LFW SS12: Ashish

Yes Ashish, once again you have proven yourself worthy of my 'one of my favourite designer' titles. For spring/summer 12, a reference to Van Gogh is blatant with oversized sunflower prints. An ultra contemporary style remain's Ashish's signature, with sequins, bold accents and all over brave prints appearing yet again. Chunky working boots are romanticised with pretty daisies-  something I seem to remember seeing at JW Anderson's A/W 10/11 show. Anyhow, I absolutely love the dark vampy lipstick and equally dark block fringe of the model below. Think I'm gonna try and adopt a similar style at the weekend. 

LFW SS12: Topshop Unique

Topshop Unique's collection is always one of the show's I most look forward to - they always seem to get it spot on. This season the show channelled Egyptian glamour, paying homage to Elizabeth Taylor's performance in Cleopatra. Shimmering gold, geometric prints and black sequins translated an authentic Egyptian feel, while oversized hoodies, baseball caps and chambray-style tracksuits added an urban vibe. A strong collection that perfectly met it's "modern Egyptian Queen in urban London" aesthetic.

LFW SS12: Ada Zanditon

On the Friday of London Fashion Week, I was invited along to the presentation of Ada Zanditon's spring/summer 12 collection Poseisus, accompanied by the screening of a short film inspired by the collection in collaboration with film makers Andrew and William Ho.Before we were seated, two models strutted up and down the corridor where the queue had formed, showcasing Zanditon's collection. Once inside, the visual began. The film depicts the metamorphic journey of Poseisus transposed through the urban landscape, beginning in London and making her way towards the tropical shores of Haiti. The monochrome background that opens the show slowly becomes injected with colour as the subject nears Haiti. As the colours turn brighter and the sounds become louder, you see Poseisus emerge as a seahorse. The influence of the seahorse is evident in the collection’s sculptural silhouettes, reflective also of the designer’s time spent working at both Alexander McQueen and Gareth Pugh. 

LFW SS12: Louise Amstrup

On Friday evening, I went along to Louise Amstrup's SS12 presentation, held in an exclusive private members fashion boutique in Mayfair. Guests mingled within the intimate space, drinking the complimentary champagne offered upon arrival. I was pretty mesmerised by Amstrup's beautiful collection. Inspired by the hot summer afternoons of New York, it plays homage to both the city and the "strong yet playful women who inhabit it", taking the character of Iris in 1976's Taxi Driver as her protagonist. 

An overall 1970s silhouette is key, epitomized in a flared silk trouser and floaty silk shirt, both of which feature collage-style print constructed from signature New York motifs. Warm orange, sandy peach, lilac, asphalt blue and white make up the palette of sun-bleached hues, drawing further on the summery New York feel.

London Fashion Week Street Highlights

Yesterday I went up to London for my third season of Fashion Week. It was probably my best one yet. I will never forget the first time I attended; I had no idea what to expect and was just so buzzing to stand in the grounds of Somerset House next to Hilary Alexander and Henry Holland, but I think maybe this season beat it. I felt more comfortable than before, more at home I guess. I knew my way perfectly from venue to venue, there was no last minute rushing, and I couldn't have asked for better weather. I remember thinking my fingers were gonna drop off if I took any more photos last season. God that was awful. This season attracted yet another stylish crowd. I've uploaded only a tiny percentage of street style shots, the rest are to be used in our Mpdclick street report. But come back next week for an update on my LFW highlights. I really think the above girl's hair is just so cool, although I for sure could not pull it off. 

Image copywright: Amy Trayford for MPDClick

Out & About During LFW

I spent the whole of yesterday in London's glorious sunshine, our belated summer perhaps? Joshua kindly agreed to accompany me on my trip. Obviously a lot of snapping was involved. Josh will moan that he didn't want to take part, but really, I think he was secretly more into it than me. 

New York Fashion Week Highlights

Alexander Wang, Rodarte, Theysken's Theory, Vivienne Tam

Image source: style.com

NYFW SS12: Sports

One trend particularly dominating New York Fashion Week shows is a sports-inspired aesthetic. The retro theme previously seen in both Paris and Milan S/S 12 menswear shows has been dropped in favour of a more urban vibe at NYFW. Alexander Wang finds inspiration from NASCAR, BMX and motocross, presenting a collection with mesh hooded jackets and sheer with leather panelled tops. Rag & Bone's collection featured exposed zips and long-line hooded jackets, while Victoria Beckham surprisingly adopted an urban sports style with mesh panels and nylon straps. 

monday blues

After a wonderful weekend, it's official. I have the Monday blues. It's no surprise really, considering I spent the weekend in London with beautiful friends, beautiful food, beautiful wine and a beautiful round-the-world plane ticket; which I actually booked, parted with money, signed a contract, the whole lot. I could not be happier. Whilst I may be grinning from ear-to-ear, it has not been forgotten to remember those friends and family of victims of 9/11. For them, their weekend will have been worlds apart. I am thankful to be reminded how lucky I am. 

1. Delicious crab and rice dish

2. Friday night

3. A dream house off Kensington High Street

4. Signature hot chocolate and chai tea latte courtesy of Starbucks

5. Burgundy Vans. Finally purchased after months of want

6. The perfect way to spend my Saturday night- with best friends and good wine.

time to book

Today has been a very exciting day as I finally gave in my notice and can now tell everyone about my plans to TRAVEL. I've known for years that I would love to leave England and see the world for 6 months but before now it's always seemed a hopeful dream. But alas, today that all changed. Handing in my notice (which I finally did today) means I am even closer to making the dream a reality. So what's left is for me and Phoebe (my very best friend and travelling partner) to book our flights, which we are hopefully doing this weekend! Our proposed route goes: India, Camodia, Laos, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, Fiji.

Although I am very sad to be leaving my job and new found responsibilities, I cannot express how excited I am! So this evening has been spent searching just some of the amazing sights we are going to see. Please don't get too jealous ;)

1. Kerala backwaters in India

2. Camel riding in Jodhpur, India

3. Phi Phi beach in Thailand (yes the place where The Beach is filmed)

4. Fiji

5. Melbourne at night

Nottinghill Carnival

For my birthday I went with a group of my friends to Nottinghill Carnival. It was my first time at the carnival, in the past I've always been at Reading Festival bank holiday weekend, so naturally I felt a little nervous after hearing stories about all the trouble that goes on. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find how nice everyone was. There was a real sense of community spirit, it was such a lovely day. In the evening we all went to Liverpool Street for drinks, followed by a few of us going to some warehouse club at Waterloo Bridge. It wasn't until I was sober the next day that I realised paying 20 quid to get in with the only option of a toilet being a portaloo, that it wasn't the best place I've been to. But hey-ho, I can tick off another lovely birthday.

I'm wearing a black shirt from Topshop; backpack from Topshop; vintage denim shorts from Beyond Retro; black boots from Topshop, Casio Watch, silver snake bracelet from Paris; silver rings from Topshop and Forever 21