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By admin, on March 12th, 2012
Appearing at a top end event such as London Fashion Week is the kind of platform all designers aspire to. Amongst the many household names appearing at this years event there will be a few that will have fallen under your radar and will have a high curiosity value. There is a high presence of Scandinavian designs at LFW that are set to prove once and for all that even though they come from cold countries, these clothes are hot.
Fashionistas and industry insiders have known for quite a while about the buzz currently surrounding the Scandinavian fashion labels. Vero Moda, the Danish label, recently hit the headlines with a fabulous photo shoot featuring Alexa Chung, and their edgy, stylish garments have searching for other brands from Northern Europe so see what they can bring to the market.
Aminaka Wilmont, a Scandinavian label that made a huge impression in their catwalk show on the 21st February, is the collaboration of two designers; Marcus Wilmont from Denmark and Aminaka Löfvander, a Swede with Japanese ancestry. Their experimental drape dresses and asymmetric leather jackets are their trademark pieces, and their goal is to create clothes that give sensual and flowing silhouettes to the wearer.
While Aminaka Wilmont, and many other besides, were lucky enough to make it to this years London Fashion Week, there are many other Scandinavian labels that are causing a stir at other shows, and the following are just a sample of what you really should look out for to make a big impression in 2012.
Bruuns Bazaar, from Copenhagen, have an eclectic selection of clothing that well made, versatile and above all, look fantastic. Their dresses in particular are loose, comfortable and set to cause quite a stir in 2012. Created by the Bruun brothers, Teis and Bjørn, in 1994, they have created a range that is identifiable as Scandinavian but with an international look, and has generated a whole load of interest, and recognition, around the globe.
Soaked in Luxury do what they say on the tin; create top quality wearable garments that both look and feel luxurious. Their dresses, separates and accessories are going to be huge in 2012, so watch out for their latest collection.
Baum Und Pferdgarten create every day, contemporary garments that have special edge or twist to them. Their clothes are both chic and contemporary, and while having a distinctive Scandinavian feel to them, they have the styling to take them global.
By Alan, on March 9th, 2012
The upmarket lingerie firm Agent Provocateur released an advert last November, which caused some controversy among some viewers. The advert was initially banned by the Advertising Standards Authority, after a complaint was received that described the video as disturbing and misogynistic. The ban came despite being only one complaint about the advert being submitted when it was initially launched.
The advertisement shows a woman who is being kidnapped by four women dressed in lingerie by the company, and it has been created to promote a new range that was released in 2011. Since the ban came into effect last November, the ASA have reviewed the advertisement and have decided that it does not breach any of the advertising standards in the country.
The advert can be seen on YouTube as well as the firm’s website and it shows a woman at home, wearing a dressing gown. The advert has been clearly designed to resemble 1950s horror movie and even the setting of the film is reminiscent of these. It takes place in a house in the woods where the women is alone. She hears the telephone ring and answers it but there is no one on the line. A moment later the telephone line rings again and there is just a women’s laughter at the other end.
Clearly quite scared, the woman puts the telephone down and a moment later two women, wearing lingerie from Agents Provocateur, appear outside the woman’s window. Visibly terrified she turns away, only to find them inside the house facing her. They stare directly into her eyes for a moment and then the terrified women runs away to another room in the house. As she is running through the house, she is confronted by two other women, also wearing lingerie and at this point she collapses from fear.
After collapsing, she is dragged into another room of the house by the four women and they proceed to pose in front of her in a provocative way. After posing for half a moment, they appear to ravish her and the viewer can’t see what’s going on. A moment later she stands up and she is also wearing a similar type of lingerie. It appears as if she has been converted to their ways. This is much like a scene in a horror movie where someone would be turned into a vampire.
Even the music during the advertisement is very reminiscent of horror movies and there is no question that it is a very stylised piece of film. The complaint about the movie was addressed by the ASA, but since looking into the advert more closely, they have decided that it is acceptable for TV screens in theUK.
A spokesperson for Agent Provocateur has commented, “We created this advert for a new collection, Soiree, and it was designed to be based around the horror genre. As a company we think that the advert fits well with our corporate image of eroticism and sensibility. We did not intend for the advert to offend anybody”
Since the video has been released it has been viewed by over 450,000 people and people have said that it is the first time that a fashion label have parodied a horror movie in one of its adverts.
The ASA commented, “We do understand that some viewers might find the advert slightly distasteful, but we don’t think that it violates any of the advertising standard rules in theUK.”
By Alan, on March 3rd, 2012
 One of the most fun collections at the London Fashion Week was created by Benjamin Kirchhoff and Edward Meadham.
The show was put on by Burberry and was an extravagant one that even managed to bring smiles to the faces of some of the most stonefaced audience members. Many of the audience were reduced to laughter by the show which is one that won’t soon be forgotten.
The seriousness of fashion shows was largely ignored and most of the clothing they focused on had outrageous items such as tinsel, glitter and sequins. There was a certain disco vibe about clothing on display at the show, which was held at Old Billingsgate Market.
The audience members probably felt as if they had been taken back in time by the disco lights and outfits. The range of clothes featured almost every colour imaginable, but there was definitely more orange and yellow involved.
Some of the outfits seen had glittery tights combined with sequinned pants worn over them. Paisley shirts were also combined with tartan dresses and it seemed as if everyone was wearing a fur jacket. The models were wearing face paint that looked as if it had come from the circus which added to the very bizarre feel of the event.
The hairstyles, which were created by using fluorescent wigs, where almost as interesting as the clothes themselves. The hair was incredibly wild and matched the whole feel of the event. Nails were also painted in outrageously bright colours which completed the outrageous outfits of the models. By the time the show was reaching its conclusion, its simple bizarreness has won over the vast majority of the audience.
By Alan, on March 2nd, 2012
 Stefano Pilati recently completed his first show for Yves Saint Laurent and has been very gracious in accepting thanks for doing the show.
He also thanked people attending the event including Katy Perry and Catherine Deneuve, as well as the many journalists who turned out to see his work.
Pilati started working at the fashion house in 2002 and there have been many rumours about his work there since he started.
His contract has now ended with the fashion company, and he looks significantly more relaxed now that he was. The catwalk saw a rather different man however, and the display was somewhat patchy.
Some of the best items being shows were cigarette pants with a very high waist, sculpted to the wearer’s body. Furthermore, there were also exceptional jackets created in leather that fit the body beautifully.
There were also many items that were not so impressive, such as the leather tunic which looked very uncomfortable for the wearer. The models were certainly revealing a lot of themselves, but the collection still managed to lack the sex appeal that YSL is famous for.
By admin, on February 29th, 2012
 Ben Sherman is one of Britain’s oldest menswear brands. In its 50 plus years of manufacturing and distributing men’s clothes, the brand has grown in popularity to the point where it’s now widely regarded as a hugely influential men’s designer with a strong understanding of consumer fashion.
In this March’s issue of Dazed and Confused, the Brighton based company is launching a new campaign entitled Brighton to Tokyo. The aim of it is to find fashion forward, modern men and see what outfits they would create from Ben Sherman’s spring/summer collection.
The company’s blog says that the collection has inspired a “contemporary take on a Modernist Cruise Collection”. In order to test this, it’s enlisted six men to style creative outfits from pieces in its latest collection that’ll highlight the brand’s commitment to its fashionable cause.
Campaigns like this one – and its Englishman in New York initiative that helped promote its autumn/winter collection at the end of last year – have helped to separate the brand from some of the negative stereotypes that have occasionally been associated with British men’s fashion.
In no uncertain terms, the campaigns show that Ben Sherman is committed to fashion and the fashion industry, and is constantly thinking about how to innovate in order to create stylish and creative clothing.
One area where this has clearly come into fruition is in the range of Ben Sherman jeans, which continues to build on trusted designs but gives them a cutting edge twist. Elsewhere, the company’s gingham check shirts promise to be at the forefront of men’s fashion this spring, cementing the brand’s place as an innovator rather than a follower.
The new gingham shirts have been released in their own range and are part of what the brand call ‘The Gingham Shirt Factory’. Whilst the term ‘factory’ may seem a little elevated, gingham check is massively en vogue right now, and Ben Sherman is, as ever, making sure it’s carrying the torch ahead of the rest of the pack.
By admin, on February 28th, 2012
While fashion is on an endless loop with all designs and styles inevitably returning after years of being out of favour before disappearing again and waiting for the cycle to come around again, there are other products that more or less stand the tests of times. Jewellery is one, necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, they may be tweaked here and there depending on trend or culture, but they are essentially the same as they have always been.
Make-up is another one, new mascaras are constantly promising to make our lashes longer and thicker than ever, and numerous lipsticks promise to stay put all night, however much you eat, drink or haw many football teams you kiss, but the products carry the same names as they always have, do what they have always done and have the same intention, making us both look and feel good about ourselves.
Perfume is another one; there are constantly new ones hitting the market, with different combinations of ingredients, and with celebrity endorsements, but with the same base notes they will still fall into the same categories that they always have; floral, green, aquatic, citrus, fruity and Gourmand. Whatever the ingredients or the blend, they will fall into one of these 6 areas, and probably always is.
The simple fact is that in the fashion world, nothing is ‘new’ any more. It seems as if all the ideas have run out, the revolutions such as mini skirts, jeans and leather jackets have come to an end, and we are simply constantly recycling. Green is the latest buzzword, with eco-friendly materials being used to create garments, and when this becomes the norm, there will be another comes along to try and get us excited.
Hang on to those old clothes and shoes, replace your make-up only when it runs out, and stick with your favourite old perfume if you want, as some things never change, and human nature is one of them. Thanks to vintage we can even wear originals from before we were born, and get to wear the originals of what are now the norm, and get a chance to experience what those first wearers did; excitement.
Article courtesy of Escentual
By Alan, on February 22nd, 2012
 It seems as if spring has almost arrived and because of this people’s fashions are changing.
The darker colours associated with winter are gradually disappearing and the more bright colours people choose to wear in the spring are starting to show themselves.
Clashing colours seems to be an already popular way of dressing this spring and the use of pastel colours is very popular. One popular look this spring is going to be bright crayon shades and these are particularly popular when seen on skinny jeans.
Pencil skirts and cardigans are remaining popular and the most popular colours for these seem to be sherbet pink and mint green. A good idea to complete the outfit is to paint your nails in the same colour as the clothes that you are wearing. If you don’t think you can quite pull off mint green then go for a more delicate shade. This can also mean that people focus on the rest of your outfit as well.
If you are going to a formal occasion this spring, such as a wedding, then one of the most popular looks to go for will be vintage inspired clothes. Dresses in varied colours have a wonderful 1950s appeal about them and combining these with accessories such as ankle socks can complete a fantastic look. You can also add a petal clutch to the outfit as this will provide a place to keep all of your essential items.
If you want to show off your body a bit but don’t want to go overboard then wearing a medium length dress is a great idea. This combines the sophistication of a longer dress with the sultry look of a short one and is a really great way to get the benefit of both looks. Combining this outfit with brightly coloured heels will complete the look and choosing jewellery to match is easy.
For those who are a bit anxious about the change of clothes for spring then they needn’t be. There are plenty of options this season and it will be easy to find something to your taste.
By Alan, on February 21st, 2012
 It seems that over the spring and summer this year, pastels are going to be making a comeback.
The colours weren’t really popular over the last few years but judging from what is in the stores, and what people are starting to wear, pastels are set to make a comeback. If you are looking for pastel coloured clothes for plus size women then Evans can be a great shop to go to.
Many women will be choosing to bring a great deal of pastel clothes into their collection for the summer. Despite the rather cold weather, many stores are going to be stocking their clothing for warmer weather shortly. Modern styles are going to go well with the pastel looks that are going to be in fashion this season and floral prints, which have been popular in the past, are not going anywhere.
Floral prints, when combined with pastel colours, create a very feminine look and if you have these with a pair of jeans in either blue or white you are going to create a wonderful outfit. Some people are not so much a fan of pastel coloured clothing and often find that they are a bit too dull. There are many other options available this spring however which can bring a more enhanced colour to your wardrobe.
Smart spring clothing is also going to be popular this season and crossover clothes, which are capable of being worn in the evening as well as the daytime are going to sell well. Tops of this kind, that can either be worn with skirts or trousers, will be hugely popular thanks to them being a very flexible piece of clothing.
By Alan, on February 17th, 2012
 Victoria Beckham wows New York However, instead of showing off her sparkling personality it seemed that she was busy striking a pose attempting to look sophisticated and unaffected, much like fashion veterans Anna Wintour of Vogue, Tamara Mellon, and Hamish Bowles.
The launch of the British event was held in NYC’s Grand Central Station. Even if her personality was a bit off, she still looked quite good in a curve hugging black dress that came from her own fashion range.
On the other hand, she may want to consider heading in a new direction with her makeup as the nude glossy lipstick and bronze eye shadow stood out starkly against her light complexion, making her look a bit clownish instead of her usual sexy self. Whether she was just too busy this week to focus on her make-up or not, the overall affect was to make her look exhausted.
Still, Beckham is still reigning at the top of the fashion world right now and given the positive murmurs that have been circulating about her new collections it’s not hard to believe that she needs a break.
By Alan, on February 17th, 2012
 London set to host star studded fashion week The event starts this Friday and over the next six days it is expected that celebrities are going to be everywhere, both off and on the catwalk.
Some of Hollywood’s top fashion icons such as Scarlett Johansson are expected to show up to check out the new fashion lines premiered by Alexander McQueen’s McQ, Stella McCartney, and the Cheap and Chic line by Moschino.
Fashion industry buyers from the Middle East, US, and Russia are already in London waiting for the show and Anna Wintour, the Vogue editor, has remarked that she cannot remember when there was a more culturally active time in the city.
Event organisers, the British Fashion Council, stated that every year the UK economy sees a boost from the fashion industry given the fact that it is offers £21 billion to the economy. This year it hopes to increase this number with an intense focus on winning more Chinese customers, who make up the largest spenders in the fashion scene.
Outside of attempting to win over Chinese shoppers with incentives for attendance at London Fashion Week, there is also a planned London Fashion Week showcase that will be held in Bejing to help increase interest in the lines. The emphasis of the Fashion Week this year will be on individual creativity among the designers.
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