Reviving the Runway

As London Fashion week closes, and another begins in Milan, this got me thinking about the fashion events themselves and the high level of competition between the actual shows. It is no longer just about the clothes, styles and models that we see on the runway anymore, but about the performance and atmosphere that accompanies the designs. This element seems to become more graphic as the years and the shows commence, but some brands have created a buzz about their new season collection right from the beginning of their careers. It goes without saying that the two best shows for dramatic impact throughout the industry are Alexander McQueen and Chanel.As an events graduate, I have spent the past four years studying the various different "wow" factors that an events/production theme can use to really signify an individual aspect for the particular event at hand. Personally, I have always concentrated on the fashion industry while others would look at major corporate events and sporting events, and these areas just never appealed to me the way a runway would. I would consider myself a very visual person and if something does not look good I find it very difficult to appreciate it, and this is why I admire shows from McQueen and Chanel because they never fail to impress, shock and amaze with their shows. The one thing that I have noticed is the re-occurring theme of monochrome in the set design, and this shows that you can never underestimate the power of basic colours black and white.

Obscure themes always capture my attention, and both brands have been known for "off the wall" concepts for their shows. One of my favourite McQueen shows consisted of the models playing a game of chess, using their bodies as the actual pieces for the game. His shows are infamous for their dark central themes which are reflected in the dramatic scenery, lighting and objects of the shows. Some of these themes include "The Widows of Culloden", "The girl who lived in a tree" and "Angles & Demons".

Chanel is renowned for its elegance and predominate use of classic black, and their showcases are no different.The use dramatic spacing, lighting and objects is exactly why Chanel, and Alexander McQueen shows stand out and stand the test of time. For an event to be memorable it has not engage feelings with the audience and these are prime examples of outstanding moments that will not be forgotten in fashion history. 

For me, I really enjoy an unusual space/venue for an event to take place, especially for a fashion show. I would love to see more of them taking place in churches, abandoned castles or forests. I know this may all seem very gloomy but if you look at all these best fashion events, the ones that have created an impact, have all taken place in/or have centred around a darker theme, and I find that this really works. Some of the images below are places that I would love to see being used as possible venue spots for fashion shows/presentations. 

Love C X 

London Fashion Week: House of Holland SS14

Last Friday marked the beginning of London Fashion Week with an array of shows from Todd Lynn to Holly Fulton to Mulberry. British designers never hold back or downsize creativity, and this year was no exception. British fashion is never afraid to be bigger or bolder with prints, colours or designers and one designer that excells in breaking tradition is Henry Holland with his House of Holland Collections. This year in particular I was very excited to see his designs and knew before even I looked at them that I would dedicate this post to his show. As an Event Management graduate, Fashion Week inspires me through various different forms other thean fashion, from the lighting to the backdrops and of course, the invitations, it is an inspiring season to say the least. Henry Holland is infamous for bringing bolder prints and colours than other designers, and this show resembled the "50's pinup girl" vibe with a hint of rebellion.

Everything about this show was very flirty, with the lighting and bright colouring, with an edginess which came to life through the stick on tattoos worn on the models. The Lilac theme for the runway brought the summer theme to life which complimented the mexican vibe. I have two favourite looks from this show, one of which is pictured above, the coral shift dress with segmented embellishment. 

My second favourite look from this show is the matching lilac silk crop top and matching trousers. I find this print very playful and fun, and thr print itself is quiet oriental which I havnt seen much of lately, which shows the diversity of the brand. Below are more images from his show which took place on Saturady 14th Sept in London. 

Until next time, 

Love C X 

NY Fashion Week : DVF SS 2014

So in the height of fashion week in New York, many designers across all genres of style are competing amongst one another to showcase their newest collections to the world of journalists, industry experts and fashion lovers alike. There are very few designers that I would be inspired to write  a whole post about but I feel it was only appropriate to write this piece on the legend designer that is Diane Von Furstenberg. Her iconic status was set in stone with the unveiling of the wrap dress,  which still is a much loved style for women all over the world, but it is her continuous expression of bold prints which has led her runway shows into a special part of my fashion heart. This year has proved this statement yet again with her "Oasis" themed collection and display of tribal prints, all of which can be appreciated by Boho fashionistas. 

 Boho style is a particular look which I particularly love, and if you have read some of my previous posts you will know that I have talked about how I want this trend to stick around for a long time. I enjoy the freedom of loose clothing and bold colours, and the look as a whole is quite playful and energetic. It really is the perfect assemble for summer attire. With this latest collection from DVF, it gives a Moroccan atmosphere with the use of coral and cobalt blue colouring, which are all very complimentary with tans (natural or from a bottle!). Another iconic look from the designer which continues to stay on trend is the shift dress, and Diane Von Furstenberg showcases the best item from the collection (in my opinion) at the end of the show.

The shift dress is very flattering if you are a little insecure of the mid drift area, and the contrasting and clashing print towards the end hem of the dress draw attention to your legs which can allow you to show off a newly developed tan! As well as bold colours, DVF showcased a wide variety of camel coloured pieces to compliment her "Oasis" themed runway. 

Another look from this collection which captured my attention was the floor lenght camel maxi dress which is pictured above, and I just really hope that the high street make a replica!! Not only does it look really comfortable but the colours are perfect for long summer evenings relaxing on the beach (wishful dreaming). 

The above images are some of my favourite from this show, and it seems that the longer hem line is staying around for awhile yet, so if you haven't already invested in a statement tube colour it may just be time!

So I'm going to wrap this post up with some wise words from the icon herself, and I hope you enjoyed the post! Also the full video for this runway show is below!

"Be strong, smile, be you"- DVF, Fashion Week 2013 

Love C X 

Make a wish, take a chance, make a change

So I am not normally the type of person who goes off on a  tangent about positivity and remaining confident in decisions that I have made, but recently I have been very stressed about a number of different things going on in my life. Number one being this big move to London. As I told you guys in my first post this has been a dream of mine for a very long time now and I have been trying to finalise plans all summer, and when one thing finally falls in place, another falls apart. It has been very disheartening but I am sticking by my plans. Recently I have encountered some very difficult people and the stress that I have been receiving from them has been slightly getting to me. Today I have made a deal with myself that when I think positively then I will stop stressing so much about things that I cannot change. I have always believed that everything happens for a reason and plans that have crumbled were simply not meant to be!

This is the first post that I have posted that hasn't been fashion/beauty based and I really thought about posting this before I wrote it but I think sometimes it is important to take a step back and just appreciate the smaller details in life,and this is my moment to that. Set backs will always be apart of life and right now I am experiecning a bit more than normal. This will definitely make me appreciate my new surroundings so much more when I finally do arrive and start living my dream.

As much as I love my life at the moment, I also feel like I am stuck in a rut and this is mainly one of my reasons to move now. I have just finished college and itching for excitement and adventure. This is an exciting new chapter in my life and I am very excited to be sharing it with you all. Hopefully this blog will be filled with many funny stories and inspiational fashion pieces.

Love C X 

Animal Instinct

 So it is that time of the year again, colder days, shorter evenings, longer trousers and warmer coffees, the invasion of winter. Like all seasons I need a statement staple to add to my wardrobe collection and this AW13 will see the introduction/revival of the classic fur coat. Now I understand that this topic will cause controversy amongst many animal activist groups but they better block their eyes and ears because fur is making a comeback!  And being a lover of all bohemian-related pieces, I really think this can compliment the free spirited fashionista in me.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with my style, it is this simple, I enjoy creating a look that resembles a global traveller and most of what I write about will reflect this in one way or another, particularly with accessories (they are my thing!). So my next big investment is going to be a fur coat! Just to be clear, my bank balance does not allow for the cost of a designer fur coat so my purchase will not be real fur so hopefully that will  stand for something!

When I adopt a new piece or a trend, I tend to start small before truly investment in the whole look, so this would be called “testing the waters” if you will. Last year I bought a fur snood scarf from River Island and it literally went with all of my clothes, bags, coats, shoes, literally everything. Just in-case you are unfamiliar with a snood scarf, it is essentially a long scarf that is tubular. I think it mainly depends on the type of style that you have at the minute which will determine how you can involve a trend into your wardrobe at a naturally progression, and I am already a lover of a winter neck piece so this seemed to be an ideal starting point. Although this was the only piece of fur that I did purchase last AW season, I have already begun my look out for more.  Looking online is a great way to expand your options of where you can shop rather than being limited to stores that are in your area. My favourite online stores include ASOS.com, boohoo.com, missguided.eu and thankfully these places have already started stocking up on new fur lines. So far my favourite is the Merle Faux Fur Cape from missguided.eu , and this piece is black which can be placed over any colour to add either an edgier feel to the look or can also glam up a casual t-shirt and jeans comb. I know this piece is black, and I have always thought of myself as being a risk taker when it comes to style but sometimes going back to basics is a good thing.

Today marks the first day of NYFW and this means that over the next few weeks all the latest styles and trends for the coming season are going to be “revealed”. Sometimes as good as a trend is (and sometimes they are amazing), it is best to wear what you want to and be comfortable in that, and this time around it is fur for me.  I will be looking forward to catching up with you again after Fashion Week.

Love C X 

Ooh, you're making me blush

So here we are, another season and another "it" colour that will be taking up all of our wardrobes. Last year saw the significant popularity of Burgundy/ruby/maroon. I must admit, I am a serious fan of that colour so I splashed out big time, and my pocket definitely felt the burn! So I was curious to know what the big colour would be this winter, and various sources have claimed that the next big trend is all in the form of red!! Now, speaking from a personal point of view, red is not a colour that I would be in a hurry to put on! Therefore I will subtly be embracing, mainly through forms of accessories and jewels. Today's post is all about how you can embrace this colour, even if (like me) you do not want over kill.

When it comes to red clothes, I have always been a fan of coloured skinny jeans. I will definitely be breaking my pair out again and if you don't have a pair already I highly recommend Warehouse because they stay in good fitting condition for so long that they are worth every penny. The red skinny jean and the leopard coat is very east London hipster style but that's why I love it! If you want to be edgier with your style this is the perfect way to create that. A subtle red blazer/cardi/pullover under your winter coat is also another way to embrace the trend. I really love the one featured in the image above and will hunt the shops for something similar, and of course will let you know when I find one! 

A simple and easy way to add red into your style this winter is by wearing a chunky knit scarf! The one in the image above is amazing and something very similar is available in Pennys and will not the cost more than E6. If you want a guide on where to buy a red hat for the winter months, check out this post I did Hang on to your Hat! 

A red lip has been a classic look for years now, and is probably something that I would do anyway even if it wasn't cool anymore, but thankfully this season it still is! I experiment quiet a bit with all different make up brands and I have to say that MAC lip sticks are one of the best around but when it comes to shades it really is the best one for your skin tone and shading. I always ask the make up artists for advice because they know best and thankfully the girls at my local counter are so nice! 

Again, as I am sure you all know at this stage, jewels are my thing! As I come across amazing jewellery I will inform you guys but for the moment these are my fashion statements in the form of red! Let me know what you think :) 

Love C X