New York Fashion Week Round - Up

I personally found New York spring 2010 Fashion week on the whole pretty amateurish. Most (not all) of the shows were pretty bleak, with a limited colour range and dejavu designs. Although most disappointing of all for me had to be Rodarte - my ex-favourite brand sent thier models out resembling zombies, tattooed in some ancient tribe symbols, wearing what looked like rags sewn together half heartedly.

I did however manage to find 5 looks that I have rated my favourite from the week........ Enjoy!

(above) Toni Maticevski

(above) Michael Angel

(above) Zero + Mania Cornejo

(above) Marc Jacobs

(above) Diane Von Fusternberg

Stunning, Yet Dramatic Designs

(above) a mesmerizing look from Albertine's collection

It is hard to believe that Albertine Tucknott only recently graduated from fashion college, as the style and finish of her designs look as if they were made by someone with years of experience. I decided I had to interview Albertine, to find out how her collection is going and what inspires her stunning designs.

me - When, why and where did you decide you wanted to be a fashion designer?

Albertine - I don't think it was ever a conscious decision, I kinda fell into it at first, I'm very glad now that I did!
I've always been a creative person, I studied photography and fine art in Brighton so Fashion Design seemed like a natural progression to me at the time, a step into the creative unknown!
But when I think back fashion and design were a big part of my childhood, I grew up in a very creative home, my mother inspired me a lot, she has amazing style and the best clothes!

me - What was your favourite moment throughout your fashion college womens wear design course and why?

Albertine - I think it would have to be winning the Coast competition in the second year. Our brief was to design a dress and print for the brand, and they picked mine which went into store that year and became an instant best seller! Through this I was offered a placement with Coast. The time I spent working for them really made me realise a lot about what I wanted. It was an invaluable experience, and fantastic to see how the high street works.

me - Have you worked/ interned for any designers in the past, if so who and did you find it a valuable learning experience?

Albertine - After deciding to study fashion design as my foundation pathway in Brighton I started interning for the lingerie designer Jane de Lacey, I was quite determined even then, and if I wanted something I would go straight for it! Among others I also spent some time at Markus Lupher and Jonathan Saunders. Working for Markus Lupher was great, he is very creative so it was fantastic to be able to produce his vision!

me - What is it like to launch your own line, what in your opinion are the advantages and disadvantages of working for yourself?

Albertine - Well it's early days yet! But working for myself is fantastic if a little scary!

me - Has the current recession affected your fashion brands launch, if so how?

Albertine -I think the recession makes everyone move things up a gear making everyone more creative, which is fantastic because now is the time that individuality really shines, but it does mean that the competition is fabulously fierce!

me - Do you have a favourite designer that inspires you, who and why?

Albertine - I don't have one favourite designer, the ones that I find inspiring are the ones who are always striving for the 'new' not the same old same old!

me - What are your favourite trends for next season?

Albertine - I would say wear whatever makes you feel fabulous! I'm not a big follower of trends as such, real style stays in style!

me - Have your designs ever been used in magazine shoots? for which magazines and did it have a positive response?

Albertine - I've had quite a few shoots recently that are due out September/October time, watch this space. . .

me - Your graduate collection had a sort of dramatic, monotheistic theme what inspired this?

Albertine - One major influence for this collection was Fellini! His films 'Roma' and 'Casonova' are works of art, I could watch them over and over.

me - Can you give any tips to the future generation of fashion designers?

Albertine - Do as much interning as you can fit in!

5 Jaw dropping cocktail dresses

(above) Karen Kavim

(above) Iris Van Herpen

(above) Dean Quinn

(above) Marchesa

(above) Hermione de Paulah

Are You a Top-Stylista?

Chantelle Znideric is someone who I can truly call a fashionista. As a celebrity stylist, personal shopper, fashion writer/blogger, and founder of highly esteemed styling agency - Top-Stylista and online personal shopping site iSylista.com Chantelle is a strong influence to the fashion world.

Below is an interview I did with her - Enjoy!

me - When, and why did you decide to be a personal stylist?

Chantelle - I decided in 2006 on a beach in the Domincan Republic that it was time to pursue my dream career of becoming a personal stylist. At the time I was working full time as a senior graphic designer and I had been in this industry for over 10 years. I couldn’t think of anything better than the thought of running my own business and working in Fashion, doing something that I knew I would LOVE! From a very early age I always had a passion for all things fashion. I spent ages making my own clothes, creating look books and designing my own shoe collections! Pursuing a career in personal styling was a natural progression from designing corporate brand identities for companies and I knew I would get more job satisfaction and reward from assisting individual clients with their image.

I set up TopStylista.com, my fashion blog when I got back from my Dominican Republic holiday in order to test the market. Women wrote to me with their fashion dilemmas and I got a huge amount of enjoyment out of suggesting outfits for them. By the end of the year I had enrolled with an image academy to do a professional course in Image Consultancy. As soon I completed the course I quit my job and started up my own Image Consultancy called TopStylista (http://www.personal-stylist.co.uk/).

me - What inspired you to launch iStylista.com?

Chantelle - The majority of my clients are professional females of around 30, my own age. They work incredibly hard and have busy, hectic social calendars, some have families and others run their own businesses; regardless of whether they are in or out of work they like to look stylish and portray an effortless style. Most hire me to help them create a stylish capsule wardrobe every season to save them time and money. With online shopping becoming increasingly popular and efficient I wanted to create an online personal stylist website and personal shopping concierge service to help women make the right purchases online for their uniqueness. iStylista.com’s core value is being able to offer our members complete convenience and is based on providing them with the best choice of designer fashion within one website. Each member can access their very own private online changing room 24/7 and then be presented with the clothes that are only suited to them.

me - What are the positives and negatives (if there are) of your job?

Chantelle - The bit I most enjoy about my job is spending one to one time with a client and being able to help them achieve the right image for them whilst also building on their confidence and self esteem. Most clients are now very good friends so it’s always a pleasure shopping with them each season.

me - What is your favourite fashion trend for next season?

Chantelle - As I am a typical pear shape I am loving these fierce shoulder pads, details and embellishments on tops and dresses! You’ll also see me wearing lots of deep berry shades, as it’s my favourite colour and I am in love with anything with complete minimalism as it’s striking, fitted and structured.

me - In your opinion what item should people invest on during the current recession?

Chantelle - In my opinion people should invest in classic pieces that you can wear season after season, which won’t date but I stand by this recession or no recession. A dress that exudes your femininity will always make you feel sexy and the fabulous thing is that you can change the look of it for any occasion day or evening, for work or smart/casual with different accessories and shoes.

me - Do you have a favourtite designer, who and why?

Chantelle - I don’t really have a favourite designer; I like to wear a mixture of high street, designer, secondhand and vintage, which makes my style individual.
Having said that this season I am in love with Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, I will wear these dresses continually for work.

me - Have you recently spotted any up and coming designers with lots of potential?

Chantelle - I really like Thurley, I bought my wedding dress recently from this designer and I love it! It’s very feminine and I’d love to see more of her work and collection some time.

me - What are your 4 favourite items in your wardrobe at the moment?

Chantelle - 1) My faithful black leather bomber jacket with three quarter sleeves, I’ve had it for years and I must admit I seem to live in it.
2) A pair of new black patent platform courts from Russell & Bromley, they are incredibly minimalist, I can wear them with anything and they’ll last for years.
3) A lilac pleated chiffon bolero – very feminine and vintage!
4) My gorgeous Thurley wedding dress that I can’t wait to wear in December.

me - What are your favourite fashion boutiques worldwide?

Chantelle - I have stumbled across a few in my time in Paris, Jakarta, Dubai and New York but I didn’t take note of what they were called. I still have the clothes that I bought in them, which reminds me of them.

me - Who do you wish to trade wardrobes with from the past or present and why?

Chantelle - I’d love to trade wardrobes with some like Kylie Minogue or Cheryl Cole, I know that nothing would fit but I’d love to have a rummage through their evening dresses and stage outfits. I went to see Kylie’s Showgirl concert a few years ago and the outfits were amazing!

5 Pairs of Ravishing, Quirky, Statuesque Boots

(above) Balmain

(above) Alexander Wang

(above) Tabitha Simmons

(above) Kurt Geiger

(above) Dsquared

5 Chic and Unique Winter Bags

(above) Alexander Wang
(above) Dolce and Gabbana
(above) Jamin Puech

(above) Chanel

(above) Alexander Mcqueen

Top 5 Fall 09 Fashion Week Looks

(above)Graeme Black immaculate tailoring, unique brightly coloured print

(above) Givenchy glamourous feathers and frills- matching shoes
(above) Jill Sander - Striking colour, amazing sculptural build
(above) Altazurra - gorgeous rouching, so elegant
(above) Rodarte- stunning bondaging, and knee high boots

Bright, Eighties Inspired, Electric Print Dresses

Miss Selfridge and Hed Kandi have created a capsule collection of 10 sexy body-con dresses featuring iconic Hed Kandi imagery – all designed by Hed Kandi illustrator Jason Brooks. This exclusive collaboration is a first for both brands who have found the precise fusion of music and fashion; the Miss Selfridge girl perfectly demonstrates the essence and lifestyle of Hed Kandi. The collection features figure hugging body con dresses splashed with stunning, quirky vibrant prints inspired by Hed Kandi’s graphics. Dress styles range from cut out, bubble, one shoulder and slinky V-back, all designed to take you from funky, trendy daytime chic to night time clubbing. The collection will be stocked in Miss Selfridge from the 30th July nationwide.

5 Quirky/ Cute/ Striking - On Trend Jackets

(above) Rick Owens Jacket
(above) Matthew Williamson Jacket
(above) Maison Martin Margiela Jacket
(above) Labour of Love Jacket
(above) Balmain Jacket

Quirky, Innovative designs - Ioannisdimtrousis

(above) stunning crocheted look from aw09 collection

Ioannisdimtrousises spring 09 collection could be described in so many words, the wide range of different innovative ideas included in his designs from fringing on tops, to crocheted dresses and tailored suits finished off with wooden curtain rings and beads! Once I saw Yannises collection I decided I had to interview him to see how he gets his creative ideas and how he finds inspiration........

Below I have interviewed Yannis - the designer of Ioannisdimtrousis.

Enjoy..........

me - When was ioannisdimitrousis launched and what inspired you to launch it?

Yannis - February 2006. I've always had an interest in arts, clothing and design, so it was an easy decision. I knew I didn't want to work for anyone but myself and designing was the only way I could express myself. I knew in the first years it would be difficult however, my creativity became very popular very quickly and now at a young age through hard work I can say I am already established.

me - Describe the "perfect ioannisdimitrousis woman" in 5 words?

Yannis - Strong, sharp, sensitive, empowered, sexy

me - What was your Fall 09 collection inspired by - what was its theme?

Yannis - Pain..Lots of pain..The dark feeling of the collection emphasizes the inner pain of the body. Caging it through the needles and chains with the flesh exposure asks you to look beyond the body and observe the inside.

me - For how many years has ioannisdimitrousis's collection been presented in London Fashion Week?

Yannis - I have been showing my work at LFW since Feb '06 and after the initial showing at fashion week I was featured in publications such as International Herald Tribune by Suzy Menkes, Let Them Eat Cake and other major magazines and books. The last four seasons are in the form of catwalk shows.

me - What are your favourite trends for Fall/Winter 09?

Yannis - I'm inspired by multi-cultural influences combined with innovative textile design, which provides an eclectic mix and originality.

me - Who is your style inspiration from the past or present, and why?

Yannis - chav elegance

me - Where do you hope to see ioannisdimitrousis in 10 years time?

Yannis - Everywhere..!

me - What is your favourite high street shop and why?

Yannis - i am not sure if i have any....

me - What is your favourite fashion boutiques worldwide and why?

Yannis - Collete in Paris,Dover street Market in london,and couple more which i dont recall at the moment..

me - Have you got any tips for aspiring fashion designers?

Yannis - Work hard and follow your dream...Nothing comes easy, and if it does, then you won't know what success means. You will succeed only when you will straggle to get to the top and remain on top...

(above) models get ready backstage in the aw 09 london fashion week show - notice the amazing beads!

Young, Trendy and Chic - Look of The Week

young,trendy and chic by cocobutterlipbalmx featuring Matthew Williamson bag

Feminine and Utterly Gorgeous designs - Gail Sorronda

(above) a look from Gail Sorronda's runway ss09/10 collection -" invasive exotics "

Gail Sorronda's feminine, utterly gorgeous, chic designs are what caused her to win the "Mercedes Benz - Start Up Awards" back in 2005 leading her onto Australian Fashion Week and then in 2007 to create a collection for Target, as part of the "designers for Target" collaboration. Her collections are sold in many shops and boutiques all around Australia, and I'm sure her label will go on to be sold worldwide!

Below I have interviewed Gail herself - Enjoy......

me - When was Gail Sorronda launched and what inspired it to be launched?

Gail - The label was launched at Rosemount Australian Fashion week in 2005 after winning the Mercedez Benz start-up award. I decided whilst I was studying that I wanted to develop a collection that I would like to sell.

me - Describe the "perfect Gail Sorronda woman" in 5 words?

Gail - In love with a feeling

me - ss09/10 collection inspired by - what was its theme?

Gail - A ritual like exotic birds dancing.
The rare and dominant species are introduced in an awkward embrace.
The love spreads and takes over like an invasive exotic.

"Invasive Exotics” is inspired by a new environment.

Paris has the worlds textiles and invention at my disposal which has meant greater exploration of silhouette, bringing opposite textures together, a sense of discipline and the continuation of dark romanticism.

me - For how many years has Gail Sorronda's collection been presented in Rosemount Australian Fashion Week?

Gail - Every year since 2005. Sometimes off site. Sometimes off schedule.

me - What are your favourite trends for Fall/Winter 09?

Gail - Layering interesting pieces with basics. Playful details. Volume in easy to wear elasticised garments.

me - Who is your style inspiration from the past or present, and why?

Gail - Architect Zaha Hadid. Her visionary asthetic has been applied to many mediums of design.

me - Where do you hope to see Gail Sorronda in 10 years time?

Gail - Label wise improving and developing distribution whilst maintaining a niche market. Career wise I’ll be following the signs.

me - What is your favourtie high street shop and why?

Gail - Top Shop for their accessibility and affordability.

me - What is your favourite fashion boutiques worldwide and why?

Gail - L’Eclaireur in Paris because it stocks my designers that inspire me and it presents a feeling.

The Corner Shop in Sydney as they are great supporter of young Australian designers.

me - Have you got any tips for aspiring fashion designers?

Basically be willing to sacrifice eg doing work for free, searching for an internship or work experience. Work in any capacity in the industry as it may open a door. Be resourceful with what you do know. Be brave and willing to feel uncomfortable. Be honest and disciplined with your work creatively

(above) two models pose during Gail Srronda's show in Australian Fashion Week

Create a Stunning beach look with these 5 Adorably Cute Bikinis

(above) Michael Kors sunglasses
(above) Matthew Williamson sandals

(above) Marc by Marc Jacobs beach bag

To create the perfect beach look - pair any of these (below) bikinis to (above) an adorable Marc by Marc Jacobs beach bag, a pair of sleek white/ snakeskin Matthew Williamson sandals and classy white square framed Michael Kors sunglasses.

(above) Zimmerman
(above) Milly
(above) Chloe
(above) Lily Pulitzer

(above) Badley Mischka