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

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

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)

Mark Fast
It’s Spring time tra- la-la…time to get out those ‘spring in your step’ outfits. LONDON show ROOMS in New York ended in March 2010. The show displayed the prettiest ice cream colours, flirtiest florals and a generally sublime collection. Let’s start by casting an eye on the successful Mark Fast collection , he dazzled us with this elegant coral dress, it screams ruffles power. It is figure hugging – forgive me for thinking it’s a spray on dress! Mark’s highly anticipated outfits proved innovative, kind and emotive. His use of different silky, satiny textures worked well. He did the unthinkable with a fashion ‘faux pas’, NOT breaking up the colour of an outfit, it worked. I’ve always felt guilty about wearing just one colour all the way through for a whole outfit… Mark Fast has given us the go ahead and this idea – wasn’t reminiscent of signature overkill. The Mustard number is versatile with good emphasis on shape, detail and silhouette.

Peter Pilotto
Peter Pilotto’s collection of burnt orange working in tandem with charcoal greys and mocca was well received. His combined patterns, prints of lycra teamed up with leathers went down a treat. These zesty outfits above bring out your sexy silhouette using inventive pattern clashes. Most of the patterns were inspired by geometric, angled shapes. Both outfits ooze power and bold lines.

Craig Lawrence
This has got to be my favourite collection from the London show rooms. These beautifully draped, see through, golden trophies are passionate, stunning garments that complement women’s bodies as well as making them feel and look like golden treasure. These slinky dresses work both for the curvy and slender. Each slash degrades into seductive curvaceous drapes. The show rooms proved to be innovative and refreshing. Now we can look forward to Spring.

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

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

New York designer LUCA LUCA’s platinum fox sweater What’s now for cold weather wear.