[ Electric Dress ]

[Electric Dresser] Sugar Sweet

2012-02-27T11:10:00.000Z

Florrie / Blogger / Queen Street, London

Florrie's Harajuku inspired look was hard to miss and we saw her buzzing around a lot over the week. The Lolita silhouette and tartan check is classic Harajuku inspiration, though items were sourced from a mix of high street, designer and specialist labels. We love the heart shapes on Florrie's shoes.

Coat: Oasis
Dress and blouse: from Japan
Bag: Vivienne Westwood
Shoes: Luella
Wig: Gothic Lolita
Headbow: Baby the Stars Shine Bright by Lolita
Star Clip: Choco Mint
Ring: from Chinatown
Gloves: H&M
Scarf: Age of Reason

[London] Pam Hogg AW 2012

2012-02-26T18:29:00.004Z

The Pam Hogg show was by far one of if not the biggest dates on the Vauxhall calender, with Janice Dickinson, Alexandra Burke and Tallulah Adeyemi all in attendance; rumor has it that although Kitty Brucknell was in the building, having been to he House of Evolution showcase, she was declined entry to the show. It was running extremely late and packed to the rafters. Pam Hogg is not known and loved for producing demure collections and Autumn Winter 2012-13 was no exception. Set to a soundtrack of manic, sawing country and western sounds, the collection featured leather dresses with high neck, long sleeves and full A-line skirts, shown with giant cone-like hats resembling some Little House on the Prairie-on-valium fantasy. Jamie Winstone made a catwalk cameo in one such look. Using colour blocks in red, white and gold, silver and orange, the contouring was divine and played with drawing the eye to various specific parts of the models body. A catsuit with faux fur patch on the crotch had all in the front row smirking. Also shown were Sheer jumpsuits in black with panels that gathered or stripes of leather revealed all save a tiny patch of fabric, some with ruched details; bejewelled bonnet and gown; and the final look, where a girl walked out in nothing but a bonnet and some ribbons to hide her modesty, was the ultimate in Lolita-like innocence and sexuality. Packed to the rafters, the FRow included Tallulah Adeyemi, Alexandra Burke and Janice Dickinson. The show was witty, irreverent and sexy, and it is ballsy, full-blooded collections such as this one which make London Fashion Week the Alice in Wonderland experience it is.

[Electric Dresser] Mac Me

2012-02-26T17:31:00.002Z

Rue Rivioli, Paris

Is it the folding bike? Is it the classic British Doc Martens with classic French trench? Or is it that smouldering stare? Whatever it is, this is a killer cool look with minimal effort and maximum impact.

Fashion Week Diary Day 3 | Part Two of Two

2012-02-26T14:11:00.001Z

Alexandra Burke checks out the muff costume

At the Prince of Wales, Danielle, James and Lorraine could hardly face the thought of another drink after their Soho outing the night before, but being of good Celtic stock, they gave made a good go of it. All of a sudden it was time to head back for the very exciting Pam Hogg show, so we finished up and joined the shorter of two queues. Sara had arrived with two mates, so we huddles like penguins against the bitter cold and long, long wait as slebs made arrivals. Alexandra Burke was seen being herded in, looking as beautiful and radiant as usual: Tallulah Adeyemi arrived with some dude James recognised from the Scottish Style awards, while Janice Dickinson looked pretty spaced by the pap flashes.

Despite a long wait, we made it in and grabbed spaces on the tiny ledge that runs around the sides of the downstairs Freemasons Hall showspace, an excellent place to squeeze in when its crowded, giving you unparralleled views of crowd and catwalk. Running ever so fashionably behind schedule, the show began to a sawing, country and western-gone-mad soundtrack, matching the sexually charged Little House On The Prairie-on-coke feel to the collection. It was sumptuously mad and erotic, and Hogg got a rousing cheer and standing ovation at the end.

As the lights went up, it was clear the energy was still very much high in the room and people wanted to hang around. However, a girl just next to us in the sound and lighting booth made the announcement that they only had half an hour to clear the building; I overheard her discussing the fine they would be liable for if they didn't do this with a porter. She asked everyone interested in the after party at Scotch to come and give her their names, so we got right in there. I even lent her a pen, and after Kate Nash's PR had come and got her client on the list, "Rena Smith +6" was added, to include the entourage and also my twin Niall who we were meeting me later on.

First we needed a toilet stop. Vauxhall Fashion Scout was closing, so we made a bee-line for the O'Niell's pub across the road. Sara's two friends went home, but in the pub, I made friends with two lovely girls, Sim, an events coordinator with KISS FM and Jade, winner of Britain and Ireland's Next Top Model. They were super friendly and fun, and with two spare places on the guest list, we headed to the Pam Hogg knees-up.

James had some pals to see in a Covent Garden pub, so we stopped off for half price cocktails and a spot of bar food - having munched on nought but fashion week freebies that day, I had some much needed prawn protein. Sim got us all giggling with her brilliant accent impressions - Belfast, Geordie, Liverpool, she could do 'em all. We settled for Californian in the end and like when James was like done saying hey to his friends we like totally made a move for Scotch.

Not that the journey was a straight one - first Simran did an impromptu duet with a busker (check the video here) before we picked up Niall at Leicester Square. Scotch was down a hidden lane behind Fortnum & Mason, and after a bit of confusion, our names were located on the list. Once inside, we availed ourselves of the free cocktails and I offloaded my baggage with a huge sigh of relief in the cloakroom.

Scotch is such a great little bar; with dark wood and tartan carpet interior. Danielle was in ecstasy over the sparkly salamander print wallpaper on the stairs. Niall, a barman himself, was wowed by the skill and professionalism of the bar staff, whom he pointed out worked so efficiently they spent all their time rooted to one spot. Upstairs felt like a tiny, cosy, traditional pub, while downstairs had a dancefloor and seating in booths. Like many of these exclusive joint, photographs weren't allowed, so you'll have to use a bit of imagination.

I spoke to a super-stylish girl who had had a bit of trouble getting in. Her name is Ailie, and not only is she from Glasgow, we later found out we had 27 mutual friends on Facebook. She also knew a whole bunch of people James knew and I spotted her later in the week at Somerset House as well as on Les Garcons de Glasgow blog. Pam Hogg herself arrived and I tried to tell her how much I loved the show but she yelled "Darling, I can't hear you and I haven't sat down for three days, so thank you, but I'm going to find a seat". Apparently that's pretty good going for her.

We heard rumours of Janice Dickinson making a solo performance on the dancefloor, and after chatting for a while with a lovely wee German editor called Andreas, we went downstairs. The tunes were really cool and sometimes you just fancy a good old boogie, so although at this stage most people were too bus lounging around looking cool, Sara, Niall and I started throwing some shapes with conviction.

Being the first to dance is a habit of my parents I used to find excruciating to watch, but if you're having a good time, its a luxury to have the dancefloor to yourself. Also, the DJ played the batman tune, which had the three of us in stitches. After about 45 minutes of tune after tune (the soundtrack was kind of retro cool - the Rolling Stones, the Clash et al) Janice Dickinson reappeared - and my, was she loving us on the dancefloor. She got down and dirty with Sara before going in for a good old grind with Niall and lifting her shirt. And, as if by magic, the too-cool-for-school fash pack decided dancing was cool. The dancefloor filled and remained kicking for the rest of the night. One of Janice's minders must have pulled her to one side because she was then on the sidelines with her head in her hands gazing at Niall's mad ass moves.

The rest of the night involved a lot of dancing and slurping up the free cocktails. Upstairs at the bar, we also got things going, and got chatting to Catrina, a Dane who works in Cos in Covent Garden, as well as Nick, producer for 55factory, who filmed Sara and I with exec Chris last year. Outside, we made friends with a really nice model called Ricki, who told us funny stories about his life as a mechanic before modelling and showed us his crazy tattoos that included dinosaurs and icecreams. Niall started pulling some chick so me and Sara kept the dancefloor going, for some reason pretending to be bears doing things like playing the flute and tennis. I literally nearly wet myself many times.

With the cocktails gone, we hit the tap water (dancing like maniacs sure is thirsty work) and by the time the tunes finished, we were all but sober. The DJ agreed to play one more tune and seemed to be big fans of us and our dancing talent, unusually doing our request for Batman, and coming out from behind his perch to dance with us. He played a few more upbeat numbers and then it was time for us to make a move, but not before we all thanked each other for the excellent team work on the disco department.

Niall had to lose the newfound ladylove to take care of us; having a tee total brother who drives is one damn lucky thing and he'd arranged to drive us all home to Sara's flat, who herself had set things up for him to stay over. I felt bad asking him to kiss goodbye, but on the whole I was really glad he'd came and enjoyed himself. Niall wouldn't enjoy a fashion show too much, but it's ages since we had a good dance together.We got home and crashed into bed, albeit sober as judges, very tired but very happy.

Designer and models take a bow

With my twin brother Niall

Even the toilets were cool

The Dance Crew. Sara thought people would assume we were hired entertainment. Why wouldn't they!?

Nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh BAT-MAN!!!!!!

[London] Zeynep Tosum AW 2012

2012-02-26T13:45:00.001Z

As part of the House of Evolution showcase which featured two other brands, Zeyneb Tosem’s collection stood out by far ahead of the rest. Held on Sunday afternoon at the Freemasons Hall, the first runway show for the Turkish designer was for me a runaway success. Inspired by Japanese Samurai, the collection refrained from appearing too costume-like. Using peplum shapes, it focused on clean lines and layered tailoring, with narrow pant silhouettes. Opening wit monochrome, orange and oxblood were also used to delicious effect. There were wonderful pieces with what appeared to be cherry blossom outlines in clean orange printed onto white, as well as lightening bolts printed onto a darker background. The collars featured some really cool metal horn shaped fasteners that were part ethnic chic, part futuristic touch. The models wore their hair in a folded bun on the crown of their head and had hair extensions added at the back, a fierce, androgynous look. Having opened her flagship store in Istanbul and won Elle’s Best Upcoming Designer award, we hope to see many greater things from Tosum.

[London] Carlotta Actis Barone AW 2012

2012-02-26T13:36:00.003Z

Carlotta Actis Barone showed on Saturday night at the Vauxhall Fashion Scout, and we sat front row. By far the most dramatic of the shows, the set was filled with smoke from the models’ entrance to the runway before the first look came out. Known for choosing inspiration for social issues, Barone this season looked to the Holocaust, it was perhaps a difficult subject for less skilled designers to handle well. The notion of “Work Liberates”, as in the ironwork motto above the gates to Auschwitz, was a key motif; models wore wellington boots, a symbol, in this case, of drudgery and discomfort; the words were also worked onto nude tights material onto bodysuits, dresses and leggings, in shapes reminiscent of the death camp gates themselves. Models had back-combed birds nest hairstyles and smoky eye makeup extended onto the nose to with skull like eeriness. Capes also featured, as symbols of religion repressed, and the colour palette kept to a strict and sombre purple, blue and black, referring perhaps also to the colours of bruised and abused human skin. The dramatic layered gowns in rich tones worn with boots captured the fragility of the human spirit and completed the drama and poise of the collection.

[Electric Dresser] Little Sister

2012-02-25T21:06:00.000Z

Claudia / 19 / Fashion journalism student / Somerset House, London

Claudia's creepers and bleached locked work perfectly with the white fur and leopard print and chain print leggings. A super punk outfit made sweet with touches of girly colour - check out her blog, Claudia Kitten.

Jumper: Asos
Gilet: Dorothy Perkins
Leggings: Ebay
Socks: Asos
Creepers: TUK
Bag: Marc Jacobs

[London] Fashion Week Diary Day 3 | Part One of Two

2012-02-25T20:57:00.000Z

Somerset House in the sunshine

After the shennanigans of Friday night, I spent most of Saturday battling tiredness, so put no pressure on myself to get up early on Sunday, despite the carpe diem, oh-my-god-its-fashion-week temptation to get out as early as possible and stay late as one can. I took my time and aimed for a Somerset House arrival at 1PM. My fashion week buddy Sara had uni work to do and was meeting with KTZ about dressing the show the next day, so we agreed to rendez vous at Pam Hogg later that night.

I was feeling pretty inspired beautywise and used an Urban Decay electric blue eyeshadow on top of nude lipstick to create some wow factor lip action. I washed my eyebrows out with a whole load of silver and matched my graphic eyeliner to my Daria Werbowy in Paris Vogue samurai hairstyle. Getting out at Holborn, I was stopped by the charming and well spoken photographer Paul who had also asked for a beauty shot in the Somerset House courtyard on Friday. Funnily enough, he hardly recognised me, and nor did he seem to recall my face on Monday when he asked for a shot of my black lips and fuscia cheeks. A street style photographer working for various agencies, I remember him from previous seasons singly shooting one item, and this time make up was it. He is a lovely guy and I was glad we met. Here are some pictures my friend James took later in the day...

// What I wore / Hood: Chouchou and Oui! Designs / Top: Penneys / Leather harness: Topshop / Watch: New Look / Leggings: American Apparel / Boots: Aldo //

Once at the fash pack home, I used the press lounge to catch up on some work and there met the very nice Charlotte, a fashion writer and editor. If you can get a seat and PC, the free Lavazza coffee , cheeseboards and cakes at the press lounge are almost as good as free printing and Toni and Guy and MAC bars. She was watching the Topshop show and let me peek over her shoulder: the digital schedule really is a good initiative, while the Topshop collection looked far more fashion forward and commericial than last season.

Charlotte was heading to House of Evolution and I gave it a go, up at the Fashion Scout. She had a friend, biomedical scientist Emily with her, and while Charlotte dived in like a pro to the front of the queue, we squeezed in further back, still managing to pick up champers on the way in. Emily was very sweet, kept saying how she knew little about fashion, but actually had a good sense of taste herself. People often take fashion to be a secret code that other people seem to *get* but it really relies on little more than that, and perhaps a higher than average tolerance for bullshit.

Typically Charlotte sat FRow but we had a pretty good view from the third, including of Corrie star Michelle Collins and X Factor ex, Kitty Brucknell. The show included three collections, starting with Delada and closed by Nadine Merabi. The Zayneb Tosum one in the middle was by far my favourite, comprising of Japanese warrior inspired tailoring with funky, punky detailing and lashings of attitude. After, Charlotte had another show to run to and Emily was done for the day, so I met a slightly worse-for-wear James, Danielle and their friend Lorraine from Cork outside and took them up to the Raffaele Ascione presentation.

Featuring a short film then models entering and going on a stagelike setup, it seemed slightly better organised than Shao Yen, and the Red Bull on offer was kind of God sent at that point. All sugar free, of course. We did, however, spot that the hair was by Tony and Guy according to the show notes: a new company, perhaps? The clothes were gorgeous, combining eveningwear and sporty elements in a Studio 54, grown up glamour feel. We then headed to the Prince of Wales pub, a classic fash pack hang out, to await Pam Hogg and the next intallement of London Fashion Week, Autumn Winter 2012. Little did we know what we were letting ourselves in for.....................

Two fashionistas getting casually snapped

Th lights dim before the House of Evolution show

Michelle Collins on the FRow

Delada

Zayneb Tosum

Nadine Merabi

Raffaele Ascione

Getting the game face back on; Nadine, James and I

[Electric Dresser] Sport and fur

2012-02-24T22:23:00.001Z

Eva / Somerset House, London

Eva here mixes some high end design with high street hotties for a fabulous fetish meets sportif look. The long blonde locks almost blend in with the texture of the coat, while the Celine shopper balances by adding clean minimalist lines.

Coat: Tarak Hamidi
Shoes: Kurt Geiger
Pant: Barbara Bui
Bag: Celine
Hat: H&M

[London] Fashion Week Diary Day 2

2012-02-24T18:50:00.002Z

Sinéad, me, Sara and Mel at Scoop. Photo: Jodanna Andrews

After the drama of Friday night, I woke up at Mui's still extremely tired from the night before; worse, Mui had no recollection of the night before, so I had to fill her in. I cleaned myself up and she walked me through what she called "the village" of Camden where I got the tube back to Bethnal Green. Sara, on the other hand, had had a long night of peaceful sleep and was ready to roll for the day.

We headed to Fashion Scout first, for the Dans La Vie show; read my review here. It was a punky mix of pop art and Japanese references. Along with Jordanna and Mel of Pandora's Thoughts, we then headed to Scoop in Covent Garden. Corrie Nielsen, with whom Sara interned, had designed a special London Fashion Week flavour and Sara had a few spare vouchers. There, I met my sister Sinéad, who had kindly brought along a few of my things my mum had brought down to London from home for me, including our dad's film SLR with its gigantic lens - the pictures are currently awaiting development so *watch this space*!

My oh my was the ice-cream good! Dark chocolate with French orange blossom, it was as rich and delicious as cake without the usual sickly sweetness of ice-cream and all of the silky texture. The girls headed off to various rendez-vouses, allowing Sinéad and I a little sisterly catch up time. She then walked me back to the Fashion Scout Venue for the dark and sexy Alice Lee show; read my report here.

After, I checked out the exhibition, where I saw the architectural paper dresses of Morana Kranjec, the Valentino-esque work of CSM MA graduate Charlotte Simpson and punky couture of Ann Sofie Madsen. I was just getting my head around my dad's SLR when I noticed the guy standing next to me also had a Canon, so I figured he might know how to help. He didn't, but turned out to be really cool and we got talking about my blog. He liked the sound of it, and introduced me to his fellow editor at Shiloh Magazine, Helen. His name was Jan - we swapped cards, and promised to keep in touch. In fact, we came across each other later in the week..... but more on that later!

I headed down then for the Spijkers en Spijkers show, but wasn't too impressed with the collection, although the prints and bird motifs on their own were kind of sweet. Sara had been checking out the British Fashion Council exhibition at Somerset House where designers show their wares at stands and meet directly with the industry. However, he had come bck for the Spijkers en Spkijers show, along with Team Pandora's Thoughts. The photography duo wanted to have an upload-and-edit session, so we made a move for the George, a great little pub near Freemason's Hall which seems so far undetected by the rest of the fash pack.

Moments after we came in, the heavens opened, and if ever there was doubt about our use of time it washed quickly away! I was, ahem, feeling the effects of the night before by this point and was glad for the chance for a sit down and what some people might say constitutes the "hair of the dog" approach. The next show on the schedule was the Shao Yen presentation, so Sara and I relaxed and had a giggle while Mel and Jordanna furiously beavered away.

When the time came, we dutifully packed up and headed over the road, where we met my lovely friend from Glasgow James Rennie, stylist and VM at Karen Millen, and Danielle Neeson, budding fashion journo and blogger. Danielle had come along as James's plus one, but it turned out we knew a whole bunch of people from the Belfast/Glasgow scene - in fact, by complete coincidence, she moved into James's flat in London little knowing they both knew our self-styled Fashion Hot Mess, Dearbhla McKeating. Small world!

Shao Yen was a cool interplay between sportwear, eveningwear and heritage fabrics; read my report here.
It was a bit of a squeeze for space, but the pink cider lubricated things somewhat. Next, it was down for the dark and lyrical Carlotta Actis Barone show; read my review of the show here. Sara and I got FRow, while James and Dnaielle sat opposite second row - great for taking pictures of each other! The goodie bag included my total favourite: hair glue, by Label M. Last time I bought it I was 13; I thought it was the most indulgent thing ever at £14, but seeing as its so strong and you need so little, it only recently ran out, lasting almost ten years! It has a great texture, and if you're the kind who likes hairspray, its a must. We also got some super cool tattoo sleeves that I werked with Monday's outfit. Sara got new ones, but I got the highly coveted first collection edition!

I was absolutely shattered after, and headed back to the flat with Sara while the other two made a move for Soho. We went home and had a wholesome but filling dinner (Innocent veg pot and naan bread!) and I was able to catch up a little blogwise. I also spoke with Alex Fiddes, fashion editor at the Skinny, who has agreed to feature some of my work! As you quickly learn with Fashion Week, energy is the most precious thing of all. If they could bottle sleep and put it in a goodie bag, the fash pack would undoubtedly be clawig each other's eyes out to sit FRow.....

On the canal bank at Camden en route "home"

Sara and Corrie. Sara is wearing a reproduction of a seventies Vivienne Westwood "boob print" tee!

Nom nom nom

Ann Sophie Madsen at the VFS Exhibition

Carlotta Actis Barone

[London] Shao Yen AW 2012

2012-02-24T17:51:00.000Z

Photo: Rena Niamh Smith / Danielle Neeson

Shao Yen earned his fashion stripes at CSM then with Hussein Chayalan and Alexander McQueen, while his own label has been picked up by Dazed & Confused, Style Bubble and won him bespoke commission from Bjork in 2009. The Taiwanese designer presented a sportif collection this season as presentation at the Vauxhall Fashion Scout. Sipping pink cider, the crowd were somewhat overwhelmed by themselves as photographers, bloggers and the like vied for positions to capture the best angle. For the second outing of outfits, however, PRs cleared the space and things could be viewed far better without worrying you were about to crash into someone else's lens. A knitwear designer by trade, Yen integrated heritage British fabrics into evening and sportwear looks. As with many designers this season, orange was a favourite shade, as in the ensemble featuring silky pant and baseball cap, as was turquoise, both of which popped against darker designs, as seen here in the long haired orange sleeves with the black dress. The tweed parka was particularly witty, and models wore either trainers or stilettos with sporty socks. Keeping beauty clean and simple, the collection was fun and wearable.

Photos: Rena Niamh Smith / Danielle Neeson

[London] Alice Lee AW 2012

2012-02-24T17:03:00.000Z

Photo: AliceLee.co.uk

Knitwear designers Alice and Lee showed their Autumn Winter 2012-13 collection in the upper room at Vauxhall Fashion Scout's Freemasons Hall home, a beautiful marble setting with wrought ironwork dividing the catwalk space into two rooms. Their fourth season, the pair's careers under the knitted-together name began with New Gen sponsorship and now sees them collaborating with the like of Giles and stocked by Selfridges. With models' faces covered by hair and angular wedge shoes customised with paint, the collection was dark and romantic while nevertheless remaining clean and urban. The designers played with texture, opening with a collared cape and leggings, while a cardigan-slash-bomber jacket featured knit top and faux fur from the bust line down, an altogether different way of emphasizing shoulder blades. Leather stitching was used on the edges and running into garments as lines, blocks, and curving up to create soft shoulder shapes. One jacket was ribbed on the bias across the back and faux fur trimmed coat lapels. Hemlines were graded, or longer at only one side. The show notes reproduced Dante Gabriel Rosetti's Sudden Light and with lyrical setting and classical literature in mind, this was futurism "without the sci-fi", as they themselves put it. With a largely monochrome, earthy palette, cobalt blue and tomato red stood out all the more clearly. The closing look of rose mask in red, black and white, shown with all black gown summed this up perfectly.

I HAVE been here before,

But when or how I cannot tell:

I know the grass beyond the door,

The sweet keen smell,

The sighing sound, the lights around the shore.

You have been mine before,—

How long ago I may not know:

But just when at that swallow's soar

Your neck turned so,

Some veil did fall,—I knew it all of yore.

Has this been thus before?

And shall not thus time's eddying flight

Still with our lives our love restore

In death's despite,

And day and night yield one delight once more?

Photos: AliceLee.co.uk

[London] Dans La Vie AW 2012

2012-02-24T13:17:00.003Z

Phoo: Vauxhall Fashion Scout

Showing at Vauxhall Fashion Scout on Saturday, Dans La Vie, brain child of Japanese designer Rira Sugawara, is a slightly intellectual brand, if not one that knows how to have some fun with glamour and attitude. Inspired by pop art of the 1960s, the reference to Marilyn Monroe in hair and lip styles were hard to miss, done just as lurid as in Andy Warhol's iconic prints. The orange and purple circle motif was reminiscent of target paintings by artists such as Kennth Noland and Peter Blake, worn printed, as on coats, or as a headpiece. Oh-so-retro, models strutted with fashion fabulous ferocity in circular shades and all-in-one catsuits printed with the mad mash-ups of a free imagination, or sixties style belted coats. With snakeskin and shiny fabrics also used, there was a slightly kitsch, trashy vibe, done with just te right level of panache. The show notes cited Japanese high priest Kukai as inspiration; as a leading calligrapher and linguist, my interpretation would either be the prints that featured writing style marks, or the attitude of higher being with which this collection would endow any fashion fan.

Photo: Vauxhall Fashion Scout

[Electric Dresser] Coral Wave

2012-02-23T18:15:00.001Z

Van Anh Le Thi / Blogger / Somerset House, London

Maxi skirts were huge last year, and 2012 sees them enter the permanent fashion wardrobe where they are no longer seen as a *trend*. Van Anh's mashup with shearling and clogs with chiffon coral skirt is super sweet and her hat frames her face somewhat perfectly. Her super cute blog, Chopstick Panorama, can be caught here.

Coat: Zara
Dress worn as top: Nelly
Skirt: American Apparel
Shoes: Pimki

[London] Zoe Jordan AW 2012

2012-02-23T18:05:00.003Z

The Zoe Jordan Autumn collection was shown at the Embankment show room in Somerset House, a long gallery with limited seating an a unfortunately narrow exit, making coming and going for the fash pack tough and replacing space previously dedicated to the extensive exhibition. Nevertheless, when everyone was settled, the crowd was keen and ready to rock. Known for a carefree spirit, the Zoe Jordan girl played with references and textures this season. The show opened with some luxurious Spanish inspired looks; cocoon coats in woven woollen fabrics, silky blouses and brocade pencil skirts in rich burgundy, burnt orange and grey tones were worn with wide brimmed hats. One moment of beautiful simplicity was the leather and brocade ox-blood frock. Capes and belted ponchos wee reminiscent of the Sierra Nevada mountains mentioned in the show notes. Things got sportier with a cutaway shoulder sweater worn with two tone pocket print trousers and a leather skirt worn with mesh, deep red sweater. The Spanish heritage woollen fabrics featured with sportier separates too, as in the orange striped cropped jacket over grey polo knit and leather patch jodhpurs. I loves the monochrome print, shown in dresses with leather detailing on the neckline, and the interplay between peach brocade and bright orange silk, but the real show stealer had to be over-sized tee and unstructured dress in white snakeskin. A very chic European cowgirl indeed. FRow talent included Jameela Jamil and Holly Valance.

Holly Valance and Jameela Jamil

[London] Krystof Strozyna AW2012

2012-02-23T17:14:00.001Z

Photo: KrystofStozyna.com

The Krystof Strozyna show was held in the upper showroom at the beautiful Freemason's Hall under the Vauxhall Fashion Scout banner. A designer known for his love of the female form, the collection was nevertheless a sharp, angular aesthetic of minimal tailoring in sombre colourways. The show notes cited Jekyll and Hyde as influence, and in any way, it was the contradictions at play that made this collection the succinct and powerful message it was. Opening with a body-con dress and billowing collared cape, the designer juxtaposed modern, sporty silhouette with slightly costume, vintage Other. The hourglass shape was undeniably present, but it was sharp angled panels that created this, and the much less flattering boxy shape of the crop top played alter ego to svelte skirts and pants. Indeed, for all the femininity, the androgynous suiting made this a statement in subtlety, with leather collared shirts and simplistic long blazer jackets an important feature. The all black look with coat featuring cut out side panels and side-slit gowns were masterful in their balance between sexed and historical elements. As well as masculine monochrome, a peach and grey palette lent a breezy, feminine edge, while electric blue was deliciously neutral, playing host to looks going both ways. Zips also lent looks a bi-polar focus, and many pieces could easily be worn day to night. A previous winner of New Gen sponsorship and CSA graduate, Strozyna clearly has a handle on making collections both wearable and wow.

Photos: KrystofStozyna.com

[London] Fashion Week Diary Day 1

2012-02-23T15:56:00.000Z

I arrived in London on Thursday night more or less prepared for the week. During the day in Dublin, I had picked up business cards and met my friend Mark Andrew Kelly, stylist and assistant at Brown Thomas for coffee. We found some gorgeous Rick Owens-esque lace-up platform boots at Aldo which perfectly completed some of the looks I'd been planning to werk over the week. Of course, booking an evening flight gives you all of the feeling of having tons of time but inevitably, I ran late in the end, but just made the Aer Lingus flight! It was packed to the hilt with business types, but the crew were really nice and it's so worth paying the extra, especially as they helped fend off an attack of claustrophobia.

Once I touched down in London, I headed to Bethnal Green where I was staying with my good friend and Fashion Week find extraordinaire, Sara. We actually met last year in the queue to register and got on like a house on fire. Blogger on Less is Bore and design student at the College of Fashion, she is super cool, with a totally original and fun sense of dress, and intelligent and generous to go with it.

Photo: Thunder and Threads

What I wore // Scarf: Debenhams / Coat: Noa Noa / Biker Jacket (just seen): H&M / Car print top: Penneys / BAg: H&M / Skirt: H&M / Wet Look Leggings: Zara / Boots: Aldo //

In the morning I headed to Somerset House and registered as a blogger, managing to blag an official bag that everyone except bloggers usually get, which includes the "Little Black Book" of all you need to know for Fashion Week as well as the "Insider's Guide" to London. Sara was interning for Corrie Nielsen this season and had come straight from Paris where she was on a school trip to Somerset House that morning. Being the organised type, she had my postal invites as well as a ticket to the Corrie show, which I headed to straightaway. For all the thrill of the blag, it sure is nice to be official.

In the tent, I met Jordanna and Mel, two photographer-slash-bloggers whom I'd met last year through Sara. They boosted off into the crowd to get good angles for shots, while I sat about third row, just behind where Louise Redknapp was being papped. The collection was stunning, and I loved to see Scottish influence on the runway; read my review here. Other slebs in attendance were models Noelle Reno and Tallulah Adeyemi, who I spotted at quite a few shows through the week.

Next, I headed up to Vauxhall Fashion Scout, a great off-schedule showcase with super-friendly staff in the stunning Freemason's Hall. Queuing with Harajuku inspired Florrie of Intrinsically Florrie and her fashion journalism student friend Claudia, we went in for the minimalist Krystof Strozyna show; read my review here. Next, it was back to Somerset House, to take street style shots and where I got snapped myself - above is an image by the lovely Dublin blogger Leanne of Thunder and Threads. Motel rocks took my picture, as did My Daily and I was interviewed by the vivacious, high-larious Lewis Taylor of 1883 Magazine. Helpful, since I didn't get anyone to take a picture of my look for myself!

After that, I went to Zoe Jordan (read my review here) in the place of Sara who was still with the Corrie team in post-show relaxation mode. The queue was pretty long when I arrived, but luckily I spotted Florrie and she let me join her. The collection was full of fabulous fabrics, although the only goodie bag action we got was some coconut water that was pretty foul! I met two more bloggers, Dina of She Loves Mix Tapes and Rosalind of Clothes, Cameras and Coffee, winner of the 2011 Vogue Writing Competition.

Meeting Sara at Walkabout with the Corrie guys, I was able to tell Corrie in person how much I loved the show. Of course, she looked completely exhausted so I refrained from asking for a picture; Sara and I headed to Freemason's Hall, getting street styled by a lovely Geordie lad whose card I am gutted to have lost and meeting her friend Jacob, stylist and all round cool East London kid on the way.

At Fashion Scout, we met the Pandora's Thoughts team and headed to Basso and Brooke. The queue was enormous and although we joined with Jordanna's friend Jeffrey about half-way up, they hit capacity when we were about five people from the front. Jordanna and Mel wanted to get to Jena Theo back at Somerset House, so we all grabbed a cab, where Jordanna snapped us simultaneously gossiping, laughing and tweeting about the long wait outside Basso and Brooke!

While the Pandora's Thoughts duo wanted to see Jena Theo, I had an invite to see my Glaswegian friends Jenn and Lyndsey of Obscure Couture and their work at the A La Mode showcase. Their punk couture aesthetic has always been a firm favourite of mine, but the show itself was a real drag. The catwalk could hardly be seen and the models walked terribly slowly, meaning you were waiting for a long time to catch a glimpse of anything! However, I really loved seeing their stuff on a London catwalk and definitely think they should do their own show next time.

After, Sara was pretty knackered at this point, so she headed off home. She was able to take a few of my things and I headed out to Camden to meet my friend and party animal Mui, with whom I'd arranged to stay that night. We had a very fashion week dinner of salad, white wine followed by black coffee at Pizza Express and then went to join the Obscure girls at Jalouse where model and blogger Laurene Andrew had booked a table. The night was kicking off pretty good, and I even finally met Glasgow jewellery mastermind Bonnie Bling! We danced on seats and were generally having a hella good time.

However, Mui was suddenly found passed out and I had to get my game face on - the bouncers and management couldn't have been nicer, taking us into a back office where they made sure we had money for a cab, got out her driving license with her address and house keys. I wasn't in the best state to look after her and getting pretty hysterical at being left alone in London with such a responsibility; they got us to a cab, but halfway home the taxi driver threw us out, leaving Mui on the ground!

I thank God and the stars and all the powers that be of how lucky we were; I was not able to wake Mui for love nor money and it was only because a passing driver took pity on us and took us home that we made it at all. The way the staff at Jalouse were so nice and the level to which she was unconscious makes us think she was spiked - a scary way to start the week, but its certainly times like this that you learnt to watch out in future...

The tent and fash pack at Somerset House. The screen broadcast most shows.

Tallulah Adeyemi take an iPhone snap at Corrie Nielsen

Inside the tent

Welsh model Shoana

Tailoring in blue at Krystof Strozyna

Kitty Bruknell in fetish at Krystof Strozyna

Jameela Jamil at Zoe Jordan

Sara, Mel and I tweeting in the cab. Photo by Jordanna Andrews of Pandora's Thoughts

The cramped conditions at A La Mode

Who knew vodka came this big!?

Jenn Coyle of Obscure Couture has a well earned post-show drink

Laurene Andrew is hostess with the mostess

[Electric Dresser] Ice Queen

2012-02-23T12:47:00.000Z

Andrea / Somerset House, London

A floaty white dress might not be an obvious winter choice but the fur and black boots make up for that, while the trans-seasonal hat plays go between.

Coat: Topshop
Dress: Natar Georgiou
Boots: Topshop
Hat: Vintage

[Electric Dresser] Urban Sophistication

2012-02-20T17:42:00.000Z

Siobhan / Fashion assistant at Style News

Siobhan's classic look could only be from one high street favourite among fashion editors, but she tightens everything up with her Burberry bag. Keeping her hair clean and makeup fresh, she might not be making headlines but its a smart look nailed just right.

Bag: Burberry
All other items: Zara

[Electric Dresser] Californian Winter

2012-02-19T15:17:00.003Z

Jess / Somerset House, London

The key to this look is....

Spotted at Somerset House, Jess matches beachy tousled waves and glowing skin to an altogether more punkish look. This is rock chick gone glam - we loved her gloves and textures of grey with flashes of gold.

Coat: Zara
Bag: Mulberry
Gloves: Zara
Key necklace: Vintage

[London] Corrie Nielsen AW2012

2012-02-19T15:05:00.002Z

Photo: Fiasco Magazine

For Autumn Winter 2012, Danish-American Corrie Nielsen traced her ancestral roots to Caledonia,
setting a collection featuring lashings of tartan to swelling soundtrack of bagpipes. Scotland’s signature check was featured on key pieces such as an oversized monochrome skirt worn with white shirt, blouses with ruffle collars, kilt with dot and lace overlay and even on models’ faces, complementing simple and elegant up-dos. There were also nods both subtle and strong to Scottish heritage with sashes, pheasant feathers and tiny circular temporary tattoos on models hands that had many in the crowd talking, possibly a reference to the Edinburgh military display. Many looks paired floor sweeping lengths with flat ballet pumps, at once both referencing Scotland’s Puritan past and a nod to modern minimalism.

Nielsen’s six years with Vivienne Westwood could be seen in the tailoring which draped material over crinoline structures at the front of jackets, shoulders and bustles, and it is this exquisite work for which she was initially spotted by John Galliano for in 2010’s Fashion Fringe. Now based in Somerset House, hers was a highly anticipated show. Titled “Vestarium Scotium” after a somewhat shady Victorian documentation of traditional highland dress, there was a delicate and regal feel to the collection, with corsets, puff sleeves and tartan skirts featured lines that emphasized the bum much as a bustle would do. According to an insider, designers and interns spent a whole day just cutting the tartan to give it the right geometric lines on finished garments.

Inspired also by the Diamond Jubilee, the Victorian overtone was clever, as Britain’s last diamond queen was a great lover of Scotland. The final piece, an enormous coat featuring ruffles on an epic scale in deep and rich purple, was Corrie’s crowning glory.

Photo: Fiasco Magazine

Photo: Reuters

Photo: Reuters / Suzanne Plunkett

LFW Inspiration

2012-02-19T13:18:00.000Z

Today's inspiration for fashion week is Daria Werbowy's shoot for Paris Vogue, Feburary 2012- Fatured on 70 odd pages, she modelled the collections in various Las Vegas settings. I loved her hair in the sportier and oriental looks like this Stella McCartney look werked from a bar stool. Elvis impersonator optional.

Photo: Inez and Vinoodh / Vogue

[London] Coming Atcha Baby

2012-02-16T15:53:00.003Z

Somerset House awaits....

Only something as epic as Tchaikovsky is on my playlist today. I am packed for London Fashion Week and the only thing left to do is get through today at work and get myself on that Aer Lingus flight! Oh, and not forget to print the invites I have recieved, collect my business cards from the printers and search my friends flat on Google Maps.

Most of the designers I applied for show tickets from have been amazing, and I am getting super psyched to see the collections. So far, I am definitely down for ones like Obscure Couture, Corrie Nielsen, Florian Jayet, Rohmir, Leutton Postale, Raffaele Ascione, Math, Carlotta Actis Barone, and my friend Sara who I am staying with tells me more have arrived in the post, so as soon as I land tonight I will get ripping on the envelopes. Although this will be my fourth year of going to Fashion Week, the fact that I am applying to report for such a new blog is really great!

Last night, however, was the less glamorous task of stuffing my suitcase as sensibly as is possible for a week of dressing up. It's pretty fair to say that while I love travelling, adore seeing new places and faces, I loathe packing with a passion. When you get it right, you are equipped to deal with anything. Get it wrong and you either spend the trip kicking yourself for not making room for x, y or z, or humping bags of crap around, most of which you have no need for. Worse, you spend precious pennies of your holiday budget on duplicating stuff you have at home.

Key is to decide exactly what you want to wear before you go down to the last nail colour and bring only that, but while this simplifies life at the other end, it makes getting ready a nightmare of anticipating the moods, colours and heel heights you will feel like for the next week. It's a fine balance of bringing staples that you can stick with anything and unique pieces you can stand out in. With seven complete outfits in one small case, plus jewellery, pajamas and a few bathroom necessities, I am pretty pleased with my work. Just please God I don't spot anything in London I simply have to have because the idea of my bag popping all over Gatwick is not a pretty thought!

Maybe if the flight's delayed I'll ask Einstein for a ride

Sample business card. Yummy!

[Electric Dresser] Shiny and Stripes

2012-02-16T11:21:00.003Z

Wendy / 29 / PR and Marketeer, Blogger / Maison et Objet, Paris

Fashion blogger Wendy takes the idea of French vacation and puts a unique British twist on it, with Breton stripes matched with loud and proud gold jeans and bright jewellery. She werks in plain black tote and boots to give things a grounded and winter appropriate feel. Hailing from our very own Glasgow, she was at Maison working for Scottish print brand Blue Bell Gray. Check out her blog for other fresh styling inspiration.

Top: H&M
Jeans: Mango
Belt: H&M
Boots: Marks and Spencer
Necklace: Stella and Dot

[Electric Loves] Turn Me On David Guetta feat Nicki Minaj

2012-02-15T18:37:00.001Z

Photo: Virgin / EMI

There's not much the queen of Barbz turns her hand to that we don't love. Nicki Minaj's hyper sexy, super-charged colour costumes and knarly rapping style make her an Electric Icon in my eyes, and her latest, from French mega DJ and producer David Guetta is no exception. Although I'm not a huge fan of the use of special effects in videos, the robotics lend this Victorian inspired clip a touch of steam-punk. Nicki's busty bustled dress and pink-hair-and-top-hat combo are wicked work. But while the rhyming hits the spot as usual, the vocals in Nicki's singing parts sound heavily manipulated. Next time, less auto-tune please.

[Paris] The Latin Quarter

2012-02-14T16:31:00.000Z

Harley and Jamie

After street-style-snapping, Amélie and I called it a day; the Silencio wildness of the night before was taking its toll on my energy and I was beginning to regret the enthusiasm with which I'd been necking those cucumber cocktails. After going home for a quick bite to eat, I went for a very relaxed shisha pipe and glass of wine with Jamie and his girlfriend Harley in the Latin Quarter, where we talked language barriers and politics.

Being a jet setting model with little time and much to do in foreign cities, Jamie's take on language learning differed from mine, who have spent most of my life bending my head around conjugation. While I can see how it must be frustrating to find English is in fact, not the universal language the Brits find it is at the holiday resorts on the Costa del Sol, it made me appreciate how a job that requires the amount of travel Jamie's does really is a poisoned chalice. All of the air miles and none of the time to appreciate cultural difference. Anyway, I really enjoyed seeing him in fashion week context and I really hope he gets to do even bigger and better things, even than now. What's more, Harley was in town to shoot for one of my favourite rag mags, Citizen K, and she gave me the low-down on the mad hatter that is Kappauf!

Next morning, au revoir Paris. I caught the RER out to Villepinte and was working for the next five days as translator for Irish company Foxford at Maison et Objet design fair. I did schlep back in to see Jessie One More Time at Claire's flat, but was so exhausted we just chilled at the flat with a bottle of wine. If there's only one place I could live for the rest of my life, it has to be the beautiful city of Paris...

Jamie and me

[Electric Dresser] Winter meet Spring

2012-02-14T13:19:00.000Z

Mugler Show, Rue du Turenne, Paris

A relaxed attitude to print, the biker jacket and monochrome top half keeps things from getting too wild, while the grey bag pick up the more muted tones in the skirt.

[Paris] The Marais

2012-02-13T12:14:00.002Z

Comptoir de l'Image

While at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, I got the Wallpaper* guide to Paris. The architecture and design magazine produce with Shopping, Restaurants and Hotel sections chosen on the basis of great aesthetic design. I was most captivated by a boutique "Comptoir des Images", a photography and fashion magazine bookshop in the Marais where apparently Parisian based designers like to go for inspiration, so I made a day of exploration and shopping in my favourite Parisian district. It took all day to locate the bookshop, and on the way I visited my favourite French boutique, the Kooples, as well as Zadig and Voltaire, both of whom work a rock chick meets classic French style that I love. The heavy knits and skull embellishments are been-there-done-that for some people, but it's an anti femininity I find refreshing.

I also went to French staples Maje, Comptoir des Cotonniers and Iro, all of whom had great new colours in their Spring selections. A new discovery was Woojungmi, a Korean menswear line whose funky shapes and use of texture made me seriously consider cross-dressing. I passed a cute little Jewish bakery; ironically if you like, the former traditional Jewish quarter is now peppered with Arabic influences as a new generation of immigrants move in. The more the merrier, I say.

Finally I found the bookshop; I didn't actually buy anything, if only because there was simply so much to chose from! Biopics of great designers and photographers, books on people and places to inspire, and back issues of magazines lke The Face, L'Officiel and of course, Vogue. I had a browse of some original copies from the fifties and the wealth of illustration used back then really made what Julie Verhoeven to Susie Bubble when I saw them in London ring true; that a whole art form once mainstream is sadly left out, although having said that, I do see it cropping up now more than ever in campaigns and editorials.

By the time I left the Marias late that afternoon, I was freezing cold, hadn't been to nearly as many places as I'd have liked, but the feeling of inspiration was warming the cockles of my heart. First step? Move to Paris asap.

Bad ass to the maxxx

Skulls on sale at Zadig and Voltaire

Zing is in for Spring at Comptoir des Cotonniers

The carbs are screaming at me: Jewish bakery

Fred Perry

Wooyoungmi

Platform hi-tops in Wooyoungmi

Shirt Shop

[Paris] Jouy en Josas and the Jardins Tuilleries

2012-02-13T11:10:00.002Z

Paris himself

So having told you all about my exploits at the fashion shows and mind-enriching exhibitions, my general escapades in Paris are also worth a mention; and this post would have appeared sooner had the power not been down in my house the past week!

Flying into my favourite city in the world, I was blessed with a breath-taking view; the low winter sunlight and clear skies meant we flew in over the most fabulous panorama of the city. Of course, by the time I'd collected baggage, re-located the RER and got into the city, the sunshine was all but gone. I met my friend Jessie on the steps of the Musée d'Orsay and we went out to where she lives and works at the HEC in Jouy en Josas, a leafy town on the outskirts of the capital. We opted for a quiet night in given respective travelling and hangover tiredness, and I was bright and fresh for the next day,

When in Paris, I am hella lucky to often have loan of my parents' friend Claire's apartment. She doesn't live in Paris but has a gorgeous little flat in the 11ieme Arrondissement. With gorgeous antique furniture, its a lovely pad and all amenities are on the doorstep. I got myself set up and went round to the local market for a few essentials to cook up little French feasts every night - bread, cheese, salad, paté and white wine.

I met up with a pal of mine Sylvain for drinks at Bastille, a spunky little Parisian quarter for an evening out, although not without the tourist crap. The cocktails oiled the old French vocab so I was feeling fluent in no time; the operative word is, of course, feeling; no doubt I was making less sense in French than a kid on a first time school trip!

The next day, I met Sylvain again at Bastille and we cycled on the Velib' to see the Jean Paul Goude and jewellery exhibitions at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. In the bookshop, I got a tome: "100 Idées qui ont chnager la mode" (100 Ideas That Changed Fashion). I wanted something of an overview on fashion as I feel I have heaps to learn, although the designer-specific ones like Alexander McQueen and Thierry Mugler are definitely next on my wish-list.

After lunch, we parted company and I checked out the work of Diane Arbus on show at the Jeu de Paume. It was excellently curated, with the works first and biography and explanations at the end, including acdemic and journalistic criticism and examples of the cameras she used. It meant you really paid attention to the art, and I loved her perspective on life in the USA in all its shapes and sizes. She is a real icon, and as with Jean Paul Goude, I know I had some of her photos on my bedroom walls years ago even if I didn't know much about them. I cycled back to the flat straight after and ate in the flat.

As Sylvain is learning English, we agreed to go and see J. Edgar in Version Originale at the Bibliotheque Nationale Médiatheque. Although I have to say I found the politics suspect, the suiting was a delight - a great warm-up to fashion shows, though the shows definitely didn't make me sob quite so much........

A retro van in Jouy en Josas

Claire's flat

Bastille

Pyramide at the Louvre

Mini Arc de Triomphe at the Jardins Tuilleries

Place de la Concorde with Eiffel Tower and Grand Palais in the background

[Electric Dresser] Rock Me Peru

2012-02-11T11:23:00.000Z

Mayura / Mugler show, Rue du Turenne, Paris

Yet another Paris fashionista werking the Dr Marten's, Mayura mixes ethnic chic with punk with that kooky skull emblazoned poncho with a denim shirt and the heart shaped specs are super kawai!

[Electric Dresser] Schoolboy Gone Punk

2012-02-09T18:08:00.000Z

Tibo / 19 / Student / Mugler show, Rue du Turenne, Paris

Hailing from the Safia school of casual style and mad hair (turns out the pair are mates), we no less love Tibo's oh-so-French attitude to punk. The bleach denim, shaved hairstyle and creepers are tempered with a classy satchel and basic shirt, skinny-but-not-skin-tight pant and jumper, though the sweater is customised with some rips that keep it strictly bad ass.

Jacket: Levi's vintage, customised
Jumper: H&M, customised
Creepers: Underground

[Paris] Yohji Yamamoto Menswear AW2012

2012-02-08T11:46:00.000Z

After Jean Paul Gaultier, we went straight down the road to the Yohji Yamamoto showspace. Things we a lot tighter there but Amelie and I strode in and sat front row, just beside Scott Schuman of the Sartoiralist. The set was a kind of star shape with the models coming down several catwalks from a central point in a deconstructed utilitarian chic of low ceilings and metal fixtures. We caught sight of the backstage area that was just upstairs. The collection was less of-the-wall than Yamamoto has previously been known to produce, but centred around coats in loose, billowing shapes, often layered with double button lines and wool .

The feel was English country gentleman gone off on an adventure in the woods - with loose suiting in heavy tweeds and tartan check and heavy boots, there was a distinctly Anglo-Saxon feel, with tall fedoras and brightly coloured leather giving the silhouette an eccentric edge. The silk pajamas in rust and ox-blood made things even more mad man of the manor maybe out on a midnight sleepwalk, while long black tailcoats with white shirting, oversized cravats and grey pants were a cleaner, loosened and textured eveningwear look.

There were nods to a nautical look with reefer jackets, military style with badges on patches and flat caps and heavy tweed that referenced city workers of old. Blanket stitch n the edge of thick wool shawl collars looked both organic and cosy. White pumps put a sporty twist on things. The models were of all ages, sizes and ethnicities; there were older, bigger blokes; skinny, malnourished fashion boys; and a stunning Slavic-looking guy who we met afterwards in the street. He turned out to be a French guy called Benjamin, but he could easily have passed for the last Tsar's little cousin.

Photos: Style.com

Photos:Style.com

With Benjamin, après show. Don't we look good together!?

[Electric Dress At Large] Wall Dress, the ISG and Slave Magazine

2012-02-07T23:06:00.000Z

http://www.walldress.com/en/galerie-photo-mode/4348/look-village-people?group=8&

So, the past week I have graced the web waves further afield than this here blog of mine. Last week, the above picture, entitled "Look Village People" appeared on the blog Wall Dress, a French street style site. It was taken outside the Alexs Mabille show - it's a nice natural shot and the only reason why I didn't look at the camera was because there were loads taking my picture at the same time, so I did that fashion week thing of pretending this happens to me every day. "Ugh! Getting your picture taken by the press is such a drag"... I loved wearing my military hat to fashion week, and here I styled it with a Helen McAlinden coat, Chouchou and Oui Designs Hollyhood, H&M bag, vintage leather shorts and H&M brogues. Oh, and my own hand-knit snood.

Second, the International Socialist Group published an article I wrote about the annoying depiction of the perception of Western fashion in the Middle East; namely, that Western consumerism is a source of liberation and joy for those poor repressed Muslin women. Well, fashion may be a lot of things, but that I very much doubt. Give it a read and let me know what you think!

I also loved the piece my friend Jenny wrote about Alexandra Kollontai, the Russian activist who fought for feminism in the Russian revolutions and early USSR. Such an inspiring figure we need to know more about. The ISG will be publishing a series of biographies of women on the loony left, so [watch this space]...

Bit of Socialism, bit of dressing up as a fascist, its all good.

Third, my interview with up-and-coming music star Nina Nesbitt was published today in Slave Magazine. A fabulous virtual tome of Art, Culture and Fashion edited by photographers Ania M, Artur Dziewitz and Louise Munro has recently upped from Edinburgh to London and with super-high quality visuals with good writing to go with it, we're sure it'll go far. Previously I interviewed Glasgow designer David Black for Issue 4 and was delighted when they asked me back for more....

http://internationalsocialist.org.uk/index.php/2012/02/the-extreme-politics-of-fashion/

http://issuu.com/slavemagazine/docs/slave_issuu_5#download

[Electric Dresser] Pink, Punk

2012-02-07T14:39:00.000Z

Sarah Jane / 28 / Make-up artist / Chatham Street, Dublin

The bitter chill ain't lost on this pretty lady - mixing high street with designer, Sarah Jane has funked up in a warm and toasty look with a long fur coat, super kooky tights and cool but comfy winter boots. Her giant scarf looks great with the pink wash in her locks.

Coat: Topshop
Scarf: Costume
Dress: Cos
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Tights: Second Skin
Boots: Topshop

NEWGEN Alumni for Topshop

2012-02-06T20:54:00.001Z

Tee shirt by Meadham Kirchoff

In keeping with their support for up-and-coming talent, Topshop are celebrating the tenth anniversary for the NEWGEN project with a range of ten tees designed by such names as Mary Katrantzou, Erdem and Christopher Kane who have benefited from the sponsorship scheme for emerging designers in the past. Many use digital print and all would be a great addition to a wardrobe from these now stellar names of the British fashion scene.See the full range at Vogue.com.We love Holly Fulton's interpretation with the skyscraper and lips - a cheeky nod to phallic skylines everywhere. Roksanda Ilincic has done a super girly cropped number with heart shapes and a cuter-than-thou bib collar printed neckline. But we are really getting excited about this Meadham Kirchhoff one with the dolls face printed in pinks and yellows - its a nice spin off from their sugar sweet Spring collection. Priced at the very reasonable £30, will be ~~flying off the rails~~ available during London Fashion Week, 17th to the 21st February 2012, at Topshop's pop up at Selfridge's, at Somerset House, Topshop stores nationwide and online

[Electric Dresser] A Stern Lesson In Noir

2012-02-04T16:47:00.000Z

Henri / 22 / Student / Rue du Sévérin, Paris

Keeping things luxurious but simple works a dream here. All black is a strong look but can prove highly addictive, even for the discerning fashionista. We love the mix of textures here.

Double fronted coat: Christian Kobin
Sweater: Maison Martin Margielia
Boots: Jean Paul Gaultier

Electric Dresser... Winter Foot Solider

2012-02-02T14:28:00.000Z

Dima / 18 / Student and Journalist / Mugler show, Paris

At only 18, Russian Dima came complete with his own business card. We love his quirky sense of style that isn't afraid to layer up chunky shapes head to toe. The hood, however, is a total show-stealer. Love!

Hood: Forget Me Not
Coat: Forget Me Not
Boots: Dr Marten's

Jean Paul Goude @ Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris

2012-02-02T11:04:00.000Z

Magnificent the Tank Engine

At the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, I saw a retrospective of the work of Jean Paul Goude. Beginning with a huge steam engine standing, imperial, industrial and glorious on a lush carpet, it was full of breath-taking artworks from the minute you mounted the white marble steps. Around the locomotive, portraits of all shades and shapes of the human race, posing, often in military or national dress, on waggon-type trolleys. It was a photo-shoot Goude had done that went some way in recreating the spectacular procession he was asked by the late President Mittérand to choreograph for the 1989 celebrations for the bi-centenary of the fall of the Bastille and, ultimately, the French Revolution. Playing with notions of colonialism, progress and the concept of revolution, the very same engine had gone down the Champs Elysée followed by flotillas representing different peoples of the world, symbolising democratic unity and the international effect of France's bold move for equality.

There were prints and videos of Goude's fabulous fashion photography, a glorious techni-colour mix of powerful, sexual poses and witty puns on the semantics of fashion - the women in heels and couture gowns racing down a running track, through a photography set to the "finishing line" at the end of the catwalk; the black model exploding champagne into a glass perched perfectly on her pert and peachy behind. This was David LaChappelle without the porn and with a much, much longer CV. Starting out as a fashion illustrator in the 1950s before landing a job with Esquire magazine, he was a forerunner in image manipulation long before the advent of Photoshop, using cut-and-stick techniques to exaggerate his shots into larger than life proportions.

The mastermind behind much of Grace Jones's most iconic images, as well as adverts for Galeries LaFayette, I recognised stuff I pasted on my bedroom walls as a kid. The exhibition showcased the wonderful shots of Naomi Campbell done in Africa, the portraits of fashion stars like Thierry Mugler, John Galliano and Marc Jacobs, and the brand new Prada Candy advert that has graced our screens since the run up to Christmas. His "Queen of Seoul" series, taken of his Korean wife, were both stunning and sweet. With both familiar pictures and things I'd never seen before, I felt like I'd both learned a load of new things and as well seen old friends...

Queen of Seoul by Jean Paul Goude

Grace Jones by Jean Paul Goude

Jean Paul Goude

Naomi Cambell for Harper's Bazzar, September 2009 by Jean Paul Goude

Thierry Mugler by Jean Paul Goude

Jean Paul Goude

Prada Candy advert, 2011 by Jean Paul Goude

[Electric Dresser] Mais, c'est chic!

2012-01-31T14:19:00.000Z

Yun / 30 / Stylist / Marais, Paris

In Paris, it is harder than one would expect to spot Electric Dressers thanks to the French love of classic styles, which done right as it is here, is quietly effective. Yun's vintage hat caught our eye, and this elegant way of dressing, with a simple but strict colour code and good quality pieces, is what we love about everyday dressing on the other side of the Channel. To top it off? An oh-so-Parisian bicycle.

Hat: Vintage
Coat: Caroll
Skirt: Unknown, bought in Hong Kong
Cardigan (just seen) Muji
Bag: Vintage
Boots: Unknown, bought in Italy
Glasses: Calvin Klein

[Paris] Jean Paul Gaultier Menswear AW2012

2012-01-31T12:24:00.005Z

Some rather dapper friends of Amélie

After Alexis Mabille, Amélie and I rushed down to Jean Paul Gaultier, held at his showroom on the Rue St Martin. Th collection was a 1940s city gent meets a semi-underground urban New York look. The set, a silver scaffolding affair with neon lights, from which models descended and returned to take a tour in this "salon show" was part building site part photographic set, working perfectly with the brickwork prints and orange jumpsuits. Pinstipe, leather and suiting was mixed with sportswear in courdroy and jersey.

There were big hoods and shoulders exaggerated with shearling; tattoo-, camouflage- and leopard-print and on pants, jackets and a gorgeous twirling design across a tie and shirt ensemble. There was also the signature Jean Paul Gaultier mix of masculine and feminine elements; floor-sweeping kilts and high necks as well as bare chests and long haired models. I especially loved all the texture in the shearling and the way heavily layered looks, comprising of knits, coats ad capes, were deconstructed, some tied around waists or reworked as the models walked. At one point, an 80s bum bag was unfurled into a classic mac.

The fedoras and trilbies really pulled this almost androgynous, city-of-any-decades collection, and the show finished with designer and mannequins tossing theirs into the crowd. Our star girl Andrei Pejic also walked in tight leather, and we bumped into her after the show (to her credit, Amélie originally thought we had spotted a particularly beautiful female model!). She recognised me too, and complimented my style transformation from the night before! Then it was straight of to Yohji Yamamoto, only down the road on the very same street. Paris is so wonderfully compact! See below for my favourite catwalk out-takes and when Amélie met Andreij.....

Go Runway

African print scarf meet animal print. Raow!

Dark picture, but you get the idea....

[Paris] Alexis Mabille Menswear AW2012

2012-01-29T12:30:00.000Z

Go Runway

Held at the luxurious Le Meurice hotel on the Rue Rivioli, the Alexis Mabille show found the fashion crowd displacing bemused looking guests for a défilé held in a relatively tiny dining room at the back of the ground floor. Replete with the ornate gold trimmings and chandeliers that befits a hotel in the 1er arrondissement, it was a fabulous backdrop to a show which, according to the notes, was inspired by Henry VIII. Models certainly pulled things off with the swagger of regal opulence. There was lashings of silk, velvet and royal hues of brown, red and pristine white lace. I loved the outfit that was all black but exposed the chest from beneath a layer of lace; manly, feminine, decadent. There was interesting quilting on trouser fronts that made the boys look like they were in fact wearing thigh high boots, as well as straps around ankles that shaped the silhouette and gave the look an attitude in keeping with the quasi-historical theme. Shirts that frilled around the hips were also interesting, and while most were in dark shades, I loved the final all white ensemble that was perhaps an arched eyebrow to the couture tradition of sending a bridal gown last as well as our late monarch's penchant for expendable martial vows.

Upon arrival at the venue, a crowd of photographers had rushed to snap me, as I'm sure they did all those who stood out from the typical guest. It was kind of hard to then get your own camera out and become one of them and resist swanning around pretending you were someone more important than you were! Of course, I was glad I did and got some great shots: [#WatchThisSpace]. I also bumped into a friend of mine Carrie Underwood, fashion blogger from London of Wish Wish Wish, who was zooming off to the Viktor and Rolf presentation somewhere. I saw my subject from the night before, bi-lingual student Safia, and spotted a new face, Amélie, and we teamed up to hit the next show.....

Go Runway

[What I Wore] Paris Mens Week AW2012-13

2012-01-29T12:00:00.000Z

For my outing to the Alexis Mabille, Jean Paul Gaultier and Yohji Yamamoto shows I went seriously dressed. Some might even say with military precision. As soon as I arrived at each venue I can happily say I was snapped straightaway, but I've yet to see these shots online anywhere!

Hat: Bought in Dublin
Coat: Helen McAlinden
Scarf: Handknit by me!
Hood & Chain: Chouchou x Oui! Designs
Shirt: CK customised by Chouchou
Bag: H&M
Tights: Wolford
Brogues: H&M

[Electric Dresser] Spring Chick

2012-01-29T09:30:00.000Z

Carrie / 22 / Textile Desginer / Maison & Objet Show, Paris

I met Carrie while working at Maison & Objet in Paris in September, and was delighted to see her again this time around. She is a lovely and dead friendly girl working as a designer with Glasgwegian label Blue Bell Gray, company that does super-sweet watercolour illustrations on home textiles and accessories. She has a typically British colour-popping style with a dash of eccentricity, and unsurprisingly didn't fail to raise a few eyebrows in Paris according to herself! These bright turquoise pants are bang on trend for spring, the lacy blouse and retro headscarf lend a vintage glamour twist, while the chunky heel and lashing of gold keeps things funky fresh. Oh, and bright lips were something of a uniform with this brand! [WatchThisSpace]

Blouse: Vintage, bought in Glasgow
Jeans: Premod, France
Boots: Carvela
Watch: Swatch

[Electric Dresser] Why Pay More?

2012-01-28T14:44:00.002Z

Safia / 20 / Student / Mugler show, Rue du Turenne, Paris

While there's plenty of people dolled up to the nines, Safia does Electric by matching casual dungarees and platform brogues with a wild shade of dreads. High five!

Jacket: Vintage
Shirt: Cos
Dungarees: Vintage
Shoes: Dr Marten's

Electric Goes... My Mugler Menswear AW2012 After-Party

2012-01-28T14:06:00.000Z

A typical fashion bird of paradise getting interviewed in Mugler heels.

After the Mugler show ended, I was hanging out snapping well dressed fashion fans and ended up making friends with a super-friendly model RJ and his pal photograper Damon Baker. Maybe it was the post-show-buzz or perhaps he's the most friendly person you can meet after a show - anyway, I mentioned how I know Jamie and he was thrilled to meet someone who Jamie had gone to school with. RJ invited me along to La Perle for a few with Damon. That's the bar Galliano was arrested, and we were joined by the Mugler girls Sophie and Lucile, where we munched on chartuerie, cheese and very naughty French bread.

It was super fun listening to the guys spill about what its like working on the top jobs, and the work they showed me proved they both have serious credentials and talent. Later still, more people came, including a total icon of mine, Andrei Pejic. I was massively star struck but resisted telling him so because the wine was flowing and the last thing I wanted was everyone finding out what a total square I am!

More joined - a friend of the girls Eleanor from Australia and her mate Cristina, plus some French banker dude who seemed to be trying to get in with the laydeez. Those who'd been working that night like the models and design assistants headed for bed, but when the other three said they were off to Silencio, I knew I wasn't ready for the hay yet!

The French guy was clearly a regular and we were swept in immediately. The inside of the place was incredible but photos were strictly forbidden. I managed to sneak a few in - it is much like the Arches in Glasgow, only on a minute scale; a basement location where the tunnel-like arches stretching across the venue form cosy little rooms.

The cocktails were gorgeous - especially the cucumber/gin one where they actually took and mashed some cucumbers and strained them in. We hit the dance floor for a while, then I relaxed in a chill out space complete with art books for your perusal. The toilet area is even worth a mention - down the centre of the tunnel space, a long trough-like basin and a floating shelf above with taps which meant one sink could be used from both sides. The only light was from small but very bright lights encircling the round mirrors - all very slick and totally gorgeous to look at. Thank God I didn't have much make-up with me or I would have spent the rest of the night taking advantage of the premium lighting conditions!

Back in the lounge, I took my notebook out at one point to jot a few things down at which point, a lovely fellow exclaimed, "Oh my God, you keep a journal!? That's amazing!" and promptly offered to sketch me! His friend, a chick with blue hair, was aghast at his attempt, and so did her own - they were such a sweet pair! He was super interesting too - an American in Paris who happens to own a castle in Co. Louth, Castle Bellingham! He suggested we go there, seeing as I'm in Dublin, and I sure hope he makes good his promise - although he was immediately like "I'm gay by the way! This isn't a really sleazy chat-up line." What. A. Cutie.

The only thing I didn't love to bits was the smoking room, a feature of French clubs that means, rather than an albeit cold but fresh air space outside to enjoy a smoke, you are cramped into a disgusting room within the joint to exchange second- and third-hand smoke with other clubbers and the furniture. They are gross; and while you put up with it on the night, they sure make the hangover worse, if only for the sheer memory of that smell.

At 4AM we all jumped in cabs home, apart from Cristina who partied on. She clearly hadn't spent enough time in the smoking pit.

Damon in fetish versus Sophie in Celine

Girls from the Mugler Atelier

Andrej and RJ

RJ and his model mate

Three smouldering boyz are we

Andreij and Damon

Andrej and I

A sneak shot from inside Silencio

Key to not getting noticed was turning the flash off but that obviously has its downsides......

The cuteness!

Through his eyes.......

.......and her's

Electric Goes.... Mugler Menswear AW2012

2012-01-27T23:10:00.001Z

Dazed Digital

Having spent the day browsing the shops and Street Style hunting in the Marais, I headed to Mugler, the kick-off presentation. The address quoted on the schedule was the mysterious "Passage du Désir" but there was nothing there (a quiet residential street) that looked anything like a show. I saw a dapper looking French guy on the phone clearly looking for the same place, and asked him what the hell was going on. He turned out to be a lovely organiser of fashion events in Paris and together we found the right spot.

The show was the dark and twisted take on the Mugler tradition one can expect from stylist Formichetti, stylist to Gaga and he who discovered the tattooed wunderkid Rico, and menswear designer Romain Kremer. The concept was more moving shoot than catwalk show and the two opening models, twins no less, were strapped up to cameras on harnesses, one filming himself, the other his brother, that was part of the live streaming venture the show was part of.

The clothes were incredible. Suiting was in black, ox-blood and orange, with long jacket lengths and textures of latex, neoprene and plastic. Capes featured, as did shiny blue trench coats and puff-padded pants. There were naked chests and veils, masks created from oil slick-thick make-up, long leather gloves that made models look truly other-worldly. All-in-all both classic Mugler reinvented to a more fine-tuned degree and the gothic superhero Formichetti has trademarked. And to top it off, Formichetti and his team, clearly fans of ballsy women in his collaboration with Gaga, had chosen [Electric Dress] fave Alaiza Banks's 212 to make the walls and floor throb.

Here are my fave snaps from Dazed Digital (above) and New York Magazine (below). Second down, a guy I made friends with after (more to follow on that!) who was super sweet, RJ King. Above, and third, below, our wee school mate and brother's best pal Jamie Wise. Doesn't he look all growed up!? We had a big conversation when I was in Paris on his experiences with it, as a working boy, and mine; we agreed perceptions differ greatly when you're trying to get something done versus enjoying yourself. If pictures tell a thousand words I reckon "bored" and "tired" and "pissed off" would feature kinda heavily for Jamie on this one!

Imaxtree

Electric Dresser... Paris Men's Fashion Week #1

2012-01-26T16:12:00.002Z

Amélie / Etudiante / Rue Rivioli, Paris

Check out new BFF Amélie who I snaped after we met at Alexis Mabille menswear show. She has put a hot twist on an Afro-European look; re-worked creepers in a traditional print, geometric clutch picking up the colours in her fabulous print scarf, braids in a super-fashion bun at the front of her hairline and bright YSL lips. Amelie runs a quirky wee blog Ah Mais Lis, a super cute twist on her own name; check it outtt! After ths, we went across to the Jean Paul Gaultier and Yohji Yamamoto shows - reviews to follow shortly. We're planning to get together for future bi-ligual blogging projects. [#WatchThisSpace] !

Jewellery @ Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris

2012-01-26T13:31:00.000Z

An opulent ring on display

The Musée des Arts Decoratifs is surely the best one-stop shop in Paris for the fashion and design fan where exhibitions are concerned. I have seen Hussein Chayalan, Sonia Rykiel and a 1990s & 2000s Fashion retrospective there, as educational as they were breathtakingly fabulous.

This time, when I rocked up with my friend Sylvain, they were showing their jewellery collection, featuring gems going right back to the Middle Ages, including some gothic skulls and religious references. The progression of jewellery design is subtle and interesting. Told from a French perspective, there were pieces from when Napoleon invaded Egypt and Europe was swept with a "Egyptomania" trend craze and led to the building of "Cleopatra's Needle" at Place de La Concorde.

There was a gorgeous hair piece featuring bees made from diamonds, proving bling wasn't a modern invention, but things really hotted up in the Art Nouveau era when materials other than precious metals came to the fore. The brooch featuring a woman playing a harp was surely inspired by the Celtic tendencies, an owl hair-pin that is strangely contemporary and pretty Oriental inspired pieces; I loved all the hairpins and tie pins that no longer feature as part of our wardrobes.

A central display of perspex cubes showed the various materials commonly used in jewellery creation; each vertical column featured a dictionary definition and examples of its use. Use of plastic denies style demands expense and I also love the coral, glass and leather.

Another reference to the French past glories; Berlin Iron Jewellery. Apparently, it had been made for mourning jewellery for its dark hue, but during the Napoleonic occupation, wealthy citizens traded precious items for the same in cast iron bearing the inscription "Gold gab ich für Eisen" meaning "I gave gold for iron", thus conferring the otherwise drab accessories with the bright shine of patriotic zeal.

Continuing into the twentieth century, highlights included perspex knuckledusters, Albert Duraz's punky silver necklace and the emu eggshell necklace by Gilles Jonemann, an artist who made precious pieces from natural resources. In 1989, the Musée dedicated an exhibition to Jonemann's work, in much the same way that Marc Jacobs will enjoy in March this year for his work at the helm of Louis Vuitton.

Wendy Ramshaw's seven piece Transformer ring, inspired by the aesthetics of Anglo-Saxon Britons, stood out for all its deceptively futuristic qualities. The sheer experimentalism of the twentieth century was so inspiring and cool. Also on display; modern masterpieces from the huge houses; the Gwendoline ring by Victoire de Castellane at Dior Joallerie, flowery numbers by Cleef Van Arpels and Bulgari pieces.

Egyptian Jewellery from colonial times

Hairpiece featuring bees made of diamonds. What's not to love?

Floral Japanese inspired bits in blue

Oh so Irish, non?

Twit twoo!

Central display featuring materials used to create jewellery

Fantastic plastic

Fruit brooches in glass beads

Wendy Ramshaw's "Transforner" - seven rings in one

Good clean fun

Silver Necklace by Albert Duraz

Emu eggshell necklace by Gilles Jonemann

More bees please - the "Gwendoline" ring by Dior

Electric Dresser..... Creeping on the Fringes

2012-01-15T15:17:00.000Z

Lauren / 16 / Student / South William Street, Dublin

With the statement creepers, Lauren's fringed vintage jacket and tight shiny trousers are fashion forward yet relaxed. Scowl obligatory.

Jacket: Vintage, bought in New York
Body: American Apparel
Leggings: American Apparel
Bag (just seen): Urban Outfitters
Creepers: Underground
Ring: Topshop

Paris, here I come

2012-01-15T01:21:00.000Z

Photo: Rena Niamh Smith

My flight confirmation printed, alarm set, bag tightly packed, I am totally buzzing for Paris tomorrow! When my school friend and top model Jamie Wise mentioned he was doing Men's Week in Paris back when we were watching fireworks on Bonfire Night, I knew I had to tag along. More brother-from-another-mother than classmate, Jamie is one of my brother's best and longest friend, and I can't wait to see him in action on the runway! It'll be hectic but I have sweet-talked us into a lush flat in the centre, roughly between Bastille and République, where we can down espressos and crash between rough days of full show schedules. I'll also be making a bit of time for Paris hotspots (February Vogue did a wee guide for V Day which I'm going to test out before the feast of love while my Wallpaper guide contains scenes un-checked) and have blagged my way into a pass for interiors fair Maison & Objet. Above is a photo from a Paris Design Week exhibion which I blogged about on Handbags and Fag Hags on my last séjour in Paree. I'll also be checking in with a few friends such as bezzie Jessie and blogger slash friend Jonathan Pryce of the Garcons de Glasgow so lots to do! Nothing like beating the post Christmas blues with another holiday, especially one thats going to be so busy! More later in the week. For now, consider this little number of Jamie (centre) for the DKNY Spring campaign.......

Photo: Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin / DKNY

Electric Dresser... Russian Winter

2012-01-14T17:10:00.000Z

Serina / Grafton Street, Dublin

Serina here works one of our favourite colour palettes - grey and camel - with her furry hat and classic coat, perfect for the mild temperatures Dublin's currently checking into. The loafers, simple tote and coat say Upper East Side, while head-wear says Moscow Mule. A veritable East meets West look.

Hat: H&M
Coat: Topshop
Scarf: Penny's
Jumper: H&M
Skirt: H&M
Shoes: Topshop
Bag: Unknown (gift)

Electric Dresser.... Red Leopard

2012-01-12T15:10:00.000Z

Gemma / 28 / Hairdresser / Exchequer Street, Dublin.

It was Gemma's red hot crop that caught our eye but we love her relaxed yet wow vibe with the chunky cardi, funky boots and hot colour scheme.

Cardigan: Pull & Bear
Top: Primark
Leggings: River Island
Boots: River Island

Electric Dress by... Marc by Marc Jacobs

2012-01-12T13:29:00.000Z

Havana Printed Silk-Satin dress by Marc by Marc Jacobs, €625 at netaporter.com

The spicy treats and festive wreaths of Christmas over and done with, winter has lost its novelty; the only thing that'll get us through the rest of the colder months will be fantasies of country gardens and tropical beaches. This Marc by Marc Jacobs dress is certainly getting us in the mood for spring. The simple shape is super sweet and shows off the retro style print that manages to be both old world quaint and a ballsy tropical design, while the black stripe give the dress a modern kick. Wear with natural wooden platforms or black strappy flats and a hunky Latino beau.

Electric Dresser... Skulls and Leather

2012-01-11T15:38:00.000Z

Yulei / 29 / Student / Wicklow Street, Dublin

Yulei's simple style and fresh face is reminiscent of Paris girls, a world away from Dublin's typical glamazons. The quilting on her bag and jacket link together a biker-off-duty look, while the cat's eye spec's gives things a super feminine twist.

Jacket: All Saints

Scarf: 360 Cashmere

Bag: Chanel

Pants: Dr Denim

Shoes: Carvela

Glasses: Zara

Ring: Tod's

Electric Hood by...... Chouchou Couture

2012-01-11T10:00:00.000Z

Hollyhood Iput by Chouchou, £79.00

Hoods are something of a sartorial sore point. Famously banned by a certain shopping centre in the south of England for their popularity among trouble-making teens, the hooded figure became a symbol of civil disobedience across news channels at last summer's riots. Yet in fashion, it lives on. Indeed, there is something undeniably individualistic about a hood; a simple layer of fabric separating one from the world, a shelter in the storm, the right to see but not be seen. There again, everyone wants a bit of the good, clean, sporty action hoods also hold; and ever since a certain young woman wore hers in red, venturing into woods of wolves and sick grandmothers, hoods whisper a veiling of feminine grace. All in all, a fashion all-star.

Let me introduce you to Hollyhoods by Chouchou. Designed as stand-alone pieces, they can be added to an outfit for instant hooded effect, whether that's during the day on top of a jacket as an extra head layer, or for maximum statement style, with a top or dress as evening wear. Chouchou, a bespoke Glaswegian-Italian label designed by Sylvia Pellegrino, have made hoods something of a trademark. Iput, above, available on their online store, features a collar detail and long panels at the side, which means the hood sits well on the shoulders. In a gorgeous purple cotton jersey, it has square studs around the edge of the hood and on the lapels, and quirky braid detailing. Named after a close friend who wore one for her wedding, each hood is unique, thanks to Pellegrino's penchant for vintage fabrics that are usually in limited supply. You can also pick the fabrics and commission a piece by appointment. This further adds an eco-friendly, up-cycling edge to her work that means not only will your hood be totally unique, your ethical credentials will far outstrip the average "hoodie".

Electric Loves.... 212 by Azealia Banks

2012-01-10T11:16:00.000Z

Photo: necolebitchie.com

Ooohh yeeaahh.... You know when a beat packs so much you just can't stop playing it over and over? With lyrics so feisty you swagger around in private acting like the Big Girl? When it makes you feel like a superstar yourself? Fast-paced and raunchy, 212 by Azealia Banks is case in point, and we've been playing it non-stop for weeks. With low-key video that's never made us need a Mickey Mouse jumper so bad, not to mention that sweet-ass way of wearing creepers, this has some seriously bad grrl, take-no-prisoner lyrics (personal high: "I guess that cunt gettin' eatin'"). Banks has some serious, 18 carat, diamond-in-the-rough star quality. More, please.

Slut Walk... Meadham Kirchhoff Style

2012-01-09T10:39:00.001Z


Photo: Fillippo Fior

For the January issue of Vogue, models and the design duo themselves re-created a Slut Walk march, the protest against gender discrimination based on clothing which swept the globe in summer last year. The controversial quasi-political movement was sparked by comments made by a Toronto police officer to students that in order to avoid assault, "women should avoid dressing like sluts", and in response, women took to the streets dressed however they wished, often provocatively, to declare a woman's right to decide the length of her dress. Far from uniting feminists everywhere, the issue is certainly fraught with tensions, of which designers Meadham Kirchhoff seem fully aware, tapping into the complex controversy for their Spring Summer 2012 show.

In the picture for Vogue, screaming models march on the streets of Dalston sporting blond wigs and a power-trip of pastel hues and glitter wave placards in candy colours of the female anatomy, in designs with cartoon hearts as bibs, cartoon eyes across breasts and look-at-me! disco panties. Their particular cause? A celebration of all things fresh, funky and feminine. "The clothes might appear sweet, playful, naive - but that does not mean the wearers are", explained Edward Meadham. The Vogue shoot is the next logical step from their collection, shown in September, of pastel slips, sugar-sweet cardigans and lashings of candy colour make-up; the show referenced all things feminine kitsch and retro, from Barbie, ultimate "kinderwhore", to showgirls, beauty pagaent winners and starlets.

Said Meadham of the show, they were inspired by "the girl on the cake. I wanted to take them off the cake, and put a real girl up there" and this is a screaming celebration of all things "pink and plastic". Like Slut Walks, it is easy to misread their message. Many women I spoke to at socialist festival Marxism in July 2011 had a problem with the movement. One said something along the lines of "we don't want to encourage our little sisters to be sluts". Yet for me, albeit as a part-time exhibitionist, clothesoholic and individualist, it is exactly that label and its power that doing what you want rejects; if a woman is a "slut" for not making a secret of her enjoyment of sex, then the word needs changing, not the girl.

In just the same way, Meadham Kirchhoff declare that girls should embrace and celebrate their identity, not run away from it. Other designers, from Christopher Kane and Erdem to Louis Vuitton and Valentino, also produced flouncy, feminine-ist collections with lace, feathers, broderie anglaise and of course, lashings of pink and white. Perhaps these lack have the political irony of Meadham Kirchhoff, but then maybe the point is that one can always subtly show a point of view through clothing. Meadham told Vogue, "hopefully what we do has got that political element - it's good to address things but not rant about them".

Electric Dress by... Torres

2012-01-08T18:04:00.000Z

Rebecca Torres One Shoulder Multi Panelled Bodycon Dress

WAS £70.00 NOW £28.00

Glasgow label Torres creates superpower body-con dresses in Lycra that celebrate the power of the female form. Using panels of bright colours, and couture twists such as this asymmetrical design with sweeping sleeve, the creations are surprising flattering and unashamedly empowering. Available on ASOS and currently being talked about by the likes of Grazia, Cosmo and Brand Alley, you can snap up the 2011 collection at a snip of the price. This design, originally £70 is now an amazing £28. We also love the mid-length styles and can't wait for the new collection to hit the airwaves... catch them on her official website at that naughty ASOS place.

Welcome to the Electic Dress

2012-01-07T22:31:00.000Z

Maria Callas's costmues, recreated in recycled drinks cans. Exhibition at Rhodes, September 2011

Having blogged for three years now on Handbags and Fag Hags and with it, went to awards ceremonies, the heights of high horses and of course, Fashion Week. Yet like a much loved pair of jeans that no longer fit, feel tired and make your ass saggy not sexy, it was starting to drag.

In this ominous, apocalyptic new year, it feels like time for a re-write and re-wiring. Hence: Electric Dress.

Aiming for a more personal, relaxed feel and a cleaner, straighter approach to fashion blogging, I hope that I will offer a more succinct read and allow for an insight in my new life as a Fashion Marketing Intern in Dublin fair city.

Happy reading!