So what does one do when they get invited to London Fashion Week to preview a designer collection all ready for Spring Summer 2013? Well they jump at the chance of course! Which is exactly what I did. Due to it being arranged at very short notice, the fret of 'what to wear' and the pre-LFW diet went out the window (thank god!) and instead the excitement of the opportunity took over.
One of the looks from the Phoebe English SS13 show
Being responsible for some of the most exciting design talents of the past, present and future, Vauxhall Fashion Scout played host to Phoebe English's upcoming capsule collection. With sponsorship from leading retailers within the beauty and fashion industry such as Toni and Guy and The Body Shop, what better platform did the new design talent have than at the Freemasons Hall in Central London?
Monochrome was the key colouring throughout the collection
With fashion blogging phenomenon Susie Bubble sitting pretty in the f-row, the show was set to be a promising one; and it didn't disappoint.
Eleven swan-like models glided through the aisles of the historic hall, their slim-line bodies cocooned within rich cotton volumized garments. Inspired by the intimacy of the human body, the models wore pieces that had been spliced together as one, as well as revealing or covering certain aspects of the body such as the hands, the mouth and the back.
Beading decorated the garments whilst studded mouthpieces
were worn by the models
A dark and introvert collection for Spring Summer 2013, geometric shapes where key in a completely monochromatic palette. Phoebe English stated within her design notes about the sense of volume versus surface, drawing reference to the growth and regeneration of life itself. Bell sleeves fell neatly behind t-shirt fronts as well as being rusched back to maintain a structured and constricted essence.
With a focus on design and craftsmanship, English decorated her collection in an understated manner. Bugle and knitted beading's were scattered across the arms and shoulders to enforce the idea of geometric grid structures. A seemingly masculine collection for SS13 yet the use of interlocking fabrics across the chest and back in billowing fabrics gave the designs a feminine nudge.
Making a fashion statement on the f-row, Susie Bubble
preps her camera pre-showtime
With this being just her third collection as an official designer, we are already starting to see an ethos that is shaping the Phoebe English brand; black, white and more black! Her previous collections saw her experimenting with leather and latex and causing a stir when being accused of attempting to 'sell sex' through fashion. Not wanting to give up her reign of controversy just yet, she has continued to use these influences within her SS13 collection through styling her models using metal mouthpieces by jewellery designer Reid Peppard. Their skin was dusted white and portrayed an almost ethereal glow through the use of event sponsors The Body Shop and their brand new skin care range.
When asked how she wants to be seen within the industry, English stated: "I want my label to be known for something that’s reliably and traditionally beautiful, but fresh." Tick. Tick. And tick again. Mission accomplished Phoebe.
There's an animal on the loose and causing a scene on the UK high street - and I'm not referring to the lion that's reportedly roaming around in Essex today! Instead, I'm talking about fashion; fashion that's being influenced by all things animalistic. And what better way to indulge in your wild side (and take inspiration through Twitter's number one trending topic!) by updating your style with a little bit of "RRAAWWRR" ; don't worry that was me, not the Essex lion....
River Island are renowned for their edgy take on British fashion and, failing to disappoint yet again, have an abundance of fierce product to enable you to take a walk on the wild side. Here are my top high street picks to feed your inner lioness:
She's this summer's biggest thing in music, threatening to push Rihanna right out of the spotlight by being Jay-Z's new number one girl! But aside from her quirky music and catchy song lyrics (I know you're all still singing along to R.I.P!) it's her style that has the fashion world in a frenzy. I've already done one post on some of my favourite Rita Ora outfits, but when I came across this website, I knew I had to promote it on my blog!
www.ritaorafashion.tumblr.com is an amazing site featuring practically every outfit that Ms Ora is photographed in by the infamous paparazzi. But this isn't just a picture site. With a dedicated behind the scenes team, this tumblr page tells you what Rita is wearing, who she is wearing and, more importantly, where you can buy her exact wardrobe!
So whether your hunting for an Ora-inspired piece or you just want to take your style-stalking to the next level like I did, check out this amazing site! www.ritaorafashion.tumblr.com
The site spots Rita's designer buys...
And matches up Rita's complete outfits for you...
Even her music video accessories are accounted for!
The site tells you the who whats and wheres of Rita's wardrobe!
I am not particularly a Cheryl Cole fan (oops, correction: just "Cheryl" as she is now being referred to!) but I must admit I cannot get enough of her new single Call My Name. Whether it's the dancing, the edgy video or just the tune itself, it is the song that is currently on 'repeat' on my playlist.
And having criticised Cheryl's fashion choices in the past, I also have to admit I am loving what she has worn in the music video! Hoping she has either sacked her previous stylist or they have just finally seen sense, Cheryl has made a comeback with a much more urban, street style and she looks amazing!
Whilst the original pieces are from the likes of Altuzura, Dolce and Gabanna and Brian Atwood, luckily for us the British High Street has some fail-safe pieces so you can get the Cheryl look too! Now all you need is a few hot backing dancers and a deserted dirt track to complete the Call My Name look!
Happy Shopping!
xoxo
Outfit One
Cheryl's first look from the Call My Name video...
All designer pieces complete the season's 'clash' trend...
Get the Look:
Blazer
Topshop
£65
Bralet
River Island
£28
Shorts
Miss Guided
£18
Heels
Office
£65
Outfit Two
Cheryl's second look from the Call My Name video...
Does anyone else currently have a complete girl crush on Rita Ora? After stepping into the limelight with songs such as R.I.P ft Tinie Tempah and How We Do (Party), the singer, songwriter and actress is making waves in the music industry and in the style stakes too. I can't get enough of her cool urban style; whether she's rocking it in a simple cut tee or blinging out in statement gunmetal jewellery, I want this girl's wardrobe!
Totally chilled out styling accessorised with the ultimate designer
handbag: The Quilted Chanel ♥
I love the combination of a flowing maxi skirt and
cute cropped shirt...
My obsession with men's tees just increased - Rita Ora makes this sexy...
Totally adorable Christian Louboutin Intern Flats - LOVE the studded details!
Denim on denim...
Looking street in a bralette corset top and boyfriend jeans...
Rocking it in the most wanted Topshop bralette of the season...
An artists palette of smudged primary colours explode onto abstract dresses in an array of beautiful floral prints. A rainforest of botanical digital images decorate tailored cigarette trousers that elongate the leg and accentuate the feminine form. But who is Tata Naka?
The brand consists of two lines: Tata Naka which concentrates on innovative shapes and modern, clean lines and Stolen Memories which celebrates the quirky and fun aspects of design. Specialising in beautiful digital prints, all of which are produced from Tamara and Natasha's original artwork. Georgian born identical twin sisters Tamara and Natasha Suguladze graduated from Central St Martins in 2000 with a collection that launched their careers. The British Fashion Council awarded the designers the celebrated New Generation Award at London Fashion Week three times in a row and most recently, Tata Naka has branched out into accessories with footwear, jewellery, swimwear and scarves.
Button Down Dress
£650
Loose Drape Dress
£535
The Spring/Summer 2012 collection has been inspired by the late choreographer Pina Bausch whose style of Tanztheater combined movement, colour and elaborate design. Think contorted shapes that define femininity and focus on the shapes of the body. The stunning Button Down Dress, £650, is a perfect example of the stunning expressionism behind the range. An unusual print that fuses efflorescent images with two dancing shapes; can you see the female shadows? The Loose Drape Dress, £535, embodies a combination of rainbow brights and bold blooming prints whilst the Petal Dress, £680, enhances embodiment through this season's key peplum cut and pink mirrored pattern.
Asymmetric Dress
£715
Cigarette Pants
£455
If you're yearning after something more gracious this summer, the Asymmetric Dress, £715, is simply stunning. A dream-like jungle of forest greens and pretty herbaceous design decorates the chiffon high-low hem dress - a key cut for SS12. The Petal T-Shirt Dress, £585, similarly represents a mirage of ethereal woodland that echoes the beautiful vision of the Tata Naka brand.
Petal Dress
£680
Shirt
£390
Skirt
£310
If you adore print and pattern and want something that is oh-so-beautifully dainty, make sure you take time to explore the effeminate Tata Naka brand. With the inspiration behind the collection courtesy of choreographer Pina Bausch, Tata Naka will have you dancing your way through the new season celebrating style that oozes lady-like design and fuses pretty couture tendencies.
Every year in high street fashion, retailers seemingly come to the conclusion that it is too early to pounce high summer products on us poor customers yet it is now getting old seeing the old winter collections. Thus, nautical sails us along, drops in at the harbour to pick us folks up and then sails off into the new season with summer evenings on the horizon...
Conversational prints are gracing the pages of all the weekly fashion mags right now who boast its the only way to update your current winter look. Que cute anchors and sail making shapes and you have nautical in a nutshell....
