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 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)

The Body is well and truly here to stay – and I was delighted to see that London designers continue to get bolder by the season.
Designer Saffron Knight (SaffronKnight.me.uk) kick-started the London Fashion Week Fashion Mavericks AW10 show with a bang, showcasing her ‘Princesses of the Knight’ collection – transporting us to the dark side where the models looking eerily and fantastically identical in sleek flame red bobs and thick brows.
Favourite pieces included the bronze and navy fitted kimono tops with sumptuous satin draping and velvet bodies (left) and bustiers with print detail reminiscent of Narcisco Rodriguez and Versace in the early 90s. Other key looks with embellished necklines, burnt orange accents and cheeky cut-out backs saw Saffron Knight set the bar high and the runway alight.
Miss Alexandra

http://alexdoesfashion.com | alex@alexdoesfashion.com

The clothe show Live 2008 was a spectacular event. Various designers showed off there designs coming out for 2009. More photos will be coming shortly.