Swash ss10

Swash is a fashionable partnership between two Central St Martins graduates, Sarah Swash and Toshio Yamanaka. The pair's spring/summer 10 collection is called 'dream machine' and is feminine yet formal and heavily print based. Sarah's influence is the eccentric English humour - where as Toshio is a perfectionist pattern cutter.

The styling of these balloon based beauties is done by Sebastian Kauffman and photography is by David Dunan.

Colour Forecast Spring/Summer 2011

The New York offices of Lectra held a 'Webinar' which I attended yesterday afternoon. It was on the pantone colour forecast for spring/summer 11. So i'll outline the basics.

Blazing Yellows. Jasmine Greens. Curacao. Carmine Rose. Carrot. Think Flowers and think bright. The colours are mostly found blocked in outfits. There is a lot of floral influences within these colours, however, silhouettes are kept simple with use of texture and colour to brighten it up. Orange is particularly one to watch.Turtle Dove. White. Mist. Cosmic Sky. Strawberry Cream. Colours are washed out pastels, light, with highlights of lavender and pink. Clothing in these shades are kept minimilistic. With zero decoration or fuss. Focusing on the beautiful shapes.

Hunter Green. Forest Green. Green. Amber Yellow. Italian Straw. These colours are all earthy neutrals. Influenced by wood chips, soil and bark from the trees. Designs are structural, and wooden, focusing on skeletal accessories and shapes.

A Single Man

I thought I would blog about Tom Ford's latest venture in life - A single Man. He is the writer and director of this - what looks like - amazing film!! I can not wait to see it. It is a romantic tale about an English professor who loses his partner and tried to go about his day to day life. Starring Colin Firth and Julianne Moore, who looks stunning! With also homegrown talent of Nick Hoult (Tony, skins).

Tom Ford, for those who don't know, is an American Fashion designer, particularly well known for the turn around of Gucci and later a career with Yves Saint Laurent!

Menswear Project

This was originally a man's long sleeved shirt. Brightened it up a bit didn't I.

House of Dagmar

House of Dagmar is a Swedish fashion house run by 3 sisters. Launched in spring 2005 their ‘arty chic’ style has been a hit in the fashion industry ever since. Winning many prestigious awards – including Elle’s ‘Newcomer of the year’ in 2007. They claim their inspiration of colours, patterns originate from the Art Deco period of the 20s and 30s, and they are very much influenced by dance and music.

Dagmar’s Autumn Winter 10/11 is a decadent, feminine collection. With plush velvets and glamourous tailorings. They definitely stand out for their gorgeous silhouettes, shapes and luxury materials, in an array of navy, black and pewter.

adel kovac

There is a stunning collection circulating the fashion airwaves at the moment, it is Adel Kovac's collection for 'Love Carpet' and it is probably best known for one thing. Her complimentary use of nude and black silhouettes are unfortunately not the talking point. It is a Security Tag Dress...

Yep those annoying black things that deter theifs/ provide highly embarassing moments if you're left with one in your shopping bag / dig into your side if they're placed incorrectly! Well in that case I can see why the security tag dress would be the nightmare of some shoppers - putting all that aside i can't help but love it! If you squint it looks like a mish mash of black polka dots! The texture is incredible. Still, it would not be my ideal outfit choice for a trip down Oxford Street!!

Haute Couture Week, Paris...

Iridescent, mysterious and romantic describe some of the collections of haute couture week in Paris. Colour palettes of dull pastels, silver, nude, petrol blue and raspberry take over the catwalk in an elegant array of Cinderella dresses. Even looking at these couture collections make you feel like a princess.

Karl Lagerfeld for chanel described his inspiration as an ‘electronic flash’ for this rococo meets astro collection. Boxy silhouettes and chiffon ruffles, on floor length gowns and short suits. An age away from his black and navy adorned with gold buttons.

Maison Martin Margiela presented in an exhibition like form. With spotlights on the models highlighting the outfit and less focus on the face. This ran with the mysterious feel of the collection. every outfit shows a 3d perspective, with mohair running through cage like structures, over emphasised rouched shoulder detail, and unitards covered in blossom.

Elie Saab played on romanticism and used the paler tones of washed out pastels and nude. A beautiful collection of gowns fit for the red carpet. Saab used layering and embroidery to accentuate the luxurious feel of couture. Beautifully soft and feminine.