Amelia’s Magazine | London Fashion Week S/S 2011 Catwalk Review: Hermoine de Paula


Aiming to promote recent graduates onto a more commercially viable platform, more about pilule Fashion Mode launched this September with a show on the 19th amid a lot of glitzy PR and press releases. The initiative is aiming ‘to bring back cutting edge fashion to London’, pill enabling our ‘young fledgling designers…to be cultivated, supported and cherished’. Aside from the rather slushy blurb surrounding it, the ensuing show was enjoyable and a few gems were sent down the catwalk. Celeb top spot of the day must go to Nick Knowles of DIY SOS fame, who turned up with a man wearing a huge paper sock hat on his head. If anyone can shed any light on this guy, I would be so happy to find out more.


See background for ‘man in hat’ with Nick Knowles

First onto the runway was Carlotta Actis Barone with a collection that reminded me of the kind of clothes clichéd royals in storybooks wear. Dark dramatic reds, with big shoulders and lots of dangly bits hanging off, the collection featured draped and knotted dresses, plus work style dungarees. The hair, which usually passes me by on the catwalk, was amazing (up do’s with lots of boof) so congrats must go to Toni and Guy who styled the whole event.


Illustration by Michelle Urvall Nyren

The Wear My Skin collection is based on the fight against racism and the clothes attempt to represent workers clothes on the plantation fields. The skin element is portrayed using scribbled-print, black-and-white body con dresses, polo necks and leggings under all of the garments. A bit like those sleeves you buy when you want to look like you have a tattoo but an interesting way of pulling together collection none the less.

Next out was James Hillman, who based his collection on the 59 Bike Club, Teddy Boy look and a desire for simplicity. I will remember it for different reasons: the poor model who had to walk down the runway in a see through dress, the adorable grandma bursting with pride as her grandson (not in a see through dress) walked down the catwalk, and the stifling heat taking hold of the hall. NB Most people had picked up fans from the previous show and were fine…not me though.


Illustration by Michelle Urvall Nyren

His collection was very neutral and very beige/grey/brown. The use of fabrics generally reserved for womenswear was a promising idea but wasn’t used to a great effect. The semi-opaque trousers and jacket/dress were fun but I expected more from someone who defines themselves on their use of simplicity, tailoring and well styled masculinity. I did however, love the army boots which were worn with every outfit including the smarter tailored suits.


Illustration by Gareth A Hopkins

Elson Figueiredo is inspired by 19th century European carnies and uses 100% organic fair-trade cottons. He presented a really strong collection with nicely tailored jackets, mid length coats and loose fit chino-esque trousers. His self-description of ‘quirky and distinctive’ is perfect. The jackets are well cut and the added elbow pads and red edgings on pockets and lapels were definitely a bonus for me in terms of well thought through details.


The beige knee length coat worn with characteristic edging details was the highlight of the show for me, and slightly different from all of the other pieces he sent down the runway.

The star of the show (kept till last) was Florian Jayet. I really enjoyed his collection and many influences were prevalent in his styling – he interned with Alexander McQueen. Jayet’s S/S 2011 collection is inspired by insects and armour style garments. Mainly white, black and silver his pieces were futuristic yet very of the moment with sculptured shoulders, padding and defining shapes.


Using metallic fabrics and leather, his robust exoskeleton pieces are often softened with a long draped skirt or a flimsy top. Also, again with the noticing of the hair, I like the sharp pulled back ponytails sported by all the models.


My ones to watch are definitely Figueiredo and Jayet. They presented collections with distinctive yet restrained looks rather than over designing pieces a la River Island chic.

All photography by Florence Masssey


Illustration by Gemma Randall

Aiming to promote recent graduates onto a more commercially viable platform, dosage Fashion Mode launched this September with a show on the 19th amid a lot of glitzy PR and press releases. The initiative is aiming ‘to bring back cutting edge fashion to London’, drugs enabling our ‘young fledgling designers…to be cultivated, this supported and cherished’. Aside from the rather slushy blurb surrounding it, the ensuing show was enjoyable and a few gems were sent down the catwalk. Celeb top spot of the day must go to Nick Knowles of DIY SOS fame, who turned up with a man wearing a huge paper sock hat on his head. If anyone can shed any light on this guy, I would be so happy to find out more.


See background for ‘man in hat’ with Nick Knowles

First onto the runway was Carlotta Actis Barone with a collection that reminded me of the kind of clothes clichéd royals in storybooks wear. Dark dramatic reds, with big shoulders and lots of dangly bits hanging off, the collection featured draped and knotted dresses, plus work style dungarees. The hair, which usually passes me by on the catwalk, was amazing (up do’s with lots of boof) so congrats must go to Toni and Guy who styled the whole event.


Illustration by Michelle Urvall Nyren

The Wear My Skin collection is based on the fight against racism and the clothes attempt to represent workers clothes on the plantation fields. The skin element is portrayed using scribbled-print, black-and-white body con dresses, polo necks and leggings under all of the garments. A bit like those sleeves you buy when you want to look like you have a tattoo but an interesting way of pulling together collection none the less.

Next out was James Hillman, who based his collection on the 59 Bike Club, Teddy Boy look and a desire for simplicity. I will remember it for different reasons: the poor male model who had to walk down the runway in a see through dress, the adorable grandma bursting with pride as her grandson (not in a see through dress) walked down the catwalk, and the stifling heat taking hold of the hall. NB Most people had picked up fans from the previous show and were fine…not me though.


Illustration by Michelle Urvall Nyren

His collection was very neutral and very beige/grey/brown. The use of fabrics generally reserved for womenswear was a promising idea but wasn’t used to a great effect. The semi-opaque trousers and jacket/dress were fun but I expected more from someone who defines themselves on their use of simplicity, tailoring and well styled masculinity. I did however, love the army boots which were worn with every outfit including the smarter tailored suits.


Illustration by Gareth A Hopkins

Elson Figueiredo is inspired by 19th century European carnies and uses 100% organic fair-trade cottons. He presented a really strong collection with nicely tailored jackets, mid length coats and loose fit chino-esque trousers. His self-description of ‘quirky and distinctive’ is perfect. The jackets are well cut and the added elbow pads and red edgings on pockets and lapels were definitely a bonus for me in terms of well thought through details.


The beige knee length coat worn with characteristic edging details was the highlight of the show for me, and slightly different from all of the other pieces he sent down the runway.

The star of the show (kept till last) was Florian Jayet. I really enjoyed his collection and many influences were prevalent in his styling – he interned with Alexander McQueen. Jayet’s S/S 2011 collection is inspired by insects and armour style garments. Mainly white, black and silver his pieces were futuristic yet very of the moment with sculptured shoulders, padding and defining shapes.


Using metallic fabrics and leather, his robust exoskeleton pieces are often softened with a long draped skirt or a flimsy top. Also, again with the noticing of the hair, I like the sharp pulled back ponytails sported by all the models.


My ones to watch are definitely Figueiredo and Jayet. They presented collections with distinctive yet restrained looks rather than over designing pieces a la River Island chic.

All photography by Florence Masssey


Illustration by Gemma Randall

Aiming to promote recent graduates onto a more commercially viable platform, information pills Fashion Mode launched this September with a show on the 19th amid a lot of glitzy PR and press releases. The initiative is aiming ‘to bring back cutting edge fashion to London’, troche enabling our ‘young fledgling designers…to be cultivated, for sale supported and cherished’. Aside from the rather slushy blurb surrounding it, the ensuing show was enjoyable and a few gems were sent down the catwalk. Celeb top spot of the day must go to Nick Knowles of DIY SOS fame, who turned up with a man wearing a huge paper sock hat on his head. If anyone can shed any light on this guy, I would be so happy to find out more.


See background for ‘man in hat’ with Nick Knowles

First onto the runway was Carlotta Actis Barone with a collection that reminded me of the kind of clothes clichéd royals in storybooks wear. Dark dramatic reds, with big shoulders and lots of dangly bits hanging off, the collection featured draped and knotted dresses, plus work style dungarees. The hair, which usually passes me by on the catwalk, was amazing (up do’s with lots of boof) so congrats must go to Toni and Guy who styled the whole event.


Illustration by Michelle Urvall Nyren

The Wear My Skin collection is based on the fight against racism and the clothes attempt to represent workers clothes on the plantation fields. The skin element is portrayed using scribbled-print, black-and-white body con dresses, polo necks and leggings under all of the garments. A bit like those sleeves you buy when you want to look like you have a tattoo but an interesting way of pulling together collection none the less.

Next out was James Hillman, who based his collection on the 59 Bike Club, Teddy Boy look and a desire for simplicity. I will remember it for different reasons: the poor male model who had to walk down the runway in a see through dress, the adorable grandma bursting with pride as her grandson (not in a see through dress) walked down the catwalk, and the stifling heat taking hold of the hall. NB Most people had picked up fans from the previous show and were fine…not me though.


Illustration by Michelle Urvall Nyren

His collection was very neutral and very beige/grey/brown. The use of fabrics generally reserved for womenswear was a promising idea but wasn’t used to a great effect. The semi-opaque trousers and jacket/dress were fun but I expected more from someone who defines themselves on their use of simplicity, tailoring and well styled masculinity. I did however, love the army boots which were worn with every outfit including the smarter tailored suits.


Illustration by Gareth A Hopkins

Elson Figueiredo is inspired by 19th century European carnies and uses 100% organic fair-trade cottons. He presented a really strong collection with nicely tailored jackets, mid length coats and loose fit chino-esque trousers. His self-description of ‘quirky and distinctive’ is perfect. The jackets are well cut and the added elbow pads and red edgings on pockets and lapels were definitely a bonus for me in terms of well thought through details.


The beige knee length coat worn with characteristic edging details was the highlight of the show for me, and slightly different from all of the other pieces he sent down the runway.

The star of the show (kept till last) was Florian Jayet. I really enjoyed his collection and many influences were prevalent in his styling – he interned with Alexander McQueen. Jayet’s S/S 2011 collection is inspired by insects and armour style garments. Mainly white, black and silver his pieces were futuristic yet very of the moment with sculptured shoulders, padding and defining shapes.


Using metallic fabrics and leather, his robust exoskeleton pieces are often softened with a long draped skirt or a flimsy top. Also, again with the noticing of the hair, I like the sharp pulled back ponytails sported by all the models.


My ones to watch are definitely Figueiredo and Jayet. They presented collections with distinctive yet restrained looks rather than over designing pieces a la River Island chic.

All photography by Florence Masssey


Illustration by Zarina Liew

Hermione de Paula is known for her distinctive screen printing; using hand drawn, pill painted and embroidered elements she creates beautifully intricate and complex floral textures.  Her website describes the signature style of the label as romantic and sultry, viagra buy sexually charged yet nonchalant and feminine with a twist. The irresistible philosophy in life of Hermione’s girl is ‘I probably shouldn’t, this site but I will anyway’. If that doesn’t entice you to explore her collections then I don’t know what will. 

Hermione’s collections are always centered around a female figure; her debut collection was named ‘I heart Elizabeth Berkley’ and took inspiration from the film Showgirls.  A/W 2010 was entitled ‘Polly Crystalline’and featured fabrics printed with pearlised, crystallized and frozen flowers.


Illustration by Zarina Liew

S/S 2011 sees de Paula focussing upon ‘the sexual awakening of Flora, the goddess of flowers’.  Garments were layered and fluid; sheer printed silks and chiffon were embroidered loosely with gossamery wisps of cashmere and mohair, adding to the weightless movement of the pieces.  The palette consisted of the delicate muted pink and mauve hues of petals, contrasting with indigo, taupe and black. 






Photographs courtesy Hermione de Paula

Assymetric hems gave a contemporary feel to the collection, along with unfinished, fraying collars and translucent panelling. 

So far it sounds very feminine and demure, but on second glance, the flowing floral prints included unexpected hidden details – dry, wilted blooms, octopus tentacles, thistles, blackbirds and ghostly stems and branches.  

In contrast to the fluttering layers, fraying denim was used to create neckpieces, ankle cuffs, belts and Macramé overskirts. Chunky black crocheted vests, silk shorts and flimsy printed camisoles with denim halternecks were just seen under blouses and dresses.  


Illustration by Zarina Liew

The looks were finished with ankle socks in black, taupe and nude, worn with chunky geometric heels by Nicholas Kirkwood.  Hermione is currently working on print consultancy with luxury shoe designer Kirkwood, as well as collaborating with Browns Focus to produce bespoke pieces. Plenty to look out for…

Categories ,Browns, ,Elizabeth Berkley, ,Flora, ,Hermione de Paula, ,London Fashion Week, ,Nicholas Kirkwood, ,S/S 2011, ,screenprinting, ,Showgirls, ,Zarina Liew

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Amelia’s Magazine | London Fashion Week Autumn/ Winter 2010 Catwalk Review: Hermione de Paula

Courtesy of The Vegas Gallery

Jamie Shovlin        ‘Every victim and manner of death in Friday the 13th film series’

Courtesy of The Vegas Gallery

Moral turpitude is quite a fantastic term. According to wikipedia, click medications it’s an act of baseness, vileness or depravity in the private and social duties which a man owes to his fellowmen”
And it was under the grounds of ‘Moral Turpitude’ that artist Sebastian Horsley was unceremoniously denied access to the USA.
Despite failing in his duties as a fellowman, Horsley’s resume is impressive. Voluntarily crucifixion, pulling a loaded colt on a journalist, and of course, the requisitory opiate and prostitution dependencies.

Tonight, Horsley, amongst a myriad of others (Tracey Emin, Gavin Turk to name but a few) displays work at The Vegas Gallery’s ‘Peeping Tom’ group exhibit. The concept of the exhibition is focused on exploring the unseen, the private moments, which often bear no spectators.

stehliJemima Stehli       ‘Tit with card 3′

Courtesy of The Vegas Gallery

Out of all the artists, I am curious to see what Horsley contributes to the exhibition, as his artwork is usually scandalous, sensationalist and well, brimming with all sorts of moral turpitude.
Inside The Vegas Gallery, the walls are a chessboard of artwork, with no descriptions or names around them; which in itself references the theme of the ‘Peeping Tom’; by the viewer and subject interacting anonomously, the sense of voyeurism is heightened.
Some are self-evident; Tracey Emin’s ‘Sobasex’ (My Cunt is Wet With Fear) is easily recognizable as a blueprint for the neon version hung beside the now infamous Tracey’s Bed.
And Sebastian Horsley’s work is easily disguisable, but not quite by the same standards.
“That’s appalling, how horribly vulgar!”
Says one patron, walking briskly away from a framed photograph, featuring Horsley quite graphically performing coitus on a quadruple amputee.
At first I don’t recognise that it’s an amputee; one might say it’s the carnal dance of limbs that confuse the image, but honestly, that’s not what the eye is drawn to.
It’s easy to find Sebastian Horsley in a crowd; his top hat is probably the same size as me. Intrigued to know more about the piece, I wrangle him away for a moment to discuss the piece.
“Well, it was taken in a brothel in Amsterdam.” He begins, surprisingly soft spoken and friendly for a “vile degenerate”
“The concept was about what beauty is…the body as sculpture. I thought about Ancient Greece and the Elgin Marbles, how originally they must have looked like any other statue, quite plain, then without limbs suddenly they evoke mystery and beauty. ”

The concept is interesting; I wonder if the aghast patrons are more concerned about the depiction of a sexual act, or whether that’s a façade for a deeper routed sense of disgust about having sex with a quadruple amputee. Discrimination against disability is still insidious, and commonplace. By placing the spectator into a position where they are forced to confront the image in such a visceral way, perhaps Horsley is in fact making the viewer confront their own prejudices; a true ‘peeping tom’ insight into their own bigotry…
Or perhaps he’s just a narcissistic pervert who likes banging prostitutes. Art is in the eye of the beholder I suppose.

eob_peeping_tom1Emer O’Brien Courtesy of The Vegas Gallery

For those who aren’t overtly into the obscene, Peeping Tom displays many other artworks that don’t cause regurgitation.
I really liked Emer O’Brien’s white horse, which is a simple photograph, beautifully shot and almost looks like a painting. Also, white horses make me think of unicorns. Got to love a unicorn.

Jemima Stehli managed to speak to me for a few moments about her self portraits, aptly titled ‘Tit with Card 3’ which is pretty much what it sounds like.
“My inspiration behind it, was turning the body into separate sculpture by separating it with card, and presenting it to the world.”

In total, I’d advise to set a few hours aside to browse around The Vegas Gallery. With such a rich and varied supply of artwork, from the sublime to the obscure, there’s definitely an aspect for everyone to enjoy.

Courtesy of The Vegas Gallery

Jamie Shovlin  Courtesy of The Vegas Gallery

Moral turpitude is quite a fantastic term. According to wikipedia, viagra order it’s an act of baseness, vileness or depravity in the private and social duties which a man owes to his fellowmen”
And it was under the grounds of ‘Moral Turpitude’ that artist Sebastian Horsley was unceremoniously denied access to the USA.
Despite failing in his duties as a fellowman, Horsley’s resume is impressive. Voluntarily crucifixion, pulling a loaded colt on a journalist, and of course, the requisitory opiate and prostitution dependencies.

Tonight, Horsley, amongst a myriad of others (Tracey Emin, Gavin Turk to name but a few) displays work at The Vegas Gallery’s ‘Peeping Tom’ group exhibit. The concept of the exhibition is focused on exploring the unseen, the private moments, which often bear no spectators.

stehliJemima Stehli Courtesy of The Vegas Gallery

Out of all the artists, I am curious to see what Horsley contributes to the exhibition, as his artwork is usually scandalous, sensationalist and well, brimming with all sorts of moral turpitude.
Inside The Vegas Gallery, the walls are a chessboard of artwork, with no descriptions or names around them; which in itself references the theme of the ‘Peeping Tom’; by the viewer and subject interacting anonomously, the sense of voyeurism is heightened.
Some are self-evident; Tracey Emin’s ‘Sobasex’ (My Cunt is Wet With Fear) is easily recognizable as a blueprint for the neon version hung beside the now infamous Tracey’s Bed.
And Sebastian Horsley’s work is easily disguisable, but not quite by the same standards.
“That’s appalling, how horribly vulgar!”
Says one patron, walking briskly away from a framed photograph, featuring Horsley quite graphically performing coitus on a quadruple amputee.
At first I don’t recognise that it’s an amputee; one might say it’s the carnal dance of limbs that confuse the image, but honestly, that’s not what the eye is drawn to.
It’s easy to find Sebastian Horsley in a crowd; his top hat is probably the same size as me. Intrigued to know more about the piece, I wrangle him away for a moment to discuss the piece.
“Well, it was taken in a brothel in Amsterdam.” He begins, surprisingly soft spoken and friendly for a “vile degenerate”
“The concept was about what beauty is…the body as sculpture. I thought about Ancient Greece and the Elgin Marbles, how originally they must have looked like any other statue, quite plain, then without limbs suddenly they evoke mystery and beauty. ”

The concept is interesting; I wonder if the aghast patrons are more concerned about the depiction of a sexual act, or whether that’s a façade for a deeper routed sense of disgust about having sex with a quadruple amputee. Discrimination against disability is still insidious, and commonplace. By placing the spectator into a position where they are forced to confront the image in such a visceral way, perhaps Horsley is in fact making the viewer confront their own prejudices; a true ‘peeping tom’ insight into their own bigotry…
Or perhaps he’s just a narcissistic pervert who likes banging prostitutes. Art is in the eye of the beholder I suppose.

eob_peeping_tom1Emer O’Brien Courtesy of The Vegas Gallery

For those who aren’t overtly into the obscene, Peeping Tom displays many other artworks that don’t cause regurgitation.
I really liked Emer O’Brien’s white horse, which is a simple photograph, beautifully shot and almost looks like a painting. Also, white horses make me think of unicorns. Got to love a unicorn.

Jemima Stehli managed to speak to me for a few moments about her self portraits, aptly titled ‘Tit with Card 3’ which is pretty much what it sounds like.
“My inspiration behind it, was turning the body into separate sculpture by separating it with card, and presenting it to the world.”

In total, I’d advise to set a few hours aside to browse around The Vegas Gallery. With such a rich and varied supply of artwork, from the sublime to the obscure, there’s definitely an aspect for everyone to enjoy.

On Monday I was lucky enough to receive an invitation to the Hermione de Paula AW10 show presented at Vauxhall Fashion Scout. As a big fan of Hermione (having written about her ethical brand and interviewed her for Amelia’s magazine previously) I was very excited to see what she had come up with for the forthcoming winter season.

!cid_B2FEA8A2-F9AE-48FF-B9B6-9AD65D56FD7D@localIllustration courtesy of Gemma Milly.

With jewelled dresses in sight I was instead treated to a more futuristic collection than I had seen from this designer previously, viagra with space-age themes prevailing. Taking inspiration from the concept of an enslaved femininity the collection is entitled ‘Poly Crystalline’, sildenafil taken from the structures of ice.

P2222776Photography courtesy of Rachael Oku

With this collection aiming to both accentuate and celebrate the female form, each dress appears like sculpted ice, with a purposeful Jessica Rabbit style figure which exudes glamour and femininity. With concentrated prints of flowers peppered throughout the collection, these added bright flashes of colour to primarily black dresses. With futuristic panels appearing on the front of many of the dresses for me this was by far Hermione’s edgiest collection yet.

P2222778

With accentuated shoulders, fur trim hoods reminiscent of Snow White and beautiful cut out detailing this was a superb collection. I loved the diverse use of textiles with Hermione sampling everything from sheer iridescent fabrics and vinyl to pleated plastics. A truly futuristic super hero inducing collection that looks set to be bang on trend for next season.

Categories ,Caryn Franklin, ,Gemma Milly, ,Hermione de Paula, ,Jessica Rabbit, ,lfw, ,Vauxhall Fashion Scout, ,‘Poly Crystalline’

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Amelia’s Magazine | London Fashion Week Autumn/ Winter 2010 Catwalk Review: Hermione de Paula

On Monday I was lucky enough to receive an invitation to the Hermione de Paula AW10 show presented at Vauxhall Fashion Scout. As a big fan of Hermione (having written about her ethical brand and interviewed her for Amelia’s magazine previously) I was very excited to see what she had come up with for the forthcoming winter season.

!cid_B2FEA8A2-F9AE-48FF-B9B6-9AD65D56FD7D@localIllustration courtesy of Gemma Milly.

With jewelled dresses in sight I was instead treated to a more futuristic collection than I had seen from this designer previously, with space-age themes prevailing. Taking inspiration from the concept of an enslaved femininity the collection is entitled ‘Poly Crystalline’, taken from the structures of ice.

P2222776Photography courtesy of Rachael Oku

With this collection aiming to both accentuate and celebrate the female form, each dress appears like sculpted ice, with a purposeful Jessica Rabbit style figure which exudes glamour and femininity. With concentrated prints of flowers peppered throughout the collection, these added bright flashes of colour to primarily black dresses. With futuristic panels appearing on the front of many of the dresses for me this was by far Hermione’s edgiest collection yet.

P2222778

With accentuated shoulders, fur trim hoods reminiscent of Snow White and beautiful cut out detailing this was a superb collection. I loved the diverse use of textiles with Hermione sampling everything from sheer iridescent fabrics and vinyl to pleated plastics. A truly futuristic super hero inducing collection that looks set to be bang on trend for next season.

Categories ,Caryn Franklin, ,Gemma Milly, ,Hermione de Paula, ,Jessica Rabbit, ,lfw, ,Vauxhall Fashion Scout, ,‘Poly Crystalline’

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Amelia’s Magazine | London Fashion Week A/W 2010 Catwalk Review: Hermione de Paula

Hermione de Paula by June Champoomidole.
Hermione de Paula by June Chanpoomidole.

Waiting in the crush outside the venue for the Hermione De Paula show I bumped into my old friend Xerxes (well, viagra buy he’s not old, approved he’s very young actually, but I met him when he was a lot younger) nonchalantly lounging his tall willowy self against a pillar. I haven’t really spoken to him in many years; I guess our paths must have diverged at some point. We had time for a few moments catch up before his attention was diverted by some other trendy young things and it turns out he’s engaged! Yet another young ‘un getting married, a fact which makes me very happy. So many people of my age and older seem to have skipped this stage of life and then discovered it’s too late to have some of those things they really wanted, like a family. Maybe those a decade younger have seen how miserable some of their older single friends are and gone “uh-uh, I ain’t fallin’ into that trap, life sure looks easier with someone at my side. Maybe I will get settled in my twenties.”

Hermione de Paula show
This isn’t Xerxes, this is fashion editor Matt Bramford in the crush with me outside the show.

Of course, Xerxes is not on facebook, so like a few other refusniks I have no idea what he is up to. One thing you can’t fault facebook for is the way that it allows you to easily keep up with what out-of-date friends are up to, or even what up-to-date-but-I-never-get-a-chance-to-see friends are up to. But Xerxes knew what I do because he reads all my Amelia’s Magazine emailouts (subscribe on the left hand side of any page on my website). I forget that so many people follow my life, either via twitter, or my emailout, or facebook. Xerxes is now a consultant to lifestyle brands, that fancy well paid job that I always thought I’d do given that I have, ooh, six years of running a cult magazine with an impeccable pedigree in a wide range of cultural niches under my belt, but hey I’m still waiting for those phonecalls. He’s helping Gucci to make more money out of being sustainable. Nice work if you can get it, though I’m not sure how entirely ethical that could be in reality.

I then got pulled into a small booth hastily set up in an alcove by the All Walks Beyond the Catwalk Campaign to get more curvy women into fashion. A large cutout letter was planted in my hand and a photograph taken before I had so much as a chance to check me lippy. Apparently the pics will go up on the website but I have no idea when or where. Ironically enough, posing right next to a crush of skinny young fashion things, I felt too exposed to take my coat off and flaunt my definitely curvy figure with any amount of glee. But I do admire Mark Fast and all those fashion designers who have chosen to make clothes for larger models (i.e. normal sized women) for whilst I may love some of the looks presented on rake thin lasses, I think that curvy ladies are waaaaaay sexier – and well clothed sexy ladies are to be encouraged at every turn.


Hermione de Paula by June Chanpoomidole.

Hermione de Paula A/W 2010 photography by Amelia Gregory
Hermione de Paula A/W 2010 photography by Amelia Gregory
Hermione de Paula A/W 2010 photography by Amelia Gregory
Hermione de Paula A/W 2010 photography by Amelia Gregory
Hermione de Paula A/W 2010 photography by Amelia Gregory
Hermione de Paula A/W 2010 photography by Amelia Gregory
Hermione de Paula A/W 2010 photography by Amelia Gregory
Hermione de Paula A/W 2010 photography by Amelia Gregory
Hermione De Paula. All photography by Amelia Gregory.

This was Hermione de Paula’s fourth show at London Fashion Week. Apparently her first was inspired by a character from that saucy mid 90s film, Showgirls: I remember going to see that in a Swindon cinema complex with my dad (my parents lived nearby for awhile when I was at college, okay?) and being highly embarrassed by all the graphic sex scenes. For this show, entitled Polly Crystalline, Hermione explored the idea of trapped femininity, using extreme shapes to emphasise “tits and hips” together with beautiful prints inspired by the forms of ice crystals, and the girls took to the catwalk at a fair old lick as you’ll see from my photos.

Hermione de Paula by June Champoomidole.
Hermione de Paula by June Chanpoomidole.

Hermione de Paula A/W 2010 photography by Amelia Gregory
Hermione De Paula A-W 2010 photography by Amelia Gregory
Hermione de Paula A/W 2010 photography by Amelia Gregory
Hermione de Paula A/W 2010 photography by Amelia Gregory
Hermione de Paula A/W 2010 photography by Amelia Gregory
Hermione de Paula A/W 2010 photography by Amelia Gregory
Hermione de Paula A/W 2010 photography by Amelia Gregory
Hermione De Paula. All photography by Amelia Gregory.

This confident collection was a radical break in style from most other shows I saw during fashion week, the resulting outfits presenting a kind of babydoll meets goth rocker look, all wonderfully styled with severely bobbed wigs in pastel shades of grey, pink, baby blue and yellow, and large handheld lock and keys. The plastic corsets and apron dresses may not have been practical for everyday wear but there was plenty here to lust over, including the flouncy tailored tops and jackets in both Hermione’s signature black and white crystalline print and a more traditional rose design. Even the lizard like shoulder-frilled dresses were very obviously wearable.

Hermione de Paula

When Hermione popped out to take her bow at the end she looked utterly adorable, if far less glamourous than in the press shot on her website. (I want one of those. Make me look glamourous someone!) I think this lady will go far.

Categories ,All Walks Beyond the Catwalk, ,Curvy Models, ,film, ,Freemasons’ Hall, ,Hermione de Paula, ,June Champoomidole, ,London Fashion Week, ,Mark Fast, ,Showgirls, ,Swindon

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Amelia’s Magazine | London Fashion Week A/W 2010 Catwalk Review: Hermione de Paula

Hermione de Paula by June Champoomidole.
Hermione de Paula by June Chanpoomidole.

Waiting in the crush outside the venue for the Hermione De Paula show I bumped into my old friend Xerxes (well, he’s not old, he’s very young actually, but I met him when he was a lot younger) nonchalantly lounging his tall willowy self against a pillar. I haven’t really spoken to him in many years; I guess our paths must have diverged at some point. We had time for a few moments catch up before his attention was diverted by some other trendy young things and it turns out he’s engaged! Yet another young ‘un getting married, a fact which makes me very happy. So many people of my age and older seem to have skipped this stage of life and then discovered it’s too late to have some of those things they really wanted, like a family. Maybe those a decade younger have seen how miserable some of their older single friends are and gone “uh-uh, I ain’t fallin’ into that trap, life sure looks easier with someone at my side. Maybe I will get settled in my twenties.”

Hermione de Paula show
This isn’t Xerxes, this is fashion editor Matt Bramford in the crush with me outside the show.

Of course, Xerxes is not on facebook, so like a few other refusniks I have no idea what he is up to. One thing you can’t fault facebook for is the way that it allows you to easily keep up with what out-of-date friends are up to, or even what up-to-date-but-I-never-get-a-chance-to-see friends are up to. But Xerxes knew what I do because he reads all my Amelia’s Magazine emailouts (subscribe on the left hand side of any page on my website). I forget that so many people follow my life, either via twitter, or my emailout, or facebook. Xerxes is now a consultant to lifestyle brands, that fancy well paid job that I always thought I’d do given that I have, ooh, six years of running a cult magazine with an impeccable pedigree in a wide range of cultural niches under my belt, but hey I’m still waiting for those phonecalls. He’s helping Gucci to make more money out of being sustainable. Nice work if you can get it, though I’m not sure how entirely ethical that could be in reality.

I then got pulled into a small booth hastily set up in an alcove by the All Walks Beyond the Catwalk Campaign to get more curvy women into fashion. A large cutout letter was planted in my hand and a photograph taken before I had so much as a chance to check me lippy. Apparently the pics will go up on the website but I have no idea when or where. Ironically enough, posing right next to a crush of skinny young fashion things, I felt too exposed to take my coat off and flaunt my definitely curvy figure with any amount of glee. But I do admire Mark Fast and all those fashion designers who have chosen to make clothes for larger models (i.e. normal sized women) for whilst I may love some of the looks presented on rake thin lasses, I think that curvy ladies are waaaaaay sexier – and well clothed sexy ladies are to be encouraged at every turn.


Hermione de Paula by June Chanpoomidole.

Hermione de Paula A/W 2010 photography by Amelia Gregory
Hermione de Paula A/W 2010 photography by Amelia Gregory
Hermione de Paula A/W 2010 photography by Amelia Gregory
Hermione de Paula A/W 2010 photography by Amelia Gregory
Hermione de Paula A/W 2010 photography by Amelia Gregory
Hermione de Paula A/W 2010 photography by Amelia Gregory
Hermione de Paula A/W 2010 photography by Amelia Gregory
Hermione de Paula A/W 2010 photography by Amelia Gregory
Hermione De Paula. All photography by Amelia Gregory.

This was Hermione de Paula’s fourth show at London Fashion Week. Apparently her first was inspired by a character from that saucy mid 90s film, Showgirls: I remember going to see that in a Swindon cinema complex with my dad (my parents lived nearby for awhile when I was at college, okay?) and being highly embarrassed by all the graphic sex scenes. For this show, entitled Polly Crystalline, Hermione explored the idea of trapped femininity, using extreme shapes to emphasise “tits and hips” together with beautiful prints inspired by the forms of ice crystals, and the girls took to the catwalk at a fair old lick as you’ll see from my photos.

Hermione de Paula by June Champoomidole.
Hermione de Paula by June Chanpoomidole.

Hermione de Paula A/W 2010 photography by Amelia Gregory
Hermione De Paula A-W 2010 photography by Amelia Gregory
Hermione de Paula A/W 2010 photography by Amelia Gregory
Hermione de Paula A/W 2010 photography by Amelia Gregory
Hermione de Paula A/W 2010 photography by Amelia Gregory
Hermione de Paula A/W 2010 photography by Amelia Gregory
Hermione de Paula A/W 2010 photography by Amelia Gregory
Hermione De Paula. All photography by Amelia Gregory.

This confident collection was a radical break in style from most other shows I saw during fashion week, the resulting outfits presenting a kind of babydoll meets goth rocker look, all wonderfully styled with severely bobbed wigs in pastel shades of grey, pink, baby blue and yellow, and large handheld lock and keys. The plastic corsets and apron dresses may not have been practical for everyday wear but there was plenty here to lust over, including the flouncy tailored tops and jackets in both Hermione’s signature black and white crystalline print and a more traditional rose design. Even the lizard like shoulder-frilled dresses were very obviously wearable.

Hermione de Paula

When Hermione popped out to take her bow at the end she looked utterly adorable, if far less glamourous than in the press shot on her website. (I want one of those. Make me look glamourous someone!) I think this lady will go far.



Categories ,All Walks Beyond the Catwalk, ,Curvy Models, ,film, ,Freemasons’ Hall, ,Hermione de Paula, ,June Champoomidole, ,London Fashion Week, ,Mark Fast, ,Showgirls, ,Swindon

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Amelia’s Magazine | Designer Spotlight: Joelle Jerome hits the ground running

joellejerome 3Imagery throughout courtesy of Joelle Jerome, ambulance photographed by Steph Ross.

Where/ what did you study?
I studied at Northampton University on a BA Fashion Course, stuff graduating in 2007.

Did you always know you wanted a career within fashion?
No. I’ve always wanted to do something creative apart from a brief spell of wanting to be an accountant and I’ve always loved clothes but it wasn’t till I was about 16 or 17 after a visit to Spitalfields market that I decided. I was very inspired and from that day onwards I knew I wanted to set up my own label.

joellejerome 8What have you been up to since graduating? /When did you establish the Joelle Jerome label?
My first job after finishing University was for a Lingerie and Nightwear supplier. Alongside this I continued to work on my own designs, discount showing at Alternative Fashion Week in 2008. When I was made redundant later in 2008 alongside doing some freelance work I decided to follow my dream and set up the Joelle Jerome label.

As you know Amelia’s magazine likes to promote and highlight designers who use both fair trade and eco processes their designs, how does Joelle Jerome approach ethical design?
I source my fabrics from a local warehouse who specialise in remnant deadstock fabrics, therefore cutting down on waste which I feel is a massive problem in this throwaway society we live in today. I like to keep as much as I can local. My manufacturers are also just a two minute walk down the road.

joellejerome 4

Do you have a career highlight so far?
It’s the simple things that have been highlights for me so far, like selling my first dress. A new singer on the scene called Eleanor Seabird was one of the first customers to visit my online shop and also sang at my launch night. Also gaining interest from retailers who want to stock my line is great. It’s so hard for small labels these days so it’s great to know that there’s so much support out there.

What kind of woman/customer do you design for?
Women who know their own style and don’t feel the necessity to follow trends other people have set for them, but to make their own.

joelle jerome2

Can you tell our readers what your inspirations were for your SS10 collection?
The collection is called ‘batsandcats’. It has many contrasting elements with a dark grungy side mixed with a pretty girly innocence. I was very inspired by the character of Enid in the film and comic book Ghost World.

What are you looking forward to in the next decade?
Meeting lots more people and building on the Joelle Jerome label. Hopefully taking it internationally whilst retaining its UK roots. I also have a few other ventures (top secret at the moment, sorry) and collaborations I would like to do. I want to beat this credit crunch I got a little caught up in. View the Joelle Jerome collection here.

joellejerome 6

Categories ,Alternative Fashion Week, ,Eleanor Seabird, ,Ghost World, ,Joelle Jerome, ,Northampton University, ,Spitalfields Market

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