The Golden Ticket

I am really dreadful at maths, anything numerical really or anything remotely to do with adding up vast sums.
What I do know though is that even without having to add it up, I can calculate (vaguely) how much money ST Style spent on booking bikes to collect LFW tickets. And it probably could have covered the month's salary they don't pay me.

I find the process of fashion week hilarious/ridiculous/annoying/stressful. Being on the verge of a nervous breakdown because Tiffanie Darke is missing a Twenty8Twelve ticket ---(cue gasps)
is apparently what should have been happening in my life on the friday morning just gone. And to an extent it was. But any PR who's worth their weight in tickets knows who the hell Tiffanie is. And I don't think it would matter if she rocked up tickeless, shoeless, with matted hair swigging on a bottle of Frosty Jacks - the woman would still be sat front row. (minus good old Frosty)

I sure as hell haven't got a better system to offer, except the stupid rule of maybe just the one PR company dealing with all ticket requests, sending them ALL out on recorded delivery, I don't know, a week (instead of a day) before the shows?! Just a suggestion. It's difficult and stressful and I don't think anybody minus top Editors enjoys the process of FW. And that's because they do nothing towards it.

Never request a ticket from a PR the day before/day of their client's show. Unless you have a death wish. Never tell a designer a skirt has a crease down the side 10 minutes before showtime, never tell the photographer he's just broken his lense, don't tell the Junior fashion editors they've not got seated tickets and don't let the models sit down in the clothes.

It's always manic, it's always stressful, it's always walking in heels and oh wait, it's already over.

I opened the Burberry tickets this week and felt all tingly. Gold plated cards. Very fierce. Very cool. Very limited. My mum asked me the other day what the point of all these shows were, because eventually everyone will see the collections in store anyway. I sighed and rolled my eyes a lot.

"MUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUMMMMMM. You don't even understand" But she's kind of got a point. Kind of.
But my response was simple. The fashion weeks are one big celebration. It rings in the new season in style (of course), it's a chance for up and coming designers to get recognised, it's a chance to give way to budding designers and it's a celebration of established designers proving once and for all (twice a year) why they're so in demand. It's validation of everything in fashion. And it's also an opportunity to network, to meet up with friends and to be a part of something that's really actually quite fucking fantastic.

......................fashion politics ay.

And why is everyone all of a sudden getting themselves in a flap re: Editors vs. Bloggers. Seriously?
Editorial // Blogging are worlds apart, regardless of the topic - be it fashion, food, film or fuck all.
Editorial takes days/weeks/months to prepare, it's about editing, compiling, researching into different angles of whatever Hilary Alexander has sitting in a bowl for flavour of the month. Blogging is sporadic, random, quick and fun. It's an update, editorial is an upgrade.

It's understandable that people may frown that when said out loud, a 13 year old girl should be put on the front row at Couture week is pretty ridiculous. But actually, its not.
If people like her blog, see it as influential and think her opinion is worth more than a leftover Chanel goodie bag then let her wear that ridiculous hat. Because hey, guess what? Its 2010 and although nobody believes robots will rule the world and we will invent flying cars - technology is advancing.

Hell, maybe next year Miss Wintour will kick off her Louboutins, throw down her Moncler fur coat and wack on the internet to watch the shows digitially. That's right. Shock horror that the riff raff can now (technically) sit front row and see the shows at the same time is compelling. Fuck priority - designers are beginning to realise how important it is to get their collection seen by not only top editors, but by the public. Because at the end of the day, even if you're promised a half page in i-D, they ain't coughing up for the collection.

Ps. Someone can now let Anna Wintour know she won't need to sleep with one eye open, Carine Roitfeld can stop holding her breathe and Alexandra Shulman can sit back from the edge of her seat. Your jobs at Vogue are all safe. PHEEEW.
Well...For now.

London Fashion Weekers

As promised here are the rest of my favourite looks from those trendy fashion weekers. This beautiful man caught my eye with his laid back style, and I loved his brown leather jacket mixed with light blue jeans - and of course the trend of the season - a checked shirt.

This lovely lady was rocking an all black look but lightened it up with a monocrome cropped jacket - which I am rather fond of. Alice admitted she was playing down her style, but I disagree - this is just the right amount of casual meets chic.

I like the colour mix of this particular ensemble, especially the salmon pink skirt mixed with black. In my mind a lace top with a gold studded cardigan and a fringed bag is questionable, however this girl seems to have pulled it off to no end (very impressed). I am envious of her boots and the overall look is very rock 'n' roll.

I think these outfits can speak for themselves. I had to photograph these boys because for me, it summed up completely the essense of London Fashion Week. Very statement. Very London. Very good.
















This season so far, I have seen a lot of leather biker jackets with exaggerated lapelles - but I had to photograph this one as I loved the mix of the leather with the dulled studs. I especially liked the mix of leather with the tie-dye skirt.

This 'geek chic' look has exploded over London and before it's time is up I wanted to applaude the guy who can get away with wearing oversized glasses. I'm a fan of the navy lining on this blazer and I like the smart shirt. I am also uberly jealous and in awe of the Westwood badge and have taken it upon myself to put it on my Christmas List - in the form of a necklace though.

If anybody has switched my judgement on wedges this season, it can all be put down to this lady. Absolutely adore the zebra wedges, bravely mixed with a floor length draped dress and green checked bag. Possibly my favourite look. Mixed with the bottle blonde hair and vampy red lips, this lady's look really packed a punch.

Street Savvy Fashion Weekers

Amidst the chaos and whirlwind that is London Fashion Week, Alice (http://www.reflectionofalice.com)/and I found the time - in between sipping champagne and seeing shows- to peel our (slighty blurry) eyes, focus our lens (well actually hers) and pay homage to some fabulously dressed ladies and gentlemen.

I love doing Street Style because - especially in London - you never know what will capture your eye and make you adore somebody's outfit. I especially love seeing people wearing things I wouldn't have though worked. It inspires you to create new looks, and people are genuinely chuffed that you've given their outfit the fashion thumbs up.

We don't have preconcieved ideas of what's 'hot' and whats 'not' therefore all the people that we snapped were people who we actually believe have genuine style, they aren't necessarily in 'fashion' but people who most definately rocked their particular garment choice. Take it away...

Hilary Alexander - Fashion Editor of The Daily Telegraph looked uber cool as she strutted up the cobbled paths to her awaiting Mercedes Benz car, and was more than happy to pose for us. Her sequined dress was just the right amount of edgy mets glamour, with her lace up boots putting the oomph factor in for us Londeners. Hilary, I salute you.

Colourful fashion designer Louise Gray looked striking in a bold blue splashed dress and kept a toned down approach with her lace up pumps. Loved the Westwood-esque hair colour with her white-as-snow skintone.

Looking like a true old fashioned dandy with a beautiful vintage briefcase, bright purple velvet shoes (and all that matches) and a swagger to die for.

This lovely lady has managed to pull off rock chic to perfection. The silk harem esque trousers compliment her wide lapelled leather jacket wonderfully. The chunky necklace and shoes? Well now that's just showing off.

This beautiful body looked as though he'd just stepped out of a Theatre de la Mode show - haircut and all. I was especially in awe of those shoes. Masculine to boot.

This particular lady had a lot to offer with her colour scheme. I fell in love with the dark green dress almost immediately and although I wasn't ever too hot on brown - she worked it perfectly.

Looking like he'd just stepped off a plane in France, this guy wouldn't have looked out of place in 1970 hanging out with Yves Saint Laurent in Paris. I especially favoured his nautical look mixed with a mod inspired jacket and wind swept hairstyle.

Wow was my first though when I saw this woman walking towards me at LFW. Not only did I adore her tassled cream socks but the military jumper? Too good. Shining example of top London style. Bravo.

A sullen cross between all out indie rock and emo (it's the haircut) but this young gentleman certainly pulls it off. I love the cream lining on the blazer and the bag holds all the attitude.

This girl sure knows a thing or two about throwing together an effortless look and I love the good attempt at putting together two simple patterns. Instead of leaving a confusing clash, the colours fuse together to create an altogether funky look. Minimalistic jewellery made the outfit delicious.

MORE PICTURES TOMORROW.

Roundup of LFW

There were some incredible collections last week At Somerset House and although summer is just about over, it has rekindled my love for those early morning walks, late night BBQs and festival fun, (roll on Glastonbury 2010).

Here are some of my highlights from LFW Spring/Summer 2010.

LUELLA

Luella provided an eye popping collection filled with brighter than bright colours of blue, yellow and pink. Teamed with flirty oversized bows as headpieces this collection embodied a fun asthetic with fresh prints, polka dots, heart shaped necklines. Also including exaggerated hips, flowing skirts and one beautiful double breasted blood red jacket.

LUELLA S/S 2010

BURBERRY PRORSUM

Of course the brand on everybody's lips this London Fashion Week, and rightly so. Creative Director Christopher Bailey has done a superb job of recreating this once chavtastic label into a fresh and much wanted one. The clean colour palette of creams, beiges, light pinks and purples, browns, greens, silvers and light greys provided a fantastic fusion with the beautiful draping, twisting and pleating on skirts and tops.

BURBERRY S/S 2010

DANIELLE SCUTT

Miss Scutt provided the perfect summer 'pop' collection using a mix of light fabrics including sheers, lace and silks. Her loud prints proved a fantasty theme mixed with frills and layers upon layers with a wide use of pinks, reds, creams, blacks and yellows. Pretty floral cross-over strapped dresses will be a key look for next Summer.

DANIELLE SCUTT S/S 2010
ERDEM

By far the best prints from LFW, using beautiful cuts on each print including high necks, v-necks, round necks, tiered and laced dresses. (Note: I really really want the cream lace mac!) Using bold oranges, creams and blues mixed with florals, the more than pretty collection showcases wonderful dresses.

ERDEM S/S 2010

ROKSANDA ILINCIC

Once again the understated queen of glamour provided a sleek collection that would dress any red carpet event. Made up of beautiful silks, feathers and sheer fabrics, Roksanda produced a collection full of exaggerated shoulders, sleek dresses, beautifully tailored trousers and not to mention those feathered open toes shoes the models strutted down the catwalk in. The emerald greens, blues and metallics supported the glamourous and well structed collection.

ROKSANDA ILINCIC S/S 2010

Still to come from LFW - Betty Jackson, Richard Nicoll, Mark Fast, Mulberry and more!

For more pictures and show reviews go to www.elleuk.com/catwalk

London Fashion Week

Less than one week to go until London shows the world it's brilliant fashion genius ways..hurrah! Yes, Paris is the fashion capital, oozing glamour and sophistication from every silhouette possible, and New York packs a satisfying punch of uber cool savvy fashion to it's front rowers, and of course Milan sits pretty with it's beautiful mouth-dropping creations.

BUT, London is key into this mixed bag of creativity because it is known for its complete nurturing of new, raw, innovative talent. As the other three cities will play host to well known, well established and well loved designers, it can be said that the new, hottest (and I try to use that word lightly) and most creative characters in fashion WILL be at Somerset House this coming thursday.

I am brimming with excitment for most of the shows, especially to see how the newcomers of February will up the scale. Special attention to Peter Pilotto, Mark Fast and Meadham Kirchoff. If you aren't lucky enough to be part of the Press/Buyers crew then make sure you get yourself down for the London Fashion Weekend hosted by ELLE; with over 100 stalls full of unbelivable

garments/jewellery, you'd be mad to miss it. Keep up to date with all of the Fashion Weeks...including Brazil online at http://www.vogue.co.uk/.

London Fashion Week

Last thursday I travelled upto South Kensington in London for one of the best week's in Fashion in the UK; London Fashion Week (Autumn/Winter 2009-10) and to say I was excited was an understatement!

I went as UK Press for my University magazine 'RE:SUS' where I am the Fashion Editor. I was able to get tickets for four amazing shows:

- Paul Costelloe -
- Eun Jeong -
- Ones To Watch -
- John Rocha -

Anticipation couldn't cover how I felt about my first ever London Fashion Week. For a start - and a big one at that - what was I going to wear!?

My first show on Friday was also the opener for LFW - I had the memorable experience of sitting only three rows back from the stunning Erin O'Connor and Mr Harold Tillman - Chairman of the British Fashion Council, and watched in awe as he unveiled the new plans for September - a move to the beautiful Somerset House!

Whilst there I met a girl who worked for the Dossier Journal who offered me her Vauxhaul Fashion Scout 'Ones to Watch' ticket as she was helping backstage at the Central St. Martin's show and couldn't make it - an offer I was happy to take up!

After the Fashion Scout show, a friend and I walked over to the V&A for a late night opening of London College of Fashion students and graduate exhibitions - we had a creative sketch drawn of the two of us by one of the Fine Art students!

On Sunday I had the opportunity to work backstage for Fashion156 over at the Science Museum for the OnOff shows. Guy Hipwell - the Editor and Creative Director - ran a live shoot before Press and Guests were seated for the catwalk.

More to follow