My Passport to Style| Goes Back Stage With Stephane Rolland At Paris Fashion Week!

Backstage at Paris fashion week A/W 2011-2012 with Stephane Rolland, his collection is impeccable, breath taking edgy designs, clothing and architecture were never so closely paired, I'm in heaven. Just looking at the strong clean lines from his collection, you  realise very quickly that your posture would stand corrected the moment you step into one of his dresses and have it magically deftly zipped up by the invisible hands of the Rolland team (they come as standard with any item from the his collection, did'n't you know?) the slouch in you would not stand a chance!!Makeup and hair styling on the models reflect the purity and grandeur of the collection, but have a slight eerie perfection reminiscent of shop manequins which adds that essential untouchable quality that is at the heart of the magic of Paris fashion week.

 

My Passport to Style | Explores Mulberrys Latest Fashion Campaign For Their Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection

One of my favourite stories, both as an adult and a child, has always been Road Dahl's Fantastic Mr Fox. As some of you may know from previous posts you have read, I get a bit excited when fashion houses and designers manage to successfully distil the creative magic of fairytales and folklore into their runway collections. British clothing designers tend to have a knack for creating the unexpected, runway shows are all about thrilling audiences with the spectacle and drama of fashion and capturing their imagination, but a bit like the fairy tales we read as a child there is often an enduring and real message behind the fantasy that resonates with us and has depth, which is why children's stories are often such a powerful medium to use in the world of fashion - something the Mulberry team understand only too well.

A recent short break to the breathtaking, verdant countryside around Buttermere in Cumbria, where I found a furniture shop selling lifelike woodland creatures made to scale, such as badgers and foxes clothed in tweed and flannel, meant I was finally united with my perfect fantastic and very dapper Mr Fox.

Having met up with fantastic Mr Fox again, I was inspired to write about Mulberry's Autumn /Winter 2011 campaign and collection which have used the story of Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl, as their source inspiration. The stroke of genius in choosing this children's story as the central theme for their collection and campaign from both a fashion and marketing perspective, in my opinion, cannot be underestimated. They have managed to successfully showcase very current cultural themes whilst capturing the mood of Britain right now, through their visual interpretation of English woodland and countryside animals in Roald Dahl’s story Fantastic Mr Fox. Mulberry have tapped into the public's reawakened fascination with British Royalty and aristocracy who have long been associated with country pursuits and state visits to Wales and Scotland. Birds in flight were also very symbolic of the late Alexandra McQueen and his collections, so again the subliminal use of wildlife, foxes and birds in particular in Mulberry's Autumn/ Winter campaign, I believe, sends out a very potent message in the wake of the sad death of McQueen and his successor Sarah Burton taking over at the helm and being tasked to design Kate Middleton's bridal gown, for the Royal Wedding.


Mulberry could have taken a far more gritty but still very British path with their Autumn/Winter 2011 campaign choice and created visuals that alluded to the powerful connection between the pursuit of hunting, gentry and aristocracy in Britain, however that would have been too masculine. Their women's collections are known for being slightly quirky and yet very definitely feminine, added to that Mulberry's fan base identify strongly with them as animal lovers.

I believe the message behind the story of Fantastic Mr Fox itself, that fans of the film or book and quintessential British children's author Roald Dahl will be familiar with, is a very apt and sympathetic one. It resonates with the adversity some families from all walks of life and the globe find themselves in and alludes to the value of family and sacrifice. The dilemma that some people face, to stockpile for the future or live for today. Although all the characters in the story are woodland animals, the story is in essence of a husband with his back against the wall, his lively hood at stake, his wife fearful of his risk taking and the family and communities triumph over adversity through their ability to adapt. Like all great children's stories it contains a message of hope, a message that most certainly runs right through the Mulberry brand.

                                 

My Passport to Style | Does Diors Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection Have What It Takes?

What do you get when you lock Bill Gaytten, Diors new head designer together with a pyramid of pastel sprinkles, a flurry of candyfloss clouds, fairground wizardry and a gaggle of clowns in a cutting room at the house of Dior? Simple really the drama and fairytale of the big top, sensual, dramatic satin ruffles and the thrill and intensity of a laser light show spillling onto dresses, with back pannels that will billow out should a breeze catch them. Texture, slick use of colour, movement a plenty, drama, sweet but strong. Gayttens Autumn/Winter 2011 collection is diverse, fun in parts but ever so dramatic and the skill and daring he demonstrated darting from opposing moods/colour shifts which characterize his A/W collection is breathtaking! Hair is big, barbarella style or has high fluff factor, eyes are sweet with large pale giant sequins or sticky bright colours and brows.    

strobe light checks genius!

I desireth this, no not the pale and interesting doughnut's! The above!

 geometric candy cones, make sweetness, sharp!

                                                                               shiney gobstoppers      

loving the nude tiny tulle pompom detailing above

                                                                               

I love! But do you? Do tell! 

                               

My Passport To Style | Celebrates 4th of July 2011 With American Fashion Pioneer Elizabeth Hayes

Hi Gals, to celebrate the 4th of July 2011, I wanted to share the view point of an amazing American fashion pioneer Elizabeth Hawes who was deffinately ahead of her time and to me is the epitome of what American independence is all about, I hope you enjoy flicking through the pages of her book 'Fashion Spinache' that the talented designer and seamstress from the thirties compiled, happy reading!!! 

 Hawes felt that the body and its clothes must work together. She thought that American women should not accept French fashion as the standard. Her goal was to bring stylish clothing with an American sensibility to the masses and believed that all women deserved to have beautiful and functional clothes. (Colette patterns)

 

Look inside the pages of this amazing book she wrote, to find out more

about incredible US fashion pioneer Elizabeth Hawes. All the stunning dresses below designed by Hawes, circa 1930

photo credits - Never Enough Time and Cate Writes  

                                   

Has Kate Moss Broken With Tradition On Her Big Day??

It's official Kate Moss is now marrried to Jamie Hince! As much as I recognise the talent of Galliano and the beauty of the vintage inspired bridal dress Kate Moss is wearing. I can't help but think that every article leading up to the wedding talked about Kate Moss breaking with convention on her wedding day! She chose to change 3 times durring her wedding day into dresses of varying shades of white. To me that lacks the certain rock n roll tone that fans may have be hoping for.

 Aside from this, from a purely stylistic perspective her blue pre wedding outfit would have been my choice for her actual wedding day. I admit I have a weakness for blue, but the blue dress aside from being breathtaking, is such a beautiful fit on Kate Mosses very slender frame and the colour is so pretty against her colouring, the suede boots are a dream.

 Judging from these two shots of Kate Moss in her bridal gown, the Galinanno dress does nothing for her waist and if you take a look at the back shot of her gown, although the yards of sheer fabric are a joy, the detailing of the lace dress minus underskirt showing beneath her long sheer veil creates the impression of a loose nappy, which is far from flattering! However that aside a happy bride always beautiful. Congratulation to them both! Happy 4th of July weekend to US followers!

  

                                  

Iconic Glastonbury 2011 Looks

Hi Gals, here are two of favourite iconic looks from Glastonbury 2011 festival, interstingly it's a bit of a sharp contrast between look one, featuring upfront Jessie J and the other look which features one of the behind the scenes presenters of the week the lovely Jo Whiley.

Jessie, J was born to wear edgy geometric designs and she look every inch the female super hero,this shot of her is so powerful yet still fun. Forgoing the cape was a smart move by Jessies stylist! 

What can I say, relaxed easy style, yet still impactful, 80s chic a go go, neon pink, white print on a black knit ups the Wham factor and flapping black fringing and aviators create a perfect look for Jo Whiley that reflects her down to earth yet up for anything attitude which has made her such a popular female presenter in the UK. Do you dress up or down for music events?     

                                      

Autumn/ Winter 2011 Runway Detailing

This may sound strange but generally Autumn/Winter 2011 runway collections are my favourite, as I revel in the use of varied texture in clothing, it adds character to even the most basic look. This Prada coat in exqusite peachy fur is shorn on along the length of the outer arm to reveal a runway (no pun intended) of nude suede and the elegant round suede collar and side fastening placket, punctuated with juicy lipstick red buttons.This is mirrored in the buckle detailing on the models belt. The clever architecture of this piece elongates the body and creates a regal decadence, not sure about the yellow clutch though! What do you think?

This sneak peak from Chanels fall collection could forcast that monotone will feature big in their Autumn/Winter collection I like the tone on tone grey tweed and floral fans ephasising the shoulderline of this coat, I am hoping for a elegant oriental 40s feel to their collection, watch this space!

 Textured Autumn/Winter look number 3 by Giorgio Armani has what I term the lickable effect, I am so inspired by Armani's in one sense simple colour palette in this fall look, which cunningly creates so much drama and has a almost gothic appeal. The wavey lines on the mac evoke visions of a mens comb being dragged through black paint. The subtle sheen on the models mac and accessories, give them a aristocratic vintage mexican feel, conker brown with large opal detailing I love!   

  

Images courtesy of Nina Garcia

                                   

Masters Of Style Exibition In London Celebrates Italy With The Goliaths Of Italian Fashion History

I'm thrilled to have been invited to a private viewing of Italian fashion designers at Somerset House in London to commemorate Italy's 150 years as a unified nation! The photographic exhibition entitled the Masters of Style, curated by the talented Colin McDowell and the indomitable Peroni Nastro Azzurro, documents the personal stories and journey of Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Missoni, Prada and Salvatore Ferragamo.

The Italian sense of style is so deeply inbedded in their culture, that they understand perfectly that well tailored stylish clothing can change how we feel, help us evolve through out the diffent phases of our life and that fashion is ultimately an expression of character which can empower us all.  

Curator of the exhibition, esteemed fashion journalist Colin McDowell, says:


“The expression ‘Made in Italy’ has become a global codeword for an embodiment


of style, conveying Italy’s position at the forefront of international trends, inspiring


and influencing the designers of tomorrow as it has done for over half a century.


When it comes to self expression, effortless style and flair, nobody does it better


or more naturally than the Italians.”






Masters of Style will run from 1st July- 14th August 2011 in the Embankment Galleries, Somerset House. Open daily from 10.00 to 18.00, Late night openings until 21.00 on Thursdays. Cost £6, £5 concessions don't miss it!

                                                                                          

                                                                            

                                             

Festival Chic | I get A Makeover Courtesy Of Dita Von Teese



Van Mildert By Vivienne Westwood




With Ben and Jerry's Sundae festival coming up soon, like many of us, I'm contemplating what I might wear to rock out at a festval, franky the rock chic look as much as I understand its longevity at festivals is wearing a little thin and to be honest in my opinion really works best for boyish frames. I also have a series case of the boho blues with regard to festival wear. So right now I'm looking to a rather unusual muse for the occasion, non other than Dita Von Teese whoes interpretation of styling down her look for a recent festival she attended was to wear this rather natty rope belt! What better way is there to keep your hair from flying in your face while you rock out to your favourite beats than wearing it in a sweet net at the nape of your neck?




Dita Von Teese - Festival Chic



 My version of Dita Festival chic has to be teaming this stunning hand painted African print dress from online company Van Mildert in a flattering cut by Vivienne Westwood with a pair of these vintage style, red, Marilyn Monroe spat ankle wellingtons (yes this is what they are called! Dita would approve!) from the Welly Shop (no tights needed) a lightweight fitted raincoat in grey or lilac (check out Dita Von Teese artfully carrying her raincoat slung over the back of her satchel) or I could opt for these rather sleek black moc croc, (the Welly company also) the contrast of pattern and texture would look so festive and yet so chic!

Marylin Monroe red spats - Welly Shop





Black moc croc wedge welly - Welly Shop

 Choosing the right bag can often be a dilemma so I'm keeping it simple and emulating vintage hollywood cruise style and opting for this sweet but ample vintage camera case bag in white and tan to carry my camera, lipstick and money in, from online company Rokit in London you may fear for my welbeing, carrying such a small bag, however a small bag will not dominate your style and exudes inner confidence.

Good news regarding the final part of my festival chic over story, if you want to recreate Dita Von Teeses hair style but its just that bit too time consuming for you, the frizz factor is having a moment and with this stunning tribal print dress by Van Mildert you can unleash your fluff factor and still be the talk of the beer tent!  



Frizzy Up Do









                                   Sharon x