Jennifer Lopez turned up at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles in a long sleeved, metallic short Emilio Pucci dress. Perhaps we should underline the word short as many fashion critics deemed the dress length as over the top. Maybe Jen wanted to show off her great, toned looking pins. She wore silver, spiked Christian Laboutin shoes, a matching Swarovski crystal clutch bag and Cartier jewellery. She was completely embellished in silver, the sparkling, arrow-head shaped mirror discs probably weighed a tonne. Was it too much of one colour ? Tin foil overload or sparkling diamond ? I willl leave it to you to decide.

Written by Monica Cummings

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)

In the midst of the Commuun displays there were palettes of light greys, charcoal and dusky teal. This outfit caught my eye. It is feminine, minimalist and subtle with asymmetric lapels made from satin… great for the office with the onset of Autumn season.
The matching gloves dress it up distinctively making it wearable as an elegant ensemble; I’m thinking a quick appearance at a cocktail party in Notting Hill or an exhibition launch in Hoxton. This sharp outfit is clearly for the modern, urban woman.

Moving on check out this exquisite strong two-tier teal coloured number with blends of muslin, satin and chiffon. The shape of the dress encapsulates the many facets of the urban lady; it’s a stunning dimension with its rectangular, square integration. The long sleeve, dusky gloves give character to the outfit – ideal for an evening at the Opera, the Proms in the park after party.

The late Alexander McQueen’s (RIP) collection was also displayed and reflected a mixture of bright creams to strong gold and maroons. Layers, corsets and embroidery bestow a feel of royalty – think Chateau de Versailles!

Lebanese haute couture designer Elie Saab’s creations were full on floral, lacy, romanticism. Pearls, chiffon, layers, ruffles echo an English Spring garden, it was fresh, feminine, innocent and elegant. Halle Berry often wears his designs.
To recapitulate Paris fashion week gave us a smooth edge, femininity and the chic polished finish that we always anticipate c’était magnifique.

By Fashion Thirst’s resident Fashion editor – Monica Cummings, BA Hons. , MA

(4)This black herringbone jacket, lined with peace silk, a black organic jersey button shirt, blue hemp waistcoat and black hemp trousers is divinely masculine, military, country and layered.

(5) Save the best until last…this red, recycled velvet bustier brightened up the room. The romantic, beautiful flowing line and bold colour is a sumptuous garment bringing out the elegance of femininity.

To sum up…. Jeff Garner’s use of pigment, dyed fabrics meet Global organic textile standards, his collection is soft, layered, practical and innovative. His use of hemp softens the shapes further. The collection is a reflection of his roots and desire for sustainability and simplicity, a sign of our times.

By Monica Cummings (Fashion Thirst Editor)