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

Kicking off 2011 with a bargain

I'm not a huge fan of sales, that is to say you wouldn't find me camping overnight outside of M&S armed with a flask, a portable stove and a tin of beans. This year however I did find some bargains, be it from the comfort of my living room; this dress from Asos will serve as my birthday dress which I plan to wear to a 'black tie and debauchery' themed party I'm throwing.

 

I also bought a khaki jumper with faux fur shoulder detailing and that feather cape I've been lasting after from Next, both of which aren't available online anymore or I would post photos!  

I've been in hibernation over Christmas but I'm going to face Oxford Street later this week and hopefully live to tell the tale.

Happy Shopping!