Twin Talent: G.F. Hawthorne`s Sports Luxe

London Fashion Week is always exciting but last weekend, Fashion Scout, one of UK`s leading fashion showcases managed to add an extra sparkle by presenting a talented design duo – Gracie and Faith Hawthorne. Creating under their own label, G.F. Hawthorne, they produced a confident and coherent collection for Autumn Winter 2015.

The identical twins started a successful love affair with fashion in their native Northern Ireland. After graduating from Kingston University, they set up their own brand, and introduced modern, neon-coloured pieces. They are both wearing last season`s collection in this photo.

For A/W15 they used premium fabrics, expanding into somewhat unusual and unexpected, and used neoprene and synthetic that they called `liquid` for coats, skirts and shorts.

 

The overall effect is truly stunning especially as the pieces are made in bold colours like lime and aquamarine.

The bolder samples are complemented by soft trousers and loose tops.

 

The most expensive item, retailing at £1500 is a structured coat that sports exquisite detailing.

The theme for this collection is Sports Luxe and the duo clearly excelled in marrying intricate details – I love the shiny penguins – and clean lines. No wonder the designers have been named as `one to watch` by industry gurus and already won several high-profile private commissions.

 

What is unique here is the offer of a truly modern silhouette combined with slightly fragile but assured femininity. Kudos to Gracie and Faith for producing such a sleek and stylish collection.

Judy Wu A/W15 – London Fashion Week

London Fashion Week brings multitude of fashion designers to town, but this weekend  I was particularly looking forward to checking out Judy Wu Autumn/Winter 2015 collection. This Shanghai raised, Central Saint Martins` educated designer launched her label in 2013. She currently stocks in Wolf & Badger boutiques in London`s Notting Hill and Mayfair.

Waiting for the show to open – I am wearing a dress from Versace, sunglasses by Marc Jacobs, shoes from Ash, and I bought my python bag in Singapore – I was hoping she delivers her signature confident tailoring and a splash of colour.

 

 

And I wasn`t disappointed!

 

This collection is called `Shanghai Tales` and expertly mixes geometric prints, vibrant colour palette – reminiscent of the neon lights of Shanghai night – and exquisite tailoring.

 

Sky-high platforms, provided by FINSK, promised to take us to fashion heaven.

 

Embellishments and faux fur detailing added unexpected twist to overly modern and clean silhouettes.

 

 

Use of modern design techniques ensures exclusivity as well as wearability.

 

Today, Judy Wu produced a collection that is firmly embedded in contemporary aesthetics but peppered with romantic detailing and juxtaposed with bold colour.

 

 

Chinese New Year - the Year of the Goat

Thursday 19 February heralds the end of the year of the horse, and beginning of the year of goat, according to the ancient Chinese lunar calendar. Some refer to it as the year of the sheep. This confusion stems from a Chinese character, which can be translated in colloquial Chinese as either sheep or goat. Despite the slight difference in translation, goat is the most common animal found in any Chinese folklore.

Horse depicts leadership and astuteness and I loved celebrating the last Chinese New Year – the year of the horse – in 2014 in Singapore. I am wearing a Versace dress in this picture.  My bag is from Michael Kors and my sunglasses from Marc Jacobs. Singapore, together with Malaysia, Taiwan and other countries where there are significant Chinese populations, as well as China, put out elaborate celebrations for the lunar new year, also known as the `spring festival`.

This year, I am welcoming the year of the goat in London, over a festive meal. I am wearing a dress from James Lakeland. So what the goat, as the character will bring? The Chinese commonly regard the animal as auspicious, and therefore believe this new year proclaims a year of promise and prosperity. Compassion and peacefulness, as well as calm and gentleness are also important attributes. That is coupled with the goat`s inner strength, creativity and perseverance.  

 

Supposedly, the people who are born in the year of the goat enjoy the finer things in life, so let`s have a fabulous year, filled with grace and happiness!

Lancôme's First `Miracle Cushion` Compact

I came across `cushion` technology when I was living in Singapore last year – cushion compacts were big success story there. So I was particularly interested to try Lancôme's `miracle cushion` compact when the brand brought it to London a few days ago.

What is it? A mix between a liquid foundation and a BB cream. It is incredibly light but promises an even, buildable coverage. The product is encased in a porous sponge that is made of `chambers` filled with air. It glides over the face easily but don`t smear it. It needs to be applied by pressing the applicator into a moisturised `cushion` and then patting the face gently. Because the compact is air-tight, skin is cooled down upon each application, and you can actually notice a slight, cooling effect. It feels like wearing….nothing but it visibly evens the skin tone, by providing hydration and coverage.

I got it for touch-ups throughout the day, especially before going out straight from the office, and am very pleased with its compact size.  Refills are available, and there are many shades on offer – what not to like?

Burlington Arcade – Precursor of Modern Shopping Centre

The Burlington Arcade is an elegant, fully covered shopping arcade in London that runs behind Bond Street from Piccadilly through to Burlington Gardens.

Samuel Ware, a distinguished architect of Lord George Cavendish designed Burlington Arcade in 1819 and with this top-lit walkway containing seventy two, two-storey shop units, the very first shopping  gallery, the precursor of a modern shopping centre was born.

It is still patrolled by traditionally uniformed beadles who to this day sport top hats and frockcoats. The original beadles were chosen from Lord George Cavendish's regiment.

Today, this upmarket shopping emporium hosts a well-known brands like Lulu Guinness.....

…….Linley – a maker of the finest bespoke furniture, interiors, and luxury gifts – as well as clothing, footwear, accessory shops, antique silver dealers and jewellers.

You can still find Hancocks here. It was this highly respected jeweller who in 1856, during Crimean War, designed a new award – Victoria Cross. Since the inception of the award, Hancocks have produced all of them – totalling 1350.

At the end of last year, Chanel opened a fragrance boutique here.

It sells all the newest and rarest scents, including a full range of the iconic Chanel Chance products.  I am wearing a dress from Marks & Spencer.

Spring/Summer 2015 Trend - Slogan Bags

I just discovered a brand of quality leather goods that carry intriguing maxims. The label is called Its Not Me Its You, and was established in late 2012.

The goods are hand-made in rainbow-coloured leather and printed in East London. They epitomise a vibrant, cool attitude associated with this arty part of the city.

Every single piece is embossed with a slogan.

The collection includes coin purses, envelope bags, oyster card holders, bags, iPad and iPhone cases. Many pieces are priced at £18 - £22, with a zip top tote selling for £85, and larger bags are more expensive.

Stockists include Fenwick in London`s Bond Street, but for those who can`t make their way to Mayfair, there is an easy to navigate website.

3 Trends to Take You from Winter to Spring

Some people call it `low hanging fruits`, others refer to it as `quick wins` - I am talking here about easy to implement solutions that would create big impact. It applies to business as much as it applies to fashion, so here are three trends that can be adopted right now to aid effective transition into spring and summer:

Lilac – the colour of choice of many designers for S/S15.  You may already have it in your wardrobe, or decide to purchase a new item, just to stay in vogue. Whichever way, this is easy craze to embrace as lilac is generally very flattering no matter what your complexion, and there are many hues on offer. My top is from Whistles.

Slogan bags – they may contain short and snappy messages like this Anya Hindmarch number….

…… or longer statements like these Miss Selfridge beauties. Bags with messages splattered across them are big news right now and will easily and effectively update any wardrobe.

Mid-heel – Block-heeled boots at Gucci might have been an inspiration to many, but for warmer weather, mid-heel sandals will cement your status as a true purveyor of fashion. I am wearing un-branded mid-heel sandals with a Michael Kors dress and a Fendi clutch.