London Fashion Week

Maria Francesca Pepe

Maria Francesca Pepe

Maria Francesca Pepe

Maria Francesca Pepe

Maria Francesca Pepe

 

It was an utterly utterly surreal fashion moment of EPIC proportions.

En route to the Maria Francesa Pepe presentation I befriended the lovely Miggy of Miggylikestheinternet and ultra fabulous Marian Kihogo as we made our way to Hyde Park corner only to be halted for what seem like forever by the one and only Pope!.

There we were three very unlikely Pope followers in the midst of what can only be described as Pope Mania.

We somehow made it through the crowd and the wait was totally worth what awaited us.

Its an incredible injustice to describe Maria Francesca Pepe's as a mere jewellery designer, as her work is incredibly directional, with more similarities to that of a visionary artist than an accessory designer.

Maria Francesca  turned the her 1920s inspired salon presentation into an interactive modern hang out  with a live look book filming and shooting (by the amazing photographer Daniel Gil). 

The presentation never lost its intimacy though as Pepe and her team happily greeted and talked editors and stylist through the collection.

The Italian born designer  showcased incredibly inspired pieces drawing its references  from the work of iconic artist Frida Kahlo and her passion for the macabre and ability of turning turn pain into art.

This was manifested through Pepe's approach to the use of accessory as 'jewellery-wear', an external part of the garment and not something to accentuate a look. The multitude of chains united outlining rib cages, spines was a recurring part of the collection.

At its best it formed part of a fabulous exoskeleton (much like Kahlo's paintings who often depicted her defunct back) over simple and light silk crepe chiffon maxi dresses or acid colour jersey pieces.

A somber, yet passionate collection that will no doubt be seen in every major

fashion bible out there.

 

London Fashion Week

Howell

Howell

Howell

Howell

Howell

 

If there was ever a brand that would benefit from the current minimal waves aesthetic taking over all major catwalks, it's Margaret Howell.

The brit designer has made itself a name as the go-to brand for fashionable and comfortable basics, with a slight vintage feeling and no unnecessary  fuss.

For summer the brand presented lovely collection for the eternal resort customer.

Many of the pieces were truly season-less, many serving as great investment pieces .

Among the highlights of the casually  cool-chic expert were flattering fifties bikinis, and crisp white boyfriend shirts, paired with ultra chic strawhats and  boxy shorts to complete the look.

White cotton sundresses, slouchy boyfriend trousers, striped shirt dresses and  sheer pleated ballerina skirts formed part of the highlights of the collection.

All in a palette of navy, white, grey and khaki.

A timeless collection of chic wardrobe staples for the more intelligent fashion crowd.

London Fashion Week

Mulberry

Mulberry

Mulberry

Mulberry

Mulberry

 Here comes the London Fashion Week Update, a bit late but I've been super busy assisting on a show for Kristian Aadnevik with Kathi Kauder , reporting for Luxsure and moving into a new flat, all in the space of 10 days!.

 

Mulberry went into full bloom mode for spring inspired by the timeless children's book 'The Secret Garden'  by Frances Hodgson.

The brand transported an A-list fashion pack to a magical place by completely taking over Claridge's with over sized rose themed decor and doll house cut outs creating an intimate and romantic salon-like presentation.

It was however a very grown-up child like women that Mulberry presented for spring 2011,hoping on the mad man mania trend.

There were the classical trenches with the perfect cinched waists and playful oversized buttons and floppy bow jackets in electric blues that perfectly accentuated the models vibrant red hair.

Ladylike hemlines were cut by the knee or calf, as bows continued to grace skirts and dresses preserving that very girly essence that inspired spring throughout.

The brands now signature oversized bags continue to evolve for spring with new ultra chic additions such as  the drawstring shoulder bag wit chain details available in bengal tiger hair-calf or silky snake print leather.

It was a full look  as models worked their way with bags and  real life dogs in matching cutesy  head-to-toe mulberry outfits.

The new addition to the brands successful 'Alexa' Family of bags named after Alexa Chung, is a gorgeous camera bag with a chic vintage looking shape, perfect for every today-i'm-wearing-obsessed style blogger.