Richard Sorger: SS10 LFW

OK, so London Fashion Week is over and all (including the gliteratti of bloggers) are recovering from a week fueled only by vitamin water and McDonald's. I only went to one show, and saw the exhibition space, but this year us Londoners have definately shown the world what we can do. The collections have been both highly creative and commercially successful, and I can imagine the buyers are going to start getting their cheque-books out once again.

Richard Sorger is one designer I can see gaining a lot more attention this season, with his collection of heavily beaded dresses. The innovation and attention to detail in the garments is astonishing, and I don't even want to think of the cost. For now, I shall simply stare in awe at the wonder of such embellishment.

My absolute favourite is this bandeau dress below (with a close-up in the first image). As if a sheer layer of chiffon with heavy embroidery on isn't enough, he has put a nude coloured shift dress underneath, whch then has strings of beading hanging from it in a random formation, creating a web effect. It's these subtle details in high-end garments which make my heart skip a beat, and the fact he is not afraid to hide such expensive beading work, allowing it to shine through only on closer inspection. It's the small touches.

McQueen to stream SS10 show LIVE!

Following in the footsteps of Gareth Pugh, Alexander McQueen will stream his SS10 show LIVE on showstudio.com, 20:15 Paris Time on 6 October 2009. Do NOT miss it.

'My shows have always been a big part of my work, what has taken me three months to develop is shown in just 15 minutes to a very small audience. I wanted to create a sense of inclusion for all those in the world who are interested in my work and the world of Fashion. This is just the first step towards revolutionising the ‘show system’ as we know it.’ Alexander McQueen

See it here.

Rachel Freire: SS10 LFW

OH. MY. GOD. How amazing are these creations from Rachel Freire? I was stopped in my tracks as soon as I cast my eyes on them. Everything about them inspires me - the use of hair, the restrictive silver neck piece, the cut-away cropped jacket (I usually HATE cropped jackets), the amazing use of fabrics and texture and the stunning silhouette. Need I go on? I hope to be able to show you more from this collection over the coming weeks...keep your eyes peeled.

Scuptural Seperates

This is the single most amazing jacket I have ever seen...and I want one! This beautiful girl was working at On/Off during fashion week and kindly let me take a picture of her. Sadly I didn't take her contact details, but I gave her the blog address (very professionally written on a torn piece of notebook paper) and she promised to check it out. All I know is that she is a designer, actually made the jacket herself, and is studying here in London!! If anyone knows her, please urge her to get in touch, as I'd love to see more of her work, and feature it here on the blog.

By the way - the Paris competition winner has been notified. Thank you ever-so much to everyone that entered. Well done Steve!

Jasper Garvida: SS10

I was lucky enough to be invited to the Jasper Garvida SS10 show on Saturday. He was showing as part of On/Off at 180 Somerset House. Although his first few pieces had an innovative use of bottle tops, it was the latter part of the collection which really grabbed my attention. Texture is obviously important with Jasper, showing large ruffled hem dresses, bottle tops sewn onto waistcoats and various colourful macrame garments. He showed exaggerated hip shapes and a couple of dress whose silhouette resembled the famous Hussein Chalayan dress, but I loved his colourful and youthful take on the geometric colour blocking trend which seems to be here to stay. Bravo Jasper, but I have to admit, I did miss the beautiful embroidery of last season.

Jordan Askill

McQ Pre-lookbook

With the Autumn well on it's way, and the fashion capitals preparing for the upcoming shows, the new seasons lookbooks have started dropping into my mailbox. First up is MCQ's latest range, which is actually a pre-spring/summer capsule range. Baring in mind that it's a 'pre' range, rather than the more substantial full season range, it's actually very impressive. It has a couple of great prints, brilliant shapes and silhouettes, soft draping and tailoring whilst remaining totally wearable. 'McQ Pre-SS10 retains the Eighties spirit characterised by recent collections, with a range of bright, optimistic hues inspired by the underground disco scene of the decade. Set against a similar period of economic strife, fashion and music provided a vibrant escape every day difficulties.'

Printemps Windows - Jawdropping!

Check out these window displays from Printemps in Paris. I just couldn't resist snapping away. You all know I have a morbid fascination with anatomy and the 'cabinet of curiosity', so when I saw this giant preserved Tiger I stopped in my tracks. Pure perfection. Imagine how much these displays cost? Round of applause for Printemps!

Clerkenwell Vintage Fashion Fair

I went to check out the Clerkenwell Vintage Fashion Fair today, and I've been debating (with myself) whether to post about it or not....but what the heck. If I'm honest, it's not really my bag. I thought it would be filled with vintage treasures and delights which would fill some kind of void in my life. It was however, a bit of a time-warp back to the 1950s. I don't want to slag it off as it was really well done, but as I said...just not my bag! There I was wondering around, taking in all the prom dresses, glittery cardigans and broches galore, snapping a few pictures here and there to post on this here blog when I got told-off. Someone actually told me off for taking pictures?! At a vintage fair. Are you scared I'm going to copy your hugely unique vintage dresses? PPft! I need to stop talking as I can see where this post is going...if you're a vintage fan, you should definately check out this bi-monthly event. However, if like me you love unique vintage garments, I'd stick with Bang Bang in Soho, and Battersea car bootsale for those dirt cheap nic-naks we all need in our life.

I did manage to sneak in the odd picture though...I wanted this BEAUTifully cut vintage Thierry Mugler suit. It's pure perfection. I obviously couldn't wear it, but just to say that I owned it would keep me happy for the rest of my days.

Saw this beautiful illustration/grafitti/murial thingy on the way home, walking through Rivington Street in Shoreditch. Lush yeah?

BTW - Paris competition ends tonight, and follow this twit on twatter.

Yohan Kim

I know illustrated tees have been all over the place forever now, but I stumbled across these delicate little beauties from Yohan Kim, at the Backyard Market just off Brick Lane today. The fabric has a really soft, thin quality (which is a good thing!), and the illustrations are super cute.

Pop down to Brick Lane, or check out the online store.

PARIS DEADLINE IS TOMORROW EVENING - DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE FOR A FREE PAIR OF TICKETS!!

Titbits and Twitter

Love, love, loving Alice Dellal's top in this picture...who is it by? Could it be Hannah Marshall? The photo was taken last night at Vogue's Fashion's Night Out in London. Hot!

If you are stuck for something to do this weekend, pop down to Clerkenwell Vintage Fashion Fair this Sunday for vintage treats. There will be some 40 stalls with treasures from the 1800's to 1989, with masterclasses on hair and make-up and even a tailor to alter your purchases. Sunday is the only real time I get with th bf, so if I can convince him to have a rummage with me, I'll see you there.

By the way... have finally joined the revolution that is Twitter. If anyone cares enough to follow me, you can do so here - http://twitter.com/The_Starling

WIN A FREE TRIP TO PARIS!!!

How would you like to win two tickets to Paris? After my visit a couple of months ago, the kind souls at Eurostar and We Are Social have given me a pair of tickets to give away to one lucky reader. All you have to do is answer this question in the comments below, 'Who is your French icon, and why?'. It could be anyone from Gabrielle Chanel to Gérard Depardieu. Five or six of the best answers (they could be funny, sad, fashion related or personal etc) will be picked by the team at We Are Social, then I will choose the overall winner. Simple. Who knows you could be in Paris for Fashion Week?

The tickets are for a day return, and the winner will have to travel before 30th October. They are from London St. Pancras to Paris, but don't let that put you off - there are good transport links from all over the UK to London St. Pancras. The deadline is on SUNDAY 13th SEPTEMBER, so get your thinking caps on....and get writing.