Hello I'm Paul Smith

The Paul Smith exhibition at the Design Museum opened last week. It offers visitors a deep insight into the designers work and life. Curated my Donna Loveday, Head of Curatorial at the Design Museum; she hopes it'll be as ever popular as the Louboutin one, which broke all previous visitor record - wow. I went to see that one and must say, it's a tough act to follow.

The retrospective is set out in the stages of his life, starting with the starting up of his very first store - a compact 3m/3m space opened in Nottingham in 1970 which visitors can walk through to get a feel for what the original store was like. It'll also features a makeshift version of the designers office, full of curious objects he's collected on his travels and plenty of artwork.

The exhibition seems cute and quant, providing an in depth insight into the designers private world. In true Design Museum style, it's full of content, yet finally laid out in a simplistic manor. Even if you're not a fan of Paul Smith, I would go see it as part of a day out between Christmas and March. You can book different time slots via Ticketweb, with night showings available as well. Tickets start at £13.27 for adults and £8.40 for students, booking fees may apply.

Westwood's Heritage Collaborations

Dame viv has been very busy the past coming months. She needs to be on a collaboration hype, making her mark with a range of heritage brands. First it was The Cambridge Satchel; these lary print beauties are true Westwood sale and hit the online store Monday 14th October. Since I wear a lot of black, I love spicing it up with colourful accessories, and these would make a perfect addition in my wardrobe. However, I'm not too keen on the gold logo embellishment; if only they had the option to make it silver. The white and read print is my fav! Which is yours?

The heritage luggage brand Globetrotter also got the Westwood treatment with her creating a tartan-lined case which comes with leather luggage belt, and straps in the her distinct squiggle print and finished off with a foil embossed luggage tag - amazing! 

It seems now more than ever that heritage brands are standing out, especially as the country is still in the midst of a recession, now more than ever we should be buying British. The collaborations to me seem like such a good idea, and not just because I love Vivienne Westwood. She has also collaboration with Lock&Co, Johnstons of Elgin and Pantherella. What do you make of the heritage collabs? 

Mag Mad - AnOther

And lastly of the reviews is AnOther. (Yep the o is meant to be capital)

AnOther 
Issue - 25th Issue Biannual Autumn/Winter 2013
Price ( I paid) - £12.05
Editor - Jefferson Hack

AnOther magazine is another one I haven’t read before, yet it stood out for me with its cover image and use of unordinary text. Even before noticing any of anything else, there was a lot of advertising fall out from it; they seem to have a lot of free mini zines inside, obviously from advertisers which I personally find quite annoying – I want to read the magazine I’ve bought, not free adverts which generally aren’t that great to look at or read. However after that, I noticed the cover is actually a fold out, with a double page spread advert on the underside taken by Dolce & Gabbana; an obvious expensive space to buy. The title is easy to read and grabs your attention straight away as you look at it. Also I like the serif font used; it provides a contrast between a seemingly old looking font with the modern content inside. I like how they’ve got ‘Magazine’ written perpendicular to the title in smaller font as well, it ads something to quite a simple cover. Simple covers are some of my favourites, just because too much text can be quite cluttered and you get all the same info from the contents inside.

It has an easy contents page to navigate, again quite graphic in its layout and different from the norm. They follow a two-three grid and column format throughout which I like as it’s clearly laid out. I’ve also noticed that the gloss of the pages seems a lot higher than other magazines, but that may just be me but nonetheless it looks nice. I think the general size of the magazine is slightly bigger than A4, again I like because it’s a tad different.  

They don’t use imagery in the typical way other magazines do; some images fill the entire page and others are placed around the page with the white background. Having to make a magazine in my first year of university I’ve learnt you can do this, and it looks quite nice if the imagery speaks for itself. They generally have accessories filling the pages when talking about them and editorial centering the pages. In saying that, they also have editorials towards the end of the magazine that fill the pages, probably because the imagery is quite striking.

Before the beginning of each editorial, they have what reminds me of a mind map page with quotes on, which works quite well to explain the imagery you’re about to see. For a magazine which is meant to be fore both men and women’s fashion, the editorials focus more on women which is of course fine by me because I am one! Generally the editorials I feel are really strong and quite quirky, some of the imagery has been manipulated and is very interesting to look at, so if you haven’t looked at the latest issue I’d definitely have a look if you can find it on a newsstand, as it is quite pricey at over £10.

Overall I feel this is my favourite out of them all just because of the variety and the editorials are done really well and are quite quirky and different to what you see everyday. Out of the three, which would be your fav?

September LFW 13 Round Up

Another September another Fashion Week down! New York went quick but LFW always flies and what a cracker it was. I must say I don't look forward to the SS shows as much as the AW just because I generally enjoying seeing winter clothes over the summer ones but nonetheless I had some definite favs of the week and a couple of disappointments.

I usually always enjoy Topshop Unique, winter or summer as they always put on a good show but I was really disappointed by the collection this season. It definitely lacked wow factor for me, even if Cara was opening and closing it. It could of been because last season they introduced a new interactive feature called 'model cam' which enabled viewers to see what the models were seeing with the use of cameras placed in their bags. This was interesting and new and the catwalk space was not the norm. All these features paired with the good collection made it really good and this year just didn't live up to it for me, sorry Toppers!

On a happier note, a show that never fails to deliver for me was Mulberry. The simple english heritage vibe it has always radiates through on the catwalk. I loved their use of brights, stripes and the matching totes were amazing. I'm also glad to see white is well and truly in again for next year. To top it all off, the British bull dog Turbo in his matching floral print mac was priceless! I don't know is this is becoming a permanent thing but I don't mind if it is; super cute.

Lily Coles interpretive dance was a er, different way of opening a fashion show this season but Vivienne Westwood has has always been a wild one, and this season was no different. None the less I thoroughly enjoyed it. The clothes themselves seemed quite tame, and there was one dress in particular, a navy 3/4 length sleeve shift dress which I could def see myself in. Not quite sure what I made of the zombie-esque make up but that can be over looked when the clothes are nice. Her Red Lebel signature draping neck lines were back as well which I loved.

My final fav would just have to be Erdem. I just found the collection absolutely beautiful; the lace dressing and ruffle trimming was stunning and just made me instantly feel summer after seeing it espesh in this sudden burst of cold weather. Also the majority of it was monochrome which of course is a winner for me. I did get a slightly gothic vibe for SS but I didn't mind it.

So these are just a few of my favs from this seasons LFW, were there any stand out shows for you?

It Would Be An Honor

New York label Honor has come to the UK! It will be available via the designer online store Matches and is available as I type.

The brand is said to be similar to that of Miu Miu, but more affordalble. With the cheapest item being a silk blouse at £575, I wouldn't exactly call that affordable but compared to a similar tee from Miu Miu which is around a similar price, it could be seen as that to people who buy designer on a regular basis.

Taking a sneaky peak at their runway collection from last years New York Fashion Week, it's a brand packed full of colour, and fun colour at that. Giovanna Randall, who founded the brand back in 2010, has used a range of pink hues, pretty prints and girly trims.

I can definitely see a resemblance to Miu Miu, specially with the use of embellishments and I have my eye on a really fun twin heart blouse with matching trousers. But at $950 each, its slightly out of a students price range. What are your thoughts on the brand?

WANT WANT WANT

The Making Of Liberty

Channel 4 are in the mists of making a fly on the wall documentary about Liberty of London on London's famous Regent St.

When it comes to Liberty, I think it's much over looked because of how big Selfridges is, which or course is not far from it. As well as Harrods which will forever be iconic to me.

To be aired this Autumn, 'Making Liberty' seems to be reminiscent of a similar documentary about Claridges (Inside Claridges) which was on around the same time this is meant to be aired last year. Did Liberty spot a beacon here? It could be that it saw the success Claridges received from the documentary and wanting to bring life back into the store (especially on the run up to Christmas, a crucial shopping time) since it's so overlooked.

The documentary follows the managing director Ed Burstell and head of marketing communications Kate Brindley around in the lead up to Christmas. He said 'the show will follow us through fashion week and in all the buying meetings; there's a real focus on the business of fashion.' They hope to bring a 'new customer' in with the documentary - well let's wait and see!

I'm personally quite intrigued to watch the three-part series as soon as it airs. Let me know your thoughts on the upcoming programme.

LFW 2013 Feat. Oxford Street

Already an iconic fashion capital, London is adding a twist to this Septembers Fashion Week by joining with Oxford Street. There will be flags displaying A/W catwalk images from the likes of Giles, Alice Temperly and Topshop Unique.

Fashion emporiums from Selfridges, Topshop, River Island to John Lewis, House of Fraser, H&M and GAP will provide shoppers with a range of exclusive experiences, and insider insights into the world of national and international fashion. I think this is a really good way of getting the high street back on the map, since it seems to be fleeting away according to some.

As I type, LFW is in full swing, so will post my favs from the week once its all over, so until then, enjoy!

Has Tom Ford Lost His Fashion Crown?

According to Colin McDowell in a recent talk head at my university, Tom Ford is no longer relevant in the fashion world. However since then, he's opened up a store on Sloane St - of course an expensive retail space so does this beg to differ? I think so. Along with the store launch came an exclusive new fragrance, Private Blend London which is described as being 'rich' and 'spiced.'

It seems to me that if he is was dying out to the fashion world, he's trying to claw his way back with this store and a perfume named after the location it's being set up in. We're all a sucker for a gimmick so I think it will do well.

In the new store is also a unique section allocated for make up and fragrances, but not just fr women but for men also! Is she taking it too far by having make up for men? The amount of products on the market these days for men would probably beg to differ but the average man I believe would have to draw a line at make up. It's right for a certain market, maybe one that can afford Tom Ford, but the majority in this economic climate cannot so I don't think it will be a smash hit. Nice try though eh Tom.

Tom has admitted in an interview that he gets countless compliments on his skin and puts it all down to his shameless bronzer wearing. He's also said he knows countless men who steal their partners concealer to hide the odd blemish here and there which is understandable but I think when it comes down to actually going into a shop and buying it themselves, men have too much pride to do it. Definitely a no no in my eyes but I will watch and see if the sales are proficient.

The New Shopping Mecca

Regent St and Conduit St are set for some new additions this year which could mean mecca status for them. The American Label J Crew is coming to Regent St and will be its first store outside of North America. This is HUGE and the whole of the industry is anticipating it. Another much anticipated brand is none other than Dior to Conduit St. Favourited by Michelle Obama, will take over from the store on Bond Street. The retail space they are inhibiting is meant to be one of the most expensive in London. Definitely go big or go home, but Dior would.

I think the coach loads of Chinese tourists will be taking a detour on their way to Bicester village to these two destinations with yet more stores due to open.
One store that has already opened is Maison Berluti. It's the first store the bespoke menswear brand have in the UK. The space is over 354 square feet, spread over two floors. The second floor dedicated to VIP's only with services to cater to the most prestigious of clients and even have leather antique club chairs for you to relax and speak to their specialist team.

Another menswear brand that has it's eye on Regent Streeet is Hackett. They're looking to take over the Ferrari store, which opened there is 2009. The space costs over £1.1m for the year to rent the 11,000 sq ft space so this is no rash decision for the brand.

If you know of any other brands opening on Regent or Conduit St comment below, as I'm set to find any others. It's a big year in shopping for these two destinations, be sure to check it out!

All About The Pre-Fall

Pre-fall collections bridge the gap between spring/summer and autumn/winter collections, a way of giving the industry a taster before the autumn/winter collection drops.

These collections have been gaining momentum over the last couple of years, gaining more coverage by blogs and the industry with companies such as Browns spending 70% of its budget on it, rather than waiting for the full collection. But why is this I hear you say? Is it an excuse for fashion to be shown more than just the September and January fashion weeks or just to earn them some more dosh?

Typically pre-fall collections hit the shops in May compared to Fall which is in September. (This can be earlier depending on our english summer time which we all know is so unpredictable.) According to an article in the Telegraph, Pre fall collections are a way of feeding the hungry fashionistas appetites, as waiting 6 months between collections is just not an option. However it is not primarily to show the up coming trends, but for designers to play around with what may be coming in the full Fall collection and to create anticipation for the industry.

Chanel Pre-fall 13/14

Of course you wouldn't be in business if you didn't care about the financial side. So of course this is a way of making more money. Although on a much smaller scale than the full autumn collections, its a way to fill the shelves and sell at full price while summer stock is on sale. This is a way of boosting revenue between seasons, when they usually is a lag. Browns have clearly cottoned onto this as I said, they use 70% on their budget on investing in Pre-fall. Michael Kors told Vogue: 'It's become the season you sell the most clothes.' Clearly a big fan of Pre-fall.

Pre-fall consequently lands itself between the time of the Golden Globes and and The Academy Awards which means only one thing - there are celebrities to be dressed.

Golden Globes 2013 

Marion Cotilla wearing Christian Dior Pre-fall

Amanda Seyfried wearing Zac Posen Pre-fall

It's almost a sport for hard core fashion critics to guess who's going to be wearing what once Pre-fall has been released. With all this said, Pre-fall is definitely making its mark as something not to be messed with. It's seems to be a lot more important to the industry than I first thought, whether it be to predict trends, curve the hunger of those desperate fashionistas or just a myriad of choices for celebrities. So, if this Pre-fall season indicates what fall has to offer, expect lady-like suits, more leather, and lots of scottish tartan!