Chic Galleria » London

London Fashion Week S/S12 Trend Roundup

Suzanne Crumbacher — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:38:57 +0000

This past week, I fell in love with so many Women’s RTW Spring/Summer 2012 Collections from London Fashion Week. I watched about a dozen live stream shows with the help of http://catwalklive.tv. In addition to some carryover trends from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, like color blocking, cut outs and asymmetrical hems, there were some uniquely London expressions of style. London fashion is very distinctive. When one thinks of London, iconic looks like trench coats, fascinators and street style often comes to mind. Here are some of the highlights from London Fashion Week that caught my attention.

BOLD COLOR: Louise Gray and Mary Kantrazou showed a lot of bold color. Louise Gray paired brights together through color blocking. One memorable look was a hot pink top with metallic gold patchwork paired with a red sarong. The model that wore this particular look had on what I would call an anti-facinator. This particular hat resembled a pile of ruched fabric. Mary Kantrazou, known for bold looks and playful silhouettes, clashed bright and bold patterns. Although these clash of colors and patterns may sound a bit crazy, I am always fascinated with these bold looks. Looks like these gave me another reason to love London’s free spirited creativity.

TRENCH COATS: London is infamous for their trenches. Because of London’s frequent rainy weather, there will always be many trenches at London Fashion Week’s Spring/Summer collections. Burburry Prorsum showed some incredible trenches. After one hundred and fifty years of creating quality clothing, this label took the trench to another level. Along with the standard tan, they offered deep tones options like purple. Burburry also had some noteworthy trenches with multi-colored triangular enamel embellishments on the front plackets. Burburry styled some of their looks with adorable gold cadet caps with big black poms on top. I also loved Louise Gray’s trench. This designer showed a technically constructed clear plastic trench coat. It was exciting to see London’s spring trench coats for next season.

ROYALTY CHIC: The British love their royalty. For that reason it can be expected to see that interpreted through their fashion. Giles and Temperley both showed collections that could be considered royalty chic. Giles had their models wear incredibly tall swan head dresses to dress up their elegant looks; and Temperley’s collection was Grace Kelly inspired. To add to the royal atmosphere, Pippa Middleton almost stole all of the spot light on Temperley’s front row.

PYTHON SHOES: There were a lot of python heels shown at London Fashion Week, especially from Mary Kantrazou and House of Holland. According to what I saw from London Fashion Week, python shoes are going to big for spring. Python or not, the heels in London were very tall. They looked liked they were 6″ tall or possibly higher.

STREET STYLE: Acne, a Swedish denim company, showed a collection that had a Marrakesh vibe. This was one of the highest anticipated shows in London, leaving so many raving about their shoes. I loved the London street style integrated into this collection.

Suzanne Crumbacher, Style & Beauty Editor and Social Media Director for ChicGalleria.com, has a certificate in fashion design and a master’s degree from Regent College, Vancouver, B.C., Canada. She has traveled to Venezuela, Indonesia, Malaysia, all over the U.S., one month stay in Hawaii, studied in Canada for 2 1/2 years and now resides in Oklahoma with her husband and two daughters. Suzanne loves social media interaction, so tweet her @ChicGalleria and follow her personal accounts at Tumblr, Twitter, Facebook and Google+. Read and comment on more Suzanne Crumbacher articles…

Front Row Seats to Fashion Week Compliments of CatwalkLive.TV

Suzanne Crumbacher — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 11:53:02 +0000

Don’t book your plane ticket just yet. Virtually speaking, Roz from @RozFashionista and founder of CatwalkLive.TV, is passing out the opportunity to watch London, Milan, and Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011 collections via live stream feed. Though every designer’s show is not streamed live, there is enough that do to keep us well-informed of international women’s ready-to-wear fashion. Chasing after designers’ websites and Facebook accounts used to be the lot of those wanting to watch these shows. If a designer provided live stream at all, their announcement to do so could only be found by checking and rechecking their sites. Some do not get the word out until a day or two prior to their show. The prospects of watch a live stream show used to be daunting before CatwalkLive.TV came onto the scene. Thankfully, there is now one central place to view all the beautiful designer collections we all love so much.

After a great week of announcing live stream details for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (MBFW), CatwalkLive.TV is gearing up to inform us of more London, Milan, and Paris fashion shows than ever. Roz is working very hard this season to take the stress away from all of us by searching out every live stream available. She created the website for herself and is generous enough to afford us this luxury. This is CatwalkLive.TV’s biggest year since its inception last February.

Each year fashion and beauty sponsorships add more shows to their live stream agendas. In the United States, beauty companies like M.A.C. Cosmetics and Maybelline sponsor live stream for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. They are taking note of our interest in live stream and thus making more fashion shows available each year. This year the youtube.com/liverunway stream, sponsored by Maybelline, drastically increased from last year to stream over thirty shows. Since no significant sponsor exists to bring us streaming shows from London, Milan, and Paris, we rely on their fashion week organization to show a select amount, then individual designers and fashion houses take it upon themselves to fund the streaming of their own shows on their Facebook and websites. Give yourself a little extra time to go to the Milan and Paris links for live stream. Every website and Facebook has a different button to press. You have to log into Facebook, “like” the designer’s page, and sometimes click on a special tab in the side bar and allow the live stream app to run on your screen. Roz does her best to give us the leads on difficult live stream sites via twitter @catwalklivetv.

Live stream and social media go hand in hand. Each live stream show creates a frenzy on social media networks like Twitter and Facebook. Here’s an example of what I saw and tweeted about prior to the Diane Von Furstenburg (DVF) fashion show at MBFW. While everyone was talking and finding their seats ten minutes before the show I saw Oscar de la Renta talking to Valentino and Giametti, Actress Susan Sarandon, Vogue’s Editor-in Chef Anna Wintour, and, from Elle, Creative Director Joe Zee and Senior Accessories Editor Kyle Anderson. Then, I couldn’t help to notice that Kyle was impeccably dressed in a seafoam blazer over a plaid shirt. (FYI: It occurred to me after the show that what he wore could have been a look in DVF’s SS12 collection. Quite the trend forecaster!) Moments later, the camera-person took note of the chic heels in the crowd, zooming in and out, to give us all a good look. At that time I spotted platform pumps from the Jill Stuart show the day before. They were white with the gorgeous black signature jagged pattern from Jill’s SS12 collection.

What I just did shows the effect live stream has on social media networks. When a show streams live, hundreds of thousands post their thoughts and reactions before, during, and after the show. Worldwide, the fashion obsessed are embracing the new media. Days are over when shopping is our only outlet. Consider it a must to add live stream and social media like Twitter and Google+ to your fashion routine. Live stream gives all of us the opportunity to be fashion forecasters. Join in on the fun and get connected with fashionistas from literally all over the world! Since MBFW has come to a close, London Fashion Week is our next live stream opportunity. Immediately after that is Milan, then Paris. Here are the specifics on following the top three European fashion capitals of the world:

LONDON FASHION WEEK

BEGINS: Friday, September 16

ENDS: Tuesday, September 20

www.londonfashionweek.co.uk

The day after MBFW in New York City marks the first day of London Fashion Week. Seven and a half hours after Marc Jacobs begins his show, closing out New York City’s MBFW, Paul Costelloe’s show commences London Fashion Week. Burburry Prorsum, Mary Katrantzou, Issa London, and Topshop Unique are some of the designers you do not want to miss from London. I always look forward to seeing British style, so artistic and confident. Two of my favorite British collections last season were Mary Katrantzou and Burburry Prorsum. I appreciated Mary Katrantzou’s phenomenal creativity. The silhouettes were so playful; and the colors and patterns seemed to dance right off the fabric. Another favorite of mine as I watched live stream last season was Burburry Prorsum with its British biker chic attitude. I look really forward to seeing what this fantastic fashion capital has in store for us this season. Will their recent royal wedding and fascination with Kate Middleton, The Duchess of Wales, heavily inform what British designers have to present for spring and summer? The direct link to watch London Fashion Week is on the catwalklive.tv website. Click on LFW TV at the designer you want to watch to activate the live stream within the website.

MILAN FASHION WEEK

BEGINS: Wednesday, September 21

ENDS: Monday, September 26

www.cameramoda.it

With iconic fashion designers like Gucci, Versace, Valentino, Missoni, Emilio Pucci, and Dolce & Gabana, Milan Fashion Week is a must see. Designs from Italy have such a strength and substance. For example, Missoni goes to great lengths to weave the finest knitwear humanly possible, taking care to integrate delicate wools and other fine materials. Besides that, the Missonis are geniuses with color and pattern. They are so talented at effortlessly adding a third color and a second abstract print to their signature zigzag prints. Italian designers take great pride in the richness of their garments and accessories, producing looks with exotic, intricate details and superior workmanship. More is more for the Italians. Their looks are decadent and rich.

The historical aspect of Italian fashion is intriguing as well. In Milan’s fashion district on Via Napoleone and its surrounding streets is the historic locale for the flagship stores of Milan’s top designers. Last March, I recall seeing each look of Italian designer Emilio Pucci’s Fall/Winter 2011-12 collection pass through the ornate entryway of the Palazzo Serbelloni, built in the late 1700s.

Many Milan Fashion shows live stream directly from each designer’s website. There is a handful that stream on Milan Fashion Week’s official website www.cameramoda.it as well. This is exactly why the schedules and direct links are so helpful at CatwalkLive.TV.

Paris Fashion Week

BEGINS: Tuesday, September 27

ENDS: Friday, October 7

www.modeaparis.com

I believe everyone can agree with me; Paris fashion is undeniably fantastic. Their unique Parisian style even translates powerfully through live stream. I recall watching John Galliano’s, almost canceled, show last season as each French madame strolled out into a lavish room dressed to the nines. Each finely dressed lady in a different hat that looked like it could have been milled by 1920s Parisian designer and milliner Caroline Reboux, some head-fitting cloches, some profile brims dipping low on one side ornate with flowers and mini veils. Every model had a unique stroll pacing about the room, one lounged on a scarlet velvet divan, one carried a decorative umbrella. Needless to say, it was a feast for the eyes.

Again, be mindful of the time differences. Last year I had to wake up at four o’clock a.m. to catch Louis Vuitton, ten o’clock a.m. Paris time. Designers like Yves Saint Laurent, Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Gaultier, Givenchy, Kenzo, and Alexander McQueen show in the evening, translating well for an afternoon viewing in the United States. Please keep in mind live stream details for Paris Fashion Week is still pending. Refer to CatwalkLive.TV for all of the updates.

Are you anxious see all of the British, Italian, and French designs that you can? The key word here is “that you can.” Be sure to take note of the time zone conversions at http://catwalklive.tv to make sure the designer you want to watch streams at a reasonable time for your schedule. This takes a little foresight and planning. Just in case you are in a bind, here is a handy time zone conversion tool.

Here are the ways to be informed by CatwalkLive.TV:

1) Refer to http://catwalklive.tv website every day during fashion month to mark your schedule

2) Follow http://twitter.com/catwalklivetv via twitter

3) Search save the search term #catwalklivetvreminder on your twitter account. Roz gives these live stream twitter reminders in best faith fifteen minutes before each live stream fashion show and, then again just moments before the show’s scheduled time.

4) Add a “search” stream on your social media dashboard called #catwalklivetvreminder

5) Embed the plugin from http://catwalklive.tv to your website, blog, etc. to keep informed of instant reminders of each day’s live stream shows. Once the plugin is installed it provides up-to-date live streaming catwalk schedules for each day. This is the best way to keep informed for those that do not frequent twitter. With the plugin you are only one click away from the direct link to every live stream show. The plugin attracts people to your blog. Tweet or post that you installed the @catwalklive plugin to get all of your friends looking at your blog every day. Oh so chic! Here is the embed code:

Front row seats for everyone via live stream and CatwalkLive.TV!!! I’ll take my seat between Franca Sozzani and Emmanuelle Alt. So exciting to have an opportunity to view the most prestigious brands in fashion the moment everyone else does. As an American, I always look forward to seeing European interpretations of fashion. When else will some of us get an opportunity to see British, Italian and French designers show their collections?

If you didn’t get a good enough look at live stream, take a second look at http://nowfashion.com as they publish the stills soon after the show ends. Or, just watch a video replay at the site of the live stream. And most importantly, help your friends watch live stream and share your thoughts and reactions with them as you watch on your favorite social media networks. Then add, me @ChicSuzanne, @ChicGalleria, @CatwalkLiveTV, and @RozFashionista to your live stream twitter list for even more fashion interaction. The more we participate, the more the entire world of fashion becomes accessible to everyone. Besides, it is really fun too!

Keep in mind, fashion week is a bi-annual event. Every February and September “fashion month” begins with Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City. Don’t forget to come back to CatWalkLive.TV next season to get firsthand knowledge of all the delicious trends to come!

If you are a self-proclaimed fashionista and want an inside pass and front row seat to London, Milan and Paris Fashion Week, set aside your calendar twice a year to catch as many shows as your schedule allows. Try it once and you will be hooked! Bravisimo to CatwalkLive.TV for making fashion wonderfully accessible. Don’t forget to take your virtual seat at London Fashion Week beginning on Friday, September 16th. Spread the Word! Let us know when you watch a show. Tell us what you thought of the looks @ChicGalleria or at the comments below. If anyone coordinates live stream parties, tweet us the pictures. Bangers and mash for anyone?

PERSONAL NOTE FROM THIS EDITOR: I want to ask everyone to share this post across every social media network possible; there are buttons above and below this post. It would be ideal if the fashion designer’s PR reps proactively informed Roz @catwalklivetv of their live stream details the moment they are coordinated. Anyone that can spread this word would be extremely helpful. Let’s give Roz all of the help we can! So much credit goes to the work Roz does at CatwalkLive.TV because, even though others provide the live stream, what good is it if hardly anyone knows about it.

(Photo Credits: catwalklive.tv; London: ashleecymone.tumblr.com; Milan: drlucich2.tumblr.com; Paris: jjaslene.tumblr.com)

D.S.Dundee Launches Boutique in London

Editor — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 07:01:57 +0000

Modern British heritage menswear brand, D.S.Dundee announce the launch of their first standalone boutique in Spitalfields, London. Based in the fashionable heart of East London, Spitalfields is home to the most creative stalls and design outlets in the country. Following a successful campaign of pop-up boutiques throughout the city, this store marks a first for this exciting brand with its foot firmly on the property ladder; offering a permanent home to their ready-to wear and accessories collections in time for the Christmas trading period.

Offering over 460sq ft of retail space, the store will be the destination for the brand showcasing its handcrafted clothing, accessories and gift ideas for the discerning gentleman. Understated interiors offering a gentle nod to the brands Scottish heritage will provide the backdrop for this relaxed retail environment. Whilst a dedicated area will showcase the latest in creative local talent offering an installation space which will incorporate photographers, graphics and art creating a truly innovative destination.

Owners Jim Pickles and Oliver Pilcher commented, “This retail development is very exciting and is a natural progression for the brand as a direct response to the success of our London Pop-up concepts. Our customers are identifying and buying into the D.S.Dundee identity and this initiative combined with a strategic wholesale and online presence will ensure the longevity of the brand. During this progressive expansion programme.”

The collection is also available online from www.dsdundee.com and from key independent stockists nationwide.

Iceland Glacier Hike and Runtur Hike

Lori McNally — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:15:30 +0000

You know the saying “When in Rome…do as the Romans?” Well, the same goes for Iceland, “When in Iceland…do a glacier hike!” My friend Laura is definitely the adventurous type and suggested that we go on a glacier hike in Iceland. I agreed thinking, how hard could it be, right? She told me it would be a 2 out of a 5…boy, was I in for a shock! In the end, I’m glad we did it, but only because I made it down unscathed!.Our day started at 9:30am. We signed up to go with a tour group called Arctic Adventures. Our driver and guides name was Mio.There were six of us in total on the hike (including Mio).

It took about 2 and 1/2 hours to drive out to a glacier known as Skogar on the south coast of Iceland. The drive was absolutely beautiful, with views of mountains and the Atlantic Ocean along the way. When we got to Skogar, it was raining and windy…great weather for a glacier hike…not! Mio fitted us each for our crampons, gave us an ice pick- which also could be used as a walking stick, and he taught us how to walk both up and down the glacier. Five minutes later, we were on our way to the top! Along the way, we would walk very close to something known as crevasses- holes about 20-30 feet deep.It was scary! You definitely had to watch where you were going at all times. The sight from the top was spectacular.

Laura and her boyfriend, Pierre, even ice climbed. They sure are brave!

It was a great experience- and quite a good workout too I might add. It was definitely out of my comfort zone, and Rich felt the same way, but we are so glad we did it!

After the three hour hike, we drove to see Skogafoss waterfall. It’s not as big as Gulfoss, but it beautifully topples down a rocky cliff.

After this day…we certainly needed another visit to one of Reykjavik’s geothermal pools…and that’s exactly what we did. For dinner that night, we wanted something not so fancy, and headed to American Style for hamburgers. Icelanders love their fast food…and American Style is where locals like to go. This place looks like a fast food joint when you first walk in and it acts like one too. You have to go up to the register to place your order and pay, and then you sit down and they bring the food out to you. We had bacon burgers- which come with special sauce on them- and french fries.We washed it all down with a local Viking beer.Since it was a Friday night, we decided to do the Runtur- Reykjavik’s pub crawl. the Runtur happens every Friday and Saturday night along Laugavegar- the main street in town. Icelanders dress up and head out to the bars to drink, dance and be merry. The good times last until about 6 in the morning when places finally close. We started our Runtur at Karamba- which is a coffee house by day and a lounge/bar at night.From there we went to Kaffibarrin- which has the London Underground symbol over the door. Inside, it’s really cute and looks like an old house.Next we went to Bar 11 which is your standard bar.The last place on our Runtur was B5- a super sleek spot that has great music and is a good place to dance.

Written By: Lori McNally

D.S.DUNDEE Create One-Day London Pop-Up Boutique

Editor — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 15:34:22 +0000

Following an initiative to create a series of ‘Guerilla’ style stand-alone stores, D.S.DUNDEE bring the online retail experience to life again on Saturday 27th June 2009. The online retailer takes over the Cat & Mutton pub located on Broadway Market, Hackney, London E8, to create a pop up boutique for one day only.

Offering the company the opportunity to create a retail environment for it’s customers, all products will be displayed in a bespoke format and the boutique will retail from 10am – 5pm. Fans of the brand can peruse, and purchase, the latest Spring Summer 2009 products alongside previous collections and archive items in the form of a highly anticipated sample sale. Discover the brand for yourself; but be quick, this one day event is destined to be a sell-out.

Highlights from the Spring Summer collection include;

* Slim fit Summer weight merino wool V neck; Made in Scotland; £95
* Limited Edition gingham shirts; Made in England; £90
* Cotton worker shorts; Made in England; £60
* Summer weight merino scarves; Made in Scotland; £25

Sale highlights include;

* Leather Bomber (was £645) now £250
* 3 piece Tweed Suit (was £495) now £295
* Tartan Trousers (was £140) now £60
* Organic Cotton Tee Shirts (was £35) now £15

The D.S.DUNDEE (DSD) brand was initially started in 1994 by long time friends, Oliver Pilcher & Jim Pickles. They met whilst Jim was at Edinburgh University and Oli was at Edinburgh College of Art and continue to ensure the Brand thrives today. With a change in direction for the current collections along with the appointments of MA graduates from the RCA; Elizabeth Reeds and Fiona Hillhouse, there is now an increased focus on British heritage and manufacture. The company has evolved and is fast becoming a sought after designer British brand.