This season prepare for a journey into the magical world of the fairytale.... 

Yes, its that time of year yet again! In the fast paced world of fashion the Autumn/Winter pre-collections are slowly trickling into the shops and the summer sales are starting. So, it is inevitably time for the bi-annual trend forecast! There is always an enormous buzz at this time of year, a great anticipation over what the next season has in store. And let me tell you, you won't be disappointed! This year, we are taken on a voyage through a magical fairytale world. From dark gothic femme fatales and pagans to royal princesses there is sure to be something to melt your heart this coming season.

It seemed designers were inspired by the world of fiction, allowing them free-reign to create an intricate and beautiful fashion story. Veronica Etro said she was inspired by Narnia and Giles Deacon was heard stating, 'I was inspired by a Roger Corman film, Masque of the Red Death, which is a gothic femme fatale sort of film where these really decadent people live in this castle while outside lots of people are dying.' (source: Vogue.com) Alexander McQueen said his collection was inspired by a 600 year-old elm tree in his garden. He added, 'I made up this story of a girl who lives in it and comes out of the darkness to meet a prince and become queen.' (source: Vogue.com)

So, what does all this mean for us fashionistas? Well, let me tell you in my run-down of the key trends that will make a splash this season...

This autumn/winter the gothic femme fatale makes a big impact. Channelled by Alexander McQueen, Gareth Pugh, Prada and Giles this look is all about drama. Giles' collection featured slashed strapless gowns (in rich colours such as blue and green) all adding to the ill fated gothic heroine feel. 'Tough love' was a term he used to describe his collection. This trend is all about texture (think lace, leather, silky fabrics and as seen on the McQueen catwalk appliqué detailing) and volume (McQueen's show featured a strong silhouette with fitted dresses that billowed out from the waist).

The staple and classic military trend makes a welcome return this season but it will have a much more regal feel. The military jacket of last year will prove a big hit but it has been updated with richer colours and embellishments. Take your cue from Alexander McQueen who featured strong colours such as royal blue and red with gold piping.  This year it can be dressed up with full, swishy skirts and dresses giving a nod to the princess theme which featured strongly on the catwalks. It can also be dressed down and given a less romantic feel with skinny trousers and heels á la Temperley London. As well as the classic military jacket the trend diversifies this season spawning military-esque dresses, waistcoats and skirt suits (see Temperley London for inspiration).

Another trend which came through in the major shows of fashion week was a relaxed 70s bohemian look. A clear homage to the success of the globe trotter trend of spring/summer. Channelled by Etro this trend is all about layering. Think brown leather and sheep skin coats over long flowing 70s-esque maxi dresses cinched in with a belt. Texture is also a key component of this look (feathers, fringing, leather and chiffon are all big news when teamed together). Luella also gave a nod to this look but in the usual quirky way. A little bit Pagan and a little bit Wednesday Adams. Luella's show featured a strong palette of earthy colours such as orange, brown and green (which had a distinctly pagan feel, especially as some models completed the look with a witches hat!) Dolce and Gabanna, in an unusual yet highly successful departure from their signature look, also embraced the bohemian trend. The highlight of the collection included an effortless but oh-so-cool tartan shirt layered over a David Bowie t-shirt. You can be assured that Tartan and plaid will be everywhere this season! From coats to skirts.

For those of you who loved spring/summer's penchant for all things art print fear not for Christian Lacroix updates it for autumn (so no need to say goodbye to your favourite paint splattered tee just yet!) However, it is given a much hipper edge. Voluminous ladylike cocktail dresses featured oil paint brush strokes.

Of course autumn/winter wouldn't be the same without classic tailoring. And this is where Chanel always comes to the forefront. Karl Lagerfeld wanted to give Chanel a more 'grown-up feel' which was refreshing after a summer of Americana inspired stars and stripes. There was the trademark tweed tailoring but also edgy oversized knits teamed with sexy lace tights (which are going to be big, especially when teamed with full, swishy skirts and ankle boots.) Sheer blouses and high-waisted trousers were also a hit. Lagerfeld also embraced victoriana (which again will be big news this forthcoming season) with ruffle neck blouses and  vintage inspired dresses in nude, pastel green and royal blue.  And as Lagerfeld wanted, the basis is still very French, very chic.

And for those who have a more rebellious approach to fashion there is plenty to play around with. Offering a more tongue-in-cheek approach was Marc by Marc Jacobs, which is welcome after the darker, gothic collections of this season. If the collection were a person it would be the tear away daughter of a prim and proper wealthy family who own a country estate (Boy, will she rock the manor?) Think along the lines of punky dog tooth. Say goodbye to the traditional black and white and hello to mint-choc-chip green and shocking pink! Leather dresses, trapeze shapes and oversized jumpers worn a few sizes too big with black opaque tights all add to the defiant attitude. So feel free to shake it all up but just make sure whatever you do, you wear with attitude!

As well as Jacobs, Eley Kishimoto have also come up with a playful collection. Theatrical circus inspired ruffles and harlequin prints ensure you stand out. Rabbit print t-shirts and slouchy trousers also ensured this design duo are way out in front when it comes to fresh and eye catching fashion. And true to form directional high-street favourite TopShop are working some Eley Kishimoto inspired harlequin and ruffle collars into their new collection (source: Drapers Online).

Vivienne Westwood who made a welcome return to London Fashion Week after a ten-year abscence, previewed her Red Label, which embraces the rebellious side of fashion. And for those who want to mix fashion and politics she's your woman! One model carried the banner 'Fair trial my arse! Justice for Guantanamo Bay Prisoners.' Westwood's rebellious, creative and politically active streak comes through in the collection. Think tailoring with an edge. Slouchy trousers and punky dog tooth. Eccentrically English and totally Westwood. Wear with passion...vive la revolution!

In terms of coats the big news this year is the cocoon. The catwalks were awash with this shape, from Pringle to Viktor & Rolf. Sleeves are also important this season, with oversized being the order of the day.

In terms of key colours this season, metallics (such as olive green, bronze and gold) and rich, regal colours such as (royal blues, reds and forest greens) are bound to be a hit on the high-street. More sombre palettes are also central to this seasons main trends (blacks, browns, pastel colours and greys). Strong hues such as orange will also be pivotal to next season.

This season is theatrical and dramatic. It reminds me of a library in the sense there are so many genres and characters to choose. There is the gothic femme fatale, the fairytale princess, military heroine, the rock star, the bohemian, the revolutionary and the classic! The only problem is deciding who you want to be! And with a nod to the Viktor & Rolf show, this season our imaginations are given free reign, in this fashion fairytale, to 'dream on'. And dream we shall!

Pictures courtesy of Vogue.com

With thanks to Drapers Online

Written by Gemma Douthwaite Ó

Coming Soon: Swimwear Special, The Edge of Love fashion feature, Footwear and accessories trends for Autumn/Winter and much, much more!

It's no secret florals and tiered skirts a la Luella Spring/Summer 08 are in. Topshop combined it with a bit of art-school chic, Forever 21 nearly made it frumpy, and Dotti changed the colour. The question is, which knockoff is best? (Unfortunately, I only really have one choice since there isn't any F21 or Topshop here. But Dotti's is nicest anyway, don't you think?)

Photos courtesy of Style.com, Topshop, Forever 21 and Dotti.

La semana de la moda de Londres se celebró del 10 al 15 de febrero del 2008.

En la serie de entradas dedicadas a la Semana de Londres aun queda algun dia. Los anteriores en (1), (2), (3) y (4).

14 de Febrero.

Asprey esta diseñado por Hakan Rosenius. Es una coleccion con proporcion y volumen. Son prendas de estilo lady, uso de tejidos brocados. Faldas trapecio y abullonadas. Vestidos y abrigos formados por pequeños volantes de principio a fin. Colores: negro, dorado, gris plata, negro con brocados de flores,beige, blanco roto. Los vestidos y trajes de falda tienen un largo por encima de la rodilla. Algun vestido muy largo de noche. Coleccion con toque años 40. Abrigos de piel de pelo largo y tambien algun abrigo de cuero.

Luella. Coleccion formada por vestidos y minifaldas de vuelo. Un aire retro que resulta muy actual. Estampados de liberty y tambien de cuadros vichy. Faldas combinadas con jerseis de lana. Trencas, abrigos, americanas. Hay tambien transparencias y cancanes para los vestidos de noche. Estilo urbano, desenfadado y actual. Esta inspirado en Ghostworld.

Ashish. Segun el diseñador es una coleccion sport, glamurosa y sexy. Prendas amplias. Rombos, cuadros y flores, estampados de los ochenta. Prendas realizadas en tejidos con agujeros cuadrados o en circulo. Muy sport y desenfadada.

Margaret Howell. Coleccion britanica, desenfadada y androgina segun su diseñadora.

Es una coleccion muy sencilla pero cuidada y elegante, prendas que nunca pasan de moda. Muchos basicos, bonitos, sencillos y practicos.

Erdem. Abrigos, trenchs, gabardinas, vestidos. Vestidos muy coloristas, gasas y rasos. La mayoria de las prendas son vestidos de noche, de gasa o de estructura mas rigida. Todos son muy femeninos y favorecedores, disintos largos y diferentes patrones. Coleccion clasica en la forma de los patrones, los estampados y los colores les hacen especiales, modernos y diferentes.

Jenny Packham. Segun la diseñadora es una coleccion glamurosa, lujosa e internacional. Prendas llenas de glamur, gasas, raso, encajes, lentejuelas. Colores: gris, negro, granate, rojo.

Vestidos de fiesta.

 Antoni & Alison.

 Un estilo años 50 y 60...

Issa. Una coleccion segun la diseñadora versatil, colorista y sofisticada. Vestidos largos de noche donde se combinan estampados de distintos prints animales en diferentes tonos. Vestidos en rojo, en negro, estampados en tonos salmon. Para el dia vestidos por encima de la rodilla con estampados en tonos salmon, tambien estampados geometricos, tonos mostaza y marron. Los vestidos tienen aire años 50, con lazo en el cuello y otros con patrones tipo tunica.

Vivienne Westwood. La que ha sido reina del punk durante decadas presenta una coleccion elegante y sofisticada. Algunas chaquetas desestructuradas. Vestidos en negro, rosa chicle, muchos drapeados en los vestidos. Negro, marron, gris, granate. Tambien en la coleccion hay prendas de cuadros, de terciopelo, asimetrias, trajes maculinos. Hay un poco de todo de lo que se considera el estilo de la marca.

Ya solo queda mostrar los diseños presentados el ultimo dia de desfiles..

In my opinion one of the paramount things about summer is the festivals. Of course, one of the most important aspects about festivals is dress code.  There is so much one has to take into consideration. For instance; dressing for the weather (it’s hard to pull off certain looks when you’re drenched), practicality (I’m sure every girl would love to take her entire wardrobe, but lets face it, when your camping you can’t), and last but not least to make sure we look ‘festival cool’.

Out of all the summer trends this year, there was one designer that I felt ticked all the boxes, Luella. Feminine, preppy, yet slightly rock ‘n’ roll. Floral dresses with subtle hints of punk and edginess, the perfect uniform for a British summer. A belt clinched in at the waist works as a perfect accessory, many of the dresses are strapless, giving you the chance to show off your shoulders, perfect for girls who don’t feel as comfortable exhibiting other parts of their bodies.

We’ve all seen girls out and about in cute dresses, with leather jackets thrown on top and a pair of boots. Luella’s dresses pioneer this look and it’s one I would love to imitate myself. Don’t be afraid to mix and match styles that you wouldn’t necessarily think go together. Lacking inspiration? Glance at the photographs from the Luella S/S show. If Agyness Deyn doesn’t amend your opinion, nothing will.

The floral trend has influenced the industry greatly this season. For instance, ponder Robert Cavalli’s floaty, romantic and, of course, floral dresses. Chew over Dolce and Gabbana, who have revisited the boho trend. Luckily, as gorgeous as these dresses are, they don’t suppress the quirkiness that we Brits excel in.

Dresses weren’t the only thing obtainable during Luella’s S/S show. Floral skirts, preppy cardigans and logo t-shirts were also blooming: the perfect combination to layer up a dress, or acquire the quirky look with a floral skirt and relaxed logo tee.

 I for one will defiantly be wearing this trend; never one to shy away or blend in with the crowds. This season, Luella brags individuality. Although fashions come and go, style, however, can only be invented by yourself, therefore, it is your own, and will stay eternally, no matter what the trend.

Last year Kate Moss seemed to be the ringleader of all festival wear; a pair of denim hot pants, a waistcoat and a rock-star boyfriend. Well maybe not the latter, but you get the point. Unfortunately, all that has now become plain and predictable: diversity is the key.

I can see two obsessions in the making at the moment. 1) Polyvore and 2) the colour yellow for some reason.

Ok so some may say, placing yellow, red and grey together is abit silly...but i like it. Actually i love it! Now if only i could afford to purchase all these things from Net-a-porter.

Miu Miu Patent headband

Luella Anne tartan dress

Mulberry Antony messenger bag

Pedro Garcia Rosalyn shoe boots

Indian Rose x

I'm use to seeing Forever 21 rip-off Marc Jacobs, but the designer robbing himself -- selling cheaper versions of his original thousand dollar designs? Well, that's something new. Maybe someone is taking their Louis Vuitton counterfeit set-up for the Brooklyn Museum a little bit too seriously. [LA Times]

Deep thoughts by Daisy Lowe: “I’ve met young people who don’t drink. What do you do? Oh, you’re productive? Interesting.” [London Times]

Zippers on a classic white hi-top sneaker. Better than Peanut Butter and Jelly. [Refinery29]

Now this gets me excited: Cool Luella and Prada "inspired" summer floral looks that will allow me to chic and not Forever21 cheap. Did I just rhyme? [The Budget Fashionista]

Former MTV producer Terrance Dean releases his highly-anticipated book Hiding In Hip Hop, which is partically about black entertainment's most prominent figures on the DL, tomorrow May 13th. Here's an excerpt:  "Mario was the same man who was named by MTV as one of the greatest rappers of all time and lambasted gay men in his lyrics. He had one number one album after another. He often called out other rappers for being soft, feminine and gay and yet he found comfort in the arms of a transvestite."

Obviously, names have been changed, but can anyone say ah-mazing? [Gaurdian]

Does anybody really need 81 outfit changes? No. But isn't that why we're kind of excited about the new Sex and the City movie? [Sassybella]

Do you ever feel like the things you've loved are discovered seven years later and obliterated into a million tiny pieces?  Me too.  Tell that to the writers of NYLON magazine, who have confused our dear ENID with someone by the name of EDITH.  We get it, everyone loves Luella for spring, check out Fashion Toast's take, WWWD's or our's from last week.  Regardless, know the character before you try to mimic it.

delia's batman scroll tee

luella spring/summer '08

yeah, i think it may have been inspired...

I was on the phone the other night with my friend Linda when she asked if I'd like to go out to her uncle's place in The Hamptons...HELLS YEAH!!!  For those of you who don't know, have been living under a rock, or maybe aren't from the East Coast, The Hamptons (on the eastern-most tip of Long Island) is the absolute "ish" during the summer months.  Hanging in The Hamptons is the epitome of being sheshefroufroula. All I'm saying is it is the best.

Maybe you've heard of Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs' summer white party or Star Jones-Reynolds' (wait, didn't she put Miss Al out of the house? Well, whatever) opulent home. There are parties, great places to eat, heated swimming pools, and wonderful beaches just 2 1/2 hours outside of Manhattan. Cute boys???!?!? Looking fierce is a must!

If you are going out east, what will you be wearing?
 

 Fendi Circle Pattern Dress, $2,480, Luella Smithy Shoulder Bag, $1,195, Alexander McQueen Mesh peep-toe Sandals, $1,540; Chloe Filao Sunglasses, $330; Louis Vuitton Cruiser Bag 45, $1,730

Ok, $7,275 for a weekend outfit for the Hamptons???!?!?! Well... YEAH!!

Luella non si è fatta sfuggire l'occasione di riproporli sulle passerelle e Asos non poteva che pensare di fondere due delle tendenze più in voga in un'unico oggetto, il prezzo? Ovviamente cheap, solo 12 sterline.

Autore : Sonia Grispo
Fonte : Asosblog

Mesmo gostando tanto da cantora quanto da estilista, nunca entendi completamente a paixão da Lovefoxxx pela Luella. Não que a loja seja ruim, longe disso. Mas sempre tive uma sensação de que alguma coisa não combinava. A vocalista já chegou até a declarar que gostaria que seu vestido de noiva seria confeccionado pela marca britânica. Certa ela de não optar por um Karl Lagerfeld (dizem que dá azar). Mas o fato é que a vocal do CSS virou garota-propaganda da coleção cujo lema é “paz e amor” de Luella Bartley para a O'Neill. E o que é a O'Neill? Uma tradicional marca de surfwear. Vai entender…

I MUST have this: Luella bat clutch

Lara Bohinc clutch

'Janie' by Anya Hindmarch

Models Support Human Rights Cotton Campaign

Irina Lazareanu

Lily Cole

KT Tunstall

Kara Ross, JMendel and Movado NY Oscar Collection Cocktail Party- trug Kerry das Kleid von Zac Osen Pre-Fall 2008

First Annual Essence Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon trug Sie einen Ellie Saab Spring Couture 2008 Kleid

Chanel and P.S. Arts Event trug Kerry Chanel Resport 2008

A Night of Hope" Benefit for OCRF trug Kerry ein Kleid von Luella

Witch Fashion - Luella Fall 2008 (GALLERY)

(TREND HUNTER) Halloween is a big part of autumn for many people, but has the marketing become so influential on our society that a designer can design a ready to wear collection inspired by it? Luella marched model Alice Gibb down the runway dressed as a witch, complete with pointed hat and pumpkin orange tights … [More]

Luella @ London Fashion Week Fall 2008

And, seeing it is London Fashion Week - I would have killed to see Lily Cole in this show. Wouldn't her flaming hair and porcelain hair be perfect for these clothes? Afterall, they do say there's always something witchy about redheads...

All that is missing is a wand made of elm, with a hair off a unicorn's tail!

(I guess an alternative title for this could be "What do You Think Witches Wear These Days?")

An enchanted Stephie

This summer it's time to go back to school for some serious style cred...

Clockwise from left: floral tiered dress by Luella, Luella's runway show (x2), Emilia Fox in a blazer (picture courtesy of Look Magazine), Blazer, shirt, tie and pink jodhpurs all by Ralph Lauren. (pictures from Elle and Marie Claire to see their full features buy February editions out now!)

This spring/summer the catwalks were awash with cute blazers, full skirts, floral blouses, shirts and beaten leather satchels. Luella featured this look strongly and even had fun by adding glasses and pig tails to their models. And that's what this look is all about, fun. Take inspiration from the oh-so English Henley regatta and St.Trinian's and show you really are too cool for school...

Get the Look for Less...

                    1. 2.   3 

               4. 5. 6.

                             7.  8.

                                             9.

1.  Polo shirt by Jack Wills £29 (in sale)

2. Shirt £39 by Jack Wills (in sale)

3. Blazer £30 Dorothy Perkins

4. Satchel by Warehouse £20

5. Denim skirt £35 by TopShop

6. Cricket-style cardigan by New Look (new collection

7. Bag by Jack Wills £159 (in sale)

8. Scarf by Jack Wills £19 (in sale)

                                          9. Shoes by Marc Jacobs £228 (in sale)  

Gemma Douthwaite ©

Pictures courtesy of PRShots.com, Marc Jacobs (www.poshu.co.uk) Jack Wills and TopShop.

To see full sized image just click!

On the left, a funky silver suit from Luella Bartley's Spring '08 collection. On he right, Nicole Kidman in a eerily similar metallic suit from Balenciaga.

We guess they share the same pattern maker?

 Luisa Lovefoxxx - que já teve seus modelitos de palco na lista NME dos maiores desastres fashion do mundo da música - é o novo rosto da elogiada marca inglesa Luella. A front girl do CSS já havia declarado em entrevistas que gostava da marca e por isso foi esolhida pela estilista Luella Bartley para colorir a coleção verão 2008. Será que vai rolar um macacão de lantejoulas?

 O Cansei finalmente toca no Brasil em novembro, no Festival Planeta Terra.