Tuesday 23 February 2010

A/W 2010 Catwalk trends

Flying jackets
Adam, mulberry


Pagan hippie
Anna Sui- the collection doesn’t look musty or as if it hums of incense, it looks fresh, natural and combined with biker boots and flying caps it takes on a gritty edge.

Long skirts
Aquascutum- Michael herz has managed to update that stale and long forgotten garment the long skirt. By bringing it back into the limelight and teaming it with crisp white shirts and tough leather jackets we are reminded of it’s virtues, cut on the bias it flatters a curvy figure and it is as narrow in silhouette as a skinny jean. Impossible to ride bikes or play hopscotch in.

Leather
Christopher Kane- he challenges this season with leather, patent leather and kitsch floral embroidery and lots of lace.

Floral
Erdem- it’s staple signature is feminine, lustrous floral designs and yet I am always struck by how fresh they look. I particularly like this cap sleeved bell skirted dress which updates the swallow from 1950s rockabilly symbol to nature’s songbird. Matched with woodland style tan hiking boots the outfit takes on a modern twist. Also another long gown, with gem like colours and just very breathtaking.

Sportswear luxe

Lacoste- no one does cheerful, bright sportswear better then Lacoste and this collection didn’t disappoint. Although the collection began very sombre in neutral tones and structured tailored garments, it was soon uplifted by vibrant colour blocking sporty pieces. I particularly liked the capes and this simplistic jacket with it’s high collar.

Futuristic
Louise Goldin- officially crowned the Queen of knitwear she proved her status again by producing a fashion forward, in fact light years ahead, collection with inspirations sited as being star trek and Pierre Cardin. Her show was full of angular, boxy and architecturally interesting dresses that wouldn’t look out of place on Lady Gaga or Rhianna.

Thursday 18 February 2010

Mr Darcy meets Sex and the City


They are both renowned for playing characters who are fit to bursting with red hot passion. One is perhaps more fond of getting about it in a more reserved manner asking for the honour of a hand before getting down to business, whereas the other has a more direct approach such as serving sushi on her naked body for Valentines. However both actors Matthew Macfadyen and Kim Cattrall leave their infamous past characters behind taking only the raw passion with them as they embark on an explosive production of Noel Coward's Private Lives.

I was fortunate enough to see this fast selling out play, directed by five time Olivier award winner Richard Eyre, at the Bath Royal Theatre before it's impending debut in the west end. Noel Coward's classic comedy of manners depicts the tale of a glamorous couple who were previously entangled together in a dramatic love/hate marriage from which they divorced. As fate would have it they meet again on the eve of their respective second honeymoons over the wall of their adjacent balconies and as rekindled sparks fly they impetuously elope to Paris. However in the heat of the moment sparks, insults and even goldfish fly across the set as the couple fall back into their tempestuous pattern of fierce amusing arguments and ironic tender reconciliations.

As soon as Kim Cattrall stepped out as Amanda I was half expecting a Samantha Jone's style repertoire with heavy innuendos, arched eyebrows and flirtatious feline smiles. Yet she gave so much more and played Amanda with more sensitivity and class and delivered her put downs with such dryness and acidity that she often got the loudest laughs. Cattrall's elegance and beauty in stunning floor length 1930's gowns was something to be marvelled at and it was completely believable that she should entice her former husband back into a headlong romantic adventure.

Matthew Macfayden who played Elyot, Amanda's ex husband did a humorous portrayal of a man worn out by the trials of a passionate and a high maintenance woman full of dry, cynical Oscar wilde-esque quips only to completely loose it for the same woman again.


Although the small cast was exceptional and Macfayden delivered some particularly throwaway cutting remarks throughout the play, it was Cattrall who enthralled her audience and dazzled them with her looks, charm, expressiveness and absolute comic value. Just a minor celeb crush developing here!

Thursday 11 February 2010

The late Alexander McQueen


I have just heard the shocking news of the death of Alexander McQueen. He will be greatly missed as a fashion pioneer constantly pushing the boundaries of controversy. He will be remembered for his love of skulls, his impossible high heels, his rags to riches story and his celebrity fans.

Tuesday 9 February 2010

Will you be my Valentines?

Valentines day is looming. For single people it fills them with dread, fearing their solitary status will change meaning in a day from independently minded a la Fearne Cotton to social reject a la Dean Gaffney (I'm not sure why he always springs to mind, my Eastenders knowledge is so out of date it's vintage now!). For partnered up couples you suddenly have to jump through romantic hoops to prove your undying love for your better half. It all has a hum of desperation worse then a slap dash wedding in Vegas with an ex glamour model and a reality TV winner...ahem!

I would rather take note from these wise words of Dame Lady Andrews, who when not prancing on hills warbling about her love for a certain tanned captain actually spouted some fairly cynical stuff:

Hmm, maybe she would have been chirpier if she'd saved her pennies on sentimental valentines cards and choccies and just headed to the shops for some classic fail safe retail therapy.

Look how much happier she is for hitting Accessorize and picking up this pretty vintage printed tote bag for £32.


Julie even brought along her best friend Audrey to cheer her up with some girly shopping. Audrey found these L'Amour earrings from Accessorize to add a touch of romance to her outfit and Julie bagged this hot pink capped sleeved number from asos for £36 and added the elegance with this beaded pearl bag from Hobbs from £89.See how their happy hormones are flowing and the misery of Valentines day is forgotten! Hoorah!

An Amy sized advert