London Fashion Week S/S 2013

London calling. It's been a marvellous Summer for Blighty's glorious capital, Olympics and all. However, this week, in London, it was time to focus on next Summer, more specifically what you will be wearing next Summer-London fashion week. The second city to host  fashion week, London has a legacy in exciting, vibrant designs with creativity to boot. So, readers, I give you my top 5 LFW S/S 2013 collections.....

Matthew Williamson

 Emerald, sky blue, vivid orange, fuchsia, dusky pink-an explosion of colour. With this collection Williamson dictates that the future is bright, well next season anyway. I quite literally struggled to pick seven outfits for the picture! The signature Williamson girl, playful, vibrant, vivacious, and worldly is still in the collection but the glamorous bohemian vibe has had a restoration, incorporating graphic, digital prints and structured blazers to the aesthetic. Embellishment has never looked so sophisticated yet fun!

Holly Fulton

 

I have followed Holly Fulton since I first saw her exquisite, art deco jewellery designs in Elle a few years ago. Now Ms Fulton has her very own stand alone show, and the girl wearing this collection certainly is looking at the world through rose-tinted spectacles. Post show Fulton said 'I went to LA for the first time earlier this year and I was really struck by the saccharine optimism that permeates the place'. Think Fulton's take on the American dream, coloured in pastels, adorned in rose prints, and, naturally, the art deco touch that Fulton is oh so good at.

Mary Kantrantzou

Expectations were high, and a clean canvas of white, breezy and loose designs has allowed Katranzou to put her stamp (quite literally) on her S/S 2013 collection. Graphic prints, trapeze dresses, a new take on the maxi, Mary Kantranzou is going global. The question isn't are you daring enough to wear a printed trouser suit. The question is are you daring to wear a printed trouser suit minus shirt? (Luckily Jason Wu has some great ones to choose from).

Temperley London

Temperley London made me want to be a tad more ladylike. 'Return to elegance' took note from the 50's. Full skirts, embroidery, pastel blue and wide brimmed hats may seem a little to frivolous, but boy is it fun. Except the label is clever. Ladylike designs get a modern update with Chiffon panelling, and sheer blouses add a touch of sexy to the dainty girl. Go on, you know you want to be a good girl.


Giles

It's time to get mythical with Giles. Pegasus goes playful on power suits. Not your kind of thing? Try a plain blouse with the printed skirt or black cigarette pants with the tailored jacked. Who thought Greek mythology could be so versatile for the office?
 Note: Very Marc Jacobs, 60's style collared top and well, um, forgotten trousers. Maybe not one for the street, but feel free to stomp to the beach Giles style.


What was your favourite collection?

London did not disappoint. Next up, Milan. I can already smell the luxury leather in the air.
So, until next time, buona giornata!


NG <3

New York Fashion Week S/S 2013

Readers, I have to admit that I'm not 'on trend'. I don't worship at the alter of 'trends'. I do, however, like a good fashion week. Last week saw New York's biannual turn to host fashion week at Bryant park, and for the designers showing to display their Spring/Summer 2013 collections. I am currently dusting off my wool coat for winter, let alone thinking about summertime, but then again, these collections are probably the holiday-beckoning light at the end of the tunnel when facing a harsh, cold winter! So, I give you my personal top five collections shown in the big apple. As previously mentioned I won't be dressing top-to-toe in the 'trends' shown, and yes, that does mean that I won't be forgetting my trousers like the Marc Jacobs girls (see below). Rather, I shall be embracing these pieces (the high street takes) in my own way. In other words, don't adapt your style to the trend, but adapt the trend to your style. So ladies and gentleman without further ado, in no particular order, I give you my NYFW top five....

3.1 Phillip Lim

Lets talk about grunge. Lets talk about grunge and 3.1 Philip Lim. A polished take. Elle UK described the show as an "exercise in shopping", and it's hard to disagree. Wearable, everyday fashion, none of this frivolous puffy gowns-clothes that can be worn even if you're not an Oscar nominee. Fashion for the people. Devil may care attitude necessary, of course. And who doesn't love raspberry pink dungarees?

Herve Leger by Max Azira

 The Herve Leger girl is glamorous, fabulous and, to use the term, hawt stuff. The master of the bandage dress, Mr Azria mixed it up with southern prints, adding a little something extra to his speciality. Just as sexy and empowering as you'd imagine and hello booties! The cream and black ones will do very nicely.

Jason Wu

Alongside Victoria Beckham's collection, Jason Wu packs a punch for the office. Working 9 to 5 never looked so chic, with tailored blazers, leather, chiffon, bright pops of pink, braces-it's all in the details. There's no excuse for turning down the post-work cocktail now. Sexy, bold, confident-now that's what I call power dressing.

 Tommy Hilfiger

All aboard at Tommy Hilfiger! The models could quite easily have stepped from the yacht to the runway. Red, white and blue, some luscious arm candy, effortless cool, it's time to get preppy. So don a cable knit jumper, throw on some cork wedges and get a plane ticket to Cannes to get in the full spirit of Tommy Hilfiger darlings.

 Marc Jacobs

Oh, Marc. You genius. If the nautical stripes at Tommy Hilfiger got you excited, I present to you Marc Jacobs. Streamlining 60's aesthetic with a little attitude and extra cool, now I'm just a little bit more excited for his Paris show Louis Vuitton. Beauty note: graphic eyeliner + side swept fringe = a look that wouldn't look out of place on a Fellini heroine.

London fashion week, show me what you got.

NG <3