Shaghai born Ji Cheng transported the audience to the East for her AW12 show held at the Vauxhall Fashion Scout London Fashion Week location.

Fluid holographic fabrics were an unexpected yet welcome contrast when layered against heavy scarlet red knits and the minimalist yet structured shapes conjured up images of 19^th century China in the traditional red, black and neutral colour palette, cinched belted waists and bell sleeved kimonos.

The carefully constructed looks demonstrated Cheng’s well honed skills in draping, particularly evident on a red and black colour blocked halter neck gown which tumbled into a sumptuous fishtail of red silk. A stunning white version was offset with a holographic shortened kimono which gave the collection a 2012 twist.

Written by: Alexandra Richards
Photographer: Christopher Dadey

Design duo Aminaka Löfvander and Marcus Wilmont have enjoyed commercial success, their SS12 currently being stocked in luxury online boutique Net-A-Porter among other boutiques internationally.

For the designers’ AW12 collection the emphasis was an amalgamation of simple ladylike, modest shapes and nipped in waists which provided a perfect base for the variety of prints the pair had experimented with.

A monochrome story of various textures – fur, silk, paisley printed satin – introduced the collection, and rainbow colour splashed prints in digital floral burst onto the silhouettes, which was toned down when layered against longline merino and cashmere knits was the theme of the latter half of the show. You can be sure that Aminika Wilmont disciples will have iPads at the ready to order the silk pieces and leather accessories the moment the line hits the ground.

Written by Alexandra Richards

Lights, camera and action! All the photographers, bloggers, Fashion PR and Press, Fashion students and ardent followers of John Rocha scurry in to the show to get the best positioning. John has lived in the UK for nearly thirty years but hails from the East – Hong Kong. He has spent most of his life in Ireland and has a daughter who is quickly following in his footsteps; becoming a respected fashion designer in her own right.  Simone Rocha graduated from Central St Martin’s in 2010.

John’s collection started off with a lot of black, lacy devore and silky georgette textures.  We witnessed a swarm of ravens and crows along the catwalk. We observed lots of volume and we were mesmerised by the taffeta, satin coats.

This Gold densely worked dress was in 3D bloom. The layers were bold and the ruffles were big. Fashion Thirst has called it the ‘Ferrero ROCHA’ dress. It was nice and short and emphasis was placed on the upper part of the body. Big golden roses rendered a sense of edgy, bold and big dreams. The volume, elegance and romanticism in this collection allowed us to explore John’s inspiration of the Valley Race Track in Hong Kong.

Jameela Jamil At London Fashion Week

Look who is on the front row! JJ otherwise known as Jameela Jamil. I wonder if John could get JJ to model some of his collection one day.

There is a subsequent featured write up on John’s collection (Part II) which covers all of the palettes and textures in more detail. Watch this space!

If you would like to view more of his collection visit http://johnrocha.ie/
Press enquiries should go to katie.manderson@bryanmorelpr.co.uk

Written by Monica Cummings Ba Hons., MA

Fashion Thirst decided to interview some London Fashion Week show attendees about their interesting outfits. We bumped in to Rawaa – pronounced RUUWA and asked about her hip and fun clothing items.

Q. What inspired your outfit this morning Rawaa?

Answer:

When I’m deciding what to wear, I tend to be drawn to one particular object in my wardrobe, with the outfit building organically around it. It might be a shoe, dress, jacket, lingerie or even some new makeup.  This morning it was all about the skirt; black, short, stiff fabric covered in neon bright swirls of acrylic paint.

The peplum effect was achieved by wearing the skirt high on the hips, paired with a wide, waist-cinching belt over a body-con black dress with a cut-out sweetheart neckline.

My striped, “Beetlejuice” jacket was a gift from an amazing photographer, Trevor Spiro, after a shoot we did together. There’ve been nights out when I’ve almost lost it, the thought that might happen fills me with dread!

Q.  Rawaa tell us about your shoes, how high are the heels?

Answer:

Like most of my shoes, these hot pink stilettos are 4 ½ to 5 inches high. People who know me would probably die of shock if I ever went anywhere in jeans and flats!

Q. Who influences your style the most and who are your favorite designers ?

Answer:

My style is considered and carefully put together, but too eclectic and playful to ever be called polished. That’s why I love the fashion in London. The only other place where street style is as free and creative is Tokyo.  It’s also why I’m drawn to our designers, to the irreverence they display for the rule book… Westwood, McQueen and Christopher Kane are personal favourites.

 Q.  What do you do?

Answer:

After spending 8 years building a career in Public Relations – and inspired by my friend Richard Johnstone – I’ve decided to take a leap and break into fashion. I’m currently interning with a hot new label, and looking to make my mark as a stylist. Being at LFW has just been amazing; the clothes, atmosphere and talent have all been incredibly inspiring.

Interview By Monica Cummings

Dolce Gabbana created a ‘nostalgia’ collection to help overcome the gloom that has gripped the nation. Italy has been through severe financial difficulties of late and was beset by a number of national strikes. Milan’s fashion barons are conflicted; having to face up to glum reality. Stefano Gabbana announced that the ‘nostalgia’ collection could give people something to dream of during such turbulent times. That being said, most of Italy’s biggest fashion businesses are partially protected from the fiscal misery which surrounds them. On day 1 Pavarotti was played in the background as models wearing Sicilian winter capes, grey suits inlaid with baroque gold appliqué strolled down the La Scala style catwalk. Long-johns made of cashmere were also an interesting feature that raised a few eyebrows.

The finale was exciting, models took to the stage in their entirety wearing opera-ready evening wear.

This grey jacket inlaid with gold appliqué is teamed up with a matching waistcoat and trousers. This Romeo is in search of his Juliette. The baroque styled embroidery exudes Tuscanite romanticism. Us girlies could all see ourselves getting romantic with this chiseled face Romeo! The ensemble is stylish with enough machismo to fill an Italian Parliament. Fashion Thirst wants the outfit and the model!  Who should we get in touch with?

The oversized grey jacket with black fur lapels goes perfectly with the grey pinstripe trousers. The baroque details is what makes it stand out. From Russia with Luurve.

The grey cashmere scarf teamed up with the traditional burgundy suede jacket is very Albert Camus – ‘l’etranger’. The embroidery gives the outfit enough flair and panache to get through the stylish winding streets of Milan. What a great show. We want more……..

Article written by Monica Cummings, BA. Hons, MA. Chief Editor at Fashion Thirst

British Designer Caroline Charles held a quintessentially English affair at AW11 London Fashion Week.

Subtle brocade detail on velvets; embroidery, tasteful sequins, cinched in waists and rich brocade fabrics were seen in sumptuous colour palette of regal burgundies and navy. A splash of leopard print kept the looks fresh and tied in perfectly with the collection, but the elegant cocktail dresses sharp tailoring harped back to Charles’ couture background.

Clever details were seen in the watch fobs, equestrian style gloves, silk cravats and a selection of top hats, hunting and bowling hats were set to a classical soundtrack that inspired thoughts of rambling British countryside.

Written By Alexandra Richards

It was quite a show from Charlotta Actis Barone at the Fashion Mode show. The frosty makeup and huge lion mane locks had me step into Narnia for this enchanting display. In bold coloured and huge tulle skirts and ice-maiden dresses, the models strutted down the runway with drama.

I particularly loved the faux fur trims dotted about the collection from hoods to hand muffs to winter white stoles studded with pearlised poppers.  The Aztec tattoo style bodysocks the models (and Barone herself) wore were an unexpected treat; and the finale dress was a winner –a sumptuous red strapless gown which tumbled into in a gorgeous fishtail.

Barone certainly knows how to put on a crowd pleasing catwalk, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for next season.

Written By Alexandra Richards

This black silhouette is simple in design with its low V neck shape. It is the kind of fabric that contains silk moss crepe; this means you can bring it to work along with a travel iron. Put it on post the inbox blitz and slap on some red teamed up with satin stiletto heels before heading for a production at the Royal Ballet. Book those tickets and get that dress.

In this off-schedule ‘Art of Being’ collection we were presented with this made-to-order piece. A tassle filled cocktail dress which starts below the breast hooks onto another low V neck shape 80s styled shoulder pad free jacket.

Swedish designer Fannie Schiavoni has turned the word accessory into a whole new meaning, with her unique take on chains, and how they’re worn is what keeps her in the fashion eye. This dress was displayed at London Fashion Week 2010. Its a statement within itself its bold, fierce and although it oozes sex appeal probably best suited for the more edgier person. For the mere fact that it reminds me of a re-vamped version of an old suit of armour, is what i think makes it so fashion forward, fresh and original. It instantly screams at the Lady Gaga’s or Rihanna’s of this world.

Written by Li Thane-Kitson

This year’s Paris Haute Couture fashion week for the Autumn/Winter collections took place at the start of July. Designers included Stephane Rolland, Alexis Mabille, Georges Chakra, Zuhair Murad, Christophe Josse, Fausto Sarli , Elie Saab (you know Elie is one of my favourites) and the usual, traditional names Giorgio Armani, Givenchy, Gaultier, Chanel, Dior and Valentino.

Georgio Armani

The Armani pieces dazzled the crowds this year. We saw rich, tawny, autumn colours with emphasis on the colour amber. This shimmery strapless number has a metallic but rustic feel to it. It is a great length and there is no need to accessorise …if you do decide to nothing other than a clutch bag will suffice. Imagine how the dress looks in motion. Clearly a show stopper for your nights out at premieres in Leicester Square.

Chanel
Chanel managed to get this beige- bijoux, jeweled dress flashed onto the catwalk. This knee-length outfit has the kind of detail that will get most tailors salivating it comes with full-on gems and feminine sparkle. Accessorise with matching bangles and finish off with a pair of fury, patent tipped cowboy boots for that autumn/winter edge.

Dior

“A new garden of Dior blooms!” this flamboyant, multi-layered, chiffon dress has an undercurrent of black and resonates with a bouquet of flowers. There is a splash of amber from a central starting point this will prove popular whichever Gala or fundraising you attend.

Written by
Monica Cummings BA Hons, MA (Fashion Thirst’s Fashion Editor)