La Petite Fashion Week Diaries: New York, Anna Sui SS12

It’s been a whirlwind trip to New York this season and it seemed like by the time I’d unpacked my oversized suticase and knocked back a cocktail or three I was off to my final show. Sad though I was that my first New York Fashion Week was coming to an end, my excitement at seeing Anna Sui’s latest collection up close and personal was almost overpowering. As a grande dame of the New York fashion scene, Anna’s show was always going to be good but the performance she put on this season surpassed even my expectations. First off there was the front row line-up which included Sophia Coppola, Teen Vogue Editor, Lisa Love, Lisa Marie Presley and Corinne Bailey Rae. Then there were the models. Karlie Kloss, Jessica Stam, Lindsay Wixen, Arizona Muse, Karen Elson… Anna’s runway read like a who’s who of this years “supers” and last but certainly not least came the clothes.

Anyone who accuses fashion of taking itself too seriously need only witness an Anna Sui catwalk show to realise that is definitely not (always) the case. Anna’s SS12 collection came bounding down the runway in a haze of retro fabulousness. Think kitsch prints, vibrant colours and the kind of girlish charm that Anna most certainly does best.

From tiny chiffon playsuits to stunning lace frocks, the collection was a girly girls’ dream featuring feathers, sparkles and ruffles galore. Cinched waists, 40′s silhouettes, ultra glam waved locks and seriously stunning head pieces made for some of the most deliciously feminine ensembles I’ve ever laid eyes on. Androdgny and simplicity be damned, Anna’s new season offerings simply oozed carefree opulence. Embellishment was the name of the game and virtually every look came with a generous helping of sequins. Printed tights, pop socks and glittering accessories were all on the sartorial menu proving that less isn’t necessarily more.

If you like your fashion with a hefty dose of fun then Anna Sui is most definitely your girl. The show was a true performance and her models strutted their stuff to the perfect soundtrack of French pop beats. Ok, so maybe it wasn’t groundbreaking. But you can bet your life that there wasn’t a person in attendance who didn’t have a smile on their face and if it’s not to spread joy then what the hell is fashion even for?

Love Ella. X

Posted on September 15, 2011 by Ella Catliff in Fashion Week 2 Comments

La Petite Fashion Week Diaries: New York, GANT by Michael Bastian SS12

This morning dawned sunny and bright in NYC and rapidly developed into the kind of swealtering heat that us pasty skinned Londoners just can’t handle. Still, I was so over excited to be in the Big Apple I ignored the fact that all eight outfits I’d packed would cause me to break out in a sweat as soon as I left the hotel and headed out into the shabby chic streets of the Meatpacking District. After enjoying a spot of New York style brunch (typical tourist, I know) we set off to tour GANT’s gorgeous downtown stores. A full post on this subject will be coming soon. For now just know that they were utterly incredible. Never in my life have I encountered stores which so embody the ethos of a brand but I’ll save that tale for anther time and get back to the subject at hand… Fashion Week.

I wore… Skirt & Blouse by Whistles, Topshop wedges,
Marc Jacobs handbag & necklace by Anne Bowes Jewellery

After a swift trip back to The Standard for an outfit change it was once again time to brave the heat. Slowely and ever-so-slightly sweatily we made the short journey (not so short in 6 inch heels mind you) over to 18th Street where ultra cool downtown restaurant, The Park had been transformed into a tropical oasis to showcase GANT by Michael Bastian’s SS12 collection. It was hands down the most beautifully designed presentation I have ever seen. We left the humidity of the street behind us and entered what can only be described as a preppy paradise. Obscenely gorgeous, GANT clad models posed louchely amid the foliage whilst equally good looking guests enjoyed ice cool cocktails.

The incredible venue was the perfect setting for an equally inspired collection. GANT’s signature collegiate style had been given a whole new twist with eye-watering brights and retro accessories. Sporty staples and immaculate tailoring reflected the brand’s all American roots whilst tongue-in-cheek prints and kitsch sunglasses gave it’s new season offerings a distinctly European flair. Michael’s Hawaian inspiration was tangible and I’ll bet I wasn’t the only one who found themselves day dreaming of white sand and pina coladas this afternoon.

The overall look was in-your-face but charmingly so with The B52′s “love shack” providing the perfect soundtrack to the collection’s 70′s vibe. The lovely Michael Bastian has truly outdone himself this season making fundamentally practical clothes feel fresh, exciting and every bit as covetable as their high fashion counterparts.

Love Ella. X

Posted on September 14, 2011 by Ella Catliff in Fashion Week 2 Comments

La Petite Fashion Week Diaries: New York, Tibi SS12

Talk to any aspiring blogonista about their hopes and dreams and I can guarantee the response will be the same: to take their blog international. For me, there is no time of year more exciting than London Fashion Week and I am beyond thrilled (and a little surprised) to have been given the opportunity to attend and cover the shows for what is about to be my third season. But much as I adore LFW, there has always been a not-so-little part of me that goes green at the thought of Liberty London Girl and Susie Bubble jetting off to the New York Fashion Week the week before whilst I miss out on the fun. This season my prayers were answered when the lovely people at GANT (who I now consider my fashion fairy Godmothers) invited me out to the Big Apple to check out the brands’ latest collection and enjoy the last few days of NYFW.

After the most comfortable flight I’ve ever experienced (going back to Easyjet ain’t gonna be easy after this) we arrived in NYC and headed to our home for the next three days, The Standard Hotel. In case you didn’t know, The Standard is THE place to see and be seen during NYFW and the people watching possibilities there are too good to be believed. Enjoyable though it would’ve been to spend the next few hours lounging in my room taking in the panoramic views of the Hudson River and possibly pillaging the mini bar, I just about managed to fit in an outfit change before hot footing it up to Lincoln Centre for the Tibi show.

I wore… Whistles top, Topshop shorts & shoes, Zara jacket,
Marc Jacobs bag & necklace by Anne Bowes Jewellery

The Tibi show is always a hot ticket during NYFW so I’ll admit I was fairly excited to see what famous and fabulous faces would be gracing the FROW. I certainly wasn’t disappointed as Olivia Palermo, Emma Roberts, Louise Roe and Sophie Bush all turned up, dressed in the brand’s new season finest and ready to pose for the hoards of paps who had descended on the venue.

VERY full house at Tibi

I have always adored Tibi and this season, Amy Smilovic truly outdid herself. Tibi is known and loved throughout the fashion world for it’s deliciously girly aesthetic but whilst this femininity was still tangible in the brand’s SS12 offerings, it was clear to see that something had changed dramatically. After a few minutes in dawned on me. The clean lines, simple shapes and total lack of embellishment! The Tibi girl is all grown up this season and my, doesn’t she look beautiful?

Tibi SS12

For SS12 Tibi is all about simplicity. Think chic summer tailoring, flowing (but refreshingly non-boho) maxi dresses and soft collared shirts teamed with dewy skin, low pony tails and not a statement necklace in sight. The collection oozed low-key luxe featuring shimmering silks, sheer chiffon and only the crispest of cotton. And yes, it may not be as eye-popping as others but before running off in the direction of the nearest power print take a closer look and you’ll see that Tibi’s take on minimalism is anything but boring. Amy mixed things up by combining neutral looks with summer-perfect pastels and electrifying bursts of brighter hues. Prints may be few and far between but those that do crop up, are as vibrant and striking as any that have gone before. All wide-leg trouser lovers out there, rejoice for this most forgiving of styles wont be disappearing anytime soon. Similarly jumpsuits look to be BIG news next season so if you invested in a one-piece or two this Summer you’re in luck.

Tibi SS12

Overall the collection was the epitome of effortless elegance providing sleek sophisticated looks with a youthful twist. For the ultimate city-chic wardrobe look no further than Tibi but maybe pre-order if you can because I’d bet my life that this lovely lot will sell out in seconds.

Personally I’ve got my eye on that adorable coral tailored shorts-suit. Which look will be topping YOUR wish list come Spring?

Love Ella. X

Posted on September 14, 2011 by Ella Catliff in Fashion Week 1 Comment

La Petite Fashion Week Favourites: New York, SS12

When waiting for a momentous event to come around, don’t you find that the last couple of days seem to drag on forever? Just last weekend I was panicking about how quickly fashion week had arrived again yet somehow this week seemed to last a lifetime. Finally the most exciting bi-annual event known to man arrived and on Friday morning fashionistas flocked to New York’s Lincoln Centre to catch the first glimpses of the SS12 collections. Sadly I’m not jetting out to the big apple until Tuesday but having spent the best part of the past three days glued to Style.com I thought I’d share a couple of my favourites so far…

Joseph Altuzarra

It’s hard to believe that Joseph Altuzarra launched his eponymous label a mere three years ago but his very first show recieved rave reviews from fiersome Editrix in town and thus, a star was born. Altuzarra’s utility-luxe parka’s are undoubtedly one of AW11′s most lusted after pieces and it looks like the young designer’s latest offerings will be topping of our wish lists come Spring. Altuzarra merged eye-popping tropical prints with ultra-modern shapes and futuristic touches to create summer styles that are anything but saccherine. Think hawaian paradise with a sci-fi twist and similar nods towards the utility influences we saw last season. Altuzarra’s power prints and neon brights were beautifully balenced by monochrome looks, mesh detailing and parachute-strap style belts. With his sharp shapes, sheer panelling and lashings of leather look no further than Altuzarra for how to transition this season’s fetish trend into Spring.

Prabal Gurung

I’m not sure if we’ll spot Michelle Obama rocking these frocks but I wouldn’t be surprised if Anna Dello Russo pre-orders the whole lot! Prabal Gurung seemed to really step out of his comfort zone this season with what was possibly his boldest collection yet. Striking shapes combined with mesmerizing prints, and a slightly oriental feel gave Prabal Gurung’s latest collection an oh-so-modern edge whilst his masterful use of purple will no doubt make half of us see the colour in a whole new light. Fans of this season’s sheer trend rejoice as it looks as though this hotter-than-hot AW11 look will certainly be sticking around come Spring. Prabal’s seductive sheer panelling, cut-away detailing and metallic hues were perfectly juxtaposed by feminine touches such as flirty skirts and cinched waists. Add striking textural combinations, just the right amount of embellishment et voila… new season perfection.

Peter Som

One word: Wow. As per usual, Peter Som’s collection left me and no doubt the rest of the sartorial world utterly speechless. Florals are pretty much de rigueur in the Spring collections but be warned, Peter Som’s prints pack a serious punch. Classis shapes and minimal detailing let acid infused florals do the talking, but if flower power’s not your thing don’t worry because this talented young designer appears to have more than enough ideas to go around. On top of his fearless florals Som offered up jazzy, cropped trousers, shrunken jackets, cinched waisted dresses and some serious “look at me” frocks. If you really went for this summer’s super brights then you’ll be happy to hear that they’ll be back with a vengeance next year. The collection was a perfect blend of retro and ultra modern, referencing some of fashion’s most stylish decades whilst still offering up something entirely different to all that’s gone before.

Jason Wu

Jason Wu has always had an uncanny knack for creating garments that are both elegant and fashion forward and this talent was showcased to the max in his divine SS12 collection. Think city sophistication with a fresh, youthful twist. Peter Pan collars, below-the-knee hemlines and classic silhouettes were brought bang up to date with (more!) sheer panelling and splashes of acid brights. Prints still made an appearence but Wu’s take on the ultimate Summer perma-trend was far more understated than the rest in subtle shades and gossamer fine fabrics. Renowned for his delectable cocktail dresses, Jason Wu’s latest collection featured some real show stoppers, subtley embellished, exquisitely cut and no doubt soon to be gracing a red carpet near you.

What’s YOUR favourite collection so far?

Love Ella.

Posted on September 11, 2011 by Ella Catliff in Fashion Week Leave a comment

La Petite Fashion Week Diaries: Behind the Scenes

Whilst technically speaking the fash pack may have upped sticks and headed off to Milan, the spirit of London Fashion Week lives on (for at least another week anyway) courtesy of yours truly. Let’s face it, far too much fabulousness goes down during LFW to squeeze in to just 5 measley posts. So maybe I’m moving at a slightly slower pace than Fashion itself but after an unforgettable week it seemed a crime to waste all the juicy leftovers that have accumulated on my laptop. So for those of you who weren’t lucky enough to go or if, like me, you simply want to re-live the magic, here’s a petite selection of to-die-for dresses, star-studded FROWS, top models and general behind-the-scenes goings on at Somerset House.

The Style Setters…

Style setter numero uno just has to be the stunning and eternally youthful Yasmin Le Bon. Yasmin was everywhere at LFW this season and always seemed to radiate effortless elegance (jealous, moi?). This ensemble was a definite winner, new season Christopher Kane + luxurious fur coat + bronzed mile-long limbs… Perfection.

Balenciaga bag, leather trousers, oversized retro sunnies (extra points for wearing them inside AND in winter), glass of champers and that fabulous hat! How could I possibly NOT have papped this woman?

Despite the fact that I haven’t yet been brave enough to try one myself, I’m LOVING longer hemlines right now. And it’s just as well because judging from what I spied on the catwalk at LFW, floor-sweepers wont be dropping off the fashion radar anytime soon. This woman’s Prada tote, shearling lined camel coat and shimmering skirt left me green with envy and I have never seen socks and sandals look so chic!

Working for Fashion Consultant and Journalist, Iman Pasha is a dream job in all ways but one: it has given me THE biggest case of wardrobe envy ever! This was one of my favourite’s of all Iman’s LFW looks. The shape is sharp and sleek yet still feminine and the scarlet Chanel 2.5 bag (one of 12, sob!) keeps things interesting with a delicious injection of colour. After ogling this outfit all day I was forced to console myself with the thought that as fierce as those shoes may be, they sure as hell don’t look comfortable.

I spied T4 Presenter, Jameela Jamil looking extremely stylish at Betty Jackson. The gorgeous colour-pop coral hues are seriously on-trend for SS 2011 and I love the cute, kitsch accessories. Licorice allsorts necklace and adorable polka dot platforms make for an ensemble that looks good enough to eat. My only query is, how the HELL did she not get hypothermia?

Fabulous Frows…

Front Row at Maria Grachvogel: Virginia Bates and Marie Helvin

Full House at Fashion renegade, Charlie Le Mindu

Front Row at Julien Macdonald: Janis Dickenson, Sadie Frost, Jo Wood, Bianca Jagger, Juliette Lewis & Jamie Winstone

Daphne Guiness at Charlie Le Mindu

Model-of-the-Moment

What are the differences between a standard, run-of-the-mill model and a bonafide “super”? What special quality do Naomi, Kate, Helena and Gisele posess that sets them apart from all the other 6 foot, silph-like beauties out there? This topic has been the subject of much debate over the years but still no one seems to know the answer. Some models just seem to posess that unique “je ne sais quoi” that makes the world fall in love with them, and one such girl is Abby-Lee Kershaw. The Aussie beauty has graced the pages of every worthwile publication from international Vogues to I.D and is quite probably the hottest human being to have ever walked the planet. So naturally when I spotted Abby strutting her stuff for Julien Macdonald I couldn’t help but snap away.

Abby Lee walking for Julien Macdonald

Behind-the-scenes at Somerset House

Somerset House Press Area

Here we have one of the many “press areas” at Somerset House. The Press Lounge in the BFC tent may have been more comfortable but this little hub was the place to be if you actually needed to get some work done. I found myself here almost every day, frantically trying (and usually failing) to catch up on blogging and long-over-due work.

General business at Somerset House

As much as I’m enjoying wearing flat shoes and relishing the thought of spending the weekend watching Mad Men in my pyjamas, looking at these pics makes me ever-so-slightly sad that London Fashion Week has ended so soon. At least I can console myself with the fact that it’s just about time to begin shopping for Spring!

Love Ella. X

Posted on February 26, 2011 by Ella Catliff in Fashion Week 5 Comments

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