Christopher Raeburn - Emerging Talent Menswear - British Fashion Awards

Christopher Raeburn
Emerging Talent - Menswear
British Fashion Awards 2011

Congratulations to Christopher Raeburn on winning the Emerging Talent award for Menswear at the British Fashion Awards earlier this week.  I know it sounds like a cliche but it couldn't have gone to a nicer person.  Hugely talented too.  Well deserved!

When I first met Raeburn at London Fashion Week in February 2010, he was showing his collection of jackets, bombers and parkas created from re-appropriated military materials.  I was blown away by the innovation, research and sourcing behind the beautifully crafted collection.  I have followed Raeburn's progress ever since.

Raeburns signature designs are his flyweight wind-cheaters, which are constructed from de-commissioned military parachutes.  Each streamlined style is cleverly pieced together, incorporating taped seams and screen printed panels to create a contemporary collection.

All pieces in his collection are remade in England.

Christopher Raeburn
London Fashion Week
Estethica February 2010

Christopher Raeburn
London Fashion Week
New Generation September 2010

Christopher Raeburn
London Fashion Week
New Generation September 2010

Christopher Raeburn
Estethica September 2011
Women's wear collection

If this isn't enough to impress you,  he was also voted Most Stylish Man at the British Fashion Awards by GQ magazine.

Partimi - Open Studio

Partimi
Spring Summer 2012
Boat print silk jersey shift

I couldn't resist the invitation to visit Partimi's studio last week.  I was welcomed at the studio's gloss black victorian door by Eleanor Dorrien-Smith, the label's designer/founder.  Eleanor led me into Partimi's high ceilinged, light-filled studio where I was offered coconut macaroon biscuits and tea, served on vintage china. 

 

Tea and macaroons
at Partimi studio
Image by Re-Design for Life

I took the opportunity to pre-view the label's SS12 collection ... dreaming of summer, sandy toes and wild weather...  As with Partimi's previous collections, Eleanor has been inspired by the childhood memories of her family - sandy beaches, fishing, collecting shells and long walks.  One of my favourite pieces is a silk jersey shift dress printed with a scene of stranded fishing boats at low tide.  Stunning!

The collection retains the Partimi design aesthetic of understated silhouettes, striking prints, organic fabrics created with an environmental edge.

Partimi
Spring Summer 2012
Image by Re-Design for Life

Hats and head pieces by Lizzie McQuade
for Partimi - Spring Summer 2012
Image by Re-Design for Life

Partimi studio
Design development for Autumn Winter 2012
Image by Re-Design for Life

Partimi studio
Design development, toiles and sampling.
Image by Re-Design for Life

It was lovely to visit Partimi's creative hub and to meet the team behind one of my favourite ethical fashion labels.

Lullatic and Ada Zanditon - Jewellery collaboration

Re-cycled plastic jewellery
Lullatic for Ada Zanditon SS11 Collection

I love this creative collaboration between jewellery designer Lucali Romanyi and Ada Zanditon.  

Re-cycled plastic jewellery from the SS2011 collection.

Cryoflux from the AW2011 collection, inspired by Antarctica, the environmental perils of the modern world and climate change.

Complete collections can be seen Romanyi's website Lullatic.com

Re-cycled plastic jewellry
Lullatic for Ada Zanditon SS11 Collection

Cryoflux AW11 Collection
Lullatic for Ada Zanditon

Cryoflux AW11 Collection
Lullatic for Ada Zanditon

Inspired by Guy Fawkes

Image by Re-Design for Life

November in England brings with it short days, blustery winds, frosty mornings and damp air.  It also brings with it Guy Fawkes night, when we remember gun-powder, treason and plot. 

Yesterday evening I wrapped myself in warm clothes, ventured into the cold evening air along with crowds of others, to watch the dark night sky burst into bright colourful patterns.  Each delivered with loud crackles that ricoched through the darkness.

November in England brings with it sparkling moments of delight.  

Image by Re-Design for Life

Image by Re-Design for Life

Image by Re-Design for Life

Image by Re-Design for Life

Future Classics

I recently read an article - in one of those free daily papers available at train stations - about the length of time it takes for a Fashion Editor - of one of those glossy, international, monthly fashion tomes - to be seen wearing outfits from designer catwalk collections.  One Editor, was seen in an outfit from Prada's SS12 collection in a matter of days (it may have been less) after it was shown on the catwalk.

Here starts the dizzying whirl of the fashion wheel for another season.  It's a frantic fashionista race to claim the title for being one of the first to be seen wearing the latest collections.  Here, too, is where I have a confession to make.  On Friday, I found myself caught up in this race.  

Future Classics brocade fabric
at Save the Children, Westbourne Grove

Image by Re-Design for Life

I'd popped into the Save the Children shop on Westbourne Grove in Notting Hill.  As I was taking a leisurely flick through the rails,  I noticed something shimmering in the light.  I hastily pushed back a selection of clothes to reveal a brocade skirt, which instantly reminded me of the plethora of brocade skirts shown on the Spring Summer '12 catwalks.  Without hesitation, I whipped it from the rail. Tried it on.  Loved it.  Bought it.  A key fashion piece for my wardrobe. 

Brocade skirt by Future Classics
at Save the Children, Westbourne Grove.

Image by Re-Design for Life

This brocade skirt was donated to Save the Children by fashion label Future Classics, who donate many samples to the Westbourne Grove store.  

Thank you to Future Classics for helping me in my moment of being a Frantic Fashionista.  More importantly, thank you for your fashion donations towards helping Save the Children.

Creating shade at Brixton Village Market

Wonderfully creative use of old lampshades
at Brixton Village Market.
Image by Re-Design for Life.

For over two years now, I have been living with a bare lightbulb in the ceiling light at the top of my stairs.   Having searched high and low considering various options, I am still totally in-the-dark as to how to shade the naked glare.

Perhaps something mid-century modern?  Something reclaimed from a victorian school?  Something Scandinavian?  Something tongue-in-cheek chintz?

This morning my light-bulb of inspiration shone at Brixton Village Market, where one of the 'Avenues' has the most wonderfully adorned lights hanging from it's 1930's ceiling.  Each light has a unique shade created from a combination of chintz damasks, retro wooden and plastic lanterns, English country florals,  1960's patterns, scallop edges and fringing.

So there hangs the answer of how to dress my bare light-bulb.  I'll combine all of my ideas to create one unique piece.  The search for each individual shade begins...

Image by Re-Design for Life

Image by Re-Design for Life

Image by Re-Design for Life

Lamkayan - the world beneath your feet.

Lamkayan.
Underground - the world beneath your feet.
Photographer: Aktif Hakan Celebi

When I came across these stunning images, I had to share them with you.   The colours.  The textures.  The mood.  Love it all.

The clothes featured are from Hong Kong label Lamkayan's project Underground, the world beneath your feet.  Designer Ka Yan used the Earth's structure, layers and erosion to inspire the colours and prints used in the collection.

Lamkayan.
Underground - the world beneath your feet.
Photographer: Aktif Hakan Celebi

Lamkayan.
Underground - the world beneath your feet.
Photographer: Aktif Hakan Celebi

Ka Yan graduated from Hong Kong Design Institute in 2011.  Her design projects can be viewed on: www.behance.net/LAMKAYAN

Corrie Nielsen - A modern couturier

Corrie Nielsen
SS12 - Arbiter Elegantiarum

Photographer: Christoper Dadey

Arbiter Elegantiarum is the title of Corrie Nielsen's SS12 collection, which was shown on the catwalk on Friday as part of London Fashion Week.  Arbiter Elegantiarum - a judge or authority in matters of taste.

Corrie Nielsen dipped into a dark Victorian mood for this collection, with inspirations taken from Oscar Wilde's gothic novel, The Picture of Dorian Grey together with influences of late nineteenth century men's tailored dress, which was brought together with a contemporary Japanese aesthetic.

Architectural silhouettes, meticulous pleating and innovative folding techniques were executed in great swathes of sumptuous fabrics.  All brought together in a restrained colour palette of deep midnight blue, gunmetal grey and ivory, with a flash of chartreuse throughout.

The overall effect was refined, elegant and contemporary.

After seeing the collection, it comes as no surprise to me that Corrie Nielsen has been described as a modern couturier and true fashion visionary.

Corrie Nielsen
SS12 - Arbiter Elegantiarum

Photographer: Christoper Dadey

Corrie Nielsen
SS12 - Arbiter Elegantiarum

Photographer: Christoper Dadey

Corrie Nielsen
SS12 - Arbiter Elegantiarum

Photographer: Christoper Dadey

Corrie Nielsen
SS12 - Arbiter Elegantiarum

Photographer: Christoper Dadey

Corrie Nielsen
SS12 - Arbiter Elegantiarum

Photographer: Christoper Dadey

Corrie Nielsen
SS12 - Arbiter Elegantiarum

Photographer: Christoper Dadey

Corrie Nielsen
SS12 - Arbiter Elegantiarum

Photographer: Christoper Dadey

Frantic Fashion Friday

London Fashion Week.
Day 1.
Re-Design for Life

London Fashion Week.  Day 1.  What a crazy day it was!

Disappearing invitations.  Re-appearing invitations. Technical malfunctions. Wardrobe malfunctions. Running late for shows.  Shows running late.  Hey!  Wouldn't fashion be boring without a little drama?

Corrie Nielsen started the day for me with a dramatic catwalk show inspired by Dorien Gray with a modern Japanese twist.  Images and collection round-up to follow in a separate post.

Mei Hui Liu's label Victim, returned to it;s East End roots with a pop-up shop on Redchurch Street.  There until 18th September.

Jhb/gi - James Hamilton Butler x George Ichikawa had an exhibition of their collection with video installations.

Finally the much anticipated Vauxhall Fashion Scout 'Ones to Watch' catwalk show, with innovative collections from Phoebe English, Alice Lee, Shao Yen and Malene Oddershede Bach.  I'll be posting a separate piece with images of all collections.

A knackered old chair. Or a chair to be cherished?

I love this chair!
I came across this photo, which I snapped at London Fashion Week almost a year ago.
Nothing is too old or knackered to admire.

Image by Re-Design for Life.
Chair part of the Reem exhibition at LFW.

Shao-Yen Chen - One to Watch Award

Shao Yen
Goddess Collection - Autumn Winter 2011/12
Image by ReDesign for Life

I am so excited to read that Shao-Yen Chen has received a Ones to Watch award from the Vauxhall Fashion Scout.  The 'Goddess' collection certainly caught my eye when it was presented at London Fashion Week in February.  A wonderfully innovative use of textures, embellishment and colour brought together in delicately sculptured silhouettes.  The designer has created a trademark for experimentation with textiles and silhouette, explaining it is "a way of reinventing traditional crafts with new materials and forms."

The One's to Watch award was set-up to support and help emerging, innovative designers to build sustainable businesses.  As part of the award, Shao-Yen's SS12 collection will be shown on the Fashion Scout catwalk during London Fashion Week in September.

Inspirations for the new collection have been taken from 80's and 90's street-wear with tribal, punk and bondage elements.  I can't wait to see it.  Especially when Shao-Yen's design philosophy is "be open to everything"

Shao Yen
Goddess Collection - Autumn Winter 2011/12
Image by ReDesign for Life

Shao Yen
Goddess Collection - Autumn Winter 2011/12
Image by ReDesign for Life

Emesha launches an androgynous edge for Autumn Winter 2011/12

Emesha
Autumn Winter 2011/12

I love Emesha's AW12 collection!

Taking it's initial inspiration from the shirt, the collection reworks this classic shape into other garments to create a relaxed, contemporary look.  These pieces are juxtaposed with razor sharp tailoring for a clean silhouette resulting in a collection of unique pieces with an androgynous edge.  

When I viewed the collection at London Fashion Week's Estethica, what also struck me was the premium quality of it's finish and fabrics - all of which are 100% natural and/or organic.  The label is fully committed to environmental and social responsibilities:  always sourcing new eco-friendly fabrics, using sustainable materials and recycling as much as possible.

In addition to this, Emesha practices fair wage policy and production is organized to help the depriving fashion industry in Hungary.

What is there not to love about Emesha.

Emesha
Autumn Winter 2011/12

Emesha
Autumn Winter 2011/12

Emesha
Autumn Winter 2011/12

Emesha
Autumn Winter 2011/12

Emesha
Autumn Winter 2011/12

Chichia London receives EFF Innovation Award

Chichia London.  'Made in Dar' collection
3-print tiered khanga dress

Chichia London was set up in 2007 by London based designer, Christine Mhando.  Influenced by her Tanzanian culture,  the designer re-creates the traditional East African cotton "Khanga" into quirky yet wearable styles.  Christine Mhando's aim is to create pieces that are timeless rather than driven by seasonal trends.

Stunning colour combinations, eye-catching prints and intricate embellishments play a significant part in the collections.  The result is an eclectic collection of modern dresses and separates.

My favourite is  the "Made in Dar" collection.

Chichia London.  'Made in Dar' collection
Palm print khanga tunic dress

Chichia London.  'Made in Dar' collection
Khanga print shirt dress with studded shoulder.

Chichia London.  'Made in Dar' collection.
Butterfly and maxi leaf print kitenge tunic dress

Chichia London.  'Made in Dar' collection.
Print kitenge one sleeve embellised shift dress.

Chichia London.  'Made in Dar' collection.
Yellow palm print khanga and turquoise fringe top
worn with flame animal print wrap skirt.

Chichia London recently received an EFF Innovation Award.