Bryanboy Gets his Skates on for DSquared2

Check out the hairy legs in these too too dangerous boots.  Ridiculous!

A Winning Collection from Jil Sander

Raf Simons is a designer who understands the moral of less is more.  Another designer to steal sweeties from the candy jar, the collection was fresh, classic and ultimately wearable.  Jil Sander - make this a favourite label during times of hardship as these are investment pieces able to bear the test of time.

Problems with Prada

We all love Miuccia for her irreverence and imagination.  She is not one to follow the pack.  And familiarity, in the case of Prada, tends to breed adoration.  I had problems with this collection for Spring 2012 but am sure that time and exposure will lead to love! Below are my picks from the catwalk show ...

A Nod to Mod from Marni

More from the confectionary box of sweeties, this time from Marni in Milan for SS12

SS 2012 London Fashion Week Round Up

Time to concentrate on Milan but in the meantime a quick roundup of trends that will hit the high streets in the Spring:

Plenty of pastels, yellow (ugh!) ,chocolate combined with black, bold mismatched prints, metallics, sheer fabrics, toned-down fetish strapping - and classic, ladylike looks.

The Last Post from LFW

MAN today showcased three up and coming menswear designers all worthy of note:  Matthew Miller's Olympic sailing inspired collection; Martine Rose's gossamer shirts over candy coloured polo shirts reflected the minty pastels on the womenswear catwalk; and Shaun Samson's Mexican (?) striped textiles used throughout the collection.
Afterthoughts on the womenswear and recurring themes:  toned down fetish with strapping around waists, necks and breasts; minty pastels (ugh); combinations of chocolate brown and black - so so good; and mad prints either digital or floral.  Transparency was also a big theme as too were silky or viscose textiles.  Flow was crucial.

Another LFW wrapped up!  Image from Vogue.com, Mark Fast show

Fantasy Prints from Katrantzou

Posted by The Fashion Bloggers on behalf of Krisp

With LFW drawing to a close, memorable images include the fantasy prints from Mary Katrantzou, a force in her own right.  Mismatched prints are her 'coup d'Art' (play on words) and no-one does it better.  If print is a trend for 2012 then hers are undoubtedly the best.

Burberry Cools it for Spring

Just as Prada has a totally independent take on fashion, so too it appears does Christopher Bailey and Burberry.  This collection featured numerous hooded anoraks more suited to a wetter colder season than Spring (one hopes!).  Narrow stripes appeared on figure hugging skirts and one fabulous trench whilst bolder stripes featured on knitwear (and one ghastly horizontally striped outsized jacket). A sludgy palette was the order of the day with the exception of one single piece - a Mediterranean blue/turq trench.
Suddenly, African batik prints on twisted sundresses, tight skirts and jackets paced up the catwalk whilst the signature trench featured several times in a very cropped version.  This was a collection for this label's lovers who can be confident these pieces will be immediately recognisable as luxury Burberry. 

No Spots on Acne at London Fashion Week

Covetable ACNE didn't fail to please with star punched leather and menage of lime green, mustard, coarl pink, burning organge, off white and black.  Oversized and utilitarian this was a highly wearable and desireable collection.

The Power of Print from Ashish at LFW Day 2

Giant sparkling sunflowers adorned the first model's shift dress accessorised with calf high DM's with daisy's and sun hat.  She might as well have had hay in her hair and sucked on a piece of straw so country girl comes to town was she - but it worked!  The flower prints could well have been curtains from the 70's and mixed with checks and animal prints - all with a metallic glint and sparkle - the look was fresh and spirited and, strangely, wearable.  Translated ito sexy evening wear Ashish demonstrated that he knows a good print when he sees it.  Loved this easily recognisable collection and can't wait to get my hands on some of the pieces.

Tongue in Chic from Marc Jacobs at NYFW

Marc Jacobs put on a much anticipated show on the final day of NY Fashion Week on Thursday.  The palette included metallic and minty shades, transparent plastic (?), frills and fringing.  " ....this tasty drink was one part showgirl courtesy of Fosse, the legendary Broadway director and choreographer, one part cowgirl, and a splash of wholesome Americana—shaken, not stirred". Quote courtesy of Vogue.com

London Fashion Week - Day 1

A leaf strewn catwalk aptly accessorised Bora Aksu's signature collection.  Hugely feminine and hugely naughty with a touch of the fetish about it.  His signature 'crewel' work made numerous appearances on his transparent chiffon/satin mix pieces.  Black stockings patterned to look ripped were the accessory du jour.  These were clothes that will worn by celebrities wishing to create a stir but are unlikely to see the light of day on the street.

Dream On Rodarte - NYC Fashion Week 3

Favourites of the Hollywood and cutting edge NYC pack, Rodarte staged a Sunflower collection today aimed at appealing to a wider audience.  But not this one I'm afraid.  From goldie sunflowers to turquoise prints this collection might get the fash pack excited but we find it difficult to place in our wardrobes.  Once Upon a Time was played after the finale.  How appropriate!

RIP the Late Great Richard Hamilton

Marc by Marc outshines Marc Jacobs!

Marc by Marc Jacobs worked (simply) without being overtly trendy or highbrow.  Simplicity was key as was bold colour blocking and 'flat' shapes. They just worked perfectly together.

A bold use of colour (citrus orange in particular) in graphic shapes brought new life to old concepts (not Jacobs'!). Jacobs revitalised his diffusion collection with new life rather than relying on the Marc Jacobs collection to keep his reputation at a peak. PS:  We LURVE the swimwear and accessories.   Long live Marc!

Less Added Spice to Wang at NYC Fashion Week

As a fan of Beckham's (Posh's) previous collections, this collection appears both disappointing and aiming to please a more fashionale audience - yet loses sight of Victoria's original market.  One in which Donna K excelled for so many years before extrapolating.  Where as Wang's tough girl aesthetic continues to please and appeal to his market of fashion forward followers - right on Jason!

PURPLE REIGN: NYC FASHION WEEK 2

Rising star PRABAL GARUNG, a New Yorker born in Singapore and raised in Nepal, showed a stunning collection of exciting and brilliantly cut pieces with the smooth silkiness of the fabrics reminiscent of '50s negligees and lingerie. Eveningwear was described by Vogue as "lush" and the inclusion of harnesses of rope and leather, partnered with strappy stilettos takes this season's flirtation with fetish, one step further.

NYC Fashion Week Kick Starts ....

Today saw a number of new designers showing at New York Fashion Week.  We LIKE Rachel Comey's Peppermint ladylike looks for Spring 2012.  Roll on the sun ... we particularly like the beachwear outfit!

Super Model Bombshells sport White Collars!

Two model moms, both blondes, both stunning -- so who wore it better?  Natalia Vodianova and Heidi Klum both donned white collars for various Vogue features.  Alongside our own Alexa Chung, the white collar is the accessory du jour.  But where to find one that doesn't break the bank????  We've discovered that one of our favourite new fashion sites, The Style Director, has managed to secure a number of beautiful white collars (Peter Pan and Pointed)  in 100% cotton from Ce Ce Toppings in New York.  We don't think you'll be able to find quality cotton collars (with bibs attached to prevent twisting) anywhere else in the UK.  Check them out before they sell out!

 

The Twilight Girl Looking AMAZING!

The surly Miss Stewart from Twilight etc. lookings as we've never seen her before!  Makeover in W Magazine
This piece appeared in http://www.stylenotes.co.uk/