fashiontent

Tuesday, 26 February 2013

LFW A/W 13 Day 1 Apu Jan Collection

Apu Jan show

Day one of LFW started rather promisingly this season - glorious sunshine and a champagne reception before the Apu Jan show. Held in the stunning Freemasons' Hall as part of the Fashion Scout schedule for AW13, guests were treated to drinks from Milk, Tea and Pearl before the eagerly anticipated show from the recent Royal College of Art graduate.

Apu Jan's 'Petroleum' collection took inspiration from the ocean, the transformation of underwater creatures over millions of years and the fast disappearance of fossil fuels. This was most noticeably evident in the colour palette of charcoal greys and smokey blacks, which came in both solids and unusual prints. The somber mood was brightened with flashes of cobalt blue, particularly eye-catching in the form of an ankle length, pleated skirt. Favourite pieces included a turquoise and black printed dress that was reminiscent of a kimono and the beautiful, draped skirts in grey and white print.

The success of this collection was in its masterful merging of traditional Eastern formal dress shapes with modern knitwear. The result was a collection that was as flattering as it was wearable. It was innovative and distinctive, but it's simplicity showed a sophistication beyond that of most young designers. It was easy to see why Apu Jan's graduate collection had been featured in Wallpaper* and on Vogue.com.

Unfortunately Michael Harvey and Steve Turvey fashiontent's photographers were covering other shows and were unable to get shots of this one, but at least Sophie managed to capture the essence of the collection

Copy and photography - Sophie Hollins Fashiontent's girl about town - pls credit

Monday, 25 February 2013

LFW A/W 2013 Pam Hogg

Pam Hogg the designer at the end of her triumphant show

Pam Hogg Bride

Tuuli Shipster

Glamourous and wearable

Rankin

Jefferson Hack

Nick Rhodes and Maria Sulvio

Jaime Winstone

PAM HOGG A/W 2013

I always think of Pam Hogg and Vivienne Westwood as being part of the same era, as both made their names at the time of Punk in the 80s, both challenged the conventional codes of fashion and were part of a movement that shook up the establishment. Vivienne stuck to fashion and let her then husband Malcolm Mclaren manage the new wave music side whilst Pam has found success in both the music and fashion industry.

There is always a real buzz running up to a Pam Hogg show. This seasons’ offering was called ‘The Emperors New Clothes’. I spotted Nick Rhodes of Duran Duran fame, Jaime Winstone along with Jefferson Hack ( father of Kate Moss’s little girl Lila Grace Moss Hack) all sitting in the front row.

As one would expect the show was anything but dull. Evenly indented between an army of vertiginously heeled, body suited models a totally naked model would appear looking like it was quite normal to wear nothing but her birthday suit, hat and in some cases a gaping open billowing Vinyl coat or white net cape!

Alexandra Shulman Editor of British Vogue refused to upload the whole show on Vogue.com for this very reason Pam Hogg’s PR executive told me.

For me this side show was part of the story…after all is was called The Emperor’s new clothes! Pam Hogg’s shows have a reputation of being edgy and avant guarde …the shows' collection of erotic and decorative net, lace and Vinyl body suits did not disappoint prompting me to imagine part of the collection centre stage at the Folie Bergere. Photographer Rankin co founder of Dazed and Confused magazine with Jefferson Hack was front row supporting his wife Tuuli Shipster as she modelled a selection of sexy outfits one of which was a very wearable red satin off the shoulder dress I coveted.

One thing is for certain the two photographers that covered the show for me thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle and got some truly amazing shots. To see the whole collection click this link to LESDOIT.

Copy Schelay McCarter

All Photography exclusive to Fashiontent Ltd and LESDOIT please credit photographers Michael Harvey and Steve Turvey

Monday, 18 February 2013

LFW A/W 13 Antonia Berardi - my favorite!

I have been very lucky to be invited to many shows this season and in particular the new fringe shows organised by fabulous Fashion Scout. I have seen some amazing collections and been witness to some extraordinary new ideas and visions in fashion. Antonio Berardi started out on the fashion fringe fresh from St Martins. There is much fan fare about Erdem, Alexander McQueen, Christopher Kane and Stella McCartney. However Antonio Berardi for me is the unrivalled king of London based women's high end fashion. I have picked 3 dresses and one coat I would without hesitation want in my Autumn Winter 13 wardrobe.
Berardi dresses women in classic timeless creations, clean lines with flattering tailoring twists that flatter the female form. The style is sexy understated elegance... what more could a woman want?

Copy Schelay
Images thanks to Vogue.com

Sunday, 17 February 2013

LFW A/W 2013 DAY 1 What people wore...

Blessed with the most fantastic blue skies and all round perfect weather to launch London Fashion Week A/W 2013 Fashiontent's roving photographer Michael Harvey put on his 'Sartorialist' hat and went Cool hunting at Somerset House. I was amazed at the volume and breadth of style at the buzzing premier fashion venue. It is true that good weather brings out the best in people - this was in evidence in the friendly atmosphere as fashionista's turned up expectantly for the exciting array of new season's London collections.