disappearing act

The most amazing piece shown in Paris Fashion Week, has got to be the disappearing dress by Viktor & Rolf for their s/s 2010 collection. The dress, made up of layers and layers of structured tulle, over black leggings worn in front of the black background, to create an almost invisible middle to the bottom of the dress. The piece was strangely from their collection inspired by the credit crunch yet really would not have been an inexpensive piece to make.

Last year I went the Viktor & Rolf collections exhibition at the Barbican, and became a big fan of the designers for their originality. The exhibition showed some of their designs, and in the middle a 2 storey house sized doll house, with dolls wearing miniature replicas, it truly was unique and inspiring.

Do you appreciate Viktor & Rolf's originality?

Emily X

Fashion goes natural

Alexander McQueen's Paris Fashion Week show was highly anticipated for his ever-building array of theatrical pieces. His new S/S 2010 catwalk showed his new theme of all things natural. Unlike many other designers who use a nude colour palette when it come to Spring, McQueen based his pieces on peacocks and reptiles, digitally printed on structured dresses, enhancing the hips and shoulders. Perhaps his most talked about pieces were the 'Hoof Shoes'. The shoes, worn by all the models, literally look like animal hooves or bird claws, with rounded sculptured tops reaching great heights. The shoes were definitely on par with the anti-recession approach to fashion at the moment; fashion that shows fun fantasy and not at all any classic practicality. Whether you loved them or hated them, the shoes certainly got everyone talking. Fashion is not necessarily meant for wearing, some is just art or spectacle.

Did you like the shoes? Or think they are plain insanity?

Emily X

CHECK? CHECK.

This autumn one of the big trends hitting the high street is all things check. Dogtooth reminds me of the 60s matchy matchy trends, but has been updated this season, with Alexander McQueen's heavy influence from his a/w 09 collection where dogtooth was his focus. McQueen showed a collection of dogtooth dresses, suits and now sells the accessories to match, such as his squeezy clutch.

Of course, dogtooth has filtered down to the high street, with dresses and coats in topshop, new look, reiss, river island, next,wallis and many more. Dogtooth is a great update to your wardrobe, looking retro but modern, and you can't go wrong if you pick just one great piece and let it do the talking.

Will you be buying into the dogtooth trend?

Emily X

Eeeeek SEX & THE CITY 2!

Every magazine over the last few weeks has been showing new photos from the set of SATC 2...ITS SO EXCITING. I officially can't wait for the film to see the new clothes. The first film was spot-on with all the trends of 2007 & 2008; fierce heels, belted waists and jumpsuits, it will be interesting to see what they come up with this time around. We've already seen some vintage Halston, Herve Ledger and Dior, seen in the photo above, and hopefully we'll see much more in the coming weeks. Eeeeekkk.

Emily X

Emma Watson: fashion's new darling

Emma Watson is the one of the most talked about young women, of the moment, in terms of fashion. I really like her style, as opposed to all those indie young girls on the fashion front (Alexa Chung, Daisy Lowe blah blah blah) she chooses surprisingly classic fashion for someone so young, but always with an edge. It is nice to have a different view on young fashion, I'm getting very bored of lumberjack shirts, and the 90s grunge should never be having a comeback. Watson, a fan of Chanel, Burberry and Christopher Kane really shows there is a difference to young fashion; its not just indie or girls aloud/WAG style.

I hope her high fashion status continues, as a fresh approach to British style.

Do you think Emma Watson's style is a fresh view on fashion?

Or do you prefer the the indie girls' fashion?

Emily X

LFW Betty Jackson s/s 10

At the 25th London Fashion Week, Betty Jackson's s/s show really stood out as a great example of British Fashion. I particularly loved the brocade details, in muted colours, perfect for the transition from winter to spring (see left). The designs also showed current trends such as the structured shoulder and the up and coming trend of underwear as outerwear. I'm loving the mix of ladylike fabric with an updated silhouette. Jackson also stuck to the classics, again with the on-trend silhouette, with a nautical striped top, and cropped trousers, among other designs.

Do you like Betty Jackson's trendy but classic designs?

Emily X

Grazia exclusive on H&M Matthew Williamson

Matthew Williamson for H&M - red carpet debut!

CLICK HERE

Have a looky!

Mei your day be great!!

Kate Moss for Topshop

Looking at Kate Moss' spring/summer 09 collection for Topshop, released on Thursday, I'm really not seeing what all the fuss is about. Kate Moss, known to be THE style icon of the 21st Century, has never particularly enthralled me. Though she does look good, I find her day wear quite boring, especially when you then get a million copycats across Britain sporting Moss' "uniform" of skinny jeans, a blazer and ankle boots or pumps.The only piece I actually quite like from the collection is the liberty print dress (seen above), which shows Moss is aware of the trends she never wears. However most of the collection just seems to be quite bland, in comparison with her previous collections, though Sir Phillip Green did say this was her best season so far. Yet most of the pieces are quite random, they don't fit easily together as a collection, and her patterns are quite lurid.

Moss' collection just seems overpriced and overrated, and yet you know it will all sell out immediately because everyone wants a piece of her.

Do you think Kate Moss is

overrated?

Yay or Nay?

Emily X

Go Low!

Men, guys, males, hombres, hommes, uomini!
I have news for you…

The latest trend for men, it seems, is the return of the ‘low cut top’.

What?! I hear you gasp.

Well, having scouted recent magazines, and noticing several guys donning the look on trains, tubes, buses and in clubs in and around Londres, I have noticed a definite influx in the number of men wearing low cut tops. This coincidence was then really brought to my attention in the fashion section of the 21st march 2009 edition of The Independent Magazine, available with The Independent newspaper on Saturdays.
Now, I always find the images very interesting and the models are usually of a very high standard in this particular publication so I usually try to grab a copy when I can, and the edition in question was no disappointment. Plus the model is cute :) - not that this will interest the majority of you men, sorry.
‘Necks generation’, was the title of the spread and the subtitle, “Bare that chest in style with unbuttoned shirts, scoops and giant V-necks”. Trust me, it's going to be hot for summer '09.

Images taken from edition of the The Independent Magazine released 21.03.09.
(Tops by Lanvin, Burberry, Prada, respectively.)

It’s a good look, in my opinion, but guys, remember to wear your low-cuts with confidence, and please, for the benefit of the ladies, avoid at all costs if you are in possession of a love-rug (we live in the 21st century, hairy chests belong to the 80s era, and aren’t as desirable today). FYI, these tops are also not so flattering on the man-boobs.

If low-cut is what you want, but you don’t have the stomach to flash your chest, accessorise with a light scarf (not a big chain – oh no), or a light jacket with a high collar. The look is complimented well by smart-casual trousers or straight leg/slim fit jeans – not so much with shorts. Aim for low-cut not wide-cut slashed tops, or you may end up looking a bit punk-ish – unless, of course, that is the precise look you’re going for, in which case WAHEY!

YAY or NAY?

It’s summer soon, be happy!

Mei your day be great!

Preppy to Punk

Gossip Girl fills the gap, fashion wise, left by Sex and the City; and boasts some of the most stylish television characters around. Whereas Serena Van Der Woodsen (played by Blake Lively) and Blair Waldorf (played by Leighton Meester) both have their consistent styles, Jenny Humphrey, played by Taylor Momsen, the young girl on the show seems to be finding her style. Series 1 showed Jenny to be a Blair clone, donned with Preppy uniform, hairband and ankle socks. As seen below;

Whereas the beginning of series 2, shows Jenny developing her style, with pretty summer dresses, during her internship at Eleanor Waldorf.
But eventually, after all the pictures of the "new" Jenny in the media, the transformation from Preppy to Punk has taken place this week. The change of Jenny's style is abit too sudden for my liking, and the new look isn't really my taste, but she truly appears individual in GG now. Dressed in plaid shirts, leather jackets, beanies and boots, Jenny now differs from Serena and Blair greatly, looking generally older and more stylish. Now we can just wonder...what style is next?

Do you like the new look Jenny? YAY or NAY?

Emily XOXO (my little tribute)

I HEART MATTHEW WILLIAMSON

Matthew Williamson, in my opinion, is one of the gods of modern British fashion. I particularly love how he takes inspiration from India, and is more individual than many other designers. I can't tell you how excited I am that he is designing a collection for H&M, following in the footsteps of Karl Lagerfeld, and Commes de Garcons. The collection is available from April 23rd, and is sure to be fantastic. Williamson is one of my favourite designers, and I pretty much live in H&M clothing so I will be first in line.

Matthew Williamson, favoured by youthful celebrities, such as Sienna Miller and Keira Knightley, among many others, always uses bold colours, and unique prints on gorgeous dresses, making him one of the best designers around for the summer season. I just love him - I saw Matthew Williamson once in Soho, and I was in awe, I just wish I'd talked to him.

To view Williamson's spring/summer 09 catwalk, use this link; http://www.matthewwilliamson.com/collections.php

Do you think Matthew Williamson is as genius as I think? YAY or NAY?

Emily X

'Let them eat cake'

All I can say is WOW to these amazing Christian Louboutin 'Marie-Antoinette' heels.

Inspired by the famous Queen of France, who Louboutin depicts, the heels (worth £3,975) will definitely become archived in museums in the future. I have always admired the general look from the era of Marie-Antoinette, from seeing the film of the same name, directed by Sofia Coppola, starring Kirsten Dunst, to visiting the enormous palace of Versailles.

It would take someone special to pull off these shoes, yet, as with couture, they would still be fantastic to just stare at.

Do you love them? YAY or NAY?

Emily X

Miss Newton

Thandie Newton, never ceases to amaze me with her style decisions. She always looks impeccable and is definitely one of the best red-carpet dressers around. I particularly love her use of colour, and her bold choices, such as the Jonathan Saunders dress she recently wore at the Elle Style awards;

Thandie also looked amazing in her exquisite vintage black dress with gold detail, at the 2009 Baftas. In comparison with the dresses worn by other actresses, such as Penelope Cruz, Kate Winslet and Amy Adams, who all wore similar "mermaid" dresses, Thandie Newton shows true individuality. Similarly as she does with the Matthew Williamson pink dress, from his s/s 08 collection.

In my opinion, Thandie Newton is one of the best style icons from the 21st century, however, unlike the more well-known British "celebrity" style icons such as Keira Knightley, or Kate Moss, she is much less appreciated.

Do you think Thandie is a fantastic style icon? YAY OR NAY?

Emily X

What's all the fuss?

The latest items to cause an uproar in fashion are the new Louis Vuitton Spicy Sandals, thanks to Victoria Beckham, who has been getting a bit of abuse from press for wearing them...

She's actually wearing relatively normal clothes, in comparison to the more outlandish outfits she's known for.

So why the fuss over the shoes? Are they really THAT weird?

People, what say you?
Too weird?
Too fussy?

YAY or NAY?

Mei your day be great!
Sarah Mei

SisterSister

A few years ago, when I heard about the start of Twenty8Twelve, I definitely had my reservations. Though I do admire Sienna Miller's style and individuality, it annoys me when celebrities put their hand to designing, when there is so much unseen talent out there. But, I must say I am IMPRESSED with the collections Sienna and sister Savannah have created so far.

The Twenty8Twelve spring/summer 09 collection, which is available to buy, (ahh if only I could afford its relatively cheap designer prices) is a fantastic collection of designs, with particular focus on the androgynous look, with a mix of summer dresses and tailoring. The collection has a slightly preppy edge, reminding me of Blair Waldorf and the fabulous styling of 'Gossip Girl'. I particularly love the monochrome desins below, which, far from giving the Chanel vibe, that black and white normally gives, appears fresh and youthful.

Similarly, the autumn/winter 09 collection, their debut collection for catwalk is no dissapointment, with Sienna and Savannah Miller, again, presenting their fresh, stylish and versatile designs. I particularly love that they either go all out injecting colour, or stick with their monochrome favourite. I'm loving the following designs, the first due to the autumnal tones of the dress, the latter because of the fantastic draping;

What do you think of Twenty8Twelve? YAY OR NAY?

Emily X

Britney's Louboutin's

Shoes... Shoes... Shoes...
What a killer pair of heels will do for an outfit... for your legs... for your confidence...

I'm a sucker for shoes, I have to admit, and not necessarily expensive ones [come on, i'm a student! Let's be realistic here!]. I live by the rule that I can't LOOK for shoes. I usually find the ones I fall in love with by complete accident. The romantic in me would say 'they find me'...

But now I have found myself lusting over a pair of shoes that will soon come to your attention, if they haven't already...

They are RED, they are STILETTOS, and they have been spotted on the feet of Miss Britney Spears...

They are Louboutins... Need I say more?

They are called 'Dillians' and versions of these in snakeskin and metallics featured on the Phillip Lim s/s 09 runway in heeled and flat versions, but to be honest I only really love these red ones...

Oh, to be Britney...

Check them out in their full glory in her new video 'If You Seek Amy' [click title] - about 58 seconds in.
[and the x-rated word play in her lyrics...? - IFF YOU SEE K ME - It's no wonder some radio stations refuse to air it!]

What say you, people?

YAY or NAY?

Favourite versions?

Mei your day be great!
Sarah Mei

William Rast - Fall 09

Not only does this man definitely know how to make his presence known in the music industry, but now he's making waves in fashion?! And successfully, I might add.

William Rast, the wonderful, wonderful produce of Justin Timberlake, showed it's Fall 09 collection recently at New York fashion week.

Most notably, for some, were the tassled boots for men...
I'm not sure they'll catch on... but the women's boots.....???
OOOOH I think we have a winner!!

This outfit literally makes me swoon!
The monochrome look is classic, and the detailing is feminine, yet edgy. Structured shoulders are pushing their way back in, featuring widely across many catwalks over the international fashion weeks; and this shirt, pulled in at the waist by the fitted skirt balances out the sharpness perfectly. I can't admit to being a fan of the native american tassles that every accessory seems to boast right now, but those boots.... I want!

One of the things I liked most about the mens' collection was the use of length and layering for the tops and shirts. Long black tees formed the staple look, flattering the denim that Rast is quickly becoming popular for, but these long plaid shirts really did catch my attention. Checked shirts have reached their popularity peak, and are beginning to get a bit old, but what a way to revamp the style! In muted and darker tones, William Rast has lengthened the trusty shirt, and created an easy day/night piece, that would look good with most casual/smart trousers or denim. Guys, remember that blazers are making a come-back. Seen on many designers' runways, it's an EASY way to smarten up an outfit for a party or if you're just looking to impress. If you're out to buy, then invest in a well-fitted jacket that sits well on your frame. Don't be afraid to ask advisors for their opinion to see if it fits perfectly - getting a professional opinion to get the right fit is always worthwhile. If you really want to make a statement, a double-breasted blazer jacket is sure to achieve that. Don't worry about it going out of fashion - we all know it will be back in the loop in a few years time!! (just don't put on too much weight in the mean time!) Jackets will always be a necessary and well-used part of a man's wardrobe.

What think you, people?

Is JT going to become just as successful in the fashion world?

What do you think of this new collection and the items I've focused on?

YAY or NAY?

www.williamrast.com

Mei your day be great!
Sarah Mei