The must see: Valentino Exhibition

The Valentino: Master of Couture exhibition opened this weekend at Somerset House demonstrating the intricate glamour and craftsmanship of couture which has been worn by a whole host of Valentino's highly regarded clients which spans decades.

Fashion illustrations have a simplicity and elegance that I absolutely love and these Valentino illustrations epitomise why. They emphasise the iconic use of red and flattering fit of the dresses and  over 130 of these hand-crafted designs are exhibited along 60 metres of a couture catwalk. This is a highly anticipated exhibition for all fashion lovers that can not be missed and I can't wait to see and share my verdict.

The season to sparkle

These necklaces are a statement in themselves and enough to brighten up any outfit for the festive party season. The colourful jewels and beads will definitely cause heads to turn and will become your best friend in the transition from day to evening wear.

1)  Anthropology 2)  Rosantica 3)  Erickson Beamon
 4) Zara 5) Anthropology

Stocking Fillers

Clements Ribiero had designed one-off vintage inspired stockings for auction raising money for Oxfam. Santa would be lucky to come across any one of these beautiful stockings which are each named after one of his reindeers, and are guaranteed to be more of a treat than the standard pair of socks you usually unwrap inside.

The handcrafted wool and cashmere stockings are embellished with Victorian jet lace, buttons, pearls and silk ribbons to give an overall unique and elegant finish with flashes of festive colour. However it's not too late to use these as inspiration for your own handmade gifts for friends and family using bits and pieces to create a shabby chic gift which money can't buy. I'm planning on collecting old blankets from charity shops and vintage trimmings to replicate my own stockings, which will be a present in themselves - photos to follow!

Popzin

Donner

Moodboard for my own stockings

Spring/Summer 2013 trends

I found this amazing video whilst browsing tumblr and felt it needed sharing. It brings together twelve collections from Spring '13 and is set to Tchaikovsky's "Apotheosis" from Sleeping Beauty which really complements the strong, powerful collections from designers such as Dior, Marc Jacobs and Mary Katrantzou. The mesmerising and hypnotic kaleidoscope effects suit the layered and patterned trends that we're eagerly anticipating for spring.

All images and video from textbook.tumblr.com

Teddy Bears Picnic

Pudsey's just undergone a seriously stylish transformation. Everyone from Alexandra McQueen to Alexa Chung, Prada and Mulberry have redesigned their own version of Pudsey, who has upped his game on the fashion credentials front but remains recognisable from the eyepatch. The collection of bears is currently on display at Selfridges in Manchester before being auctioned off online in aid of BBC's Children in Need. Paul Smith, Anya Hindmarch and Selfridges also have their own smaller versions of the bears for the public to get their hands on. So whilst we continue dreaming of our designer wardrobes perhaps we can settle for a pimped out teddy until we get the real deal - and all for a good cause!

My Pudsey Wishlist

Happy Halloween

Embrace the gothic trend dominating the shops this autumn; lace, velvet and jewels - this year is going to be the most stylish halloween yet.

1) Gucci velvet gown 2) Velvet cut out body - Topshop 3) Necklace - Asos
4) Lace crop top - Topshop 5) Embroidered blouse - Zara
6) Charlotte Olympia Loafers 7) Nail Rock wraps

Fairytale Christmas

Harrods' are injecting some extra magic into christmas this year as a designer Disney Princess window display is in store to dazzle. Renowned for it's impressive window displays and a reputation that needs to be upheld, some of the biggest names in fashion have designed their fairytale-worthy dresses which will be on display from 1st November.

These beautiful dresses, really are fit for princesses and encapsulate a modern twist on the iconic outfits of the characters they are designed for, whilst retaining the timeless elegance every little girl aspires to. If these illustrations are anything to go by then there's the possibility of the most enchanting christmas window yet.

Rapunzel by Jenny Packham

Princess Jasmine by Escada

Princess Aurora by Elie Saab

Ariel by Marchesa

Images from vogue.co.uk

For the first time... Chanel N°5

"'Where should one use perfume?' a young woman asked. 'Wherever one wants to be kissed,' I said."

- Coco Chanel

 The iconic brand is all about pioneering and consequently in less than a week we will all be treated to Brad Pitt becoming the first male face of Chanel N°5's advertising campaign. They've released a short film which captures the ongoing success of the perfume: from it's original vision, to all the other famous faces who have represented the fragrance. So whilst we wait for Brad Pitt's performance let's learn  about the chronicling history of this timeless  scent because by the looks of things it won't be going anywhere in a hurry.

Teatime treats

Sister by Sibling have collaborated with the hotel W London for the Fashion Week Tea Salon. As if the average afternoon tea isn't enough of a treat, this has taken things to the next level. The typically british occasion still includes the classic scones and cream alongside a pink bespoke leopard biscuit which also compliments the cushions decorating the interior of the lounge. So if you can drag yourself away from the shows this seems like the ultimate indulgence and the perfect excuse to refuel.

Mulberry Magic

If only it was as simple as it looks...

The process of making a Del Rey

The greatness of Gatsby

The 1920's is renowned for glamour and the highly anticipated film remake of The Great Gatsby is set to live up to all expectations.  I don't think you can go wrong with elegant old-school glamour, beads and sequin embellishments are an instantaneous winner for evening wear and this fashionable era has influenced the catwalks for both seasons this year and is predicted to stick around until the movie is released.

The allure of the costumes grabbed my attention in the action packed trailer and the fashion potential of the film has just got even greater. Miuccia Prada has reworked over 40 dresses from Prada and Miu Miu archives to be worn by various characters throughout the film and they join Tiffany & Co (the jewellery providers for the film) - ensuring the outfits will match the star-studded cast. Having postponed the release date from December until summer 2013 we can continue to wear trends inspired by the most decadent of decades to ensure we look great whilst we wait.

Carey Mulligan on set of The Great Gatby

1) Anton Heunis Ring 2) Olga Berg bag 3) Temperley London

4) Valentino necklace 5) A-Wear skirt 6) Frock'n'Frill dress

Jenny Saville

"There is a thing about beauty. Beauty is always associated with the male fantasy of what the female body is. I don’t think there is anything wrong with beauty. It’s just what women think is beautiful can be different. And there can be a beauty in individualism. If there is a wart or a scar, this can be beautiful, in a sense, when you paint it." 

- Jenny Saville

The massive expanse of a fat naked woman's flesh in front of you shouldn't be appealing but in Jenny Saville's paintings it somehow is. My interest in the artist began in sixth form looking at her earlier work and how she challenged the typical aesthetics of female beauty, essentially by painting female subjects that were the exact opposite of those often idolised by media. Seeing Saville's work first hand at Modern Art, Oxford made me realise that books simply can not do the art work justice. Even when you read the dimensions of the canvases it's hard to visualise their vastness until you see the figures encompassing the whole wall from across the gallery. It's hard to imagine working so close to a painting for years when ultimately it is designed to be viewed from a distance.

Saville's work is paradoxically ugly but beautiful. It captures the contours of flesh through unblended and textural brush strokes and the paint is built up in layers as if she's sculpting the skin herself. I think the artwork relies partly on the shock factor upon the audience, perhaps a flesh carcass may not be your cup of tea, but there's no possibility that you can see this work and not be seriously impressed.

Images from Modern Art Oxford

The best winter blues

For me cobalt blue will always be a winner. It works on all skin tones, it works in all seasons, it is timeless. But it comes and goes in phases, the good news is that it is coming back for Autumn / Winter '12 - in a big way. It made a bold statement on the catwalk from the likes of Mulberry, DKNY and Erdem brightening up the traditional autumnal hues. So keep your summer tans and thoughts of ocean azure by making cobalt the primary colour of your wardrobe.

On the catwalk: Mulberry autumn/winter '12

1.  Rag and Bone Jean 2. Rosatica, Amore lapis lazuli necklace 3. Erdem, Drisana lace gown
 4. Proenza Svchouler, Merino wool sweater 5.  Stella McCartney, Giannina intarsia wool sweater 

Vintage treasure

For my sister's 18th birthday I wanted to get her something special and something that would last, which explains why jewellery is always such a common present. However when I came across this great find in a junk shop in Edinburgh I saw the potential to create something unique that she could take with her to university.   

The original case was lined with wallpaper but I decided to brighten and freshen it up by improving the lining using Cath Kidston fabric. I used a 90% PVA and 10% water mix to stick the fabric down and once this had dried I applied another layer (of 50% PVA, 50% water) on top to help stiffen the fabric. To tidy up the edges I stuck a coordinating ribbon around the rim of the case - a lot easier than trying to fold over the edges.

I'm really pleased with the transformation because the case still retains its vintage charm from the exterior but when you open it up its prettiness is surprising. To continue the Cath Kidston theme I made her a few cushions cutting out scraps and patterns from left over fabric and then bought some items which will add homely touches to any uni room.

Florals continue to flourish

Any pattern which can brighten up the usually dark and dull autumnal palette is bound to be a winning trend. By the looks of the catwalk, floral prints are entering another bloom and here to stay for another season. Move on from this summers pretty pastels, the new florals are all about texture, bold and commonly feature striking cobalt blue hues. Forget delicate, be daring. 

From left: Erdem, Dolce and Gabanna,
Burberry Prosum, Temperley London

The power of flowers

Raf Simons proved that quality and quantity really did matter in his debut show for Dior (previously blogged). This video shows the spectacle being created with over one million peonies, orchids and roses (plus four days of hard work).

Bryn

My Mulberry bag lust has just increased, again...

The new Bryn collection adds to the timeless satchels in the Mulberry family. Day, work and travel are all sorted with the simple and versatile design of the bag. Multi-purpose justifies the cost doesn't it?

Gone are the days of trying to squeeze everything into our impractical yet pretty sized handbags. Bryn can solve the problem, it's sophisticated and spacious. So now we really can carry the kitchen sink - with style.

An event to remember

A 21st should be an opportunity for celebrations reflecting on annecdotes of your childhood, with slightly embarassing speeches from parents, shared with friends and family who will continue to stick around for future milestones in life. In my opinion my friends 21st birthday occasion did just that, and more.Undoubtedly the company, food and drink were great but admittedly the setting is also a major factor and the decorations and attention to detail, in what is already a beautiful house, made this event extra special.

It was originally intended to be a summer garden party but the unpredictable British weather wasn't quite acting according to the correct season so space was optimised using a long tressel table to seat all the guests and decorated with colour co-ordinated table decorations.
It has definately given me some aspirations for my birthday event, better start planning!

Handmade Mulberry bag cake

'Wish box' for guests

Fairytale slippers

To commemorate the re-launch of arguably the most glamourous Disney film, Cinderella, Christian Louboutin has revealed his interpretation of Cinderella's glass slipper and one thing is for sure: you wouldn't want to loose one of these. The signature red sole is embellished with crystals and two butterfly embellishments, not a shoe fit for every day but it is capable of making any girl feel like a princess.
"Cinderella is not only an iconic character when it comes to beauty, grace and fairytale love, but also shoes," said Louboutin and I think this wonderfully summarises fashion as a form of escapism in which there are no limits in the world of fantasy and fairytales.

Louboutin's Glass Slipper

A sketch of the glass slipper

Crystal adorned butterfly embellishment

Dior's new direction

Raf Simons must have felt under great pressure at his debut Dior show at Paris couture week but he stepped up to the mark and certainly didn't fail to impress. His vision to infuse 'the codes of dior' but include 'more energy' came together on the catwalk as the scrutinising fashion world gave Simons their seal of approval. Following in the big footsteps of John Galliano, who was sacked last April, Dior has been at the centre of controvesy but delivered just the comeback required.

A much anticipated and discussed debut that will go down in fashion history Simons incorporated his own signature style, which is minimal and aware of practicalities, amongst the pretty, detailed, feminity which Dior has typically been recognised for and the result was definately a success. I think we can all rest assured that Dior is in very safe hands under Raf Simons control and the future of the iconic brand will bring a lot to look forward to.

Images from Vogue

Royal Ascot 2012: The good, the bad and the ugly

Royal Ascot is as much about the races as it is about the outfits. The much talked about and controversial reformed dress code for Royal Ascot 2012, strict hemlines and no fascinators, didn't seem to stop the fun. High heels, stylish dresses and statement ( and eccentric) hats remained the focus of attention on Ladies Day. Here is my selection of hats guaranteed to catch your eye - for all the right and wrong reasons...

Not meaning to wish my time away...

I know there's no time like the present but let's blame the weather, which isn't exactly providing us with that summer-time feeling and as the previews for spring/summer '13 collections are looking ever so pretty what's the harm in creating an early wish list? It will give us something to look forward to and here's how mine will begin:

Valentino Resort 2013

Gucci Resort 2013

Erdem Resort 2013

Colours fit for a Queen

The Queen hasn't failed to impress the nation over the Jubilee celebrations and as a result Vogue have created this colour chart proving to us all that we all need a splash of colour in our lives.

Rainbow Queen

Special edition Pantone colour guide

So if the Queen can pull off this seasons candy hues using fashion-forward colour trends there's no stopping any of us!