A couple of years ago, September was the month I dreaded above all others. It signals the end of Summer and the start of countless dismal afternoons and commuting to work in the dark. More often than not, the crisp autumn weather for we long for fails to materialise and September instead brings with it an endless greyness not to mention the beginning of the new school term. Fast forward a couple of years and September is undoubtedly the month I look forward to above all others. Obviously leaving school had something to do with this change of heart but mostly it’s because the four weeks that once spelt doom and gloom are in fact THE most exciting on the Fashion calendar. The arrival of Fashion Week season sends everyone in the industry into a state of joyful insanity, further enhanced by heightened stress levels and minimal sleep. And yes, I know Fashion Week comes around in February too but let’s face it, it’s just not as good. The weather is universally dire at that time of year and worst of all, no one can start showing of their new season purchases without running the risk of a) looking ridiculous and b) developing hypothermia. During February Fashion Week we spend our entire time either freezing in style or giving in to the cold, layering up and avoiding street style bloggers like the plague. After 6 months of shivering, no one wants to look at more bloody winter clothes and the idea of partying until the early hours doesn’t particularly appeal. But my beloved September tends to be mild (if a little damp) and plays host to more parties, press teas and other alcohol fuelled events than any other month of the year. With just a coupld of weeks to go until Fashion Week kicks of in New York, things are hotting up and what better way to get us in the mood than Vogue’s infamous Fashion Night Out.

During the first week of September, cities all over the world will be overrun with fun loving fashionistas, ready to let their hair down and celebrate the new season whilst stocking up on goodies doled out by everyone from Mulberry in London to Calvin Klein in NYC. Stores stay open late and fabulous soirees go on even later.

This is only the first of what will most likely be a long line of VFNO/Fashion Week related posts, but I just wanted to intoduce you to a stylish AND charitable project Valentino are launching this year. Generally speaking, couture and t-shirts don’t exactly go hand in hand but that could all be about to change thanks to Valentino Creative Directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccoli. The brains behind the red carpet’s favourite brand have come up with a divine range of exquisitely details, hand-crafted t-shirts from which 50% of the profits will go to the Stiller Childrens’ Foundation.

Couture T-shirt Illustration

In certain lucky cities such as New York, Dallas and Paris these one-of-a-kind tee’s will be available to buy on September 8th but for everyone else go to www.valentino.com to get your hands on one.

Love Ella. X