James Lakeland`s Fashion Event in London

James Lakeland`s fashion event provided – undoubtedly - the most memorable highlights of this week.

We gathered at his chic New Cavendish store for free-flowing prosecco, canapés, hand massages, exchange of style ideas and gossip with an army of chic fashionistas.

And it became clear after talking with a few of James` fans that we all adore the designer`s flawless style. His winning formula mixes wearable staples, luxurious hides and eclectic accessories, to deliver an instant moneyed sophistication at amiable prices. I am wearing a James Lakeland dress and Vivienne Westwood for Melissa heels.

The label`s signature consists of restrained elegance peppered with a dash of eccentricity and a dollop of edginess to make the look current. I just had to have this adorable gilet / dress!

James showed us how to shop anew by offering a one-off `dream rail` at incredible prices – a real bonus for a seasoned shopaholic.

Rich tonal shades and innovative fabrics put a smile on our faces. I left with bags of new pieces that I can throw on knowing they will immediately work.

Kudos to the designer for keeping a distinctive sense of who he designs for intact over the years. This clearly entices his core customers to come for more, season after season.

Amanda Wakeley - British Design at its Best

Can you believe that Amanda Wakeley, a renowned British fashion designer has been in business for 25 years?

Last week I met the designer at her flagship store in London`s Mayfair, and learnt about the creative process she undertakes to produce her “clean glam” signature looks that we see on the catwalk and on the shop`s floor. I am wearing a Missoni dress, and a low-heeled (!) Mulberry shoes. The designer is sporting her own distinctly contemporary style. 

Amanda Wakeley is clearly the best living and breathing ambassador for her signature, luxury lifestyle brand. A much loved by the world’s most stylish women, including the late Diana, Princess of Wales, the designer is one of a few in the industry who strum to their own beat.

Year after year, she creates exquisite designs that are timeless, with a dash of edgy streak, to keep it current.

The undisputed queen of the evening and cocktail dresses, she is also well-known for producing stunning bridal wear, day-dresses, tailoring, sumptuous knitwear, accessories and jewellery.

Sport-luxe designs are dominating this season`s collection. From use of metallic elements, playful, unpretentious application of exotic hides, through power pastels for evening wear, we are spoilt for choice!

 An artful combination of comfort and glamour will always be Amanda Wakeley`s trump card, and will ensure the brand`s longevity going forward.  

Thank you Amanda Wakeley and Vogue for offering a relaxing shopping experience, combined with an informative Q&A with the designer.

Mademoiselle Privé at the Saatchi Gallery (London)

The famous staircase from where Coco Chanel would watch her models stride down the catwalk in her latest designs has been painstakingly recreated at the Mademoiselle Privé exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in London. I am wearing a Missoni dress and a cashmere Crumpet sweater under my fur cape.

The journey through Chanel`s creativity starts in a black and white room where we meet her avatar that appears on and off to tell a story of her beginnings.

The exhibition covers two floors of the gallery and showcases Chanel`s symbols and icons that become associated with the House that bears her name: the pearl, colour red, the camellia, and lucky number 5.

I particularly enjoyed watching a short film made by Karl Lagerfeld, which depicts the imaginary encounter between him and Coco Chanel, played by Geraldine Chaplin.  “I am keeping you alive” – says Lagerfeld, which is exactly what he does when he re-imagines the classics and innovates, while still keeping the sassy spirit of Mademoiselle coming through his creations.

The exhibition rooms are linked by passageways – some pained black, and some dressed with white or black curtains – that contain interesting artefacts.

 

The highlights include a series Haute Couture dresses……

……the re-editions of the High Jewellery "Bijoux de Diamants" collection, created in 1932…..

….and photos – taken by Karl Lagerfeld - of celebrities and models wearing the jewellery.

 

The exhibition runs at the Saatchi Gallery until 1 November 2015.

Christopher Kane`s Sample Sale in London

Yesterday and today, the Music Room in London`s Mayfair played host to Christopher Kane`s sample sale. From attracting attention of Donatella Versace by winning the Lancôme Colour Award in 2005, Kane has been steadily growing as a designer and is now well established as a true innovator on the British as well as on international fashion scene. His highly coveted fashion brand is now part of Kering.

Kane`s signature high-shine metallic details were visible on some of the tops and trousers, but the prettiest items on sale were the dresses. Some were partnered with fur - selling for £500 today…..

…….others - adorned with ruffled detailing in contrasting fabrics and colours - yours at £200.

And how about these clean-line dresses, embellished with feathers?

The designer is known as a master of unexpected ideas: each season he'd surprise us with something entirely new, and this ability was clearly evidenced in today`s sample sale. I adore his use of cashmere and python in `over-the-elbow` and also in shorter gloves. The textures play to the season`s desire for unashamed indulgence. I bought two pairs, one with pink, the other with blue python. They retail at £550 but I snatched mine for £85 a pair – what a treat!

His signature neon shades were reserved for luxurious knits (selling today for about £300) and overcoats.

Menswear collection had tops retailing at £50 or £80.

My bargain of the day came in a form of this ribbon-thread, silk skirt. With its retail price of about £350, I was very happy to part with only £60 for it!

 

Kane`s strength is clearly in mixing textures and creating unusual but devastatingly beautiful silhouettes, and this sample sale was a true testament to his allure as a master of innovation.

Louis Vuitton Series 3 Exhibition (London)

Series 3 stand-alone exhibition invites us to follow Nicolas Ghesquière’s journey from concept to creation of the Autumn/Winter 2015/2016 women show as the Artistic Director for women’s collections at Louis Vuitton. 

The exhibition showcases the process of assembling Louis Vuitton iconic pieces by highly-skilled craftsmen in a series of videos. We are also able to meet the artisan in person and hear interesting stories from the atelier where each beautiful object is created by hand.

This new Louis Vuitton classic takes 30 hours and seven people to make! And it takes approximately three months for an artisan to learn how to make each new design. The attention to detail and quality is at the forefront of their mind and they only work for two hours, and then take a break, to ensure they are highly focused on task at hand, and because the work is rather repetitive.

We were encouraged to relive the excitement of the latest fashion show in a mirrored chamber filled with giant screens that played the clips from Louis Vuitton catwalk. My dress is from Michael Kors, and my leather jacket is by Moschino. My bag is from MCM.

In the next room the very same designs were exposed in sophisticate-looking glass cases.

 

The snow-white sheepskin coat that Freja Beha wore on the runaway is heavy, but strikingly sumptuous.

My favourite room was the accessories gallery, full of Marte Mei van Haaster`s avatars and stunning accessories from A/W 2015/2016 collection.

 

So innovative, and inspiring.

 

 

And a few antique pieces that were shown here, only added to the allure of this bright and inviting space.

Series 3 brings to life Nicolas Ghesquière’s fourth ready-to-wear collection as the Artistic Director at Louis Vuitton, by focusing on many facets of the design and production process, from a wealth of traditional techniques to the use of modern technology and laser.

The exhibition is at 180 Strand, almost adjacent to Somerset House, and will be open until 18 October 2015.

3 Interior Design Trends from Decorex 2015

It is heartening to know that Decorex - the UK’s leading luxury design and interiors show – is in its 38^th year. In late September, the event gathered together prestigious design products, new talent, traditional craftsmanship and cutting edge technology solutions to try to answer a poignant question: what is the future of luxury? And how can we capture the spirit of this non-tangible quality in our homes, and environments we are working in?

This year I spotted 3 main trends at the exhibition:

Blue - the colour dominated in its many hues: azure, cobalt, cerulean, indigo, and sapphire - all were visible in many products and design schemes.

From wall coverings through collectables and accessories like tableware, the colour blue was the darling of this year`s exhibition.

 

Inspiring Lighting Solutions - I discovered original lights with mid-century influence for today`s interiors; contemporary luminaires; use of high quality materials, clean lines and elegant proportions for effective lighting solutions, that would fit as well in Michelin-starred restaurants as in style-conscious homes.

 

 

The future is definitely bright when it comes to extravagant designs for lights!

Bespoke - a renewed interest in craftsmanship and provision of personalised designs was clearly evident this year.

 

Custom-built furniture; tailor-made complex interiors; and extensive use of traditional as well as digital artisanship to offer a unique product, made visiting Decorex a truly exhilarating and thoroughly enjoyable experience.