Frolic 72

Karl Lagerfeld: Russian Men Are Ugly - Opinion

2012-02-08T06:47:00.000-08:00

Karl Lagerfeld (Photo credit: Siebbi)

Once again I was interviewed for Voice of Russia. This time on bad boy Karl Lagerfeld's opinion of Russian men. The thing is, Lagerfeld is clearly at a stage where he feels untouchable. And we all have a little envy of his ability to say and do whatever he wants. He’s always late because he doesn’t like to watch the time and he says whatever comes to his mind.

There’s two sides to this. On one hand, no one is untouchable, as Galliano reminded us last year. And I don’t think it’s ok to fuel stereotypes. Specifically, a lot of Russians who are examples of good in the society suffer because of the stereotypes involving our men AND our women. However, stereotypes don’t appear out of thin air.

Since Lagerfeld is referring to looks, I wouldn’t say he makes a fair point. I think Russians have a good amount of tall and good looking men, however, especially in ratio to gorgeous Russian women…it can look like Russian men are ugly as a mass. It’s true you do see a lot of couples which consist of stunning women and ugly/little/fat rich Russian men, but any way you look at his comment - it’s rude, I don’t think Russian men would appreciate it at all, and it’s one of those things that even if it may be true…is only ok for Russian men to say.

Rachel Weisz PIP Scandal - Opinion

2012-02-02T04:56:00.000-08:00

This morning I was interviewed for radio: Voice of Russia about Rachel Weisz's banned L'Oreal ad. Here's my opinion on the issue...

There’s absolutely too much dishonesty in ALL industries, especially beauty and advertising. I’m glad to see something is being done about it, simply shrugging our shoulders and saying “That’s how it’s always been and will be,” isn’t the right way forward in my opinion.

Everyone from Rachel Weisz to L’Oreal to the advertising company has a responsibility to the consumer…and the consumer is not stupid, the consumer is very very tired of having their intelligence insulted everywhere from films and music videos to magazines.

I also think that there’s nothing wrong with creating a beautiful image, we all know that in reality all of us are different, and we all look at perfection with a hint of annoyance...but it's changing the way we see perfection that's the key. Instead of thinking - I will never have those thighs (for example), think...am I living a healthy lifestyle?

I understand that young women are often confused by seeing skinny models and doing senseless things, but this is a result of lack of proper guidance/lack of knowledge. If a young girl sees Kate Moss and decides she needs to throw up to look that way, something is missing in the thought process. Every magazine I read as a teenager talked about proper eating and healthy body image, so I don't think they can really be to blame.

Rachel Weisz looks great for her age, and I think, simply showing her image in a L'Oreal ad would connect people's perception of the product to a beautiful face. This is my own personal experience, but it’s not looking of photos of obese people that’s motivating me to push myself harder at the gym, it’s looking at perfectly shaped personal trainers.

The interesting thing is – I doubt Rachel Weisz actually uses L’Oreal and therefore looks youthful. She probably uses something at least 10 times the cost. So no matter how you picture her in an ad for this magical youth enhancing face cream…it’s going to be a lie. However, here's the reality part...everyone who's trying to sell an image related product...designers, beauty companies, even car companies - WILL use an image of a beautiful person to sell it...doing otherwise will not help them sell their product, and business is business.

Temperley Bridal Event - a Photographic Report

2012-01-28T14:30:00.000-08:00

Goodiebags

Zurich in a Flash

2012-01-03T10:51:00.000-08:00

central train station

On my way back from skiing in Serbia I discovered the silver lining of long lay-overs' by having the opportunity to visit Zurich.

unbearably beautiful watch-hand craftsmanship

Being in the city of watches I was excited at the opportunity to indulge in my obsession and perhaps even purchase something I could afford. Fat chance. Not surprisingly I did not find any "affordable" watches in the city of affluence. My guess is if they existed in some elusive vintage market...which I'm thinking you'd need more than a couple of hours in a new city to locate, they would be quickly scooped up by one of Zurich's many watch pros', polished and displayed as something less affordable. Besides, judging by the rest of the city - vintage probably = garbage. Funnily enough I bought a vintage Swiss watch in Belgrade the week before, so the layover was more about looking than shopping.

Speaking of shopping, Bahnhofstrasse (and surroundings), where you'd find a million little watch stores glittering in twinkle lights and Christmas balls, also has Cheap & Awful (C&A) and H&M...for those "less fortunate"Swiss...or tourists perhaps. Anyway, if shopping, Zurich is about beautiful boutiques and a very traditional Christmas market...which meant I had to get a pretzel dog, which almost meant I missed my plane. I couldn't believe it, but luckily a double-decker train in Switzerland was actually running a few minutes late!

Want it.

The Christmas bazaar was pretty much London's Winter Wonderland without carousels and with better food.

Every street, every restaurant, every tram...was so cute it was hard to look away. The trams in particular caught my attention. The windows were so clean, it was like they were brand new. I just want to show an image I took of the tram in Kiev last year and compare. It's just evil how some governments steal from their own people and convince them - this is ok...meanwhile probably shopping in Zurich. Near same sight was in Belgrade...which I will cover for Zoot magazine.

tram in Kiev

tram in Zurich

I won't claim to have been able to form an informed opinion of the city in two hours, but I got the impression it's a great place to come for the weekend...to shop, witness how clean and beautiful a metropolis should be and dine out in style.

Although I was recommended lunch at the Hiltl and drinks at Prime by a facebook freind, I didn't have any time for anything but to take pictures. Therefore, enjoy my mini image travel diary...

Street Style: Still Obsessing Over Python

2011-12-16T04:29:00.000-08:00

Jean-Pierre Braganza Sample Sale & Christmas Drinks

2011-12-13T08:42:00.000-08:00

Streetstylers Who March to the Beat of Their Own Drum

2011-12-06T13:17:00.001-08:00

There's a Naked Dress, and then there's THE Naked Dress...

Iconic: Daniel Ismore

If you could see the whole outfit you'd have a seizure

No, they're not begging for food, they're in line to see a London Fashion Week show...well maybe the one standing next to "Harry Potter" is...

10 Top Tips for Fashion/Lifestyle Reporting

2011-11-28T06:59:00.001-08:00

Georgia Hardinge London Fashion Week Show

As promised here are the tips I gave to the students in my recent lecture at Lincoln University. Now that a couple of articles came out mentioning that all I talked about was Twitter, there's even more reason to hurry up and clarify. Speaking of which, had my opinion on the usefulness of Twitter for young journos not been challenged by my co-lecturer...in many many many words, I wouldn't have had any reason to defend my opinion. Anyway, the story has a good ending because after the lecture (turned presidential debate) has become all about Twitter, Lincoln decided to bring me back for a talk on the importance of social media for journalists.

These are my notes on 10 Top Tips for Fashion/Lifestyle Reporting. Feel free to add yours in comments below. I stress "lifestyle" because the same tips can be applied to automotive/food/music/travel/film etc journalism. I'm going to add anything else I think of to the notes also.

#1 Religiously read your journalistic idols and top fashion critics. French Vogue, Italian Vogue, Godfrey Deeny, Diane Pernet, Suzi Menkes, Hilary Alexander as well as young talent like Suzie Bubble, Bryan Boy, The Sartorialist - Scott Shulman and young Tavi Gevinson. The likes of Tavi and Suzie are a good example of keeping up with the times and using new platforms available to us to build your own success.

#2 Be up-to-minute on all fashion news. Even if you don’t want to tweet, you don't have to, simply follow those in fashion in order to be up to speed on everything. You can even get an SMS to your phone from someone whose tweets you want to keep close tabs on. For example @CutBlog. And you should obviously follow me ;) @So_BFM Here are some other examples of tweeters you should follow: @NYTimesFashion @NYTimesStyle @VogueMagazine @Vogue_Londn @Vogue_Italia @VogueParis @WMag @BAZAAR_UK @HarpersBazaarUS @TheGQStyle @MarieClaire @ElleUK @AnOtherMagazine @iD_magazine @DVF @Burberry @topmanUK @EmilioPucci @RachelZoe @ASVOF @JakandJilBlog @HilaryAlexander

#3 Invest in a good camera. You never know who/what you can catch a shot of for your story. And you will need it for your blog. Afterall fashion reporting isn’t necessarily writing these days. Just look at LOVE magazine and Yvan Rodic - who made a jet setting career out of shooting street style photography.

#4 Which brings me to the next tip - have a stylish blog. Blogger (which I use) is not great on design. Go for Wordpress or do some research on the platform best suited to your needs. Blogging is a good way to find out what people are interested in reading about, if you get a lot of hits - obviously you're hitting the spot. It's also just great to practice your skills - the more you write the better you become. Having an outlet for your creativity that doesn’t get edited is essential for getting to know your writing style. You can also use your blog as an online resume - show your range, when an editor asks you to read your writing...you can always send a link. Lastly, and I think this is brilliant - if you want to write about something specific for a specific publication, do it on a blog first - show the editor exactly what you mean to do for them and don't forget to promote it to show how popular the topic is. Offer syndication of your blog to other fashion blogs/sites from other countries.

#5 Study who is who. When networking at events you need to know who to speak to. Add them on facebook, follow them on twitter, I also add their pictures into my phone’s address book to know what my contacts look like in case I run into them. You should know if someone standing by the bar is a big designer, an up and coming PR star or a famous reporter. Connections are great not only for hitting people up for a job, but also to get some advice. People love giving advice. Case in point.

#6 Again, brings me to my next point. Get good at networking. Seek out fashion events on FashionMonitor.com etc, sign up to mailing lists to fashionable venues. Find fashion PR’s and e-mail them to be on their press lists for news and events (Karla Otto, Relative MO, Finch & Partners, Starworks, Blow, Snow PR, Felicites). Be friendly with everyone including interns, blog about their clients, if you have something to give them (like invitations) do it. Re-tweet their tweets. Social media is extremely popular in the fashion industry – add everyone from hair & make up people to the top brands and critics, then stay on their radar with your updates. Make yourself known, use it to build the brand of "you".

#7 Be aware of new opportunities. For instance at the moment fashion film is becoming bigger and bigger. Fashion film writing probably has more opportunities than just fashion writing right now. Check out ShowStudio.com / ASVOFF.comThink of something new. Blogging was a novelty. Street style was a novelty. It allowed people who pioneered to reach the top quickly. Think of a niche. Personally I'm a big advocate of eco fashion. Something I discovered recently, which is threatening to make bloggers obsolete, is "Haulers": girls posting YouTube videos about what they bought, style and make up tips etc. It's becoming extremely popular in the states, these ladies get lots of sponsorship opportunities.

#8 Be aware of what you’re writing and tweeting until you make it to the top. If you upset the wrong brand you can find yourself on the outside. For example if you write for a Conde Nast publication, you better not criticise one of their advertisers. Not even on your blog, even if it's in another language. Depending on who you write for in this industry it’s not all about saying what's on your mind. If you’re lucky enough to write for Vice – they welcome “piss taking”. If you ever want to write for Vogue – say something nice or don’t say anything at all is the best policy, until you’re an established critic, then obviously, all bets are off. A bit of a catch 22, since you need to be able to critique to become a critic. But you can always start with critiquing the things you like. A friend of mine wrote something about a certain brand on her Swedish blog...it wasn't actually negative, but when she was getting an internship in a fashion PR firm, they almost didn't hire her because they thought she wrote something bad about one of their brands.

#9 Don’t forget about opportunities with foreign publications that write in English – Vogue India, South African Elle, Australian W etc. You can also offer writing for their blogs. If you're bi-lingual, look into reporting in that language for publications in your home country...they're often interested in London correspondents.

#10 Stay positive. Fashion/lifestyle journalism is highly competitive, but if you know you're talented or/and innovative - chances are you'll be a success. I used walk by Vogue House in London and think it could never be, but after a lot of networking my relentless determination helped me find my way in. I personally think journalism is one of the best career paths around. It allows you to influence masses, as well as live your life at full speed by attending events which shape history...or simply enrich your own existence. Influence in a positive way...fashion, for instance, is beauty and that's something positive, but there's a lot more that can be done to improve the industry's impact on society.

Special Event at Dover Street Market

2011-11-27T04:51:00.001-08:00

Fashion, art and film lovers...make your way down to DSM on November 30th. Book signings, screenings, discounts, perfume launches, personalities like Emma Hawkins...and after all that, glass of something fizzy from 5 to 7pm. Shopaholics can also enjoy the arrival of pre collections from Celine, Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Christopher Kane, Erdem, Lanvin and Peter Pilotto.

Early Selfridges Sale

2011-11-25T07:16:00.001-08:00

Tata Naka Sample Sale

2011-11-23T07:17:00.001-08:00

Complimentary Cocktails & Manicures Anyone?

2011-11-23T04:19:00.001-08:00

"You had me at Hotel Chocolat" said my friend, Jennifer Mitzkus, fashion publicist from LA, when I asked her if she wanted to check out this event... To celebrate the launch of their holiday party and Christmas collections GUESS are having an exclusive party at their Regent Street store complete with complimentary Chase Vodka Cosmopolitans, hairstyling tips from Cloud Nine, free manicures, indulgent delights from Hotel Chocolat and much more. The in-store extravaganza will go on for three days and will take place on Friday 25th through Sunday 27th November 2011 from 10am-5pm each day. DJs will be spinning tracks and top fashion will also be on hand to advise how to wear the up-to-the-minute styles and trends and how to jazz up your party outfit with must have accessories. The store is located at 162-168 Regent Street, London.GUESS Regent Street will also offer 30% off purchases when you join their mailing list on those dates.

Mulberry Sample Sale

2011-11-22T05:58:00.001-08:00

Streetstyle Cliques

2011-11-17T16:11:00.001-08:00

The collaboration of Versace for H&M is a beautiful friendship. I got to stand in line with my best friend today, which brought about a day full of thoughts about bonds that we make...

A Date for Your Diary: 11.11.11 The One Day Festival

2011-11-03T02:30:00.000-07:00

More info/tickets: www.theoneday.co.uk

DVF Sample Sale

2011-10-29T01:09:00.001-07:00

Intergalactic London Fashion Week Street Style Trend

2011-10-19T15:49:00.000-07:00

Fashion Week Fido

2011-10-18T08:06:00.000-07:00

If last season the most coveted accessory at Fashion Week was babies, this season it was dogs. Check out these fashionable pooches and their stylish owners, starting with The Stylist Dog, who tweeted all through the week...

Celebrities at London Fashion Week

2011-10-17T04:51:00.000-07:00

Nicola Roberts

Richard E. Grant

Olivia Palermo

Tallulah Harlech

Eliza Doolittle

Ana Araujo

Danii Minogue

Kate Moss

London Fashion Week Highlights

2011-10-08T16:59:00.000-07:00

The most clinical show of the season award goes to Jasper Conran. With his clean cuts, flats and see-through bags Conran show was a memorable one.


Holly Fulton suggestive bikini

Paul Smith the happiest man in fashion

dark and captivating Francesca Marotta presentation

tangerine dreams at Mark Fast

so Shoreditch

Ada Zanditon sustainable dress

New York New York party at The Box

Meadham Kirchhoff dancing Courtneys'

Meadham Kirchhoff little ballerinas

overexposed street style

I photographed this androgynous girl, who has clearly wondered into Somerset House not on purpose...and wish I got her information, she would have been my discovery.

Georgia Hardinge show had the most memorable "cubed" hair, as well as gorgeous architectural dresses and a touch of glam.

Aquascutum Presentation

Ahhh menswear day...

eco fashion by Christopher Raeburn

recycled fashion pioneers Junky Styling preparing for the Olympics

Wind

Jordan Askill presentation

Street Style to Knock Your Socks Off

2011-09-30T08:14:00.001-07:00

Dedicated to a beautiful writer who can appreciate the heck out of a striking pair of socks...

Sass Kissing

2011-09-24T16:46:00.000-07:00

My season started with attending a couple of events the night before. The Shop at Bluebird where we ran into the girl with the biggest smile - Lizzie Jagger, wearing NAHM...and my latexy twitter friend, artist Pandemonia.

We then headed East to Mari Sarai's exhibition Naked. After which...while waiting for Addison Lee...we entountered something of a unicorn: a truly free meal! A lovely Indian shop keeper must have noticed our hungry eyes and offered us some of his delicious curry. Whoever said there's no such thing as a free meal - was wrong.

Nicola Roberts leaving Bora Aksu SS12 Show at Somerset House

In the morning celebrities started arriving and Boris Johnson opened London Fashion Week. I decided I'm definitely voting for him. Actually it's because of the bikes. OK, it's because he follows me on twitter.

Corrie Nielsen's show - a newcomer whom I spotted last season, was all designer Jeffrey Michael and make-up artist Oscar Alexander talked about.

Pictured: Jena.Theo SS12 Show

I enjoyed the relaxed, sexy and comfortable Jena.Theo and the ever mesmerizing Maria Grachvogel...but the highlight of the day for me was Sass & Bide.

Last show of the day for us were the wonderful Basso & Brooke. The duo showcased yet another collection of unforgettable prints and drew in a memorable crowd of their own...

stylist Leo Belicha and model Ana Araujo

This season I was also shooting some street style for Vogue Italia...so please enjoy my daily picks at the end of every post...

Fashion Weak: Let’s Start With the Bitching…

2011-09-24T02:17:00.000-07:00

Just Because it’s free doesn’t mean you should stick it in your mouth…or on your face for that matter. All week I have been avoiding street stylers with annoying funny shaped eyelashes which they acquired at the designer exhibitions. Like everyone else I applaud novelty and like everyone else I love a freebie, but does anyone actually think they look good?! It was hard enough to pick the right looks from anti-establishment London Fashion Week crowd for Vogue Italia, without that occasional “right look” ruining it with something weird. Not all novelty ideas are good ideas.

This season I also avoided free drinks. While immensely appreciated at night-time events, completely unnecessary at 9am especially on an empty, fashion week stomach. Assuming most people who attend fashion week are actually working and need to be on the ball, energetic and healthy, would it hurt someone to serve some organic OJ? Where is Crussh sponsorship when you need it?

While I’m on the topic of necessary improvements…last season I wrote a note to BFC asking to make the press room bigger to allow us to get to work without having to stand in line for half an hour, wasting precious minutes. Instead the press room this season was smaller and now also lunch-less. Take care of your journalists please…we need our energy and time.

Also isn’t there a better way to organise the press bus? For instance, provide us with a schedule/locations/contact or at least a twitter page to follow?

Lastly, please, no more sharp metal invitations. Our blood is on your hands Sass&Bide. Well technically it’s on ours. However, you’re forgiven because your show finally woke me up! And I rarely use exclamation points. Expect proper Sass Kissing review in a later post.

OK, I guess I wasn’t done. People, bitching about the shows being unorganised every season is getting old. Yes, it’s nice to have our names on the seats and strategic PR’s placing us next to publications we have something in common with (Vivienne Westwood show). But, at the end of the day, some of us will fail to show up…so there will always be some re-arranging, queuing and last minute madness and it always works out in the end.

Finally…what’s the big deal with trying to get backstage? Some of us need to interview the designer right away, true…but most just want to hang out. Let me tell you a secret, there’s nothing exciting back there…except maybe an occasional sandwich that’s been touched by god knows how many unwashed busy fashion week hands. It’s very annoying for everyone who’s working and there’s far more exciting stuff at the exhibitions…for instance Estetica. Which is a must.

My Top 3 Street Style Picks: London Fashion Week - Day 6

2011-09-23T05:42:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered "who is that?" during Fashion Week? Winkball is a great place to check out street style in video and get to know fashion week faces you may have been curious about. As well as peoples own commentary on other events. Here are my daily top 3 of day 6. Check out more street style of day 6, otherwise known as menswear day or highlights and answers to questions like "What do you love about British fashion?"

Fellow dorkishness detected. Instantly charmed. I like his accessories. GQ men have the best accessories.

Modestly self-described as "Marsha, I Have Blue Hair". Is actually a familiar fashion week face. Masha (no "r") Mombelli is a talented stylist who works with top publications and has been styling London Fashion Week shows for the last two seasons. This time around she did a knockout job for Belle Sauvage. I love that she is wearing a boys jumpsuit, I'm a fan of shopping in the mens' department myself...the clothes are so much more comfortable and can be quite sexy if worn correctly.

My final choice is this dapper gentleman. As my highly photographed friend Alistair Guy says: "There's something about a man in a three piece suit". I like that he's supporting a young Mayfair tailoring duo Thom Sweeney. Someday someone will make me a tailored suit...

More street style videos from day 6 here

My Top 3 Street Style Picks: London Fashion Week - Day 5

2011-09-22T15:47:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered "Who IS that?" during London Fashion Week? Winkball is the destination to check out street style videos and get to know fashion week personalities you may have been curious about. As well as peoples own commentary on other events. Here are my daily top 3 of day 5. Check out more street style of day 5, or highlights and answers to questions like "Who's your favourite designer?"

Yu Masui never fails to wear the latest trend. Therefore I wasn't surprised...rather...pleased, to see him in a flowing jade skirt on the first day of London Fashion Week, which of course was the trend menswear designers were showing for this season...skirts. Check out what he's wearing now.

Recently I was wearing a lot of black, while obsessing over canary yellow. Funnily enough it was a trending colour in street style this season.

I love her simple yet elegant and exciting look, as well as the fact that she likes ethical designers.

More street style videos from day 5 here

My Top 3 Street Style Picks: London Fashion Week - Day 4

2011-09-21T02:52:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered "Who IS who?" during London Fashion Week? Winkball is the destination to check out street style videos and get to know fashion week personalities you may have been curious about. As well as peoples own commentary on other events. Here are my daily top 3 of day 4. Check out more street style of day 5, or highlights and answers to questions like "What do you love about UK fashion?"

Daniel Ismore gets my vote because he knows how to stand out. Even when I was wearing a lit up bra at Spindle Magazine party last season, he managed to steal my thunder. I'm secretly grateful to him for that. It's really interesting to hear what he's wearing.

I wish I had run into her because I would have definitely shot her for Vogue Italia. Such a cute outfit AND it's re-cycled!

So much to love about Princess Julia...the name, the hat, the vintage...the fact that she's also in music like me, and nicks clothes from her mom and grandma...like me :)

More street style from day 4 here

Photo of the Day

2011-09-20T16:28:00.000-07:00

Model almost bites it at Meadham Kirchhoff

My Top 3 Street Style Picks: London Fashion Week - Day 3

2011-09-20T03:36:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered "Who IS that?" during London Fashion Week? Winkball is the destination to check out street style videos and get to know fashion week personalities you may have been curious about. As well as peoples own commentary on other events. Here are my daily top 3 of day 3. Check out more street style of day 3, or highlights and answers to questions like "What do you love about UK fashion?"

I always wanted to know what Diane Pernet is wearing.

I'm going to get this for me and my friends...so we don't loose each other when we're out.

J'adore! ;) I love wearing black too, but she's really got it down with her hair. I really want to dye mine red also, but no stylist will let me. I love how she has a colour accent at the top and at the bottom of her look.

More day 3 street style here

My Top 3 Street Style Picks: London Fashion Week - Day 2

2011-09-19T02:53:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered "who is that?" during Fashion Week? Winkball is a great place to check out street style in video and get to know fashion week faces you may have been curious about. As well as peoples own commentary on other events. Here are my daily top 3 of day 2. Check out more street style of day 2, or highlights and answers to questions like "What do you love about British fashion?"

Well this one's just worth a look at AND a listen to. Very sweet and funny AND makes her own clothes. That's the way forward...make your own, re-cycle, re-use. Her style is obviously very individual and that's always cool.

I've been meaning to shoot her...maybe today. She's got a fantastic sense of style and she's a fellow street style snapper.

I love her grandma bag! Looks 1000 times better than Celine. I shot her two days in a row for Vogue Italia because she's got a very adventurous look and I love what she says about being able to throw on whatever you want in London.

More street style from day 2 here

Photo of the Day

2011-09-18T15:59:00.001-07:00

My Top 3 Street Style Picks: London Fashion Week - Day 1

2011-09-18T14:48:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered "who is that?" during Fashion Week? Winkball is a great place to check out street style in video and get to know fashion week faces you may have been curious about. As well as peoples own commentary on other events. Here are my daily top 3 of day 1. Check out more street style of day 1, or highlights and answers to questions like "Who's your favourite designer?"

I love Paloma's style, she has fun with her fashion. The flowers and birds communicate happiness, just like Winkball and it's always great to see a lot of colour.

I chose this stylista because I also shot her for Vogue Italia, she's a fellow blogger, a fellow lover of cheap and chic, and a fellow fan of black. Also anyone who recycles clothes by buying vintage...gets my vote. I noticed her on the street because of her beautiful velvet shorts with pretty lace. She's the proof that you can make it into Vogue Italia without spending a fortune. You go girl!

How cool is this lady? The vintage, the tattoo's, the Primani, the tissues, the accent...the opinions! Awesome.

More street style videos from day 1 here

Check Out Winkball for My Top 3 Street Style Picks

2011-09-18T04:03:00.000-07:00

Erin O'Connor's Model Sanctuary

2011-09-15T11:10:00.000-07:00

First event I wanted to cover for Vogue Italia and we arrive after it's over. I wasn't exactly told what time it finishes, but in any case it was a worthwhile visit. Erin graciously showed us around and presented us with extraordinary goodie bags containing everything from creams, vitamins and other treats from Weleda, Pukka, Sarah Chapman, M&S, Bach, Caudalie, 4711 and Bliss. She then showed us around the space she created with the help of professional and student volunteers. Model Sanctuary is a venue for models to escape from the stress of London Fashion Week, where they can get a massage, catch some z's, get some exercise, eat some healthy organic food from Crussh, talk to a life coach, see an osteopath, get a facial, or even just read a book.

Fashion Week Hair & Champagne

2011-09-13T02:34:00.000-07:00

Head to Selfridges London on 15 September to discover an exciting new British haircare range direct from the creators. Paul Percival and Adam Reed are known in the beauty industry as the dream hair duo. One works backstage at fashion week, while the other works behind the scenes on music videos. Along with Grazia’s beauty director Liz Hambleton, Paul and Adam will take you through the hottest hair trends and demonstrate how to use the new Percy & Reed range to get the best results at home, all while you sip on champagne. You also have the opportunity to have a one-on-one consultation with either Paul, Adam or a member of the Percy & Reed senior styling team. Join them at Gordons Bar on 2 Floor between 6.30-8.30pm. Tickets cost £10, which is redeemable against any purchase on the night and if you spend over £45 you’ll receive a free Travel Pack worth £24. Call 0207 637 4634 to secure your place. More info

We Say "Hell No H2O" as Champagne Flows at #FNO

2011-08-25T15:43:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of chameleonvisual.blogspot.com

Disclaimer: With the next upcoming Fashion's Night Out and since the re-launch of Finch's Quarterly Review (who published my coverage originally) minus archived articles, I'm re-posting my previous FNO coverage...

photo courtesy of BoyMeetsFashion.com

259 stores in central London put on alluring shopping events for VIP’s and general public during Vogue Fashion’s Night Out. This general public of ours included celebrities, paparazzi, and fashion designers as well as the elite fashion media who flooded the streets while the rain, thankfully, did not.

The party kicked off at Armani where Alexandra Shulman and Giorgio Armani hosted a star studded night attended by the likes of Claudia Schiffer, Jacquetta Wheeler, Natalia Vodianova, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Olga Kurylenko, Amber le Bon, and Vogue’s stylist Bay Garnett.

Louis Vuitton was not far behind with paparazzi flashes galore as Alice Dellal and Thandie Newton made their entrance.

On our way to interview the trendy Tata Naka duo we were distracted by the loud drum noise at Matthew Williamson and paparazzi flashes as Sophie Ellis Bextor was leaving her DJ post of Juicy Couture. Pixie Lott and Daisy Lowe also attended the soiree and were spotted posing for pictures with the Juicy boys.

Next door Stella McCartney boutique was graced by the presence of her friend Gwyneth Paltrow and ended up being so crowded most of the attendees had to soiree outside.

Elsewhere Vidal Sassoon, Lily Allen and Peter Pilotto were doing their FNOing at Selfridges, while at Harvey Nichols, Christopher Kane, Erdem, Jonathan Saunders, Marios Schwab and Markus Lupfer were customizing FNO bags and tees for the excited shoppers. Meanwhile Liberty impressed it’s guests with the Christian Louboutin hosted “Mad Hatter's Tea Party” surrounding cake in the shape of a pair of stripy legs in fabulous Louboutin’s.

Daisy Lowe at Biba

Over at 33 Bruton Place Tata Naka pop up shop shimmered at it’s opening with Russian Mardi-Gras inspired décor and created party atmosphere with a goodie filled piñatas and a surprise DJ. The talented Georgian-born identical twins, Tamara and Natasha Surguladze went all out as they celebrated their 10 year anniversary with Imperial Caviar pancake stand and premium Patron tequila. As a special treat the event included a couture bar where dresses were ordered by the guests for custom creation in a signature archive print.

We spoke to the pair about their collection.

Finch’s Quarterly Review: What is the theme for the collection you’re presenting tonight?

TN: The theme is 90’s grunge versus glamour. We liked that in the 90’s there was a drastic grunge movement and on the same decade there was over the top glamour. For example the glamorous leopard print used on a sweat shirt or the denim dresses made with silk.

FQR: You seem to enjoy mixing it up – glamour and grunge, caviar and tequila, matreshka dolls and piñatas…

TN: Because there’s two of us there’s always a contrast of what inspires us at the time. One of us might want jewellery print and another leopard, so we use both.

FQR: Being Georgian, do you draw inspiration from your roots?

TN: Yes, we always add something soviet to our collections.

FQR: What are your plans for the future of the line?

TN: We’re doing a show on the 20th of September and we haven’t shown in London for 3 years, so since it’s our 10 year anniversary it’s going to be a big one.

We also managed to snag Ahlya Fateh for a quick interview who is currently the Managing Director of Tata Naka, and was previously the managing editor of Tatler magazine.

FQR: What’s the collection shown during London Fashion Week going to be like?

AF: Our collection can be summed up by the phrase: “Indian aristocrat meets English eccentric”. We’re always going to show something with that signature Tata Naka quirkiness, humour, and femininity. Also what’s interesting is that we’ve revived the “stolen memories” line which symbolises two strength coming together.

FQR: What are your plans for the collection?

AF: Global domination of course! The main goal is to get a solid retail base in the UK and US. We are very popular in the Far East, Middle East and Europe at the moment.

On our way to Dover Street we ran into stunning Vogue’s fashion features writer Sarah Harris, hurrying down New Bond St to catch the last of the action. Time really does fly when you’re having fun.

Over at Wright & Teague we stepped into a red and gold cocktail party where guests marvelled at the new Nuba collection while sipping peach and raspberry bellinis’ and got their nails done by the the Nuba nail artist Rose Fairman. We interviewed one of the designers, Sheila Teague about their work.

FQR: What do you think of the FNO event?

ST: It’s great, I think it’s fantastic that everyone from global brands to small designers are participating and it’s been really fun and really successful.

FQR: Tell us a little bit about your collection.

ST: The Nuba collection is influenced by Africa, and it’s symbolism and imagery in African art, and by it’s indigenous people who use dashes and dots and other tribal markings on their bodies to celebrate rights of passage and other important moments. Every piece in our collection has a meaning, we’re really interested in symbolism, imagery, and techniques that’s been used in jewellery making for thousands of years. We’re very much hands in the sense of making everything ourselves. The idea of gold and red is – gold is of the earth, and red is the colour of blood and joy, as well as renewal and re-birth.

FQR: Do you make sustainable jewellery?

ST: At least 25% of all gold is made from re-made or re-cycled jewellery, whether it’s old gold or something that’s been used in medicine. Long before anyone’s been interested in sustainability gold has been a renewable material.

FQR: How do your clients know the meaning behind the piece they’re buying?

ST: Anyone they seek assistance from at the store will explain the full story and meaning behind each piece they may be interested in.

FQR: What are you thinking about right now when considering your next collection?

ST: Quality over quantity. I think we’ve become a desperate society, without any real concern of repercussions. Like how many children have gone without dinner as a result of my purchase. Luxury has become such an overused word, and we have lost the sight of real luxuries like time, love, and effort.

Back on Bond Street, way past 9pm (when the event was supposed to be over) the street was alive with stylish shoppers and fashion industry cocktails in hand. Joseph was offering professional photography, Nicole Farhi delectable crepes, and Asprey sparked with stylish attendees way past our bed time.

Your Francesca Marotta Debut Invitation

2011-08-25T07:37:00.000-07:00

Keys...Wallet...Hand-Cuffz

2011-08-18T11:54:00.000-07:00

The ultimate conversation starter accessory Cuffz by Linz is offering Frolic 72 readers a 20% discount on Fergie's favourite. Enter discount code: CUFFZluvsFrolic72 (case sensitive) HERE

Summer Hair Half Price

2011-08-17T01:09:00.000-07:00

For the summer period (until the 31st August) a cute, central salon Percy & Reed are offering a full head of highlights for the price of half from Monday to Wednesday. Please quote "HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS" when booking your appointment. If you're coming back from holiday and your hair looks tired and needs a boost Percy & Reed are offering a free Shu Uemura recovery mask when you get a hair cut. Located at 157c Great Portland Street, London W1W 6QS (0207) 637-4634

The Color Purple, Shunned Trends & LOL

2011-07-29T11:12:00.000-07:00

Sibling

London style has finally reached such rebellion that we’re purposely trying to do everything in reverse. This has been particularly obvious in menswear supposed to be worn this summer. So listen up boys, it's time to refuse trends, borrow clothes from your girlfriend for a change and basically make fun of fashion while sporting a straight face.

Accessories are the key through which minimum spending results in maximum style. Following pieces may be more of an investment, but they will pay for themselves in compliments and connections made through these ultimate conversation starters. Lit-up shoes and glasses by Jeffrey Michael Design, a favorite of Daniel Beningfield.

And how about Marwood, a collection of re-invented vintage neckties and bowties. Not only are they precious and very distinctive but also take recycling to a whole new level and are predominantly British-made.

Of course when suiting up, custom is the only way. For inspiration watch a video of Oswald Boateng’s 25th anniversary Spring/Summer 2011 show and head to Savile Row, bearing in mind the key color this season is purple.

If your speed is looking like a million bucks without spending it, check out what’s heating up across the pond. I found an amazing brand called Dorsia, which is sold in hot US department stores like Nordstrom but can be easily bought in UK online at www.karmaloop.com

I for one love sporting menswear and prefer to give my money to young brands whose growth I support. O.K., I admit Dorsia also has the hottest designer I’ve ever seen. Just look at Andrei Savtchenko, the man could sell me tattered trash bags if he wanted to. But Dorsia sells it self with its perfect threesome of Italian tailoring, American prep and French chic. It’s no wonder playboy Brodie Jenner and rock star Gavin Rossdale are obsessed with the line’s subtle design details and sexy classic cuts.

Look into sustainable fashion for inspiration. The hype is catching on fast and you want to be a leader not a follower, as well as part of the solution not part of the problem. Flowers, layers and general hippie looks were shown at the most anticipated menswear show during London Fashion Week - Topman. Wear relaxed robe-like blazers and double breasted jackets a la Omar Kashoura and E. Tautz for an old-fashioned gentleman look this season.

Invest in a skirt and seek inspiration from J.W. Anderson’s collection inspired by menswear for women and womenswear for men. If you can find it, gold lamé should also go on your “investment pieces” list as MAN and Pam Hogg intended it. Borrow style tips from your favorite superheroes and wear long capes and eccentric head-gear as NEWGEN designers suggest. Bright colors and light fabrics will stay strong through fall, designers like Katie Eary, KTZ and Cassette Playa are predicting a globally warm winter, so don’t rush to store them away.

Say “no” to marketing schemes created to make you want to own another seasonal must-have. London Fashion Week is boycotting trends, get ahead of the game and do what you want with your fashion. Designers are throwing a challenge to sour faced fashion victims by showing extremely humorous collections like Ashish and Sibling, as if trying to crack a front row smile. Wear jumpers with funny quotes and humorous hats. And if you still seek trends...Fresh Prince of Bel Air is back on air and back in style.

Alexander McQueen Sale Ends Today

2011-07-29T08:01:00.000-07:00

Forget Summer Sales, Here are the Sample Sales

2011-07-01T04:15:00.000-07:00

Photo: www.dvaladze-roman.com

Meadham Kirchhoff, Marios Schwab and Clements Ribeiro
Discounted ready-to-wear and accessories
Today (July 1st), noon-9 p.m.
23-25 Arcola St., unit e, flat b, E8 2D

Maria Grachvogel
Up to 70% off clothing and accessories
Today & Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
162 Sloane St., SW1X 9BS

Browns Bride
Up to 70% off bridal dresses and accessories by designers Oscar de la Renta, Monique Lhuillier, Elizabeth Fillmore & more
Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
12 Hinde St., W1U 3BE (020 7514 0056)

Matthew Williamson
Discounted ready-to-wear, clothing and accessories
22 July. Fri., 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
The Music Room, 26 S. Molton Ln., W1K 5AB

Paul Smith Sale

2011-06-30T09:16:00.000-07:00

Royal Pains – Where’s the Heir and the Spare?

2011-06-28T12:36:00.000-07:00

Text by contributor Vivian Kelly, The Fashion Examiner

Last night, I did something embarrassing, After the Gym, I dropped into Stop&Shop to buy egg whites [still following those Dukan Diet menus] and left with the Globe. I ate the $3.79 price for the Fleet Street style rag because the cover moved me. “William’s Wife Snaps! Kate: ‘Now I know how Diana felt’. For the Globe, the article was surprisingly thorough. The spread [p. 34-5] did a nice job comparing and contrasting the two Royal Brides’ respective experiences in the Royal pressure cooker.

In 1995, years after her glittering 1981 wedding, Diana famously ripped the façade off about her “perfect life” and told all to BBC’s Martin Bashir on the Nov. 20 edition of its critically acclaimed news show Panorama. The interview shocked the world. In it, Diana talked about her struggles and unhappiness, including: depression, bulimia, and multiple suicide attempts, and her affair. The interview marked her emancipation from the Royal Family, but she only got to enjoy her freedom for two years. After a night of clubbing, she and her boyfriend, Dodi Al Fayed were killed in the collision in a tunnel under the Place de l’Alma in Paris. According to an article in BBC.com, ”The princess’ Mercedes car was apparently being pursued at high speed by photographers on motorbikes when it hit a pillar and smashed into a wall.”

Back to the present. In a way, Kate’s got it worse, as she’s nearly 30 and that old biological clock has started ticking away. The Globe piece makes mention of “her staggering weight loss that has sparked fears she is anorexic. She down to a shocking 98 lbs.” Time to add a few carbs to the Dukan diet, Kate.

The obsession with producing a boy child was one of the central topics in the wildly successful ‘The Tudors’ Showtime TV series. King Henry went as far as acknowledging one of his mistresses’ sons, giving him the title of Duke and installing him in a gorgeous country castle. It was hard not to be moved by his pain when the adorable boy died of the plague at age five. Henry even had the love of his life, Ann Boleyn executed because she couldn’t deliver a boy. Even Kings don’t get everything they want and Henry finally settled on Elizabeth as his heir, treating her better than anyone else, and rather like a boy.

Maybe some of you can’t bring yourselves to empathize, but consider this, “the heir and a spare” syndrome is one many women who are not Royals also face. In fact, not producing them can be a deal breaker in a marriage. Some women [myself] produced the heir and spare, but they were girls. Many non-Royals consider their families dynasties of sorts and openly admit to “trying until I get the boy’, some even resorting to years of agonizing fertility treatments.

Unfortunately, The Globe isn’t yet giving it away, hence no Internet link I can share with you. I hope next time I read about Kate she’ll have put on a few pounds, and that the Royal Handlers will let her live a little. Shame on them for not letting her a little fun on her recent trip to Hollywood. Better still, they should allow Kate and sissi Pippa go on a weeklong good will tour of the USA, hitting the major Cities: NY, LA, Chicago, D.C. Now THAT would be a real crowd-pleaser and do great things for the Royal Image.

Coco de Mer Summer Sale

2011-06-24T03:14:00.000-07:00

My favourite sex shop (actually...erotic luxury boutique) is doing their annual summer sale with discounts of up to 50%. Get your hot little hands on Stella McCartney, Mimi Holliday, Lascivious, and Princesse Tam Tam for a steal. Shop online, or come into their stores for even more discounts. Coco de Mer in Covent Garden is right next to possibly the best coffee shop on the planet - Monmouth, so you can kill two birds with one stone. Personally I like to visit it just to browse...it's like a mini museum which makes you excited rather than tired after you leave.

Alexander McQueen Sale

2011-06-23T09:44:00.000-07:00

Mulberry Sale Starts

2011-06-17T04:04:00.000-07:00

Ralph Lauren Summer Sale

2011-06-16T07:49:00.000-07:00

2011-06-09T09:57:00.000-07:00

Dover Street Market Spring Summer 2011 Sale starts at 11.00am on Saturday 11th June. Now open on Sundays.

2011-06-08T03:24:00.001-07:00

2011-06-02T08:19:00.000-07:00

Royal Wedding Dress - Our Choice

2011-04-28T16:25:00.000-07:00

This traditional and fairytale-like gown is by Barcelona brand Pronovias, which has designed three wedding gowns inspired by Catherine Middleton. “I loved the idea of envisaging and designing three dresses for the future Princess of England to wear” says Manuel Mota, creative director. The most outstanding feature of the pictured gown is the suggestive elegant play on sheer fabrics and layering. Several layers of embroidered tulle flow from the Empire waistline of this fourreau gown made of Chantilly lace. The entire ensemble is embroidered with micro-spangles and crystals, giving it plenty of sparkle, particularly around the neckline, sleeves and hem of the gown. A four-metre long silk tulle veil finished with Chantilly lace makes this ensemble the utmost in elegance and romanticism. Congratulations to the happy couple and we can't wait to see what Kate chooses to wear.

Kiev Fashion Days & Nights

2011-04-27T15:25:00.000-07:00

L.P. by Poustovit

If you’re in fashion your destination twice a year is about to become Kiev. Like it or not one of the worlds most overlooked cities has launched an international style event so diverse and powerful it already attracted the likes of Godfrey Deeny, Vogue Italia and Alena Doletskaya.

Kiev Fashion Days or KFD, is not Ukrainian Fashion Week, it was created as a platform for fresh faces from all over the globe. However, being based in Kiev, nurturing the potential of young Ukrainian talent is naturally important to the organisers.

KFD has the look of world's top fashion weeks with beautifully produced catwalk shows, exhibitions and events. But what makes it a “must” for me is the workshops. Lectures by fashion legends like Godfrey Deeny of Fashion Wire Daily and Alena Doletskaya (editor of Vogue Russia for 20 years), as well as current hot property Yvan “Facehunter” Rodic and Elisa Bellini of Vogue Italia established KFD as a force to be reckoned with.

Velar

Photo-projects and exhibitions by the likes of TOP 10, LomoFest and visually stunning off-schedule installation with big poem boards by Velar jewelry, made the event the most diverse to date. KFD organizers are of a certain layer of Ukrainian fashion scene, they avoid East-European clichés and focus on cutting edge fashion from all over the world. “Our main goal is to educate, provide an outlet for expression and self-realization for the new generation of talent in the areas of fashion, photography, art and journalism,” says Daria Shapovalova, the host of KFD and presenter of Fashion Week with Daria Shapovalova, the most popular and respected fashion themed TV show on Ukrainian and Russian television. She then added “KFD was created as an event where young designers from all over the world have a chance to be inspired by each other and expose their work to international press”.

The old military factory of Mystetskyi Arsenal, where my grandfather happened to work for 20 years, provided a beautiful space which could easily compete with major fashion weeks, but was mainly appreciated for the simple fact that there was no need to hustle between shows in the rain-slash-snow that hit Kiev in the first two days of the event. Once I had a moment to absorb just how much this building has lived through, it made me slightly overwhelmed. I felt honoured to be reporting from here, a place with history so close to my own, now home to one of the most influential, positive and progressive events for Kiev. This city, although it endured a lot of hardship, is one of the oldest most beautiful capitals in the world. It has such rich, mysterious history that I’m very excited to see that KFD is attracting distinguished visitors.

Green Machine

I invited rising star of London Fashion Week - Ada Zanditon to KFD primarily because she is an advocate for sustainable fashion movement. I felt that Ukrainian designers would benefit from learning from this amazing woman and I was hoping she would influence and encourage them to take steps in the right direction and begin to educate themselves on the importance of taking care of our planet. Ada did not disappoint. As a deeply caring individual, she took the time to give a wonderful educational lecture about ways of using sustainable materials and even shared contacts for her eco-resources. As someone whose goal is to use the power of fashion to trend eco-awareness I was extremely appreciative of her efforts. The show of her A/W11 collection inspired by alien species in Antarctica, was very well received, the crowd roared at the finale and I felt like a proud mom. I would describe Ada’s current collection as one that fully explored geometrics. Her simple, chic, A-line dresses had triangular appliqué, her beautiful digitally printed gowns were elaborate kaleidoscope designs on silk and her complex pyramid textured coats looked very edgy and complicated and made me suddenly want to know what went into the process of coming up with this very elaborate design and then making it into reality. “I had some wonderful responses from talented young Kiev designers who were interested in working sustainably after hearing my lecture, they really embraced the design and concept of my collection,” said Ada when I interviewed her for Dazed Digital. “The combination of workshops, installations, creatively curated exhibits and catwalk shows made it one of the most innovative international fashion events I’ve seen. I really enjoyed the lecture of Joerg Koch from 032c Magazine and Valery Kovalska show,” she added.

Everyone is Ukrainian Just a Little

When I invited Ada I discovered she has Ukrainain roots, and was named after her granny Ada from Odessa. “Of course,” I thought “babushka Ada”. But I did not think Jeffrey Michael, who was the other designer I invited to KFD, had Ukrainian roots as well! I don’t know HOW I didn’t put two and two together because Jeffrey is originally Canadian and half of Canada is from Ukraine. I’m exaggerating about the “half” part but the funny thing was, I thought I was bringing two English designers, but as it turns out I brought more Ukrainians to Ukraine. Maybe everyone has Ukrainian roots, after all even Russia was originally part of Ukraine and it’s the biggest country in the world, so there’s a lot of us around.

Daria and Jeffrey

Jeffrey was ecstatic to be in Kiev, he could not get enough of “mlinci” (crepe with cottage cheese) and pulled in the crowd like moths to his LED Jeffrey Michael Design display. His lit up designs are created exclusively for celebrity projects. As I post this Jesse J is wearing one of his pieces in her new video. “This experience was literally life changing for me as a designer. Kiev was very innovative and the fashion I witnessed was unlike anything I have ever seen in other fashion capitals including Paris, New York, London and Toronto,” said Jeffrey. “This is a forward thinking, fresh faced tribute to style and new designers,” he then added.

Phil Bananov/Zoot

Since KFD is an international event highlights included the opening show of Francesco Scognamiglio “I love Ukrainian women and I’m really happy to be invited to show again,” he said tongue-in-cheek. Swiss Ethical Fashion 2010 Award winner Wassilissa Bock and young Kiev designer Phil Bananov added to the trend of sustainable style with their eco-conscious presentations. Supermodel Alla Kostromicheva returned to her native soil to become the face of KFD and walk for Valery Kovalska. And Lamberto Petri returned to Kiev with La Maison du Couturier. “I think KFD is the perfect place for development of any European fashion brand,” said Lamberto. L.P. by Pustovit show was dominated by a fall take on pastels married with grays and an occasional splash of intense orange. Flowing pleated skirts, layered with knitwear, jersey and rainwear left a sentiment of femininity and fortification.

image from fotomody.com Anton Belinskiy

Manufactory created the atmosphere of revelry with live DJ’s, and Anton Belinskiy was the topic of much discussion with his powerful one piece display. Anton, incidentally, happens to be one of the most wonderful people I ever met, when Jeffrey was stuck short of mannequins Anton took it upon himself to search the whole of Kiev for the damned dolls. These are the kinds of people I remember Ukraine being known for.

Sleep When You’re Dead

Yvan & friends

Our nights were filled with debauchery as Thieves Like Us performed at an underground club “Xlib” (Bread), which portrays a gastronome in the Soviet era, with masses queuing for the bakery, although Soviet masses didn’t push and shove unless there was famine. Pete Doherty rocked Crystal Hall as he threw cigarettes in the crowd, then dove in after, guitar and drink in hand. Facehunter, whom after getting to know I lovingly dubbed “Streetwalker”, was making sure he “covered” as many Kievan beauties as possible and Godfrey Deeny, doesn’t just say he feels like a rock star in Kiev, he really parties like one. I am still in awe of him after spending some time chatting with him about love, life and sex and when everyone would adieu Godfrey, myself and Streetwalker would refuse to give up on Kiev and bounced from Draft to Icon and beyond. This is how I managed to get no sleep in four days after running around like a mad person from booth to show to workshop because I was asked to translate. I often wish I was a man when I’m in Kiev. The amount of beautiful women is just ridiculous. It’s a tsunami wave that’s so vast it’s overwhelming and impossible to look away from. No wonder Godfrey and Streetwalker can’t get enough.

Lost in Translation

It was such a pleasure translating for Joerg Koch of 032c, I don’t do it professionally so I was incredibly nervous, but what a team we made... His lecture was so enticing I was really glad I was asked to help. Joerg talked about the reason 032c has such a “stupid” (his words not mine) name and about the birth and progress of their magazine as well as their unique approach to creating their publication.

Silly Streetwalker, however, did not cut me any breaks. As soon as I relaxed about my skills as a translator after helping out wonderful Elisa Bellini of Vogue Italia he decided I was a pro a proceeded to ramble on until I forgot everything but the beginning and end of what he said. Besides being kind of hard to understand Yvan seemed to forget I was there until he would finally meet my “I’m going to kill you” stare. Then I proceeded to explain something he was about to go into and managed to irritate him in return. But at least we were prepared, we went over his power-point before Ada’s show, while Ukrainian paparazzi were snapping pictures of him and he was cheekily doing the same to them. Yvan's lecture was an absolute gold for bloggers. With links to ad agencies and other resources as well as pros' and cons' of making money on your blog. I felt incredibly lucky to be there, until…someone wanted to look clever and wrote us a question no one could understand, let alone translate or answer. This category of random person is also something I came across before in Ukraine.

After the lecture Vogue Italy’s Elisa saw that I needed a drink and invited me to have a pint of Obolon. I told her how fantastically useful her lecture on submitting to Vogue Italia’s young talent section was, because she was also worried since she hates public speaking and she dissolved my worries about doing a bad job for Yvan, who came by after and reassured me as well. The man is so full of love I can see why he has to spread it around. Although I got the feeling I’m the only one who sees it that way.

Back in USSR

I think I got the most pleasure out of meeting the wonderful people in Kiev. Zoot magazines Andrea and Thomas Probosch as well as Jeffrey and I were the last remaining after everyone departed by the end of KFD. The organizers invited us to a wonderful Soviet-era-reminiscent restaurant - Prolitarskaya Pivnaya “U Stanka” (Proletarian Beer Bar “By the Metal-Cutting Machine-Tool”) where one can find wonderfully charming dishes like smoked herring wrapped in newspaper and mushroom julienne served in a glass jam jar, and of course beer and pelmeni aplenty. Wonderfully sweet Andrea and Thomas told us about their shoot in Kiev, the pictures are hauntingly beautiful and remind me of the mystically charged article I recently wrote on the city.

Suhoy payok

I have to note that our hotel “Ukraina” (Ukraine) was also very much Soviet indeed. Although this time for real. Ukraina was stuck in the USSR. This became apparent when we arrived and were greeted by “you don’t have reservations,” by a large receptionist with a perm coloured in a shade you couldn’t find without a time machine, and a lot of blue eye make-up…naturally. Then, after demanding our passports our reservations magically appeared, our names were distorted in unrecognizable fashion, we had papers that had to be carried with keys and there was so much paperwork with all kinds of stamps, signatures and hand filled blanks I felt like I was in a movie. I never got to experience a Soviet hotel so to me this was really fun, from the babushka you had to wake at 4am to get your room key, to the annoyed look when you asked for room service, to “suhoy payok” (dry food package given if you missed breakfast and they decide you’re worthy of this favour) words I’ve only heard in jokes. THIS was very Fashion indeed. Everyone loved the experience. Luckily, Ukraina is also located right on Independence Square, you can’t get more central than that and we had a fantastic view.

Kiev Fashion Dazed

After four days of 24 hour KFDing I was in ironically “perfect” state to write my Dazed&Confused report. I was…dazed AND confused. I went to stay with my grandparents in ghetto-ish Troeshina, which recently opened a shopping centre with Topshop so apparently it's on the rise. There I discovered my operating system was apparently too new to install mobile internet and the only place with WiFi is McDonalds. That is the story of how I ended up interviewing designers from all over the world from Troeshinsky McDonalds.

A big thank you to all at KFD for this incredible experience and a chance to meet wonderful people who are true style heavyweights and witness young fashion history in the making. See you October 20-23rd.

No Cellulite and a Glass of Champagne

2011-04-22T16:34:00.000-07:00

I found the only way to get rid of pesky cottage cheese thighs is by running. No amount of creams, rubs, scrubs, peels and expensive procedures is as effective. But run for a few days and it disappears. If you're like me and hate running unless it's towards something exciting, Boutique Sport may be the answer for you. Not only are there loads of rewards at the end of the line but you're also doubling up on good karma by raising breast cancer awareness. This ultra glam way to work out, is back for 2011 and kicking off in style with Boutique Run at Battersea Park, London on the 9th of July. Lace up your trainers, pull on your Boutique Sport tee (free with entry) and sign up for this summer’s fun-filled and stylish women-only fitness event – the only one to offer a combination of sport, fashion, beauty, pampering and live entertainment. Aiming to encourage women to enjoy sporting activities, and break down the barriers to participation, Boutique Sport emphasizes the social and lifestyle aspects of taking part in sport, even rewarding all runners with a well-deserved glass of champagne. After a hot shower to freshen up, spend your Saturday evening being spoilt at five star pampering stations and nail bars, bubbly in hand, listening to the latest tunes. Plus everyone leaves with an exclusive Boutique Sport ‘bouti’ bag. Entry is first come, first served at the price of £38.50 so sign up here before you back out. As if a 10k run hadn’t earned you enough credits, you can make the evening even more guilt free by raising money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK with around 1,000 women dying of the disease each month. Breakthrough is leading the fight against the disease by funding ground breaking research, campaigning for better services and treatments and raising awareness of breast cancer.

Eye Love You

2011-04-15T15:54:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

Can you think of a better place to discover an exceptional eye cream than The London Eye? Caudalie Paris invited me to a brunch launching their new product just there. Time sure flies when you're having fun, and speaking of time, my age started catching up with my face, so this discovery couldn't have come at a better time.

I have been testing Caudalie Premier Cru eye cream for a month and can honestly report numerous findings. From my first application the cream lightened my "post-Fashion Week sleep deprivation achieved dark circles" and slightly lifted the "too much champagne/not enough canape diet puffiness" under the eyes. It has a pearl-dust finish which lightens the darkness with a concealer effect. After a month I noticed the disappearance of one prominent and very depressing wrinkle under my left eye. Naturally this is something to celebrate, keyword being "naturally". I asked Caudalie GM Jean-Christophe Samyn whether the product was organic and he replied that although it was impossible to achieve the 100% organic consistency of such product, the cream is 84% natural with 0% harmful ingredients like parabens, sulfates or mineral oils. The brand is against animal testing, environmentally responsible and their main ingredient (polyphenol) is derived from grapes, which is the same ingredient found in beneficial red wine, being the strongest antioxidant found in plants. I won't get into any more science, instead I'll tell you Premiere Cru eye cream has been awarded #1 Anti-Aging creme in France and won Beauty Excellence Prize from Marie Claire in Spain, Russia and France as well as Elle Green Star Award and more.

Selfridges Home Sale

2011-04-08T02:18:00.000-07:00

Paul Smith Warehouse Sale

2011-04-05T12:50:00.000-07:00

Farewell To Elizabeth Taylor

2011-03-23T06:35:00.000-07:00

This morning a beautiful fashion and screen icon suffered heart failure in Los Angeles and passed away. She will be remembered for her passionate affair with jewellery, her ability to fall in love again and again, as well as her oscar winning performances and her must-see portrayal of Cleopatra.

More importantly, however, Elizabeth was a philanthropist. Sir Nick Partridge, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, said: "Dame Elizabeth Taylor was the first major star to publically fight fear and prejudice towards AIDS and she did it with reason and compassion. It's easy to forget just how much fear there was 25 years ago and how big a star she was. In a way that was typical of her, she used her fame to lever millions of pounds to support and change attitudes towards people with HIV. She was the pattern card of how stars can use their celebrity for good. She leaves a huge legacy for people living with HIV for which we will always be grateful. We will miss her."

Kiev Fashion Days - Young Talent Gets Noticed

2011-03-22T20:14:00.000-07:00

Ada Zanditon

I'm very happy to be involved in an event that nourishes young fashion, I feel that it's the new talent that needs most support and that's why you may have noticed me putting a lot of effort into this project even though my involvement is on the sidelines. I am bringing two talented and very promising (on the verge of incredible success even) designers - Jeffrey Michael and Ada Zanditon to Kiev for Fashion Days.

Jeffrey Michael Design

Kiev Fashion Days A/W 2011 is from 25th till the 27th of March. Impressively, this is the first international (UK, Italy, Switzerland, Russia, Ukraine etc.) fashion event of its kind and I'm proud to say it's in my homeland. It turned out that Kiev is also in Ada's heritage...all the roads lead home I guess. Both Ukrainian and foreign designers will present their collections in here, while editors of the most prestigious fashion magazines and bloggers from around the world will be attending the shows and lectures. Kiev Fashion Days has adopted the standards of the world's major fashion weeks and although it's only their second season, it seems to be incredibly impressive in terms of the guest caliber it draws in. Some names off the top of my head - Godfrey Deeny, Yvan Rodic and Alena Doletskaya. as well as incredible press - Italian/Russian Vogue, Zoot, Wallpaper, 032c and Top10.

The star of Milan Fashion Week, designer Francesco Scognamiglio will celebrate his 10th anniversary of the eponymous house in Kiev by teaming up with Ukrainian L'Officiel, the very first Ukrainian fashion magazine, which will also celebrate it’s 10th anniversary and opening the event with his show. Scognamiglio will present his new collection, as well as the infamous dress worn by Madonna at the post-Oscar Vanity Fair party. "I am extremely happy to show my collection during Kiev Fashion Days. I like the style of Ukrainian women and I was very pleased with my initial visit to Kiev" says Scognamilglio.

What I particularly applaud is that KFD strives to educate about fashion as well as inspire and promote. Multiple lectures and workshops by foreign and local professionals are scheduled in the program from Scognamilglio to Doletskaya.

KFD events are also very impressive, a performance by Thieves Like Us is scheduled for the opening night and Pete Doherty will perform at the closing party.

More info: www.kievfashiondays.com
Accreditation and details for media: www.kievfashiondays.com/press

Kiev Fashion Days on Facebook

Twitter: #KFD #KievFashionDays

E-mail: kievfashiondays@gmail.com

Tata Naka Private Sale - Your Exclusive Invitation

2011-03-18T12:13:00.000-07:00

Organic: Really Not as Healthy as Produce Grown With Pesticides?

2011-03-17T07:51:00.000-07:00

Amico Bio is an Amico Mio!

2011-03-07T17:48:00.000-08:00

Amico Bio is the healthiest tasty restaurant in London. That pretty much says it all. At home I try to stick to an organic vegan diet, after educating myself on the subject with the help of amazing Jeni Cook, I came to the conclusion that it's necessary. Organic certification is pretty much the only one you can trust and eating pesticides along with all the vitamins even if you stick to the "healthy" veg is just as harmful as it is good. Ideally we should eat organic/vegan/local/raw but doing my best is all I can do and suggest so far, just don't tell me you can't and then complain about being sick and old. When eating out I don't pay as much attention to my diet because it's practically impossible and would take most of the fun out of the experience. This is why when I first found Amico Bio at a press food event I was ecstatic to discover their food to be so delicious. The owner, Pasquale is an incredible host who's happy to tell you about their family's farm the ingredients come from and suggest a bottle of incredible organic wine. The restaurant is a tasteful space in a trendy part of East London. Everything from beer to the dessert is organic and vegetarian, with some vegan and even gluten free options. Italian food is ideal for vegetarian options so there's plenty of delicious options to please everyone. Possibly an important part of the experience for some is the price. And with succulent dishes like a vegetarian sunday roast option "Arrosto di Seitan" - seitan (an amazing roast beef substitute in tasty sauce), roast carrots, potatoes and braised cabbage for only £8 or ravioli filled with smoked scamorza cheese in cherry tomato and basil sauce for £7 it's hard to beat, considering the quality of the ingredients. Service charge is also at your discretion, but I'm convinced you will be leaving wanting to tip more than you were billed. However, despite the non-pretentious prices you're likely to spot an occasional Hollywood celebrity when you visit, as we well know, they tend to be more up to speed with the value of eating fresh organic fruit and veg. All the information is on a really informative Amico Bio site www.amicobio.co.uk See you there!

Eat Cake, Change Lives

2011-03-06T14:32:00.000-08:00

London Fashion Week – Autumn/Winter 2011 Season

2011-03-02T19:40:00.000-08:00

Photo: Catwalking.com

I Feel the Need…the Need for Tweed

The season started with Paul Costelloe opening yet another London Fashion Week show with autumn shades. But that was it for the usual fall tones. Soon the catwalks filled with bright colours and light fabrics as if the designers were predicting a globally warm winter. Janice Dickinson gave me a little scare with her lip, but then Hilary Alexander made it all better with her sunny worker bee disposition. Day one also attracted Corrine Bailey Rae, Jo Wood and Paloma Faith who was spotted at PPQ.

Photo: Catwalking.com

Art & Fashion Sitting in the Tree...

I always look forward to a Maria Grachvogel show because to me fashion is primarily beauty and secondly art. And Maria’s creations are the perfect marriage between the two. Seeing her show is like seeing something for the first time in nature that makes you glad you’re alive. Everything is beautiful, from the choice of the venue, which this time was at the stunning Savoy ballroom, to Swan Lake-like music. Her “Magic Pants” and catsuits have taken years to perfect in order to achieve that elongated leg and thin waist that every woman desires. When it comes to art Maria says that each piece of her unique print technique is called Artwork Print. It's hand painted, digitally engineered to work in harmony with the shape of the garment and the silhouette. "Each one is printed, cut and made one by one and each garment takes on average five days to paint, so it really is like wearing a piece of art” she told LondonFashionWeek.co.uk

Photo: late and missed Rishi Mullett-Sadones

Jean-Pierre Braganza won us over with oversized, abstrametrical (I like making up words - abstract / asymmetrical) jackets.

Photos: late and missed Rishi Mullett-Sadones

Felder Felder chose unhealthy looking models with goth-like make-up and cigarette made holes in the clothes, which were probably laser-cut. We loved the silver space pants and beautiful flowing fabrics over sexy bodies.

photo: Sofia Bak via iPhone 3GS

Corrie Nielsen was someone we saw for the first time and fell in love with at the finale. The models did an incredible job at creating an illusion of a gothic scene, moving like ghosts down the runway to captivating choir music, reminding us of Queen Elizabeth I and her powerful presence.

R.I.P. Trends

We know trends are only there to make the consumer feel the need for certain “must-have” items. But they’re also there to inspire. London fashion however is there to inspire unconformity. Between New York, Paris and Milan, London is a city that represents edge and produces designers that march to the beat of their own drum. This fashion week the designers seemed to say “enough” to the marketing industry and showed us the way to take risks and have fun with our outfits. And by the sour faces front row, I’d say we need a bit of fun. Isn’t it why we’re in the fashion industry in the first place? Because we chose to do what we love? Even though for years we’re forced to work with no pay, live on an occasional canapé, shove our blistered feet in high heels and forget sleep, rest or relationships.

Photo: Catwalking.com

Fantastic Mr. Faux

If there was a trend it had to be Paul Costelloe’s logo – the fox. Foxes were everywhere, not only did the naughty designers start creeping more and more fur back on the runway, but Mulberry used Mr. Fox for their inspiration. These cute critters were on London Fashion Week bags, Mulberry invitations, delicious ginger biscuits, as well as Mulberry catwalk soundtrack, which was from Fantastic Mr. Fox. Even street-chic during fashion week was foxy. Not to mention I felt much like a fox myself, the day after a Mulberry after-party I discovered a family of faux birds in my handbag "did I turn into a shewolf last night?" I thought and attached them to my outfit. Recycle recycle recycle. Speaking of Muberry, the show was as cute as ever with beautiful models, live dogs front row and on the runway. The show as well as the afterparty drew in the most stars this season...Clemence Poesy, Professor Green, Kirsten Dunst, Benedict Cumberbatch (BBC's Sherlock), and I thought I saw Russel Crow at the after-party holding a women's handbag but turned out it was just my organic beer goggles.

photos: Sofia Bak

Young Stuff

Day one ended with a fantastic Central St. Martin's show, presenting 21 young designers. Daphne Guinness was spotted probably looking for a new protege. We loved Phoebe English who by the way won, but seemed like she was too strongly inspired by Maison Martin Margiela and Mark Fast.

Photo: Betty Jackson Show by Sofia Bak via iPhone 3GS

Red or Dead

Day two drew in Nick Grimshaw and Jameela Jamil of C4, Pixie Geldof, Tracy Emin, and Alexa Chung, Melanie Blatt as well as Nicola Roberts were spotted at House of Holland. Betty Jackson woke us up on this rainy London morning with beautiful scarlet flowers in the hair of her models and on the runway.

Photo: Catwalking.com

On Sofia: Live orchid broach - Kinder Aggugini, bag - Onna Ehrlich, necklace - Che

Kinder Surprise

Speaking of flowers, Kinder Aggugini charmed the front row by placing kinder orchids with care instructions on our seats. Some didn't want theirs so I saved the poor flowers by pinning them to my coat and took them home. Since the hair does have a very distinct trend in a shape of a ponytail this season, Kinder's models were cone-headed and had their tresses pinned into orchid-like ponytails. The atmosphere was beautiful until the show started and the photographers started yelling at the models to walk away faster so they can shoot the next girl (due to the shape of the runway). This made me laugh at first but then I felt sorry for the models and angry at the photographers. I know it's their job to do anything to get the picture taken, but there's no need to be so rude.

Photo: late and missed Rishi Mullett-Sadones

Photo (bride): Sofia Bak

Do Good, Give Blood

So far it seemed like a weak season, not a lot of celebs front row or famous models on the catwalks, and lacking in novelty or showmanship. Enter Charlie le Mindu. First off, let me thank Calum Walsh at Blow PR for convincing me to split forces and stay for Charlies show while sending the rest of my team to Nicole Farhi. Calum sat me opposite six porn stars chilling front row and next to a lovely party planner/stylist Leo Belicha who invited me to the after-party sponsored by Babestation. Fashion royalty Diane Pernet and Daphne Guinness were also in the audience. It's difficult to talk about the fashion, when clearly the show was about something much more important...and if you can't guess what it is I think the bloody sign on the very first models head pretty much spells it out. The finale was staged to a soundtrack of slaughtered pigs, which again, made me laugh at first and then made me remember why I'm attempting to be a vegan at home. It was so loud and played for so long that I felt like going to church after it was over. Charlie came out to wave at the spectators wearing a bloody apron. The man knows how to get through to his audience, no matter how brain-dead we are during fashion week madness.

Photo: late and missed Rishi Mullett-Sadones

Koma Fulton Stop

The #BFM's like to pan over David Koma, the hottie of the straight men in fashion department. And the way he dresses women...well...his wife is a lucky gal. Koma presented a very elegant and sexy collection of soft leather with a feminine touch of pom-pom's and polka dots. Holly Fulton had a show following Koma's in the same venue and for the same guests, but for some reason one of the guests decided to skip the Fulton show and left in-between. We wont name names, but let's just say it was a BIG buyer. Why? Because they don't carry Holly. Is that an excuse? We think not, but who knows maybe she had a good reason. Besides...people in glass houses... . Holly's collection is definitely one you will always recognize. Some lines have a strong signature and some are constantly re-inventing. This season her smoking lips made me want to own a piece from her collection, which previously seemed like something that isn't my style. Long silk dresses with art deco prints gave an aura of glamour to a previously edgy runway at the BFC tent.

Photo: late and missed Rishi Mullett-Sadones

Photo of Marina: Sofia Bak

Sharing the Spot LED Light

At Mark Fast, Jeffrey Michael Design was trying to steal the show. Marina and the Diamonds was spotted wearing his cool LED vest on the front row. But Fast quickly pulled in the focus. The minute his first look hit the runway a wave of "wow's" went through the room. Often criticized for this or that Fast has surprised everyone in the room with something completely different from his usually sexy knitwear by showing leather and other amazingly edgy looks. Elle Russia editor next to me was glued to the runway and laughed at my comment "Are we at Mark Fast?" His beautiful collection was inspired by a wolf in sheep's clothing, and that says something more about his opinion of his line than these particular designs I would think.

Photo: late and missed Rishi Mullett-Sadones

On the Dole

"He's big in Japan" people were saying before the Ashish show. Paloma Faith, Amber Rose and talented M.I.A. sat front row, and I was wearing what I call "The Real Wonder Bra" by Jeffrey Michael Design. Attention seeking? In a word - yes. What wouldn't I do for a friend? We loved the show, one of the models was chewing gum and it was very fitting with the line. Jeffrey called it sparkly hobo chic, and I decided I must have the sweater that proclaimed: "Hard Times".

Photo: Catwalking.com

Oy Vey...Oh Yay!

Linn almost had a breakdown on the way to Burberry. Fashion Bus (the press bus) was stuck in traffic and we were reading tweets saying the show was about to start. When we were finally there we ran for the doors and were the last one's in, some of the other journos from the bus didn't make it. Running (late) for once paid off for me because I ended up getting a better seat right opposite Kate Bosworth, Rachel Bilson, Ellie Goulding and Mario Testino. Elegant white coats and jackets tied up like presents with black string-belts were very chic. I later got the scoop from my BFM agent at Burberry and found out that the clear rain protectors that were used to save the designs from the fake snow at the end are selling like hot cakes. I also have some inside info on Burberry Bespoke...but will not reveal it just yet.

Photo: Catwalking.com

Another "oy vey" moment came when I saw I had a standing ticket for Giles. It's the inside joke of the #BFM that I don't like to use those because I don't want to get too tired for the rest of the shows. Work smarter, not harder I say. But they like to make fun of me for being a diva. "I'll do it for Giles" I said. The Royal Courts of Justice is a fabulous venue which was really well organized and I ended up not standing for long, waiting around along with Pixie Geldof. Inside I discovered I could sit on the side benches. I noticed flame-haired Mary Portas (Secret Shopper) front row. Before the show started one of the photographers scouldn't help himself in such an acoustically perfect venue and started singing, which send a roar of laughter through the room. I loved the show and ended up standing to see it (next to Louise Redknapp who came in late).

Photo: Catwalking.com

Mary Katrantzou seemed to have been the press favourite this season. Everyone from Suzi Menkes to Hilary Alexander was calling it her best season yet. Inspired by the Asian motifs this season Mary came out with more unbeatable work in her signature style.

Photos: Catwalking.com

Sex Exchange

Genders swapped this season at Paul Smith and J.W. Anderson. Shiny happy Paul has decided to continue with his menswear theme (which I adore) and made some updates. If S/S11 was forecast as bright and preppy, his A/W11 collection was more relaxed and geeky. We also loved the dangling scarfs at menswear day closing show Tween.

Photo: Catwalking.com

Vivienne Westwood continued with some of the gender swap theme and was appropriately attended by Boy George. Westwood is a trustee of Liberty and continues to use the medium of her shows to talk about culture and politics, more specifically about the urgent need to act against climate change, which makes me love and respect the lady even more. Her rag-doll/scarecrow make-up excited the media, which pictured gold paper-faced model for days to come. As distorted as her models were on the catwalk, Vivienne herself came out as elegant as I've ever seen her. Her hair was pinned back in an elegant sea-shell and she wore a stunning blue dress which made her dameness appear very blue blooded indeed.

Photo: Catwalking.com

Alice? Who the Fudge Is Alice?

Temperley returned to London with a captivating show at the British Museum. Before the show we spotted Jaquetta Wheeler chasing her kid across the runway and the charming Mark Ronson. The production was unbelievable, with such a huge space the models executed their walk to perfection, basically watch the video, not the pictures for this one. The catwalk was very complicated and the designs seemed to have been inspired by flamenco.

BFM ETA @ BFC 4 EDM @ 2:45 #LFW

Emilio de la Morena drew in Olivia Palermo and some joker photographers who yelled "dont take pictures of the photographers!" before the show which lightened the mood.

Amr with his models backstage by Sofia Bak

#BFM split forces again and I just made it to Bodyamr as the show was starting. I met Mak from Bodyamr at my local and it turned out he lives in my building! Needless to say I was able to snap this backstage shot with my iPhone and someone else's flash thanks to my love of Guinness. This season Amr started making shoes and came out with some fabulous gold boots and a lot of sparkle in his designs. Beautiful flowing gowns and middle eastern magic made this show a success for this celebrity favourite.

Amanda Wakeley show had beautiful seam work and no less beautiful Louise Redknapp and Tracy Emin who was sitting next to a hot man Jeffrey and I couldn't stop staring at. The man can dress! Sharp black suit, stiff white collar...very Tom Ford. Speaking of Tom Ford, everyone was talking about his secret show this season. Is this going to become a trend now? Secret shows? Anyway, Tracy told us that the beautiful man is Amanda's boyfriend. What a stunning pair they make...

Photo: Catwalking.com

Louise Gray was inspired by a celebration. I was not inspired by Louise Gray. In fact I was kind of scared. Clowns...anything to do with clowns...or maybe it's the kids that scare me, not the clowns.

Photo: Catwalking.com

Roksanda Ilincic had the most beautiful show as far as my taste is concerned. The rich colours, the luscious fabrics. I think it's her best season yet. She's on every editors watch list including Anna Wintour, and we can see why.

TONI&GIRL

Just wanted to show the amazing job the guys at TONI&GUY are doing for the press during fashion week. I have no time or energy for anything let alone styling my hair, and they save me every season. Just look at how gorgeous and happy they made my friend Olena from AnOther Magazine. Thank you Richard and Lauren!

Cool Dress

Have you heard of Ada Zanditon? Someone to know I would say. Sweet as a pea, talented and eco conscious. We met her at Esthetica exhibition and fell in love with her personality and her stunning designs. I later noticed this (above) outside On/Off and had to take a picture. It's her dresses frozen in a huge block of ice. What went on here Ada? Whatever it is +A for creativity.

Street Cheek

The fashion crowd was as entertaining as ever with their outfits. This season there were mostly young grannies and sex slaves...and my "The Real Wonder Bra" lighting up the menu at Balans.

Blender Brain

Towards the end of fashion week I seem to loose the ability to even form a sentence. I was about to make some point talking to Katie the tall blond hottie from Bryan Morel and someone from Imagine Fashion and realized half way through that I've forgotten what I'm talking about, which was really embarrassing. After Topman afterparty at Bungalow 8, I asked Kat (RYAZANSKAYA): "Are you sure I haven’t fallen down the stairs last night? Everything hurts". Now all I have to do is kick two LFW habits – drinking Vitamin Water, and Tweeting. My memory is coming back to me now and I just recalled reading something I thought was extremely funny in Fashion Week Daily...in reference to Pam Hogg, Harper's BAZAAR editor was quoted "I tried to tweet about gold lamé but couldn't figure out how to do the accent on twitter, and without the accent...well that's just lame isn't it?" It's all coming back to me now...eco girl Erin O'Connor at the VIP area in the BFC press room looking hot in a navy hat. By the way, can we get BFC to make the press room bigger? What's with the lines? So inconvenient when you have to work.

Yasmin Le Bon cat-running at Issa, bad photo by Sofia Bak

Fast walking models caused a stir amongst bloggers who couldn't take pictures fast enough with their smartphones. Self included. Backstage rumor has it - the designers are worried about their looks getting into the wrong hands so they asked the girls to walk faster.

Beautiful setting as always at Tata Naka presentation directed by my Harper's editor Natalia Alaverdian who was producing their look book shoot.

All images and videos from the shows can be seen here

Dedication

This London Fashion Week brought about the best time of our lives' so far. But then...devastating and shocking news. My team and I met a wonderful, sweet, kind, funny, beautiful young photographer who quickly became a friend, and just as quickly dissapeared from the face of the earth. I know you're in a better place Rishi...this world is a test that makes us the best we can be walking through all it's darkness...it's not easy to be here. A lot of the times we're unhappy and you never really know anyone, but I know you were good, and I know you are at peace now, which is the only comfort we can cling on to now. This article is dedicated to you. We miss you, we selfishly wish we had a chance to become your true friends and have you around shining your light into our lives like you clearly did for your family and friends. We can't imagine how they feel right now if we feel the way we do and we only just met you. All we can say is we appreciate the little time we had with you...you made us better in just a few days. Thank you.

...Sofia, Kat & Linn

In Memory of Late Rishi Mullett-Sadones

2011-03-02T10:58:00.000-08:00

Rest in peace...you were one of the good people.

Viva Las Palmas

2011-02-25T16:33:00.000-08:00

I must have done something right in this life because my friend Marija has kindly invited me to stay with her in the Canaries. I only realised how much I needed this break after I jumped in the ocean. Sun, sea and fresh air is everyone's best friend. Las Palmas is a port city so it may not be as picturesque as expected but it's nothing to sneeze at, and the beach as well as the inactive volcano crater in the mountains are gorgeous. The nightlife is fun, the locals are extremely friendly and the restaurants are exceedingly good.

On Thursday we were told the newest and hottest night club in town is Kopa. On our way there we were followed by whistles and "Bienvenidos a Gran Canaria!" yells from some MUCH too friendly locals. As two rubias (blondes) we quickly realised it was a good thing we dressed down. We arrived around 9:30pm to snoop out the scene and found this open air bar/club empty with the exception of a few stylish people having a chilled out drink. Between the two of us we questioned the barman in Spanglish about nightlife and found out that Friday and Saturday the place is filled with about 3000 people. "Don't you mean 300?" I asked. "No, 3000" he repeated. I guess they count on the door how many people come through the velvet ropes in one night, although I find it hard to believe there's even 3000 people in this entire island based on what I've seen so far (it's actually around 400,000). He then proceeded to tell us we should not arrive before 11pm and that this is the only place in town worth visiting for the likes of us because the rest of the bars in Las Palmas are filled with tourists drunk on cheap alcohol which makes you feel sick. At which point he brought us a couple of Cuba Libres' which he made doubles at no extra charge. We were told this place was extremely expensive, so we were expecting to cringe when he brought us the bill but were pleasantly shocked to discover that our ginormous cocktails only cost €6 each. That's about three times less than in London. We stayed for another drink which our amigo poured de la casa after showing us that he's using legitimate local rum...stamp and everything. It was well after midnight when we headed back and there were still only a few people at Kopa.

Friday, back at Kopa we arrived at 1am and found the place lively and only getting really full around 3am. There was a good mix of locals and visitors, male to female ratio and dress code. Some were dressed up, most were comfortable...I guess is a good word. Kopa is definitely the place to be in Las Palmas and the atmosphere is very relaxing and fun so it's a definite must.

If you're into bargain shopping it's really enjoyable in Gran Canaria with brands like Mango selling rebajas (sale items) at €3-6 and whole stores of shoes at ridiculously low prices like €3 a pair...however it's been a while since I've seen designs this horrifying. Ones that come to mind is a very "sexy" court shoe with a massive chicken toy-like feature on the toe. Primark has also made its way here and so has H&M and you must visit El Corte Ingles just because it's there.

Saturday we had lunch at a wonderful seafood restaurant, a favourite with the likes of Gerard Depardieu, La Marinera, situated right on the pier. It may look more like a dive bar from outside but when you get closer the place is actually very nice. The staff get excited at every special request and any attempt at conversation with them about their venue. The minute I whipped out a professional camera I was almost pummeled by the camareros showing me their live lobsters, shrimp the size of bananas and various local fish. We ordered small baked potatoes with mojo sauce "papas arrugadas", fried small green peppers "pimientos de padron", which are traditional local treats, and some prawns and other seafood. The food was wonderful, as was the wine.

At night we headed to the south of the island where we ended up at a Japanese restaurant Sakura, which I was skeptic about. After having so many disappointments in London I thought I would hardly find a decent sushi place here. Besides it had blinding fluorescent lighting and was situated near some creepy place called Cita Park, which I can only assume is some gaming centre, but what kind of game park has barb wire? I assume it's to stop the clown from getting out at night when it comes alive. Pictured is one of the scariest clowns I've ever seen in my life hanging over our parking space...making me not want to leave the car even for hamachi. However, I quickly discovered that in Gran Canaria you can never judge a restaurant by its clown....I mean cover. The sushi was great and they are really generous with the portions, but what I liked the most is the private room where you have to sit at the short table with your legs folded and your shoes off.

Our next port of call was Pacha, a club which exists in many cities all over the world. It was easy to get in even though there was a long line, which ended up moving quickly, and the fact that SOME of us were wearing sweatshirts and trainers for which we were very POLITELY told off...unlike in other cities. The entrance fee was about €10 and bought you a free drink...now that's what I call "cover charge". Although it was fun, it was not at all what I was used to in London, LA, Moscow or Kiev. I felt like I was in an episode of Jersey Shore. In fact I definitely saw a Snookie.

On Sunday we had lunch at another sushi restaurant which left me wanting to stay in Las Palmas forever. The minute I entered Kyoto I knew I was going to have a good meal. The place is perfectly authentic and the sashimi was incredibly fresh. From what I could comprender in Spanish the philosophy of the restaurant on the menu said "Japanese cuisine is like a symphony. The simple is difficult to perfect. Each ingredient deserves respect...etc." Their portions were beyond satisfying, which in most places is hard to achieve with sushi and they had wonderfully interesting deserts, although personally I didn't like the slight taste of lemon flavour in our vanilla ice cream tempura "helado frito". I saw Japanese bulgogi on the menu and had to order it because I was sure it was going to be amazing in a place like this, especially after they asked me if I wanted it medium rare or rare. Alas, it was a mistake. Authentic Korean BBQ bulgogi is definitely the only way to go. But it's a sushi place and the sushi, as well as other things, was fantastic. The menu also offered tuna steak tartare with a raw egg center which I didn't get to try this time. The address is Calle Barcelona 13 tel: 928 24 7260. Don't delay to make a reservation way in advance as they run out of tables faster than you can imagine in a place like this.

Even though it was Valentine's Day, which I "lovingly" call VD (for Venereal Disease), another very cool open air place we went to was surprisingly empty as it was a Monday. Lagar Canario at Las Arenas shopping center is another good option for going out apart from Kopa, and I'm thinking the only other option if you don't want to mingle with broachas (drunk) tourists, judging from the information we extracted from all over the island.

Don't...

...swim out far. The currents are strong and leave you a little panicked.

...bother dressing up...for once and for your own safety if you're a rubia.

...forget your running shoes, the hottest people are the ones sprinting on the beach.

...go topless...many here do but raising the risk of breast cancer is just stupid.

Do...

...unleash your inner Borat and wear a banana hammock. Here it's a norm and you'll avoid an Oreo tan.

...try the local wine. Es estupendo!

...practice Espanol before you go, you'll need it.

...stay out all night and have a siesta instead of sleep.

A few good words to memorize:

hombre = dude (for males, females, children, animals...whoever and whatever)

yo aguerdo = I agree (when someone is telling you something you agree with, not when you agree to do something)

estoy bromeando = I'm joking

Apparently people don't speak proper Espanol here so your best bet is to have a drink, let your inhibitions go and habla blah blah blah away making up words as you go along if you have to. They'll get it.

Fashion Week Adjacent Sample Sales

2011-02-09T23:26:00.000-08:00

www.absolutelyphoto.co.uk

Rigby and Peller Sample Sale

For two days only treat yourself to ultra luxe lingerie, swimwear, and sleepwear with up to 80% off courtesy of Rigby and Peller. Prices start from £5.

Wednesday 16 (10am – 8pm), Thursday 17(10am – 7pm); 20th Century Theatre, 291 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, W11 2QA, London.

Georgina Goodman Sample Sale

Get your hands on a little piece of footwear heaven thanks to the Georgina Goodman sample sale. With up to 80% off lust worthy footwear.

Monday 21, Tuesday 22, Wednesday 23, Thursday 24 (10am – 7pm); Friday 25, Saturday 26 (10am – 6pm); 12-14 Shepherd Street, London, W1J 7JF.

Coco De Mer Sample Sale

There’s no better excuse to update your underwear with up to 90% off lingerie and accessories from Stella McCartney, Bordelle and many more.

Thursday 24 (1pm – 7pm), Friday 25, Saturday 26 (10am – 7pm); 108 Draycott Avenue, London, SW3 3AE.

J&M Davidson Sample Sale

For two days only stock up on super cool, timeless clothing and accessories from £30. Need we say more?

Monday 28 (11am – 8pm), Tuesday 01 (8.30am – 8pm); 20th Century Theatre, 291 Westbourne Grove, London, W11 2QA.

Designer Sales UK Sample Sale

For two days only get your hands on some fab clothing and accessories from designers including Vivienne Westwood, YSL, Martin Margiela and many more – with discounts of up to 80% - race you there.

Friday 04 (12pm – 8pm); Saturday 05 (10am – 7pm); Chelsea Old Town Hall, King’s Road, London SW3 5EE.

Your Personal Travel Guide on Your iPhone

2011-01-03T17:29:00.000-08:00

photo by Kamy Motesharei

GPSmyCity iPhone App is a trusted tour guide helping visitors navigate independently through 180+ cities around the world. With over 2,000 walking tours available, GPSmyCity.com is the largest travel portal of its kind. Walking tours like 'Casanova's Venice', 'Belgian Beer Tour in Brussels', 'Ultimate Girls' Night Out in Buenos Aires', 'Romantic Fountains of Rome', 'Beijing Markets' or 'Vienna's Antique and Craft Shops' offer unique explorations of one's dream destinations.

Fast & Frugalous

2011-01-03T07:45:00.000-08:00

Photo by Oleg Katchinski

When was the last time you actually enjoyed shopping on the Oxford Street? High Street is so 2010, especially since a new fashion and sports e-tailer launched over Christmas that guarantees the best possible prices on everything from Uggs to Nikes. LabelSneak.Com promises that no item on its site, currently or in the future, will be available cheaper from any other UK retailer. The site offers a wide selection of Women’s, Men’s and Children’s fashion and sports brands with unrivaled reductions of up to 70% off. The list of brands includes Superdry, Adidas, Lacoste, North Face, Reebok, Belstaff and Converse. Combining the latest text alert technology with next day delivery LabelSneak.Com offers an exclusive timed shipping service free on orders over £50 and all customers will receive 10% off their first order. Lastly, in January the site also offers an additional 20% off.

Coco de Mer Sale

2010-12-26T07:43:00.000-08:00

Winter sale discounts to warm more than just your cockles! At barely there prices you’d better be quick to snap up gorgeous pieces from Coco de Mer, Mimi Holliday, Stella McCartney, Bordelle, La Perla & more at up to 50% off!

Mulberry Sale

2010-12-24T07:10:00.000-08:00

www.mulberry.com

There's Plenty More Fish in Kyashii

2010-12-24T06:13:00.000-08:00

In my restless search for worthy sushi in London I visited Kyashii - an affordable high end sushi restaurant and lounge in Covent Garden, which poached it's head chef from Zuma. The venue is really easy to find on St. Martin's Lane - opposite St. Martin's Lane Hotel (home to Bungalow 8 and Asia de Cuba), or infamous Stringfellows...depending on which one is more your speed.

As you walk in you're greeted by the warmth of the staff and the enchanting interiors. A venue that's been talked about as the date destination seems like a good place for any kind of a meeting, especially since the people you notice first are the beauties having a girls night out and the businessmen having their after work drinks. With the choice of five different rooms to dine or sip cocktails Kyashii seems like a good option for any occasion or customer, even those planning to stay quite late...on weekends there's a DJ in the champagne bar.

The sake was brought to our table appropriately hot in a warming jug that kept it the right temperature throughout the meal. It was also undoubtedly one of the best I tasted so far. We ordered pork neck skewers as an appetiser and were not disappointed, even though pork isn't usually my first choice, the sauce was delicious and the meat was soft. If you are a true sushi lover you will make it your destination to indulge primarily in sashimi and appetisers like Kyashii's succulent gyoza dumplings. However the more adventourous might like to venture into the Unagi Foie Gras Nigiri territory. Sashimi is perfectly fresh and delicious, and since it's served on ice it stays cold throughout the meal, which is a very nice touch since you will want to sit in the gorgeous space, watching tropical fish and beautiful people as long as possible.

Before or after dinner you have the option of relaxing in the lovely champagne lounge where a friendly bartender will make you one of Kyashii's fabulous cocktails. My personal favourite is the passion fruit champagne cocktail, however there's also a very respectable and affordable wine list which includes Gavi and Chablis.

Selfridges Sale

2010-12-24T06:02:00.001-08:00

Paul Smith Sale

2010-12-23T04:19:00.001-08:00

Dover Street Market Sale

2010-12-23T04:16:00.000-08:00

Fashion folk, this one's for you - Dover Street Market Autumn Winter 2010 Sale starts at 11.00am on Monday 27th December. 17-18 Dover Street, London W1S 4LT

Short list of brands:

Alber Elbaz for Lanvin

Ralph Lauren Private Sale

2010-12-21T14:15:00.001-08:00

Matches Sale

2010-12-21T14:12:00.000-08:00

If you really know fashion, you know Matches. The trendy designer boutique is having it's online and in store sale with up to 50% off on brands like Maison Martin Margiela, Gucci, YSL, DVF, Stella McCartney, Anya Hindmarch and many more. Check it out now for last minute christmas gifts that'll get you some brownie points.

Jean-Pierre Braganza Sample Sale

2010-12-18T08:23:00.000-08:00

Pauric Sweeney & Tata Naka Sample Sale

2010-12-17T07:05:00.001-08:00

Jean-Pierre Braganza Sample Sale

2010-12-10T08:48:00.001-08:00

Vera Wang Sample Sale

2010-12-09T08:18:00.000-08:00

I would get this one just to wear to events!

"You want Italian you go Little Italy, you want wedding you go Wang" Anthony Marantino SATC.

To mark Vera Wang opening a new London store in Spring 2011 Selfridges is hosting a sample sale extravaganza. All the samples in the showroom will be included. No appointment necessary, and the prices are up to 70% off. Worth going just for cat fights!

10th - 24th December
Monday - Saturday 10am - 7pm
Sunday 11:30am - 6pm

For more images and prices click here

Tata Naka Sample Sale

2010-12-07T10:07:00.000-08:00

Stella McCartney & Elle Macpherson Lingerie Sample Sale

2010-11-29T09:07:00.000-08:00

Today Only! Share the Selfridges Discount

2010-11-22T17:10:00.000-08:00

Click here to register for your 20% online discount and share with friends. Enjoy!

Alexander McQueen Sample Sale

2010-11-20T10:29:00.000-08:00

Trend Forecasting on Trial

2010-11-19T05:49:00.000-08:00

photo by Oleg Katchinski

Want to give trend forecasting a shot? Fashion Snoops is offering a free trial on service that covers the media, a complete international runway report, global trade shows, and full retail scene (eg. Adidas, H&M, Forever 21, River Island, Selfridges, Top Shop, Zara etc.) They provide valid, confirmable and strategic trend forecasts, consisting of insights into colours (with references to Pantone and CSI), patterns (as ai. Files for Illustrator and Adobe), images (for download), sketches and more. For more information, and you free trial contact karina@fashionsnoops.com

Snug as an Fugg

2010-11-16T06:56:00.000-08:00

What could be better than sheepskin lined boots in the cold? Sheepskin lined boots that make you fit of course! FitFlop's have a range of winter options for men, women, and kids designed to make you exercise as you walk. MUKLUK's by FitFlop combines ergonomically shaped, muscle-toning Microwobbleboard™ midsole with a breathable, deluxe sheepskin (shearling) upper. They're so warm and comfy we don't want to take them off! And they're far more water proof than you're average boot. Your bum and leg activity is said to be increased by 30% and there's a whole range of health benefits you can read about here.

Whiff, Whiff, Hooray!

2010-11-14T17:49:00.000-08:00

With all the cancer related deodorant bans in UK, many are forced to find new favorites. And we have! We tried the award winning Crystal™ deodorant. Most deodorants cover the odor with chemicals but Crystal™ is made of 100% natural mineral salts, which prevent odor from happening in the first place by neutralizing the bacteria. Mineral salts form a topical layer on the skin, which is inhospitable to bacteria that cause odor. All of Crystal™ deodorants are hypoallergenic, contain no aluminum chlorohydrate, are paraben free, alcohol-free, non-sticky, and non-staining. They dry instantly and don’t leave any residue. We tried the effective unscented option, however new Crystal essence sticks are lightly scented. It works for people with sensitive skin or allergies, or those who prefer a healthy alternative to chemical-laden deodorants. Rated #1 by the Environmental Working Group for having the safest ingredients among natural deodorants and among mainstream commercial deodorants. Crystal™ deodorants are not tested on animals, are safe for the environment and are recommended by Cancer Treatment Centers Nationwide.

A Red Carpet Gift for Frolic 72 New York Readers

2010-11-02T13:06:00.000-07:00

Frolic 72 is honoured to extend an invitation for the first 25 of our New York readers to join La Societe Stella Artois - an exclusive, invitation-only private members society for individuals who desire the finer things in life. Please leave a comment with your e-mail address and we will send you a secret code. Once given an invitation code, you can share your social activities and outings on Facebook and Twitter and are rewarded with exquisite experiences in return. As members rack up rewards points by sharing what they’re doing, they get closer to New York film screenings, restaurant discounts, amazing travel opportunities and exclusive events hosted by celebrities like Heidi Klum. For more info click here. To enter your code click here.

Black is the new Black

2010-11-01T10:01:00.000-07:00

Since the Autumn/Winter 2010 season is upon us I thought I would remind my fashion audience of the current trends, as witnessed earlier this year at London Fashion Week.

It was as if British designers had predicted the tragedy of Alexander McQueens death, they incorporated a lot of black into their collections this season and an up and coming designer Romina Karamanea actually went all black with her show.

Christopher Kane's trend setting every season is very obvious. Last season - country girl plaid, this season he created a revelation with folkloric flowers embroided on leather.

Aviation and other military trends inspired DAKS, Burberry, and Caroline Charles. Perviously unseen and unusual shades that confused even the most skilled fashion writer made a debut - is it violet, lavender or grey, is it apricot or pale pink? Cheap dyes are a giveaway of cheap clothes on the high street, and with knock-offs aplenty, the designers began creating their own hues.

In beauty Dirty Pretty trend was born. Grunge is back with updates, no make-up make up, unkept nails, and unbrushed hair. Give your mascara the brushoff, make-up artists say: this season should be about the eye make up, not the lashes.

Autumn/Winter '10 Trends:

In: Black, oversized hips, off colours, PVC, embroided leather, rucksacks, and long skirts.

Still In: Vamps, metallics, patterns, harem pants, lace, and military.

London Fashion Week – Spring / Summer 2011 Overview

2010-10-03T14:15:00.000-07:00

Paul Costelloe

Paul Costelloe opened his six’s London Fashion Week season with cheerful peekaboo skirts in silvery hues, setting the tone for the trends to follow.

Maria Grachvogel

Maria Grachvogel did the following on her own terms, bringing a touch of beauty to recently grungy mode with canary and silver satins, silk crepes, diaphanous chiffon dresses, and her signature juxtaposing print textures. We loved the Transformer blouse which can be worn six ways, and the masculine touch of defined shoulder detail, present even in this, very feminine line. British Fashion Council Chairman Harold Tillman spoke to us after the show about his affection for the line “I love Maria as a person, and I think she’s always subtly exquisite. I really enjoy what she designs.”

At On/Off Jean-Pierre Braganza rosy cheeked models with feathers in their hair showed off wilted rose prints and tattoo-like American Indian patterns on pale pastels.

Back at British Fashion Council tent we went back to in time for 50’s inspired Caroline Charles show with polka dots, hats, gloves, and Grace Kelly inspired skirts.

Then back to On/Off and in turn back to the future with Bora Aksu, whose models sported giant ants in their hair, rather unflattering paint covered-like tights and lots of cute bow and ruffle details on silver, skin tone, and scarlet fabrics. We loved the cut out details on the shoulder blades as if cut off wings. Backstage Bora spoke to us about his show “My inspiration was a clash of the future and 50’s. It actually started with the ant. Their insect shapes, and how their bodies form, then I moved on from that to how 50’s padded undergarments were made. I ran with it and decided to create curves, so the clothes are bodycon with added hips and bust”.

Jena Theo

Over at Jena Theo turban clad models were dressed in Bedouin inspired cuts trimmed with eastern lace and accessorized with colorful ammo belts. True to form Jena Theo team showed oversized shirt dresses and plenty of artistic flair with their draping style.

Fashion Films were a big hit this fashion week season, and Serbian designer Ana Sekularac’s movie was no exception. Popcorn in hand we were emerged in her wonderful world of music, design and scenery that is a fashion film. After the show we spoke to Ana about her movie “I thought of this film before I even started doing the collection. I initially wanted to show the emotions of the woman wearing the clothes for the first time. It was very important. Then I created the clothes to reflect the emotions of the woman wearing them. The street through which the model was walking represented one phase in her life. The inspiration for my line is actually the same season after season, I want to show the contrast between strong architectural lines and the softness reflecting freedom. My clothes are very wearable, I want them to become tools the wearer can use to express themselves. ”

Jacquetta Wheeler walking at Sustainable Show

The Sustainable Show featured some supermodel talent in the faces of stunning Jacquetta Wheeler and Erin O’Connor belted at the waist. First of it's kind it was an important and stylish event deserving of our attention. Very conscious of the need for sustainable fashion, as well as walking in the show Erin also showcased her line of sustainable t-shirts "She Died of Beauty".

The first day was finalized by even more star studded PPQ, attended by Kanye West’s infamous lady – Amber Rose, who, when asked what she thought about the show simply replied “It was good”. Bright satins and Turkish hats by Amy Money gave PPQ’s Hassan collection a very memorable touch. The Telegraph's style guru Hilary Alexander spoke to us after the show “I thought it was very refreshing and quite sexy. I liked this new peplum, with the little pencil skirt underneath – we’ve seen it a couple of times this season, it’s sort of a 50’s madmen kind of skirt, but it’s coming back quite a lot, and I loved the colours!” Songbirds Eliza Doolittle and Paloma Faith also shared their enthusiasm about the line “I really liked some of it, there were a few pieces that I liked very much, in particular the jumpsuits and the shorts, they were very much up my street”, said Eliza. “Really exciting show, colourful and it’s lovely to see something fun that’s not too serious, and a line that’s not taking it’s self too seriously” added Paloma.

Playful Betty Jackson was enthused by the women’s utilitarian army in the 40’s, and brought the look up to date with a sporty angle and accessories by CFDA award winner Alexis Bittar.

Veruschka in Giles finale

Giles Deacon showed us that women of all age are beautiful by finalizing his show with 71 year old world’s first supermodel Veruschka.

Charlie Le Mindu

Charlie Le Mindu brought a little XXX Factor to London Fashion Week by showing his fabulous coiffure on a couple of nude and…bare models.

Top Shop Unique

Hippie inspired Unique show at old Eurostar Waterloo terminal was all about the hair. Which we felt may have districted from the fringed and bellbottomed attire complete with platforms and aviators. After the show Lilly Allen told us what she thought about the collection “It was really feminine, really girly, and I love that. It reminded me a bit of Luella, which is a really good thing!”

Mary Katrantzou

Former interior textile designer Mary Katrantzou wowed the crowd with her ever amazing and ever evolving signature Trompe-l'œil. Lampshade skirts, and chandelier necklaces graced the impossibly complex 3-D images of beautiful rooms from different times transformed onto bodices.

Antonio Berardi show in the beautiful Great Hall on Saint George Street was full of fashion royalty – Vogue, BAZAAR, Suzi Menkes. So was Alexander McQueen Memorial, attended by the likes of Anna Wintour, Hilary Alexander, Naomi Campbell, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kate Moss, and Bjork who gave a very memorable performance.

Just when we thought Matthew Williamson has toned it down, the show ended on some very bright notes.

Peter Pilotto and Michael van der Ham did what they do best with patchwork.

David Koma mixed hard and soft trend with his Russian rooted love for ballet.

Expectations for Holly Fulton ran sky high, and she did not disappoint.

Erdem

Erdem forecasts a very flowery spring.

Mark Fast

Mark Fast exceeded our expectations above and beyond. Constantly criticized for this or that, Mark stunned his fans with an incredibly vibrant collection with so much movement and colour that even the most devoted fans fell in love with him all over again. We’re not sure if we speak for all, but we would marry him in a second in that bridal number he spun out in the finale. Backstage Mark told us about this seasons inspiration “This line is inspired by a mixture of reptiles, alligators and different textures from the Amazon, as well as an oil slick, taking colour away and creating more restoration in the end”.

At Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House, Nicole Farhi show welcomed all with an theatre mandatory glass of champagne. We loved the pearly faced make-up as understated looks floated by, emerging us in a sea of shimmery trend.

Over at the Exhibitions we spoke to Zoë Jordan about her line Irwin & Jordan “My background is finance as a bond trader in New York and equity trader in London. However I studied design and architecture, so at one point I decided to follow my dream and it’s been great – we won Talent Launch Pad, which has been amazing, it’s great to have such powerhouses as Elle and BFC behind the brand”. She then added “I can’t say that our collection is fashion led, it’s more style driven – clean, elegant with a tomboy streak which came from my finance background. I design for the girl who is a boy’s best friend and a girl’s confidant. We’re based off Saville Row, so men’s tailoring is important to me. We’re using a lot of metallic’s and ash this season with a pop of orange flame.”

Christopher Kane

Canadian Supermodel Jessica Stam strutted in Christopher Kane show watched by the likes of French Vogue Editor-in-Chief Carine Roitfeld, and Sartorialist’s Scott Shulman who told us that he thought the show was a lot more refined and sexier than London style typically is. We personally think Kane was inspired by a pack of highlighters this season.

Roksanda Ilincic must have been high as the sky, both inspirationally speaking and when her On/Off show was attended by the likes of Anna Wintour and Suzi Menkes.

Paul Smith

Paul Smith was rocking the house with menswear inspired womenswear.

At Tata Naka presentation at the Portico Rooms in Somerset House we indulged in some delectable lavender jelly. Tamara and Natasha Surguladze spoke to us after the show “Were very happy with the presentation mainly because we got to work with some amazing people.” Bay Garnett styled the show. “We made a styling decision to soften up the line this season, that’s why you wouldn’t see a lot of usual Tata Naka colour splashes.”

Issa showed more Bedouin head gear and uber brights.

Back at Waterloo, Fashion East was attended by the likes of John Rocha who came to support Simone Rocha, who was in good company of Felicity Brown and Heikki Salonen.

Much anticipated Burberry Prorsum drew in expected It Crowd like Sarah Jessica Parker, Alexa Chung, Douglas Booth, Serena Williams and Andy Murray. Studded jackets sparked on the runway as the models had a bit of trouble with the gravity.

Ozwald Boateng

In the end Bailey let Boateng take the lead. The closing show was the most impressive event we’ve seen in a long time. Ozwald Boateng celebrated his 25th Anniversary in fashion by staging an event at Odeon Leicester Square to showcase a short film “A Man’s Story” and give us goose bumps by showing just how much one such man can do with a suit. We can’t help but think the collection was also inspired by film, there was Pirates of the Caribbean, Dr. Zhivago, Willy Wonka, and Gangs of New York. Boateng had no less than 100 models including celebrities like Tyrone Wood and received a well deserved standing ovation at the end. It was attended by the likes of Michelle Williams, Tara Palmer Tomkinson and Lady Victoria Harvey. Ozwald’s daughter Emilia told us in perfect Russian: “The event was very good, I’m very proud of my dad”.

All images provided by catwalking.com

Want to be a Stylist?

2010-10-02T15:32:00.000-07:00

www.absolutelyphoto.com

On Saturday October 9th 2010 from 9am-3pm Style Educator Keyonna S. Cox, will host an interactive conference for anyone possessing the passion of working in the fashion and entertainment industries as a professional Fashion/Wardrobe Stylist. Keyonna will present a conference, which will educate, inspire, and prepare aspiring stylists to launch their career, as well as a competition. One lucky winner will walk away with a free lifetime membership for Lots of Style, the world's network for fashion stylist, retail value $4800.00.

Ms. Cox and guest speakers will cover: Intro to Fashion/Wardrobe Styling, Education for Fashion/Wardrobe Styling, Stylist/Wardrobe Kit, Relocation Information, Assistant Styling, Networking Opportunities, Working Freelance vs. Working for an Agency, Stylists Salaries, the TRUTH about Working in the Fashion and Entertainment Industries as a Fashion/Wardrobe Stylist and Marketing Yourself, followed by a Q&A session with leading industry experts. Guest speaker, stylist Devon Poer of The Couture House and Editor-In-Chief of "The Stylist Handbook" believes, "This conference should be a great eye opener". Michael Holdaway, Wardrobe Stylist/Costume Designer/Fashion Show Producer of www.MichaelHoldaway.com, will prepare aspiring stylists in assisting "Key" Stylists and address the current affairs of fashion/wardrobe styling agencies. Michael declares, "I wish this was offered to me when I was coming up as an aspiring stylist/costume designer. No one was there to tell me how to save myself countless hours navigating through the fashion mine fields. This is an invaluable opportunity for anyone considering becoming a stylist".

The conference will take place at the Radisson LAX Hotel, 6225 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045, only a few days before Los Angeles Fashion Week. The damage is $50.00. Be one of the first 10 attendees to register and receive reserved seating. Space is limited and will be honored on a first come first served basis. Tickets are available now for purchase at www.fashionstylistconference.info. And Check out - The Couture House presents The Stylist Handbook. "The first ever e-magazine for Fashion and Wardrobe Stylists." View the magazine for free at www.thestylisthandbook.com

For more info Contact: Keyonna S. Cox / 310.925.4192 / fashionstylistconference@yahoo.com

30 Minutes to Your Resurrection

2010-08-18T05:30:00.000-07:00

www.absolutelyphoto.co.uk

How many times a day do you wish someone rubbed your shoulders? And if you manage to get someone to do it, you feel re-enrgized and ready to go back to your projects with newfound strength and inspiration. Weight loss, cellulite reduction, better circulation, better sleep, toxin release, better immunity, improved skin, flexibility, endorphin release, stretch mark reduction, reduction of cramping and swelling, the list goes on and on. These are only some of the benefits of a good massage. Only most of us don't have time for regular appointments. Enter Wagner Carnaval, masseur that will come to your home of office even if you just want a half hour session. Wagner has been a masseur for 8 years and studied massage and fitness in native Brazil. Expert in shiatsu, Indian head massage, sport massage, reflexology, holistic massage with warming skin oil, he charges £50/hour, or half body £30/half hour. Will travel whitin zones 1 and 2 or further for larger groups or events (up to 30 people). Call him for an appointment and soon you'll be saying - ahh-mazing! 07904949373 by SMS / wagner_carnaval@hotmail.com / facebook - http://bit.ly/9LxGQL

Once Upon a Time in Portland Place...

2010-08-17T07:57:00.000-07:00

Styled/Produced by Sofia Bak

Photography www.absolutelyphoto.co.uk

Shirt: Fake London

Men's Jacket: Primark £10

Shoes: Alejandro Ingelmo

Glasses: Primark £1

Broken Watches: Grandma's Vintage

Bag: Onna Ehrlich Francoise $650

Shoes: Faith

Jacket: Fake London

Tiara & Necklace: Created by Stylist

Ring: Primark

Underskirt: Vintage

Jacket: Irwin & Jordan

Handmade Venetian Mask from Street Market in Florence, Italy

Necklace: Topshop

Jacket: Ana Sekularac

Side Effects May Include…

2010-08-12T12:55:00.000-07:00

Photography by Barbara Chandler

Watching a commercial for a pharmaceutical on TV I started to wonder why those cheerful Coca-Cola holiday ads or their cans don’t have a disclaimer like our packets of cigarettes. National Geographic calls fizzy drinks like these #1 WORST thing you can find at the supermarket. Even diet soda can cause arthritis, birth defects, fibromyalgia, Alzheimer’s, lupus, multiple sclerosis, diabetes and cancer. But most people don’t worry about their health until they don’t have it. So I’ll put it simply - soda is the fastest way to make you put on weight. It is the largest source of calories from the worst source – carbs. It confuses appetite-regulating hormones. No matter how healthy you eat if you drink soda it wipes out your efforts. If you stop drinking it you can loose 90 pounds in 7 months. Fructose in soda encourages appetite. Soda ruins your ability to process sugar so you take more of it in. Because it’s a drink it absorbs sugar into your body too fast, instead of processing it...talk about empty calories. And now, the instant health risks – constant cavities, mood swings, very high to very low energy levels. It is on the same level of danger as drinking alcohol and smoking because this type of sugar or sugar substitute consumption attacks the bones and encourages organ breakdown that leads to diabetes – which can cause you to loose your legs. I should have really posted this on Halloween.

Source + studies: http://bit.ly/b3v6VA

Time = Money

2010-07-19T12:24:00.000-07:00

Photo - Maxim Belousov

How many times have you wished you had an assistant? Well, now you can. With affordable options starting from $10 per 5 tasks a month you can have your very own Jeeves or Miss Moneypenny. How is this possible? Habilis is a company that's outsourced to India and all your tasks have to be such that can be performed over the internet or phone. Data entry, finding cheap tickets on the web, looking for a place to rent, selling your stuff on eBay, taking care of your calls to customer service etc. Even work tasks like presentations, competitor analysis, web research. All you have to do is provide them with necessary info. The more information you give Habilis assistants about yourself the faster and easier it will be to perform tasks. You can provide them with passwords, account numbers etc. If you prefer not to, it's simple and up to you. Most importantly, to see if Habilis is for you, they even offer a free trial.

Pure and Simple

2010-07-16T11:29:00.000-07:00

What’s better than having a place of your own? Still having someone prepare your food for you and watch out for your health. Pure Package delivers natural, healthy, low-fat, ready made food right to your door complete with cutlery. The menu differs but includes popular items like Chicken Superfood Salad, Spiced Swordfish with Black Bean Salsa, and Stewed Pears with Almond and Vanilla Yoghurt. Everything is delivered with a menu which also describes the benefits of what you are eating, which I personally believe enhances the strength of the beneficial ingredients. Hugh Jackman, Denise Van Outen and Patsy Kensit are some of the celebrity fans. Prices start at £26.95 per day. Programs include - Healthy Eating, Weight Loss, Pre and Post Baby, Detox, and more. And the best part is – no dishes.

Sun & Sea in OC

2010-06-29T13:22:00.000-07:00

You've been dieting since New Year's, you've been in the gym every other day, you've gone Brazilian and even Jersey Shore girls would envy your fake bake, but you can't find a hot bikini to save your life. No woman will deny that a good swimsuit makes all the difference. Enter OC. A couture designer with a line of swimwear to sweep you off your feet. A Kiev native Oleg Skirda is a purist in his own right. His craftsmanship is impeccable, every stitch is measured by the millimetre and sewn by hand. His self taught skills in rare french techniques are not only perfected but improvised. His swimwear is no exception, only this time Oleg has also taken it upon himself to defy gravity and give us a breast lift using only his own developed push-up cups which have been perfected to a science. OC has two swimwear lines - swimwear and haute couture swimwear. Haute couture is hand-sewn with Swarovski crystals and pearls, Japanese beads, and vintage Italian beads and sequence. The design can't be duplicated, it comes to life without an initial drawing and sewn directly on the model. It's created to underline the natural beauty of a woman's body, and believe it or not, these works of art are made for fun in the sun - you can swim and even wash them without worrying about damaging precious details. "The real bikini is what mother nature gave a woman - her body, I'm simply accentuating her work" Oleg Skirda. For prices and delivery please contact Oleg through his site.

Le Sale

2010-06-17T01:50:00.000-07:00

Bonjour shopaholics! I have one of the ultimate sale dates for you today. Hermes homeware, shoes, et d'accord...men's and women's ready to wear. This Friday from 8.30am-7pm, and Saturday from 10am-6pm. At The Music Room, 26 South Molton Lane, London W1. Bon chance!