METRONOMIX

Without a doubt my song of the summer was The Bay by Metronomy, I saw the band themselves play it at Glastonbury and Bestival whilst DJ's were dropping it all over the shop at Field Day. So when Erol Alkan, one of my favourite dj's tweeted about this tune I had to give it a listen...and true to form, it's perfect. I loved the original track but this Ewan Pearson remix might just become my new track crush.

Perfect tune for a night in with a cosy new jumper, obsessive Pinterest pinning and chocolate cake...which is exactly what my evening has involved.

BESTIVAL

As I was checking my email today I spied that I had recieved a message from one of my Festival Style gold medal holders....and would you believe, he enlightened me that i'd forgotten to upload the photo's i'd taken at Bestival, so here they are...

I've started to think about how to use all of these images now, here are a few sheets it's mocked up so far for the project which i've decided to call 'Festivalism'.

Thank You to everyone who took part! And look out for the final product some time soon!!

10

As part of the self promotion project at uni, we were all set the task of creating A visual portrait of our 10 Favourite Things, these 10 things had to fit under 10 of the 13 given categories. This project has also been carried out by a few people of note including Quentin Blake, Jack Penate and David Shrigley, you can read a little more about it 'ERE.

Anyway here's my attempt...I created my own font and worked by hand, tracing images in pen, before scanning my work in and finishing the final composition in Photoshop.

Whatcha think? ...lost alot of detail from trying to even out the depth of the black ink, so here's the original penwork...

PENTLAND

Over the summer I set to work on the Pentland Project, I wasn't instilled with desire for the project but got stuck into some research none the less. I choose to focus my project on Pentland brand Berghaus gleaming inspiration and know how from a second Pentland brand, Boxfresh. 

A trip to Designer Forum and some investigation on Stylesight really whet my appitite for the project and I actually got quite excited by my vision for a new more current Berghaus. I explored predicted Activewear Megatrends for A/W 2012 and S/S 2013 as well as looking at innovative visual merchandising from the likes of Karl D.D Willis and the amazing Richard Chai (check out his glacial pop-up store 'ERE). 

I looked further at fabric technology, particularly Puffer Trends, where I became fixated with abstract padding, deformation of shape and extravagant anatomical shapes. I aimed make Berghaus share the coolness and style led aestetic of Boxfresh, perhaps even supersede it though experimental fashion insights and exciting scientific fabric technologies as well as a key consideration for the consumer and the environments which Berghaus combats. 

The project was due to be presented as an exhibition so I decided to create a mood which summed up my vision rather than creating a fact driven display. Below are some of the images which will be displayed as part of my exhibition.

And some sounds which add to the mood, because music is important to this blog, and my way of thinking.

I'd really appreciate any feedback as I feel this is a project which I struggled with and took an abstract view at while completing the final outcome.

MILAN FASHION WEEK

And to Milan, the Italian leg of the Fashion Weeks and the week which I know the least about.

My third installement see some of Kreayshawn’s greats (and if you don’t know who she is you’d better click ‘ERE), the flawless Raf Simons at Jil Sander and the pairing of an orange Italian with one of the UK's fashion greats.

Dolce&Gabana

An unusual theme was taking hold at Milan Fashion Week, following on from Moschino’s offerings the previous evening (to check out the collection click ‘ERE), Dolce and Gabanana’s show commenced with a vivid red onion print. Yes that’s right, Red Onion. The theme of market stalls, and Italian flavours continued with bulbous tomatoes, purple cabbages and chilli prints, topped of with the Italian staple, Pasta, which was used to create necklaces. Of course Domenico and Stefano make it utterly delectable, with smatterings of lace, crocket, straw and acetate. The shapes where truly womanly but flirtatious, think Mad Men meets Katy Perry. Of course the show ended with a decadence of sparkle, a truely great show which also marks the end of Dolce and Gabana’s D&G line.

Gucci

He show notes stated inspiration from ‘Louise Brookes and Nancy Cunard in the images of Man Ray. The opulence of the era of hedonism.’, True roaring 1920’s glamour was certainly the key look on the mind of Frida Giannini for Spring Summer 2012, in great timing for the long awaited arrival of Baz Luhrmann’s remake of The Great Gatesby. 2012 may just be the year were the 1920’s make a big comeback. On to the collection, it’s sharp, seriously sharp. Great tailored pieces trimmed with gold and emerald green alongside ultra feminine flippy dropped waistline dresses. Again the catwalk saw delicate sheers and metallic opulence with truly beautiful beading and fringed art deco inspired dresses closing the show.

Jil Sander

One of my favourite collections of last season and Raf Simon has done it again for me this time. Another artsy offering, the show saw Bauhaus style gravelled blocks of colour on the floor, whist knitted tops featured Picasso faces. As far as pattern goes, more gingham and tartan was seen alongside paisley (which later appears at Stella McCartney). The fabrics show another take on transparency, with open weaved over dressed, fine linen and light catching gauze all featured. Gorgeous cuts and tailoring enveloped true Raf Simon’s style while the tiny bejewelled brooches seemed a little out of character.

No 21 (by Alessandro Dell’Acqua)

Just wearable excellence, pairing shards of silver with a casual blue shirt and beautiful azure blue beading with knitwear makes it all the more appealing to me. Similarly a white cotton tee layered under a stunning silver gown seems so fresh and adds a sense of youth. The loose cut of each piece is beautiful too, whilst I adore the smart offering of a beaded collar peeking from a pyjama style trouser two piece. A great statement comes in the form of the principle print of the collection, a naked woman shrouded by palm leaves, Alessandro Dell’Acque nails understated sex appeal and this print sums that up.

Prada

I took me a while to realise but I utterly adore Prada, once you look under the super sleek Italian surface to the more playful elements Prada has undeniable charm. This season, in place of the banana’s of last, see’s Cars as the theme. The Scalectrix vibe was completed with cartoon flames and leather appliqués while bra tops and dresses featured drag car prints. Of course Miuccia makes the unexpected motif wearable by pairing it with floral crochets and 3D textured, super feminine while pleated skirts and female form adoring shapes. There’s a certain Miami Beach muscle car feel about the whole collection which I love. 

Versus

A pairing of Christopher Kane and Donatella Versace, hosted in a basketball court, cue zipper details, sporty sheen fabrics and cheerleader inspiration. Pastels and piping added to the look, whilst daring cut outs made end the tailored piece evoke performance wear vibes. I adore the gathered details of the sheer dresses, their volume in totally reined in by the precision body conscious  seams which reveal the shoulder or highlight the waist and bust. Can’t help but feel that Britney Spears vibe again, last seen at Marc Jacobs.

Summarising the trends at MFW it's key to mention, Food, 1920's, Artists...this time Picasso, More Sporty Vibes, Miami Beach and ...Cars.

LONDON FASHION WEEK

To London, the fashion week which I cannot help but love because of course it is the host of the British designers which we as a nation can be proud of. This year I felt an extra connection to the British Fashion Council proceedings as I attended for the first time on Saturday and Sunday, I managed to land an internship with Vodafone as they were filming and photographing for up coming promotions in association with Jaeger. The atmosphere at Somerset House was truly electric, perhaps due to half of the blogosphere milling around with cameras and carefully crafted outfits, Susie Bubble scuttled past me numerous times while Facehunter ordered commands at an assistant whilst snapping shots of a chosen few . True, wow moment came when I spotted Hilary Alexander, Zandra Rhodes and Anna Della Russo (who became stranded by her own YSL wedges mid way down the cobbled slope which led to the BFC Showspace) but the ultimate F-ROWer spot was Alexandra Shulman, editor of UK Vogue.

Unfortunately I didn’t manage to catch any shows from inside the Show Space, by the time I noted the queue of pass-less hopefuls edging inside to fill the last remaining spaces it was time for me to meet the team I would be working alongside for Vodafone.

To the shows;

Ashish

Ostensibly a designer who sticks to using one textile again and again should become boring, quickly, right?! It’s just not the case with Ashish and his use of sequins, each collection is truely new and fresh and I think this is my favourite from him thus far. Firstly, the styling the show, namely the boots filled with poseys was so innovative and worked fantastically alongside the bolder sequin formed floral offerings. Again a look to Van Gough (as seen at Rodarte), sunflowers along with poppies formed the main reference within the collection, the addition of zoo prints, brick wall blocks and denim add a fresh and summery vibe to the collection. 

 Burberry Prorsum

I must admit, I have to double check the season of the collection when viewed Burberry Prorsum’s looks for the first time, it seemed very, well coaty?! But realistically as I sat there shivering in September, Burberry’s collection is a true representation of what British women need to wear during Spring and Summer, a lightweight parker or printed bomber makes a far chicer statement that the summer dress, tights and cardigan ensemble adopted by many over the ‘summer’ months. Not one of my favourite Burberry collections but certainly notable in terms of the statement they have made. 

Danielle Scutt

Perhaps due to her collection with Topshop on a bold and attention grabbing jewellery line I expect a truly theatrical and un-wearable yet fun collection for Danielle Scutt, yet when viewing her collection I was pleasantly surprised. The collection featured a modest colour palette of black, white, denim blue and the occasional pop of warmed citrus shades. I adore the long braced skirts, in block fabric and beading, they’re a great relaxed option for summer daytime dressing. The collection merges street style with polished pieces effortlessly and I will certainly be keeping a closer eye on Danielle Scutt and hoping for a extension of her collaboration with Topshop into clothing.

Felder Felder

I fell in love with the German sisters after seeing their last collection and was far too over excited as I waited for the show report to load for Spring/Summer. I adore the metallic pale blue but am not as sure about the seemingly mismatched apricot shade. Amazing power pieces though, as expected from Felder Felder with great body harnessing details and strong necklines in contrast to a more feminine use of sheer opacities and pattern. True backstage girl groupie style and I love it.

 Giles

I had to share this collection. It’s totally Giles and feel I only need to type two words to cum up the mood of the show; Black Swan. The shades are my favourite shape of the season so far too, some really great start out pieces despite the theatricality of the show.

House Of Holland

Of HOH, I want to adore sleek and minimal designers but I cannot help but fall for the charm of Henry Holland season after season. This collection is so up my street, the pastel washes snake print, denim, fishnet, sheer, collars...ankle socks. A great collection which manages to make pastel seem feasible to me, when up until now it had churned my stomach. Holland drew inspiration from punks while maintaining the true East London girl vibe he champions so well, expect to see the likes of Jaime Winston and Pixie Geldoff rocking the Princess Sex Pistol look next Spring.

Mulberry

A great youthful vibe at Mulberry for next season, lemon yellows and sporty separates seem perfect for Spring. A highlights for me is the gold jogging suit, it seems so young and lounge worthy yet wouldn’t be out of place in the luxury bowels of Westfield, shopping centres may just have to rethink their policy on hoodies. Whilst the hair, by Sam McKnight, is said to inspired by the Blackpool seaside windswept look, streaked with candy floss, I immediately saw the influence of Amy Winehouse. A fitting tribute in a collection with screams London girl escapism.

Topshop Unique

If I thought I was excited for Felder Felder, Topshop Unique superseded my excitement tenfold. Again I totally fell in love with, and again the collection played homage to  a fallen star, Elizabeth Taylor, as Cleopatra. I bet you wouldn’t believe me if I said I had a feeling about an air of ancient Egypt in the fashion ether but my sheer hieroglyphic pattern shirt says otherwise (I’ll pop up a photo soon). Great coloured metallics again and a strong sportswear vibe, the collection screams youth and 1990’s street influence. The graphic elements of the collection are a personal high point, with the aforementioned Elizabeth Taylor adornment alongside the Evil Eye, Scarab Beetles and graffiti-esque hieroglyphics.  Perhaps a more brash offering from Topshop Unique than previously seen, the collection seems to have missed the mark amongst a few of my peers  but I’m going to start saving now for a slice.   

So the fabulous capital offered up, Metallics, more Pastels, Ancient Egypt, 1990’s Street Wear, Animal Prints, Van Gough and English Weather Essentials. A great LFW.