Four Key Trends From the Christopher Kane Fall 2013 Collection

February 28, 2013

The fashion rulebook is updated constantly, but one thing has stayed exactly the same over the past six years: where Christopher Kane goes women will follow. The Scottish designer’s trend-setting powers are undeniable – almost on a par with those of Marc Jacobs – and are sure to strengthen further now he has the backing of PPR. For Autumn/Winter 2013 there were multiple looks on the go, all of which are set to become mega trends. Here are the top four Christopher Kane Fall 2013 styles to look out for. Get in on the act now to stay ahead of the fashion pack…

christopher kane fall 2013

Sensible Shoes: Yep, that’s right ladies, from September they’ll be no need to battle with numb toes and blisters, as Christopher Kane is championing sensible shoes. There were flat, patent leather boots, Mary-Janes with roomy round-toes and zip-up ankle boots with comfortable 3-inch heels. Just think of all the money you’ll save on cab fare now you can actually walk!

christopher kane fall 2013 2

Camouflage Print: It was a key trend, this season, but expect it to be bigger and better come AW13. Christopher paired his camo prints with kilt skirts, leather jackets, fur collars and grey sweats. And instead of a traditional khaki and green colour palette this collection played with cool greys and blues, plus burnt orange shades. Me likey!

christopher kane fall 2013 3

Buckle Details: If one thing becomes synonymous with this Christopher Kane collection it’s sure to be buckle details. Chunky, buckled strips of leather were stitched across low-cut dresses, used as handles on clutch bags and fastened coats. I guarantee high street retailers will be copying this punky look, so it’s time to do a bit of DIY at home before the trend properly catches on.

christopher kane fall 2013 4

Futuristic Fabrics: MRI scans acted as a source of inspiration for Christopher, this season, resulting in a finale filled with futuristic, spiky dresses. You wouldn’t want to sit down in these designs, but they’d definitely get the crowds talking at a party. Look out for metallic embellishments, interesting textures and zingy jewel tones to recreate this look at home.

Were you a fan of Christopher Kane’s AW13 collection? Which looks are you likely to buy into, come fall?

Images style.com

Michael van der Ham Fall 2013 in Detail

February 27, 2013

I’ve championed London-based designer Michael van der Ham for a long time now, and his shows are always top of my “must-see” list at London Fashion Week. This season Michael was awarded Fashion Forward support and he showed in the British Fashion Council tents for the first time. Inspiration for Autumn/Winter 2013 came from vintage couture and “deconstructed, destroyed and worn out clothes.” A bit of a fashion oxymoron! The level of detail was exquisite, with cut-outs, metal applique embellishments and Michael’s signature collage of textures. Take a closer look at the highlights:

michael van der ham fall 2013
michael van der ham aw13 collection
michael van der ham aw13 lfw

And, for the first time, Michael van der Ham closed the show with proper red carpet looks. For seasons I’ve been wishing we’d see more of his designs on the A-list, so hopefully this will be the collection that sees his star power rise. Elizabeth Olsen, Emma Stone and Zoe Saldana, I’m looking at you! Please slip into some Michael van der Ham Fall 2013 frocks!

Are you also a big fan of Michael van der Ham? Shop the Spring/Summer 2013 collection now at Net-a-Porter. 

Images style.com

Eight Must-Buy Looks From the House of Holland AW13 Collection

February 25, 2013

house of holland aw13 collection

Henry Holland always puts on a good show at London Fashion Week. The entire experience is fun, from the moment you receive your collectable invite in the post right down to the models’ finale walk. In the past I’ve usually enjoyed the spectacle more than the actual fashion; but last season’s collection seriously impressed me, and the House of Holland AW13 show was another step towards a more grown-up direction. This was easily Henry’s strongest collection to date – and I’m sure we’ll spot girls up and down the country wearing these House of Holland designs come September.

The Autumn/Winter 2013 collection – titled “Nana Rave” – opened with bright, graphic prints which reminded me of a lava lamp. Although the pattern was OTT, Henry kept the silhouettes simple (think prim shift dresses and tailored blazers), so everything remained wearable. My favourite looks came towards the end of the show, however, where playful crystal embellishments and jewel tones stormed the runway. Here I’ve selected eight of the hottest designs from the show, all of which are worthy investments for the coming season. Take a look and let me know your favourites…

house of holland aw13 show

I’m expecting to see the number of House of Holland stockists double over the next couple of months, as the waiting lists for those neon-trim parkas are sure to be endless. Make sure you get in line quick!

Are you a fan of the House of Holland Autumn/Winter 2013 collection? Which pieces are your favourites?

Images style.com

Hitchcock’s Leading Lady Inspires Temperley London AW13

February 22, 2013

Temperley London AW13

The last time I visited The Dorchester, in Mayfair, it was to interview Kourtney and Kim Kardashian. Back then there was a sea of paparazzi camped outside the hotel. And for the Temperley London AW13 show it was a similar scene – except the street style photographers were snapping away, this time.

Alice Temperley presented her Fall 2013 collection on the third day of London Fashion Week, and it was easily the most elegant and sophisticated show on the schedule. Inspiration came from Alfred Hitchcock’s muse, Tipi Hedren, which is particularly timely, as the recent release of Hitchcock has put the iconic director’s leading ladies back in the spotlight.

These backstage images – photographed by Alice’s sister, Matilda – show the collection’s strongest looks. Highlights include an ivory swing coat, worn with a classic black cashmere jumper and movie star sunglasses; a cap-sleeve ivory mini dress with crystal studding; and a pair of wide-leg checked trousers. And with any luck we’ll soon see these designs on the leading ladies of today!

Temperley AW13

Olivia Palermo sat on the front row, alongside Alice Eve (of Sex and the City 2 fame) and models, Anouck Lepere and Jacquetta Wheeler. Pixie Lott and Peaches Geldof were also in attendance – all wearing Temperley London, of course.

Alice Eve, Olivia Palermo, Anouck Lepere, Jacquetta Parfitt. Photographer Matilda Temperley

See the Temperley London Fall 2013 collection in full on style.com. Do you like the elegant Hedren-inspired designs?

Photos by Matilda Temperley, courtesy of Temperley London

Kate Bosworth and Olivia Palermo Sit Front Row at Topshop Unique Fall 2013

February 21, 2013

The Topshop Unique AW13 front row was the place to been seen a London Fashion Week, this season. The celebrity guest list included Kate Bosworth, Olivia Palermo, One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson, Demi Lovato and Delilah. Plus – chic to the next level – P’Trique made her LFW debut. Obviously the hottest looks belonged to Kate, Olivia and Daisy Lowe. All three ladies wore Topshop, with Olivia adding a bit of Tibi into the mix. Which front row outfit is your favourite?

topshop unique front row olivia palermo kate bosworth

I like Daisy’s checked suit the best. You can find the trousers, £35, online here, and the jacket, £55, here. It’s a fabulous way to tap into the season’s monochrome trend without spending more than £100.

Anyway, enough about the front row, because the Topshop Unique Autumn/Winter 2013 collection is the real newsworthy item here. Ex-British Vogue editor, Kate Phelan, is continuing to lead the high street retailer down a stylish path, and this was possibly Unique’s strongest collection to date. The designs were wearable, but still trend-focused. If you buy one thing from this collection make sure it’s the sequined, midi length, pale pink skirt. It’s screams of Carrie Bradshaw.

topshop unique aw13

The other looks worth investing in are the glossy red raincoat [below] and the oversized pink coat [above]. Note how big the pockets are – you won’t need to bother with a handbag if you’re wearing this! I’m also obsessed with the chunky, multi-strap heels. They look like they’d be easy to walk in, as well, which is always an added bonus.

topshop unique aw13 collection

Once the Unique show had finished, Cara Delevingne and Jourdan Dunn celebrated backstage by performing the Harlem Shake. If you missed the hilarious video earlier in the week you can watch it here. I guarantee it will bring a smile to your face! Do you like Topshop Unique’s offerings for Autumn/Winter 2013? Which looks are your favourites?

Images courtesy of Topshop

Watch All the Action From The Apartment at London Fashion Week

February 20, 2013

If you were following my tweets over the course of London Fashion Week you may have noticed I was spending a lot of time at The Apartment. What is The Apartment, you may wonder. Well, launched last September by the fabulous blogger Abi Marvel, it’s a pop up event that takes place every season at LFW, providing a space for leading fashion bloggers to work, relax and grab a quick bite to eat between shows. I honestly don’t know how I survived fashion week before The Apartment. And this season there were cameras there throughout the whole week, capturing the action as it happened.

The mini web documentary has just been posted online and you can watch both episodes here. I appear in the second part (struggling to describe my own blog – not a good sign) and you’ll also spot Monica from The Elgin Avenue, Ngoni from I AM NRC, Kate from I Am Not A Celebrity, Reem and Natalya from Five Five Fabulous, Zahra from Lyla Loves Fashion and many more. Definitely take a look if you’re addicted to fashion blogs!

Thank you Abi for another fabulous season of The Apartment! The last five days have gone by so quickly, and it’s great to have something other than sore feet to remember London Fashion Week by. Bring on the Spring 2014 shows…

Posted by Filed Under: London Fashion Week, Video
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