Battle Of The Brands

As you know, Isabel Marant has collaborated with H&M and Kate Bosworth was relived by Topshop. But it hasn't seemed to stop there. Topshop have now endorsed their 4th designer collaboration with Meadham Kirchhoff! The high street brands are really going at this Christmas to get shoppers out of other brands and into theirs - and rightly so, it is the season for good will and all that, but nothing wrong with a healthy bit of competition is there...

The collection is just 'cooky' to say the least, with goofy monster faces on knits to flaming headbands. If you would describe your style as minimalist you better stay well clear. Topshop has had many a success with its designer collabs in the past and I'm sure this one will follow suit. Whether you'd pick your office Christmas party outfit from the range? I'm not sure, but there's certainly a market out there for it. On the Topshop website, it describes the collection as 'kitsch' and kitsch it is.

So who did it best? Isabel for H&M of Kirchhoff for Topshop? Personally, I feel Kirchhoff will do better, sales-wise, but Isabel is more my style. What do you guys think? 

Moving Up For Marant

Isabel Marant's collection H&M has been massively anticipated for months and it finally hit the shelves last Friday and it has sold out so fast, H&M's online site over-sold it. It's continuing to over-sell to its costumers, many of them have received apology emails as they've had to cancel their orders. Well if there was any doubt that the collection would fair I'm sure it has faded, and fast.

I myself wasn't too fussed about the collection seeing the lookbook before the release, but after hearing about the sell out, it's made me want to revisit it. I've seen an overside black and while fluffy coat on a few women out and about which I wasn't crazy about to start with, but after seeing it on someone, it's definitely growing on me. The sequin trousers had me for a second also, but maybe after I've dropped a couple of pounds haha.

However, this internet glitch may have cost them not just on internet sales, but in store sales also. Costumers are reportedly so disappointed in the brands e-commerce they're calling it a 's*** show' and boycotting the whole collaboration altogether! This just shows the power that brands have by having an online presence these days; people no longer want or have to push their way through crowds of people when they can be in the comfort of their own home and still be able to access brands collaborations. Fair enough, you're not the only one having the same idea by waiting up till late to be the first on there, and even then sites can crash if they can't cope with large amounts of traffic. However it still doesn't stop people sitting and refreshing for hours on end.

What did you make of the collection? Any stand-out pieces for you?

Paris Fashion Week Round Up

Yeah I know I am a bit late off the band wagon here but I've been away, started my placement for uni la la la and general life has been getting in the way but anywho, onto the point of the post-
To kick off the week of Haute Couture was Versace with none other than Naomi Campbell. This was upon Donatella's request which I found quite interesting. Of course Miss Campbell wouldn't turn it down. Nonetheless she looked stunning in an embellished black one-piece. Versace's inspo for the collection was the elegance of black and white photos and old old films which she has clearly executed beautifully. What a way to have kicked off the weeks events. Surprisingly, a lot of the pieces seemed a lot more wearable than your average haute couture piece, such as one black figure-hugging cocktail dress. Stop dreaming Grace

Naomi for Versace

Another shocker of the week was the re-appearance of Schiaparelli. Christina Lacroix produced a one of collection that would not go on sale for any price, and I mean ANY! Did he miss a vital trick here? But maybe Lacroix just wanted to create a buzz for the fashion industry and potentially steal the so called 'spot light' of the week as it were. Especially with some pieces going for as much as £80,000. However it was not shown through catwalk but installation at the Musee Arts Decoratifs. I've just got to say, those pom pom hats (if I can call them that) are insane

Schiaparelli installation with sketch

One of my personal favs of the week was Isabel Marant. With the immanent arrival of her colab with H&M looming fast, she didn't fail to deliver with her own brand. Everything shown I just loved and could wear easily; monochrome till I die people! What were your highlights of the week?? I'd love to know.

Isabel Marant