London Collections: Men - 15th June 2014

As I'm sure I don't need to tell you, it's that time of year again people! LCM time and I was lucky enough to get an invitation to some of the most covetable shows. I had an extremely early start yesterday morning which was particularly painful after a not-so-early night at a gig in East London. After a few cups of extremely strong coffee and an outfit change or two, I was ready to join the hoards of fashionistas flocking to Victoria House. With my favourite black skinnies and several notepads shoved in my handbag I headed to my first show, Astrid Andersen. 

Astrid Andersen ss15

Inspired by the Japanese tradition of Sumo, Andersen presented a sporty collection with a strong street attituted and hip-hop references, exactly what one would expect from her.

Kent and Curwen ss15

After Astrid Andersen, it was time to head down the Strand for my second show of the day, Kent and Curwen, who created an incredibly polished "bad boy" that is easily wearable yet fun and smart. 

Matthew Miller ss15

Next it was back to Victoria House, via Starbucks of course, for the Matthew Miller show. With James Blake and Brian Jonestown Massacre blaring out of the speakers, a parade of models walked down the catwalk in romantic fluid lines and deconstructured suits. Key looks included navy chalk pinstripes and war slogans pinned on top of blazers.

Jonatan Saunders ss15

Then, come 2pm, it was time for the Jonathan Sauders presentation and it was all about the casual wear in pastel colours. 

Nicomede Talavera ss15

MAN (the joint initiative between Topman and Fashion East that champions emerging menswear talents) at the Old Sorting Office kicked off with Nicomede Talavera's pinstripe gingham combo and plenty of oversized layers: wicked!

  

Liam Hodges ss15

Next up was Liam Hodges, who presented a surprising collection which is a bit like boy scout meet punk kid couture. Amidst the crazy were also some pretty wereable t-shirts and shorts.

Bobby Abley ss15

Last but not least: MAN veteran Bobby Abley showcased a line as playful as ever with emblazoned cartoonish sweaters telling the story of The Little Mermaid's Ariel and for that I applaud him.

Love, Emme.

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Graduate Fashion Week 2014

Being responsible for launching the careers of some of the most successful designers of our time including Christopher Bailey, Stella McCartney, Matthew Williamson and Julien McDonald, the Graduate Fashion Week represents the future of British creative talent. This year Graduate Fashion Week, which took place on Saturday 31st May - Tuesday 3rd June, has stepped up a level, moving its location to Brick Lane's iconic Truman Brewery, where BA students from the most influential and inspiring universities around the country have been exhibiting their final projects to trend forecasters and fashion fans alike. Here's a look at some of the most exciting and eye catching designers to keep on file for the future.

Grace Weller

Showcasing a collection that combined rebelliousness with a classic femininity, Grace Weller, from the Bath Spa University, won the GFW George Gold award as well as the Womenswear award, impressing the judges with her  loose, embroidered lace dresses in cashing blue, red and orange colours.

Aimee Dunn

Not surprisingly, it was Aimee Dunn from Nottingham Trent University that took home the Menswear award for her all-black but be-beaded suiting. How wicked is that jumper?

Naomi Valentine

Even without looking at her collection, Naomi Valentine's name seems like a good fit. The University of Salford student showed a gorgeously coloured collection in feminine metallics and gloriously vibrant fabrics.

Tianyi Li

Tianyi Li of the University of East London introduced a collection which is a bit like weeping widow meets Gareth Pugh couture, and although it's pretty damn black, you can't help but find it incredibly beautiful.

More information about the Graduate Fashion Week here.

Love, Emme.

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Coachella 2014 Street Style

When you think 'festival fashion' Coachella is pretty much king. The annual music festival that takes place in Indio, California wrapped up a few weeks ago and, let's face it, the street style was cooler than ever. Fringe galore, floral patterns, cut-offs, all of young Hollywood gathered in one dusty desert destination, decked out in their boho best, Coachella is the place to watch for your 'summer of love' style inspiration. Here are some of my favourite looks from the boheme chic at Coachella 2014:

You can't beat a striped dungaree with a printed white tee, it's just laidback, effortless style at its best. The black studded sandals are perfect with the dungaree and the fedora hat give it a quirky edge.

1) Current Elliott grey striped denim dungarees, £295, click here to buy
2) Asos felt fedora hat, £20, click here to buy
3) Asos leather flat sandals, £28, click here to buy
4) Klaxons tee, £14, click here to buy

Yep, trainers! They've been seen everywhere this season and can be styled basically with everything. Once again, it just goes to show that the key to style is oh so often simplicity.

1) Free People dreamy daze print dress, £98, click here to buy
2) Topshop vintage wash denim jacket, £48, click here to buy
3) Asos flat top cat eye sunglasses, £12, click here to buy
4) Converse All Star High Top trainers, £50, click here to buy
5) Johnny Loves Rosie flower headband, £16, click here to buy
6) Nasty Gal destroyed tee, £14, click here to buy
7) Asos round sunglasses, £10, click here to buy
8) Aldo Hakes eye shaped handbag, click here to buy 
9) River Island blue floral print skirt, £25, click here to buy

It's all about the crop top this summer. I love how these girls paired it with a floaty high waisted bottom and bohemian accessories. Here we have a prime example of someone whose outfit I'd gladly beg, steal or borrow.

1) River Island black fringed bikini top, £16, click here to buy
2) River Island abstract print trousers, £30, click here to buy
3) CJG Miami wedges, £90, click here to buy
4) Hipanema multicoloured friendship bracalets, £49, click here to buy
5) AJ Morgan oversized cat eye sunglasses, £15, click here to buy
6) Topshop cut out ball shape necklace, £16.50, click here to buy
7) Topshop metal aviator sunglasses, £10, click here to buy
8) Asos leather ankle boots, £33, click here to buy
9) Free People printed maxi skirt, £98, click here to buy
10) Free People trinity hip belt, £88, click here to buy
11) Fashion Prescription baby pink bralet top, £17, click here to buy

Love, Emme.

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Introducing: Push PR London

All in all, last Wednesday was a pretty great day. My fashion feature was finally finished and printed, the sun was shining and the LCS team and I were off to visit Push PR. Nestled between the West End and Shoreditch, Push PR is a London-based independent full-service communications agency specialising in luxury fashion, jewellery, beauty, lifestyle and health & fitness brands. ScotlandShop, Eileen Fisher, Tara Starlet, The Fold and Tusting are just a few of Push Pr's clients.  

Inside the showroom space

We arrived to be welcomed like long lost friends and shown to a lovely lounge area, where we were greeted by Emma Hart, Creative Director and founder of Push PR, who enlightened us about PR companies' role in the fashion industry and how stylists contact them when they're searching for clothing or accessories for a shoot. After chatting with us, she let us browse the collections and I was particularly stunned by their gorgeous selection of jewellery.

        

Offering luxury brands such as Rachel Galley and Ruifier, Push PR is definitely the go-to agency for jewellery. More information about Push PR here.

Love, Emme.

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LCS Editorial Shoot 1

It's Saturday, it's gloriously sunny and I'm about to share the backstage photos of my first Spring/Summer 2014 editorial shoot with the London College of Style which took place this Wednesday... Life is good! For those that don't know, that was my very first editorial as a stylist and I was lucky enough to work with an amazing team of experts ranging from celebrity make-up artist Martin Carter, hair stylist Carolina Crona to fashion photographer Edu Torres, lovely model Lise Aanes and fashion stylist and LCS deputy principal Dan Blake, who truly helped us out get the perfect shot.  

Martin's set-up at 7TH Man Magazine studios

The morning of the shoot we all (me, my classmates and the LCS team) met at 7TH Man Magazine studios in Notting Hill, just the time to get Lise's hair&make up done and we were ready for the individual shots.  

Then, come 5pm, it was time for my Art House outfit to be photographed by Edu. The part I'm most proud of is the jacket I customised for the shoot: a plain Asos jean jacket that I turned into a Prada inspired statement piece.

My final look

Customised jacket, Zara printed dress, Topshop tomato knee high socks, vintage lace ankle boots.

Needles to say, the whole experience was so over exciting I pratically hyperventilated throughout. It definitely was a day to remember.

Love, Emme.

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