Mr Lipop: The Project Catwalk Alumni

Project Catwalk's Tom Lipop showcased his hip and trendy high quality menswear range next at the 'A La Mode' Catwalk show. I loved his hoodies and sharp finished cuts which were evidently designed to a very high standard.

Below are some pics:



About Mr Lipop by ToM Lipop:

Upon completion of a challenging BA Hons degree in Fashion and Textiles (menswear), the Lipop London mastermind went onto successfully participate in Sky One's 'Project Catwalk. ' His participation in the show not only showed his resilience in such a demanding and tough environment but displayed his high-level of design competence and his ability and vigour to thrive in the competitive fashion industry. Partaking in "Project Catwalk" equipped Lipop with the skills to fulfil design and pattern cutting roles at Griffin Laundry, House of Holland, Halfpenny London and Nathan Jenden.

It is Lipop's infatuation with creating contemporary and forward thinking garments inspired heavily by the long historical lineage of British fashion which has been expressed through his own Avant Garde collections. One not to follow trends but to set them, Lipop has innovated a very distinct handwriting using striking illustration, technical cutting, experimenting with new fabrics, and garment construction. Parallel to his own creations, Lipop, who held a senior design position at House of Holland aspires to great designers such as Massimo Osti and Henrik Vibskov; two designers he claims who 'push the boundaries of fashion craft with successful, conceptual and aesthetically progressive garments. '

Visit: www.lipop.co.uk/www.lipoplondon.com

Berit New York: Beautiful Historically Inspired Pieces

Up next was futuristic New York based label Berit New York by Britiney Frady-Williams.
Britney's collection entitled 'Retro-Futurism' certainly stood out, as she unveiled her wares for the forthcoming SS 2011 season. The collection consisted of sleek city shorts, crop top bras and stunning dresses; these all became complete with the addition of a key accessory - the 50's style sunglasses!

With a contrasting colour palette of metallic and futuristic purples, and hues of a previous decade - lime green and rust, stripes were definitely a trend that translated from the collection and one that could easily be worn by us all.



About Berit New York by Britney Fardy-Williams:

Based in New York, Britney uses rich fabrics and historical patterns and methods to create intricate, fascinating designs for her label 'Bert New York'. Her work re-imagines everyday living and commonplace objects, envisioning the fantastic amidst the mundane. Noting how modern life seems deprived of the quality and wonder that has enriched humanity since its origin, Brit seeks to reawaken this old world charm for a new generation.

Her work has been featured in several prominent International magazines including Supermodels Unlimited, Bust magazine, Italian Marie Claire, the New York Times, Hue: the Alumni Magazine of FIT as well as other national and international press. Her work has also been filmed for music videos and international documentaries on sub-cultural fashion.

Visit: www.beritnewyork.com

Amato Couture by Furne One: An incredible work of Art

In the evening I was at the 'A La Mode' LFW Catwalk show and opening the show was the incredible designer Furne One of 'Amato Couture'. to use the words 'Wow' to describe his collection would simply be an understatement. Words truely can't describe the words of Furne's amazing creations.

The below pics from the show truely speak for themselves:

Backstage at Amato Couture

About Amato Couture by Furne One:

Filipino born Furne One is the formidable creative force behind Amato Couture. From his atelier in the Al Hana Centre in Dubai, Furne has been actively plotting (fashion) world domination with collections that combine an insouciant eloquence of style that harks to a bygone era of opulence and decadence. His exquisite gowns are definitely not for shrinking violets! They (the gowns) are a melding of costume and old world charm; boudoir couture with a high diva quotient perfect for Oscar nights and occasions which call for full-on wow factor!

Last year, PROJECT RUNWAY host and supermodel Heidi Klum came a-calling. Intrigued by his particular brand of surreal fashion, Heidi invited Furne to design gowns for all the 18 models for her show, "Germany's Next Top Model". He became an instant celebrity in Germany; with publicity in top German newspapers and fashion magazines. Heidi Klum has invited him again for this year's show.

Visit: www.amatohautecouture.com

Prophetik : ECO- Chic Voila!

Next stop was the Prophetik show at the Freemasons hall in Covent Garden. This US brand which made its London Fashion Week debut last season. Prophetik is an eco label by Tennessee poet and designer Jeff Garner.

The collection was inspired by “Innocent love, the Venus Botticelli and Gone with the Wind set in a midnight garden” as described by the designer himself.


I really loved the messy plaited hair look and simple make-up used.

One of my favourite pieces was a stunning blue gown (see below). Simply gorge!

The collection is currently sold in London at Colin Firth's wife Livia Giuggioli's boutique in Chiswick.

About Prophetik by Jeff Garner


Jeff Garner won the Men's Eco designer of the year award for the UK in 2009 and showcased his designs during London fashion Week for the first time last season. Jeff initially started his career in the music industry then eventually moved into fashion eight years ago. The Prophetik ideal customer is young yet in tune with fashion and the environment. His client list includes Barry Manilow , Jonas Brothers, Miley Cirus, Kings of Leon, Cameron Diaz and Michael W. Smith.

Visit: www.prophetik.com

Maria Grachvogel: Bold Prints and Floaty dresses!

Maria Grachvogel is one designer that I truly admire for her work ethic and ability to create beautiful, wearable and elegant pieces season after season after season. Last year I popped down to her Sloane Street store for the first time and was just simply blown away by its beautiful simplicity and super friendly staff. If you have not yet visited this store you should really pop down there next time you are in the area.

The invitations for her show were these wonderful Faulwood & Herbert notebooks which were perfectly convenient for note taking throughout the show.

Her show was just jam packed as always and the collection was all I had imagined and more! Simply beautiful! The bold prints and floaty dresses were just fabulous. The models strutted down the Catwalk in amazing super high shoes by Gina's shoes (http://www.gina.com/). The show was styled by Damian Foxe, Make-up was by M.A.C and hair styled by the L'Oreal team.



About Maria Grachvogel:

Maria Grachvogel is a British fashion designer who lives in London and has a flagship store in Sloane Street. Her clients have include Emma Thompson, Scarlett Johansson, Angelina Jolie, Elle Macpherson, Yasmin Le Bon, Shingai Shoniwa, and Victoria Beckham, who has also modeled for her at London Fashion Week.

She recently announced her major expansion plans in Asia with 5 stores to open in the next 2 years.

Visit: www.mariagrachvogel.com

Above pic: Maria Grachvogel Credit: NY times

Paul Costelloe : The 20's and a Hint of Rock n Roll

This designer sure did not disappoint. His gorgeous floaty feminine pieces were just so fun and flirty. I loved his use of metallic fabrics and prints! It was just so contemporary and deciding which piece I would not wear was not an option!

The collection was Inspired by 'the Twenties and a hint of rock and roll'.

Closing the show with a bang in Paul Costelloe Menswear was the designer's six sons, how lovely!

Below are some pics from the collection:

About Paul Costelloe:

Paul Costelloe (born June 1945, Dublin) is an Irish designer and artist who has been a leader in British and Irish fashion for the last 30 years. His father, a successful figure in the Irish rainwear market, was originally from Limerick and his mother, an American from New York. He was the youngest of a large family of seven children. In 1979 he married his wife of 20 years and counting, Anne, with whom he, like his parents, has had 7 children. In 1999 he moved from Dublin to London where his designer label is based.

Visit: www.paulcostelloe.com

London Fashion Week: Day 1 and Oh No the Pope is here!

So today was the first day of London Fashion Week and what a mad morning I was having already! I completely didn’t even think I would in any way be affected by the Pope's visit to London but I was sooooo wrong!

I called up Addison Lee for a cab to take me to Somerset House to catch the Paul Costelloe and Maria Grachvogel show before heading off to work at the 'A La Mode' LFW International show and for the first time I was actually being told there were no cars available. After persisting they finally said I could expect a car shortly...shortly resulted in waiting 1 hour meaning I was running extremely late!! So not a good look!!

The driver informed me that I was in fact one of the lucky people who managed to get a cab. He was like "do you not know the Pope is coming to Hyde Park today?". Obviously I knew he was going to be at Hyde Park but did not even think about it affecting me. Anyway after waiting an hour for a taxi and being stuck in traffic forever, I finally made it to Somerset house where my work colleagues were waiting for me and just about managed to catch Paul Costelloe's show...How close!

Below is my outfit for day one:

I decided to wear:

- A Vintage Maxi Dress
- Grey knitted draped jumper
-My Furry handbag from John Lewis
- Leather biker Jacket
- My black vintage sling backs

Read on to find out about the shows I went to...

xx