Too much excitement! I bid you adieu!

http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/383742

Stylist – moi
Photographer Jenny Brough
Hair Jonathan Soons @ ERA
Make Up Katherine Gould
Models Max @ Models 1
Andrew H @ Storm

LOVE THIS SHOOT- Levis, Wrangler, Diesel, Energie, Calvin Klein, Superdry ….Hope you like.. available for your campaigns too…

Next up is a hippy hippy shake traveller fashion for the September issue of 55Pages. I am so looking forward to this one, got the assistant coming round at 7.15 as it is going to be a loooooong day. Watch this space for some behind the scenes pics!

No rest for the wicked and after a quick trip to Newcastle for a wedding on the weekend, I am back with a bang for my St Tropez shoot for International Life. Shame we will only actually be on the Thames, but I am going to INSIST the next one is somewhere exotic ;-)

Early night for me then, so I will bid you adieu…

Check out my piece on the ‘clan’ of menswear on this month’s .Cnet mag.

Check it out

Several designers out-did themselves by controversial styling/hairstyling (anyone going for the all over face-over?) but the majority of the collections were wearable, well made and easy on the eye; And if you know what you like, you will definitely be able to find it! And if experimentation is more your thang, I can point you in the direction for that too…

Here’s a round up of my fave collections…
Lou Dalton called his collection “This Charming Man” which was a retrospective of the romance of the war era. It could be loosely described as military but with a modern quilted twist. Structured, easy on the eye and low key, this is a safe bet for a boy who loves fashion.

James Long also opted for an aviator feel, but he concentrated on knitwear and collars. It looks like men will be wearing fur this winter, starting with the small details of the collar, and the defined waists are making fashion even more metrosexual. Coupled with PVC trousers in claret and plum, this will definitely be a grower when the nights start drawing in.

If you like old school, you should keep an eye out for Oliver Spencer, as he mashed a collection of varsity jackets with the traditional double breasted jacket. Extremely wearable and already with a big fan base of east-enders, Oliver could soon be expanding his empire if you ask me!

With one eye on the future, Martine Rose has nailed the bomber jacket to a T. Re-interpreted for AW12/13, the colour scheme is orange and olive. Coupled with skinny pants and the occasional neon flash, this collection is full of urban streetwear.

Another favourite would have to be Topman Design; Experimental yet wearable, there is always the safe option and the fly by the seat of your pants ‘I’m off out to a hot event tonight and need to buy some thing that doesn’t look high street’ version. With David Gandy and Alex Zane sitting frow, the boys came out beaming, as well as most of the girls! Black PVC, exposed zips, studded belts and danger showcased first followed by a more subdued and classy 1920s and thirties line in suiting. Altogether very hot!

JW Anderson took a risk to call the show Good taste Bad Taste, and as usual it did not disappoint; As a flashback to the 70s, there were optical prints, roll neck jumpers, too short flares and quilted jackets. Difficult to wear all at once, with the loud primary colours but the JW Anderson man will definitely be able to find comfort in the noise, and find a piece or two to complement the kilt combo.

And if that wasn’t enough excitement for the journos, the Agi and Sam collection was Bold with a capital B! The models, with extra rosy cheeks, beads, and white gloves, allowed the focus to be drawn to the outlandish even clownish partnerships. With matching suits, contrasting shirts, and lots of colours, everything was made from recycled plastic, so the homeless look indeed just exaggerated the quality and swagger of the product.

The Saville Row tailor E Tautz stayed close to its roots; Presenting a thoroughly British collection for the next generation, Patrick Grant has led the way in ready to wear for those who like the idea of made to measure. Classic basics were added to the flashes of red, which kept this collection traditionally quintessentially English.

And last but not least, McQ chose to end with a story. He too used military silhouettes with heavy overcoats and bomber jackets, but Sarah Burton kept it clean with classy leather gloves, shirts and ties.

So if you are a leather lover, a bit of a rock god or enjoy the geek chic look, you can definitely find an item or two to re-vamp your winter wardrobe. I know what my dream man will be wearing…

By Sara Darling

The shows themselves were regal, deftly organized, and marginally late. Security was tight and PRs were on it, flitting between greetings in French, Italian and American/English. It was very much a case of if your name isn’t down, you’re not getting in, and for the big shows like Stella and Chloe, they even requested photo id!

Of course, fashion week would not be defined without the big names that everyone is talking about and the Chanel, Chloe and Alexander McQueen collections did not disappoint. There were pussy bows and peplums at McQueen, pastel coloured coats and quilted daywear at Chloe as well as the increasingly popular all in one which cropped up on several catwalks; Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel focussed on geometric shapes and contrasting textures- with the show separated into styles and colour themes, there is something to get inspired by for all occasions. Metallics, feathers and fur made an appearance, as well as larger than life clutch bags and impressive show stopping chokers.

After my second show, it became evident there was not too much importance paid to bloggers, perhaps only ones with international stature such as Bryan Boy, Suzie Bubble and Kristin Knox who were spied. But there were a heck of a lot of street stylers from all round the world. And they pounced (and I don’t mean that lightly) on the models when they left the shows in their civvies, which is great for their ratings. Some stopped to pose, and others didn’t. For them this must be their first taste of stardom, being blinded by the paps.

Another recognizable difference seemed to be the lack of celebs, I spotted a Katy Perry here, and a Jade Jagger there and the ginger one from Girls Aloud…but the furor of the support for London designers was not as evident, which meant the collections could stay more commercial.

From a style perspective, fashion is safe. Not New York safe, but chic and sophisticated and teeny bit naughty safe. After all, Carla Bruni is married to their Prime Minister, so there is an air of excitement.

This could be seen in the rather random Agnes B French maids outfit, which was sent out in the middle of a fun, twee collection which up until then had shown cute berets, ankle socks and pussy bows! But reaching underneath the surface, if I glanced around the pvc ensemble certainly raised a few cheeky smiles!

As a complete contrast, one of favourite designers is Jean Charles de Castelbajac who always puts a smile on my face. Next season is all about the graphic stripes, and feather detailing. Again it is a nod to the post modern and he mashes up Aztec prints with primary colours. A very dramatic show, inspired by eagles and birds of prey, the leather and the feathers suggest that it can be lots of fun to be covered up, and his capes and high waisted leather fishermans trousers left me with a large dribble of lust!

The ‘need/want’ button showed its face again at the Paul and Joe show. In a venue of it’s own and filled to capacity, guests were treated to green tea and a wall, papered with forest scenes, so we knew we were going to be in for a treat. Models strutted in animal print, which is arguably one of my top trends, wide legged two pieces pants suits and trench coats.. and for the evening, the sequins came out to play. Although its not even summer yet, I can surely see myself in one of the low cut floor length dresses for the Christmas party season. Obviously I would like to wear their summer jumpsuit first too…

Another edgy show was Masha Ma, which I watched in envy as the 6 foot models, dressed head to toe in block colours of black and white. Zips were a key component – from revealing skirt splits, which extended up from the hem, to zip-up gloves, sleeves, belts and waistlines. As with previous collections, the CSM graduate utilised the shoes and added a touch of bondage by encasing the models shoes in bandage wrapped pvc- totally re-inventing the white and black.

Louis Vuitton showed big buttons, twin set trouser suits, skirts layered over trousers and the obligatory elbow length leather gloves. The colours were vintage and reminded me of my grandma, but that can only be a good thing, as she was a very classy lady! It also means I have a lust to add to my bag list- quite conveniently my birthday is in November.

As a contrast from the London tweed, Paris focussed on feathers. And leather. And quite a few sequins. Not as edgy, not as bold but the understated elegance that exudes money. So if you have to ask the price, it’s probably best not to.

By Sara Darling