Amelia’s Magazine | London Fashion Week A/W 2011 Catwalk Review: Olivia Rubin

Tosha by Rebecca Strickson

Danielle Lloyd and Konnie Huq, purchase illustrated by Lisa Stannard

Olivia Rubin’s show was to be held at Jalouse in Hanover Square – a place I’d hear of but never actually ventured in to. It was to be my last womenswear show (although I didn’t know it at the time, ed such is life!) and after a long, grueling day I needed a big drink. Luckily, these were on hand.

Outside, glamorous ladies and gents queued to get in, all throwing their tickets into the air, shouting the names of their publications or various relationships with Olivia. When I finally got inside, the Only Way is Essex girl group Lola were being ravished by a pack of pervy photographers screaming their names. To my left was Danielle Lloyd, an intriguing shade of orange; to my right, Jason Gardiner sat in a booth surrounded by a harem of orange honeyz. Konnie Huq was there. What the hell was going on? I was completely baffled. We’d featured Olivia in the past – I adored her artists-inspired collection, but I had no idea she had such an, erm, orange following.


Illustration by Fritha Strickland

There were no seats available – the show was to take place on a precarious plinth around the main area of the club, with guests littered around the plinth in sunken seats. I positioned myself by a wall and necked a cocktail. Whilst waiting for the show to start, I Twittered and checked my emails, slightly aware of somebody standing next to me but not looking up to notice. Hilariously, it was contributor Lauren, who had been stood there for a good ten minutes without either of us realising. This is the kind of thing that happens to your brain during fashion week. I could have been stood next to Naomi Campbell and wouldn’t have noticed (not that Lauren isn’t gorgeous herself).


Illustration by Michelle Urval Nyrén

The show began to rapturous applause, with the first model coming out from behind a make-shift backstage area right behind where I was standing. It was difficult to know where to look, and I missed the first few outfits due to glaring at the audience and being mesmerised by Jalouse’s crystal ceiling.

Olivia has quickly risen up the fashion ranks with her playful, vibrant prints using a whole load of inspiration. This time was no exception – brick patterns, speech bubbles, floral prints on silk and animal prints were all on display under the glittery lights. The shapes and cuts seemed a little more sophisticated this time around – Olivia’s staple playful dresses were still there in vibrant colours, but the addition of figure-hugging jersey tops and cropped trousers added a new, demure look. Lace details had been added to some pieces, sexing them up a little. Jersey and silks had been married for great effect. Sexy translucent shirts worn over lace underwear add even more kink to this fab collection.


Illustration by Jaymie O’Callaghan


Illustration by Madi Illustrates


Illustration by Maria Papadimitriou

Many of the pieces featured wrap-around details that flatter the figure – not that any of these hot models needed any flattering, but I imagine that sweeping necklines and pinched waists can be pulled off by even the most Rubenesque figure. Longer, almost floor-length numbers with vibrant graphic patterns closed the show – the final walkthrough leaving me on edge as these glamorous girls in vertiginous heels swaggered around the raised plinth.


One of the Only Way Is Essex birds, illustrated by Lisa Stannard

After the show, me and Amelia enjoyed a cocktail or two and had a bit of a gossip, keeping one eye on the attendees. We stood near the official photo point, me with my camera around my neck – one of the guests asked if I could take her picture. She didn’t ask why I was taking pictures or which publication I was from, she just wanted her photograph taken. Well, why not? Here she is – I hope she sees it (and likes it, obv).

All photography by Matt Bramford

See more of Lisa and Michelle’s illustrations in Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration.

Categories ,A/W 2011, ,catwalk, ,Danielle Lloyd, ,Fritha Strickland, ,Hanover Square, ,Jalouse, ,Jason Gardiner, ,Jaymie O’Callaghan, ,Konnie Huq, ,Lisa Stannard, ,Lola, ,london, ,London Fashion Week, ,Madi Illustrates, ,Maria Papadimitriou, ,Michelle Urvall Nyrén, ,Olivia Rubin, ,Orange, ,print, ,review, ,Tan, ,The Only Way is Essex, ,Womenswear

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Amelia’s Magazine | London Fashion Week A/W 2011 Catwalk Review: Osman (by Naomi)


Illustration by Jenny Robins

I remember blogging about Eun Jeong eons ago, order enticed by her pretty minimalism with a crisp all-white palette one season. For me, sickness she most certainly stood out amongst even the top hot-ticketers of London Fashion Week and I had an inkling she wouldn’t be a one-seasoner. I was therefore thrilled and curious upon bagging an invitation to one of her two fashion shows in Covent Garden during fashion week.??

I sat next to a lovely blogger named Hannah Newton of London Town’s a go go in another clever catwalk invention of a loop around the room, with audience-members sitting on rows inside and outside of the square. We both shamelessly ruffled through our large goody bags with tiny goodies – cosmetics and a little heart-shaped purse by Kipling. And we didn’t bother with ‘acting the part of a fashionista’ all nonchalant and ‘oh! I get free overpriced make-up on a daily basis, sweetheart. It’s no biggie.’  We’re students and we were blooming happy with our freebies.??

We just knew that the intimate set-up would result in bagging some great up-close shots of the clothes and getting a good look at the detail and fabric. Then, after a long wait sitting by the runway (as is always the way with fashion shows), 1930s music was suddenly bouncing off the walls and the models took to the oddly-shaped catwalk.

It looked to me as if the collection had been inspired by Britain in war-time. Every model wore bronzed make-up with bronzed skin all over their body and the clothes themselves were British in many respects – pleats and wool and ruffles with lady-like cuts all over the joint. There were elegant camel-coloured coats and full-skirts that began at the waist and dropped to the floor in pressed pleats.

Bows and lace were everywhere. They both seem to be a common theme this season. Delicate bows were placed on skinny leather waist-belts and thick white lace acted as beautiful underskirts.

It wasn’t all classic tea-party tailoring, however. There were a fair few twists and turns along the way. Pleated skirts bore asymmetric ruffles and tails down one side and a certain set of dresses definitely seemed to stand-out amongst the thick fabrics and classic lady-wear – bright yellow numbers that screamed out an utterly architectural print, resembling the San Francisco Bridge.

Jeong’s seemingly favourite design ethos of white white white reappeared this season with a fair few outfits almost entirely in creams and white that flowed down in thick luscious fabric – a pure and almost evangelical look that passed off beautifully.

I now know why I was taken with Eun Jeong right from her Fashion Fringe debut. Her clothes are beautiful, classic, unique and, most of all, wearable. I could, for example, most definitely see an strong office woman walking into work every day and turning heads in Eun Jeong’s statement-take on both the classical and the quintessentially British. I loved it.

Illustration by Jenny Robins

I remember blogging about Eun Jeong eons ago, find enticed by her pretty minimalism with a crisp all-white palette one season. For me, she most certainly stood out amongst even the top hot-ticketers of London Fashion Week and I had an inkling she wouldn’t be a one-seasoner. I was therefore thrilled and curious upon bagging an invitation to one of her two fashion shows in Covent Garden during fashion week.??


All photography by Georgia Takacs

I sat next to a lovely blogger named Hannah Newton of London Town’s a go go in another clever catwalk invention of a loop around the room, with audience-members sitting on rows inside and outside of the square. We both shamelessly ruffled through our large goody bags with tiny goodies – cosmetics and a little heart-shaped purse by Kipling. And we didn’t bother with ‘acting the part of a fashionista’ all nonchalant and ‘oh! I get free overpriced make-up on a daily basis, sweetheart. It’s no biggie.’  We’re students and we were blooming happy with our freebies.??


Illustration by Kerri-Ann Hulme

We just knew that the intimate set-up would result in bagging some great up-close shots of the clothes and getting a good look at the detail and fabric. Then, after a long wait sitting by the runway (as is always the way with fashion shows), 1930s music was suddenly bouncing off the walls and the models took to the oddly-shaped catwalk.

It looked to me as if the collection had been inspired by Britain in war-time. Every model wore bronzed make-up with bronzed skin all over their body and the clothes themselves were British in many respects – pleats and wool and ruffles with lady-like cuts all over the joint. There were elegant camel-coloured coats and full-skirts that began at the waist and dropped to the floor in pressed pleats.


Illustration by Madi Illustrates

Bows and lace were everywhere. They both seem to be a common theme this season. Delicate bows were placed on skinny leather waist-belts and thick white lace acted as beautiful underskirts.

It wasn’t all classic tea-party tailoring, however. There were a fair few twists and turns along the way. Pleated skirts bore asymmetric ruffles and tails down one side and a certain set of dresses definitely seemed to stand-out amongst the thick fabrics and classic lady-wear – bright yellow numbers that screamed out an utterly architectural print, resembling the San Francisco Bridge.

Jeong’s seemingly favourite design ethos of white white white reappeared this season with a fair few outfits almost entirely in creams and white that flowed down in thick luscious fabric – a pure and almost evangelical look that passed off beautifully.

I now know why I was taken with Eun Jeong right from her Fashion Fringe debut. Her clothes are beautiful, classic, unique and, most of all, wearable. I could, for example, most definitely see an strong office woman walking into work every day and turning heads in Eun Jeong’s statement-take on both the classical and the quintessentially British. I loved it.

See more of Jenny Robins’ illustrations in Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration!

Illustration by Jenny Robins

I remember blogging about Eun Jeong eons ago, sildenafil enticed by her pretty minimalism with a crisp all-white palette one season. For me, cost she most certainly stood out amongst even the top hot-ticketers of London Fashion Week and I had an inkling she wouldn’t be a one-seasoner. I was therefore thrilled and curious upon bagging an invitation to one of her two fashion shows in Covent Garden during fashion week.??


All photography by Georgia Takacs

I sat next to a lovely blogger named Hannah Newton of London Town’s a go go in another clever catwalk invention of a loop around the room, more about with audience-members sitting on rows inside and outside of the square. We both shamelessly ruffled through our large goody bags with tiny goodies – cosmetics and a little heart-shaped purse by Kipling. And we didn’t bother with ‘acting the part of a fashionista’ all nonchalant and ‘oh! I get free overpriced make-up on a daily basis, sweetheart. It’s no biggie.’  We’re students and we were blooming happy with our freebies.??


Illustration by Kerri-Ann Hulme

We just knew that the intimate set-up would result in bagging some great up-close shots of the clothes and getting a good look at the detail and fabric. Then, after a long wait sitting by the runway (as is always the way with fashion shows), 1930s music was suddenly bouncing off the walls and the models took to the oddly-shaped catwalk.

It looked to me as if the collection had been inspired by Britain in war-time. Every model wore bronzed make-up with bronzed skin all over their body and the clothes themselves were British in many respects – pleats and wool and ruffles with lady-like cuts all over the joint. There were elegant camel-coloured coats and full-skirts that began at the waist and dropped to the floor in pressed pleats.


Illustration by Madi Illustrates

Bows and lace were everywhere. They both seem to be a common theme this season. Delicate bows were placed on skinny leather waist-belts and thick white lace acted as beautiful underskirts.

It wasn’t all classic tea-party tailoring, however. There were a fair few twists and turns along the way. Pleated skirts bore asymmetric ruffles and tails down one side and a certain set of dresses definitely seemed to stand-out amongst the thick fabrics and classic lady-wear – bright yellow numbers that screamed out an utterly architectural print, resembling the Golden Gate Bridge.

Jeong’s seemingly favourite design ethos of white white white reappeared this season with a fair few outfits almost entirely in creams and white that flowed down in thick luscious fabric – a pure and almost evangelical look that passed off beautifully.

I now know why I was taken with Eun Jeong right from her Fashion Fringe debut. Her clothes are beautiful, classic, unique and, most of all, wearable. I could, for example, most definitely see an strong office woman walking into work every day and turning heads in Eun Jeong’s statement-take on both the classical and the quintessentially British. I loved it.

See more of Jenny Robins’ illustrations in Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration!

Illustration by Antonia Parker

Over at Osman, clinic sleek silhouettes glided gracefully down the beautiful blue ink-blotched catwalk on models sporting blunt Cleopatra bobs with eyelash-skimming fringes.


Illustrations by Alexandra Rolfe

Osman Yousefzada showed a sophisticated palette featuring lot of ivory and charcoal in sharp yet flowing shapes. Colour flooded in, and taking the form of feature linings and leather trims in rust, store scarlet, pale aqua, neon pink and lime. The show opened with a beautiful ivory dress, featuring a v-shaped accent to the bodice in bright cobalt, echoing the beauiful inky stripe printed on the catwalk itself.


Illustrations by Donya Todd

The chic and sharply flared wide leg trousers were particularly prominent, billowing around the models’ legs as they sashayed their way towards the photographers’ pit. I was sitting way back in the sixth row but semi-successfully found a gap in the rows of heads to capture some of the looks. Key pieces seemed to keep on coming; dresses with contrast-lined capelets, black leather with hot pink horizontal stripes, a Morticia-length charcoal wool dress, a leather-fronted blouse with bright orange floor-length tied tails to the back, the list goes on.


Illustration by Madi Illustrates


Illustrations by Kerri-Ann Hulme


Photography by Naomi Law

There was a hint of the 1960s with a-line shapes and geometric capped sleeves, but pattern or ornamentation was minimal, save for one striking orange chiffon dress with chocolate brown embroidery. The collection managed to make crayon brights into something more sophisticated – the careful balance of colour and monotone combined with expert tailoring in subtly varyied textures was sharp, modern and crisp.


Illustrations by Rachel Lewis

There were two show-stopping floor-length black dresses with dramatic fluffy sleeves so huge I assumed they must be fake fur (hence asking two of our illustrators to work from these designs). I was disgusted to discover later that Osman has made the vile decision to use real fur in his collections. It’s nasty enough that anyone would choose to use animal fur in the first place, but even harder to understand when they’re going to end up dyeing it a completely unnatural colour anyway. Unfortunately this took the shine off the collection, none of this next season thank you!


Illustration by Antonia Parker

See more of Antonia Parker’s illustrations in Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration!

Categories ,1960s, ,A/W 2011, ,Alexandra Rolfe, ,Antonia Parker, ,BFC, ,Brights, ,Catwalk review, ,Chic, ,Cleopatra, ,Cobalt, ,Donya Todd, ,fashion, ,Fur, ,Hot Pink, ,Kerri-Ann Hulme, ,London Fashion Week, ,Naomi Law, ,Osman Yousefzada, ,Rachel Lewis, ,Somerset House, ,Womenswear

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Amelia’s Magazine | London Fashion Week A/W10 Catwalk Review – Anne-Sofie Back

Video games aren’t just a boy’s toy, even if all the girls in them seem to end up looking like one. Anne-Sofie Back’s A/W10 collection drew inspiration from her own hours logged in as an unsuccessful stripper in alternative online world “Second Life”. Back, whose inspiration often comes from pop culture and body image issues translated what she saw as a conformity of ideals as most players chose to customize their avatars into “page 3 models and uninspired versions of reality TV contestants”.

Anne-Sofie Back A/W10 Illustration by katie Harnett
Anne-Sofie Back A/W10 Illustration by Katie Harnett

What we got were jeans with the waist cutout topped with super cropped matching jean jackets sprouting gashes of pink and white tulle and cutout bodystockings. Her avatar seems to have been the high street customizing type, a cross between avant garde and russian bride.
In the urban basement of The Flower Cellars, shouting punk music turned pop and the cloudy cement haze was the perfect canvas for Anne-Sofie Back’s typically cool color palette. Colorless greys gave way to lavender leathers in one very wantable boxy cropped motorcycle jacket.

cutout waistbands and cropped jean tops with tulle. apparently not for everyone, check out the expressions on the faces in the crowd.
Cutout waistbands and cropped jean tops with tulle. apparently not for everyone, check out the expressions on the faces in the crowd

This is Anne Sofie back’s 5th year showing and the designer was recently appointed creative director of Cheap Monday after taking a year off and moving back to her native Sweden to start a family. Taking cues from hot or not columns and other pop culture fodder Back once sent models down the runway with the black pen markings of cosmetic surgery and others with bulging breast pockets and wrapped in swollen tubes.

black slashed bodystocking with grey wing armature
Black slashed bodystocking with grey wing armature

But this collection’s body image issue took form as muscle shirts. In devore jersey paired with dyed denim and again in tulle applique tracing abs and pec and often trailing lengths if the gauzy material. The tulle skirts and leggings had some issues with unflattering placement at times with cones of the stuff pouring out of butt cheeks and crotches.

White tulle sprouts from the most unlikely places
White tulle sprouts from the most unlikely places

There’s an undeniably home made attitude to her collection but where last Fall was helped along with tailored trousers and knit dresses this collection veered into gauzy georgette skirts and cutout body stockings. Only one actual coat came down the runway but in its terry cloth texture, belted volume and eggshell color it had the unfortunate effect of looking like it should be hanging on a peg in the bathroom.

one coat in the collection, although white terry cloth may not have been the best fabric choice
one coat in the collection, although white terry cloth may not have been the best fabric choice

At times her textural melange was truly beautiful. A laddered-effect boucle wool in thunderstorm colors with bits of lurex reappeared several times as did a fantastic jaquard white jumper. A cropped motorcycle jacket in buttery thin matte leather was exceedingly wantable and her signature batwing sleeves were beautifully balanced with a button up georgette shirt.

Gauze shirts with laddering boucle trousers
Gauze shirts with laddering boucle trousers

This may not be a collection whose pieces are immediately absorbed into your closet but Anne Sofie Back’s collections continue to question the dubious world we are slowly creating around us and in moments of inspired design has managed to subvert it into something quite beautiful.

Categories ,Anne-Sofie Back, ,catwalk, ,fashion, ,Flower Cellar, ,London Fashion Week, ,swedish designer, ,Womenswear

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Amelia’s Magazine | London Fashion Week S/S 2011 Catwalk Review: Simon Ekrelius


Simon Ekrelius S/S 2011, illustrated by Antonia Parker

After a terrible morning trying to fix my sodding bike, giving up, taking it to Evans Cycles, regretting that because the employee was an arse and then persuading him to eventually fix it, I cycled precariously to Victoria House with one brake and the other attached with Blu-Tack to catch Simon Ekrelius‘ show. I didn’t know anything of Ekrelius until today but whenever I mentioned his name people would practically fall at my feet (perhaps wishing they were falling at his).

Well, it turns out the hype my small circle of friends had built was deserved. I decided to stand with the macho photographers in the pit this time to experiment with a different angle for images. If only I had known the following three facts.

1. Photographers are nasty
2. I was standing in the front of the world’s loudest speaker
3. Simon Ekrelius had chosen shot gun noises to launch his show.

Imagine my surprise when the crowd were shushed, the lights fell low, and the BANG BANG BANG started up behind me. Jesus Christ. My entire self moved three feet across the room, at which point the whole of the photographer’s pit descended into cackles of laughter. And who can blame them? I was as red as a peach.


Illustration by Antonia Parker

As the first model strutted down the catwalk, I desperately tried to pull myself together, which didn’t take too long as the attention was quickly diverted to what the models had on offer. These girls were not shy. They had clearly been directed to march to the front in the normal fashion, but then as they made their way back, to walk in a zig-zag pattern and stop periodically to pose. And pose they did, rather fabulously. It was HILARIOUS, particularly when we got to the nudity part of the show and front rowers were subjected to bare arses in their face…

I should probably say something about the fashion by now. Well, it was grand. Pretty much everything was translucent or transparent in some way, hence the abundance of gratuitous arse and tit. There were some fabulous monochrome numbers inspired by graphic art, which were split directly down the middle or by the use of geometric shapes – this worked best on all-in-one catsuit numbers, which were teamed with huge brimmed hats that had the front row bloggers throwing their cameras in the air in unison.


Illustration by Antonia Parker

The use of such shiny materials with oodles of aesthetic appeal made a sometimes basic collection of cropped separates and halter-neck playsuits into a more futuristic one. Exaggarated shoulders and high waistlines were delivered with masculine tailoring, creating a dominative silhouette. Accessorised with blue-rinse hair piled on top of heads, huge sunglasses and coral lips, the styling was superb.

The show continued with more dramatic silhouettes, lots more monochrome (which worked SO well, I have to say) and then it got a little sillier with these transparent numbers I was speaking of. I mean, they were actually amazing in terms of conception and craftsmanship, but nobody’s going to leave the house like that, are they? That would be arrestable, surely? I bet they’d look great with a modest vest or something underneath. I’d imagine. But all that flesh was a little too much for me (thank god I hadn’t taken my allocated seat on the front row, or I might have ended up with an arse in my face like so many onlookers.)

All in all, though, a fab outing for Mr Ekrelius. Less tit next time, please. Right, next up, Charlie le Mindu and those vaginas. Good heavens.

All photography by Matt Bramford

Categories ,Antonia Parker, ,Arse, ,BFC, ,catwalk, ,London Fashion Week, ,onoff, ,Plastics, ,review, ,S/S 2011, ,show, ,Simon Ekrelius, ,Tit, ,Transparent, ,Womenswear

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Amelia’s Magazine | London College of Fashion MA Womenswear Show 2016

MattBramford_LCFMA16_037Sui Yiru MA Womenswear 2016; all photography by Matt Bramford

Last Thursday, a select group of London College of Fashion graduates presented their MA collections. This year’s venue was the stunning (and slightly imposing) Royal College of Surgeons; specifically, the dramatic Edward Lumley Hall. Arriving early at these events offers many advantages – a well organised event meant I could choose a decent vista and survey the ethereal set, complete with broken glass and mirrors.

The show started only a few minutes late, with conscious whispers of the live stream on the LCF website. Opening the show, Zhixian Wang showed a dreamy collection of cosy duvet-like dresses with drawstring pulls that created shape. Models had helium balloons attached to their arms and bursts of orange brightened different numbers.

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MattBramford_LCFMA16_004

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Next designer Lauren Lake couldn’t have been more different with her layers of patchwork fabrics and striped furs. Pinks, blues and yellows on contrasting stripes and prints made this a fun, exciting collection.

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MattBramford_LCFMA16_010

MattBramford_LCFMA16_011

In stark contrast, Yawen Qian presented a sleek, minimalist collection, the majority of pieces were white, angular creations with the odd grey piece thrown in. Constricting perspex jewellery by Yifan Gao completed the looks.

MattBramford_LCFMA16_013

MattBramford_LCFMA16_014

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Kirimi Yun presented a playful assortment of short dresses in a baby pink palette, some with exaggerated a-line shapes and others with dramatic bustles. With frills galore, this was a collection that didn’t take itself too seriously – note the pink crowns!

MattBramford_LCFMA16_031

MattBramford_LCFMA16_027

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Sui Yiru‘s collection used ultra-thin layers of plywood to form sections of skirts. This intriguing use of materials was paired with simple white fabrics that together created minimal geometric shapes.

MattBramford_LCFMA16_035

MattBramford_LCFMA16_038

MattBramford_LCFMA16_040

One of my favourites was Desirée Slabik‘s groundbreaking collection of voluminous chiffon sculptures. Huge coats in vibrant colours were worn with fluffy trousers in pastels. These garments toyed with the traditional silhouette in a fun, unique way.

MattBramford_LCFMA16_043

MattBramford_LCFMA16_047

MattBramford_LCFMA16_049

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Closing the show was Alexandru Tunsu. His collection of frayed jackets, trousers and skirts left me wondering what on Earth they were constructed from – was it fur, frayed cotton, wool? Whatever it was, these sublime garments, with hints of printed textiles, were the perfect end to the show.

MattBramford_LCFMA16_055

MattBramford_LCFMA16_058

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Read more about this year’s graduates on LCF’s Showtime website.

All photography by Matt Bramford

Categories ,2016, ,Alexandru Tunsu, ,Desirée Slabik, ,graduates, ,Kirimi Yun, ,LCF, ,London College of Fashion, ,ma, ,Matt Bramford, ,Sui Yiru, ,Womenswear, ,Yawen Qian, ,Zhixian Wang

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Amelia’s Magazine | London Fashion Week A/W 2010 Catwalk Review: On|Off Presents…

Mister+Mister_2-A-W 2010-gemma-milly
Illustration by Gemma Milly

The shows at On|Off this year have so far been outstanding. While most of the designers rightfully deserve a place on the BFC stage, pharmacy the On|Off team and it’s venue is the most creative by far.

When you get four designers in one of their shows, page you know you’re on to a winner. On|Off presents… was a handpicked selection of the most hip and contemporary talent, dosage deserving a showcase.

In hindsight, with the fashion we were about to see, we really didn’t need sweetening up, but On|Off had laid on a rather fruity cocktail that went down far too well, particularly when you have nothing better to do than drink. Well, and look at their small static exhibition of even MORE designers they wanted to showcase. These were Michela Carraro, where a seventies colour palette and flattering shapes were a treat;

LFW_MichelaCarraro

Prose Studio, whose vibrant graphic duvet jacket made me want to commit theft;

LFW_ProseStudio

…and Yang Du, renowned for outrageous knitwear. Sadly I couldn’t get anywhere near the latter’s designs as the room was packed full!

Onto the catwalk show. Opening the spectacle was Samantha Cole, where models appeared like statues wearing quilted sculptural numbers.

LFW_SamanthaCole_4

Geometric shapes toyed with the female silhouette, giving exaggerated hips and shoulders. Channelling Inuits with hair made to look frozen and huge hoods, this was a really polished collection; there’s no wonder Cole has already won the accolade of Best Womenswear Designer at New York Fashion Week.

LFW_SamanthaCole_1

LFW_SamanthaCole_2

LFW_SamanthaCole_3

Next up, in a stark contrast, Txell Miras’ was a collection consisting only of black. Some incredible craftsmanship here; beautiful sweeping shapes, layers and diagonal cuts, finished with racy PVC boots.

LFW_TxellMiras_3

LFW_TxellMiras_1

LFW_TxellMiras_2

Derek Lawler’s was also a collection of dark monochromatic hues. Elements of tailoring were combined with sleek feminine forms, and outfits were body-con and very, very sexy. Each piece included masses of shiny woven loops, with the appearance of telephone wires.

LFW_DerekLawler

LFW_DerekLawler_2

These highlighted specific parts of the body, including the hips and bust, before Lawler threw caution to the wind and created pieces entirely made up of this strange, yet mesmerising, technique.

LFW_DerekLawler_3

LFW_DerekLawler_4

Mister + Mister were, for me, undoubtedly the stars of the show.

Mister+Mister-A-W 2010-gemma-milly
Illustration by Gemma Milly

Bravely stepping into menswear with their bespoke contemporary jewellery label, theirs was a collection of outstanding innovation. Elements of typical menswear design were given the Mister + Mister treatment, reproducing bib shirts and bow ties in leather and PVC and even teddy-bear fur.

LFW_Mister_2

LFW_Mister_1

All-in-one leather pieces were dark, moody and rather severe, and if I could pull them off, I most certainly would.

They also win the award for most tit-tastic male model of London Fashion Week so far…

LFW_Mister_3

Yeah, so we didn’t get a ticket to Westwood or Mark Fast. Who cares when the London Fashion Week scene is jam-packed with fabulous, innovative and fresh new talent?

Categories ,Derek Lawler, ,London Fashion Week, ,menswear, ,Mister + Mister, ,new fashion, ,Ones To Watch, ,onoff, ,Samantha Cole, ,Txell Miras, ,Womenswear

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Amelia’s Magazine | London Fashion Week A/W 2010 Catwalk Review: On|Off Presents…

Mister+Mister_2-A-W 2010-gemma-milly
Illustration by Gemma Milly

The shows at On|Off this year have so far been outstanding. While most of the designers rightfully deserve a place on the BFC stage, the On|Off team and it’s venue is the most creative by far.

When you get four designers in one of their shows, you know you’re on to a winner. On|Off presents… was a handpicked selection of the most hip and contemporary talent, deserving a showcase.

In hindsight, with the fashion we were about to see, we really didn’t need sweetening up, but On|Off had laid on a rather fruity cocktail that went down far too well, particularly when you have nothing better to do than drink. Well, and look at their small static exhibition of even MORE designers they wanted to showcase. These were Michela Carraro, where a seventies colour palette and flattering shapes were a treat;

LFW_MichelaCarraro

Prose Studio, whose vibrant graphic duvet jacket made me want to commit theft;

LFW_ProseStudio

…and Yang Du, renowned for outrageous knitwear. Sadly I couldn’t get anywhere near the latter’s designs as the room was packed full!

Onto the catwalk show. Opening the spectacle was Samantha Cole, where models appeared like statues wearing quilted sculptural numbers.

LFW_SamanthaCole_4

Geometric shapes toyed with the female silhouette, giving exaggerated hips and shoulders. Channelling Inuits with hair made to look frozen and huge hoods, this was a really polished collection; there’s no wonder Cole has already won the accolade of Best Womenswear Designer at New York Fashion Week.

LFW_SamanthaCole_1

LFW_SamanthaCole_2

LFW_SamanthaCole_3

Next up, in a stark contrast, Txell Miras’ was a collection consisting only of black. Some incredible craftsmanship here; beautiful sweeping shapes, layers and diagonal cuts, finished with racy PVC boots.

LFW_TxellMiras_3

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Derek Lawler’s was also a collection of dark monochromatic hues. Elements of tailoring were combined with sleek feminine forms, and outfits were body-con and very, very sexy. Each piece included masses of shiny woven loops, with the appearance of telephone wires.

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These highlighted specific parts of the body, including the hips and bust, before Lawler threw caution to the wind and created pieces entirely made up of this strange, yet mesmerising, technique.

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Mister + Mister were, for me, undoubtedly the stars of the show.

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Illustration by Gemma Milly

Bravely stepping into menswear with their bespoke contemporary jewellery label, theirs was a collection of outstanding innovation. Elements of typical menswear design were given the Mister + Mister treatment, reproducing bib shirts and bow ties in leather and PVC and even teddy-bear fur.

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All-in-one leather pieces were dark, moody and rather severe, and if I could pull them off, I most certainly would.

They also win the award for most tit-tastic male model of London Fashion Week so far…

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Yeah, so we didn’t get a ticket to Westwood or Mark Fast. Who cares when the London Fashion Week scene is jam-packed with fabulous, innovative and fresh new talent?

Categories ,Derek Lawler, ,London Fashion Week, ,menswear, ,Mister + Mister, ,new fashion, ,Ones To Watch, ,onoff, ,Samantha Cole, ,Txell Miras, ,Womenswear

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Amelia’s Magazine | Kinder Aggugini: London Fashion Week S/S 2012 Catwalk Review


Kinder Aggugini S/S 2013 by Emma Reynolds

After salivating and sweating at the Sister by Sibling salon show, I headed to the main tent to catch Kinder Aggugini‘s S/S 2013 offering. I was only given a standing ticket, but I don’t mind at this venue. It’s much better than being on the 24th row, stuck behind some berk fashioning ridiculous millinery, so I patiently waited in the standing queue with the rest of the commoners. It suddenly became ridiculous. The overbearing security ‘guard’ on the door operated in a way more suited to a Tiger Tiger in Croydon – shouting at anybody that dare ask him if they were in the right queue. When one girl who had clearly had enough of his bullish manner told him to ‘go and have a w*nk‘ it took all my strength to stifle giggles.


Kinder Aggugini S/S 2013 by Maya Beus

Inside, I was utterly gobsmacked. The venue was, at most, a quarter full. Why on Earth had we been subjected to such a palaver outside? It was like Olympics seatinggate all over again. I perched on the end of the second row only to be moved to the front as the show was about to start. It’s pretty depressing when this happens, considering the physical and financial strain put on new designers only to half fill a venue. And, I was about to discover, it was to be an unmissable show.


All photography by Matt Bramford

Anyway, I quickly got over my blues as the show started, featuring perhaps the best soundtrack I’ve ever heard at fashion week. It began with that song by Gwen Stefani that samples the Sound of Music, launching the first model out, only to be followed by the likes of Destiny’s Child, Rihanna and the Pussycat Dolls. If I’d had a drink I would have been unable to stop myself from leaping on to the catwalk.


Kinder Aggugini S/S 2013 by Emma Reynolds

The first model appeared in a blue gingham shirt, worn underneath a playful Liberty-print-esque pair of dungarees. It was this twee narrative that would continue for most of the show, and I loved it.

A mix of sexier dresses cut above the knee and floral pinafores followed. Gingham merged with a striking map print, while a one-colour Rococo-inspired print featured on sweaters, loose dresses and an oversized cropped-sleeved overcoat.

Oversized paper-bag waists then made an appearance on skirts and trousers with more and more entertaining prints creating a strong and coherent theme throughout. A cropped-sleeve red blazer with large white buttons, feminine dresses and floral playsuits ensure this S/S 2013 outing will appeal to women with very different styles.


Kinder Aggugini S/S 2013 by Maya Beus

The finale featured a rather eccentric octopus dress – a black velvet and peach sheer mix – which I very much enjoyed but it didn’t seem to fit in anywhere. But, who cares? Certainly not me.


All photography by Matt Bramford

Categories ,BFC, ,Destiny’s Child, ,Emma Reynolds, ,florals, ,Gingham, ,Gwen Stefani, ,kinder aggugini, ,liberty, ,London Fashion Week, ,Matt Bramford, ,Maya Beus, ,Octopus, ,print, ,Pussycat Dolls, ,Rihanna, ,Rococco, ,S/S 2013, ,Somerset House, ,SS13, ,Womenswear

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Amelia’s Magazine | KTZ: London Fashion Week A/W 2012 Catwalk Review


KTZ A/W 2012 by Lorna Leigh Harrington

Regular readers of my London Fashion Week reviews (Hi mum, sorry I haven’t called, been busy) will know that I absolutely adore KTZ. If I could only choose one show to see each season it would probably be this – so it was disappointing that both myself and Amelia hadn’t received any tickets this time. The show had been moved from its regular spot on menswear day to fit in with the womenswear schedule – a move not so surprising considering the KTZ womenswear is usually what gets people talking. This also might explain the lack of tickets – but it was thanks to fashion superhero Lida over at The First To Know that I managed to get in.


All photography by Matt Bramford

Inside, it was already approaching capacity with barely enough room to swing a Canon zoom lens. I managed to perch on the end of a row – one cheek on, one cheek off – as the aisles began to fill up also. Now I don’t want to get above my station but I’ve seen some really, really bad fashion etiquette this season. It seems there are more and more people desperate to take photographs, with people standing up in all rows to try and secure a less blurry shot. It makes for a messy looking show, with some people even resorting to lying on the floor. I dread to think what kind of immoral images they take of the poor models.


KTZ A/W 2012 by Warren Clarke

I had just enough time to scan the crowds for celebrities before the show began – I think there was a member of The Saturdays (I could be wrong) who looked like she’d been getting ready since 2004. The lights fell, the infamous eardrum-bursting music began and this season’s KTZ extravaganza opened with a monochrome all-plaid number. I hadn’t had time to survey any show notes in part because I was trying to work out whether Girl From The Saturdays was actually from The Saturdays – and sometimes this makes the show more interesting, when you have no idea what to expect. This opening number featured a loose-fitting jacket in heavy tartan fabric, embellished with silver pearls and worn over matching layers – herringbone and smaller tartans – all brought together at the waist with a deep belt featuring ‘KTZ’ in metal.

The tartans kept a-coming, and I would even be so brave to suggest that tartan might be a trend, if people still really worry about things like that. Gorgeous plaid in bright yellow and rich red appeared, styled similarly in Yohji Yamamoto-esque coats with askew proportions and leather and gold accessories. A little bit punk, a little bit New Romantic (styled with flat, shapeless caps) and a LOT of fun.

On the bottom half, tartans came on pleated skirts – sexier than kilts, cut much higher above the knee. Digital-print skirts carrying constellations almost went unnoticed amongst such vibrant fabrics.

As usual there was a huge element of mystery to this collection – as it progressed, models wore huge capes printed with ambiguous religious symbols and monk-like hoods that managed to be sexy and scary at the same time. This section of the show would most certainly have had Dan Brown soaked.

The offerings for fellas seemed a lot stronger this year and the relationship between menswear and womenswear was the most married I’ve seen from KTZ so far. Tartan caps and puffa jackets carried fur trims, large scarves with said symbols were worn across the chest, and hooded cassocks had a surprisingly masculine effect.

The finale brought a few unusual pieces that came as a bit of a surprise – it made the collection seem a little incoherent, but this is KTZ and they can be as incoherent as they bloody like for all I care – leave orderly collections to the Jasper Conrans of fashion, I say. Pinstripe New Romantic-proportioned blazers were embellished with hundreds and thousands of shimmering stars for the gents; for women this treatment appeared on a body-conscious one-piece. A black cropped-sleeve dress, covered completely in black jewels, brought gasps from the guests on my bench.

Reviewing my photographs, I haven’t even mentioned the Versace-esque printed dress with Baroque and tartan fused together perfectly in print, OR the Chanel-esque twinset and baggy sweater. Oh! It was wonderfully exhausting as always, and a massive relief to see that, even in an age of austerity, KTZ will continue to invite us (ahem) into their weird and wonderful dreams.

Categories ,A/W 2012, ,AW12, ,BFC, ,catwalk, ,chanel, ,Constellations, ,Digital Print, ,Kokontozai, ,KTZ, ,lfw, ,Lida, ,London Fashion Week, ,Lorna Leigh Harrington, ,Matt Bramford, ,menswear, ,New Romantics, ,Pinstripe, ,Plaid, ,review, ,Show Space, ,Somerset House, ,Tartan, ,The First To Know, ,Versace, ,Warren Clarke, ,Womenswear, ,Yohji Yamamoto

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Amelia’s Magazine | KTZ: London Fashion Week S/S 2013 Catwalk Review


KTZ S/S 2013 by Krister Selin

After the Felder Felder show I trekked from Somerset House to Goldsmith’s Hall over by St Paul’s to catch PPQ. As is standard, the PPQ show was massively oversubscribed and with the queue already blocking off streets I didn’t even bother to be turned away with my standing ticket. There was no way I was going to risk missing the mighty KTZ.


KTZ S/S 2013 by Gabriel Ayala

So I legged it to Somerset House like some sort of deranged fashion yo-yo and got seated for the action. Lida from The First to Know who handles KTZ‘s PR looked impeccable in one of their A/W 2012 creations with oversized gold religious emblems. As I waited for the show to start I fantasised about what we might see this season. From 1980s Memphis design to religion, via Africa, it’s been an ever exciting journey with Kokon to Zai and I couldn’t wait to see what they’d crafted this season.


All photography by Matt Bramford

When the pounding music started and the first model appeared I knew instantly that I wasn’t going to be disappointed. Slightly androgynous with a slicked back hair-do and loose pony tail that swished as she marched, the model wore a cropped lace shirt and intricate capri pants with cutaway details, accessorised with oversized pearl earrings and clutch bag. KTZ is one of those rare shows where the audience whoop and cheer at every look.


KTZ S/S 2013 by Krister Selin

The KTZ aesthetic came shortly afterwards, with a model sporting a baseball cap in an intriguing lace full-sleeve dress and a face mask akin to something worn by a very, very fashionable surgeon.

The aesthetic structure of each garment had been inspired by the intricate delicacies of Art Nouveau patterns, in particular William Morris; classic cuts transformed by the whiplash motifs of the era and the fluid, organic lines that differentiate Art Nouveau from other movements. These were expertly applied to the fronts of corseted frocks and the hemlines of short, circular skirts.

The colour black featured heavily as is pretty standard at a KTZ show – translucent tops with thick, black Art Nouveau-inspired embellishments and thigh-high boots in patent leather, teamed the KTZ with huge gold logo accessories, such as an epic bracelet that enveloped the full length of a model’s arm.

Now I would normally say that if you’re a fan of cutesy florals on feminine dresses, steer well clear of KTZ. While that’s still strictly true of this fantasy label, we were then treated to some feminine shapes with sculpted upper halves and playful bulbous skirts. It allowed me to think that this might almost be wearable by people other than Rihanna and Will.i.am.


KTZ S/S 2013 by Gabriel Ayala

Welcomed bursts of colour began to fill the catwalk: a peach tone not seen since 1980s bridesmaids dresses that worked effortlessly with this monochrome-heavy collection, and an effervescent green number for good measure seemed a bit of an odd choice, but if KTZ ever become predictable I’ll stop bloody going.

The detail, craftsmanship and translation of a theme was simply awe-inspiring and rendered me breathless in under 12 minutes – a sensation I sadly haven’t experienced in a while.

Long may KTZ reign!

Categories ,1980s, ,Art Nouveau, ,Bridesmaids, ,Gabriel Ayala, ,Harajuku girls, ,Kokon To Zai, ,Krister Selin, ,KTZ, ,lace, ,London Fashion Week, ,Matt Bramford, ,Peach, ,Pearlescent, ,S/S 2013, ,Somerset House, ,SS13, ,William Morris, ,Womenswear

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