London College of Fashion’s Pop-Up Shop

London College of Fashion’s (LCF) pop-up retail space called COLLEGE SHOP, returned for a fourth year to a brand new location, close to the iconic Carnaby Street, to offer one-off designs just before Christmas.

 

It was opened from 11 until 16 December and stocked ground-breaking designs produced by LCF students and alumni, like these heels…..

clutch bags……

jewellery…….

skirts, tops, dresses, and accessories.

 

How about these `message- engraved` flats? Certainly a perfect gift for discerning fashionista.

Kudos to the up-and-coming designers, and the organisers. Thank you for giving us a chance to purchase truly unique and exciting pieces.

The Savoy Hotel (London) Celebrates 125th Anniversary

It was in 1246 that Count Peter of Savoy built the Savoy Palace on land by the side of the river Thames, given to him by Henry III, whose wife was Count Peter’s niece.  The Savoy Palace later become the home of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and was burned to the ground during the Peasant’s Revolt of 1381. Its history is fascinating and reflects the social and economic changes experienced by Londoners, over the centuries.

In 1889 Richard D’Oyly Carte built the Savoy hotel on land adjacent to his Savoy Theatre. It catered to tourists, especially Americans, who have travelled to London to see the Savoy Operas.  My girlfriend and I raised a glass of champagne to the hotel`s past, on our recent visit to Kaspar’s Seafood Bar and Grill, at the Savoy.

I vividly remember the excitement and a number of press articles when the Savoy reopened again to the public on 10th October 2010 (“10-10-10”), after an eagerly awaited £220 million restoration. Here, my friend and I are fooling around in the hotel.

Today, the iconic Savoy offers the comforts of a high-quality establishment of the 21st century, together with the glamour of its 125-years of history.

 

The rooms offer butler`s service and the food in its restaurants  - some of the most renowned restaurants and bars in London - is as varied as it is delicious. Have a look at what we`ve had to eat.

The Savoy provides a stylish setting to enjoy the festive season, and many say the hotel epitomises the true spirit of London.

http://www.fairmont.com/savoy-london/

Nicky Haslam`s Decorating Tips

Last night`s event wasn`t calling for a laid-back style. It was one of those occasions when dolling up was on order. I am wearing a bespoke dress designed by Central Saint Martins` student, made of neoprene and rabbit fur, and shoes from Topshop. Why? Because I was meeting the acclaimed visionary - Nicky Haslam.

He was a guest of Daunt Bookstore, and delivered an hour-long lecture on interior design, as part of a series of Marylebone Talks. A great speaker and a flamboyant entertainer, this much-admired social arbiter recounted a diverse range of inspirations that shaped his unique, super-chic, opulent but equally liveable design style. Nicky Haslam generously shared sketches, photographs, and scrapbooks to illustrate which design principles worked and disclosed amusing anecdotes from his work as a sought after designer to rock stars, and royalty.

 

I learnt that holding on to well-made pieces will pay dividends, and that it was ok to use outdoor furniture (i.e. garden chairs) indoors. I discovered that room corners were often tricky to decorate and that increasing the height of the doors could impact dramatically on how the room could be perceived. But my favourite lesson was about `faking it` - from putting fireplaces where there was no chimney, to creating false columns or using plaster to achieve impressive wall panels.

The designer signed his new book `A Designer`s Life: An Archive of Inspired Design and Décor` and I already started referencing his ideas as I plan to redecorate my apartment in London.

J. W. Anderson and Other Designers` Sample Sale

It was Roksanda Ilinčić, a Serbian fashion designer based in London, who used Twitter to tell us  about her forthcoming sample sale in the Music Room in London`s South Molton Lane. And yes, this Central Saint Martins` student have not disappointed on the day, offering a rainbow of dresses at discounted prices.

J.W. Anderson also went on Twitter and talked about joining forces with a number of designers to present to the general public, a multitude of edgy, and chic clothes and accessories at keen prices.

I bought this leather-collared shirt-dress from Richard Nicoll for….£20 – happy customer!

House of Holland were selling embellished knits for £30

And this original clutch bag for £20

I was able to experience the labels I wouldn`t normally have a chance to see.

Great prints, innovative cut, and novel ideas were clearly the strongest points of these collections.

It was a great pre-Christmas gift from a new generation of fashion gurus.

Naomi Campbell`s Fashion For Relief Shop (London)

I was impressed when I`ve heard Naomi Campbell – one of the original super models – asked top fashion designers, including Pucci, Hervé Léger and many others,  to donate items in aid of Fashion Against Ebola.

Naomi`s designer haul was sold from a pop-up shop, called Fashion for Relief. It opened its doors in Westfield London shopping mall, in The Village, on 28 November and today was its last day of trading.

But because each day, the designer stock was replenished with new items, I and other customers were spoilt for choice. From a Moschino suit (yours for £300)……

……Christian Louboutin heels……

………marvellous jewellery, collected from fashion photo shoots……….

…..Moschino jumpsuit (priced at £180)

……..Prada va-va-vroom shoes…..

……..Moschino Couture! dress retailing at £180……..

………to hand-embroidered swimwear from famous Brazilian emporium Daslu, top Brazilian beach fashion brand Rosa Chá and other exclusive designers.

I bought 15 items that included dresses from Zac Posen (pictured above), Roberto Cavalli and Dries Van Noten. I am extremely pleased that each pound and every penny is going to help fight Ebola.

What a fantastic idea to link shopping with a truly good cause. I hope I will be enjoying my designer purchases long after we eradicate Ebola.

V V Rouleaux – Best in London for Ribbons and Trimmings

For the best ribbons and trimmings in London, head to V V Rouleaux. From Japanese organdies to French wire-edged taffetas; from home decorating necessities to catwalk-worthy treasures; from hair accessories, to enchanting flowers, this unique place won`t disappoint.

And right now, its Marylebone boutique is covered in Welsh mountain and Charollais sheep fleeces from the Lake District, Cumbria.

Here are a few images of what you can find in this unique and stylish shop, filled with all things passementerie.

 

 

It is like stepping into Aladdin`s cave of style, innovation and fabulous design.

 

 

Definitely worth a visit next time you are in London.

 

 

http://www.vvrouleaux.com/productcart/pc/web_index4.asp