Its not all kilts and bagpipes when you think of Tartan, its more great wools and amazing stripped patterns. Creeping up on the runways from Alexander McQueen to Chanel's extravaganza that took place in the heart of Scotland. I am literally CRAZY over this trend. Its a local trend that has defiantly played out worldwide on top watched celebrities. The classic prints of Tartan is a non mover in many of the elites wardrobes, for this Autumn / Winter sees the return of Tartan hitting the runways and streets.
Ever year Chanel's creative designer Karl Lagerfeld hosts Metiers d'Art Show with a new theme, in a new location and a whole new story behind the collection... this year Chanel took over Scotland. Set in a private location just outside of Edinburgh, Lagerfeld was sure to set an evening of Chanel's iconic substance dazzled in a dose of doomed romance, a fabulous combination. Chanel's catwalk represented the finest in tweeds, knits, cardigans and also displayed dashes of Tartan. Creator of the brand Gabrielle Chanel, spent a lot of time in Scotland with her lover the Duke of Westminster, much .
How to work your Tartan look
Keep your palette to the colours used in the print, from Blacks to Greens and even white
Keep your accessories to a minimum, try not to over power the tartan too much print and colour can look messy
Layer up with scarfs, boots and tights depending on your garment
Do not be afraid to wear more than one item of Tartan, doubling up on the same print can be an affective fashion statement
Tartan is a classic, you can keep reinventing the ways in which you wear it. Its perfect for those wintery days adding the right amount of colour, never be afraid of too much print!-★
Definition of a Sari: A strip of unstitched cloth, worn by females, ranging from four to nine yards in length that is draped over the body in various styles which is native to the Indian Subcontinent.
Designer Suman Bajaj just proves that its never too late to start making your dreams come true, after she started her designing career without any training. British born and educated Suman's past background was based in fashion styling and merchandising. She started her career designing for Delhi's high society, which later saw the success of a celebrity clientele.
Her career later took off when she moved to India for 4 years, and was spotted by celebrity stylist to designer an exclusive look for a Bollywood red carpet look. Suman Bajaj has found that Fashion is everything she had embarked on in her passionate journey, creating clothes that make women feel sexy, glamourous and body conscious clothing that had a voice of its own.
The classic Indian Sari is known for bringing intricate embroidery with bold and luxurious colours and prints, but never have we seen a Sari so conveniently designed. Suman Bajaj has introduced the very first Sari collection with a pocket. Indian fashion leaves the practicalities out when it comes to designing, designer do not consider the useful touches but instead set out to dazzle. Suman Bajaj contemporary take on a classic Sari shows breathtaking design development.
Suman Bajaj's pocket Sari is conveniently perfect for the modern day desi girl, ideal for slipping your lipstick or mobile phone in, when out and about at events leaving you free to mingle. Progression on classic eastern designs is genius it allows another level of creativity and a whole new market of consumers to be opened.
Giving her clients more than they thought they could have imagined, Suman Bajaj has said that "I like to surprise my clients by fulfilling an unrecognized requirement, and giving them something they only realised they needed once it was available." Her work has been recognized worldwide, offering her a market in the UK, Europe and Middle East. Much of Suman Bajaj's collection offers you timeless pieces which are suitable for any woman regardless her shape and size.-★
Last weekend on my visit to Geneva, I was able to explore the town where I came across a local brand Rita & Zia. After seeing the brand previously being featured on many Swiss based bloggers, I was pleased to come across the store on my travels. Located in the small and narrow bricked streets of Geneva's Old Town, the natural environment surrounding the store fits perfectly with what Rita & Zia offers to its customers.
The collection offers the world exotic, luxurious and spiritual symbols all at the same time in every piece of jewellery. Creator Sandrine Barabinot's launched the brand in 2006, after previously having a background and knowledge of the fashion world.
Sandrine Barabinot's luxurious bohemian pieces are each crafted to bring luck, happiness and protection, they are more than just a piece of jewellery. With various recognizable symbols charmed around a set of precious beads and stones, in deep and rich colours adding a earthy and ethnic feel to the bracelets and necklaces.
I truly loved the affect that one beaded bracelet can bring any day or evening out. With the bohemian style there is also an essence of edgy rock'n'roll style with black matt beads, skulls and cut out rose gold cuffs and armer rings.
Sandrine's idea was to design a bracelet or necklace which featured a very special symbol, which inspired her idea of free spirt and a state of mind.
Throughout her collection you would be able to find Buddha faces, Cloves, Peace sign, Hasma hand, Om symbol and many others which remind us of freedom, peace and adventure.
Immediately I had fallen in love with the concept and style of Rita & Zia, and as in all my travels I always love to collect a memorable bracelet from any country that I visit. Rita & Zia Geneva had me spoilt for choice. Its always good to go somewhere new and discover a whole new and local brand, Rita & Zia will definitely be on the top of my list when I am next in Geneva. With its international success and over 11 stores worldwide from Lebanon to the Netherlands, its without a doubt a brand to keep your eyes out for.-★
British business man's daughter makes her own mark:
Chloe Green is the daughter of successful business man Sir Philip Green, the man behind the empire of fashion company Arcadia Group. Her father hold the key to many of our fashionable highstreet favoruite store including Topshop, Miss Selfridge, Topman, Dorothy Perkins and many more. Constantly growing up surrounded by the fashion world, it was only a matter of time before his daughter Chloe made her mark on the industry.
May 2012 set the launch of her brand 'CJG' and debuted her footwear collection. CJG has now extended its winter collection, with added accessories from silk scarves to jewellery.
Much of her collection is based around Chloe Green's personal style which is sexy with an edge of Rock'n'Roll, perfectly balanced up with detailed studding and luxurious fabrics. The shoe collection features a personal CJG trade mark on every shoe which is a green sole... so the world can always understand who you are wearing!
The collection was previously exclusive to Topshop, but is now available in Selfridges and Online. -★
Manolo Blahnik- Winner of this years Outstanding Achievement Award
The British Grammys of fashion. A night where the best of luxury fashion, come together in celebrating the achievement of their fellow competitors of the industry, from supermodels to designers... its a star-studded extravaganza. Set in the lavish London hotel The Savoy, the British fashion industry gather for one night of excitement, honor and dressed in their most stylish attire.
The designer of the year, is one of the biggest awards of the night, being a various amount of different award categories as well, which help to recognizes the brave new designers to the industry. Below is a full list of the winners of tonight's spectacular awards, lets just say Stella McCartney dominated!
BFA 2012 - The Winners
-Best Style Award : Alexa Chung
-Emerging Talent R-T-W : JW Anderson
-Emerging Talent Accessories : Sophie Hulme
-Emerging Talent Menswear : Jonathan Saunders
-Red Carpet Award : Roksanda Ilinic
-Accessory Designer : Nicholas Kirkwood
-Designer Brand : Stella McCartney
-Isabella Blow award for Fashion Creator : Louis Wilson OBE
-Britain's Model of the Year : Cara Delevingne
-New Establishment Award : Erdem
-Menswear Designer : Louis Vuitton's Kim Jones
-Designer of the Year : Stella McCartney
-BFC Outstanding Achievement in Fashion : Manolo Blahnik
Another award that is truly anticipated for the world to find out, and is usually released a couple of days before the evening affair, is the BFC Outstanding Achievement in Fashion award. Awarded to someone who has created a major impact of the industry and has continued to inspire the world of fashion. This years 2012 winner is the one and only king of footwear Manolo Blahnik.
Manolo Blahnik is known to be 'holy man of heels', with every shoe he has created to represent an authentic hand-made artistic masterpiece of one of a kind perfection. Born on the Canary Island to a Spanish mother and a Czech father in 1943, he grew up on a banana plantation, he later moved to Paris to pursue his career of becoming a designer in 1968.
After opening his first store in London in 1973, his shoes become the definition of luxury craftsmanship, which displayed innovative design. Manolo has previously won Accessory Designer of the Year by the BFA Council in 1990 and in 1999. Manolo Blahnik is known to giving the word such a creative and artistic approach to footwear, with his iconic and passionate sketches, it is really hard to miss a Manolo Blahnik masterpiece.
"To be reconigsed for doing something I love is really wonderful" Manolo Blahnik.
I have been meaning, to blog about the newest British designer that has stormed the fashionable streets worldwide. Sophie Hulme is best known for her amazing A/W 2012 handbag collection, that took an ordinary tote to a whole new level of chic. After graduating from Kingston University in 2007 and selling her 1st graduate collection to luxury department store Selfridges, within two months she set up her own brand 'Sophie Hulme'.
She has described her brands signature to be "Clean, tailored silhouettes with masculine and feminine influences. There is an emphasis on hardware and detailing.” Hulmes love for hardware detailing has definitely been marked as her signature, with her remarkable success of 'Armour Tote Handbag' becoming the 'IT' bag of every fashionable junkie.
Every girl needs the perfectly sized, fashionable tote... finally the search is over! The Sophie Hulme tote is perfect for anyones needs, from the ideal size, to the rich colours and outstanding detailing of Sophie Hulme signature hardware, that really gives the tote that extra dash of flare.
The elite of Fashion bloggers and stylist simple can not get enough of this seasons most wanted bag, easily worked into any day-to-day outfit, there will never be a day that you won't take you Sophie Hulme tote out.-★
The most wanted luxury designer 'IT' bag to sweep the fashion world, costing only $35 (around £21), your probably thinking this can't be right? Yes its right! Its known as the 'Together Bag' created by the brand 'Thursday Friday' this is one luxurious accessory that will not break your bank.
The unique idea uses a printed image of an 'IT' bag that we all love and adore on an ordinary canvas bag, images from a contemporary Celine to a classic Chanel. Its the perfect bag for the beach, carrying groceries, or running errands but it still allows you to stay oh so fabulous at the same time.
The Together Bag designs are a playful take on fashion's mainstream designer handbags, it adds a whole lot of fun into an ordinary canvas bag. When I first came across these bags, I was impressed by the brilliant idea making a reusable bag so chic (why hasn't anybody thought of this before). With the world becoming much more environmentally friendly, and supermarkets pushing the concept of reusing bags, the Together Bag stands out as a first class replacement to any ordinary plastic or paper bag.
As well as the supermarket, the Together Bag can easily be paired with any casual day outfit. Adding a bold and statement accessory to any outfit gives it a great kick into style and personality.
Thursday Friday is a brand that what's to show the fun side of fashion. They create products that are easy to acquire and use, that are inspired by class and iconography. They don't want their brand to be about complication or abstract concepts but... for Thursday Friday and everyday.
Different styles available in various colours and sizes, its practically perfect for any adventures in your life!-★
French Fashion label collaborates with high street store H&M:
The avant-garde brand Maison Martin Margiela is set to be the next luxury brand to tie hands with high street store H&M. After previously may successful collaborations with top high end brands, like Versace, Marni, Jimmy Choo, Sonia Rykiel, Karl Lagerfeld, Matthew Williamson, Stella McCartney, Roberto Cavalli and last months Vogue Japan's Fashion editor Anna Dello Russo. H&M's outstanding success on these brand collaborations, helps to bring in a new audience that appreciate fashion at an affordable price, appealing to a whole new market. Many of these luxury brands are densely priced, catering to a very niche market of elite with high street collaborations like these, pulls in a new prospectus of market.
I am for one, very excited about this collaboration after viewing the look book of 100 of the pieces that are expected to hit the stores on November 15th... thats right fashion followers mark the date in your dairies... November 15th. I have already selected my favourite pieces from both the men's and women's collection, a dream come true for all those die-hard fans of the avant-garde label.
The launch party took place in NYC, where a star-studded line up of Maison Martin Margiela fans of the brand, were present supporting the high street collaboration and were even dressed in their favourite piece from the collection.
Be prepared to expect the unexpected best of avant-garde, with oversized draped silhouettes, soft turtleneck jumpers, extreme outerwear, and master class tailoring with a masculine edge. Accessories take a spin on the unpredicatable side with hair lock pendants, glove shaped clutches, high-top sneakers, skinny belts and the perfect wedge boot with clear perspex heel. The Maison Martin Margiela for H&M is offering the best of the label without the price tag attached... its every fashion lovers ultimate wish.
There was one item from the collection that I couldn't ignore, its completely recognizable and perfectly functional idea, The Candy Clutch. Made to resemble a candy wrapper with a zip fastening opening, just where you would tear open your favourite bar of chocolate or candy. Available in electric silver and pink, its genius!
SKarman's Choice:
Below is a selection of favourite items from the collection, that I can't wait to get my hands on, from clothing to accessories:
The most stylish exhibition to hit the world this year has made its mark on London, this October at the Saatchi Gallery. The exhibition is set to hit over 10 capitals, from Tokyo to New York from London to Moscow.
Based on the iconic jacket design that Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel introduced to the world of fashion over 50 years ago, and yet is still a major feature in all current Chanel collections. Karl Lagerfeld has continued the legacy of Coco Chanel's creation by keeping true to the jackets signature silhouette and cut.
Chanel is a brand that has created its own language in fashion, with its unique codes and symbols of flare. Over the years it has paved its way into establishing its trademark stamp of style, from quilting, to the internationally recognized logo of interlocking C's and the stable garment to any collection the French fashion house creates, The Little Black Jacket.
The Little Black Jacket has graced the shoulders of many celebrities from fashion designers, musical sensations, actors, supermodels, film directors and fashion icons, all photographed by Karl Lagerfeld and styled by Carine Roitfeld. An overall of 150 Black and white images, each featuring a Little Black Jacket being worn in the persona of the individual that is being photographed. The breath taking imagery leads you into a world of Chanel, allowing you to appreciate the superior elegance of the Little Black Jacket, that has lived on for decades being admired by the men and women. The stars wear identical Chanel Jackets, a black, slightly boxy, collarless tweed, with a single row of silver buttons.
(Video: The making of a Little Black Jacket)
The exhibition not only featured a star studded list of female women but also of influential men, which can come as a surprise as Chanel do not cater for menswear. Like many of Chanel's famous designs, the Little Black Jacket, originates from menswear being based on a groomsman's jacket. I believe that the mens participation in the project makes this exhibition a lot more unique and unexpected, to the audience. Just shows that such a mass amount of timeless elegance in one garment can even have men wanting to wear it.
I truly enjoyed the unique and simply idea of the exhibition, Karl Lagerfeld kept the images focused on the individuals personality and how they would wear the Little Black Jacket, clear studio images. If your unable to make it to an exhibition in your city, then there's a whole website (www.thelittleblackjacket.chanel.com) dedicated to the exhibition, just log on and check out behind the scenes footage from many shoots.-★
Explore the London exhibition held at The Saatchi Gallery, in a short video I have put together.
New York based contemporary artist Rob Pruitt recently launched a new collaboration with London based luxury shoe brand Jimmy Choo. Much of the collection is based around Pruitt's main fascination that is a constant inspiration to his work, the beloved lovable animal... Pandas!
The collection which is available now, includes glitter zebra sandals, slippers, silk scarf, key chain and adorable glitter angel and devil panda clutches, priced at £9500.00. The exclusive angel and devil panda clutches, are incrusted with over 11,000 hand applied Swarovski crystals and finished inside with black leather lining... WOW...thats some serious SPARKLE!
In a press release Rob Pruitt shared his story: "The panda is a recurring image seen throughout the body of my artwork. It’s a symbol that reminds us both to tread lightly and to appreciate the adorable. They represent the harmony of yin and yang."
Simple concept, yet executed in such a fabulous manner and a whole lot of glitter. Rob Pruitt broke out onto the art scene in NYC, during the 80's with his colourful, pop-art influenced work and his latest art collect was influenced by the master of pop-art Andy Warhol. Jimmy Choo;s creative director realized the potential in his bright and playful style of art and knew that this would balance out perfectly with Jimmy Choo's classic elegance.
Jimmy Choo creative directors Sandra Choi and Simon Holloway said. "We sensed that Rob's twist on Jimmy Choo glamour would yield something verycollectableand uniquely beautiful."
This is not the first time that Jimmy Choo has collaborated with artists, I believe the strong relationship with fashion and art is continuing to flourish in the industry, with more influence and appeal to different audiences.-★
(Video: Exclusive interview with creative directors of Jimmy Choo & Rob Pruitt animation)
