Category Archives: LONDON FASHION WEEK
Harley, After Burberry

LONDON
These photos are from last week and I have been so excited to share them. We used a different lens to what we normally use AND I cant remember the last time I shot a look with a "very London" setting.
This look has been one of my recent favorites. It represents my sporty personality 100%, but since fashion week was in the works, I got one of my favorite pair of heels on. These Wangs cant ever go wrong, seriously.
The Look at Marques Almeida

It might not be an everyday beauty look, but we loved the makeup at the Marques Almeida show in London.
The designers, Marta Marques and Paulo Almeida, looked to 90s grunge as the inspiration for creating the look. The eyes are lined in burgundy, done in a very random way, as if the girls themselves had done them– careless and unapologetic. The ultimate effortless, raw beauty look.
What do you think? Are visions of Kurt Cobain dancing in your head?
LIFE AS A FASHION BLOGGER WITH CANON
I Heart the Burberry Hearts!

I don’t what’s up with me and hearts, but it’s the “hearts” section that I preferred at the Burberry show. Totally loved Cara’s panties!
Click on the arrows to see more images…
The Dickie

This isn’t the first time we’ve talked about dickies on the blog…
Remember Allison’s vintage lace one? They seem to be popping up all over now. These are from Mr. Start and Garance spotted them in London. I like the idea of wearing them under more fitted sweaters to eliminate some of the bulk that would come from layering. But then I ask myself what would my (imaginary) boyfriend think?
Scenario: For some reason, you have to take off your sweater and as you are doing it you remember, “Oh shit, I’ve got this dickie on! He is going to think I am totally nuts! What is he going to think of this little collar thing hanging around my neck? He is totally going to break up with me!”
Thankfully, right now I only have that imaginary boyfriend to worry about and I can wear as many dickies as I please…
How do you feel about them? Also, how does your boyfriend feel?
xo Alex
The 10 Best Bags of London Fashion Week Fall 2013

In some ways, London Fashion Week is my favorite, season after season. It’s the shortest of all the cities – something of a Fashion Long Weekend, if we’re being honest – and in that space, it packs in tons of incredibly talented young designers who are doing bold, sometimes even brave, things with clothing, alongside a few bold-face names like Burberry and, this season, Tom Ford.
The downside of LFW, at least as it pertains to what we do here, is that few of the designers who grace us with their presences are known for bags, and a lot of them don’t even make so much as a clutch. Still, we tracked down 10 lust-worthy runway handbags from the runways of London Fashion Week Fall 2013, from beautiful exotics in traditional shapes to, well, the kind of zaniness for which London fashion is known.
The post The 10 Best Bags of London Fashion Week Fall 2013 appeared first on PurseBlog.
The 10 Best Bags of London Fashion Week Fall 2013

In some ways, London Fashion Week is my favorite, season after season. It’s the shortest of all the cities – something of a Fashion Long Weekend, if we’re being honest – and in that space, it packs in tons of incredibly talented young designers who are doing bold, sometimes even brave, things with clothing, alongside a few bold-face names like Burberry and, this season, Tom Ford.
The downside of LFW, at least as it pertains to what we do here, is that few of the designers who grace us with their presences are known for bags, and a lot of them don’t even make so much as a clutch. Still, we tracked down 10 lust-worthy runway handbags from the runways of London Fashion Week Fall 2013, from beautiful exotics in traditional shapes to, well, the kind of zaniness for which London fashion is known.
The post The 10 Best Bags of London Fashion Week Fall 2013 appeared first on PurseBlog.
Mulberry Fall 2013 is full of handbags worth coveting

Mulberry makes full lines of ready-to-wear, shoes and accessories, of course, but we and they both know what everyone wants to see every season: the bags. Mulberry has been an enormous reputation off of its stylish, functional, totally covetable leather day bags, and by all indications from the Mulberry Fall 2013 show, the brand has no desire to change that. Want a new work bag or roomy weekend bag? This collection likely has something you’ll want if you’re a fan of Mulberry’s general look.
As has been the trend so far this season, the show featured plenty of dark neutrals, plus a few colorful accents by way of teal and yellow. The collection also includes several new shapes for the brand, including a soft, simple single-handle satchel with a metal bar across the top that feels a little bit like a Dolce & Gabbana Miss Sicily and a double-handle satchel reminiscent of the Givenchy Lucrezia. Those are both very relevant shapes right now, so it makes sense that Mulberry would add them to their lineup, in addition to the beautiful Willow Tote that debuted for Spring 2013. (And which still hasn’t hit stores, but that’s just a personal gripe on my part.)
[Images via Vogue]
The post Mulberry Fall 2013 is full of handbags worth coveting appeared first on PurseBlog.
The Hat

I should have bought this hat the moment it hit the store. I should have done what Ursula did. Buy it, put it aside and then take it out a few seasons later. There are a couple different reasons for that :

The first is that I find that beautiful things get better with time.
The second is that at the moment they are released, these very strong items (the Jil Sander by Raf Simmons hat, the Balenciaga sweater, the Prada brogues, etc…) get people so excited and curious that they kind of steal your thunder – people don’t see you, they see your hat.
Sometimes, let’s say you’re at fashion week and you wear one, you can find yourself to become a detail model without even knowing it. It happened to me one day when I was wearing some Fendi shoes as soon as they came out. I became a foot model for a day (and nobody cared about the rest of me. Funny AND embarrassing at the same time).

Buy and put it to the side…
It demands high styling skills, I have to say.
Because if you do that, you kind of never know if you’ll ever wear it. Some pieces really don’t live more than one season. Or they get seen so much that they lose all their power real fast.
I haven’t found the magic trick to know which piece I will still want in one or two seasons.
How do you do that ?
Taylor & Her Team

Yesterday, I came across Taylor and the Moda Operandi team at Fernandez & Wells, a coffee shop at the Somerset House where you can grab a latte between shows.
I always love to see well dressed people in their everyday life, and I’ve always dreamed to be part of a girls team, exactly like this. It inspires me, so many positive things!
It’s funny, while looking at my images, it kind of dawned on me that my dream is coming true – I am surrounded by wonderful girls and going to work makes me happy everyday.
[Is that what's called visualizing? Aaaargh? Have I just done some visualizing without even being aware of it? No? Cause I heard it works!!! Natalie Massenet told this story, that she used creative visualization to create her dream, that every day she would precisely imagine what Net-à-Porter would become, the website, the offices, the team, everything...]
Well, going to work… is a little exaggerated: I still work from home (which was also a dream of mine, but it gets impossible as a team grows…)(we’re looking for a real studio!!)(I know it’s crazy!) which allows me to still spend way too much time in my pjs (certainly a way to keep a little grasp on my freelance life) (and also because nothing makes me more happy than working in my pjs, I trick myself into thinking I am not working!), so we’re still just a step away from Taylor’s perfect outfits.
We sometimes do drink coffee in very photogenic places.
And even, sometimes, we’re super extra stylish.
Yep! It happens ;)
What is your dream career? Are you visualizing it?
Click on the arrows to see more images…
Love The Look

I love that look so much, I want to be dressed like that, like, right now.
Happy Feet

This fashion week, the lower the heel, the better. We have been seeing more and more flats and low heels on (and off–Garance took this photo in London!) the runway.
It’s about time we give our feet a much needed break!
xo
Alex & Emily
Varsity Jackets

It’s not the first time you’ve seen varsity jackets on the blog and now they are taking over fashion week.
We love how they make everything look sporty, preppy and super cool. And we especially love this photo Garance took in London of the Opening Ceremony team rocking them.
What do you think of the look?
xo
Alex & Em
Follow Me!

How stupid are we when we use Social Media? All of our most basic instincts come into play (follow me!). We all end up as original as a rock in the desert (look at this picture of my feet! #FromWhereIStand) plus we spend all the money we could have invested on the pair of shoes we’ve just instragrammed on annihilating our data plans (Oh my god look at those shoes I’m dyiiiinnnnng! On my wish list asap! etc.)
Then add in all the collective hysteria of fashion week and all dignity goes out the window.
Plus, the stuff we post… I mean c’mon.
Blurry pictures.
Does that sound good to you? 1,465 blurry photos from the Dolce&Gabbana show? No?
Yeah, I know so annoying, but, it’s not our fault! It’s the models! They are walking too fast !!!
Here’s a photo taken by Cathy Horyn, who has quite the talent for blurry photos.
And who has a good sense of humor as well as she retweeted this here:
RT @AndreChiles1: @CathyHorynNYT You really aren’t the best at taking pictures, are you?
One legged models.
Have you ever tried to take a picture of moving shoes? Try it. It’s not your fault. It’s that the models walk too damn fast.
The finale shot.
EVERYONE posts a blurry picture (SERIOUSLY CAN THESE MODELS STAND STILL FOR JUST ONE SECOND?) of the show finale. Do you want me to post my finale photos? No, seriously… I’m curious, do you?
The #WhoGivesAShit tweets
Today, I’m wearing @Balenciaga, @Marni, and @Topshop
No photo attached. Already we could care less about what she’s wearing, and plus we have to make all the effort of imagining the thing. Seriously, #Couldn’tGiveAShitIfITried
The #TMI tweets
Spotted: @Caroissa in front row @Topshop eating @PretaManger sandwich.
I mean, for starters, it’s a little #WhoGivesAShit about what Caroissa is eati…Okay, to be honest, our natural instinct to be voyeuristic (Don’t play innocent. You know it’s true.) gets a huge lift for a micro-hundredth of a second.
OF COURSE you have to fight this instinct. We have to protect ourselves from ourselves. I mean, you can paparazzi yourself as much as you want, try not to paparazzi folks who don’t realize you’re doing it.
Tweetiquette: Let’s all try to edit our tweets and think about what the person whom we’re tweeting about will think of said tweet.
Well, do you think repeating the Tweet in question on my blog is some form of metapaparazzism? I won’t ask Caroline. I hope she reads this post long after fashion week, a long long time from now. Never, even. Caroline, if you’re reading this, please forgive me. I love Prêt-À-Manger too. And sometimes, I’m in the front row and I’m darn hungry.
The #MyLifeIsSoMuchCoolerThanYoursCommaBitch Tweets.
@BryanBoy : Huge breakfast before the Marni show.
Really Bryan, really? A fruit plate?
So annoying when you just scarfed down two croissants.
@DerekBlasberg : Did you see @KateBosworth @JessicaAlba @TheLSD @MariahCarey @NaomiCampbell @NicoleRichie (and more) in my NYFW diary?
Oooooh, so annoying when you’re not invited.
The #WelcomeToTheNewWorldOfTechnologyAndCommunication tweets.
If you’re interested, @AnnaDelloRusso instagrams all of her daily credits (Meaning the who’s she’s wearing that day) inventing a whole new fashion series. Live. Awesome AND terrifying at the same time.
The “quote” tweets.
No need for another quote please. We already have many too many on our Twitter feed. Why are we flooded by quote and wisdom tweets? Because a quote is short, you don’t have to invent it, and you usually get a lot of retweets. A quote is a massive followers-getting weapon.
Tweetiquette: Let’s not do these too often. You end up seeming desperate for followers.
Now all these tips don’t apply to Diane Von Furstenberg, quotetwitteuse-in-chief who regales us with her aphorisms. And who quotes herself, so to speak…
*The moment of bliss that follows is brought to you by Dianne…*
Be true to yourself. It is hard but avoids complications. Good day Love, Diane.
Clarity, clarity, clarity… not easy but SOOOO important! Getting there! Love, Diane
I tell the world “dare to be you” and sometimes I forget it myself! Love, Diane.
#FuckingiPadPeople.
Arggggg shit!!! At a show, when someone is sitting in front of you (in runway terms, that means next to you going the opposite direction of the models’ walk) and decides it would be an awesome idea to film the entire show with his iPad. He then sticks in right in front of your face.
You have two options: Either you fold yourself in half and try to watch the entire show underneath his iPad or you just watch it right on his iPad. It’s the blurry version, but you’re probably already used to that. You can try to express your discomfort, but with the electric ambiance that pervades the shows this year, don’t be surprised if you get slapped.
#ShitWhichFiltershouldIuse?RiseHudsonorToaster?
Instagram is high-drama for perfectionists. Me, for example, I have four photo apps. It takes me hours to put together a single Instagram. #NoKidding.
Yeah, anyway, since 100% of the people around are Data Roaming like crazy during the fashion shows, the internet never works. Your iPhone just keeps thinking and thinking and you shake it like its going to change something (I mean I do that all the time) and your battery runs out real fast. That’s how you have 100% battery at 8:00 a.m. and 7% at 11:30 a.m.
Solutions? Either you have a car with a charger, or you make stops into cafes :
“Buongiorno avete una prisa (?) elettrica (???)” with your charger and a converter (Which is enormous and takes up tons of space) to have it work with the Italian outlets. That or you buy an external battery. Here’s my experience with those: #Don’tWorkAtAll
Anyway, long story short.
Since we’re just between friends… If you’re addicted to Twitter and Instagram, you can subscribe to our group, TIA.
Twitterers and Instagrammers Anonymous.
Here’s some excerpts from a conversation I had with Matt @BaronNYC and Emily, @emilynote (Did you really think you could have a group of ANONYMOUS Twitterers and Instagrammers? Are you CRAZY? That’s totally contradictory. We WANT to be known, just like everyone else. FOLLOW US.)
[This conversation has been adapted with the angle of Fashion Hysteria in order to better serve this post.]
“I always try to use the same filter. I just like to think this is my filter, my way of seeing the world.”
“Well, for me, every photo is torture. I have three filters, 5 photo aps, and every Instagram takes me so much time I could’ve done another blog post. Ugh. This thing…” (Recognize me? Yep, that one’s me)
“Yeah, I wish I could share my life with more than four people. How many followers do you have?
“165,000. You?”
“345.”
…
“Pffff. You see the problem, don’t you? It’s not the number of followers you have but the number of likes. You know what my goal is? I want you to see not the people who like the photo, but have Instagram put just the number of people who like it. Like, you have so many likes that you can’t even read all who liked it. That’s classsssy. Like you, Matt, you have SO MANY likes that you have to move to the next step: THE DOUBLE DIGITS.”
“Omg. So true.”
“You know what… I’m gonna give you my secret. You ready?
“My secret is the HoD. Yeah. The Hour of Delivery. For example, if you post a photo right when it’s the end of the Prada show. Yeah. That’s just too bad for you girls. It’s 7:00 p.m. Everyone is busy posting blurry photos of the show. Instagram is blowing up and your bomb of a photo goes unseen. Two likes, max. But if you do it at 4:00 when everyone is pissed about the beeeeeep show, then you’re like-count is through the roof. You’ll get 12 likes right off the bat. Listen to this: Thanks to my HoD technique, of that, one day, I totally blew up: 31 likes!!!”
“Damn Matt, you’re gooooood.”
“Aaaaah, yeah and you never have the moment where (small little voice) Oh nooooo! I forgot to put the blur option on my photo! Noooo!”
“My style is the moody photo. You know, all artistic. So, see, the photo I posted of that latte, 5 minutes ago? It was a huge artistic risk that I took there. My followers could’ve taken that terribly. They could think I’m a sell out.”
“That said, the only thing that is always appropriate are pictures of cats. With a cat shot, even during fashion week, you can never go wrong.”
…
That’s it.
So of course I had to report this fascinating conversation (I know, you just can’t wait to join TIA, right?) to Scott, and he told me that since the most popular subjects on Instagram are cats and food and so he’s going to start an Instagram of cat food.
With that, I’ll leave you with a few pearls from a girl who knows how to twitter. Short, personal, and lethal. Lauren Santo Domingo, @TheLSD. She’s got it down to an art.
- Skinny looks good on everyone.
- Why is it that men who have the most expensive tastes in life have the cheapest taste in women?
- The following are not real jobs: cocktail waitress, bikini model, former reality star, aspiring actress. (Aspiring anything, actually)
And one that should apply to me :
- Being an adult means feeling relieved when one is not invited somewhere.
Ha! I’ll try to remember that one next time I read a Tweet from Derek ;-)
Fashion Week Handbags: Mulberry Spring 2013

I’ve been a bit critical about Mulberry (specifically its marketing tactics) over the past season, so believe me when I say this: the Mulberry Willow Tote may very well be the best new day bag we’ll see all season. That’s a hefty mantle to bestow before the handbag heavyweights in Milan and Paris have even finished styling their runway looks, and I may yet be proved wrong, but the the big bag reveal of the Mulberry Spring 2013 show might just be good enough to go the distance.
The tote, pictured above, marks a movement toward increased sophistication for the brand that will likely be welcomed by consumers who shop at Mulberry’s chosen price point. The bags in this collection still have the signature Mulberry branding, but they’re more refined, more chic. (If “chic” isn’t overused to the point of non-meaning at this point, which it probably is.) It’s not just the Willow Tote, with its genius zip-off front panel that doubles as either a clutch or an iPad case, depending on your need at the moment; the Del Rey Bag, of which I have never been any kind of fan, got a nice upgrade for spring with luxurious jacquard prints that take the bag’s somewhat bland structure and elevate it as a canvas for great textiles. Check out all the runway bags after the jump.
[Images via Vogue.com]
The post Fashion Week Handbags: Mulberry Spring 2013 appeared first on PurseBlog - Designer Handbag News and Reviews.
The Burberry Spring 2013 show unveils the Blaze Bag

No one puts together a runway livestream like the Europeans, and Burberry has set an extremely high bar this season. I kicked off my work week by watching the show yesterday morning, and from the setting to the attendees to the apparel, the entire presentation, from start to finish, gave the fashion world something to talk about. The coats and jackets in particular, for which Burberry is known, shone (literally) as they walked down the runway. I honed in on the accessories, naturally, and not only do we have photos to share, but Burberry is selling these items straight from the runway, right now. Looks like Burberry got the memo – we see it, we like it, we want it right then and there.
The big Burberry bag for their Spring 2013 season is the Burberry Blaze Bag, which comes in a variety of finishes, most notably with see-through colored vinyl with tonal metallic python trim.
I have a problem with this bag, and believe it or not it is not the vinyl finish. The shape of this bag is incredibly hard to wear, and you could see the models even had a bit of a struggle walking with this bag by their side as it would rub against their body with each step they took down the runway. The design of the Blaze bag is wide from front to back which will keep it from being carried in the crook of the arm properly, as it will never hang correctly. Just as the models had to, you will have to carry this bag in your hands, and this simply does not happen much if at all anymore – it makes no sense, design-wise, and defies logic from a practical retail standpoint. Those aren’t the only issues, though: the bag’s price point is extremely high for a hard-to-carry piece made mostly of vinyl. Price is $3,695 for this version via Burberry.
The post The Burberry Spring 2013 show unveils the Blaze Bag appeared first on PurseBlog - Designer Handbag News and Reviews.
LFW essential bits in my bag
Tracey flapover medium bag – courtesy of MCM, shot with Nikon 1 J1.
I learnt not to bring so much unnecessarily junk in my bag to LFW, these show invites, keys, anti-bacteria hand spray, my wallet, pen, mirror, lip balm, chewy stuff and a tightly folded fabric tote bag managed to fit in this small boxy MCM Tracey bag nicely.
LFW beauty survival kit, quite basic really
After hacking off my long fringe in Hong Kong now sitting blindly on the lash line, I have the perfect excuse not to pluck my eyebrows for a few weeks or fill in the brows with dark brown pencil. As my late 20′s quickly ticking away towards turning the big three o next month (yikes), my skin has the tendency to become dehydrated in all seasons and I admit I don’t drink enough water nor eat enough fruits ’5 a day’, yet I still have flawless skin (confirmed by several MUAs, surprised?) minus the clustered freckles, blackheads on the nose and dryness under the eyes. I must kick off my daily dosage of English breakfast tea and drink more H20 to curb desert skin.
The blasting cold air and indoor heating at LFW were quite troublesome for my skin, downing free bottles of skittles provided at the tent was pathetically delusive. So, here’s my LFW beauty survival kit, it’s quite basic really I mean my skin doesn’t need to be smothered by layers of products.
ELEMIS Tri-enzyme resurfacing facial wash. CLARINS Toning lotion, for combination or oily skin. VICHY aqualia thermal 24hr dydrating serum. VICHY Normaderm tri-activ anti-imperfection hydrating care.
DR.G Perfect pore cover BB cream SPF 30. HANSKIN Glossy magaic bb cream. SCHWARZKOPF OSIS+ Bodyfiying dry shampoo (I know it irrelevant to beauty, it’s just the case if you haven’t washed your hair for days).
MAC Plush black mascara. BOOTS NO’7 Truffle stay perfect eye shadow no’65. CHANEL Stylo yeux waterproof eyeliner pencil no’10. CHANEL Liquid eyeliner no’31. CHANEL Brilliant a levres lipshine no’95. VASELINE Cocoa butter lip balm.
LFW AW12 outfit, part 2
More whining.
Today marks my 4th day of absence on social media (Twitter and Facebook) I’ve been mostly on Weibo following interesting live tweets from PFW (there are apps and widgets that Twitter doesn’t have), and still keeping up with 6,000 unread posts on Bloglovin oopsy daisy. I caught a fatigue sickness from a quiet press trip over the weekend, worked on a diy project yesterday, a midnight conference call over Skype chat, contemplating whether to go to Disneyland press trip or not (I’ve never been to Disneyland before, I know right?!) and ya-dee-ya-dee-dah.
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I’ve conquered the freezing cold temperature at LFW plus my famish state of mind ‘I want a burger at Byron‘ episodes, I managed to squeeze 3 layers of thermals underneath that polka dot blouse, how? Well, in the picture I’m wearing both sleeveless and long sleeve heat-techs from Uniqlo HK, Benetton fine cotton knit sweater with the polo-neck hacked off - no bulkiness seen on the vintage (omgeee size
Ralph Lauren blazer over with the gorgeous vintage yellow broderie anglaise collared crop jacket borrowed from Rokit. The (borrowed) Grace MCM satchel bag balances the lower half’s disappearing shadow.
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Songs I’m currently obsessed with at the moment: Noel Gallangher ‘AKA What A Life‘, Will Young ‘Losing Myself’ and Lana Del Rey ‘Born To Die‘.
My outfit: Polka dot blouse, Ralph Lauren fitted blazer, yellow crop jacket – all on loan from ROKIT. Black skinny trousers – UNIQLO. Black thigh high equestrian boots – EBAY. Gloves – BURBERRY. Grace satcel bag – on loan from MCM. Photos by SHINI PARK.
LFW AW12 visual diary, part 5 – Within convex
A silent weekend of my absence on a blog-and-social-media ban (embargoed) excursion somewhere in hush hush la la land, to view some hush hush dazzling brilliance at a security-heavy hush hush fortress, covering a visual diary feature for China’s new hush hush high society magazine. My dilated vision of greed was blinded by the spectrum of sparkles so severely, I resorted to wearing my only black pair of Jeremy Scott gaga specs for a few days. I have a migraine.
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Tis the last post of my LFW visual diary and paying a little tribute to one of the most spectacular showcase in craftsmanship seasons. In awe of silent approval and applauded admiration to Inbar Spector‘s victorious AW12 collection, her rich labyrinth of endless intricate craftsmanship constitute the theme of ‘Escapism’.
The utopia fairy-tale like collection consists of technical distorted-origami shapes, layers of shredded cascades, complex laser cut detailing on perforated leather, and Inbar’s signature voluminous concave-convex like ruffles. Topped with dazzling head pieces by Lara Jensen to conclude the desired look.
I can almost envision my future editorial shoot, just imagine a dream-like underwater story feature with a model wearing this finale dress move in a graceful, balletic motion. OHHHH YEAHHHH!!!!
LFW AW12 visual diary, part 4
Attracted by the aquatic shades of blue (I despise the word aqua for personal reason, but it’s a perfect word to describe the colour of Holly Fulton’s collection), again one of my personal highlights of LFW I took a closer look at the designers exhibition a few hours after show, a brilliance reference from the 20s and 90s silhouettes, intricately hand painted Art Deco glasshouse inspired art.
Style legend Matthew Zorpas.
Louisa Lau‘s ingenious customised clutch bag stuck on cartoon stickers.
Such a shame I had to miss to Simone Rocha‘s most anticipated show as I had to cover backstage at VFS for an online mag, the show was also back to back with Jackie J.S Lee’s.
I’m dying to get my hand on those Simone Rocha’s brogues!
John Rocha‘s 3D rosette dress.
After I was done with Eudon Choi (and missed Ashley Isham’s after a severe delay) I finally made it to Charlie May‘s presentation at the Soho Sanctum Hotel, low in sugar with minutes to spare for some snaps before the models done with their jobs, this is the only good shot I can show you. Oh dear.
After my relentless onslaught written/verbal rant on LFW shenanigans on a par with online peeps (Huffington Post, Liz Jones etc) let me tell you, I have taken a happy medicine and that I have c-a-l-m-e-d.
LFW AW12 visual diary, part 3
Fernandez & Wells at Somerset House, they served freshly made, well sourced food and drink. I loved their baguette filled with incredible mouth watering fillings, I was always there just to check out the hunky guys working there. Drool.
Left: My Burberry leather gloves have kept my hands warm throughout LFW especially whilst queuing out in the cold, the off-plum colour certainly matches the yellow Grace MCM satchel bag. Right: Light breakfast….well it was actually brunch.
Trending: Yellows and neons spotted at the Somerset House courtyard, I do fancy a mustard yellow mac like this girl is wearing in the picture.
The finale outfit by Mattijs, the skirt reminds me of Van Gogh’s painting, the Starry Night.
Louise Gray at the Topshop Show Space venue in Old Billingsgate, one of the show’s highlight were the mish-mash print, 80s disco warrior, mohigan/mohawk hair, hyper graphical optical-illusion QR print and excess embellishment.
LFW AW12 visual diary, part 2 – The magic of starburst
My penchant for space age or retro sci-fi is clearly evident, two of my final collections from uni (I studied both HND and BA Fashion Design and Technology at LCF) were partly inspired by the early works of André Courrèges and Paco Rabbane. Daft Punk and Kraftwerk are my seasonal choice of music, obsessive tracks from the film Tron: Legacy being used in tv commercials, fashion shows such like Jaeger’s SS11 intro (I think track 4, correct me if I’m wrong) and tv car show Top Gear often feature their tracks. Very identifiable. No nonsense music such as this is hypnotically refreshed, the chemical reaction in my brain often have the tendency to erupt in an epileptic trance. I’m eclectically weird, do you want to be my friend?
A promising opening start at Mattijs AW12 show (his first show in London) with the soundtrack from Star Wars intermixed with Lana Del Rey’s, I instantly knew this was going to be a good show. Inspired by the iconic sci-fi characters in the likes of Princess Leia from Star Wars, the young heroe Artreyu from The Never Ending Story, and the retro rebots C3PO en R2D2.
The fantasy collection consists of long flowy stretch of accordion pleated dresses, palazzo trousers shows dramatic fabric movement guided by the beat of music, explosive bloom of ruffled coral-like jackets, hand embroidered gold detailings, metallic trims, futuristic garments with the Courrèges-esque skin revealing circular holes a typical feature in the 60s space age fashion. Oh boy oh boy, I so want to get my hands on those Mattijs x United Nude pleated boots, available in SS12.
And boy oh boy x2, such great collection and such great tune I wouldn’t mind having the mix track on my ipod’s ‘must listen tracks on continuous loop’ playlist (wave hands to Mattijs and Trace Publicity). And lastly, I’m really looking forward to see his collection in close up on press day.
LFW AW12 outfit, part 1
Here we go again the ‘what I wore to London Fashion Week‘ outfit post, a continuation of sponsored wardrobe and another discovery of experimental style all thanks to Rokit and MCM.
My outfit: Ice cream print dress – STANDARD VINTAGE. Beaded pink top and chunky knit cardigan – both on loan from ROKIT. Tracey clutch bag – on loan from MCM. Apple mirror – courtesy of MONKI. Tights – M&S. Chelsea boots – courtesy of KURT KEIGER. Photos by JEN.
On the Street… Yellow Trench
LFW AW12 visual diary, part 1
Wardrobe and catwalk rehearsal at Eudon Choi‘s presentation.
Customised sunglasses with stuck on eye bits backstage at Fam Irvoll, so adorable looking I wanted to steal it.
Fam Irvoll’s mish-mash monsters print on dress, check out those pastel coloured creepers.
Jen looking dazzling with her shocking pink lightning earrings.
The metallic coating on the chocolate balls contain Titanium Dioxide, not sure it’s toxic but I ate it all.
Daks collection never disappoint me.
Kickers-esque loafters by Jackie. JS Lee, I got a right telling off from Jackie (in a nice way) for not turning up her show due to its full capacity at the Embankment Gallery.
2 weeks of insufferable jetlag and tormented by internet/phone bill from HK, don’t ask, I didn’t realised pay-as-you-go option was that expensive as I kept topping up HKD300 (£25) every week (darn data charge), turns out it was enough to pay for a 2 year contract. I suck.
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My lovely rant.
London Fashion Week is finally over, nearly a week of no coverage on this blog IS necessary as I don’t feel the need to cover every single shows I attended in real time or delay a day or so, I’ve seen enough uninspired shit contents and random shitness…I like to take a chill pill, slowly absorb the fireworks and gravitate towards its visual magic.
To those who nicked my seats (on various occasions) in both venues resorting myself to sitting back row or standing, you’re in the shit. To those unnecessary amateurs (aspired bloggers/fashionistas/students) who wanted to be part of the experience, you gave us the unpleasant experience of your ill unprofessionalism and immaturity. This is not the world of Devil Wears Prada, it’s real work!
London Fashion Week Looks – Part Three, Mensday
All pictures by Ellie Tsatsou
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Fashion Week Handbags: Burberry Prorsum Fall 2012
Images via Vogue.com
In two ways, I always dread the Burberry show at London Fashion Week. First, because I know that Christopher Bailey’s beautiful ready-to-wear, and his outerwear in particular (THOSE COATS.), will threaten to drain my bank account all over again with one swift poke the the pleasure center in my brain, which apparently really likes wool. Second, because I know I’m probably going to have to write something unkind about the handbags. Both fortunately and unfortunately, Burberry Prorsum Fall 2012 did not break from that pattern.
The collection was yet another that made plenty of references to the Downton Abbey era, which is particularly appropriate for a brand that’s so utterly steeped in British heritage, both by its own marketing and by actual history. You would think, then, that we’d be in for an accessories feast of lovely whiskey-colored leather satchels and smart, ladylike handbags with lots of structure. Instead, we got big striped and quilted totes with limited personality and clutches with animal-head door-knockers on them. The few satchels in play were the highlight of the handbags, but even they seemed a little bit unwieldy in proportion to be carried. You’ll notice in the photos, though, that many of the models are carrying their bags while wearing stunning gloves made of colorful python or studded black leather. Why didn’t we see any of those ideas carried into the bags? It would have made for a much stronger collection.
Mary Katrantzou
Fashion Week Handbags: Mulberry Fall 2012
Images via Vogue.com
Unfortunate Lana Del Rey bag aside, Mulberry sent what seemed like dozens of fun, mostly awesome handbags down its runway for Mulberry Fall 2012 over the weekend in London. Not everything worked perfectly (I’m looking at you, trompe l’oeil flaps and buckles), but there were so many options available that it seems as though everyone should be able to find a covetable piece within this collection.
My vote goes to the bright orange (Pantone was right!) calf hair Alexa, but perhaps you’re more in the mood for a Mulberry buckle turned slyly into a turtle? A smart boucle shoulder bag? A leather satchel with a fur gusset? Enamel studding of both the tonal and non-tonal variety? Whatever you want, Mulberry has it, and most of it is pretty damn lust-worthy. When a collection features this many different ideas, that’s saying something.
Mulberry goes all in on Lana Del Rey with the Del Rey Bag
We discussed one Miss Lana Del Rey over at Bag That Style recently, but the advent of the Mulberry Del Rey Bag during London Fashion Week and Del Rey’s front row seating at the handbag powerhouse’s show over the weekend give us renewed opportunity for me to air my secret shame. (And of course, for us to discuss the bag and its particulars.)
If you follow pop culture or spend too much time on the Internet, you’re probably aware of how shameful it is to enjoy Lana Del Rey and her various crass marketing schemes. Listen to her album; it is truly stupid. Sadly, I know that because I listen to it. A lot. I just make sure that no one sees it pop up on my phone’s screen when I’m listening to it in public; I’m not sure if I could take the embarrassment. Similarly, I’m not sure if I could bring myself to plunk down $1250+ on a handbag that bares Del Rey’s name unless it was absolutely gorgeous, gorgeous enough to eclipse the Del Rey Shame, and this one isn’t. (Don’t worry, we have more pictures after the jump.)
The problem, of course, was the Mulberry surely undertook this whole Lana Del Rey business back when she was the Next Big Thing and people were thrilled to have her, a glamorous unknown newcomer whose songs were being played at the best fashion shows, associated with their brand. Six months, one utterly awful Saturday Night Live performance and a whole host of appalling reviews for her completely vacuous album later, and people aren’t sure what to make of Miss Del Rey (not her real name, of course), her rich daddy or her fake lips. Not that fashion has ever held a rich daddy against anyone, of course.
Mulberry’s sticking with its star, though, which might not be a bad idea considering Del Rey’s strong album sales in the face of her somewhat questionable product. The problem, though, is that the Del Rey Bag isn’t exciting, perhaps because its namesake’s style hasn’t proved particularly interesting. It’s a Speedy with a flap and Mulberry’s signature turnlock, which seems less like it should be a heavily promoted special piece than merely a part of Mulberry’s classic line. With a bag that will get so much press for the brand, I wish Mulberry had pumped up the design volume just a bit; when Mulberry’s accessories crew flexes its muscles, great things happen. Unfortunately, this bag isn’t great, it’s merely average. Perhaps it’s appropriate for Lana Del Rey after all.
The bag will be available in the fall with a starting price point of $1250. The white ostrich version that Del Rey carried in the front row of the Mulberry show was apparently made specifically for her and will not be produced.
Burberry
Spring Colors
Don’t believe what you see in the photos; the weather is terrible in London. Nevertheless, the Londoners are super motivated by fashion week and they love following all the trends. And the trend for this summer is pastel colors.
I’m not even going to try and hide the fact that I like pastels better on others than on myself – I just can’t figure out how to wear them.
That said, I’m the biggest fan of these Miu Miu sunglasses even if they’re sooo last season. I don’t even care, I just love them!!!
Out Of Place – Craig Lawrence SS 2012
A Central Saint Martins graduate who’s been producing knitwear for fashion designer Gareth Pugh for six seasons and is backed by The British Fashion Council‘s NewGen can only be a talent to watch. Craig Lawrence‘s knitted womenswear collections are of a certain fascination since they seem, alienesque and sexy as they are, to be a bit out of place and that’s what makes them just right.

“Knitting with unconventional materials to create voluminous, fluffy and shiny knits,” the designer describes his signature.
He is now collaborating with the London boutique The Village Bicycle and collaborating with Dazed & Confused Fashion Editor Katie Shillingford, who also works closely with Gareth Pugh.
It’s been six season’s now since Craig Lawrence has been showing fascinating fashion films in the context of his collections. The next one will be screened on 19th February 2012 from 11am – 12pm at Somerset House at London Fashion Week AW12.
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McQueen announces McQ Flagship and London Fashion Week Show
How much more interest have you been taking in the McQ line recently? We’re not sure if it’s actually much more covetable all of a sudden, or whether having Emma Watson and Rihanna squabble over one cute tartan flared dress of late (so maybe there was no squabble, but with both ladies looking that good in it something metaphysically vexing instead perhaps?) has made all the difference. Either way, the McQ range is firmly on the Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen map! In February 2012 the brand will host its debut catwalk show at London Fashion Week, showing off the Autumn/Winter 2012 range, to coincide with the opening of its first flagship store at 14 Dover Street in London. Take note fans: flagship here is gonna mean four whole storeys….
Shining Bright – London Fashion Week
Abigail, Student
Abigail is wearing her mother’s shirt, a vintage skirt, bag from Camden, New Look wedges and Primark socks.
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Death Would be Cheated – Úna Burke SS 2012
Let’s recall Úna Burke‘s AW 2011 installation, where she showed a sinister short film called ‘META.MORPH’ featuring her collection with a grotesque ending, in which a model freed herself from a dark cellar or tower room (see images below). Since then, Úna has gone places, including spiritual, symbolic and superstitious ones and eventually found her inspiration in burial and mummification rituals of the Ancient Egyptians. The decoration of the sarcophagus and the tomb with protective symbols set the starting point for her Spring Summer 2012 ‘Bastet’ collection. It was believed that through these processes the soul was protected and aided in the passing through to the afterlife where it would be reborn and in effect ‘death would be cheated’.
The Irish-born luxury leather accessories designer has therefore, with her distinct construction technique using leather panels and brass fittings, created bodice pieces that protect the heart through forms relating to that of the heart scarab and a human heart shaped hollow vessel to be used as a handbag. In researching this topic Úna Burke also uncovered stories of an Egyptian Goddess called ‘Bastet’ who was worshipped by many, often depicted as a lioness or a cat. Bastet was regarded as the protector of Lower Egypt so, inspired by this, these armour-like pieces have been photographed with flowing, draped chiffons, creating a strong warrior-like, yet very feminine and sensual character.
This season Úna also collaborated for the first time with catwalk designer Philip Stephens for his brand ‘Unconditional’ and she will now start work on an exclusive collection for the e- store of Joyce Hong Kong, which will launch in April 2012.
Here some images of Úna Burke‘s Autumn / Winter 2011 installation
© STYLECLICKER - Death Would be Cheated – Úna Burke SS 2012 is a post from: www.styleclicker.net
Death Would be Cheated – Úna Burke SS 2012
Let’s recall Úna Burke‘s AW 2011 installation, where she showed a sinister short film called ‘META.MORPH’ featuring her collection with a grotesque ending, in which a model freed herself from a dark cellar or tower room (see images below). Since then, Úna has gone places, including spiritual, symbolic and superstitious ones and eventually found her inspiration in burial and mummification rituals of the Ancient Egyptians. The decoration of the sarcophagus and the tomb with protective symbols set the starting point for her Spring Summer 2012 ‘Bastet’ collection. It was believed that through these processes the soul was protected and aided in the passing through to the afterlife where it would be reborn and in effect ‘death would be cheated’.
The Irish-born luxury leather accessories designer has therefore, with her distinct construction technique using leather panels and brass fittings, created bodice pieces that protect the heart through forms relating to that of the heart scarab and a human heart shaped hollow vessel to be used as a handbag. In researching this topic Úna Burke also uncovered stories of an Egyptian Goddess called ‘Bastet’ who was worshipped by many, often depicted as a lioness or a cat. Bastet was regarded as the protector of Lower Egypt so, inspired by this, these armour-like pieces have been photographed with flowing, draped chiffons, creating a strong warrior-like, yet very feminine and sensual character.
This season Úna also collaborated for the first time with catwalk designer Philip Stephens for his brand ‘Unconditional’ and she will now start work on an exclusive collection for the e- store of Joyce Hong Kong, which will launch in April 2012.
Here some images of Úna Burke‘s Autumn / Winter 2011 installation
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Preppy – London Fashion Week 2011
Joy, Fashion Editor at The Tab
Skirt is from Topshop, everything else is from charity shops. The doughnut she got for free.
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Fatale – Jena.Theo SS 2012
I love my denims. And I love effortless chic easy to wear. I love voluminous dressing. If this doesn’t sound sexy enough for me, I just take off my bra. It will work just fine. I love the colouring too. I am Jena.Theo. In love. Just without the big, soft, curled hair.
Having turned to the darker side of Hollywood, the design duo referred to strong female characters of film noir as seen in David Lynch’s ‘Mulholland Drive’ or Robert Aldrych’s ‘Kiss Me Deadly’. Continuing on focusing on their design signature of volume and geometry, British Jenny Holmes and Greek Dimitris Theocharidis brought about powerful billowing silhouettes and a lot of Hollywodd glam.
Having turned to the darker side of Hollywood, the design duo referred to strong female characters of film noir as seen in David Lynch’s ‘Mulholland Drive’ or Robert Aldrych’s ‘Kiss Me Deadly’. Continuing on focusing on their design signature of volume and geometry, British Jenny Holmes and Greek Dimitris Theocharidis brought about powerful billowing silhouettes and a lot of Hollywodd glam.
Since their first collection, Jena.Theo have worked closely with the London based artist O.Two on hand-painting techniques for their fabric. Working initially with aerosol on walls and vertical surfaces, he has built a working process that, when applied to canvas and fabric, lures the viewer into mists of dark, ambient colour illuminated by bold, abstract gestures.
Stylist Rebekah Roy combined geometric prints and hand painted colour gradients on voluminous blouses and loosely draped, flowing fabrics such as silk satins, silk jersey, silk cottons and twills; the models catwalking under a sky of lightbulbs.
Jena.Theo was announced by Donatella Versace as the Winners of Fashion Fringe in 2009 and have not disappointed the fashion crowd since. We are much looking forward to their upcoming denim collection.
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Muscat Vielma Spring Summer 2012
Kevin Muscat and Gabriel Vielma invited to the presentation of their first ever collection at the trendy W Hotel in London during fashion week.
With pencil skirts, elegant evening wear as well as tops and jackets, the luxury womenswear label Muscat Vielma‘s debut features gentle fabrics such as soft, heavy silks, sheer tulle, satin organza and punched leather in cream and blue, black and white, ivory and marine.
The designers discovered the similarity between body armour and the armadillo skeleton and experimented in how clothes can create a shell, literally or emotionally, with the use of natural crystal formations as inspiration for colour and structure.
Interestingly, the founders’ backgrounds are classical ballet dancing and product design – a promising combination that seems to work out perfectly. We are eagerly awaiting to see more by Muscat Vielma.
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Gothic Arabian Nights – ‘Venom’ SS 2012 by MFP
Maria Francesca Pepe‘s dark romantic jewellery presentations have a fascinating creepy feel to it; every season to the new.
“That’s the greatest achievement: when you can make your passion your job,” says Maria Francesca Pepe, who was nominated in 2009 as Emerging Talent in Accessories at the British Fashion Awards. Her jewellery has been featured by amazing photographers such as Nick Knight and Steven Klein, styled by Patti Wilson, Marie Chaix, Nicola Formichetti and Sophia Neophitou amongst many others.
She describes her design signatures as follows: “The concept of Jewellery-Wear. This is when jewellery becomes the primary focus of the outfit – featuring in ranges including bags, jackets and dresses. Most significantly though, MFP Tubulars have become iconic; I constantly update them in new colours, textures, features and materials for the forthcoming seasons.”
“I sell objects of desire, made in Italy, using the oldest techniques. My aesthetic constantly evolves and is far from obvious.” – Maria Francesca Pepe
This season’s ‘Venom’ collection features cuffs, black rope belts, rings with turquoise and gold, love spells quartz necklaces, carved letter press and large studs decorated trinkets, rose gold gunmetal tubular bracelets and necklaces as well as chunky double pleated brass chain chokers. With the lookbook’s symbolic snake I felt like being seduced by an ancient goddess in a church. Fabulous Gothic Arabian Nights.
Remember her last season’s gloomy ‘Fortuna’ collection presentation that featured filmstills and, static as well, three models on sockets with cosmic music.
What’s next for her brand? “A limited edition collection in collaboration with Topshop; new pieces made from gorgeous semi-precious stones which I am using for the first time in my collections; much more developed commercial distribution worldwide, including MFP e-commerce” she sais.

Elements of tribal cultures and remote ceremonials become avant-garde. Horns of ancient idols become alien cyber-punk presence.

The three headpieces -Idolo, Fauno, Toro- have been forged by hand in resin and carbon steel, then varnished in opalescent acrylics and hand studded with brass and Swarovski hexagonal studs, in the style of Medieval shields and helmets.
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Leutton Postle SS 2012
By guest writer Melanie Pierucci Bolliger from Artists in Wonderland: The Leutton Postle knitwear collection at the Fashion Scout show at Freemasons Hall on was like a breath of fresh air. The collection by Central Saint Martin graduates Sam Leutton and Jenny Postle delivered knitwear in a completely new spectrum.
Colourful without being exhausting on the eye, the patchwork was a personal favourite. The collection was organic without bordering on hippie and whimsical without being kitsch. Reminiscent of Native-American costumes it was presented in a modern and relaxed manner.
Colours were earthly and soft including pastel blues, greens and yellows complimented beige and white canvases.
The pieces were loose and easy, with a somewhat ethereal quality, which broke away from the usual association of knits too cozy. Instead, Leutton Postle‘s collection felt fresh and light.
The fact that the pieces were handmade and the complex details elevated the knits to a couture status. The collection proved itself a happy marriage between technique and creativity and was very well received.
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Mom’s Dress – London Fashion Week
Karina, Stylist
Everything Karina is wearing is vintage, except for her dress and belt, which are her mother’s.
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Suzie Bird
LFW SS12: Admission
Battling the unexpected greenhouse effect at home whilst in the middle of drafting two Chinese columns, and typing up this last instalment of LFW visual diary before moving onto the next stage, backlog posts, it’s an itchy process. The coverage seems a lot less but most of the coverage were already up on Twenty6‘s Tumblr blog and my visual accounts on Twitter and Weibo.
There’s an interesting discussion going on of how fashion or style bloggers were treated like outcasts at LFW, I was taken by surprise when I turned up at the Somerset House to collect my usual UK Press exhibition pass at the Fast Track desk, in the opposite, there was a long queue formed at the ‘Bloggers’ registration desk, curious. I didn’t stop to assess what was going on until I hear from blogger’s experience…it’s best to read Jen‘s and Shini‘s posts based on their personal accounts. To be eligible for a UK/Bloggers press pass, they would assess your blog content and asked to reveal your statistics in front/behind others is political incorrectness, by no means is absurd and immorality, it’s like assessing your personal finance in front The X Factor judges, get four votes and you’re eligible for a mortgage or not, statistic, however should be private and confidential. If I were to be in the same situation, I will kindly respond by saying ‘Look darling, although my blog is relatively small but statistically this is my 19th season here (fact), and what’s yours? Please, would you be so kind to look up my past info?‘ I’m lucky to have the Financial Times – How To Spend It info in the system to back me up. But then, I guess it is a good way to curb the (exhibition/media lounge) overcrowding of self style bloggers and ‘cut & paste’ bloggers…sounds mean but come on do some reporting! Other than this, photo blogger with non-legit photographer’s accreditation should be curbed also and thoroughly vetted, last season I witnessed a photo blogger hovered around the front row and sat what supposedly was Colin McDowell‘s seat at the Corrie Nielsen show, insane huh? What is your opinion on this?
Chauffeuring with Amber Sakai
Transporting a blogger or bloggersss with a personal chauffeur between show venues is a rare sight at London Fashion Week, until you see one. So, arranged by Amber Sakai and HPR I had the the privilege of sharing a branded Amber Sakai taxi with my usual folks; Shini Park (thanks for the last two photos), Jen Inglis and Matthew Zorpas. Show gossips, tickets re-arrangements, non-bickering (thank goodness), endless tweeting, arrange pick ups, people spotting, fighting hunger and dehydration were the kind of activities we did in our iconic-and-touristic auto mobile. Thanks again to Amber Sakai, HPR and our awesome driver, props to Mark!
LFW SS12: Lost soul
A couple days before the commencement at London Fashion Week, I was invited to Charlie May‘s (aka Girl A La Mode) eagerly anticipated debut SS12 collection. Held in an empty room at The Soho Collective, a line of 10 beautifully styled (by Alexxsia) models stood in the burst of sun rays, Charlie presented her collection in sleek, feminine but androgynous feel with monochrome palette and neutral-dusky tones. Varied contrasted fabric textures of tough leather, pony skin, crisp cottons and light silks are key elements in the collection, and the accents of non-perplexed detailings including ties, buckles and gold studs. Seriously good styling and seriously good collection with positive responses from the attendees, Charlie May is a serious contender.
I got my eye on the dusky-nude leather jacket and gold studded headbands.




















































































































































