Popped over to The British Fashion Awards the other night. It was a parred down pretty causal affair at this London hotel called The Savoy. Champers, goodie bags and trying not to be blinded by the fashion and flash bulbs were on order. Seriously, it was an amazing night. British fashion's on fire at the moment and these awards were an excellent celebration of the talent coming out of old Blights at the mo.
Rocksanda Ilincic in one of her amazing creations
The back of British Model of the Year Winner Clara Delevigne
Here's the list of winners in full:• Designer of the Year: Stella McCartney• Designer Brand: Stella McCartney• New Establishment: Erdem• Menswear Designer: Kim Jones for Louis Vuitton• Emerging Talent Award - Ready to Wear: JW Anderson• Emerging Talent Award - Accessories: Sophie Hulme• Emerging Talent Award - Menswear: Jonathan Saunders• Accessory Designer: Nicholas Kirkwood• Red Carpet Award: Roksanda Ilincic• Model: Cara Delevingne• Outstanding Achievement in Fashion: Manolo Blahnik CBE• Special Recognition: Harold Tillman CBE• Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator: Louise Wilson OBE• British Style Award: Alexa Chung.
British fashion is on fire right now. There's such a lot of talent in the UK and this glamorous bash really wetted the old appetite to see what marvels are still to come and to appreciate what steps the pioneering British fashion industries taken. Exciting times!
Let's talk about shoes! Any excuse! I was already looking forward to the British Fashion Awards next week and so was pretty pleased to hear that the British Fashion Council have announced that the winner of the Outstanding Achievement Award is non other than shoe king Manolo Blahnik CBE. Manolo moved to Paris in 1965 and was encouraged by fashion journalist Diana Vreeland to concentrate on shoes. That was some good advice! By 1971 he was based in London making shoes and a year later Ossie Clark used his collections in one of his eponymous shows. The rest is fashion history as Manolo went on to have a ridiculously impressive career that spans over 40 years and resulted in some of the most covetable shoe designs ever. He's an icon! Congrats Manolo!
Araki makes trashy cinema of the highest caliber - tacky tasteless shoegazing overkill ♥♥♥ His films are kinda like a pot of Fluff, bit wrong, satisfying and leave you feeling a little jumpy. These are two personal 90's faves...
For A/W 2012 Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have created a collection that includes the perfect clothes to wear to a baroque rave or on those days you're feeling a bit regal meets acid. This is a GOOD thing! This collection's needed and welcome! Go Dolce & Gabanna! Check out this shoot...
PHOTOGRAPHER:Charlie EngmanSET DESIGN: James Orlando STYLIST: Melissa Rubini Hair:Wesley O'Meara at Wall Group using Oribe Makeup:Asami Taguchi at A'telier Colorist: Zoe Wiepert at Bumble & Bumble Model: Vasilia at Supreme Images via Bullet
I mentioned in a previous post how pleased I was to meet and chat with the very talented Ada Zanditon at London Fashion Week. Ada's SS13 collection is really fresh and exciting, I want it all! Ada very kindly showed me a preview of her amazing fashion film, Tigress Reign, starring Summer Rayne Oakes as The Tigress and Yrsa Daley-Ward as The Hunter - made thanks to sponsorship from Easyjet Holidays. I'm very excited to now be able to share it in full because it's just stunning! Look!
Shot on location in Cyprus, the film was directed by the incredible Thomas Knights with styling by the lovely Alexis Knox. If this film and amazing collection doesn't provoke a longing for the return of summer I don't know what will! Enjoy!
Love this editorial in the latest Elle Girl Japan. Shot in LA by Jason Lee Parry, model of the moment Charlotte Free sports some fierce 90's street style inspired looks by Imogen Barron.
Luke Stephenson is a British photographer hailing from Darlington. His work focuses on life in Britain and the British psyche. He has a talent for capturing the eccentricity of Britain in a fresh, clean and honest way.
I particularly love his collection 'The Incomplete Dictionary of Show Birds' - see earlier post on Cornell for proof of my bird obsession. My Father breeds avery birds and I love how they are all so beautiful but each so characterful too. Anyhow nuff of my bird rambles, check Luke's pics out!
I recently re-watched and re-fell-in-love with My Own Private Idaho and of course River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves. Released in 1991, Gus Van Sant's brilliant drama is loosely based on Shakespeare's Henry IV P 1-2, and Henry V. The story follows two hustlers and friends, Mike a narcoleptic with an eventful background and Scott who's rebelled to the darkest levels, who choose to escape their crazy outsider criminal lifestyles in Portland and embark on a journey of personal discovery that takes them to Mike's hometown in Idaho and then on to Italy in search of Mike's mother.
This film amazes, shocks and astounds every time you watch it. I never fail to be amazed every time I re-realise Flea plays the ADHD to the max squatter mad head. There's a brilliant interview in Interview mag with Reeves and Phoenix that captures the playful, rebellious essence behind making of this touching and highly resonant film. Bottom line is, if you haven't (or even if you have already) I urge you to go watch or re-watch this film and try not to be captivated by one of the best film's of the 90's. Salute you Van Sant!
I LOVE Autumn/Winter but Ana Diaz's SS13 look book and vid for her latest collection 'Edo Tropica' offers some serious summer vibes and leaves you longing for far off tropical sunsets. After watching this vid, the arrival of next summer seems an exciting prospect waiting hazily on the horizon.
'Edo Tropica' showcases quirky vivid colours and matchy patterns, fun prints, organic cotton and stark white in tropical locations and dreamy beach scenes. When next summer rolls around I will be painting my nails diffent colours, popping on a sun visor and heading to a beach in Thailand. You? Roll on long summer nights and hazy summer days!
Hands up who likes ridiculous sunglasses?! *both my hands in the air* I do!
a-morir.com may well be my new favourite site (boom, boom). Look at these beauties! Created by designer Kerin Rose Weinbergand loved by the likes of Gaga, Grace Jones, Debbie Harry and Rihanna - not exactly wallflowers.Wear em on the tu=be with a hangover pronto!
This is statement eye wear on acid! I want them all but if I had to choose just a couple I'd plump for the dream-catcher (Santana) pair and Siouxsie lace gems...but the Lush pair are amazing...and the Mcdowell...You?
“If Wintour is the Pope..., Coddington is Michelangelo, trying to paint a fresh version of the Sistine Chapel twelve times a year,” Time Magazine, 2009
Grace Coddington is Creative Director at American Vogue and for over 50 years has remained one of the most influential and creative forces in fashion. Grace started her career as a top model in the 60's and became a British Vogue editor in 1969. She moved to New York in 1987 to become a design director at Calvin Klein, before joining American Vogue in 1988, the same day as Anna Wintour, who gave her the position. She continues to offer a creative edge, producing editorials that always seem to contain a more than a little bit of fashion magic.
Grace is adored for being fun, brave, smart and revolutionary. Her statement flame red hair, lasting creativity and love of cats - she published 'Catwalk Cats' with her partner, hairstylist Didier Malige - all make up parts of her quirky charm. Her memoirs were released earlier this year and who could forget the stunning editorial(originally published in Vogue US, August 2008 as Graceful Elegance), styled by Coddington and starring Karen Elson - showcasing her love for her feline friends.
Photography by Steven Meisel
Karen Elson as Grace Coddington
Currently working on a video project with director R.J. Cutler, Grace continues to steal the limelight, whether front row during fashion weeks or through her continually innovatory work, making her a fashion force to be reckoned with. What's certain is that, in the world of fashion, this icon will never fall from grace (couldn't resist).
I spent the weekend catching up with old friends and inevitably chatting about our exploits growing up and all the weird and wonderful things that made up our 90's childhood. I've had a recent hankering to watch a film that I absolutely LOVED as a child and haven't seen since I was about 10. This film, like many of the PG cert late 80's and early 90's was fun sci-fi/tech based cinema that both scared and completely intrigued me, and obviously stayed with me into adulthood...
Anybody remember Flight of the Navigator? Ok, it was actually released in 1986 (the year I was born) but it sustained to reach my demographic because it was repeatedly shown on the TV (the power of Disney). Growing up I must have seen it about 20 times and loved it more and more every time. Far more low budget and simple than Spielberg's sci-fi classic Close Encounters of the Third Kind and it was Disney's introduction to a the powerful Sci-fi genre that was dominant at that time. It captured (on an admittedly less advanced level) the awe and wonder that was inspired by the idea of alien encounters and successfully presented it to a Disney audience. Like Batteries not Included or Short Circuit, this film filled wide young eyes with exciting images of technology and science, and embodied it's potential to take you into intrepid new territory; exploring humanity, showcased against new alien experiences.
Yes that's SJP
The Flight of the Navigator's plot is pretty bonkers and it's a fun, totally farfetched and touching film because it shows how the young spirit can span old ideas, conquer fear, embrace adventures, then simply return home unscathed. I will never forget the scene when David first discovers the spaceship in the woods and sometimes wonder what it would be like to go out one night and drive a space ship then return home and simply go to bed. What a ride! What a film!
The Sunday Service on Dalston Rooftop
The Sunday Service has been a pretty special breakfast pop-up ion the urban sanctuary that's Dalston rooftop. I was dying to go but sadly had to host a mega party in Henley (long story). Fortunately my bezzie was still able to attend and has written Tricky Customers first guest post! Here's what she made of what looks like the ultimate Sunday hanover cure...
We arrived at 18 Ashwin street in Dalston, at 12:30 for the the second and later 'Brekkie' session of the day and were very pleased to be issued with our inclusive food and drink vouchers - what more could you ask for on a Sunday?! After walking eagerly up the considerable flight of stairs to the top, we opened the door and were met by what can only be described as a haven, tooked away on a rooftop in the middle of Dalston. The rooftop was adorned with green faux-grass (urban meets rural chic) and a mixture of very comfy white single and double mattresses on which people were relaxing, eating, drinking and chatting merrily. There was also an area which resembled a beach front or summer park with mats and cushions. Bliss!
With the sun shining through the September clouds we collected our inclusive (in the cost of tickets) food and drinks. The food consisted of a variety of breads and drinks the traditional orange juice and tea or coffee, or an added treat of chocolate milk. I opted for the traditional coffee and orange juice, although I have it on good authority the chocolate milk was delious! The bread was accompanied by a vast array of jams, marmalades, and more chocolate. We managed to eat our weight in jams, as in such sumptous surroundings it was difficult to stop spreading.
There was also the chance to pay for additional breakfast treats, such as a highly tempting selection of waffles with sweet drizzled toppings and savoury options that included bacon and salmon. The wind picked up shortly after we settled on our mattress, which did make digging into the food a little challenging but this it to be expected on a roof top and just added to pretty unique overall experience.
As the afternoon continued, the atmosphere, which had been vibrant when we arrived, quietened down, much like when smaller towns get sleepy on a Sunday afternoon. This atmosphere may have been re-invigorated by some background music, as the sounds of the street began to break through the harmony of the roof but it still felt chilled. The smells from the open air kitchen did not abate, with the fragrant waffles wafting over, ensuring my saliva glands were kept working all afternoon.
The relaxing continued and after about 2 hours spent on the roof when the chill of September did win and we made our move. Although blankets were on offer to those felt the cold and we left satified by the food and experience. The Sunday Service was definitely a relaxing and enjoyable afternoon, although it would have benefitted from an injection of some music, to ensure the atmosphere was continued even after the volume of customer decreased. We were also lucky with the weather as it was only the wind, we had to contend with, if it had rained, it would be a different story - but hey, welcome to England.
If you’re looking for a country style relaxing Sunday afternoon or you’ve had a heavy night before and want something to do without having to move or think too much, this is the place to be. Hangover heaven was found in Dalston! The Sunday Service is continuing on the 23 September 2012 to 30 September 2012, more information and tickets are available from:
http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/2628308266?s=9766392. It's a great concept and was definitely agreat way to spend a sleepy Sunday avo.
Review by Clare Simmons ❤ Photographs by Jade Mellor ❤
I had the pleasure of chatting to super talented sustainable fashion designer Ada Zanditon at London Fashion Week over the weekend. Ada gave me a preview of her new, Tarantino inspired, SS13 fashion film, Tigress Reign, starring Summer Rayne Oakes as The Tigress and Yrsa Daley-Ward as The Hunter and made thanks to sponsorship from Easyjet Holidays. Shot in on location in Cyprus, the film was directed by the incredible Thomas Knights with styling by the lovely Alexis Knox. Zanditon told me that her SS13 collection was inspired by tigers, and this fun film definitely depicts depicts powerful strong women. Tigress Reign was debuted at Somerset House last night. Here's the trailer...
Check out this fabulous film from my super talented cousin's label Wildfox, showcasing their AW'12 collection,'Star Crossed Lovers'. Swoon! It's a Romeo and Juliet inspired take on rebellious young romance, incorporating some excellent 90's nostalgia. So good!
Swirling robes, long silk gowns, flowing hair, jeweled tones, sparkling jewels, chiffon shawls and velvet capes... who doesn’t love Pre Raphaelite style? Romantic, rebellious, bold and exotic: yet possessing a strong sense of heritage, the bohemian Pre-Raphaelite aesthetic never goes out of fashion,so what better starting point for style inspiration this season.
ThePre-Raphaelites (Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood,PRB) were a Victorian-era (1848 - late 19th Century) group of
English artists which later grew to include poets and writers. This month, the
Tate has an exhibition, Pre-Raphaelites: Victorian Avant Garde, which celebrates exhibition
the magic and vision of this movement. Led by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, William Holman Hunt and John Everett Millais, the
Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood (PRB) drew inspiration from the Renaissance, rebelling
against the art establishment of the mid-nineteenth century.
The porcelain faced, dreamy eyed, golden haired beauties; draped
in sumptuous fabrics, were the supermodels of their day and their beauty remains unmatched and inspiring. Today’s fashion and media still celebrates romantic traditional
British English rose beauty - ivory skin, rosebud lips and cascading hair. Karen Elson, with her fiery tresses and penchant for Victoriana, often looks like Lady Lilith if she stepped out of
the Rosetti painting. Lily Cole’s
another doll featured flaxen haired beauty who could easily pass for Milais’
Ophelia, whilst Florence Welch’s strong eclectic bohemian style and Rosie
Huntington Whiteley’s English beauty make them modern muses like Effie Gray or
Jane Morris. The magic of the Pre-Raphaelite beauty is steadfast.
Gucci AW12
As the nights draw in and
the winter looms what better time to start thinking about adding some magic to
our wardrobes. There’s definitely a historical bohemian feel to this upcoming
season with many collections and design elements reminiscent of the
Pre-Raphaelite’s bohemian aesthetic. For this Autumn/Winter 2012 designers delivered
sumptous colour pallets that include some striking jewelled tones – Paul and
Joe offered a particularly delicious assortment. Burgundy is the go to colour this season as
seen at Elie Tahari – to name one of many. Luxurious fabrics were elegantly draped at Hermes,
evoking the velvet gown on 'Fair Rosamund'. Brocade,
lace and velvet are go to materials and made a number of appearances in
collection, such as Junya Watanabe who really made the most of the luxurious
velvet fabric using different colours and techniques. Folksy, paisley and
floral patterns added a casual eclectic element, as seen at Hermes where there
was a definite eastern reference in the fabrics and hemlines. The addition of
lace heats things up a bit during the winter months – thanks Lanvin!
This season we also encounter striking nods to Baroque, ala
Dolce and Gabbana and John Galliano – think dramatic, romantic, OTT splendour. Victoriana
details are also prominent – Pucci’s dramatic ruffled shirts and statement
jewellery should do the trick. Temperley’s collection’s full of inspiration - a
bohemian mix of floating chiffon layers of silk, lace and velvet, with a folksy
pattern mix that includes embroidery and darker, bolder florals. Temperley’s references
to the Pre-Raphaelites is striking, from the swathes of velvet, floaty heavily
embroidered silk dresses, detailed embroidery and all topped off with jewels
and sequins sparkling like light on water. The use of natural imagery given a darker edge
also bloomed at McQueen and Dolce and Gabbana with bold florals that are less
feminine and more dramatic on dark sumptuous fabrics, with lace overlays and
embossing. Like the paintings there’s also a gothic
edge with Gucci’s capes and Rocha’s dark lace - this is dark winter romance. The high street also has some finds with some great prints at Miss Selfridge and River Island nailing ethereal gothic glamour
Mix up those fabrics, scour flee markets, car-boots and dig
out some sartorial magic. Why not have fun and be rebellious this winter. Now
is a time for experimentation.Whether you pick up
some statement earrings, drape yourself in silk, languish in lace or make like a
woodland nymph by taking that long dress into winter with some extra layers of brocade,
lace, silk…Winter is a time of darkness and that spells romance, exuberance
and luxury – why not dress accordingly.
Seems Opening Ceremony can do no wrong right now. Check out William Strobeck's short film for opening ceremony featuring Chloë Sevigny. Set to the haunting track "Fly the Sky" by Colony Farm, the film captures Chloë in her pieces from theCHLOË SEVIGNY FOR OPENING CEREMONY collection. The newish Covent Garden store's pretty great too! Love!
Due to a certain sporting event all eyes are currently on London. No better place in my opinion! Yes, I am completely biased because London is my home (but not my home town) - the place that I - like millions of others - chose to make my home. I recently happened upon this short film by Michael Smith and Wojciech Duczmal and I think it pretty much sums up what pulls people here and keeps them in what is essentially not an easy, but a very rewarding place to reside - what it's like to live in and love this trying and magnificent city.
'Inspired by Baudelaire’s idea of the flâneur, the stroller whose epiphany is the shifting urban spectacle, the film is about one individual’s personal response to the unique spirit that charges the city he inhabits – in this case, Michael’s response to the inner East End, where he has lived for many years.
It’s a film about the deep, complex, bitter-sweet romance between an individual and his city. Like many long-term love affairs, it’s a dysfunctional one, but nevertheless, this film is a love story between a person and a place.'
A poignant movement post WW1,the Bauhaus school worked to unify art with utility and technology creating some of the most striking design and architecture of the 20th Century. The biggest Bauhaus exhibition in 40 years, this is a must see - so guess I better get a move!
Maison Martin Margiela's 'Artisanal' Autumn-Winter 2012 collection's as creative and innovative as ever. This avant garde Belgium label is consistently interesting and inspiring so who better to close Haute Couture fashion Week at Espace Commines in Paris. Chic white on white styling, sleeveless jackets and perfect layering, ensured Margiela's 2013 Resort collection, 'Replica', got us all clambering to own one of these simple pieces of perfection.
Margiela loves to surprise with stunning sellotape dresses and full swarovski face mask having been included in recent shows. With that in mind, who isn't more than a little intrigued to see what the Margiela collection for H&M will consist of?!