Beyonce's Braids

It’s safe to say we never saw this one coming. Where long curly locks have played a central part to her performances, head banging and all, Beyonce has now traded it all in for braids. The stage's wind machine no longer has a purpose. As with every look, Bey is rocking the braids well. Statement bun, model-esque pony tail whoever could be her inspiration? Little sis, Solange maybe? Undoubtedly her sister has taken on box braids as her own, over the last few years, bringing back the side pony and working the African head tie. Though as both sisters are taking a step outside of the female-celebs-must-have-long-glossy-weave cycle, we must congratulate them for their break through. For those who aren't rocking the look already, after Beyonce's input the trend is sure to catch on. Knowles sisters, we salute.

British Heritage Trend

 

Tweed, plaid and herringbone can only mean one thing, the British Heritage trend is here. A look fit to take a stroll in the countryside, or as recently shown, fit to rock most of the Autumn/Winter 2012 catwalk shows. Throw on a tweed pencil skirt, white chiffon blouse and a boxy jacket – Coco Chanel is our muse.

Burberry Prorsum, Chloé and Tommy Hilfiger channelled the style through structured blazers, crisp tapered trousers and long-line coats, adding an edge with a raised collar. Keeping up appearances follows the season’s trend, where looking posh no longer receives a turned up nose. We look for style inspiration from the local horse rider, with hareem pants and knee-high boots featured heavily in the Tommy Hilfiger collection. We also look to masculine figures for British Heritage inspiration and unsurprisingly our grandma’s! Brits do it best. God save the queen!

                                                                                                           Harper's Bazaar, Asos images

Alexander Wang: NY Showcase

As Mr Wang introduces us to the human muzzle, we wonder how we ever before kept our faces from the cold. Yes, his New York Fashion week Fall 2012 showcase had a glint of mystery with fishnet and sheer face cover-ups and an array of structured ensembles. Leather from head to toe appears to no longer be a crime as long-line biker jackets paired with knee high leather boots, dominated the runway (Sandy would be happy). 

A number of contrast panel coats were rocked, in monochrome and burgundy – with the standout piece most definitely being the leather and fur jumpsuit - gorilla meets style veteran - love it! Lastly we were shown that the legendary puffer jacket works just as well on the catwalk as it does in the rap videos - if not better. Alexander Wang, j'adore!

All Aboard: Chanel Couture Show

Last week Karl Lagerfield showed us that the standard wooden floor ‘A to B’ catwalk is just not good enough (and why should it be?). Taking us sky high in Grand Palais with his Chanel Couture range, an array of intricate gowns flowed down the centre of… wait for it … an aeroplane! Full marks for creativity, double points for the amazing couture.

Led by a trail of Mohawks, we saw sophistication meet intergalactic shades of blue shimmery gowns, patent look blazers, ruffled hemlines and sheer maxi’s. The space raider is reborn.

Feather fascinators, oval neck coats and low-waist pockets were key features along with structured blazers, palazzo pants and embellished floor sweepers. The highlight: A long sleeve diamond encrusted mini, with puffball trail. Largerfield, we salute. 

Can’t wait to see where the next Chanel show will be held!

Style Icon of 2011: Kourtney Kardashian

So the long year has come to an end, and we’ve seen it all from Katy Perry’s sequinned Smurf dress to Princess Beatrice’s Royal Wedding, scorpion hat (the ultimate fashion faux pas that shockingly made an immense amount of money – Princess B we salute) but the celeb that wins hands down on the fashion front this year is, Kourtney Kardashian.

Claiming the cat eye sunglasses as her own and giving the suede trilby a casual flair we can never doubt Miss Kardashian’s style. Her look is clean cut yet edgy. Her outfit of the year? The white ruffle neck blouse with high waisted wide-leg tailored trousers and leopard print belt. Effortlessness meets couture and androgyny meets femininity (and her trademark bun, of course). As a fiend to monochrome, tapered trousers and feather necklaces – we’re only left in hope for the key to her wardrobe.

Overshadowed by her sisters Kourtney’s style is under rated, though next year is the year to start taking note.  Quote of the year: We love Kourtney! 


Happy New Year x

London Fashion Week

First day at Fashion Week with FNO magazine

 

Got some great words of wisdom from Suzie Bubble

Me and Brix Smith Start

 Mark Fast collection

 

It's terrible that its taken so long for me to post about London Fashion Week but its never too late!  
So my first experience of London Fashion Week was  AMAZING. I went along with the Fashion News Outlet Magazine team, which is an online fashion magazine that I write for www.fnomagazine.com and indeed, I have been to a number of fashion events but NEVER like this. Style everywhere I turned, outfits to die for and celebrities... I loved every moment. We attended the Caroline Charles show on the first day which had an array of classic styles, boxy blazer suits, rounded collars and floral knee length dresses, prim, proper, on point. Mark Fast's stole the show for me. Dark, edgy crochet knits, bouncy empire lines and textured floor sweepers. To own his collection would not be a bad thing. 
 
The shows were great, the people were amazing - first and formost, Miss Suzie Bubble, the queen of the fashion blog was such an honour to meet. She gave me great blogging advice and just like her blog, she was such an inspiration. Next Brix Smith-Start -I almost died when I saw her, queen of minx nails, princess of couture - I just had to get a snapshot. I also met Jade from the Sugababes, Peaches Geldof and Gemma Cairney from BBC 1xtra - who was was hilarious. Aside from the celebs there were so many fresh talented designers that stood out to me. Jewelry designer Kyle Hoppkin's is definetley one to watch out for, along with Alexander Huck who's bird hat creation was show stopping and Liu Liu who's avant garde designs are featured in our new issue of FNO magazine! 


Altogether the street style pics we got were immense and I made some great contacts. Fashion week has always been my dream, and to be at the forefront of such creativity was an experience that I will NEVER forget. 

Prozena Schouler A/W 11

Prozena Schouler has officially confirmed my look for this Autumn/Winter. Rebelling against the common assumption that winter must be dull and grey, we say hello to clashing prints, colour and a native theme reminding us of the nomads – or to the modern eye, a tribalistic icon.

Genius is the clash of the print. Winter wear becomes bold, as the stylistic duo brings us to question, why the pattern on our jumper should match our trousers. Playing it safe is not an option. The NY based designers introduce vibrancy to winter wear that is often hidden most conveniently behind a big coat – we’ve all done it!

Analytically looking at it, the Schouler’s classic jumpers and loose fit harem pants aren’t really a bold move, it’s the clashing patterns that show bravery.

So I’m thinking I’ll pace myself into the trend. I’ll begin with a pair of tribal cropped trousers and a plain black blouse then when the time is right, I’ll throw a kooky jumper into the mix. I’m ready for the snow!

Hats off to Prozena Schouler on this one - we salute you.