Burberry - The reinvention of greatness... Stay tuned.

Burberry; a label which has undoubtly changed the way we look at outerwear fashion for the better, and also for worse. Everybody of my generation will remember the early 2000's which saw the lower class don Burberry scarfs, hats and an array of other accessories. However hard for us to believe, before this anti climax, the fashion giant supplied the world with season after season of contemporary clothing and accessories.

Looking forward at the Burberry SS14 collection, we she the ditch ofbright colours and floral prints yet the return of soft pastel colours and almost awkward dark and nude intergrations. Lace seems to be the main focus of this collection, and unfortunately bears resemblance to a mid nineties bed dress. The underay of the outfit consists of matching pastel high waisted underwear. I suggest all the pensioners should hurry to Burberry while supplies last, needless to say that won't happen anytime soon. Personally I find a minimal outfit in need of matching shoes-accessories, this works for the second image, but not for the first. The only thumb up I would give for these two samples would be the classic Burberry trench, with a suede edge matching the models hair colour. However the second image more noticeably matches the bland, colour palette with the face of model, sorry girls!

On a much higher note, I really do like the new mens collection. This is a surprise as normally the haus tend to focus on bold and exquisite pieces for women, but the tables have turned for us guys! Taking a look at the first image, I'm sure you will all agree that's the contrasting polka/stripe combination is a winner, although I would have thought a slightly more tailored jacket would add a little extra punch to the outfit, or maybe that would give too much of a formal look? I do also think the trousers may look better with a slimmer cut, but the outfit all in all does work well together, especially those bright statement, suede dessert shoes!

Finally, saving the best for last. I must admit, I think this look may well be my favorite formal look for the upcoming season. The min focus of the outfit was defiantly the classic trench, and I think this needed to be highlighted to show male consumers the versatility and importance this jacket can show. Complimenting the jacket lays a pressed shirt and pant combination, with both beautiful matching shoes and tote sack, a complete winner in my eyes, and just look at the model!

Needless to say, Burberry need to, in my eyes, focus to balance both their mens and women's collections to suit the needs of not only their current consumers, but also those of the future.

Christopher Jayden - Post-Apocalyptic Warrior

If you've been keeping refreshed with the years up nod coming young designers, 'Haus of Jaydon' should be of familiarity. Tipped to be "The one to watch in 2014" and also having previous collections featured in Vogue, it's clear to see here it's only up from here for the young fashion haus. Head designer Christopher Jaydon really is starting to establish the brand within the industry. As all famous, luxury brands have endured tough hits in their climb to success, it's more than clear to see it's been a successful journey for the brand so far.

The latest collection from the punk inspired designer features an attempted rebirth of 1980's trends along with modern day infusions. The collection is titled 'The Blair Bitch Project' and seems to, in my opinion, do the opposite of most women's couture designers. Instead of embracing and complimenting the female form, this collections seems to empower and boast confidence. Something that hasn't been revisited since the modern day fashion reform between the 80's & 90's. While not insulting, I do think it is a brave move for a brand, still to be established within the industry. However brave it has certainly paid off for them.

Centralising on the outfit in its entirety seems to boast great aesthetic of all areas. From a styling perspective the piece all fits together perfectly, from hair and makeup to the colour palette and even the setting. Focusing on the design oft the garments is interesting. A lot of the time I would be very subjective about placing together a graphic print with a tie dye, however (as a rarity) on this occasion it really does  implement the integrity of female empowerment. The graphic on the red drip, tie die, crop tee bears religious implementations in regards to the crucifiction of Jesus, perhaps this also ties in (pardon the pun) with the flowing cascade of red and the extraordinary spiked collar? Perhaps it's getting too late and I'm thinking a little too much...someone fetch me a Starbucks...the mid waisted leather belt is a perfect division for the tie dye, this allows the outfit to be visually broken instead of clashing with each other too much. I do however think that a smaller belt with a prominent buckle, would give the outfit more of a glamorous touch, transcending back to reality.

Needless to say, the outfit and again, the collection in its entirety in for sure, one to look out for. Just make sure too many religious references aren't made so close to Christmas. Finding an Inn to staying on December 25th would be a nightmare!

London street fashion - Love or loathe.

 

Everybody knows that London is amazing for the latest trends in fashion. Just like France and the re invention of the beret. Hold on, re invention? Yes. The beret was, believe it or not, an important part of military uniform at the beginning on the 19th century. They even date as far back at pre Roman times. However, effortlessly, the French were able to bring back a simple of power and war as convert into a timeless accessory, which is still popular all over the world to this day.

Back on the topic of London. Yes, it's amazing for fashion. However my absolute pet hate is the new wave of London's self proclaimed 'fashionistas'. For those of you who aren't familiar with the term, a fashionista is typically a teenager or young adult, possessing abilities which can range from designing and studying, to not letting your mother choose your outfits for a Saturday night.

From the outside it's not too bad, but as a Londoner, everyday you start to see teens walking around in the same repetitive outfits, claiming fashion royalty. The two photos above, portray one of my 'fashionistas' (top) and then (below) somebody who really can throw and outfit together.

Focusing on the above photo; the outfit on the whole, isn't bad. It's a generic outfit you would see many guys wearing, perhaps on a night out or on a date. I'll give this guy credit for trying to piece together something a little more interesting than the conventional. On the other hand I could slap him for wearing an old, reissued 'Hermes' belt. Although a nice accessory, the belt or scarf would suffice as individual. Having both statement pieces really does make them fight for attention. I also think scarf with a pattern, a little less harsh than this would be more complimentary to his face shape. The only compliment I could think about offering this outfit is the contrasting pair of shades. Sorry!

The looking below; here you really do see London fashion at it's best. (Focusing on the girl) the pairing of these straight cut, high waisted trousers, with the cropped crew neck makes the outfit seem effortless. So much so you could get away with wearing, even kitten heels. Ok, perhaps not. Also the pairing if nudes and yellows really does give the outfit a slight splash of colour. Seeing as the time of year looks to be spring, a little colour goes a long way. Last, but by no means least, the hat. The hat works well with the outfit and is gorgeous in itself, but I would have liked to see it maybe an inch or so bigger, with more animation. Needless to say this is a very good looking couple. The guy scores 10/10 from me.

So there you have it, like it or not, I like the classic reinventions. Not the corporate commercialisation of hipster and ghetto hybrids. 

Versace - Falling back into the spotlight... Yet again

If those winter blues have left you thinking about summer a little more each morning, then I’ll have to be the bearer of bad news. In the fashion world, AW14 is walking off catwalks around the globe. One haus that has caught the attention of the world, fashion and fiscal alike, is Versace.

The fashion giant has commanded the attention of the fashion world since it’s inception in 1978 (The first boutique followed and opened the same year, in Milan’s Via Della Spiga). It was however, not until the mid 90′s that Gianni Versace saw his fashion haus reach celebrity status. In 1994 Elizabeth Hurley wore a split-side, black Versace gown. It was at the time, referred to as ‘that dress’ when she accompanied Hugh Grant, to the movie premiere of ‘Four Weddings and A Funeral’. The dress comprised of a simple, deep vee, black dress accompanied by the finest Italian design and tailoring. It did however catch the attention of the media and public alike. The dress was designed to be held together by oversized, gold pins (of course bearing Versace’s signature ‘Eros’ logo). The dress was also rumoured to be party responsible for launching Hurley onto the global media stage. Many saw the dress as ‘Overtly sexually charged and revealing’, and in response to this, she replied; “Unlike many other designers, Versace designs clothes to celebrate the female form rather than eliminate it”.

This season sees the relaunch of that classic Versace look. Indeed a celebration of the female form, Donatella crafts party wear with beautiful cuts and low drops, designed to embrace and flaunt the female form in all of its beauty. Of course there are pieces in the collection that bear Versace’s signature gold Eros, however you will see the majority of party wear in the book has actually moved away from extrovert embellishments. Although avant garde, a level of classic feminism remains.

One outfit that really struck me from this collection, is of course the jacket donned by Naomi Cambell. Having opened and closed the Pre Fall 2014 catwalk show, she seems to be Donatella's weapon of choice. Having a mix of what seemed to be suede and leather patching, the jacket is seamlessly crafted together with a barrage of gold staples, and decorative studs. Of course keeping vintage alive by embracing 80′s style, high rising shoulder pads and the adjacent drops in cleavage and the thigh. Perfectly finished with the signature Versace Eros pendant, of course re invented for the season.

Needless to say that I love this branch of the collection, I am, on the other hand, slightly disappointed in the lack of flamboyance. Versace has strived on re inventing new ways to shock. This however seems like a step backwards in that respect, and forwards in the haus 'Playing it safe'. Maybe I should send Ms Versace a bedazzler gun for Christmas? Or perhaps just remind her the importance of making statements with her garments, and not reviving the careers of retired models?

Vivienne Westwood - Gold couture fit for a queen.

The aim of this blog is to centralise a breakdown in styling, and fashion of the worlds best fashion brands, and to also have my own virtual marketplace of design, catalogued from the best the fashion industry has to offer.

It is for that reason I chose to analyse a well known, and very aesthetically pleasing, piece of work, by one of the most controversial, eccentric and loved designers in British fashion.

Most of those reading this, and of my generation, will only know of Westwood’s work; post 1980′s Britain, (Unless of course you’re a fashion student) Or like myself; clutch a copy of ‘Vogue’ or ‘Dazed and Confused’ on every lengthy train journey or soul destroying commute to work.

Straying from the topic at hand a little, but onto the styling analogy. Being my first post, I wanted to choose a collection that I initially fell in love with. Of course It did just that. As Westwood describes her premium collection: ” Influences come from the 4 corners. Historical and Ethnic, structure and ‘flow”. From a styling perspective, this statement doesn’t come into play quite as much as the design of the garments. However you can still see the influence (predominantly historical). The items them self see a great influence of medieval Italy and Arabia. This expands the very complimentary  brown and gold colour palette.

As a Fine Art graduate, a good colour palette is ALWAYS crucial when piecing together an outfit. This effortless outfit, head to toe, really does seem to compliment each other. The only real aesthetically frustration I endured was seeing no scarf, or infect anything chunky just below the crew line. Having this being an AW I would have liked to see this outfit with more bulk. Especially paired against a cape with so much to drape. Ideally I would have paired this outfit with a statement gold parliament piece.

Again, full of compliments (don’t get used to it) but I am in love with the matching of hair and make up, which trails down the model, with an almost water flow like cascade. however I seem to recall Westwood using a similar, beaten theme in a previous AW collection. Perhaps 2011?

Finally, onto probably the most important piece; the shoes. These chunky, almost recycled yet signature boots, seem to provide the essential bold top off to the outfit. They affirm a display of confidence and sincerity with the outfit. Something every stylist wants to achieve!

Needless to say the outfit, and of course the collection is divine, in its entirety. I can only hope that at some point in the future, something as premium and self titled is available for men!