Behind the scenes

Have you seen the super chic Riviera themed shoot in Friday's copy of The Sun?


I was lucky enough to assist stylist Saskia Quirke as she recreated Cannes cool right here in London with the help of a very suave yacht and some sunny spells.

Here are a few shots of our model Christina glamming up for the camera

With special thanks to stanleycharters.co.uk for letting us set up camp on their beautiful yacht, it really made the Riviera theme come to life!

Ethereal photographs

Just thought I would share some beautiful photographs I sourced pieces for, all shot on location by Phillip Panting. The light really bounces off the sequinned texture of the tops and pierces through their sheerness, creating an almost ethereal glow around the model.

ASOS 2011 preview

Today online fashionista favourite ASOS.com unveiled their Autumn/Winter offerings.

We have a timeline of the most gorgeous coats from the last half a century to look forward to, including this mustard yellow 60's style coat,

The collection's been split into style segments and inkeeping with the retro 60's vibe is this great colour block shift dress,

Moving on from the swinging 60's was the luxe 70's, with these velvet palazzo trousers that shouldn't work but are actually oh so very right.

My favourite trend section had to be the Revival collection, inspired by vintage chic and designed by ASOS, Revival captured every stylish decade perfectly,

 

With the ultra glam footwear to match

And from decades past to the future, the ASOS inc collection uses futuristic materials for its bright and bold pieces, almost a bit Fifth Element-esque?

Not forgetting the gorgeous heels in all shapes and sizes; platforms, wedges, blocks and the bags to go with them!

I know Summer's only just rolling around but judging by this lot, is it wrong that I'm looking forward to Autumn already?

Welcome to Boux Avenue...

Tonight I was lucky enough to attend the launch of brand new lingerie brand Boux Avenue. Sketch bar in Mayfair was the setting that played host to beautiful models showing off the collection. From pretty pastel sets to dramatic basques, the Boux experience was tantalising yet far from trashy.

Decadent pearls and hair do's on strategically placed models

Mini sweet treats and champagne on arrival 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debut collection modelled by burlesque dancer in main show

Dancers showing off sultry lingerie for equally sultry soundtrack 'Roxanne'

Boux is an online venture from Theo Paphitis' (He of Dragon's Den fame) and will have stores in all major cities in the UK including Bluewater and Lakeside. The label may be set to rival high street favourite La Senza which Theo quit in 2009 but Boux stores will have a more boutique -  like atmosphere. Snapshot previews showed stock tucked away in drawers giving a neat and uncluttered feel opposed to the 'off the rail' layout of La Senza. 

 This could attract customers who want high quality and personal customer service but are on a modest budget, as Theo himself promised tonight 'if you can afford to shop at M&S, you can afford to shop at Boux.

Boux clad dancer perfomed an acrobatic finale.

 BouxAvenue.com launches April 1st with its boutiques opening in succession across the country, including Bluewater April 3rd and Lakeside April 8th.

What a difference a day makes

The question posed yesterday about the uncertainties surrounding Galliano's future have now been answered. Today Dior announced that they have terminated their alliance with the designer but their show at Paris Fashion week will go on. The future of his own show which is due to take place on Sunday is still unclear as both 'Dior' and 'John Galliano' are under the same luxury fashion umbrella LVMH, a group owned by the Bernard Arnault, reportedly the richest man in France.

The fallout has split opinions in the fashion world, with Oscar winner and face of Miss Dior Cherie perfume Natalie Portman speaking out against Galliano 'As an individual who is proud to be Jewish, I will not be associated with Mr Galliano in any way.'

Natalie Portman in the ad campaign for Miss Dior Cherie

Portman with Galliano before his outbursts

Alexandra Shulman, editor of British Vogue thinks the future of the designer as ambiguous saying "I think Galliano made a terrible mistake and such offensive behaviour could not be ignored. It is all the same true that he has a huge talent and has contributed enormously to the resurrection of the house of Dior. Who can predict what the future will bring?"

Another future which is in question is that of Dior. The fashion house is reportedly looking for a big name to replace Galliano. LVMH owner Arnault is in charge of deciding who will fill Galliano's flamboyant shoes and the rumoured frontrunners are Givenchy designer Riccardo Tisci, who has been with the brand for five years. Marc Jacobs who currently designs for Louis Vuitton is also in the running as is Celine designer Phoebe Philo, both brands are under Arnaud's LVMH. Outside of Arnault's luxury umbrella is Lanvin's designer Alber Elbaz who has previously worked with YSL.

The question is will the fashion world forgive or forget? As one retweet by blogger Bryanboy said today 'I love how the whole give jumps on Galliano. In a year he'll apologize & revive another sinking fashion house & everyone will love him.'

With it being the hottest topic in the fashion world aswell as the twitter-sphere, we are sure to find out soon.

What will Dior do next?

John Galliano is currently suspended from his role as Creative Director for Dior after he was arrested for making antisemetic remarks on Friday (25th Feb). A quick web search confirms that this has been covered by every major newspaper/ blog out there and Twitter is awash with opinions that range from mockery to outright anger.

His knee jerk reaction on his arrest was to counter sue the couple he allegedly insulted last Thursday on grounds of defamation. Alas his case can't be looking too good after video evidence of him declaring 'I love Hitler' emerged this morning. The recording is of a seperate incident in which he rants at table of three people in the same bar that played host to his first tirade. (Can't be very good press for said bar La Perle)

What I'm going to find interesting is how Dior will deal with this catastrophe, after all the fashion house can't be seen to forgive and forget Galliano after his repeated outburts, but will they be willing to terminate their 14 year collaboration with him?

Galliano couldn't have picked worse timing for his outbursts, as he was supposed to show the Dior ready - to - wear collection at Paris Fashion week, but for now it's unclear whether he will be present to take his bow at the end of the catwalk.

Galliano arrives for police questioning 28/2/11

Many a celebrity has fallen from grace, notably Mel Gibson for airing his antisemetic views. However others such as Kate Moss after her 'cocaine Kate' scandal, have managed to bounce back with more lucrative contracts than ever before.

A few from the fashion world have articulated their reactions to the arrest, mogul Hilary Alexander says his demons must be confronted 'But one thing is certain: he needs help. I am not for a moment excusing his behaviour. But, right now, this is a moment in his life when he needs support and love from the industry he has given his life to.'

Vogue.com reports that designer Giorgio Armani understands that Galliano must be going through a difficult time and adds that he feels sorry for Galliano because he did not know he was being taped at the time. Should that matter?

It will be interesting to watch the reactions of those around Galliano as the case against him progresses. Will he be abandoned by the fashion world or will it find a way to excuse his behaviour and stick by him?

London Fashion Week, or #LFW.

Today Somerset house drew its curtains on London Fashion Week with this year’s event celebrating the re emergence of Cool Britannia.

Our first lady Samantha Cameron kicked off the four day event last Friday with a party at Downing Street which saw every self respecting fashionista in attendance. Even the once anarchic Dame Vivienne Westwood RSVP’d to number 10.

Sam Cam with Vivienne Westwood at LFW launch party

‘Sam Cam’ has been made an ambassador for British fashion and said at her opening party ‘Fashion is one of our most important industries, full stop. It sends out a really powerful message about creativity - and employs hundreds of thousands of people.’

And she has been teaching a lesson in frugality by wearing the same shoes! Sam Cam has been leading by example by being pictured in the grey Zara heels at least twice in the last four days, and they’re not even designer, or British! The apparentely versatile pair in question are from Spanish high street brand Zara, whose PR must be busy somewhere jumping for joy.

The shoes on the front row at the David Koma show.

The Daily Mail has been speculating that Mrs Cameron doesn’t approve of the particularly slender model used by Erdem, she is reported to be looking ‘stony faced’ and ‘unimpressed’...True the model is extremely slim, some may choose to say ‘gaunt’ but how can anyone you get all of that from Sam Cam’s face? (Look for the hint of beige in the background).

'stony faced' and 'unimpressed' at Erdem

This will undoubtedly reignite the ‘size 0 debate’ which has become so much of a catchphrase within itself that it makes you wonder if it even still exists, let alone ever be solved. LFW 2009 saw the UK editor of Vogue, Alexandra Shulman write to designers to ask them to start creating sample clothing in bigger sizes. Her plea must have fallen on deaf, or just indifferent ears as two years later models and clothes are still miniscule. Designer Maria Grachvogel told The Guardian this week that she has had to make her samples in a size 8 instead of 10, as she can’t find any size 10 models to fill her clothes.

Sounds like a case of the proverbial chicken and the egg; what came first, the size 0 models or the size 0 samples?

Awards season

‘Tis the season to be...glam! The last three days have been choc-a-bloc for the celebs and fashionistas alike. The beautiful people were out in force on Sunday with the BAFTA’s in London and Grammy’s on the other side of the Atlantic. 

 Yesterday saw Emma Watson pick up the ‘style icon’ award at the Elle Style Awards which were hosted by Alexa Chung, and tonight the fashion crowds meet in London for the Brits.

 Leading the way for fringes everywhere was newcomer Jessie J in thigh skimming emerald rock chic with killer heels, complete with varnished black toes.

Critic's choice winner Jessie J

Cheryl Cole  presented the award for Best International Female to Rihanna

Rihanna on the red carpet in Christian Dior Haute Couture

Fearne Cotton, wearing Temperley, presented the Best British Breakthrough act to Tinie Tempah

 Vivienne Westwood designed this year's Brits statuette which was draped in the British flag and three starlets draped themselves in the Dame's designs.

Katherine Jenkins in green Westwood

Paloma Faith in floor length Westwood, she later closed the show with Cee Lo Green

Nominee and last year's Critic's Choice winner Ellie Goulding matched her Westwood to her hair.

 Two time winner Tiny Tempah stood up for the boys, pulling off the kind of geek chic usually only seen in the faux underground bars of East London.

Tinie Tempah wearing Dolce & Gabanna, picked up awards for Best Single for 'Pass Out' and Best Breakthrough.

 Plan B wore Armani to pick up his award for Best British Male Solo, and told host James Corden listeners should expect a return to his hip hop roots with his next album.

 The winners:

Best International Male Solo - Cee Lo Green

Best International Female Solo - Rihanna

Best British Female - Laura Marling

Best British Group - Take That

Best British Album - Mumford & Sons

Best International Group - Arcade Fire

Best International Album - Arcade Fire for The Suburbs

Best International Breakthrough - Justin Bieber

Style Icon title holder Emma Watson must have chosen to have a quiet night in after being out two nights in a row at the Bafta's and Elle style awards.

Vivienne Westwood admitted not knowing who Emma Watson was when presenting her award!

 

There was also no sign of Lady Gaga or her egg.

The only way to travel. Gaga arriving at the Grammys on Sunday

I wonder if Rihanna, Arcade Fire, Justin Bieber and Cee Lo Green were on the same flight? They all hot footed it over from LA after performing at the Grammys on Sunday, can’t get my head around that time difference maths.

New season, new catwalk

The new year signals a new season and the catwalks of Milan and New York proved that the 70's theme that was ever present in AW10 has transcended into SS11.

In New York Marc Jacobs has gone super glam with  volumes of decadent pinks, reds, purples and golds. The cascading dresses and high wasted/ wide legged trousers are teamed with the extra wide brimmed floppy hat, you can just picture these ladies lounging by a poolside in tinted sunglasses, sipping a martini.

  


















In Milan Alberta Ferretti channeled the decade's delicate feminine side with soft toned maxi dresses and skirts in floating chiffons and wide sleeve shirts in romantic lace.


 

Also in Milan, Miuccia Prada contrasted Ferretti's delicate tones and fabrics with bold and bright South American inspired prints. Clashing images of monkeys, bananas and heavy stripes adorned midi flared skirts and tailored shirts. With the statement hat making an appearance once again, this time sporting a sombrero influence.

The talk of the Paris was always going to be the Alexander McQueen show, after the British designer's death last year it fell to his assistant Sarah Burton to carry on the label's dramatic hard hitting signature style. The new collection is baroque, elegant, opulent and oh so rock 'n' roll.

But my favourite catwalk of all came from my hometown London because of the sheer diversity of the designers that used our city to showcase their collections. I love the 'bad girl' image provided by Burberry Prorsum, with its combination of studded biker jackets and animal prints. I love the English eccentricity of Christopher Kane's neon ladylike twin sets and the pretty pastels by Jonathan Saunders. What other city used both Joan Jett and Princess Margaret as inspiration?

Christopher Kane; if Princess Margaret went to an East London rave.

After giving us the Trench and Aviator, Burberry Prosum gives us the Biker.

A mullet wig clad Marios Schwab model showing the tattoo inspired pattern

     The pretty pastel pleats of Jonathan Saunders