Thanks to ShowStudio's live streaming loveliness, I have just finished watching Alexander McQueen's Spring-Summer 2010 show, from little old South London. Hardly
The overall feel of the collection, was of vicious, primal femininity, demonstrated with an image of sky-high hem-lines, smatterings of tulle and structured shoulders and hips which created tough alien-ballerina silhouette. Indeed, this was felt further through kaleidoscopic digital prints of both python, and stormy images, which looked not dissimilar to the fierce ice-maiden portrayed in Rodarte's Autumn-Winter 2009/10 collection.
As has been the case throughout the SS10 shows, ankle boots showed no sign of departure, which in this schizophrenic climate no matter what the season, I for one welcome whole-heartedly. McQueen's, with exaggeratedly rounded bridges, and vertiginous heels and platforms, not only nodded to fetishised Victoriana, but bore strong visual similarity to a ballerina on points, thus furthering the sense of Pavlova abducted by aliens and given a rock-chick make-over.
While the show was not draped in the dramatic pageantry that normally accompanies a McQueen show (glass boxes, parodied Dior and a bandaged Kate Moss), the giant mechanical cameras that prowled the stage alongside the models, more than hinted at the millions of beady eyes across the world, including my own, who were able to witness the show as it happened, which if you ask me, is quite the spectacle indeed!
Having neglected this blog for nearly a year, I have decided to once again sprinkle it with my ideas, inspirations and musings on the worlds of fashion and beauty, with no doubt a bit of music and food (dun dun dun) thrown in here and there for good measure, because you know, they're the same thing.
What really gave me the thigh-high boot to fire up this bad-boy again, was attending London Fashion Week, tweeting on behalf of Vice Magazine, and blogging on behalf of BitchBuzz. This season saw considerably more bloggers make their way into the forbidden tents, which has generated a fair bit of comment. Some have embraced the influx of guerrilla scribes, others feel their toes have been bruised.
Coming from both a professional and independent standpoint, I personally found it a good thing that everyone from Anna to myself were able to register as press (I wonder if Anna fills in the online application like the rest of us?!). Firstly, because registering as press is not the ticket to a week of swanky shows, for that you need actual tickets which must be gained through the shows' PRs. This does of course require you to prove you are more serious than a 14 year-old girl from Scunthorpe with a Tavi complex and a lap-top.
In which case, the fact that independent bloggers and multi-national publishing houses can register as press at London Fashion week is very positive. It recognises that just because you might do something online, doesn't make it unworthy, whilst still requiring you to prove your credentials, regardless of whether you are doing it professionally or for pleasure. Indeed, queen of independent fashion blogging Susie Bubble proclaims that 'I am not a fashion expert/insider, merely a fashion lover/consumer'. Does this mean she should not be able to register?
LFW coverage would be a more boring place without the musings of Bubble, and countless other bloggers, and at London particularly, where up-and-coming designers are given a platform onto the world fashion stage, shouldn't London's independent fashion media receive the same opportunity?
Of course, fashion week is about more than just the shows, and being registered as press provides the opportunity to attend the exhibition, where countless posting opportunities can be found.
Ultimately, with bloggers in tow, the media voice at fashion week is a whole lot richer, and if that means there will be a few jokers coming along solely for the Chambord, then it's a small price to pay. They'll get bored when the free stuff runs out anyway.
You may have noticed that fashion has taken on a spookier guise this season but don’t be mistaken into thinking it is just because we are approaching Halloween. The goth trend is huge for this autumn-winter, so slick on some dark lipstick, swath yourself in black lace and get in touch with your dark side.
Camden has long been famed for the alternative style of its inhabitants. Its streets are awash with stalls selling chunky, metal studded boots and this little corner of North London plays host to The Devonshire Arms, a favourite haunt of London’s most fantastically funereal, leather clad Goths.
Camden is also the well known playground of rockier celebrities such as Noel Fielding, Russell Brand, and Daisy Lowe, all of whom were often seen falling out of The Hawley Arms wearing deliciously alternative ensembles before it burned down earlier this year.
It is no co-incidence then that the prevalent gothic style touted about this part of town has ceased to be sported solely by rebellious teenagers and Cradle of Filth fans and has made its way into the wider sartorial sphere, with rock royalty Kelly Osborne seamlessly bridging the gap between NW1 and the high street.
Indeed, a dark shadow also prevailed over the catwalks during the Autumn-Winter 08/09 shows. Jean Paul Gaultier flirted with the dark side via witchy black maxi dresses and jagged edged knitwear, while Luella went all out sending models down the catwalk in black pointed hats and garish orange hosiery. Balmain took a punkier approach to the trend with skin-tight leather trousers as did Rodarte who teamed vertiginous, spike encrusted platforms with spidery webbed tights.
Of course, where the catwalk dares to go, the high-street shortly follows, with Topshop’s aptly named Pagan collection, heavy on black lace and studded lace up boots, leading the way.
For a little Friday afternoon work avoidance/shopping porn, I decided to head on over to Net-a-Porter and peruse their Shoe Boot selection. I am pretty drawn to this latest trend in footwear at the moment as I love their slightly clunky yet elegant nature, and would you look at this rather lovely pair our good, foot-loving friend Christian Louboutin has on offer!
Firstly, the high, closed front makes them a good proper shoe boot, unlike a lot of brogues that I think are being wrongly given this title of late.
Secondly, I love the big button detail on the side as it adds a real touch of Victoriana and reminds me of a gorgeous pair of quilted, patent leather, Victorian ankle boots I had when I was little. I was so sad when I grew out of those boots, that I think a pair of Louboutins are the only think that could possibly allow me to get over it!
Lately, I realise I have been neglecting this little ol' blog, and I do apologise young readers. You see I have been pretty busy over at BitchBuzz, and there is only so much fashion wisdom my little brain can produce, meaning The Liner, The Clutch and The Wardrobe has been somewhat deprived.
Anyway, I am back, and with me, I bring this little nugget of fashion joy from Karl Lagerfeld's Spring 09 collection for his eponymous label, shown in Paris this week.
Karl Lagerfeld often adds an element of his signature look of stiff collared shirts and bondage inspired corset touches to collections for his Karl Lagerfeld label, lending his clothes a distinct androgynous feel.
These signature touches were certainly present, however, Lagerfeld lent his Spring 09 collection a more feminine feel than normal via sheer fabrics, floral applique, and some gorgeous soft silk, most notably on a lavishly draped silver dress.
Making sure onlookers who including US Vogue editor Anna Wintour and Anna Piaggi, were reminded of the collection's puppet master, was a bag bearing Lagerfeld's face with the eyes cut out as a handle. One Model (pictured) walked down to the catwalk holding it like a mask, which gave the appearance of Karl himself flouncing down the catwalk in a waist cinching satin skirt.
Now that would be a sight wouldn't it!
Image via Style.com
Despite them being one of the staple handmade products that natural cosmetics pioneers Lush offer, I have only very recently tried their Fresh Face Masks. Shocking I know for such a Lush addict, but hey, good things come to those who wait!
Yesterday, I tried 'A Crash Course in Skincare', a nourishing mask made from mashed avocado, fresh natural yoghurt and freshly squeezed lemon juice. This is a perfect mask if like me, you have combination skin. The avocado and yoghurt will provide gentle moisture to dry areas while lemon juice will help tighten pores and keep oil at bay.
When applying the mask, it is clear that the mask is packed with fresh avocado and yoghurt because, well, you can smell it. While it is not the most pleasant smell, it isn't too bad, and the smooth cooling texture of the mask more than makes up for it. When you wash the mask off, the only smell you are left with is that of the fresh citrussy lemon, and it really did leave my skin smelling gorgeous.
What's more, the difference in appearance and texture was really noticeable. My skin was left fresh, supple and glowing, perfect for perking up booze bedraggled skin after a heavy weekend!
As much as I love beauty products, we all know that they don't always do exactly what they say on the tin. We know that lip gloss won't give you a Jolie pout, and that cellulite creams won't give you legs like Kate Moss. However, we also know that both the above will enhance our natural assets at least just a little bit, and thus our trust is re-instilled in the wonderful world of beauty.
Sometimes however the Beauty Industry will throw a wild card of ridiculousness at us that surely even the most gullible wouldn't believe. Last week, WWD announced that Ageless Fantasty has come up with the world's first anti-age perfume. Seriously? An anti-age perfume?
Ageless Fantasy are claiming they can actually make you smell younger, following 'research' that suggests that certain smells are associated with certain ages, meaning their grapefruit, pomegranate, mango, jasmine and musk scent can lead nearby whiffers to believe you are up to 8 years younger.
Once again, seriously? While I will admit that some smells are often more associated with certain ages; floral scents denoting older women while fresher, citrus scents have a younger association, unless wearers of Ageless Fantasy are planning on only hanging around with blind people, the theory is not fool proof.
If Ageless Fantasy are really onto something, why not go a step further and invest in Barbie's latest scent, or for the more discerning lady, The Olsen Twins do some really hot ones.
