Holly Fulton; 'A jet-set socialite with a crush on Joan Collins'

There was something very ‘Versace’ about Holly Fultons’s debut solo collection; the big hair and bright colour pops reminded me of the good old days of Gianni (okay granted I was 10 when he died but I still know my stuff). Not only was there a strong 80’s vibe with her colourful looks, but there were also some very vibrant prints in bright blues, oranges, yellows and dashes of monochrome. It reminded me of the art-deco district in Miami where there are stunning colours and patterns seen across the exterior of buildings in South Beach… which ironically is where Gianni Versace was murdered!

Alas apparently her inspiration actually came from France; with a colour palette inspired by glass artist Louis Barillet and the cinema du look of the 80’s. Although I prefer my comparison! Holly is taking her customers/fans on what seems to be a world tour; from safari chic with animal-like prints, to waterproof cruise control, to South Beach shopping and more... it seems like the collection belongs in the luggage of a jet-set socialite with a crush on Joan Collins.

 

This is Fulton’s first season showing solo at London Fashion Week, but she is by no means a newbie in the industry. She was the winner of Young Designer of the Year Awards at the Scottish Fashion Awards, has a British Fashion Award and she also won the Elle Style Award for New Designer 2010. So it’s clear to see why her collection is so strong and complete.

Her glamazon prints and passion for pop art and colour are clear to see in this powerful S/S 10’ collection. Her outfits have a carefree ease about them, but it’s the luxurious fabrics, vivid prints and luxe accessories that bring it from nonchalant to uber glamourous.

The rain-slicker yellow laser-cut dress with cheeky cocktail glass shapes around it certainly caught my eye. An innovative and slightly unusual choice of fabric, but the skater skirt silhouette is a flattering shape for every woman and I imagine the quirky design would be loved by cool fashionistas such as Zooey Deschanel and Fearne Cotton.

The stunning Palazzo Pants are my favourite pieces from her looks, with their tribal motif designs she allows them to be the statement piece and kept it simple on top with silk vests. The Art Deco necklace completes the outfit with a finished touch!

 

The City Shorts are a look you can imagine the stylish Olivia Palermo wearing for sure. Balancing the vivacious shorts with a simple shift silk top. This look oozes effortless glamour.

If this is only the beginning for Holly, I cannot wait to see what’s next!

'Futuristic Ice Maiden meets an Alien Ziggy Stardust’

It’s always exciting to be one of the first to witness a new emerging talent. And at the debut show of MASHA MA show that is certainly what happened! Her cool collection of origami influenced outfits lit up the catwalk in a swishing abundance of crisp whites and shimmering silvers. You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d just stepped into the North Pole, but she didn’t receive a frosty reception - quite the opposite, a collection of oohs and ahhs whispered from the front rows as outfit after outfit impressed editors and stylists alike.

Although she states that her inspiration was drawn from the industirla landscape of New York’s meat packing district; I would personally describe it as ‘Futuristic Ice Maiden meets an Alien Ziggy Stardust’. The collection had a little something for everyone’s taste, from the structured origami dresses, to the fluid draping of silvers, the sheer chiffons, to the tailored trousers, geometric shapes and overall fluidity and layering… I adored every single piece! And I’m not the only one, she has already caught the attention of publications such as Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, L’Officiel to name but a few.

Some of my favourite looks from the collection –

                                                                    Feminine Folds

                                 
                                                                        Alien Skin

                                                                  
                                                                        Ice Warrior

Silver Streak

Modelled by the gorgeous Irish Model Caitlin Leckey from Morgan.

Ziggy Stardust

Touch of Frost

(Modelled by Jessica P from Models 1 who I worked with on a Brown Thomas Shoot recently)

Fashion Mode @ LFW

Fashion Mode is a novel approach to promoting new designers! It is a company led by Andrea Abraham whose soul purpose is to nurture and cultivate a new generation of fashion talent through catwalk shows, pr and marketing and with the ultimate aim of bringing back cutting-edge and innovation to London Fashion.

This year Fashion Mode was supporting 4 new rising stars; two menswear and two womenswear collections;

                                                                         James Hillman

James Hillman’s collection was an interesting one – it is only recently that I have even begun to have an interest in menswear (it usually bores me), but Hillman’s 'Teddy boy' inspired looks took a special twist. He confused the viewers by creating a collection that was almost unisex in design and with his unusual mix of fabrics (silk, leather, chiffon and jersey), he clouded the boundaries between feminine and masculine looks! He seemed to take what was typical menswear silhouettes but distorted them by using unexpected fabrics and little touches of innovation here and there, like sheer boat-neck shirts, or the unusual short-shaped collars. His palette of grey hues kept the androgynous effect throughout and found myself picking out pieces that I too would wear. My favourite had to be the slate-grey chiffon trousers… a little risqué for an average guy perhaps… but team them with say Russell Brand or Kate Moss and you are onto a winner!

                                                                          Elson Figueiredo

This menswear collection was inspired by the people who travelled with circuses and amusements shows in the 19th Century; otherwise known as Carnies! It was an interesting show because he had picked beautiful male models with very feminine features to display his creations, but unfortunately for me this distracted a little from the clothes as I found myself staring at the models faces instead. However, looking back at the pictures I now see he created an extremely wearable collection that has mass appeal. He describes his own designs as a “mish-mash of casual workwear and traditional tailoring”, we can see this with the more traditional menswear elements of breast pockets, tailored jackets and subtle elbow patches, combined with touches of gingham piping and binding in some of the looks.

                                                                        Carlotta Barone

The most outspoken and politically charged collection belonged to Carlotta and was aptly called 'wear my skin'. The idea behind this was to create clothing that spoke her mind and boldly stated to fight against the racism. Digitally printed slogans of anti-rasicm were printed like newsprint all across these skin hugging bodysuits, almost like an entire tattooed body. But this wasn’t just a political statement; over these bodysuits was an extremely innovative collection. The outfits were delicately crafted in a way that resembled cages and slaves garbs; constructed by beautiful draping and clever tailoring she managed to find the perfect balance between femininity and sexy – focusing on body-contours and the structure of the female form.

                                                                           Florian Jayet

Florian Jayet absolutely knocked my socks off. It was possibly my favourite collection of the four - His innovative designs were inspired by the outer shell of insects - which ultimately created the body-armour looks like an exoskeleton! The outfits were predominately made from leather (my favourite) but also incorporated bits of metallic to infuse a futuristic element. He names Paco Rabanne and Thierry Mugler as his main influences… but Jayet’s designs stand on their own and although unique I would wear every single one of his pieces. Pure craftsmanship!

Images from the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Blog: www.vauxhallfashionscout.com

Talent has no name...

There was one question I was frequently asked by editors and bloggers alike while at London Fashion Week ... "so WHO are you looking forward to seeing". But instead of listing a variety of heavy hitters such as Vivienne Westwood, Giles, Matthew Williamson etc etc, my answer was simple... the nobodys! Well, the nobodys yet!

What I love about London is it's thriving fashion talent and the opportunity to see a monoploy of unknown and up-and-coming designers is so much more exciting to me than the big names that I can see on style.com hours later anyway. I want to see the future of fashion - what we'll be wearing in years to come and where the next generation of fashionistas are taking us.

I will be reviewing some of my favourite new, up-and-coming and relatively unknown collections and designers I saw at LFW... I was lucky enough to see Masha Ma, Falguni and Peacock, Roksanda Illinic, Kinder Aggugini, Elliott J. Frieze, Fashion Mode, Ada Zanditon and Holly Fulton. I also spoke with some designers at the exhibition held inside Somerset house...a few amazing Jewellery designers in particular that I would like to share with you.

LFW 2010 - The Beginning

I am more than aware at how delayed my LFW report is… however, I reckon now that the fashion week buzz has died down and all the editors and fashionistas have trawled through Paris and Milan; it’s finally time for me to reflect back on fashions new hitlist! The new influential and upcoming designers shaping our future in fashion… and predicting what we will be wearing in years to come!

But first time to reflect on my 'carry-on' style. You see my arrival at LFW was somewhat last minute and unexpected as my LFW pass only arrived days before I was due to leave and I was working some ridiculous 14 hour days in the run-up to my departure... therefore I had very little time to put together outfits and was simply carrying on luggage! So my style was easy-chic and pretty much what I had worn on the plane the night before.

While scurrying across the Somerset cobblestones on my way to my first show I was approached by a camera and presenter from some fashion TV; the presenter was doing a vlog (video blog) on street style and asked me to describe my outfit and overall look. This is a question I get asked a lot in interviews and my answer is pretty much always the same.

So here I am day 3 of London Fashion Week (photo taken by the lovely Haruki Horikiwa at http://www.changefashion.net/) ; Jacket by Zara, leopard print Tshirt by Reiss, Belt by Reiss, Half-leather leggings by NeverMind (that’s the name of the label…not me being rude!), wedges by River Island and bag by Tescos…yes, Tescos! I had a bit of a cringey moment when I had to tell her it was only 9euro… but then I realised actually Supermarket Chic is the way forward and the presenter seemed mightily impressed that my gold faux snakeskin bag was literally as cheap as a MacDonalds extra large meal.

My rings are an assortment - Oasis, Awear and Vintage. I like that pile-em-all-on look... plus pretty handy in case anyone tried to rob me. My punch would be lethal!

As mentioned before my beloved wedges from River Island... Soooo comfy and so easy to wear with pretty much everything in my wardrobe! An investment piece for sure... although they are coming in a leopard print too... and I am more than tempted!

Okay that's enough about me... onto the shows!

Arnotts A/W Fashion Show Review

Arnotts has become one of my new favourite haunts over the past few months. They have completely revamped their womenswear department on the mezzanine floor by stocking new and exclusive brands like Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Reiss, Boutique by Jaeger and new labels Nevermind and One Teaspoon which are a favourite of mine. It has really upped the ante in the style stakes and with this new insertion of young and funky labels it has begun to compete with edgier stores like BT2 and is finally making Henry Street a worthwhile shopping destination!

I happily headed along to the A/W Arnotts fashion show last week that was held on the top floor in the Conran Shop. Under first impressions the layout was intimate and fun; each chair was a different style - which was a nod at the new boutique-style womenswear department and the eclectic selection we were about to see!

(pictured here model Yomiko wearing a Tara Jarmon dress to launch the Arnotts A/A show)

The catwalk opened with an introduction to this season’s hottest colours: camel and red with touches of leopard print. My favourite look from the catwalk was this Hobbs camel coat and Coast red belted dress with the Abro leopard-print bag. Assets Model Lynn looks prim and office perfect in this tailored look!

Statement coats are absolutely huge this season, as seen on the catwalks of Dior, Tommy Hilfiger, Alberta Ferreti and almost every other designer. Well stylist of the show Jan Brierton dedicated a whole segment of the show just to coats, to showcase how outerwear can be an entire outfit!

Without a doubt this pink and red plaid Anglomania by Vivienne Westwood coat as worn by Baiba is the perfect vibrant option to let you stand out of a crowd.

Heritage Fabrics were also huge on the designer catwalks this season, layering countryside colours and outdoorsy prints with structured tailoring was big at Rodarte, Chanel, Jaeger London and Kenzo. Well Arnotts was no different; showcasing various looks from the new Hobbs diffusion line NW3, Max & co and of course the Lauren by Ralph Lauren collection. Here we see the gorgeous Sarah Morrisey in one of the coveted Hertitage looks.

Other show segments included; ‘Knits’, showcasing this season’s coolest knitwear just like Marc Jacobs and D+G collections. ‘Glam Military’, ‘Clean Lines’ with suiting and silhouette enhancing outfits and finally ‘Hitchcock Glamour’, showing that elegance of the forties and with inspiration taken from the leading ladies of the Hitchcock era such as Grace Kelly.

It was a show that catered for every age group with an emphasis on dressing the female form, most importantly - there was something for everyone! I have already bought the half-leather/half-trousers from ‘Nevermind’ collection and even got papped at London Fashion Week while wearing them. Next on my wishlist is an Abro leopard print bag and patent black belt from Hobbs.

Keep your eyes peeled for this Saturday’s Irish Independent WEEKEND magazine where I have my ‘Gossip Girl’ inspired shoot showcasing the best buys at Arnotts!

Awear Fashion Blogger

Top Irish fashion highstreet store AWEAR has been searching for a fashion blogger to be their roving reporter at Electric Picnic this year, and I have been shortlisted as the final 5.

If I win my job will be to take pictures of all the stylish and eccentric people at The Picnic and the images and blog will be on the Awear site.

I need as many votes as possible so please click the link below to the facebook page where you can vote for me. It's quite simple, just press the 'like' button on the Awear page and then leave a comment under my picture.

Thanks, and hopefully I will see you all at the picnic. xxxx

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/album.php?aid=192445&id=87119182653

Cyber Style

ASOS recently launched a competition to find a new street style blogger, unfortunately I think you had to live in the UK to enter, but the entry blog idea did get me thinking... what is my favorite fashion discovery???

The Internet has been the cyber portal that has allowed me to extend my knowledge and passion in the crazy world that is fashion! It has given me the opportunity to travel to numerous countries around the globe, sit front row at fashion shows, get up close and personal with my style icons, people-watch and most importantly shop till I drop – which is why, I believe that the Internet is my greatest fashion discovery!

Without the hassle of paying ridiculous luggage charges and waiting in long airport queues, at the click of a button I have travelled to places like Paris, Tokyo, New York and Milan.

Paris; the city where Coco Chanel’s fashion legacy remains visible on the street, has now been influenced by stars like Clemence Poesy and Vanessa Paradis with their bohemian trademark style. This polished French look, combined with a more nonchalant thrown-together ethos, has been snapped outside many fashion shows, on the streets and seen on fashion blogs worldwide. These images from ‘The Sartorialist’ taken at Paris Fashion Week epitomise this evolved style. The girl above is rocking the sports luxe trend by wearing what seems to be jogging pants, teamed with graphic heels, caramel-tinted shades and an oversized fur coat that screams ‘look at me’ for all the right reasons.

In total antithesis to the Parisian style – we have the birthplace of cutting edge Japanese fashion, the Harajuku district in Tokyo! With their weird and wacky combination of high-end designers with makeshift outfits held together with safety pins and bizarre cartoon-embellished accessories, they have a style unique to themselves.

What caught my eye about this girl was that although her outfit is almost comical at first glance, the undertone of her outfit is actually bang on trend! With Spring/Summer’s hottest trend of clashing prints – as seen on the catwalks of Proenza Schouler, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Eley Kishimoto - this girl mixes it up by clashing her leopard print and bold floral design. While the acid wash denim gilet gives us a flashback to the 80’s trend.

There is also an element of fashion forward style; with the hint of animal print and the 70's style awkward length skirt which is halfway between the knee and calf… both set to be big news in the style stakes this Autumn/Winter! Only in my wildest dreams could I walk down the high-street with such luminosity and creativity!

For us mere mortals getting one of the coveted tickets to a show at London, New York, Paris or Milan fashion week is next to impossible; but thanks to the internet I had the amazing experience of sitting front row at Alexander McQueen’s glorious last show! The reptile-patterned and digitally printed dresses brought McQueen’s aptly named collection ‘Plato's Atlantis’ to an entirely new level, and the bizarre yet magnificent armadillo-style shoes were his most elaborate to date. Had it not been for the Internet video I would never have witnessed the spectacle that was McQueen’s greatest show. The illuminated runway, giant dancing robot cameras going up and down the catwalk and the model army marching like an alien invasion on the world of fashion!

The greatest online invention in my opinion is the no fuss, no hassle, no queuing, no searching for your size genius that is internet shopping!
I am the type of girl who goes into a shop and buys whatever tickles my fancy in my size, but I will very rarely try anything on. My intense dislike for crowds and fitting rooms has only made my love for online shopping blossom. The best part is, I can buy my favourite labels that aren’t readily available, such as Carven, Preen and Carin Wester.

Street Style blogs are one of the greatest online phenomena of the past decade. They have become a core reference tool for fashion houses, designers, fashion students and fashionistas alike!

A fashion blog where the blogger takes pictures of himself or herself is also a new and interesting outlet for fashionistas. It is a glimpse inside the wardrobe of a style obsessor and an insight into what is essentially someone’s online visual diary, where they ponder their individual stylish moments and lust haves!

I browse these blogs to morph aspects of their looks into my own wardrobe… but most of the time I just admire and wishing I could pull off what they are wearing!

The Internet also fuels my obsession with all things celebrity. No longer do I have to wait for my weekly magazines to see who is wearing what, who is wearing who and who wore it best. Now I can have a daily update on celebrity styles and even better - with the help of asos.com I can now achieve a copy-cat style of my favourite celebrity looks at a fraction of the price! This image of Victoria Beckham was the moment that she truly transformed from a pouty, wag, fashion wannabe to true style icon. This un-characteristically casual Victoria sent fashion pulses racing around the worldwide blogosphere - I am loving the slouchy hareem pants in forest green teamed with her oversized blazer, slightly dishevelled up-do hairstyle and signature sunglasses, this time in trendy aviators instead of her usual bug-eyed trademark style. Top marks for Miss B.

Without the Internet, my love and knowledge of all things fashionable would most certainly be hindered; my wardrobe would be severely lacking in style and substance and my creative vision would without doubt be stifled through lack of inspiration!

I am Couture Crazy!

The word Couture tends to make me weak at the knees! I love nothing more than to sit at my computer watching style.com couture shows (some day I’ll be front row) where extravagance and opulence are the norm. Jean Paul Gaultier’s collections are always outlandish and exciting, while Christian Dior puts on an elaborate and theatrical show. Chanel Couture tends to honour it’s roots with recreations of Chanel classics, while my favourite couture house Givenchy lets it’s elaborate dresses make a statement and keeps the show simple! In fact, this season Givenchy decided to opt out of a catwalk couture show and instead go back to the way Couture was originally seen – in a private, intimate viewing.

Well imagine having the opportunity to wear a piece of couture without the triple zero price tag. New Irish fashion website www.coutureonline.ie offers just that! It is an innovative online designer clothes shop offering rare and eye-catching dresses made in Paris. Each dress is handmade of 100% silk, with each bead and sequin hand sewn with precision and care, creating a true work of art. The range is stocked exclusively by CoutureOnline in Ireland and the best bit is only 3 of each dress is available to buy, so you are guaranteed not to bump into everyone else wearing it at the same event!

There is a huge selection of styles available; cocktail dresses, maxi dresses, shift dresses, bridesmaid dresses, debs dresses, knee length dresses and full length gowns. I adore this slightly bohemian cream dress, with the floaty sleeves, unusual draped fabric at the front (could be perfect for hiding any lumps and bumps or if your tummy is a problem area) and finally the stunning embellished neckline for only 299euro. But my favourite dress has to be this Amadine summer maxi dress, the gorgeous colour splashes and strapless bodice with ruching details are just mesmerising. Team with a little denim jacket and flip flops for a more casual day look, or go for high glamour with bright heels and accessories.

If you are not the type to be buying things online for fear of the dress not fitting, or you would like to see just how amazing the detail and quality is first, then there is something new for online shoppers… a fitting room! There are exclusive fitting rooms, located conveniently just off Dublin's Grafton Street, are coming soon, letting you take advantage of the excellent eye of one of Couture Online’s highly trained stylists, free of charge! They are 1st Options, 3rd Floor, 28-30 Exchequer Street, Dublin 2, or just see www.coutureonline.ie

on a BUM note...

Bum-bags are back!!!!

The last time I wore a bum-bag was actually only last year… as part of a Tomb Raider Halloween costume, I had a leather bum-bag to give the look a utility vibe. And it was actually the best thing ever…it reminded me how annoying handbags, clutches and purses are. I didn’t have to worry about losing my phone, money, make-up or keys…all were compactly and safely secured to my body! It left my hands and arms free to dance (badly) throughout the night.

So why is there such a faux-pas stigma against these little gems? Well for years now, they have always been associated with naff tourists on holidays, in grotesque prints and overly neon-bright colours. I have flashbacks of my Mum having a bright yellow one with black exposed zips and my sister with an luminous Simpson’s version.

No longer just made in tacky polyester…designers have given the bum-bag a whole new sophisticated chic. Over at Louis Vuitton, designed by Marc Jacobs, the bum bag has taken a luxe turn. In embossed leather complete with tassels and fur trimmings…even uber cool fashion follower Rihanna has been seen sporting this design out! Brit bag designer Angel Jackson, who has her bags for sale on fashion website ASOS, has brought out a gorgeous python skin bum-bag, which surprisingly enough I am lusting after! And newcomer to the design world Ashish sent his models down the catwalk at London Fashion Week with his sexier bum-bag versions, with studded detailing teamed with cut-away body-con dresses.
Surprisingly enough, the High Street has taken this trend on…and there are cool versions popping up everywhere. Marks & Spencer will launch a studded leather-effect version in May, while American Apparel offers extreme ‘80s’ shiny gold and blue versions. River Island has the most wearable version, in my opinion, with grungy black leather adorned with triangular-shaped studs coming into stores thus Spring, while Penneys currently have their versions in stock…actually ahead of the fashion pack for once, in leather-look black and white options.

Well this ‘90s’ icon has come back with a bang this season, and although there was a mini-revival of the bum-bag by Louis Vuitton a few years back, it never really caught on despite SATC’s ‘Carrie Bradshaw’ endorsing it. It proves that not everything she touches turns to gold, which leads me to think that this new revival may also be short-lived.

I cannot deny their convenience and I may even invest in a cheap one for the festivals this summer - it’s certainly here for the short term on a crazy fashion whim so why not indulge this spring and make like Mr. Motivator.

D-D-D-D-ouble Denim

It was one of the most cringe worthy fashion moments of the 90’s when Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake turned up on the red carpet in matching denim outfits. But who was to know that they would become the muses and inspiration behind the top design houses for Spring/Summer 2010…Double denim is back with a bang, yes, wearing head to toe denim is now actually acceptable. Attempted originally in the 80’s, where permed hair was also acceptable, then reprised by the aforementioned tween pop stars and now finally hitting the catwalk and every magazine as the hottest trend of the season!

D+G, House of Holland, Chloe, Ralph Lauren, Jeremy Scott, all have the denim-on-denim done to perfection! Denim jackets teamed with jeans, skirts, dresses and even hats. But the best part of this trend is the re-invention of this classic all-American original was denim into jumpsuits, dresses and even suits.

House of Holland took denim to a new level with looks inspired by bondage and suiting, while Chloe attempted a daring dolly look with denim patchwork. Chambray seemed to be the denim colour of the season which is a lighter than light denim-wash… this was seen on the Jeremy Scott models, while Ralph Lauren and D+G kept it retro classic with almost cowboy country inspired looks. Lauren kept his American cool vibe he has every season, while D+G spiced up the generally casual fabric with detailing like ruffles on denim dresses and skirts and showing flashes of skin.


So how can we get away with this tricky trend off the catwalk? Well, if wearing the same tone denims in one outfit like Jeremy Scott, then break it up with colourful or tan accessories, like a belt or jewellery. Another way to wear this look is to mix up the denims with different washes, dark, light, chambray etc.

And if you are still unsure about this look, why not opt for the safer version and wear coloured denim jeans like white or peach, and team with a plain denim jacket! At least that way it isn’t as obvious and you are easing your way into the trend.

The Dark Prince of Fashion RIP.

The Dark Prince of Fashion

 

The fashion world has lost it’s true visionary. News of Alexander McQueen’s sudden death yesterday (11th Feb 2010) at his London home has sent shock-waves through the industry, as New York Fashion week began, instead of celebrating the new creative talents, we were mourning the loss of fashion’s Dark Prince. No doubt it will be a long time before someone of his innovative and creative ability steps into the limelight again.

Lee McQueen as he was known began his career in fashion at the early age of 16. He learned his craft as an apprentice in Savile Row and it was this early on that we got a glimpse of his twisted and naughty nature, when he revealed in an interview that he sewed ‘I am a cunt’ into the lining of a coat made for Prince Charles.

He then went on to graduate with a masters in fashion design form the prestigious Central Saint Martins College and revealed at his debut show his unique, raw vision that we know and love today. His designs caught the eye of Isabella Blow, an aristocratic British eccentric and former editor of British Tatler who became his mentor and bought his entire first collection.

His work evolved into that of a true artist, taking his inspiration from nature and death, using predatory birds and lethal snakes to influence his designs. His work, however extreme in design, was always skillfully crafted using his early tailoring experiences and managed to have a romantic softness even in their bizarreness. His families Scottish Heritage also had an impact on his imaginative designs and he showed tartan, kilts and feathers in a whole new light in his work! His designs were always fantastical and theatrical...which made him stand out amongst any other designer of his time.

Lee was made the head designer for Givenchy in 1996 but was then was poached by the Gucci group, which supported and developed his own label, Alexander McQueen. His label has gone from strength to strength and had even opened up his own stores in London, New York, Los Angeles, Milan, and Las Vegas. He unsurprisingly won British Designer of Year 4 times throughout his career, and his fashion shows are the one spectacle that will be sorely missed on the fashion circuit as he was known for his extravagant displays of showmanship.

His most recent show for S/S 2010 was his most brilliant to date…a collaboration with friend Lady gaga previewing her bad romance video while the models tottered down the catwalk in the now infamous mythological hoof-style shoes (see ‘extreme fashionistas’ article). The unique graphic-print designs from this collection were a combination of bug and beast influences, the bright colours remind me of when you would make those butterfly prints as a child where you would splodge paint on paper and then fold it to create a beautiful print. It is mesmerizing to watch what he puts down the catwalk every season, and it is deeply saddening to know there will be no more! No doubt his last ever collection will at some stage brace the catwalk in a final tribute to the influential designer.

Alexander McQueen was a designer like no other, he pushed the creative and artistic boundaries and truly made his mark in fashion history. RIP.

The Bare Necessities...

Ever since Madonna donned her Dolce and Gabbana cone bra, or Carrie Bradshaw swanned around NYC in what was debatably lingerie a lot of the time, the female nation (and of course male nation too) have been obsessed with lingerie on display! So it’s no wonder that Dior’s Couture and Summer Collections are influenced largely by the delicate design of lingerie.

The Dior Couture Show Winter 2009 was originally inspired by the old photographs of Christian Dior dressing his models in the traditional French salon, where he previewed the collection to his clients. This is where the half-dressed effect came about; the couture collection has flashes of corsets, stockings, bras and knickers, and although there is a distinct 1950s’ style to the clothing, he brings the exposing of garments through in a very contemporary way.

He also brought this lingerie inspiration through to his ready-to-wear Spring/Summer collection; it is in a much more subtle way, with delicate sheer fabrics, deep silks resembling nightwear slips and lots of lace.

Other designers were more suggestive in their influences, with corset detailing appearing on tops, sheer fabrics and laces adorning many outfits and subtle flashes of flesh. The short shorts or high waited pants returned to the catwalk too this season, showing that it’s not only Lady Gaga trumping this look!

Celebrities like Daisy Lowe, Sienna Miller and Taylor Momsen are the people leading this trend off the catwalk! Taylor Momsen’s style is very grungy/heroin chic and just like Blondie back in the ‘80s she is championing this half-dressed, rolled-out of bed look… whenever she is performing, she is wearing some sort of underwear as outerwear or vintage slip dress. Some celebrities who have been channeling this underwear outerwear look for the past few years in the worst possible way would be Jodie Marsh and Katie Price…whatever you do, do not copy their attempts!

So what about us real women…will I get sniggers and jeers if I go to my local pub in a cropped brasserie worn with my jeans, or my bra showing through a sheer top? Well I can assure you that, no, I didn’t walk out of my house in a bra. There is a very fine line between what is acceptable and what is not…looking like an extra from ‘Pretty Woman’ is not!!! However, there are ways for you to infuse this trend into your wardrobe. Try layering; wear a cropped brassiere like the ones available in Topshop under a sheer or lacy bra, or for those of you a little less adventurous, you can do this same look with a bodysuit under, so there is no flesh on display.

Go for a lacy body suit for extra lingerie effect! I have seen some gorgeous young girls doing the crop top style with high-waisted trousers, and hey if you have the body and confidence to do this, go for it! I don’t think I’ll be recommending wearing knickers out to anyone though…even former style-setter Sienna couldn’t get away with that look!