OPTICS and distressed silver leather from Christopher Raeburn

Christopher Raeburn
Animal mascot bags - AW13 womenswear collection.
www.christopherraeburn.co.uk

These fabulous animal mascot bags, made from distressed silver leather,  are part of Christopher Raeburn's AW13 womenswear collection, OPTICS.

Back in February, I mentioned Raeburn's AW13 collection being one of my London Fashion Week highlights.  The collection has now launched online www.christopherraeburn.co.uk

Christopher Raeburn - AW13
Lace Wool Bomber

Christopher Raeburn - AW13
Funnel Neck Dress

Christopher Raeburn - AW13
Wool T.Shirt Dress

Things to look back upon and love about 2012.

Honest by  Bruno Pieters

Honest by Bruno Pieters
Marl sweater made from recycled wool
Creased cotton wrap skirt

Honest by

The launch in January, 2012 of Honest by.

Honest by, is the creation of the highly regarded Belgian designer, Bruno Pieters.  Pieters has created the first company in the world to have 100% transparency for it's supply chain, allowing Honest by customers to shop for innovative fashion in a completely conscious way.

Honest by

Honest by Bruno Pieters
Organic silk chiffon dress

Honest by

Honest by Bruno Pieters
Recycled wool caban coat
organic cotton facings, bindings and thread.

Honest by

Partimi 2012 collections

Partimi
Spring Summer 2012

One of my favourite sustainable fashion brands.  I love the simple silhouettes,  easy style and captivating prints depicting photographic images from designer, Eleanor Dorrien-Smith's childhood.   I loved both of Partimi's 2012 collections.  Looking forward to 2013.

Partimi

Partimi
Spring Summer 2012

Partimi
Autumn Winter 2012
Photograph by:  Nicole Maria Winkler

Partimi
Autumn Winter 2012
Photograph by:  Nicole Maria Winkler

NEWGEN sponsorship winners

A special mention to three of the designers who have been awarded sponsorship to present their collections at London Fashion Week in February, 2013.   J JS Lee, Lucas Nascimento and Christopher Raeburn.

J JS LEE
Spring Summer 2013 collection

J JS LEE
Spring Summer 2013 collection

J JS LEE
Spring Summer 2013 collection

Lucas Nascimento
Spring Summer 2013 collection

Lucas Nascimento
Spring Summer 2013 collection

Lucas Nascimento
Spring Summer 2013 collection

Christopher Raeburn
Spring Summer 2013 collection

Christopher Raeburn
Spring Summer 2013 collection

Christopher Raeburn
Spring Summer 2013 collection

Rutzou award for sustainable fashion

Rutzou
Sustainable design challenge, 2012

Danish fashion designer Susanne Rutzou, won the sustainable design challenge in May this year.  The competition - part of the Copenhagen Fashion Summit - was set to raise awareness of sustainable textiles.

Rutzou

Rutzou
Sustainable design challenge, 2012

  

Army surplus gets a sophisticated edge . Christopher Raeburn - SS13

Christopher Raeburn
Spring Summer 2013

Photo by Fillipo Flor - Go Runway.com

Readers of this blog will know that I have been a fan of Christopher Raeburn's work since seeing his collection of outwear and parkas in 2008, which was created from up-cycled army parachutes and military jackets.  I have always admired his thoughtful creativity and meticulous attention to detail.

But!  Wow!  His SS13 catwalk show - at London Fashion Week today - marks a transition for his work.  Raeburn has created a sleek collection of wearable pieces with a sophisticated urban edge.  He has managed to do this without losing his signature utilitarian style.

Stand out pieces in the collection were iridescent nylon shirt dresses, lace patterned parkas and hooded bomber jackets, grosgrain taped seams and camouflage inspired prints.

Christopher Raeburn
Spring Summer 2013

Photo by Fillipo Flor - Go Runway.com

Christopher Raeburn
Spring Summer 2013

Photo by Fillipo Flor - Go Runway.com

Christopher Raeburn
Spring Summer 2013

Photo by Fillipo Flor - Go Runway.com

Christopher Raeburn
Spring Summer 2013

Photo by Fillipo Flor - Go Runway.com

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.

Avoiding the rain in style - Christopher Raeburn

Having just spent four days in Copenhagen I have returned to England inspired.  Inspired to have cheek bone implants.  Inspired to have my legs stretched.  Inspired to ride my bike in the pouring rain while maintaining an air of stylish confidence.

On my first afternoon in the city there was an almighty down pour. As I scurried along with my shoulders hunched over, spluttering as I fought with my umbrella, the cycle path along side me was busy with Copenhageners pedalling – through the torrential rain - with an effortless sartorial style. Meanwhile, as my double denim outfit became rain-soaked, heavy and crumpled, I cursed myself for not being a practical packer.

Of course the perfect thing to have taken would have been one of Christopher Raeburn's Parachute Parkas. 

Christopher Raeburn - Autumn Winter 2010
Cropped Parachute Parka - with parachute scrunch bag.

Christopher Raeburn - AW10 Collection
Pop-Out Parka

I’ve always admired Christopher Raeburn’s work.  His innovative use of sustainable fabrics, his attention to detail and superb cut ensure his collections offer premium quality – as well as functionality and a sense of fun. 

Raeburn has received New Generation sponsorship to show his SS11 collection during London Fashion Week.  His inspirations for next season are dazzle camouflage, adaptability and the great outdoors.  I can’t wait.