Laura Bailey Capsule Collection for L.K.Bennett

L.K.Bennett`s new collaboration with model and style icon Laura Bailey produced a limited edition of five shoe designs and two clutch bags. 

The pattern of zig-zags brings Missoni designs to mind, with Bailey`s colour combinations less sophisticated.  But I have to admit, these geometric prints work very well with vibrant colours that are used throughout the range.

What I like about this collection is the fact it is not excessive – it is focused only on a few items.

You have a choice of heel size, starting with a block heeled sandal, through pointed stilettos, ankle-strap kitten heels, and flats.

Summer days on the Amalfi coast inspired this range, hence the use of Mediterranean blue and other bold colours. Everything is well made, with fabric outside and soft leather inside.

 

Prices are £245, £275 and £295 for solid heeled version, which is called….Claudia - no, not named after me, but after Italian actress Claudia Cardinale.

Singapore Rocks!

As millions mourn Mr Lee Kuan Yew – the founding leader of modern Singapore - I look back fondly at images of this amazing state-city that is a living legacy of his vision and dedication.

Singapore is my home-from-home and I adore its central business district that glows at night in a cacophony of colours.

It is so refreshing to find placed here that are steeped in history and surrounded by lush greenery.

Modern architecture complements grand, old buildings……

……and amazing sculptures and objet d'art are visible everywhere.

But what really made my life in Singapore so enchanting were the locals – warm-hearted, vibrant, and innovative. They are keeping the values and traditions of their elders at heart while leading on many advances of the modern world.  No wonder Singapore is a wealthy global hub today.

Agender - Gender Irrelevant Style Choices at Selfridges

Selfridges celebrates genderless lifestyle choices through a new campaign called Agender.

Braking the constrains of gender in retail, Faye Toogood designed Concept Spaces, which are located on the 1st and 2nd floors of the department store in London.

This is a wonderful celebration of fashion without division into 'his' and 'hers' items.

Instead, we are encouraged to find the desired goods based on preferred style, ingredients (in case of cosmetics), and fit.

Several lines have been chosen and carefully curated for this selling exhibition, including colourful tops from Jeremy Scott….

…..outfits from  Nazir Nazar….

……Maharishi and more.

 

Happy shopping!

London College of Fashion for H&M

I was enchanted by the latest H&M collaboration. No, this time it wasn`t any world-renown designer who provided a capsule collection for this popular chain, but London College of Fashion students who interpreted H&M latest collections through fashion illustrations.

Adriana Deco is one of the alumnus who participated in the project. London College of Fashion (LCF) is a constituent college of the University of the Arts London, so don`t be confused to see a slogan bearing its name: `H&M loves ual` displayed by the retailer.

Fiona Gourlay used ink and watercolour to create her artwork.

Maisie Noble worked with ink and acrylic on her illustrations.

My favourite were skinny girls depicted by Isabella Cotier……

….as well as realistic-looking sketches by Joseph Larkowsky……

…….and somewhat moody but attractive portraits delivered by Sue Dray.

 

The exhibition runs right now in H&M Oxford Circus store, in the gallery space on the 4^th floor.

 

 

A Pop-Up Asian Bazaar in London

If you are in London this weekend, come along to Asia House in New Cavendish Street, just North of Oxford Street, to be amazed and amused by multitude of products from across Asia.

 

Jewellery, clothes, homeware, furniture, art, crafts…..you will find it all in this bustling pop-up Asian marketplace.

 

This is a great opportunity to buy unique and unusual artefacts that made their way from the ancient Silk Road to modern London.

I couldn`t resist this massive but light silk necklace, made out of upcycled saris by women-artisans out of New Delhi in India, for a social enterprise  called the House of Wandering Silk.   

The annual Fair is hosted in a magnificent Asia House that features beautiful fixtures, like this incredible ceiling.

And if all that rummaging around and shopping makes you peckish, visit a pop-up cafe in the basement`s Gallery for Malaysian Pandan pancakes, or other Asian snacks, tea and coffee.

Emilio Pucci for Ladurée

March brought us the most glamorous collaboration of food and fashion. Emilio Pucci, Florence-based fashion powerhouse, joint forces with Paris-based Ladurée, the ultimate maker of macarons, and created a limited edition gift boxes.

Pucci designed boxes in two printed versions: in coral pink and also in turquoise blue tones. Additionally, there is an exclusive version covered in Pucci fabric. The fabric boxes sold out very quickly but luckily for me, a Ladurée boutique in Harrods, had the last remaining fabric-covered one and put it aside for me. 

Each design bursts with Mediterranean colour palette and takes the buyer on a journey through the Riviera, bringing joy and sunshine to a gloomy day in London.  I am wearing a dress from Ted Baker, jacket from Paulie, and my scarf is by James Lakeland. My snakeskin boots are from Gino Rossi and my handbag is from Anya Hindmarch. Sunglasses by Marc Jacobs.

Richard Nicoll`s Collection for Sweaty Betty

Sweaty Betty – a well-known provider of fitness clothing for over 15 years - joint up forces with Richard Nicoll to offer an eight piece capsule collection, which just landed in selected boutiques.

Unveiled at London Fashion Week in September 2014, the separates are made in calm, pastel-colours and are designed for sport as well as leisure pursuits.

They are made from high quality fabrics, and are stretchable and odour resistant; ideal for the gym, tennis court, or for leisurely retreat from fast-paced world.

High-tech finishes and shimmering features make this collection modern and futuristic.

London-born Nicoll is famous for his work on modernist classics so this is a perfect partnership that resulted in a truly luxurious collection that is firmly rooted in Sweaty Betty`s heritage of every day sporty looks.

Temperley London is 15 years old

Alice Temperley MBE, a British fashion designer, launched her fashion label Temperley London  in 2000.

It offers two lines; Temperley London and Temperley Bridal. The label is synonymous with easy elegance, unique detailing including intricate hand worked embellishments, use of colour and artisan techniques.

I just came back from checking out it`s sample sale in London`s Music Rooms in Mayfair, where we were greeted with cacophony of colourful dresses, pastel leather jackets, chic skirts as well as accessories and eveningwear – the photos featured in this post are from the sample sale.

There are three Temperley London standalone stores in the UK, including an outlet at Bicester Village. Additionally, you will find it in Dubai and Doha. In 2013 this luxury brand re-launched its ecommerce site.

If you are after relaxed sophistication and artisan flair with a flippant attitude to match, you won`t be disappointed with this truly iconic British brand.

A new Chanel fragrance - Misia

A new Chanel fragrance called Misia smells of violets and powdery notes that bring back memories of sitting at your mother`s or even grandmother`s dressing table. Fear not, this is not an old fashioned scent. The use of a feminine blend of May Rose and its more powerful cousin, Turkish Rose, ensure this is a well-balanced concoction.

 

Misia is part of an array of a well-known collection of perfumes called Les Exclusifs. It is, in fact, their 15^th edition. Developed by a `composer of fragrances` - Olivier Polge- Misia has enough sophistication and uniqueness to become yet another bestseller.

 

So why is it called Misia? Well, Misia Sert, was one of Gabrielle Chanel`s closest friends. Worldly and self-assured, she introduced Chanel to many artists, to chic travel destinations like Venice, and helped Coco mend her broken heart after the untimely death of Boy Capel.  Misia was a great influencer and a catalyst in Coco`s life so no wonder, the house of Chanel reached for that name in order to bring us a stylish eau de toilette that is lively, modern, and fun to wear.

 

 

 

Westfield London Shopping Mall

Designed by Jason Forbes and opened on 30 October 2008, Westfield London is more than just a super-size shopping destination.

 

Apart from hosting over 300 shops, it offers over 60 places to eat and drink.

From Adidas to Juicy Couture…..

…….and from Louis Vuitton to Versace, you will definitely be spoilt for choice here.

It`s retail floor area is a massive 150,000 m² (1.615m ft²), the equivalent of about 30 football pitches.

The Village is where you will find high-end designer boutiques with more than 40 exclusive brands……

….plus a big champagne bar and services associated with any world-class designer shopping destination.

You can easily spend the whole day here, being entertained, amused, and served by a high-quality cinema, salsa and tango lessons, hairdressers, its own concierge service, styling events, fashion launches, electronic innovations, and flowers for every occasion.

It also acts as a perfect meeting place for secret lovers as they can snug on many plush sofas and armchairs.

The development was built by Westfield Construction, over five years. The roof – its most recognisable feature was designed by Knippers Helbig Advanced Engineering (Stuttgart, Germany).

Families come with children to eat and play. But above all, the Westfield London caters for the most discerning fashionistas by offering a premier shopping destination and an opportunity to purchase the most stylish and glamorous goods, from high street to high end in one architecturally spectacular space.