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.

 

London Fashion Week Throws Sartorial Surprise

Off-schedule runway shows bring pure genius, and occasionally, deliver a dose of drama, during London Fashion Week. Today I witnessed both from my frow seat at Devonshire Square in London where a group of emerging designers showcased their collections. I am wearing a top from Luella, my skirt is from Marni, and python boots are by Sergio Rossi, snake-skin clutch by Emilio Pucci and sunglasses from Marc Jacobs.

My favourite was an independent brand, Hailly London. The designer works with high quality leather and produces bespoke garments that cater to individual tastes and desires.

Today we`ve seen a confident collection called Years of Boldness. Fitted long jackets, leather separates, and intricately detailed dresses reflect a strong and confident personality of a woman who is not afraid to command attention.

I applauded this camel-coloured skirt suit, which was made instantly livelier with a fur trim.

And this monochrome look is as stylish as it is sophisticated.

Today, Hailly London delivered a sartorial symphony: the same notes of block-colour panels and attention to detail appeared throughout the collection.  They had us raring for autumn……yes I am definitely looking forward to be snugly swathed in slinky leather frocks. Especially, if they are as amazing as the ones that paraded on Hailly London`s catwalk.

Christian Louboutin`s Lipstick Collection

Christian Louboutin – a coveted French footwear designer, known for adorning his shoes with signature red-lacquered soles - had ventured into beauty again.  Not content with a well-received line of nail varnishes, he released his very first lipstick collection.

There are almost 40 shades to choose from! The iconic crimson soles are represented by a red hue, which comes in three different finishes - Silky Satin, Sheer Voile, and Velvet Matte.  But you can also find pretty pinks, burgundy, and delicate nudes, to complement any skin tone and any occasion.

The packaging is as luxurious as the product itself. Inspired by Louboutin’s Middle-Eastern heritage on his farther side, the casing is bright and elaborately embellished at the crown-shaped cap.

 

Each lipstick can be used as a jewellery charm or a necklace if you put a ribbon or chain through a specially designed loop at the top of the cap.

 

What not to like?

Apple Window Displays at Selfridges

London`s luxury hub – Selfridges – is not known for being shy or restrained. Since I remember, it has always been at the forefront of doing bold projects and hosting beautiful campaigns. No wonder that their latest unveiling is also super-stunning.

Earlier in August, the store launched larger-than-life flower installations in its 24 windows. The giant flowers form a dazzling backdrop for Apple watches that are display in front of them.

The window set-ups are inspired by eight different watch faces. They include gardenias, chrysanthemums, and passion fruit flower – my favourite, out of the bunch.

I hear it took 35,000 hours to make these beautiful blooms, and that excludes the installation.

Apple is the first brand that took over almost all of Selfridges` windows. And I think it fits well with the department store`s ethos of providing innovation as well as selling beautiful pieces that are equally practical as well as entertaining.

Fendi`s Pop-Up Palazzo at Harrods (London)

Last week, a new, colourful pop-up greeted me at Harrods.  It is being hosted by one of the most coveted Italian fashion houses - Fendi. Part of Harrods` ground floor has been turned into a replica of the brand`s headquarters – the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana in Rome. Posing with a giant Fendi bag, I am wearing a dress from Chloé and shoes from Vivienne Westwood.

Designed by two artists, Andrea Mancuso and Emilia Serra, this unique retail space brings to life the magnificent archways of the building, complemented by vivid blue sky, and chic, Italian accessories from Fendi.

Here, we can find rare designs, like this fabulous crocodile bag…..

…..but also discover familiar items, like fluffy bag charms…..

........and beautifully embellished masterpieces.

Visitors are invited to take part in a digital competition by putting their artistic flair to test and designing their own 3Baguette bag.

I had fun and used pink and green splashes of colour and – on the other side – light, fatherly strokes in white and orange. Judged by no other than Silvia Venturini Fendi, the winner will come away with a one-off 3Baguette – pictured below - especially created by Silvia Fendi for the Harrods Pop-Up. Cross fingers!

Some items can only be found at this pop-up in Harrods. So if you are after some unique 2Jours or embellished, By The Way pieces in exclusive colour combinations, head to Harrods before the end of this month, as the pop-up will close on 30 August.