Doing the Rounds: Prepping for London Fashion Week 2011

As the sun finally rears its head and the tail-end of Katrina apparently subsides for the time being, I've been busily gearing up for London Fashion Week and to say I’m a little excitable about the days ahead could be somewhat of an understatement.


For those of you who don’t know, I’ll be blogging on behalf of Who’s Jack Magazine  to provide daily coverage for some of the big name fashion moguls and, more importantly, giving exposure to some of the finest as-yet-unknown designers the industry has to offer. And as the weekend schedule arrived in my inbox this morning, let’s just say the day was off to a good start as I can now look forward to situating myself at the shows of some dynamic and unusual bright stars set to make their mark in the coming months. I’ll also be running a behind the scenes blog, snitching on my fellow man on any interesting garble that comes from their autumn plum coated mouths. At the initial Jack meeting, the team were issued strict, but I think you’ll agree, fair, instructions not to overdo it on the free champagne cocktails and then vomit on Henry Holland. However, always to be an exception to the rule, I am allowed such a privilege (Don’t tell Henry) as long as I take a high definition photograph and write down the details of the fiasco as ‘gossip’. They say all press is good press but I can’t see that doing me any favours....

With just two days to go, let me share a few details of my whereabouts for the weekend. I’ll be sat, camera in hand and scribbling into my notebook for John Rocha on Saturday but here’s a few other main schedule events that have really got me on the edge of my seat to be on the edge of my (not quite front row) seat:

 ADA ZANDITON: Friday 3.15pm Somerset House

Citing her SS12 inspirations as “Seahorses, Greek goddesses and Haiti Kanaval.”, it’s easy to see why I’m more than a little curious at what Ada has to offer. Having previously worked for Alexander McQueen, Jonathan Saunders and Gareth Pugh before setting up her own label, its probably a fair assumption that her ethical and sustainable designs will be undoubtedly intelligent and inspired as she uses her own unique illustrations to create individual and distinctive ready to wear pieces.
Judging by her AW11 collection 'The Cryoflux', there is to be no skimping on the visuals either as the makeup speaks as loudly as the clothing to reflect the collection’s core concepts. With last season’s ghostly countenance echoing the cold-as-ice palette, what am I expecting this time round? Well, if seahorses are anything to go by then I’m hoping for metallics, ocean blues and the occasional crustacean to boot. However, to second guess such a bold new designer would be futile which is exactly why i’m so eager to find out for myself.

Images courtesy of LFW


ASHISH: Saturday 11.00am Somerset House
The current guest style editor for ASOS online and fellow lover of all things sequined, flamboyant London based Ashish Gupta is sure to brighten up my no doubt over cast Saturday. And despite his SS11 collection providing an amalgamation of cowboys and Indians via a southern California pit stop, his 2012 ensemble is set to take a more enchanting approach as he seeks to channel holiday romances and far off places. Ashish is a brand that doesn’t take itself too seriously but thats not to say that we should take it lightly. Debuting his first collection in 2001, this year marks a decade for Ashish at fashion week and i’m sure the spectators will not be disappointed at his celebration.

Images Courtesy of CatWalking

CRAIG LAWRENCE: Saturday 1.00pm Somerset house

Hailing from my neck of the woods, or near enough for me to at least feel a geographical connection, is Craig Lawrence who’s twitter description simply reads: “I knit lots of things.” And that he unmistakably does as his collections involve a curious process of knitting with unconventional materials to create voluminous, fluffy and shiny knitwear. And I’m talking the kind of knitwear that Tilda Swindon effortlessly drapes herself in for editorials, not the dodgy jumper you received from Granny at Christmas – though for some trendy London and, more noticeably for me, Leeds, types they’re probably on a style par. The reason am I so excited for this gentleman’s work may also have something  to do with the following two words: knitted crystal. Oh yes, Craig’s most recent accolade is his new season’s sponsor, Swarovski.

Image courtesy of ID
After being papped for Glossy Box UK at last week’s Vogue Fashion Night Out, I was crowned the ‘stylish winner’ of their street style competition and will now receive a year’s subscription to their monthly beauty boxes. However, as it stands, my outfit choices for the week ahead are non existent. However, you can probably expect to see my bowler hat make an appearance at some point along with my electric blue heels. Not exactly on trend but they’re a bit of fun amongst the sea of simplistic blouses and shift dresses. Then again, I’ve heard stories from the Jack team about a girl who turned up dressed to the nines and walking 6 Chihuahuas around the square in the hope of being photographed so simplicity is not to be sniffed at. There will also be a street style blog on the go along side the day’s most notable trend and even a food diary so be sure to keep an eye out on Who's Jack and be sure to follow me @littlemyth

Until Friday...

FYI: FNO LDN 2011

Image Courtesy of Vogue

Having been on Oxford Street from lunchtime onwards, the preparations for Vogue’s Fashion Night Out were well under way for the event anticipated to have everyone on the street desperately seeking shopping.  From the lavish handmade displays busily erected in Selfridges to the deliciously saccharine aroma of freshly made popcorn hanging in the air at, this year’s new kid on the block, Covent Garden,  it was hard not to feel just a little bit giddy at the thought of what the evening would hold. And the feeling was mutual as hoards of sharply dressed ladies with an apparent minimum height requirement of 5”8’, and gentlemen took to the street at 6pm sharp to set their hands and eyes on the latest launches, free samples and signature cocktails London had to offer.  I, of course, hadn’t bargained on my vintage holdall strap giving way at 6.30pm (a slight faux pas swiftly covered up outside Paul Smith before any eye witnesses could step forward) but that wasn’t going to stop me joining the masses, armed with friends from home and the North, to make the most of what was set to be an evening to remember.

As I alighted at Green Park and made my way to New Bond Street for 6pm, I laid my eyes on one the one and only Alexander McQueen. With a queue reaching all the way down the road, it was clear to see that having a 7pm appointment at Liberty would be preventing me from making my way inside and from getting my itchy fingers on the Tote bag that I can guarantee each person standing in line was hoping would be leaving on their arm. As I stood on the periphery snapping at the crowds, the feeling of a Hollywood premiere was hard to shake as the cordoned red carpet and next door’s Dolce & Gabanna flashbulbs created an ambience of Hollywood glamour despite the city’s overcast skies.

“Is this to do with the riots?”, a young Italian man stops to ask me.
“Technically no but give it an hour and my answer may change“, I respond.

The stylish young women had a glint in their eye that suggested they wouldn’t be going home empty handed and were willing to jab their elbow into a rib or two.

Jigsaw A/W 2011 Heritage display

 

Striking a pose for GlossyBox UK

After a short stop in Covent Garden for a peek in Elemis, it was pink champagne and manicures all round. However, with barely enough room to swing a Chanel 317, it was too small to me to function so i left the gaggle of giggling blonde women hoping for a post-work hand massage and heading to my first ‘Must See’ destination on my list: Liberty.  My mother married in London in 1973  donning a Liberty print maxi dress (who was wearing a curious double denim ensemble – oh, the glory days.), so my interest in the 1875 established fashion and furnishing house has been embedded into me from a young age and i can’t wait to get inside. After being photographed for beauty favourites GlossyBox and their FNO album, I simply had to stand back and admire the very presence of the store. Its Tudor revival visage is beautifully complemented by a host of flowers providing a colour-pop of vivid brights.  However, on this night, this countrified decadence does not extend beyond the corsage making stand at the front door for on the upper level, the Honolulu lounge is in force. Well, that’s what it said on paper. I may be inclined to suggest that nestled amongst a myriad of designer displays was a humble Tiki shack but that’s not to say that the Pina Coladas and raspberry rum cocktails weren’t enough to transport us somewhere exotic. As visitors sipped from pineapples, Hawaii’s finest waiters (or close enough) were on hand to chat and deposit the Honolulu must have accessory: the tacky flower garland. As i meet my beautiful friends and discuss our plan of action, Henry Holland decides to make an appearance and have himself a drink which I’m positive didn’t involve joining the queue! One day, one day...

           

Liberty Window Display: A/W 2011 Collection in a lusciously drunken sprawl

Drinks preparation at Vivienne Westwood

Next stop: Diane Von Furstenberg. With the promise of not one but two signature cocktails and as assortment of canapés, this has ‘must see’ scribbled next to it on Beca’s list. After a short hobble up the cobbled streets, we arrive and Oh. The drink isn’t exactly free flowing and there isn’t an edible indulgence in sight... However, despite our stomachs moaning at the culinary defeat, our eyes all fall to a fashion masterpiece: a blue and silver feather and fine beaded cocktail dress. Beautifully made and just the right side of heavy, this dress was, in a word, stunning. Well, from the Queen of the Wrap dress, we’d expect nothing less. All three of us, although different in style, all squealed in envy at a dress we couldn’t afford and would never wear. But goodness, isn’t it beautiful? Elsewhere, a tree adorned with t-shirts and colour coordinated rails of beautiful faux fur coats and silk blouses perfect for work wear brought the store to life as a crush of onlookers make their way to the back of the shop for a photo op with the designer.  However, as a selection of Haagen Daz Praline and Cream makes it way towards us, we’re still pining after a drink (unlimited vodka for all in Vivienne Westwood seems so long ago) and we head on.

With queues for Mulberry still as ridiculous as ever, and Dior, having assumed a rather snubby and exclusive roped off area, keeping further shoppers away, Burberry shined like a beacon of hope in the heaving street. And it delivered no end. Packed with the beautiful and the drunk, the Champagne was flowing and the new Burberry Body scent exquisitely lingered  in the air at undeniably one the happiest locations on the walk. Rosie Huntington Whitely festooned every wall in between immaculate displays of handbags, watches and scarves as young girls, wearing the Burberry uniform trench, chatted away to their male friends and admired the display. From sultry pouts to lightheaded chuckles, the crowd was diverse, friendly and enjoying the show.

Beca, Myself and Sophia making the most of Burberry

However, the undeniable hot spot for the evening was Coach to celebrate the launch of their first ever European flagship, which coincides with their 70th Anniversary. From the outside, the simple and flawless white front and simple silver detailing make for an inviting lure as the crowds heaped upon each other to catch a glimpse of what was inside. And who should be inside but the main pull of the night, their spokesmodel, Mrs. Gwyneth Paltrow. Dressed in a rather subdued black jumpsuit (gorgeous as it looked, something a little more outlandish for the occasion wouldn’t have gone a miss), she stopped on her way in to sign autographs for the fans that had been gathering for some time. Other celebrity spots for me personally included Pixie Geldof browsing the wares of Stella McCartney and Matthew Williamson himself. Eek!

        
          
        
         

My original and hilariously ambitious list may have fallen short on a few locations such as Mulberry – sob! – but the likes of Burberry made it all worthwhile as we perused the designs and caught up together after a long absence from one another. And isn't that what fashion night out is really about? It truly is the perfect excuse to meet up with friends and justify the consumption of girly cocktails and miniature treats whilst feeding your garment envies and satisfying your fashion lusts. And with London Fashion week just 7 days away, it has been the perfect starter for what is set to be a hefty main course. I’ll be covering Fashion week’s big shows and new talents for Who’s Jack Magazine as well as eavesdropping for the Miss V style behind the scenes blog so I better start sussing the ins and outs of my wardrobe now. Can’t strike up a conversation with a designer and be dressed in an ensemble resembling their off cuts now, can I?

Strike A Pose: FNO 2011

In precisely 5 days and a little under 6 hours (not that I’m counting) the most anticipated event this side of fashion week will be boasting a Central London backdrop as High Street meets High End for Vogue Fashion's Night Out. For the third year running, high-heeled fashion pariahs, wannabes, has-beens and never-will-bes will flock in their impeccably dressed droves to Oxford Street, Carnaby Street and every road in between to partake in the buzz of what is sure to be the talking point of the fashion calendar. Of course, it would be impossible for me to document let alone attend each and every one of the extravagantly laid out revelries and sample even a percentage of the evening’s canapés and Hors d'oeuvres, therefore I reluctantly confine myself to suggesting but a few and let you in on where I, and my tiny London compadre, Sophia, will be celebrating the night.

Let’s start big. And you don’t get much bigger than Sophia’s favourite department store, and Oxford’s Streets main contender, Selfridges. If I’m to be entirely honest, the lazier amongst us could stay here all night and simply move from floor to floor and still come away feeling like they embraced the full experience. There is simply so much going on at Selfridges I don’t know where to start. From Clements Ribeiro’s new capsule collection for the Museum of Everything to Michael Kors’ kiosks each containing luxury prizes including a trip to New York, let’s  take heed of the advise of our elders and start from the bottom and work our way upwards.  New brands Monki and high street favourites H&M will celebrate their first ever concession with giant 3D Monki’s, free lucky charm necklaces and style advice from those in the know. Advice from those willing to give it will prove invaluable as we head into the new season, whether it be what you’re wearing on your feet or face – which leads me to the beauty floor where Silsey and NARS will lead the way in ways to beautify your fair facade in the coming months. But a floor is but a number as Womenswear on 3 hosts Paige denim as they create an exclusive snakeskin wash for VFNO and rope in WAH Nails to provide matching snakeskin manicures. C’est Magnifique!

Elsewhere, in similar departmental territory, The T-shirt Customization Service returns to Harvey Nichols as designers including Jonathan Saunders and Peter Pilotto seek to transform any purchased Vogue Fashion’s Night Out T-shirt (RRP £18.00) into a truly unique, high end masterpiece.  But if the tshirt doesn’t set your eyes a flutter, I’ve heard of something that will: a complimentary eyelash application perhaps? Lucky for me (and my slight worry of glue near my eyes), my eyelashes are more than long enough to contend so I’ll just look on with my complimentary cocktail – the first of many as....

I certainly intend to make my way to a favourite of mine, Yves Saint Laurent, for Champagne and macaroons that would make Blair Waldorf green, pink and yellow with envy.  If your stomach can take it, the Hakkasan canapes at Diane von Furstenberg  and french delicacies at Agnes B will be more than enough to keep you satisfied – but please, do attend for the right reasons such as surveying the photographs of the world-renowned Martin Parr as the shop hosts an exhibition of his British Life works from 6pm.

Image: Glee campaign for the New York equivalent (courtesy Vogue.co.uk)

Now, entertainment is available on every corner and don’t worry I’ll get to it, but let’s not let it cloud the real opportunities at hand. After all, it’s not every day the whole of London is invited to an exclusive launch such as that hosted by Gwyneth Paltrow and Vogue’s own Alexandra Shulman at Coach on New Bond Street as it unveils its fresh Flagship Boutique.  However, it is Liberty that catches my eye as  they seek to provide the summer we Brits never had with the erection of a one-night-only 'Honolulu lounge' where designers such as Jonathan Saunders, Richard Nicoll and Simone Rocha will be on hand to talk visitors through their latest collections accompanied by  fashion commentator Lulu Kennedy styling customers in the Lulu + Co AW 2011 collection to be launched that evening. Nearby in the luxurious surroundings of the Liberty scarf room, a popular theme of the night, paparazzi, will be in full swing in the visitor’s photobooth where one can be snapped under a Vogue masthead. The photography theme extends outwards too to DIOR who are, quite literally, driving the festivities with their own Miss Dior black taxi photo booth on New Bond Street. Here we can play dress up with a Miss Dior bag whilst you pose for your photo or alternatively head on to Alexander McQueen to acquire a bag of your own as they hand out a limited number of FNO2011 keys containing a code to unlock many young ladies’ fashion aspirations as they offer the potential to win the Folk Tote McQueen's latest iconic handbag. This is sure to be one the most popular locations of the night so i wouldn’t wait around.

 

Expect a celebrity spot as the quintessentially English Mulberry are hosting what is shaping up to be one of my potential highlights as they evoke the spirit of the local village fete you never had with a fortune teller and live music as well as manicures and prize draws every twenty minutes or so. Also worth a look in will be the Metronomy DJ set at Paul Smith, but then again i’m always a little let down. Personally, I’ll be steering clear of Topshop (it’s bad enough on a regular day around this time) and Urban Outfitters who are merely offering the possibility of a discount. In Leeds they used to have drinks, DJs and food so I’m hoping this is but a failure to update on their info for the real celebrations. Either way, dressed to impress, Sophia and I will be making our way through the heaving streets and will be reporting back on our findings.