LFW S/S '11 - Christopher Kane

No one does neon better than Christopher Kane and after seeing flashes of it so far this week, its presence for next summer was firmly cemented at his show yesterday. Let's just hope us mere mortals can make it work!

Floral lace prints on acid coloured leather separates were paired with cute cashmere twin sets, for a real 'granny takes a trip' vibe. Knee length skirts, demure necklines and both box and pin tuck pleats were deceiving elements to racy, sheer lace dresses and punched out leather. The collection was described brilliantly by Kane's sister Tammy as ''Princess Margaret on Acid'... something to think about!

The shows final pieces all showcased the most exquisite embroidery that made for some very covetable summer dresses.

Images by Yannis Vlamos via Style.com

LFW S/S '11 - Holly Fulton

I love, love, love Holly Fulton and her latest collection only made the feeling stronger! The Art Deco references that are now synonymous with her name were seen across maxi's, simple shift dresses, wrap skirts and wide leg trousers. The gorgeous graphic prints were perfectly paired with plain tees and simple vests, giving a more wearable feel. Colours were bold with canary yellow, azure and sherbet oranges off set by contrasting monotones. Looks like it is going to be a glamorous summer!

More laser cut on the catwalk...don't you just love the Martini glasses??

Images by Yannis Vlamos via Style.com

LFW S/S '11 - Topshop Unique

Moving with the times, as always, Topshop's Unique show was streamed live from the new venue at Waterloo on Saturday afternoon. So with an armchair pulled up close to the TV and a giant pair of cans to soak up every sound, I was able to convince myself that I was on the front row...well almost! The look was ethereal festival fashion meets Seventies glamour via Studio 54.

Prints were key in sumptuous chiffon's and silks that took flight as the models strutted down the runway. The sunset colour pallet of burnt oranges, hot pinks and crimsons reminded me of the famous 'man in the moon' of Studio 54 with maxi's, flared trousers and sequin embellishment also giving a nod to the hedonistic decade. Fringed accessories and candy coloured denim jackets look set to be future best sellers. 

To add even more excitement to the occasion, Topshop's website plucked several outfits from the collection, which were available to buy whilst watching! Talk about fast fashion!

This stunning print with mythical white horses got me thinking of the iconic image of Bianca Jagger riding into Studio 54 on her 30th birthday

Studio 54's 'Man in the Moon'

This laser cut blouse and the shimmering champagne coloured skirt were two of my favourites.

Fashion Images via Style.com by Yannis Vlamos

London Fashion Week

The countdown is over...London Fashion Week starts today! Six days of fashion indulgence with an amazing line up including some of my favourites, Christopher Kane, Paul Smith, Topshop Unique, Burberry and Holly Fulton. If you aren't lucky enough to have bagged a ticket for any of the shows,  thanks to live streaming (Burberry, TS Unique), front row bloggers and the likes of Vogue.com you can get instant access/ reports without leaving the comforts of your living room!

Another great way to soak up the atmosphere (and indulge in a little retail therapy at the same time) is to get a ticket for London Fashion Weekend - designer shopping with amazing discounts, perfect! Check out the full LFW show schedule here and start planning your weekend!

As always Topshop's flagship windows are amazing!

Embellished Wallpaper @ Matthew Williamson

I am in love! This silk De Gournay wallpaper has been customised by Williamson (for his Bruton St store) with painted fluorescent highlights and thoughtfully placed antique jewels. Simply stunning! 

Sartorial Cyclists on Savile Row...

What with my current bike obsession, I decided to dig up some photos from a surreal experience whilst shopping in April. Well, I was standing on the corner of Savile Row, minding my own business, when a huge crowd of eccentric cyclists whizzed past in the finest vintage clothes, tipping their hats at the gawping crowd as they went. It was over in a flash and to this day I am still not sure what it was all about (let me know if you do), but it made for some excellent snaps! 

Bike envy pt2...

So, I am still in a bike frenzy and have spotted even more beauties on my travels, worthy of a second post. Don’t you just love the purple bike with the burger bell…? 

The Mayor's Thames Festival '10... saying goodbye to the summer!

What an awesome celebration of this great city! This two day, free festival on the Southbank was such a great day out, with yummy food, drink and plenty of entertainment! 

Highlights included Les Grooms, a French comedic brass band (sounds strange I know, but they were brilliant), who took audience participation to a whole new level and capitalised on every last inch of space in front of the national theatre. Check out the images below for an idea!

The jive stage outside the Tate Modern was a great place to refuel whilst admiring the dancing talent. 

There was every kind of delicious food imaginable and at reasonable prices it was a good excuse to sample as much as possible! 

As the sun set the place to be was Southwark Bridge with its trestle tables and food stalls bringing people together for a huge feast, as well as mass toasting and edible hat making! The atmosphere was great, really friendly and it was so cool to see such a diverse crowd… London at its best.

BIBA is back!

If I could travel back in time, one of the places that I would definitely visit would be the Biba store in South Kensington during the 70's. Several floors of fashion, fun, frivolity, oh and don't forget the flamingos on the roof gardens! So when I heard Biba was going to be launching a range, exclusive to House of Fraser, I just couldn't wait! Now the legend that is Barbara Hulanicki (who I have actually met in person - just wonderful!) has dabbled in projects since Biba closed in 1975, including wallpaper design for Habitat and a capsule collection for Topshop, but this sees her go back to her roots. 

The range takes inspiration and key elements from the Biba archive whilst keeping it fresh and commercial for today's market. The stand out piece for me was the maxi tiger print coat, complete with red satin lining and Biba logo buttons - to die for! Although at £395 it was a purchase I had to walk away from. When in store waiting for the changing rooms I got talking to a lovely lady, who as it turns out was a Biba shop girl in the 70s! I was awe struck! Of course I asked if she still had any originals, but as it turns out a lot of what she had has died through wear over the years and generations, but she assures me they had a happy life! 

Loved this Art Deco beaded cocktail dress.

The shop fit was decedent and true to old in gold and black. Lacquered stands, deco lamps and ostrich feather chandeliers added glamour to the second floor of the department store.

The gorgeous logo was flashed across wallpaper, labelling and coat hangers.