Floral trend: Willow print

SS13 trends are highly influenced by eccentric and Japanese inspired florals, like the willow print in these skinnies from YMC (see previous post about the brand here).

Many designers looked East for spring/summer 2013, and we saw in both fashion shows and high-street a rise in Oriental inspirations: kimono prints, silky textures, origami shapes...

YMC has interpreted this trend in a very unique way, by using those Oriental prints on casualwear (skinny jeans, bomber jackets, jumpsuits and sweatpants). They have evolved from a military/utilitarian wear focused brand, onto a softer and feminine style.

I personally love the jumpsuit of their SS13 collection, but if you want to keep it subtle, you can pair these skinnies with an electric blue knitted jumper to brighten it up.

I wanna go surfing

Clover Canyon surprises me with every collection they launch. Already presented to you earlier this year, the upcoming collections, including Fall 2013, are a bliss to the eyes: landscapes, symmetrical prints, folkloric inspiration, all presented on a colorful tornado.

But what I wanted to show you is this MUST HAVE (yes, I really must have it) "endless summer" neoprene skirt. Prints are on trend, so let's embrace them!

Don't need to go for the all prints, matchy-matchy look. You can wear it with a plain, sorbet color jumper or T-shirt if it's warm enough, and substitute the court shoes below with wedges or sandals. Top it up with a gold statement necklace and you'll be ready to go with the soft, summery flow.

Enjoy the ride.

Atelier-To-Go: a fresh start

A couple of weeks ago I had the honor to be invited to a beautiful breakfast at the iconic Hospital Club in Covent Garden. The occasion was to meet the team behind Atelier-To-Go, a new on line shopping site that brings contemporary and young brands to your doorstep.
The morning was sweetened by Baketique with sparkling mini cupcakes and bloggers followed with attention Sasha's presentation of SS13 collection while enjoying coffee, tea and some other guilty pleasures.
What I like from Atelier-To-Go is that they carefully select designers (some of whom we have talked about here before) offering contemporary and trend focused styles, along with the professional advice from their 4 personal stylists each one with different influences.
Starting with already famous silk blouses from Equipment and exclusive collaborations with talented young designer Richard Nicoll, we were delighted with the little numbers showed to us during the event. And we got to style "model for the day" Emily, which became a fun task for all of us!
  I was happily surprised by the playful sequin jumpers from Markus Lupfer and the elegant accessories from Lara Bohinc like the gold cuff below. Also, there was a denim section with jeans from Paige, J Brand (like the coated grey below), Rag & Bone (see yellow skinnies) and Citizens of Humanity: as you can see, they only have the best of the best. We felt the buttery softness of 360 Sweater cashmere jumpers, we reviewed the detailed graphic prints on Clover Canyon shirt dresses and jackets (another new fashion name hitting European boutiques lately) and went through all the trends of the season in one go.
An intense and fun morning surrounded by friends, clothes and food.

Felipe Oliveira Baptista - Master of streetwear

Master of the streetwear as Creative Director of Lacoste, heritage French brand, Felipe Oliveira Baptista regurlaly brings to us an endless delight of sport luxe. But his own collection has another vibe.

Pretty combinations of prints, paneled colours and easy solids on numbers with clever cuts enhancing the feminine silhouette.  

Sharp styles for an urban look mixing camouflage and animal prints with bright colours like emerald, orange, yellow or red, yet not forgetting about some spring/summer classics such us navy, black and white (see paneled dress below with the combination of the three).
And the cool asymmetrical dresses irradiating earthy energy without being too obvious are perfect to update a contemporary woman's wardrobe.
I hope you enjoy watching these fresh styles as much as I did!

Madrid - Not so conventional

Although Barcelona is the #1 favourite, cosmopolitan Madrid is rediscovering her place in our hearts. And young Madrileños' enthusiasm is helping getting there.
From bespoke denim tailors to sewing workshops at small cafes on some of the most traditional areas of this welcoming city.
Madrid still has the feel of community, small neighbourhoods or "barrios" that receive visitors with arms wide open. 

There is a strong energy flowing, along with the willingness of making things differently.
New concept stores are emerging (see Federica & Co, Speed and Bacon and many other), new places to share cultural views are sprouting (don't miss La Realidad and their poetry sessions or The Passenger and their Lonche & Ponche nights).
Same city, fresh attitude, renewed character.

Video: Monocle

(Thanks to Paloma Gastelurrutia for the tip)
Featured businesses:
Teté Café Costura
The Concrete
Motha
La Mojigata
The Apartment

EGO. (centric) - Madrid Fashion Week Young Talent Platform

One of the most exciting parts of Fashion Weeks is the space dedicated to young talent. During last Mercedes Benz Madrid Fashion Week, EGO platform focused on young Spanish designers and their view of the fashion world. Fresh and new perspectives expressed in multiple ways.

From Amimanera's soft and romantic style full of silk and lace to the urban and playful looks presented by BEGO4MONSO, here is a review of some of the most promising designers in the Peninsula.

 

 Ph: Amimanera

LFW - Street style

And more pics about LFW.

There was a bit of bird-cage predominance at the entrance of Somerset House on day 1.

My favourite, this one with the fake moustache.

Daring and playful, it suits perfectly the Willy Wonka-ish hair, and has a new romantic look when combined with a mini-polka dot bow shirt.

And in contrast, the metallic details on the shoes balances the whole look becoming stronger and more androgynous.

Good inspiration on how to change the look with very few details.

LFW - Street style

LFW - Street style

day 3. And good morning to you

LFW - Eudon Choi

One of the stars of day one at LFW was Eudon Choi (see old post here).
Varykino, the AW13 show, was inspired by Russian folklore. Delicate flowered headbands and the reception of the audience with a band playing live music.
Embroidered skirts and jackets, vivid colors in addition to monochrome styles, pom-poms on the shoes as a finishing touch. It all added up and we were delighted with every piece.
THAT RED DRESS...The sound of the cameras was even louder.
And the pink knitted jumper and scarf,
And the leather dress,
And the Swarovski details...
Applauded by specialised press like Vogue, FT, The LFW Daily and dozens of bloggers, Eudon  combined full textures with feminine silhouettes.
His wearable collections are available here, and probably soon at many retailers in Europe.
Stay tuned for more LFW updates.

Anna Sui - NYFW

I couldn't resist. I saw it and a wanted it.

A tie necklace. 

I have a weakness about ties worn by women.

But the way it's mixed with a digital print dress, the romantic collar and the 60's like vest is supreme.

Seen at Anna Sui fashion show at NYFW

Ph: (Vogue UK)

gaffer&fluf - Unleash your creativity

Greek young designer founded Gaffer&Fluff in 2008, and this year they were exhibiting at Pure London. 

They presented a fresh collection inspired by origami: in the same way this beautiful art of folding a piece of paper works, Gaffer&Fluff clothes allow you to play with them, reinventing your look during the day.

The garments evolve and adapt to the wearer's mood and occasion thanks to their geometrical forms. This is a playful collection based on minimal clothes that allow individual expression.

The game is not over.

NYFW - Back to the hood

Symmetrical baroque prints, long gloves, metallics, orange and blue touches of color, combination of navy and black, leather, leather and more leather.

Here we are, absorbing the overwhelming amount of beautiful trends presented by leading designers at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York.

And it seems that they have heard our prayers and we won't be getting cold next year. 

The hood is back, and so is layering of knitting, fur, wool and leather. I'm particularly loving the details on Helmut Lang show, with the leather trimmings (see below). It is a more feminine look, rather than sportswear influenced, using soft textures like wool and fur. Once again, it represents a modern and confident woman.

Last but not least: beauty alert! We've seen lots of blue on the eyelids.

Stay tuned for the latest trends presented this month in the fashion shows.

Alexander Wang

Street style - Military cloak

Yesterday, while wandering around Pure London I came across a stand within the "Young Talent" section and met Patrick, who was wearing this amazing vintage inspired corduroy cape.

Patrick is a designer from London, and he expresses his passion for fashion and urban life through his label Dabra. 

I love how he mixed an oversized cloak with plaid trousers, giving the outfit a "heritage" look. Quite appropriate for a freezing and rainy day in London.

He won't be getting cold these days.

Clover Canyon - Colour explosion

Founded in 2011 by Rozae Nichols, Clover Canyon is a label from LA that reinterprets California's lifestyle.

Eclectic and vivid prints to represent a joyful attitude. A modern way to enhance femininity with one of the main trends of the season. These unique prints are designed in-house and the team subsequently combines the futuristic design with the craftsmanship around the patterning and hand-cutting processes.

Travelling, art, astrology and urban skylines are the inspiration for these original designs. 

Here is a sample of the Resort, Pre-Spring and Spring collections. My favourite garments and styles are the head-to-toe print suit, the bomber jacket (keep an eye on this one as it will be a key piece for this spring) and the neoprene skirt. The shirts can give an edgy look to a plain pair of trousers, and one of the crepe de chine or sateen blazers will be able to make heads turn around on the streets.

When future meets tradition, this is what you get.

Alexander Lewis - Coisa Linda

I get really excited when a new name catches my eye. I came up with new designer Alexander Lewis while doing my research, and the first thought that came to my mind was "beautiful".
The color combination of soft and bolds, the different textures and the influence of menswear style make the perfect mix for a modern feminine look.
This Brazilian-American designer was born in Chicago, raised in England and studied communication and business at University in California. After working for fabulous André Leon Talley from American Vogue he moved back to London and was awarded Best Personal Shopper in 2007 while working for Harrods. His passion for fashion led him to learn all the secrets of tailoring and technical training at one of the most well-known bespoke tailor houses on Savile Row, Norton & Sons.
And what's the result? His first collection, Resort 2013. It couldn't be otherwise: this is a collection for modern and confident women.
Wide leg ochre trousers combined with a bronze or white silk cropped top for a laid-back stylish look.
Or a menswear influenced shirt worn with weave shorts in blue & grey tones or soft honey skirt.
My favourites are the luxurious knits, in fresh orange tones to light up your outfit.
Effortless style and Brazilian sexiness that transports you to the beautiful beaches of Bahía.

Oxygen Boutique - New sprouts

Look outside. Yes, it's sunny (at least in London).
The white week we had when we were covered in snow seems to be buried in the past.
And we eagerly desire that warmer times arrive soon.
Luckily for us, Resort and Spring collections are sprouting all over the place.
We'll talk about the new season's trends soon, but first let me show you the sample that Oxygen Boutique has selected for us:

Where are you going, Señorito?

"Little Gentleman". Or Señorito.
Handmade ties and bowties made with care and love by Paul Lozano, proudly Mexican young designer that is giving a twist to the tie concept.
Contemporary, unconventional and playful designs not only for gentleman.
Hoping to see them soon in London.
Til then, you can find them in Mexico at beautiful Colima Street (180 degrees shop) and at concept store Common People.

Hermione de Paula: British fairytale

Young Hermione de Paula takes floral prints to a different level.

It's in her blood.

Coming from a family of artists, this talented designer adds character to the typically ubber-feminine floral print, twisting the concept to present a more contemporary and experimental look.

Sensuality mixed with quirkiness that results on strong and playful designs.

Eun Jeong - Korean Love Affair

Doing some research on what's new and who are the next designer to take on the luxury fashion world I came up with quite a few Korean names. Eudon Choi is already one of my favorites and I've been following him for the last year (his collection is now at Selfridges, Avenue 32 and Farfetch), but today I found another treasure whose name is Eun Jeong.

His technique and use of delicate fabrics enhance the feminine figure, folding it in a fresh and contemporary style. A regular of the London Fashion Week since 2008 and educated at prestigious Central St. Martins, Jeong's SS13 collection have a big influence of his Asian heritage, which we will see is one of the major trends for next season.

A simple and monochromatic palette of white, coral red and black with floral prints and delicate embroidery make his garments an inspiration for what to wear when warmer weather arrives.

Beautiful details and intricate work that show the designer's dedication to his passion.

London Collections: Men - Day 1

Post Christmas sales are on the streets, good intentions for the new year are floating in our minds and nearly forgotten, new season garments are appearing at our favorite shops.

But still we have more than one reason to stick ourselves onto winter's mood, and it's because London Collections: Men fashion show.

For three days we will be enjoying next winter's trends from both heritage and emerging British talent. Masters on tailoring like Mr.Start and Hackett London presented their smart suits on Day 1, satisfying the high expectations of the savvy audience.
Orange will be the key color, along with blue, burgundy and of course the ever present grey, black and white. And keep an eye on double-breasted jackets, as it's one of the main trends for the AW13 season.
There was a star that shined more at the show. Or should I say two stars? Designers Agape Mdumulla and Sam Cotton, bright minds of Agi & Sam, presented an unconventional collection, based on British heritage, country life and eccentricity. There is a promising future of this young fashion brand.
Shine and sheer were present at various shows, with metallic hints on trousers and jackets. The sportswear influence was strong on Astrid Andersen and Lou Dilton, and John Smedly gave it a sailing/rugby twist with black and white stripes combined with red.
Topman Design opted for an utilitary look with parkas, mountain boots and baggy trousers, and Lee Roach gave a more contemporary look to men's casual wear with its buckeled jackets.
Here's a sample of the best of Day one at London Collections: Men.

Agi & Sam