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

Fashion Thirst is now running a feature article on individuals who display flair and creativity with their chosen outfit. So we will call this feature ‘ONPOINT/TRENDY’ outfit of the month. Here is February. Enjoy!

Q. What inspired the outfit you are wearing now Kiran?

Answer:

Well, to be fair what drove the outfit was the sheer cold weather in London Lol. This coat is the warmest thing in my wardrobe.  I absolutely love this coat and the glamorous look it creates. It being the statement piece in my look, I didn’t want to take away from it, so paired it with sample black shoes and tights.

Q. Where did you get your coat/jacket?

Answer:

Great vintage fur store in Camden Stables Market.

Q. How would you rate the comfortability of your shoes?

Answer:

Seven out of 10

Q. How would you describe your general style?

Answer:

Trendy yet comfortable.

Q. Where do you normally shop?

Answer:

Zara, Mango, American Apparel and ASOS.

Q. Who are your favourite designers?

Answer:

Prada, Elie Saab, Chanel.

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

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

Vivienne Westwood’s strikes again – with the new stunning (and timely) Valentine’s jewellery collection.

The exclusive heart and arrow shaped gunmetal pendant and earrings are set with cabochon pearls, and encased in Swarovski crystals. The striking eye symbols inner vision and knowledge and the encasing highlights a love that is forbidden: a perfect mysterious and sultry gift for your Valentine. Get ‘em while they’re hot!

Pendant: £135 Earrings: £95

The collection is available to buy online and in store at:
Vivienne Westwood, 44 Conduit Street, London W1S 2YL
Tel: 0207 439 1109 www.viviennewestwood.com

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)

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