Galliano's Swansong and Back to Black for Lanvin

Galliano's collection in an intimate Saloon was proof positive of his genius.  This kimono style piece has become a signature piece.  Headware by Stephen Jones crowned almost every head.

And Lanvin made a welcome return to black (often mixed with inky blues) topped with amazing 'witches' style wide brimmed hats.

Long Live the McQueen!

These amazing 'pieces' are as close to art as shoes can get!  From the Alexander McQueen Spring Summer 2011 collection designed by 'Lee's' right hand, Sarah Burton who is proving herself more than a worthy successor to the master we lost last year.  Long reign McQueen!

Watch this Tongue in chic piece ...

OK OK OK - so I've nicked this image off my mate's blog Disney Roller Girl - she's a great blogger with great style and she found them first BUT - I LOVE this wrap Swatch watch.  Got my eye on the khaki but think I might also opt for the peach as a summer option.  Great for those of us without the dosh to purchase the Hermes original and very 'tongue in chic'

Buy here ...

A Classic in Theory

A luxury oversized white blouse in a sumptuous silk feel fabric is a must-have for every wardrobe. This contemporary classic from Theory is worth its weight in gold and looks great with leather pants or spray-on denims, it's a key investment and hero piece.

Buy Here:  MW White Shirt

And the Winner Is...

The lucky winner of the Piece for All Seasons contest has been chosen! In this Fashion Bloggers contest, we asked our readers to "like" The Fashion Bloggers page on Facebook. Our Facebook fans were then entered in a drawing to win a beautiful Brazilian poncho/cape dress in silk jersey (worth over £150).

And the winner is... 

Anissa Muhryn! Congratulations Anissa.

Thanks so much to everyone that "liked" the page and entered the contest. Stay tuned to The Fashion Bloggers Facebook page for more contests, and more fashion!

The Genius of Galliano

Galliano - a taste of the Genius he brings to fashion.  Dior's loss.

Jonathan Packs a Punchy Print

 Looking back over all the London Fashion Week shows this season the one that remains strongest in the memory is that of Jonathan Saunders.  This young Scot has demonstrated from his very first collection that he is a name to watch.  His prints increasingly strike a chord of desire, his cuts are eminently flattering and the lad knows how to cut his cloth and mix and match in a visually delightful way.  Missoni would be mad not to snap him up!  And his menswear is equally stylish and colourful and gives Paul Smith a run for his money.

Posh gets Restrained!

Whilst we are all looking at London Fashion Week for inspiration (check out the Central St. Martins mish mash of designs on the catwalks last night!)  Madam Victoria Beckham who showed in NYC last week continues to demonstrate that less is more with block jewel colours, naturals and blacks cut to perfection - this season with more 'flow' and freedom than previously.  She continues to design for the sophisticated woman with, dare we say it, taste!

Fashion in the Red!

Whether it be Rodarte or Marchesa (fabulous Top Image), RED and LACE (one step beyond - but inspired by - Erdem last season?) are big on the NY Fashion Week catwalk shows.  Having never really got to grips with Rodarte this latest 'wheat' collection has hit me between the eyes.  I want it!  I am converted ...

It's Kids Play ...

You may have seen this already but I love it!  LOL ....

Spot the Difference!

Whereas the Europeans (in particular Prada) opted for stripes, the wonderful young fashion designer stepped up to the Marc in NYC today with a dazzling collection with spots galore.  The silhouette was svelte - longer, slimmer skirts with waisted fitted jackets and spots in a mix 'n match collection.  We just love this boy!  He can't really go wrong.  Check out the catwalk show on Vogue.co.uk http://www.vogue.co.uk/.  Incidentally, didn't our own boy Erdem opt for wonderful lace pieces only last season?

Goat Busters!

We have fallen in love with Wholly Goat (what a clever/amusing name!) producers of the most delectible and delicious pure cashmere shawls, all wrapped up with a 'feel good' factor.  Genuinely luxurious (simply brush the pieces against your cheek to feel the quality) additions to any wardrobe.  Made in Nepal from the finest cashmere, combed from wild Mongolian goats, the skilled weavers are rewarded with fair wages which allow them to educate their children.  Additionally, Wholly Goat is collaborating with the Snow Leopard Conservancy Fund to help protect the goat herders livlihoods as well as the habitat  of the endangered leopards.   What a great excuse to splash out on oneself - all for a good cause!  Check out the site, wrap up warmly in fabulous cashmere (feel the quality as they say) - then strip off in the summer and convert your shawl into a sarong.  Invest in only the best ...

A Piece for All Seasons

A 'must-have' wardrobe poncho/cape dress in silk jersey (worth over £150) fits sizes 8 to 18 - well, that's a bonus in itself!  Great for cross seasonal occasions (check out wearing it with leggings OR over a bikini) this fashion essential makes a wardrobe staple for seasons to come and  hides a multitude of sins as well as looking incredibly stylish.  From one of Brazil's leading fashion labels, we're giving it away to  any current or new Facebook visitor to become a 'Fan', to be drawn from all Fashion Bloggers followers at the end of February.  Can't wait to see how many of you 'Like' us!  Post a comment and let us know that you have joined us as a Fan so that we can include you in the draw.

He or She? Who cares!

At 6ft2" and 30' at the recent Paris shows, model Andrej strutted his stuff for Paul Smith and Jean Paul Gaultier, and bemused audiences 'double took' to establish if she/he was a man, as so often designers intersperse their menswear with womenswear looks.



Wow!  Wish we were he ....

A Winters Tale with Spring Still Rained Under ...

(and how cute and sexy is this babydoll?)

With Winter still in full swing (rain, cold, damp, miserableness, and more) we've  got our eyes on  AUTUMN WINTER 2011/2012 - already even!  Why do we  in fashion continue the madness of predicting so far ahead that by the time we've got there, we've bought it, worn it, and are sick to death of it.  Even Topshop and the high street are too far ahead of the seasons to make the predictions successful in the season they are earmarked for!  Catch 22 ... In the meantime I'm happy to wait for the stripes and brights of Spring 2011 and can't wait to get my hands on anything from Marc of Marc Jacobs who must have been sharing the same dream machine as Miuchi of the big P (Prada in case you've not connected) but made the pieces even more wearable ...

Toy Boys

Great images for Vogue Bambini  styled by Brits.  Are these the future catwalk models of London Fashion Week's Men's Day?  Cougar or what ....

Shortcut to Spring's Fashion Trends

Simple fashion guide as to what was shown on the fashion catwalks last September and will be seen on the streets as soon as the weather heats up!  Looks like pretty much every look is covered ...

So good I could eat it!

Just check out this fabulous image!  Not only does it look good enough to eat but you can eat everything, even the brushes.  They are cookies!  Clever cook.  Check out Sweetapolita .  Scrumptious!  Great for all those with an eye for colour and a tooth for sweets.

Menswear goes to their Heads!

Paris Menswear and two looks dominated:  hats were everywhere from  Borsalino's at D&G, Lanvin and Prada (find these beautiful Italian-made originals from the amazing Hat Gallery M/V in London's Conduit Street - or travel to the Galleries in Amsterdam and Dusseldorf for much of the same!) to furry black caps at Burberry.  The second look which seems to have caught the zeitgeist, is the reliable old duffle coat, this time in stronger bolder colours with added twists such as toggles made from interesting alternatives to horn.  Check out two British menswear designers whose outerwear follows the same route:  the wonderful Christopher Raeburn who re-uses old military blankets and coats (some with the dates still stamped on them) and magically transforms them into beautifully tailored duffles; and, once again, Matthew Miller who has updated his 2009/10 duffles with tongue-in-chic fastenings in beautiful soft greys and stunning brights.  Menswear appears to lead the field yet again! 

Less is MORE!

If anyone in the fashion world goes to prove that less is more, it's our style icon Ines de la Fressange.  Looking more beautiful than ever (can you believe her daughter is modelling in Ines' new style book to be published in April?) Ines outshines all the stars and models in their show stopping designer outfits at the Jean Paul Gaultier couture show this month.  We love you Ines!

Stylish and Fun Animation from Chanel Cosmetics ...

Fashion156.com

We thought we'd draw your attention to Fashion 156, both the website and the blog.  Hailed by Dazed & Confused as one to watch and loved by the 'in crowd' at London Fashion Week, 156.com is a conduit for young design talent.  With little funding but masses of enthusiasm, the people behind the site and blog work tirelessly to support talented young fashion designers who rely on Fashion156 to get their names out there and their collections noticed.  Check out the site and the blog and let us know what you think!  You too will be helping young talent

Long Live the Breton!

Check out Nowness, one of the most stylish websites around, for fashion film clips and more.  Latest is a clip from Jean Luc Goddards 50 year old Breathless, inspiration for Rodarte's Bretons on sale in Dover Street Market.  Get  similar from Cos, Gap, Zara and plenty more - for less!  Jean Paul Belmondo at his most beautiful and the tragic Jean Seberg.  The film is being re-issued in the States so hopefully in the YUK soon too.

Matthew Miller, a Bright Young Thing ...

One of our very favourite young menswear designers, the talented Mr.Matthew Miller, is amongst 25 Bright Young Things to be featured in Selfridges windows (see the cut out of him which is in the window now!).  Matthew's  collection is not in the window yet - but his photograph is!  However, we are lucky enough to be travelling to Paris on Friday and will have a sneak preview of his AW11 collection at the BFC showing there before it appears in the Oxford Street window, or  shown to the UK press at London Fashion Week on Man's Day 23rd February.  Amongst his recent accolades, RCA Menswear design student Matthew was nominated as one of the three McArthurGlen Spirit of Fashion Award recipients in 2010/11.  We also understand he has plans to work with one of the British Olympic teams.  Watch this space for more news .....

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2011 and VAT at 20% making everything 2.5% more expensive for everyone!  Looking on the bright side, it's the start of the New Year and a fresh start.  To kick  off 2011 I'm simply uploading one of my favourite images of the truly iconic and sexy Steve McQueen bathing with his wife of 16 years (and lover afterwards), Neile Adams.  This is how love and life should be ....

Abyssinia next year!

Am flying out in the blizzards to Ethiopia followed by the sunny sands of Zanzibar - tomorrow!  Crossing fingers the flights are working.  Will try and post blogs from both but, if not ...

Image compliments of David Zane, photographer

Man's Best Friend

If you don't know about Orlebar Brown and have a stylish man in your life, then check out the website and splash out on his behalf.  Fab surf shorts and trunks, much more stylish than Vilebrequin "the ultimate reference in swimwear" whose rich clientele is growing older with the label itself.  The newest Orlebar creation?  A man's best friend printed on the shorts themselves.  Love the label.  Love the site....

Preview Burberry Pre Fall 11

BURBERRY PRORSUM presented its Pre-Fall 2011-12 collection (already??) with each piece   filmed to allow fans to see how the clothes move and look  from all angles.

Whilst  signature trenches are reworked with thick leather belts and  embellishments we still opt for the 'less is more look' and have fallen head over heels for this forrest green tweed trouser suit with classic leather detailing.  Amazingly the collection is available from May 2011 so wealthy women will be bored with their Autumn 11 wardrobes before the Summer is even over!

Image courtesy of Vogue.com

Check out Fashion Champagne

We're delighted to be offering one of our favourite blogs, Fashion Champagne, a gorg party dress to give away over the 12 days of Christmas!  Check it out ...

http://www.fashionchampagne.com/2010/12/fashionbloggers-giveaway.html

Enemies of the People: The Killing Fields: January 18, 2010

The Lexi Cinema is generously offering it's fabulous boutique cinema in Kensal Rise, NW London,  to screen a fund-raising event for the Cambodian Children's Fund.  £4 from every ticket sold will go to CCF-UK which will  impact positively on the lives of 700 children and their families in Phnom Penh many of whom are living on, or close to, the world's most toxic rubbish dump.

The Killing Fields during the Khmer Rouge era under the leadership of Pol Pot, has had an enduring impact on the lives of Cambodians who have still not recovered from the devastion and mass murders wrought at the time.  Enemies of the People is an Award winning documentary which traces the perpetrators of these atrocities.  Director Rob Lemkin will be at the Lexi for a Directors Q&A.  Please make sure to put the 18th in your diaries and contact Trustee@CCF-UK.org for tickets or donations.  Book soon - there are only 70 seats in all.

Wham Bam thank you Sam

When it comes to London's fashion gliterrati there's no better place to view a 'coven' of fashionistas than at the British Fashion Awards (last week held at the Savoy).  With the exception of Erin, who shone like a star as is her wont, Sam Cam outshone all and sundry.  Think class, pared down and immaculately understated.  Osman is a winner whilst Victoria Beckham's spindly leg makes her  anything but Posh (more like a dressing gown) ...  Our vote goes to Sam anytime.

LESS IS MORE?????

Has the man gone mad?  With the fashion mood for luxurious classics and investment pieces, Karl Lagerfeld has introduced his Pre-Fall 2011 collection for Chanel which couldn't carry more embellishment if he tried.  These are not classics with a contemporary twist to update them (although one or two pieces in the collection do fall into this category thank goodness) but out and out OTT pieces.  Witness the image below.  I fear Coco will be turning in her grave ....although of course the fashion mafia may love this collection.  Who can tell!

And, incidentally, isn't Pre-Fall 2011 rather jumping the gun  - notwithstanding the trend for Holiday, Resort, and Mid Season collections riding high.

The Softest Sale of All

I was lucky enough to have a preview of the Oyuna Sale collection and picked up a fabulous shrunken cashmere asymetrically buttoned jacket and a simple Japanese style wool coat - for less than £220 for the two.  I have worn both almost every day since my purchase and have received admiring glances, stroked arms and frustrated compliments from jealous friends who thought they had lost out.  Well, they haven't!  The good news is that Oyuna is having a pre Christmas sale on Saturday 18th.  Be there to bag a great bargain and wear with pride!
Saturday 18th December

10am - 7pm
The Music Rooms,
VAAD Gallery, Basement
26 South Molton Lane
London W1K 5AB

Check out this great H&M Amsterdam Stunt!

Eat Your Heart Out!

Our favourite luxury retreat in South West France has just announced another reason to book a week away at this outstanding 'boutique hotel' and outpost for creatives. Diana and Lisel of The Jewels of New York (first call for all the social events in NYC and Martha Stewart favourites), visit France (cheeky!) for the first time to  guide participants over five days of culinary fun and learning, focussed on the Dordogne's historical produce with a twist of contemporary tweaking.  Expect seasonal recipes and specialty bakes with emphasis on Spring favourites to keep the menus fresh and exciting.  Combine this with luxury accommodation, great wines and good company and anywhere else this would cost the earth!  Check out Les Soeurs Anglaises for full details.






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Kane Gets Manly!

Just announced, Christopher Kane has designed a capsule menswear collection - cashmeres, hoodies, jackets and more - going on sale next week in Dover Street.  I think the Fashion Bloggers were amongst the first to predict the current zeitgeist is menswear ....

Delicious Lascivious!

When it comes to sexy lingerie (much of which can be worn as outerwear to those Christmas events where party goers want to create a stir) then check out Not Just a Label the stylish site representing young designers for anyone seeking fabulous and original pieces.  NJAL has today launched a section entirely devoted to designer lingerie from labels such as Lascivious - loved by Elle and Vogue - YYV:Bloom and Nichole de Carle amongst others.  Check out the site if you want to stand out from the crowd this festive season ....

Goat Busters!

So, you want to look beautiful but want to do good at the same time?  Then splash out on Wholly Goat's fabulous cashmere wraps and shawls.  These gorgeous pieces are produced in Nepal using traditional methods and local craftspeople who are paid fair wages and provided with good working conditions.  To add icing to the cake they are offering a percentage of sales of their 'must have' knitted cashmere shawl, featuring the face of a leopard, to the Snow Leopard Conservancy dedicated to the preservation and breeding of this near extinct  cat. We've only just discovered this label but can guarantee we'll be devotees throughout the winter and will continue to flaunt our purchases as sarongs on sunkissed beaches  in the summer  ...  Invest in one of these beautiful pieces and be assured you are doing more than  simply flaunting  fashion.

The McEnroe of Surfing

Can you believe the waste?  This cool dude, Andy Irons, three times world surfing champion, died earlier this month aged 32, apparently of dengue fever.  He leaves his pregnant wife Lyndie behind.  Life is far too short for some.  Simply too too sad ............

Thank you again Ms Hillson!

The fabulous Ms Bobby Hillson, illustrator and fashion icon extraordinaire has kindly provided us with yet another image to adorn the Fashion Bloggers blog!  Limited edition prints of her illustration of the Biba twins are amongst Vogue.com's Christmas Gift choices and available from William Ling, expert collector of fashion illustrations and author of 100 Years of Illustration.  Buy now before they jump off the shelves!  The wonderful VERY magazine featured a major profile on Bobby in the current issue.  You can lay your hands on copies at art shops and Selfridges or pick up a copy on December 4th at the Fashion Just Got Ethical Fair in Notting Hill.

We Love What He Loves in What He Wears!

We've discovered that the blogger for What He Wears loves the same menswear labels that we do too....  so we've added it to our favourite blogs of course.  Menswear lovers should check it out pronto!  We believe that menswear (and hats!) are the new zeitgeist .....

Seeing the Light

Margaret O'Rorke will never go out of fashion. Currently on show at the Contemporary Applied Arts in the West End her work with light and translucent porcelain is at once both sculptural as well as 'functional' (if such a ghastly word can be applied to her stunning pieces). Margaret's experience with Koie Ryolji in Japan in the '90's is evident in the fine ceramic lighting pieces this 'potter extraordinaire' produces. By chance I met her a couple of weeks ago and as a result made a visit to her show, which is not to be missed. You will see imititations of her work in Heals, Conrans and anywhere that designer lighting is to be found. But Margaret's are works of art and genuine collectors pieces. Catch her show if you can!

Menswear Reigneth ....

Great menswear shoot on Idol   Check out this online mag for some stylish input!  Congrats ...

Fashion Press Week - or Art?

During Fashion Press Week at the Saatchi Gallery I snuck down (and encouraged others!) to visit the Richard Wilson oil installation  in the basement.  This is the MOST fantastic, ridiculous, piece of artwork (who in gods name would buy a roomful of oil?) and totally, fabulously impressive.  The smell alone grinds one to a halt. 
Whilst the guards looked the other way I hopped over the security rope and walked down the metal 'aisle' (now closed to the public due to too many fingers poking the oil) into what seemed like an out of worldly abyss.  This is a most sensational piece of 'art' and, if you have the opportunity, visit the Saatchi, drop in at the basement level, and pay homage to this arwork if for nothing else.  Please.  Fashion pshwaar .....

The Divine Bobby Hillson

When fashion historians look back on the 20th Century to assess the factors that established London as a primary source of inspiration and creativity in the industry known as 'fashion', then the name Bobby Hillson will stand proud amongst the rabble.  Indeed, if asked to put together a time capsule of names that epitomised cutting edge fashion of the 1980's and 1990's, then Bobby Hillson's proteges would ride 'chic to jowel' alongside such luminaries as Vivienne Westwood and John Galliano.  As the instigator of the  fashion MA at St. Martins (now CSM), Ms Hillson  introduced the first-ever commercial sponsorship of British fashion students and persuaded the BFC to allow St. Martins MA fashion students to take to the London Fashion Week catwalk.  Although the catwalk show is now scheduled in June outside of LFW, Central St. Martins remains a cornerstone for creativity and the annual fashion show is on the agenda of every UK fashion journalist and buyer worth their salt.    Bobby can also lay claim to having recognised and nurtured the talents of a young 'master' who did not enjoy the usual credentials for acceptance on the MA programme at CSM, but on whom she intuitively and professionally took a risk.  A young man named Alexander McQueen.  The fashion industry salutes you Bobby Hillson.

Amongst her many talents, Bobby is also a consummate fashion illustrator having started her career as a fashion illustrator at Vogue.  She has generously given The Fashion Bloggers permission to use her illustrations from time to time to adorn the blog.  Thank you!  Please contact us if you would like to see more of her work.