10 for 10: Paris Couture Spring 2011

I'll try and to keep this post to as few words as possible, because I can't even begin to describe some of these looks. Here are my favourite looks, make up and accessories from the wonderful world of couture:












It would see there is a new optimism in Paris these few days, these looks are so light and airy - even at Armani with it's futuristic light reflecting materials. This has been one of my favourite couture seasons for awhile, even though Chanel was more subdued than usual I love the silhouette of the long floaty skirt with satin pointy flat shoes. I can't believe I'm starting to favour flats over heels, but such is the power of Karl Lagerfeld

Hairnets at Yohji Yamamoto

I ♥ LFW

I may be incredibly biased but London Fashion Week has to my favourite fashion week, it's always so varied, interesting and relevant. I'm so lucky to have been able to attend the shows for the last three seasons, and I've finally had a spare half an hour to catch up on the best of LFW. After an especially monotonous NYFW (seriously, was it just me or was everything the same? Proenza and Donna Karan were the only stand outs) it's a welcome return to colour - glorious colour - at LFW.


Holly Fulton S/S 11, Peter Pilotto S/S 11, Peter Pilotto S/S 11, Acne S/S 11, Antonio Berardi S/S 11, Mary Katratzou S/S 11.

London certainly hasn't ignored the minimalist trend that swept through New York but through a variety of fabrics and cuts London has really stood out for making minimalism look fun in a way that only London designers can do.

Peter Pilotto S/S 11, Julien Macdonald S/S 11, Acne S/S 11, Hannah Marshall S/S 11.

LFW Day 2: Simon Ekrelius

If you've ever wondered what rain weather couture would look like. I think I've found the answer. The Simon Ekrelius show at On/Off on Saturday was a collision of transparent fabrics, dramatic hats and amazing plays on monochrome. I think the models have to be applauded too, for walking in nothing but a completely transparent trench coat.

I was lucky enough to go backstage before the show, and I got this fabulous shot of Simon himself in a DIY t-shirt he had made that morning:



I think that perfectly sums up most Londoner's feelings about the Pope visit to the city that no one actually wanted. Ahem.

Back to the clothes. The styling was wonderful, with peach coloured lips and lilac extensions running through the hair to take a more paired down approach to the two tone colour hair that was so prevalent last season.

These have to be the town stand out pieces from the show. But the show also featured some fantastic pointed shoulder pads, high waisted monchrome leather trousers and more wearable playsuits.



(all images apart from DIY t-shirt from On/Off Facebook page)

LFW Day 1: Eun Jeong presentation

I was thrilled to get a chance to view the Eun Jeong presentation for my first show of London Fashion Week S/S 11. Presentations can feel a little cold, and impersonal but in a building above Covent Garden Eun Jeong hosted a beautiful presentation, with an intimate atmosphere.

The 2008 Fashion Fringe showcased a collection with wonderful draping and interesting digital prints as well as the sparkliest shoes I'd seen so far at London Fashion Week and with a very practical heel too!
Models were draped around the room, lounging on antique chairs or leaning on furntiture decked with trinkets, whilst soft lighting and gentle music set the tone. Eun named English summers as a key inspiration for the collection and you can really see from the pictures how this translated into the garments.



Oh, and the perfect way to finish off? Mini sparkly cupcakes of course!