London Fashion Week: Day 2 : The A La Mode LFW Catwalk part 2

Today I spent all day at the Charing Cross Hotel working at the 'A La Mode' International Catwalk show. It was not as hectic as yesterday as things like building the Catwalk etc had already been taken care of the day before which was quite nice :)

Below are a few pics of the backstage and general pre-show preps

A packed house attended eargerly awaiting to see the designs of some of the most outstanding Independent International designers out there!

The front row had some lovely bloggers and guests filling the seats including Little Miss Fashion, Kristin Knox's associate, Charlotte from Style Cartel, Arise Magazine, Award winning Nollywood actress Genevieve Nnaji and two trend setting looking ladies from Asos.
Below pics: Some of the guests at the show

First up to showcase was London based designer Omar Mansoor whose collection of beautiful evening gowns blew the crowd away. Elegant, beautiful and Luxurious are my three words for describing the collection. See for yourself below...

Next up was Rock Chic extroadinaire, Valery Kovalska who showcased her S/S 2011 collection entitled ‘Professional Suicides’ . The collection is an insight into her rock and roll lifestyle as a ‘TV and concert stylist’ in the Ukrainian music industry...

Belinda Liu's ultra feminine Spring/Summer 11 collection entitled "La Marquise de Sade" was based around the concept of a modern Marie Antoinette

Nigerian Born uber talented designer Ngozi Pere-Okorotie, creative head behind Zed Eye brought us her fabulous African prints a high-fashion twist with vintage English styling...

Below pic: Me wearing a Zed Eye Jumpsuit with Zed Eye's designer Zi wearing the same jumpsuit in green.

Parisain label Malam showcased their collection entitled "Poupées Perdues" which means Lost Dolls; it is mostly inspired by childhood, fairytales, and historical clothing. Models took to the catwalk wearing the brand’s fairy tale inspired creations. The designs came in a palette of pastel pinks and blues and featured tailored jackets with pixie like hoods, romantic gowns and feminine dresses. MALAM partnered with Portuguese shoe brand EJECT Shoes www.eject-shoes.com for the show.
Watch their show clip below!



Closing the show was Australian designer Kate Williams whose use of graphic prints were a trademark look for the SS2011 collection, consisting of body con dresses, city shorts and wide-leg feminine trousers.

Exhibiting a spectacularly luxurious and elegant collection, Kate’s attention to details and classically chic style caught the eye of ASOS and many other high profile guests attending the prestigious LGN Events ‘A La Mode’ showcase.

Links:

W: www.lagenevenorthevents.co.uk
www.omarmansoor.com
http://val-kovalska.com
http://belindaliu.com
www.zedeye.com
www.malam.fr
www.katewilliams.net

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