t5m: Love Personality, Love t5m: Fashion

Fashion Watch: sales, style and sartorial know-how.

Carli Humphries — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:34:27 +0000

Fashion Watch is a fan of French Connection’s new advertising style and some of the pieces from the new collection. It is also fond of French fashion doyenne Nicole Farhi, and so is saddened by the news that French Connection, hit by recession losses, has cut loose the Farhi line and also shutting down a number of its US branches in order to refresh the ailing finances of the high-street label. French Connection chief exec Stephen Marks and his former partner Nicole are professionally parting ways, although publicly it seems to be kept as amicable as possible. The Nicole Farhi line made millions of pounds of losses last year, and so it has been sold to private equity firm OpenGate Capital for £5 million.

The announcement of the sale of the Nicole Farhi label came at the same time as news of the sale of the Tommy Hilfiger brand to Calvin Klein’s owners Philips-Van Heusen for the much grander sum of around 2.2 billion euros. Hilfiger himself remains principle designer and ‘face’ of his brand, but has no management role in the business side of the company.

What with all the closures of various magazines and fashion publications during the recession, it’s nice to see a new launch, especially of something as cool as The Gentlewoman, the new biannual fashion bible from the publishers behind men’s style mag Fantastic Man. Editor in Chief of the new title, Penny Martin, told Grazia magazine that she wanted The Gentlewoman to be something that women ‘could sit down and enjoy reading’ and it should attract interested fashionistas with its debut issue, with an exclusive interview with Celine’s newest designer Phoebe Philo, formerly of Chloe and responsible for one of the best collections on the Paris catwalks this season with the autumn/winter 2010 Celine show. The first issue will be available in newsagents on the 22^nd March.

A trickle of Britain’s most successful designers have been slowly returning to London Fashion Week over the last couple of seasons, but one of the country’s hottest, John Galliano, has been kept in Paris due to the success of his creative directing role at French super-fashion house Dior. But he will be crashing back to our shores soon enough, as he has been announced as Donnatella Versace’s replacement as the honorary chairman of the annual Fashion Fringe in Covent Garden. He has signed up for the role for the next two years, and will spearhead the search for London’s hottest new designers. Previous winners of Fashion Fringe include fashion editor and First Lady favourite Erdem, as well as Basso and Brooke. The applications for this year’s Fringe competition are now open so if you are a budding designer you better have a look.

Paris Fashion Week: Day 8 Cerruti, Louis Vuitton and Wunderkind

t5m — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:04:04 +0000

Paris Fashion Week has finally come to a close after eight days of trend - setting fashion. First up was Cerruti, designed by London based Australian designer Richard Nicholl, who featured a collection of mohair knits, check tailoring and perforated fabrics, along with latex skirts and leggings. Next up was the Spanish inspired Wunderkind collection which saw models draped in horseblankets, along with more wearable blazers and trench coats decorated with leather buckles and Wild West style fringes. The more feminine side of the collection featured draped scarf print dresses trimmed with fur. And finally, closing the day was French heritage brand Louis Vuitton which featured Bardot era waspish waists, corsets and full skirts, giving the collection a fifties/sixties feel. Top models including Elle Macpherson, Lara Stone and Coco Rocha took to the runway to model the uber-feminine, voluptuous collection.

Gimme Colour? OK You Got It

Blackmarket Boo — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:31:54 +0000

Spring has sprung, I know what you want...

You want the rainbow. I'm gonna give it to ya.

Hard.

Back 2 Brick Lane

Blackmarket Boo — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:09:34 +0000

It's good to be back!

Here's a few I took today.

I'm going to be taking pictures all weekend and hope to bring you some interesting outfits.

Paris Fashion Week: Day 7 Chanel, Valentino and Jean Charles De Castelbajac

t5m — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:38:38 +0000

As we arrive at the penultimate day of Paris Fashion Week, French heritage brand Chanel took to the runway in an OTT Arctic inspired collection. Models weaved between lifesized polar ice caps, dressed in layers of faux fur. Jackets were decorated with fur pelmets, capes were shaped like igloo and even trousers were furry. Marithe and Francois Girbaud flirted with the political, with their collection inspired by the burqa. Urban checked sportswear was teamed with delicate veils and platform trainers. Valentino showed a more feminine and airy collection of creams and whites, with flashes of scarlet. High cut dresses were decorated with ruffles, frills and fluted details - while stand out pieces included a floor length evening gown in red and fawn. The day closed with Jean Charles de Castelbajac who focussed his collection on utility outerwear - with red coats buckled with patent leather, and Disney print skirt suits with cartoonish head dresses. Marithe and Francois Girbaud

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Jennifer O'Shea — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:35:33 +0000

Ditch the boring choc’s and flowers this Mother's Day and treat your lovely Mum to some well deserved pampering with this guide to gorgeous gifts. Clinique- limited edition Happy in Bloom, £23.00 Clinique have some of the most heavenly fragrances around. Spoil mum with the limited edition -Happy In Bloom. If the fresh and frosty- floral fragrance wasn’t enough, the beautiful bottle alone will look great on every dressing table Available at Clinique counters nationwide Liz Earle- Signature Facial Voucher, £85 Is your mum a little stressed or overworked? Treat her to some ME time with the Liz Earle Signature facial at the tranquil London treatment rooms. A luxurious hour and a half and will be specifically tailored directly to her needs – with immediate results your Mum will emerge feeling revitalized and refreshed. Liz Earle Signature Facial Voucher available at www/lizearle.com or call 0207 881 7750 Beautifully Delicious- Minilicious Gift Set - £4.99 Gorgeous budget beauty brand Beautifully Delicious have made sure you can still treat Mum on a budget with this super sweet Minilicious set of body and bath treats in fresh & fruity fragrances- which smell simply good enough to eat. The perfect mini pamper treat. Available at larger Boots and Sainsbury's stores Elemis- Limited Edition, 20th Anniversary Pro-Collagen Collection, £57 Go on- indulge your Mum. In celebration of 20 years of superior skincare Elemis have put together this key collection of Pro- Collagen favorites, including the simply amazing Marine Cream. All packaged in a chic limited edition vanity box. Available at www.timetospa.co.uk Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Family Collection, £32 Treat Mum to this sumptuous set of Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour favourites. These legendary wonder- products have not earned their stellar reputation for nothing .Just try not to keep it for yourself if you can. Available at beautyexpert.co.uk Phillip Kingsley Jet Set Body & Volume £16. Master of the mane Phillip Kingsley has produced this luxurious trio of hair care to transform tired, lifeless tresses to silky smooth locks, full of body and shine- which will surely make your mum red carpet ready (Just in case!) Available at Lookfantastic.co.uk Bloom & Blossom Mothers to Be Gift Set £38 Pamper blooming Mothers To Be with this chic gift set which includes the essential Anti Stretch Cream, Nipple Balm, Revitalizing Leg and Foot Spray and Luxurious Bed Socks to treat tired tootsies. A perfect present for every future Yummy Mummy. Available at Lookfantastic.co.uk Molton Brown- The Beloved gift set, £42 A bit of Molton Brown is what every Mum wants on the bathroom shelf. The Beloved gift set has beautiful bath and body duo’s fragranced with heavenly ginger and ultra smooth coco de mer-to make bath time blissful. Available at www.moltonbrown.co.uk

Paris Fashion Week: Day 5 Karl Lagerfeld, John Galliano and Hussein Chalayan

t5m — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:32:17 +0000

Day 5 of Paris Fashion Week saw fashion powerhouse Karl Lagerfeld and his eponymous collection take to the runway - inspired by the past, present and future. Lagerfeld teamed stream line tailoring and angular silhouettes with A line shapes which had a more vintage feel. The colour palette stuck loyally to black and dark brown - with plenty of corsetry, netting and beading. Phoebe Philo showed her second collection for Celine - a simple, definitive and accessible collection of A line skirts, cream blouses and ankle cropped trousers. Neat patch details, military jackets and patent wrap skirts added a luxurious feel. Hussein Chalayan went for an Americana themed collection, with converse trainers and boxy jackets livened up with Las Vegas style sequined evening gowns with thigh high slits. John Galliano's collection was inspired by Russian princesses - with full length skirts embroidered with ethnic patterns, elaborate head dresses and oversized bows. The emphasis was on the full length silhouette, with full skirts of elaborate, whispy layers in cool, muted colours. Finishing the day was Givenchy, who reworked the nineties with their collection of boyish jackets, cut out mesh panels and choker-neck accessories. Sharp camel coats, tuxedo suits and slim fit trousers referenced Parisian chic - whilst red gloves added a tongue in cheek sense of fun. Stay tuned for more highlights from Paris Fashion Week.

Paris Fashion Week: Day 3 Christian Dior, Isabel Marant and Vivienne Westwood

t5m — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:52:06 +0000

Day Three of Paris Fashion Week saw some of the biggest names on the schedule hit the runway - beginning with Christian Dior's equestrian themed, designed by the notorious John Galliano. Brown leather capes were teamed with pink chiffon dresses and knee high boots - with tweed pencil skirts, mohair jackets and baker boy capes all lending the collection a rural feel. Isabel Marant centered her collection around casual fifties staples - with models wearing calf length denims, tie up shirts and faded jackets teamed with cat eye effect make up and high pony tails. Vivienne Westwood was typically eccentric, wrapping her model in oversized blankets, with garish tights and high top trainers. Smeared make up, cartoonish crowns and disheveled hair completed the sexy and messy look. Lanvin showed a minimalist collection of clean silhouettes, stretched fabrics and roomy shoulders. Stone coloured dresses were accessorised with rock crystral jewellery. Maison Martin Margiela showed a twisted and exaggerated collection of padded jackets and chunky knits. Pencil skirts, peacoats and round toed heels added a feminine touch. Yohji Yamamoto closed the day with a conceptual and wearable collection of block colours, deconstructed shapes and bold volumes. A black wedding dress closed the show, along with asymmetric coats in shades of ivory, navy and black.

Paris Fashion Week: Day 4 Viktor & Rolf, Cacharel and Jean Paul Gaultier get theatrical

t5m — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:55:02 +0000

Day four of Paris Fashion Week began with the performance artists of fashion, Viktor and Rolf and their OTT theatrical show. Models were decked out in seriously heavy-duty black coats, Elizabethan ruffs and crystal encrusted leotards. They were followed by French heritage brand, Cacharel, who twisted their floral associations into something darker and more grown up - with rosette details against black backgrounds, and pleated dresses were teamed with oversized coats. Sophia Kokosalaki was all about the eighties, with her modern take on powerdressing. Blouses, high waisted trousers and suede belts in shades of caramel and beige were livened up with vintage style evening gowns. For something entirely different, Ann Demeulemeester opted for a more experimental fusion of tribal inspired looks, with masculine, wetlook tailoring. Cigarette slim trousers and mannish blazers were teamed with feather and whiplash accessories, with fur stoles tied at the waist. Jean Paul Gaultier took his inspiration from a global melting pot including Mexico, Morroco and India. Models wore vibrant colours with mismatched shoes and accessories. Top model Coco Rocha starred in the show - and took to the runway in an African print turban, peacoat and red cowboy boots. The day was then rounded off with Loewe's ladylike and classic collection inspired by Ava Gardner. Models wore A line dresses, high waisted silhouettes and veils - with lacquered hair and red lips finshing off the look. Stay tuned for more highlights from Paris Fashion Week.

Live From Fashion Week: We meet Felder Felder

t5m — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:09:27 +0000

Design duo Felder Felder dropped by the Live From Fashion Week studio to talk about their gothic inspired collection

Catwalk highlights: Issa London’s runway takes off…

t5m — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:33:07 +0000

Issa London took their inspiration from the skies for February's London Fashion Week, with an aviation themed collection. Relive the Air Issa experience here - with all the catwalk looks - from the Jackie-O style headscarves and starlet sunglasses, to the floor length red carpet style gowns. With the collection inspired by NYLON (New York and London), pieces were edgy and urban, but still chic, with graphic prints and daring cuts. With the royal seal of approval from Princess Beatrice and X Factor winner Alexandra Burke raving about the collection - Issa's more urban took on A/W 2010 has certainly not failed to impress!

Live From Fashion Week: The Broken Hearts return

t5m — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:57:33 +0000

The Broken Hearts DJ duo return to Live From Fashion Week

Paris Fashion Week: Day 2 Balmain, Rick Owens and Nina Ricci

t5m — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:01:19 +0000

Highlights fro, day 2 of Paris Fashion Week Balmain, Rick Owens and Nina Ricci

Issa London prepares for take off at London Fashion Week

t5m — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:40:17 +0000

This season Issa London took to the runway with an aviation themed collection of graphic, yet chic urban wear. The models wore beautiful flying jackets, headscarves and brightly printed mini dresses inspired by the NY-LON set, accessorised with film star sunglasses and Lady Gaga inspired statement hair. Accompanied by a rave style soundtrack, Issa London attracted some serious A Listers to the front row - with the likes of Princess Beatrice and Alexandra Burke all lusting after the collection! We also caught up with Daniella Helayel, the woman behind the label, who talked us through the inspiration for the collection. Not to be missed!

Live From Fashion Week: We meet Emete Yarici of Make Lemonade

t5m — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:53:37 +0000

This London Fashion Week was all about the fashion blogger - so we were joined by Emete Yarici the editor and founder behind fashion blog Make Lemonade. Emete tells us firstly how she reached her unusual blog name - and then also explains about the bad press her fellow bloggers have been getting this fashion week... We also exchanged notes on which celebrities she'd spotted which ranged from Hilary Alexander to Nicola Roberts and La Roux - which is pretty impressive star spotting in our book. Emete also gives us an insight into how she manages to populate her blog with so many brilliant posts...Not to be missed.

Paris Fashion Week: Day 1 Gareth Pugh, Dries Van Noten and Anne Valerie-Hash

t5m — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:21:15 +0000

And to Paris, for the final fashion week of the season. Renowned for it's attention to detail and high end standard, day one didn't fail to impress - starting with emerging French designer Anne Valerie - Hash. With an airy collection of transparent fabrics in shades of purple, green and icy blue - models wore draped mini dresses and neatly belted jumpsuits, highlighted with a cropped kimono style jackets in multi coloured sequins. Dries Von Noten combined masculine tailoring and ladylike shapes with a fifties inspired collections of full skirts, high waisted trousers and floor length silk evening gowns - with the stand out pieces included a shimmering shift dress. British designer Gareth Pugh also showed his A/W collection - with his signature chevron as a running theme - the show featured full length leather coats, frayed capes and a stunning full length evening gown with capelet detail. Stay tuned for more highlights from this season's Paris Fashion Week

Fashion Watch: D&G, Versus, Giles Deacon models & Topshop beauty.

Carli Humphries — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:17:51 +0000

Fashion Watch has only just recovered from the fashion week madness, and although Paris has barely begun, it feels so much more civilised now (perhaps because of the inevitable French insouciance? Or perhaps because the end is in sight?) and my brain has now de-fuzzed enough to focus on some more diverse fashion-related news and views from recent days.

I somewhat wimped out of doing a show report for Milan, choosing mainly to coo over the images yet keep my opinions to myself. I don’t know if it’s because it directly follows London, or because the Italian fashion week style is so sumptuous, detailed and downright manic, but I couldn’t quite bring myself to settle down to it. But of course, I had to mention my favourites, which fell pretty much in line with the rest of the fashion press: Dolce and Gabbana at the top, and Versace’s baby sister line Versus as a close second, owing mainly to my affection for one Mr Kane.

The fabulous D&G duo stripped back fashion pretension and headline-grabbing stunts to return to their Italian chic tailoring roots with a collection that had editors in raptures (and tears) and everyone else reminiscing about the ‘good old days’ of high-quality design houses and true fashion skills. Style.com referred to the technique of showing their classics and how they make them as ‘simple, yet moving’ and many editors pinned it as the best show of the season so far. I now covet the oversize yet immaculately fitted black tuxedo jackets and beautiful lace-trimmed slips. The hair and make-up was mostly vintage and relaxed, keeping the focus completely on the beautiful clothes.

Over at Versus, Christopher Kane also used went vintage with classic Versace inspiration to create the collection of party girl classics with the usual Italian twist. However, although Kane focused on the young woman image, the clothes were flattering and fresh instead of going straight to short, tight and splendid (which were included but not exclusively). Skirts were a particularly good feature, reminding me of one of Kane’s own early collections which included skater skirts. My favourite look was the flared skirt with heavier leather biker jacket, creating a harder silhouette than the frou frou of the skirts.

Also going back to classics was Prada, who caused quite a stir by declaring that their designs should be ‘normal’ clothes and therefore tried to stay mostly away from styling their runway with the usual waifs. Although the models chosen were still Those of Fantastic Bodies, the girls did give more of a Nineties feel to the looks: uber models for an uber brand. Among them were Miranda Kerr and Lara Stone, two of the bright young hits of the catwalk scene. And now it has been reported that Giles Deacon wants the same attitude from his runway, using many models that also work as Angels for Victoria’s Secret, including Rosie Huntingdon-Whiteley, Alessandra Ambrosio and Karolina Kurkova.

I would have loved to have been a fashionable fly on the wall at the recent media viewing of the very hush-hush Topshop beauty launch, which will happen in May. Although it is no secret that the high-street giant were planning to finally branch out into make-up, it has been kept under wraps exactly what the collection will look like, although I’m sure it will be as huge a hit as any new Topshop invention or collaboration has been over recent years. The only thing known is that the range is going to be big, and will include a huge array of colours (very Mac I’m sure) as well as season-led trend bits and bobs to complement the basic product range. Can’t wait!

I Spy with My Blind Eye!

Angelica Hermon — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:45:24 +0000

My eyesight is about as good as David Bowie's on a good day during the Seventies.(Did he have any?) Sometimes I might as well have two glass eyes in my head, or even one. With very short-sighted vision I am only able to see with contact lenses or spectacles. Unfortunate, some might say, but definitely not me. I LOVE glasses! I really prefer them to wearing contact lenses and love how they change my look in an instant. Big ones, round ones, vintage ones, geek-chic ones, I love them all. As fashionistas drool over the latest sky-scraper heels (or kitten heels so I hear this season), I can't get enough of the four-eyed look.

My recent favourites are a pair of tortoise-shell John Lennon style frames, small and round and delicate on the face. But as the seasons pass by, I turn into a bit of a flake, ditching old pairs for updated glamourous ones. Tom Ford eyewear is always a favourite, particularly that fabulous thick-rimmed black pair, very Seventies chic.

And even better still, an uber-trendy American brand called LA Eyeworks is my I SPy of the week. They have some amazing cat-eye frames that bring out my feline side. For all time classics that will really annoy the bank manager I suggest hitting Cutler & Gross, a hidden little gem tucked away in Knightsbridge. Full of quirky and unusual styles they are always somewhere on my wish list but beware of the price tags!

So visually-challenged beings, how lucky you are! Glasses are the dream ticket for understated cool and cunning, adding another dimension to a familiar face. Embrace it four-eyed friends, go find yourself some sexy spectacles this Spring...

Live From Fashion Week: All the A List celebrities at London Fashion Week

t5m — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:45:28 +0000

London Fashion Week is not only wall-to wall fashion editors and buyers, there is also always a generous helping of A-Listers to add yet more stardust to the occasion. This season, everyone from Naomi Campbell to Anna Wintour and the Geldof sisters were spotted at the shows, with Naomi using her entire little black book of friends to pull off the Fashion for Relief Haiti show with Kate Moss, Alexandra Burke and even Ronnie Cobett taking to the runway. Issa London got the royal seal of approval from Princess Beatrice - and Burberry's front row read like a 'who is who' of Hollywood - with Anna Wintour, Kate Hudson and Twilight star Kristen Stewart all watching the critically acclaimed A/W 2010 show. For more highlights from this season's London Fashion Week check out www.livefromfashionweek.com

Live From Fashion Week: The extended catwalk highlights from London Fashion Week

t5m — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:49:12 +0000

We bring you all the highlights from this season's London Fashion Week - from headlining grabbing newcomers to the fashion powerhouses. Kinder Aggugini tells us that he wanted to bring luxe to London and prove that this city can do luxury chic as well as Paris, whilst Paul Costelloe, who opened LFW told us that he hoped the industry will become better at 'communicating' with each other. We relive House of Holland's New York girl gang inspired collection, as well as Richard Nicholl's beautiful collection of draped and belted silks in shades of duck egg blue and grey... And everything else in between! For more highlights from this season's London Fashion Week check out www.livefromfashionweek.com

Live From Fashion Week: Burberry A/W 2010 takes LFW to a new (3rd) Dimension

t5m — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:30:11 +0000

The highlight of every fashion schedule, Burberry went to town again this season with it's 3D live streamed show - complete with inside rain and an star sprinkled front row. Angela Buttolph of Grazia summed up the occasion by saying it was the 'highlight' of the week - and was backed up by the likes of Natalie Massenet and Erin O'Connor. Natalie, the founder of Net-A-Porter explained the evolution of the Burberry girl, saying she has got sassier and younger - with ever decreasing hemlines... Bringing LFW to a fantastic climax we have to agree that each season Burberry never fails to impress, afterall, just how many times can you reinvent a sexy trench?

Live From Fashion Week: Elliott J Frieze on going solo at LFW

t5m — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:16:34 +0000

Welsh born designer Elliott J Frieze on his first solo show at London Fashion Week

Live From Fashion Week: We meet Falguni and Shane Peacock

t5m — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:15:25 +0000

Falguni and Shane Peacock drop by Live From Fashion Week

Live From Fashion Week: Bip and Tanya Ling on LFW

t5m — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:54:15 +0000

Oh to share in some of those stylish Ling genes! Our backstage roving reporter Bip and her fashion illustrator/designer mother Tanya dropped by the LFFW studio to exchange notes and bring us up to speed on all the latest fashion week news. Bip models one of her mothers creations - a silk, bell shaped dress splattered with paint from Tanya's Veryta range - which looks fabulous with it's hand painted detail. All of the items Tanya designs for Veryta are one off pieces - and it seems that the painted dress is something of a signature item - with Tanya including one in her previous collection too. As a world famous fashion illustrator, Tanya has worked for the likes of Christian Lacroix, as well as British Vogue and US Elle, and she explains that all of this experience continues to influence her work... For migh highlights from this season's fashion week check out www.livefromfashionweek.com

Drink me, eat me, wear me? Alice in Wonderland inspired fashion

Katy Morton — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:40:19 +0000

Alice in Wonderland doesn't hit the big screen till 5 March but already it's had a huge impact on the fashion world with designers capturing the film's quirky style. OPI was one of the first to jump on the bandwagon launching an Alice in Wonderland collection with glitzy and ruby red nail colours named after phrases and characters from the popular children's tale, including Mad as a Hatter and Off with Her Red. Disney Couture's jewellery line really captures the essence of the film using imagery from the story to create delicate earrings, knuckledusters and gold and silver plated necklaces. Most impressive is the 'Drink Me' necklace and stacked teacup ring. Alice has also become a muse for Junk Food and Truly Madly Deeply's T-shirts with their Message in a Bottle Drink Me cotton top and Flamingo and Deeply Curious Alice tees. As well as high street store Miss Selfridge who have teamed up with Disney for a five piece collection of vests and t-shirts with different illustrations. even handbag extradonaire Furla have created printed bags trimmed with rabbit head clasps and All About Town have launched a line of sparkly alice bands. The characters costumes on screen are also proving popular and come spring we may all be donning Alices' blue pinafore and pastel coloured dresses.

London Fashion Weekend

Katy Morton — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:37:29 +0000

LFW may have come to an end last week but London Fashion Weekend was only beginning, and while designers showcased their Autumn/Winter 2010 collections London Fashion weekend presented us with next season's trends. The highlight of the three day designer fashion and shopping event at Somerset House was the British Fashion Council's catwalk show presented by top fashionista Louise Roe and featuring directional designer trends for Spring/Summer 2010. Top trends- Candy Rock, Swallows and Amazons and Vintage Glamour featured, with garments from Jasper Conran, Betty Jackson and Jaeger. Key looks included double denim, brightly coloured pop socks, clashing patterns, striking hair pieces, geeky specs and floaty chiffon dresses in sorbet shades. Spring/Summer hair and makeup trends were also showcased with footage from LFW and the shows sponsors- Toni and Guy and Elizabeth Arden who celebrated the ballet bun, voluminous hair, and brightly coloured makeup as essential looks for the season. And for the dedicated shopper, over 100 designer stands sold everything from hats, jewellery and handbags to vintage sunglasses, swimwear and evening dresses. Designers included Philip Treacy, Mawi, Anna Lou, Linda Farrow, Sass and Bride and American Retro. The champagne bar, Elizabeth Arden masterclasses and personal stylist lounge were the icing on the cake.

Live From Fashion Week: We meet Leni of Leni’s Model Management

t5m — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:17:06 +0000

So many people forget that behind each and every face on the catwalk, there is a modelling agency who represents them - so we met Leni of Leni's Model Management to talk all about her eponymous agency and what they stand for. Describing themselves as an 'ethical agency' Leni seems to offer something of a modelling academy to the people on her books - offering everything from nutritional advice to financial help and of course, extensive training - which many other agencies don't offer. With the recent death of Alexander McQueen dominating the headlines, Leni explains that the focus should be on healthy bodies and healthy minds in fashion - and her agency is leading the way! And of course it's clear she has an excellent eye for talent - as both Zara and Jono used to work with Leni! For more highlights from this year's London Fashion Week check out www.livefromfashionweek.com

Live From Fashion Week: Jacquetta Wheeler on London Fashion Week

t5m — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:14:21 +0000

The very beautiful Jacquetta Wheeler dropped by the Live From Fashion Week studios to talk about her charity work for human rights organisation, Reprieve. A London based human rights charity, Reprieve is divided into two departments, one which deals with death row, and another where Jacquetta is currently volunteering called Life After Guantanamo Bay which helps prisoners escape, and also helps them to rebuild their lives. A cause close to Jacquetta's heart (her father has always been a huge supporter of human rights), Jacquetta explains the attrocities and injustice which surrounds the prison - and questions it's effectiveness in making the world a safer place. For more highlights from London Fashion Week A/W 2010 check out www.livefromfashionweek.co.uk

Autumn/Winter trends 2010 according to LFW

Katy Morton — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:22:26 +0000

It's all about who you are and what you know when it comes to fashion week and because most of us don't have Alexa Chung or Olivia Palermo's number stored on our mobile or work for a top fashion house we can only dream of attending the shows at LFW. For all those who didn't make it to fashion week here's a round up of the trends that graced the catwalks this February. Sheepskin was all over the catwalk at LFW from Topshop's sheepskin bags and boots to the sought after sheepskin 'Minder' jacket as seen at Burberry, Margaret Howell and Henry Holland, predicted to be the staple of every fashionistas Autumn/Winter wardrobe and set to replace trusty firm favoutite the biker jacket. A look favoured by many designers this year was androgny come feminine meets masculine with big chunky knits worn over floor length dresses and under crop jackets. Johnathon Saunders took this to a whole new level with his oversized baby blue coats and Christopher Kane with models sauntering down the catwalk in black kilts. Dresses featured prominently in most of the shows this year with ankle length gowns from Erdem, and Osman and Twenty8Twelve's floor skimming jersey dresses. Pinafore's also made a comeback thanks to Schwab and Heikki Salonen. Evening wear was embellished with crystals at Christopher Kane's show and Van der Ham showcased opulent long gowns made from lurex fabrics and silk. This Feb we saw lace return to the catwalk with designers such as Christopher Kane using the ultra feminine fabric in blouses or as panels .Leather was also a key staple on the catwalks from Emma Griffiths' leather panelled leggings to NicoleFahri and Christopher Kanes' leather dress. Military style coats and jackets as well as equestrian style jodpurs also featured. Colour was somewhat lacking at most of the shows with designer's use of charcoal grey, olive and military green, grey, petrol blue and tobacco brown. Hints of colour came in the form of golden honey, nuede,baby pink and splashes of ruby red.

Live From Fashion Week: Jacquetta Wheeler on charity and human rights

t5m — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:42:20 +0000

Live From Fashion Week: We meet Leni of Leni’s Model Management

t5m — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:24:17 +0000

Live From Fashion Week: We meet Natalie Hartley

t5m — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:32:25 +0000

Natalie Hartley of Sunday Times Style is such an oracle on all things fashion, that we had to have her back to catch up on all things LFW at Live From Fashion Week. Fresh from Jonathan Saunders, Natalie was raving about his super sportwear luxe collection - and also championed the divisive collection by Badgley Mischka which managed to reduce small children to tears with it's grungey, 90s feel. Natalie tells us that this Courtney Love inspired look is definitely an emerging trend for next season - with the unfussy, messed up hair being spotted on catwalks on both side of the Atlantic. For more highlights from this season's London Fashion Week check out www.livefromfashionweek.com

Pride of London: The highs and shows of London Fashion Week.

Carli Humphries — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:43:55 +0000

There’s nothing like a Burberry show to make you feel all warm and fuzzy about our fashionable yet freezing capital. Christopher Bailey et al at the British label kept it in the country for another fashion week, a move that kept London nicely on the high of September’s fashion week, where London was, for once, the place to be.

For once, I found that I could have written pretty positive things about almost every show from last Friday to yesterday, and waxed lyrical about a good few (which I will), unlike the New York shows where I found myself either completely in love or slightly indifferent. And I always love the fabulous themes that the London-based designers pull off! We had Napoleonic Paris at Aggugini, Mary Katrantzou showed her signature digital prints with the added twist of the portraits of Madame Pompadour, autumn leaves and bright florals at the beautiful Erdem, and ‘Priscilla Presley and juvenile delinquents’ (yes, really) at Christopher Kane.

So let’s start with the big show of the week – Burberry, which didn’t disappoint at all. I’m not the only fan of the label who believes that Burberry is London and should stay put on our fashion schedule, but we’ll have to wait and see. But for the autumn/winter 2010 collection Christopher Bailey took a different route from the delicate, puff shoulder trenches and shiny, pastel palette and found his inspiration in ‘uniforms and cadet girls’. The coats and boots were the absolute hits of the show, and everything wanted one of the military, shearling collared coats to accompany them around London in this bitter, wet weather. There were also slimmer, more ‘dress military’ jackets with a row of gold buttons and epaulets. I felt the warm and cosiness when one model came down the runway in a giant shearling jacket over fitted dress with last season’s ruched skirt detail and thigh-high black boots. Cosy sexiness? Yes indeed.

Over at Antonio Berardi, the theme was more sexy sexiness. I loved the oversize tuxedo jackets worn as dresses, and the dresses made from velvet and sheer chiffon, although I preferred the ones with more substantial panels rather than the nipple-peeking lace and sheer tops. There was also a monochrome section of dresses in bold black and white panels which were figure-hugging and elegant: I can practically see someone like Victoria Beckham buying three or four...

Peter Pilotto was one of the stars of the last London Fashion Week, and a favourite of mine, and he proved similarly capable this year. Previously focusing on cocktail wear and similarly ‘evening’ fashion, he said that they wanted to have the same popularity over a breadth of daywear and tailoring as well, which was exactly what he showed this time around. There were still the dresses that we recognise as Pilotto, along with splashes of brights against a neutral colour palette. For the daywear, I particularly liked the panelled skirt suits made from leather and Harris tweed and the more deconstructed dresses that were more day than evening, with strips of contrasting fabrics and splatters of digital prints.

Delinquent juveniles may not immediately scream fashion, but it certainly translated at Christopher Kane. The clothes were nothing short of design miracles in that the inclusions of leather, lace and embroidery could have so easily looked cheap, but in Kane’s capable hands they did not. The florals came with a Chinese influence that actually, (deep breath) I wasn’t all that keen on, but the collection looked so polished and together that it is hard not to praise Kane’s design talents either way.

Ah, Erdem. Beautiful, gorgeous, floral, it would have been samey if it wasn’t so amazingly pretty. The florals were traditional Erdem: wistfully fairytale princess and delicately structured but this time in a selection of autumn colours. I also loved the contrast with the thick, dark socks and clumpy boots. Erdem’s front row was noticeably short of ‘It’ girls but is now becoming known as the First Ladies label of choice, with both Samantha Cameron and Sarah Brown watching.

Kinder Aggugini has worked for the likes of Vivienne Westwood and John Galliano, and so the historicism of his Napoleonic Paris inspired collection seems perfectly logical. Tim Blanks of Style.com thinks that this will be Aggugini’s breakthrough collection and I think he might be right. The theme went right through the collection without overbearing it, delicate, lightweight empire-line dresses in simple fabrics, and oversize military jackets with cape-like sleeves on some that gave a flattering silhouette – very easy-to-wear.

After causing a stir last September for his use of plus-size models, Mark Fast once again put a varied cross-section of model figures down the runway, a move that he should be applauded for in that it makes the variation seem ‘usual’ rather than a one-season coup. His skills with knitwear are his best feature so it was good to see the traditional clinging knits, flippy skirts and contrasting textures with the odd poncho thrown in, or flowing scarves accessorising the looks.

Mary Katrantzou is now renowned for her digital prints, but she is creative enough to realise that her signature print on a t-shirt dress might quickly become the only thing she is known for and so used new mixes of prints on her mini-dresses, and then teamed them with flowing trousers or oversize jackets (possibly a LFW trend for the winter season!). The prints were stunning, and had a little bit of McQueen talent with digital looks and sculpturing in the collection that many editors noticed, which is surely a huge compliment for Katrantzou.

I could ramble on for the rest of the day dissecting my favourite looks, but I’ll stop here. Other shows that deserve rambles are Roksanda Illincic, Holly Fulton, Jonathan Saunders and many many more...

Claudia On Film

Emma Smith — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:28:10 +0000

Claudia Schiffer is the latest fashion figure to agree to star in a documentary all about her life. We get to peek at life behind the clothes and red carpets. 'Claudia Schiffer La Dolce Vita' is the film made for website Fashionair, which was granted access to archive Chanel footage and stills for the film. Charting Schiffer's rise from being spotted in a nightclub aged 17 to meeting Karl Lagerfeld, the film gives a great insight into one of the world’s first supermodels. View the full film at www.fashionair.com

Live From Fashion Week: Tiffany Darke on Paul Smith at LFW

t5m — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:15:51 +0000

Editor of the Sunday Times Style magazine, Tiffany Darke dropped in to Live From Fashion Week to disect Paul Smith's A/W Collection, which Jono and Zara christened 'equestrian chic'. Tiffany also talks about how proud we should be of Paul Smith - who has managed to self finance himself into a global brand. She also tells us about Paul's penchant for robots... Also, for anyone wondering where all the trends are this LFW - Tiffany explains that the focus is more on individual pieces, and showcasing designers, rather than trends and accessible looks. Check out www.livefromfashionweek.com for more highlights for LFW A/W 2010.

Live From Fashion Week: The return of Jodie Harsh

t5m — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:49:42 +0000

Jodie Harsh returned to the Live From Fashion Week sofa to compare notes on Matthew Williamson show - and just to show her loyalty to the brand, Jodie even sports one of Matthew's printed shirts... Jodie also shares a vital style tip - that one must always change looks midway through fashion week - hence Jodie's darker, bigger hairstyle. Very impressive! It was obviously a busy week for Jodie, as she tells us that she is too tired to party anymore! We're not sure we're entirely convinced however..! Fore more highlights from this year's seasons LFW check out www.livefromfashionweek.com

Live From Fashion Week: Stine of Alphabeat on London Fashion Week

t5m — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:25:34 +0000

The very stylish Stine of Alphabeat drops by London Fashion Week

Live From Fashion Week: Super blogger Sarah Young on London Fashion Week

t5m — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:59:03 +0000

Blogger extraordinaire Sarah Young joined us on the Live From Fashion Week sofa to talk all about her uber successful blog, I am Sarah Young. Covering everything from high fashion to hip hop, with established and new designers - Sarah is an encyclopedia of fashion knowledge, so we couldn't go through London Fashion Week without asking her opinion. Who did she love? Ashish, with his sequins and glamour - and who did she hate on? Controversially the Puma African collection. We admire how Sarah isn't afraid to harness the power of the internet and share and views - afterall, what's the point of just writing about cute things are? For more fashion highlights check out www.livefromfashionweek.com

Live From Fashion Week: We meet Eliza Doolittle

t5m — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:29:27 +0000

Having interviewed at PPQ, Eliza just couldn't away from LFFW and dropped by our studios to talk all about her history making performance at Eun Jeong's show. Yes, Eliza made the record books by being the first live band to perform at a fashion show with her four-song medley from her album. And of course, her single Skinny Genes! Eliza tells us all about how much she enjoyed Mark Fast's show too - which isn't soo surprising as she did wear one of his creations on the Fashion For Relief Haiti catwalk show. For more highlights from this season's London Fashion Week check out www.livefromfashionweek.com

Live From Fashion Week: we meet Louise Roe and Peaches Geldof

t5m — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:20:45 +0000

Louise Roe and Peaches Geldof drop by Live From Fashion Week to bring us up to speed on London Fashion Week