Britain Showing off its Style

Last night, anyone who is anyone in the fashion industry was at the London Coliseum for the 2014 British Fashion Awards, where the most accomplished and influential models, designers and editors were celebrated for their contributions to fashion.

Anna Wintour was the obvious winner for the Outstanding Achievement award, having spent 25 years at Vogue, the most prestigious and renowned fashion magazine. John Galliano presented Wintour with the award, making his debut public appearance since joining Margiela.

Erdem Moralioglu took home the award for Womenswear designer for his eponymous fashion house, whilst J.W. Anderson was crowned King of the Menswear collections. Michelle Dockery, star of Downton Abbey, made an appearance in an Erdem frock from the SS15 collection and actually presented Moralioglu with his award.

Elsewhere, Nicolas Ghesquière won Best International Designer, for his work at Louis Vuitton and Victoria Beckham was awarded the Best Brand, which was a lovely way to end her year, after her successful London store-opening. Walking the red carpet in yet another one of her own designs: a monochrome outfit consisting of a black and white full-length skirt and black high-neck sweater, this woman always manages to look effortlessly and minimalistically flawless.

Emma Watson was a breathtakingly beautiful modern-day Marilyn Monroe in her white halter-neck jumpsuit and looked every inch the best of British style, as she graciously accepted her award from Harry Styles. Well deserved. Emma thanked the British fashion industry for allowing her to “reinvent herself”. A long way away from Hermione Granger’s knit jumpers and bushy hair. Emma couldn’t have looked more like a fashionista and a star in her Misha Nonoo jumpsuit.

It was no surprise at all that model of the moment, Cara Delevingne, was presented with the Model of the Year award, by none other than her older sister and model inspiration, Poppy. Cara looked absolutely striking in a sequin Burberry gown with a thigh-high slit and pairing the outfit with Louboutins.

Kate Moss also presented the award of Red Carpet Designer Award to Alexander McQueen’s Sarah Burton, who is continuing her excellent and beautiful work for the renowned fashion house.

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A fashion show like no other

Firstly, why people continue to bash and slate Facebook, I do not know. Of course, it can be addictive, but it is so informative too. A portal to a world of information that you would not necessarily search for via Google.

Kelly Cutrone’s Facebook page happened to be my portal yesterday morning, as she posted a link to an article by the Guardian, regarding Israel’s only women’s prison, Neve Tirza, hosting a fashion show. Cutrone believed it to be conflicting and asked for her fans’ and likers’ thoughts.

Here are mine:

I think, as bad as the crimes they [the female prisoners] committed may have been, if they can accept their punishment and learn from their mistakes and bad choices, then this should be supported. It isn’t about condoning what happened in the past, it is about helping those who might not have known better, or who may have been in a dark place, and giving them the means to rebuild their lives and reshape them for the better. After all, culture (whether it is music, fashion or any hobby at all) is about finding an outlet for yourself.

The project was designed to help give the inmates certain skills, which they can then use when they are released. This rehabilitation programme not only restores skills and knowledge of working in society, but it also restores their confidence and self-esteem, as they find solace in something they are talented at.

The prison is home to 200 women, aged 18-70 and those who specialised in hair and make up were encouraged to style the models.

 

The red carpet runway, bordered by barbed wire was an unusual set, at the very least, but a humbling one. I felt it was also inspiring, as even in hard times, where the women have faced a drastic life change, they are able to re-familiarise themselves with art and skills.

Israel is a country where the oppression of women and children is not uncommon and combined with the fact that so many underprivileged children end up in prisons and detention centres as a result of a poor childhood. Therefore, whilst I do not justify any crimes which may have been committed, this fashion show is a prime example of providing opportunities for those who were, perhaps, denied of a proper education and upbringing.

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Photo-documented by AP photographer, Oded Balilty

X Factor fash-off

Forget sing-offs, it’s all about the style-offs, each week on the X Factor double weekend show, as Mel B and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini continue to make us jealous with their beautiful and glamorous wardrobes. Week after week, I can’t decide who wins. Cheryl is obviously gorgeous but Mel B has donned some quite fierce looks, ensuring she is hot on the nation’s sweetheart’s heels.

Cherly stepped out in a full-length black dress by British designer, Amanda Wakeley, featuring an embellished mid-section. Some say that the dress was too plain for the first live show and that it swamped Cheryl’s petite frame, but I felt that she held her look with her tousled waves and smokey eye makeup.

Mel B opted for a maxi number too, but instead wore a white Alexander McQueen dress with a black bow detail and thigh-high split. Hair is your best accessory, as I think this dress would have looked so much more elegant on Mel if she still had her long locks.

Verdict: Cheryl. 

Cheryl caused controversy in her red Zuhair Murad jumpsuit from the designer’s SS14 collection. I personally don’t see the negative fuss, as the lace bralet was balanced out by long wide-legged trousers and the whole outfit really complemented Cheryl’s tiny frame.

Mel B also looked ‘wow’ in a Versace x Anthony Vaccarello black asymmetric dress with Versace’s signature design on the skirt. It was the right amount of fierce, edgy and glamour for the show and it really suited the Spice Girl’s figure, showing off her toned pins and arms but drawing attention away from the muscular shoulders. Well dressed.

Verdict: Mel B.

Despite Simon’s Kermit comments, Cheryl looked stunning in a green Lanvin ruffled one-shoulder gown. It was statement and dramatic and complemented only by some gold earrings to allow the dress to do the talking. It wouldn’t be something I would wear: the ruffled shoulder was a bit much for me but it definitely suited Cheryl.

Mel B chose to stick to simplicity this time, in a minimalistic pastel pink dress. The thigh-high side slit gave a subtle vamp to the outfit but overall, it was a little boring for me. It wasn’t that it didn’t suit Mel’s figure and style, it just seemed a little frumpy and plain for the live shows.

Verdict: Tie.

Cheryl looked every inch Hollywood glamour in this sweetheart neckline strapless floor-length gown. Black is best, especially when accompanied by diamonds. Her ears, wrists and neck were full of them and the classic updo really worked with the dazzling style she created.

Mel B should have looked fierce and striking in her red halterneck jumpsuit from Zara, and she did, but it was overshadowed by Cheryl’s chic and classy outfit, making the Spice Girl seem a little underdressed. It’s a shame, as Mel B’s outfit suited her, looked awesome and was as statement as you could get…Cheryl’s stylist simply outdid Mel’s. Props to her for choosing the high street for such a high profile show though.

Verdict: Cheryl.

Cheryl’s lace and chiffon number left little the imagination but was perfect for Halloween, especially with her sleek hair and sultry purple eyes. The Ziad Nakad bejewelled dress was very sexy with the plunging neckline, nude slip and short underskirt. The embellishment on the dress was so impressive, particularly at the hem of the skirt.

Mel B opted for a a metallic-top mirrored dress, with a contrasting black skirt. Looking less Halloween-esque than her fellow judge, this was Mel’s night for a figure-flattering and eye-catching outfit. Cheryl’s dress was a work of art but Mel’s Gucci dress wasn’t upstaged completely, as her previous live show outfits. Well done, Mel!

Verdict: Tie. 

Cheryl looked as gorgeous as ever in a leopard print strapless mini dress, controlling the right balance with a tight bodice and flippy dress. It was much more low-key than the night before but stylish and cute all in one. The flash of colour came in her purple perspex heels and beach waves.

Mel B also opted for a lower-key look, in a similarly dark outfit. But whilst Cheryl looked fun and free, Mel looked a bit drab in her high necked sleeveless Lanvin top and black suit trousers. Her hair was slicked back which limited the excitement factor of her outfit. A stylish top but it didn’t do anything for her.

Verdict: Cheryl.

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Whose style do you prefer? Cheryl’s dainty feminine style or Mel B’s androgynous tomboy trend?

Topshop promoting Size 0?

British high-street brand, Topshop is the latest retailer to be named and shamed as supporting too-skinny a frame. Two days ago, Becky Hopper went into Topshop in St. Stephen’s Shopping Centre, Hull, only to find that the clothes were being showcased on stick-thin mannequins. If you can describe plastic as ‘stick-thin’, that is.

She tweeted a photo with her friend and shopping companion, Georgia Bibbly, who stood next to the mannequin, looking larger, despite having an 8/10 dress size. Both girls wanted to reveal this incident, as they felt that the mannequins in store represented a poor message, justifying an unhealthy and unrealistic weight and size.

Twitter is going crazy with many taking to the keyboards to express their distaste and annoyance. But Becky hit back at those who accused her of body-shaming skinnier people, by saying that she just felt that all shapes and sizes should be fairly and equally represented.

And I agree.

Whilst it isn’t a great message to send out, especially as Topshop is a brand worn and loved by many young girls and women internationally, it would not be so much of a problem, if next to that ultra-skinny mannequin, there was a regular-sized one and a slightly more curvaceous one.

I personally know many naturally skinny girls and in this day and age, it is all too easy to brand them as anorexic or bulimic. Labelling someone like that is not a good message to send out either. However, I also know plenty of curvy girls: girls who have muffin tops and love handles, and it is nothing to be shy or ashamed of. So if Topshop want to use stick-thin mannequins, I advocate it, as long as a fair representation of women is given. As long as a variety of the clothes sold in the store are dressing mannequins of different shapes and sizes, there is no problem, in my eyes, as they would simply be showing how the clothes look on different body types.

This is not the first time for fashion to be accused of sending an ill message with fellow high-street brand, Urban Outfitters, hosting Japanese-designed t-shirts with messages reading ‘Depression’ and ‘Eat Less’. The items were met with a hurl of infuriated and outraged responses, causing the retailer to make a public apology via Twitter and to remove the clothes from the website.

Regarding the recent incident, a spokeswoman from Topshop commented:

I personally disagree that the mannequin in the photo is a size 10, but then again, photo distortion could have played a part here. Either way, we shouldn’t validate eating disorders, nor should we should we give the thumbs up to obesity either. Fashion has such an impression of the younger female population, in particular, that the message sent out to them is crucial. There has to be a healthy balance and fashion needs to learn to cater to diversity in body shape.

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Disclosure: Photo credit from The Mail Online

Blake vs. Kate

It’s a maternity wear fash-off as these two mums-to-be step out more stylish than the majority of us on our best days. Sigh. Both are leading ladies but whose look do you go for?

Demure: Kate looked classy in a check coat dress whilst Blake opted for innocent florals.

Looking every inch the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate made her first appearance when welcoming the President of Singapore with Prince William, as she donned a stylish Alexander McQueen grey checked coat dress and a classic Jane Taylor hat. It was business as usual but she looked so chic and gorgeous!

It’s not all designer for those A-Listers, as Blake dressed in a floral print top, paired with ditsy-printed maxi skirt for a photo shoot, as she cradled baby bump. The Gossip Girl star’s clothes in this photo come from the popular brand, Sam & Lavi, so you guys can steal her style right now!

A sneak peek: Kate gave us a flash of her pins whilst Blake opted for a plunging neckline.

The Duchess of Cambridge turned to one of her trusty Jenny Packham gowns for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards at the Natural History Museum in London: this time, a baby blue wrap dress…but with a thigh-high split. Showing off some leg, (and why not, when they’re so toned?!) Kate kept her look fresh and modern, but also simple with classy nude heels and a clutch bag.

Blake, on the other hand, showed us that you should embrace your figure during pregnancy. She most certainly proved that being pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t be sexy in a pastel yellow Gucci dress with a small slit at the back, apt for the 2014 Angel Ball. The sparkle neckline took quite a bit of attention away from the baby bump: quite the striking full-length dress.

Know your own style: Kate’s Temperley dress sold out in seconds after this appearance whilst Blake looks fabulous in florals.

This black knitted flared dress couldn’t have suited Kate more as it accentuated her beautiful baby bump at the Action on Addiction Autum Gala. Inspired by stain glass ironwork, this dress had an edge with a visible nude slip. Definitely shrugging off those boring shift dresses, aren’t we Kate?! As usual, the Duchess knows to keep things simple, so opted for minimal black accessories.

Blake went out with a bang as she made her first red carpet appearance at 2014’s God’s Love We Deliver, Golden Heart Awards. Making a good choice with a pink and purple embellsihed Michael Kors gown, Ms. Lively looked absolutely radiant. Accessories here were also kept to a minimum with some gold bauble earrings and every A-Lister’s best friend; Louboutin pumps.

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So, who’s style is more to your fancy?

“Dressing is a way of life” – Yves Saint Laurent

Fashionistas, fashion journalists, editors…in fact, any reputable name in the industry, are not just people who think a dress looks pretty. Shame on anyone who thinks so. Flair in fashion is achieved through passion and experience; these people are creative individuals, artists who find fabrics and trends their outlet. These smart and talented people must be well versed in culture and have extensive knowledge of art and textiles to be hold their prestigious positions a highly competitive industry.

Fashion is an industry that select people wish to be a part of. What the remaining majority fail to recognise, is that everyone is immersed in this industry, whether it is by will or subconsciously. A stereotypical ‘science nerd’ will wear jeans and a jumper, throwing the two together because “jeans and a jumper always ‘go'”. But that jumper will be a certain colour and material, perhaps with a particular design or motif, and denim is a trend and fabric itself. No one can escape fashion; it is inspired by art, culture, history, people: all of these are considered worthy topics and fields. They all inspire and relate to fashion and fashion relates to us all.

Still think it doesn’t matter?

Alexander Wang x H&M

If you were lusting tearfully over Alexander Wang’s gorgeous designs at NYFW and PFW, grab a tissue, as he has just made his pieces available to you. And it’s all affordable.

Make way for the American designer’s clothes to hit the high street as H&M launches yet another couture collaboration, allowing us ‘mere mortals’ to feel fancy for a few days.

Proof that sports luxe is truly the dominating trend for the foreseeable future; this collection is all about athletic gear. Whether you work out or not, activewear is comfortable and when comfort and fashion mix, nobody should argue.

Cited saying, “I live in gym clothes…when you go out on the street, it’s the uniform now.”

I told you exciting things were happening for sports in the fashion industry.

With the acrobatics going on, it wasThe collection comprised of logo-ed leggings, boxy neoprene sweatshirts and water-repellent windbreakers. Geek is chic, people. Sportswear is now appealing to those who cry at the mention of the exercise. Whether you’re obsessed with fad diets, hardcore training or you hear the word ‘doughnut’ when someone says ‘gym’; you’re going to want to wear this collection. Beginning with yet another army of models dressed in what can be likened to a cross between Katniss Everdeen’s style in the Hunger Games and Lara Croft’s costume in Tomb Raider, this was obviously another intense and fierce collection. Black was the shade and boxy was the shape: the girls wore boxing gloves, carried hockey sticks and helmets were even propped on their heads. Never has fashion been so much about utility and practicality. A serious call-out to all those who were made fun of in school for their nerdy style, as rucksacks and fannypacks are making a comeback.

It almost makes me want to work out.

Just kidding, I’ll make like Rihanna (and obviously look just as fit and fantastic as she does…sigh) and wear my leggings and crop top around town. This much sought-after collection unfortunately doesn’t launch in stores until 6 November, but mark my words, when it does, you’ll never see me in heels again.

Sport Style Report

It seems as if Sporty Spice and her stylist were way ahead of us all in the trend stakes, knowing a thing or two more than we did, back in the day. In recent years, the term ‘sports luxe’ has been a familiar and key style in the fashion industry, with designers ditching heels for high tops, if paired with a smarter dress. But that was all just preparation for now: the surge of fashion intertwining with sport.

Previously, harem pants were paired with heels and jersey tops were a common match with midi Bodycon skirts for that ultra sports luxe look. Yet now, there is a significant development in sportswear that is bridging a gap in clothing. Coco Chanel, herself, first introduced sport’s flirtation with fashion through her unique tennis dresses but now this new wave of sportswear is perfect for on and off the court. The neon crop top or sports bra that can be worn during an intense fitness workout can also be teamed with printed pants for ‘après gym’. Finally the athletic tomboy can feel a part of the fash pack; the sportier guy and girl no longer need to feel isolated from this month’s trend.

But don’t get confused; this is no fleeting fashion fad: there will always be a sportswear and a fashion industry and currently, brands are consistently designing collections intended for both purposes. Stella McCartney designing for Adidas and Riccardo Tisci’s collaboration with Nike sees two polar ends of the clothing spectrum join forces to create this style fusion that will suit and be appreciated by many. Love ombré, leopard print and pvc-style clothing? You can now be stylish, as well as sporty, on your weekly trip to the gym. Stella’s collection for Adidas means you don’t have to compromise your look. Since launching the collaboration in 2005, the sportswear superbrand has upped in the style stakes, emulating the ‘sleek cuts’ and ‘feminine tailoring’ of the much-loved designer’s clothes.

Similarly, Givenchy’s front man merged sport and couture. The innovative designer’s collection of Air Force One Nike trainers, in their bold bursts of colour, is celebrated by both athletes and fashionistas. Sweaty Betty is another rising popular brand which focuses on the function of its products but also incorporates style and flattering cuts into their designs. Printed leggings, colour-block crop tops and slogan sweatshirts are all the rage and in high demand.

How to wear it, you might ask? AW14 sees fashionistas give their sports look a retro twist. It’s a nod to the nineties as sportswear goes old school: think long PE socks, Varsity tops, bomber jackets and trainers. Lots of trainers. Satin rucksacks, denim jackets and slogan prints are all there too. Just in case any of you missed school. What is brilliant about this trend is its practicality. Sports bras are not just being worn to the gym, Spanx leggings are replacing skinny jeans. It’s a sports style revolution and you will most definitely want to be on the team.

The popular high-fashion retailer, Net-a-Porter, has also noticed what an investment sportswear is in the fashion industry right now. Launching the ‘Net-a-Sporter’ sports department, this luxe and designer collection of sportswear is quoted to be ‘the ultimate fusion of fashion and function-these are performance labels with style and substance’. The endurance of these pieces is the priority but their attractiveness and the desire to wear them in public? Well that just makes me want to go to the gym. And I don’t go to the gym. Yoga, ballet and running attire is all chic and fitted, ensuring you keep cool and stay classy. Unless you’re an all-black kind of girl, I would invest in a bright colour or crazy design; it’s ‘go big or go home’ with this one, in my opinion. The Mikoh bikinis and Zoe Karssen leggings are on my wish list.

Athletic gear being sold on such a renowned shopping and fashion website is great for smaller designers, such as Aussie-brand, Zimmermann. This eclectic collection of swimwear is ideal for the obvious gym trip; however this is a style revolution: why not use a swimming costume as a body and pair it with some high-waisted shorts or skinny jeans for that alternative and individual night-out outfit? My favourites are the halter bikinis, which can easily double up as your new crop top. The key is to be open-minded and creative; once you stop seeing the products as gym clothes, you’re ready to take the reins on this one.

This evolution in fashionable sportswear has opened up all kinds of possibilities and when the result looks so great, there is no excuse not to grab your chance! Ready, set, go!

Paris Fashion Week

Remember how in my last post, I said that ‘I may take breaks, but fashion doesn’t?’ Still true. But unfortunately, I fell at the last hurdle and was unable to keep up with blogging per day of the finale of the fashion weeks. 3rd year of uni with the likes of the dreaded dissertation called, I’m afraid.

I’m well aware, it has been reviewed enough and that the majority of people will know all sorts about the shows, models, trends and designs, but for my regular readers, I value and appreciate every one of you for supporting me and following my blog, so this synopsis of PFW is for you.

*N.B. ‘Look #’ refers to catwalk order, although my favourite piece is included in the photos I have selected*

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23 September – 1 October

Balenciaga

Personally, the main surprise for me was baby North West making her fashion week debut. The second surprise was at how well-behaved this little toddler was throughout the show. Props to baby West. Now for the show. Alexander Wang put his own stamp on the collection, as the Creative Director instigated an army of gorgeous girls walking down the runway (flashback to NYFW a few weeks earlier?)

There were elements of Matrix-esque pieces, with black being a dominating shade and chiffon, netting and floor-sweeping apparel being showcased on the catwalk. The sports luxe theme throughout the collection softened the tone, with mesh skirts, loose collars and pastel colours demonstrating to us that this trend is going to be around for some time.

My favourite piece? Look 19’s black layered Bardot top with chiffon sleeves. Ticks all the boxes for SS15.

Balmain

Another edgy designer and a favourite of mine. Previous collections have revealed metallics, studs…and this season does not let the term ‘power dressing’ down. In fact, it defines it even more. SS15 brought us a lot of graphic prints, with cage motifs, bright colours and definitive stripes. It was all fabulously fierce, but then again, it wouldn’t be Balmain, if it wasn’t.

Every look in the collection was strong. All-white outfits were sleek and structured, whilst other looks were buckled, zipped or laser-cut. Bold colours and sharp cut-outs proved that, in fashion, people still want to stand out against the rest. Even the draped, chiffon dresses at the end of the catwalk were toughened up with contrasting chokers or other ‘hard’ pieces of jewellery.

My favourite piece? Look 3’s monochrome oversized tuxedo vest with the eye-catching gold belt. Chunky accessories emphasised the volume ratio.

Lanvin

Graceful and elegant sum up Lanvin’s SS15 collection. First on the catwalk were long sleek dresses with asymmetric necklines or slits and thighs. The colours navy, black and white also added a tone of tranquility to the runway. Volume and draping were key in the designs, in the form of balloon or batwing sleeves and ruffled layering.

Then the hemlines were cropped and statement necklaces accompanied the clothes, to give a bit more of a modern twist to things but the cropped jackets, tuxedo vests and silk blazers all ensured that the looks stayed chic. The next wave of the runway signaled only one thing: party time. Stylish and sophisticated but with the right amount of edge. Lace and textured materials catered for the elusive party girl, whilst tunic dresses were patterned in metallics and vivid yellow and red prints.

My favourite? A terracotta sweeping maxi dress from Look 28.

Isabella Marant

It was bohemia meets the tribes as fringing, pleats and exotic patterns updated the usual hippie prints. Pieces were quite striking in monochrome and shades of maroon, burnt orange and red. Mini dresses seemed to be the popular clothing choice in this collection, with some top-and-trouser sets making appearances.

Everything was textured: tassels, fringing, feathers, pvc, wool.. The volume ratio neatened up the collection; pleated skirts were paired with fitted tops, whilst capri pants had thick knits layered over them. Marant’s usual hippie had definitely gone on her travels: it was a complete transportation. All the models donned different styles of gladiator flats; some contrasting with their outfits and others matching in block colour.

My favourite? Look 3’s monochrome tribal print halterneck, clinched in at the waist.

Givenchy

And North West makes yet another appearance at fashion week. This baby is living my dream and she can’t even walk. Controversy was caused as Kim and Kanye dressed the tot in a Givenchy black sheer dress but nevertheless, North seemed happy enough to watch Auntie Kendall strut down the runway.

Gothic. Tough. Sexy. Fierce dresses were complemented by thigh-high leather boots but the lace material, of certain skirts, was so delicate, that fairies could have made it. It was a world of contrasts, as the light lace was weighed down by clasping buckles and belts. There was a slight dominatrix feel, with the level and usage of pvc, leather and low-cut necklines but it was, in a way, dainty and feminine.

Bolero jackets and longer coats sat on top of the clothes, each with metallic and hard-edge designs. Mostly compiled of all-black, the collection did offer some softer shades of tan and one pink ruffled dress, all accompanied by the sexy thigh-high boots. It was all  strong and sexy looks being showcased on the catwalk: all spray-tight fitted and leather-looking, so as to deliver the intended fierce and tough ambiance.

My favourite? Cara’s ruffled lace explosion dress and those boots in Look 56.

Elie Saab

Completely wild and exciting, this show was a blend of flowing fabrics, bohemia and futuristic prints. In an explosion of pattern and colour, this was one of the more fun collections at PFW. V-necklines and high-low hemlines kept things young, free and sexy, whilst there were also more demure outifts, such as high-necked skater dresses and jumpsuits. Lace was the material of the SS15 season, with black, white and blue maxi dresses being made entirely of it. Very ethereal stitching.

Ombre colours crayoned the floor-sweeping gowns, once again, at assorted lengths: asymmetric, high-low and with slits. Monochrome shades and block colours have been present throughout PFW, hinting profusely at key trends for the next season. Elie Saab finished on the runway with sequin detail added to both mini and maxi dresses, capes and tops. This collection certainly offered the different options a woman has for an event or special night out, with a variation of simpler and more extravagant choices, but all flourishing in beautiful, supple fabrics.

My favourite? The teal grecian dress in Look 28, which turns ever so slightly ombre-blue at the bottom.

Chanel

Karl Lagerfeld delivered a show like no other before: the Grand Palais was transformed into the streets of Paris as the models walked down the catwalk that was now ‘Boulevard Chanel’. The collection was chic and classy: an array of tweed suits, eccentric florals, flared trousers and structured boxy dresses.

Being Chanel, it was only fitting to have a few famous faces: Cara and Kendall were on the line up in a long tweed-esque suit and the quirky mosaic illusion dress, but so was Gisele, who donned one of Chanel’s classic cardigan dresses. The monochrome ruffled blouse and pinstripe shorts/skirts combination brought us back to Chanel’s roots and renowned designs, whilst also emphasising a key trend for SS15. The finale was made up of Karl leading the models in a mock demonstration, with protests and placards reading ‘Make fashion not war’, ‘Free freedom’ and ‘Be your own stylist’.

My favourite piece? Look 67’s voluminous ruffle-top shirt and pinstripe boy-shorts. Androgynous done right. It is Chanel after all…

Hermes

This season’s closing show. So before, Chanel took us the streets of Paris; now, Christophe Lemaire has whisked us off to the beach. Apparently it’s not a warm summer holiday we will be off to, however, as cashmere was amongst the first to be showcased on the runway. Ruched and layered designs were the key focus at Hermes. Cowl necks were a strong feature, as was the wrapped style, which gave the sense of warmth and protection. Odd choice for SS15 pieces, but who am I to complain?! The buttermilk coloured water snake dress was a popular and recognised part of this season’s collection.

Suede and leather were also key textures and materials used in the show, with pea coats, shirts and wrap dresses proving that more is more and length is here to stay. Apart from the obvious blacks, navies and greys, the tone of the collection was quite light, with nudes and taupes being the centre of the colour wheel for the designer. Crisp white shirts were tucked into caramel boyshorts, skirts had asymmetric wrapping detail and dresses were accessorised with knotted sashes. Hermes’ signature coloured scarves were absent from the runway, instead being the print for the dresses this season.

My favourite piece? The shiny black leather (look?) shirt tucked into charcoal capris with loafers. I think, with this outfit, everyone’s colour sight is going to strike a ‘is it navy/black/charcoal’ debate. Whatever shade it is, it’s a chic and minimalistic outfit.

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Thanks to anyone who has looked to my blog for reading up on fashion week.

A final disclaimer, the images are not mine, I do not take credit for them. Words only.

Dolce and Gabbana at MFW

A great send-off to fashion week in Milan: there was definitely a Japo-Spanish vibe to the SS15 collection that was showcased in Italy yesterday. The primary hue of red was dominant, as were blacks and whites, colouring lace dresses, ponchos, tasselled kimonos, trophy belts and flamenco skirts. Kendall Jenner has been taking Milan by storm, leading yet another runway this season.

Oversized knicker-style pants were paired with matching boxy jackets in the striking colours, offering an updated regimental look. Longer pantsuits were also modelled on the catwalk, accompanied by either waistcoats or the female take on the cummerbund: embellished trophy belts.

Dolce and Gabbana use lace so well in their designs that it would have been wrong of them not to include it in this season’s show. Pleated skirts, camisoles, suits and dresses were either entirely made of lace or simply trimmed. My favourite was the drapes fringed poncho over a lace skirt. The designing duo proved that black is more certainly not boring.

Some of the collection was dark and gothic; other parts were racy and sexy. Floor-length chiffon gowns were followed by lace bralets, bodices and stockings. I really loved the black dress with the fitted bodice and flared flamenco skirt with a ruffles hemline. Lace socks accessorised this look, as well as two large red corsages in the model’s hair. So Spanish.

Red rose print was especially frequent; patterning a chiffon skirt or printed on tasselled ponchos and dresses. Red lace as white lace garments also made appearances, with fringing being the predominant detail to disperse the block colour or shade.

The catwalk ended with a nod to the polka dot pattern, with many of the final designs featuring the print as a backdrop for more blood-red florals, or being the focus of the pieces. Shift dresses, flared sleeves and pleated skirts, and a fifties-esque layered ra-ra skirt to name a few. I particularly liked volume combination of the polka dot layered skirt together with the lace cone bra. The rest of the design world is showcasing the 70s but Dolce and Gabbana tribute two decades before. Two iconic style eras appear to be making a comeback!

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