News – La Perla Launches Bridal Collection

A Wedding treat, that’s not to be missed by husband or wife




New bridal lingerie is set to hit the shelves from La Perla, just in time for the Wedding season. It’s not cheap (over £100 a bra and £40 a thong) but it’s certainly beautiful and will bring a tear to your eye – and that’s before you have even made it down the aisle.

It’s something special, a treat for this one off occasion - unless that is you’re Elizabeth Taylor. Each garment in the collection is seamlessly smooth for the ultimate fit, but don’t worry they haven’t forgot a bit of feminine charm ad sexiness which goes along way in this department, particularly thinking ahead the end of the evening. The ‘ tease me ‘ tulle stretched over the bra cups and the virgin white, paper thin Chantilly lace true to form adds grace and elegance to every inch of the styles. Made from the most delicate soft stretch fabrics, it’s no surprise that they fit like a wedding glove.



If whites not the look you’re going for with the wedding plans, then look no further as the whole collection comes in nude to. And of course in this day and age, if you’re going for an alternative look – say a black wedding dress a la Giovanna Couture, then La Perla have got that covered to with plenty of black options.

So keep on top form, in the undie department for a perfectly streamlined day. In fact, while you’re having a look why not kit out the whole female wedding party - you will be spoilt for choice. La Perlas’ Bridal Collection is not one to be missed. Don’t let it do a ‘Runaway Bride’ on you, it’s far more gorgeous than Julia Roberts and that’s saying something.

Summers Sweaty Yet Subtle Leather

(Celine S/S 2010)

Sitting out in the scorching sunshine today, the last thing that crossed my mind was wearing a leather skirt or in fact sweaty, suede trousers. Yet too many this may seem sinful, seeing that the latest summer trend is set to be subtle, leather clothing with a feminine twist – not a ‘biker’ rock chick style jacket in sight.

Ok, so sweating in a supple, skin dress whilst at a family picnic is probably not a good idea and yes a leather dress may seem farfetched to eat homemade sandwiches in. But take a step back from reality and enter the glamorous world of fashion and celebrity after-parties and the look (as if by magic) is growing in appeal already. Wearing leather, is by definition, an over-the-top way to say ‘look at me’ but with iconic status and style. While other fabrics are busy being over fussy, attention seekers – the Chantilly ‘tease me’ lace to the in-your-face table dancing tartans. Leather rolls in to take centre stage with great grace this season (not a clinging cut insight) pulling together even the more unsightly black biker studs and tassels (which may be hanging in the wardrobes of many) to the delicately cut pastel, flower necklaces perfectly on trend (from Topshop at £35.)


(Alexander Wang S/S 2010)

And so, this season leather has once again hit the catwalks and is tugging at all fashion followers’ purse strings. The way to wear it, of course is with Kate Moss finesse – causally laidback with festival edge - layer, leather shorts and oversized khaki jackets. The colour palette ranges from lingerie pastels, rosy hues and golden, peachy yellows from 3.1 Philip Lim to earthy tones of murky green and carpenter tan by Celine and Vera Wang. These are the must have leather tones of today, and the best thing about them is that they will match any skin colour and do a world of good for the complexion.


(3.1 Philip Lim S/S 2010)

The mood is best captured in 3.1 Philip Lims, Spring/Summer 2010 Runway collection as malted-milk coloured leather shirts meet their tea dipping partners in PG Tips tone skirts. The fabric has elegance and class; a feminine beauty that glides across the body, each skin is soft enough to twist like caramel around the hips. Not brave enough to where the matching twinsets, well all hope is not lost. Just as scrummy, creamy ‘must have’ leather bags (a reasonable one at River Island £59.99) will be hitting the shelves, along with perfectly poised criss- cross scandals in heavenly honey shades at Marks and Spencer’s for just £35.



(Marks & Spencers S/S 2010)

Yes, a neutral shade can lack lustre but not combined with sexy leather. It’s still probably not the best idea to wear a leather twinset to a family picnic or indeed a dress, but for any other occasion – think dinner with friends or sophisticated date, then go for it. Not only will you be bang on trend but subtle, soft and sexy to. What more can a man want.

Why Are We So Infatuated With Fake Tan?

When we talk about fake tan products, the first thing that has to be acknowledged is that women often take the fake bake look too far a la the cheap Essex girl look. This is not me being stereotypical; far from it as I am a great fan of fake tanning myself, a natural golden glow never does any harm (think of Sarah Harding). It’s just the fact that in general your eyes don’t lie and as the sunshine hits the high street you can’t help but notice the overly tanned limbs of brown mud monsters passing you by, some of which whose tans look pretty poorly applied.

Self Tan in Velvety ..
Watch the ad...

So with this in mind, why every year do we women do it to ourselves? It seems that sex sells, the ideal summer image of a bronzed beauty with a healthy tan does look impressive, just note the recent influx of TV tan adverts where slim, long-legged models twirl around in perfectly clean bathrooms. As if putting on fake tan is instantly going to make you a foot taller, a stone lighter and leave you with a clean bathroom – speaking from experience of tan application this is not the case. With each application weather spray or moisturises I have yet to not make at least a small degree of bathroom mess, and the brown layer did not alter my bodily appearance. Yet, stand in any Boots tan aisle this week and its clear this ideal image in a bottle flies off the shelves – even when it’s priced from £25 like the St Tropez Tan. Well, here is not to being duped any more.

Indeed, looking tanned originally was a distinguishing physical trait between the working class (as they had been working in the fields all day) and the upper class where pale complex were preciously up held even with the use of parasols, any fashion history book could have told us women that. Elizabeth Bennet in ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen was never seen sporting a bronzed body however she still met her Mr Darcy, so there’s a lot to be said to being a pasty princess. Ok, so life is not a novel and yes, having a tan in the 90s was considered a sign of wealth, the Lady Di - I can cruise around on a yacht all week images. Though the influx in millions of tanned products (just look at the Tesco tan aisle for a few example that you can breezily fill you trolley with on the weekly shop,) commercially seems to have cheapened the natural bronzed goddess look. Yet looking overtly common is perhaps the look us modern women seem to be aiming for, just look at the likes of Katie Price – a walking, talking, tanned Barbie doll she may be but a clever media money spinner she is to (so something has to be said for looking like an umper lumper.) Plus, with the natural tanned look represented by celebrities across the globe from Cheryl Cole to Eva Mendes, its is easy to see why a sun kissed body can look stunning. But have you ever stopped to think how they achieve this look? It’s very unlikely that they even applied it themselves.

So before you head to the tan aisle or the stock of tan bottles in the bathroom cupboard, stop and think, what look am I going achieve by putting this on. If it’s the one coat healthy glow by all means go for it, but if it’s the dark Jordan look, is it really worth spending money to look tarty and cheap, particularly as you probably don’t have her millions to fall back on and someone to at least apply the tan smoothly.

News – Ultimo To Lose Peaches

No longer will the body or face of Peaches Geldof been seen striking a pose in the Ultimo lingerie advertising boards. Peaches, whom was appointed as the model in May of last year is now set to be removed after it was alleged that the lewd one night stand photos that were published of her online in November were down to heroin. Even though her lawyers stress this is not true, as Ultimo promotes its products to 18-25 year old women the founder of the brand Michelle Mone suggest that ‘we feel it’s impossible for Peaches to continue to work with us as the face of Miss Ultimo lingerie.’

But don’t worry the big billboards of Peaches boobs may be leaving the window displays faster than you can say ‘nice bra,’ but the products will still be sold as usual in store.

Fashion Moment – Fur

Iconic, sexy and rebellious are just three words synonymous with a fabric that needs little introduction. Over the years, fur - fake or not has epitomised itself as not only a glamorous, timeless must have, but also as a serious wealthy, status symbol. From early Neanderthal clothing, a nod at the original use of real fur for warmth and protection, to the oversized impractical Chanel Fall 2010 fake fur trousers, the fabric has gained the power to change its identity and use but not lose its appeal. Engrained into history, fur has been used as caveman tent linings, to 1920s fur collars and even on socialites Fendi handbags, as it knows no boundaries and continues to evolve within society.

From the famous fox and mink soles worn by the Hollywood starlets of the 50s, to the fur seen on the backs of royalty (past and present), it seems to show no sign of leaving the fashion scene. Even now the with the likes of Jenifer Lopez wearing and showing fur in her catwalk collections, to the current trend of fur ear muff, as sold in River Island. It seems that fur is never far from the fashion scene, whether couture or high street.

Indeed, the ageless fur coat look will never go out of fashion with the likes of Kate Moss to the Olson twins sporting its style. The coats glamorous silky linings and its affluent bulk of fabric shall remain in fashion regardless of date or occasion, weather worn to the star-studded Oscars a la Victoria Beckham or simply to the shops in a rugged, rock chic Amy Winehouse style. Furs luxurious draw and historical intrigue will never be lost. The look of fur will never die out as it continually evolves and with the likes of Chanel sending out gigantic, yeti style all-in-one jumpsuits, fur fashion looks set to take a frivolously furry new direction. (Image Chanel Fall 2010)

Trend Report - The Cropped Top

Though you won’t have to put your trusty shirts and t-shirts into storage anytime soon, the latest trend evolves showing off a little more body. Certainly the cropped top may mean putting in some extra stomach crunches at the gym. We’re not talking about a totally eighties reveal, but rather a single, cropped top that instantly adds a bit of retro glamour when layered on to any outdated t-shirt. This summer the top is swiftly coming the ‘must have’ shape for all self respect teenagers to the uber cool, late twenties ‘it’ girls about town – including Lindsey Lohan and Pixie Geldof – whom embrace the attention seeking top for its effortless chic appeal.


Fashionstas will know - this certainty isn’t the first time that the crop top has been tipped for the trendy fashion top spot. Indeed the style has been emerging from the fashion scene for the last year or so, thanks to the S/S 09 catwalks with the likes of Prada and YSL showing us that the crop can be sophisticated and cool. But until now (maybe it’s something to do with the recent peak of summer sunshine) it was unlikely to see the style strolling down the high street. Unless perhaps you time warp back to the eighties, then you wouldn’t have blinked twice at a passing midriff. Though here is an interesting fact, that wont bore you about the origins of the crop top, the style actually caught on after the American Football team sported cropped sports t-shirts that were cooler to wear in the hotter weather and its needless to say that every respectable celebrity a la Madonna helped to propel this trend into ionic style status.




Yet, less than thirty years later, the style has re-emerged with vengeance, drawing attention to the 21st century’s tiny waist (just think of Amelle Berrabah the Sugarbabes siren seen sporting the look.)The high street has gone mad for it, from Topshop to New Look there are rows of cropped tops to choose from. Now, with the S/S 2010 catwalks providing us with no less range of couture choices, from Chloes virgin like inspired pleated styles, to Twenty8Twelves’ tight grunge look. This year’s range of crops means that you’re sure to find something that works for you.

News – Take A Look At Child Of Jago

Out And About In London, Take A Trip To Child Of Jago In Shoreditch

With London Fashion Week just behind us, and the likes of Vivienne Westwood sitting on the brands front row, (though it’s not surprising as her son Joseph Corre is the brains behind the business along with Simon Armitage.) But, hey if it means the catwalk gets extra press attention then so what, as all the designs lived up to expectation from the ‘make do and mend’ styles to the twist on tweed.























Certainly, the shop lives up to its name too, based on the Victorian novel ‘Child of Jago’ by Arthur Morrison, it gives the impression that you are entering a London Victorian slum. So don’t expect a warm welcome, but do expect to be hit with an uncomfortable yet unique fashion buzz, the sort that is usually built up over time. You would never guess that the business was only set up 18 months ago, from the array of treasured trinkets, think: limbs of plastic dolls hung from the ceiling to army styled coats dangling from extravagantly dressed rails, as the Dandy meets Rock and Roll with a slice of Saville Row tailoring served up on the side.


A wonderful edition to the East End, not only are the clothes startling but they also sustainable. Made to get better with age, not worse, Child Of Jago is heading the fight against fast fashion. Each fabric combination is rendered in such a way it would be practically impossible to copy. A clever concept that is sure to catch on more widely. Indeed, the brand already has a loyal consumer base and links with Selfridges and Hervia Bazaar (Manchester.) Expanding rapidly, catch this brand while it’s super unique within its own stylish bubble and take a peek.

It’s certainly worth a visit to the shop, even if it’s just for a chance to experience the fantasy fashion world.

Trend Report - It’s A Mans' World In Matte Black

Ladies Watch Out There’s A New Metropolitan Superhero About

(A snapshot down Mayfair )


Once upon a time, man had little more in common with a stealth superhero than say, Clark Kent’s scratchy grey suit, or his geeky horn-rimmed trademark glasses. But now it seems that a new trend is emerging for the wannabe heroes - the matte car, a fashionable fad not dissimilar to the ‘Batmobile.’

With many male dreams resting on the urge to become ‘Batman’ (after ‘The Dark Knight’ in 2008 hit our screens), it’s no surprise that this testosterone-driven trend has become hot across the globe. Matte may not be the most obvious choice for car paint work, but it’s fast becoming the new Vogue. No longer, does gloss equate to luxury: think of the new ‘dull’ finishes to mobile phones and laptops, or even the muted clothing at the height of fashion (Child Of Jago A/W 2010-11). So the next step for the bionic colour is of course, a car.

The bling-factor of chromed cars has peaked; for example take attention-seeking footballer El-Hadji Dioufs’ obnoxious silver-coated Mercedes McLaren SLR. Now, at the opposite end of spectrum, wealthy men-about-town, drive understated Lamborghinis – coloured in the non-tacky Nero Nemesis, a personalised matte coat - for around £10,000, (on top of the £150,000+ car price tag.) Even Lindsey Lohan is reported to be renting a matte black Rolls Royce. At the other end, backstreet boy racers, hastily cover their dated but pimped out cars, in black film wrap or basic car primer (for £25) to keep up with the action. Ask these boys with such nicknames as AJ to JC, why they do it? They simply reply, “It’s hot. You look cool. It’s something different.”

Ironically, the streetwise boys pay homage to the original concept of non-glossy cars, the ‘Rat-rod’ craze of the 1930 to 50s (DIY customisation), resulting in primed but unfinished cars, which emphasised the cars’ body, not the paint work. This idea has filtered into the SEMA trade car shows over recent years, (fast cars with no flash). But, notably this time around matte (which is actually rough to the touch) cuts an impressive image of masculine strength along roads filled with polished candy coloured cars, representing not only a superpower car but an elite lifestyle.

Lustreless colour, is certainly becoming a ‘fashion statement,’ according to Stephan Winkelmann, President of Automobili Lamborghini, it makes for an "even more exclusive Lamborghini,” defining a privileged society. However matte mania is tricking down into mainstream life, catching the eye of all big car companies within the last year, from Audi to BMW.

Indeed the macho matte effect is starting to take a hold, shaping the outlook of car parks worldwide. These are rapidly turning into a ‘Batman’ film sets (have a peek outside Harrods). But, love it or hate it, this emerging trend is certainly developing at a superhero fast pace.

One To Watch - Brilliant Beth Is Buzzing With Ideas

(Work by Beth Davis)

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” Coco Chanel

This quote sums up the fashion philosophy in which Beth Davis works, and on a bright sunny morning reaching for the sky, certainly doesn’t seem beyond this talented photographer. Dressing like a seven year old, vintage French girl, it’s clear she is unfazed by fashion and knows what she wants to achieve.

Having grown up in the world of Fashion and Textile at School in Suffolk – like many fashion students these days, Davis knew she had to stand out from the crowd. Moving to London, certainty sent her in the right direction, she exclaims, ‘The photography came about later on as I grew to love the work of other fashion photographers and wanted to explore the medium for myself.’ Rather, than being uncertain about her work, which you may expect from a recent graduate (completing her degree in 2008), she seems truly at ease and in control of her path.

Confident and composed, it’s no surprise that Davis effortless fashion edge sprung up naturally. But, where does this passion stem from, simply she says, ‘Tim Walker and Paolo Roversi have a special place in my heart, and I always have their work to aspire to.’ There’s no denying that her work has the same sensual dream like qualities as both her idols. In fact, Camilla Seckin a recent interviewee choose Davis to collaborate on her lingerie photo shoot for just this very reason. Davis suggests that, ‘we’re (her and Camilla Seckin) are quite different in our approach but it actually worked out amazingly,’ and as they say the proof is in the pudding, (take a look at the pictures uploaded).







(Work of Tim Walker and Paolo Roversi, Beth Davis)

Her amazing photographs, which range from vintage fashion shoots to the slightly more avant-garde concepts, (though she claims, ‘I’m not really one of the cool kids’), seems to be gaining media attention. Working with the publication fashion156 and LauraLaura, there is no end to this girls talents. Branching out in to illustration, she admits, ‘I think my work has a lot of cross overs with other creative mediums.’ So, what’s next for this rising star? Well, Davis says, ‘I am currently focusing more on illustration, with a view to maybe turning it into something physical like print design.’ Indeed, she brings her personal style, which she explains is, ‘Nostalgia and Britishness’ to all her projects, so surely whatever she turns these skills to next will become fabulous fashion success.

Take a look at her work - www.bethdavisonline.co.uk

Central Saint Martins - Bring On Autumn/Winter 2010-11

The joys of online streaming, what was about to unfold in front of me, a glance at the latest trend, a moment of fashion history in the making? Need it be mentioned, that the likes of the supremely talented Alexandra McQueen and John Galliano have all strolled successfully out of the Central Saint Martin’s Ma course. And quiet fittingly, starting the show was a tribute to the late McQueen himself, passionately setting the scene, his voice echoed around the darkly lit tent as he recounted his St Martin’s journey.

Setting the standard for the evening, you could see the pressure that the class of 2010 had to cope with. Though, recently St Martins has been developing its very own trade mark styles, and this season was no exception – judging by the 22 collections on Professor Louise Wilson's runway. As blue strobe lighting twirled around the catwalk and ‘Friendly Fires’ slick tune of ‘Photobooth’ hit the speakers, the show began with great aplomb. Barefaced models, perched on over sized Lady Gaga style platforms strolled down the runway totally composed - albeit with one or two stumbles and the odd lost shoe.

But by no means of the imagination, was the odd stumble to repress the forward thinking dress sense. Highly sculptured 3D forms morphed with knit wear to jersey, matte fabrics collided with crisp, clean lines and laser cut edges. Stitching became reminiscent to Balenciaga (Spring 09), whilst the tubular, clinched waists, thanks to Anja Mlakar certainly balanced out the extravagant hip and shoulder proportions.

Then, on the opposite end or the graduate spectrum, moving away from the body con look, came A-line tunic tops - confronting bold jagged lines, multi-layered wovens and highly textured knits. There was something to suit every ones taste. However there was nothing remotely simple about the futuristic range of collections. Each garment (surely, up to Professor Wilsons standards) brought an uplifting sense of freshness to the runway.

On the night Jackie Lee, (joint Harrods prize winner with Lilly Heine) – presented the most prominent slightly grungy work wear collection, with a mix of clean lines, skirts over trousers and perfectly presented lapels. So, minimalistic that even the shape of the cuffs and collars became a dominate feature. Whilst the top L’Oreal Professionnel award went to Rok Hwang, who’s stunning collection of bold and graphic star studded, maxi length dresses were all certainly show stoppers. Set to quiet literally propel him in to a fashion star.







Moving away from the shorter, sexier silhouettes of the previous Central St Martins shows, this year’s graduates pushed sophisticated styles that their elders would be proud of. In fact, the enormous over the top, structured T-shirt shapes by Tze Goh and the elegant pom-pom dresses by Shao-Yen Chen, will surely never be forgotten, particularly by the hundreds watching online.

Posh, Pencil Thin Frocks

One positive to starting your own fashion blog, is that people often hurl recommendations you way. ‘Have a look at this’ or ‘what do you think of that.’

Well, ‘that’ thing in question today is Victoria Beckhams’ fourth line of designer dresses, which she presented in New York yesterday. And the verdict, even though I have never actually worn a Beckham dress in my life is, yes I really want one of them.

I started to flick through the collection of images whilst I was supposed to be working. Ok, at first I was slightly ashamed, if not guilty of the fact that I was actually really impressed by the range, (I was hiding the computer screen from my fellow workers whilst taking a sneaky peak).

But at home, safely out of sight of prying eyes, I studied each dress with my beady eyes to try and find fault –I couldn’t.

Though less than five seconds later, it hit me, furiously I saw the frail, limp limbs of models portraying the ‘Posh pencil thin body’ – is this the right message to be sending out? I think not. Given the alarming way in which the forties style frock – albeit beautiful – tightly clung to the models body, to reveal the fact that her thighs were indeed the same size as my arm. Yes, quite literally models are now dying to be skinny. Just think of Brazilian model Ana Carolina Reston, who died in 2006 – need anymore be said.

Shaken, I continued to browse the rest of the collection. Oozing Hollywood glamour, each garment jumped off the page with great grace and style (images as shown). But again beneath each dress, lay the clearly defined Posh replicas, (not to mention - supporting the over sized sun glasses and pout).

Do we really all want to look like this? Imagine a world where every ones head was like a huge lollipop, wobbly around on a skeleton size frame. Yes, I must admit (through gritted teeth), Posh does look great – tight leather pants tick, lace bustier tick; she can wear it all in Hollywood’s fashion land. But in reality, will Armani burst into tears if Mrs Patterson from, 25 Green Street, Normal Land, can’t fit into his beaded ball gown to go to Tesco. I think not. In which case do we need to be bombarded with these waif thin - Posh styled models. Particularly when the designs themselves, throughout the whole collection are forward thinking, wearable and yes, suitably flattering for the majority of body shapes - the curvaceous J-lo is all ready a fan. Put perfectly by, British Vogues’ Lauren David Peden “Beckham presented a beautiful collection that evolved her body-con aesthetic, whilst still leaving room – literally - to breath.”

In summary, the collection is not in a completely opposite dimension of Hollywood fashion rubbish, as perhaps first thought. Poshs’ ranges have come a long way from the school teacher look of 09. But, viewing this collection will have you alternating between different emotions from rage to jealousy and then even awe before returning down to planet earth. Albeit if you want to copy the complete Posh look go for it no ones stopping you, (though be warned of the recent spotted bunions - from perching on sky scraper heels), or just play it stylishly safe and buy the ‘it’ dress of the moment.

Though, on this recommendation I was not warned that the dresses will set you back a couple of hundred pounds, (think a £1000 for an evening dress). So, thanks for the recommendation - it's now got me hooked. No, I don’t want to look like Posh, but yes I do want an ‘it’ dress - so maybe I will start saving, but I certainly won't be dieting to get the 'pencil Posh look.'

Certainly, the dresses won’t make you as famous or as thin as Posh, but it will put you in a similar celebrity, spending league. I guess we all have to start somewhere.

News - Don't forget the Burberry 3D glasses

Its good news for us Brits this week as Burberry is staying put in the fashion capital for London Fashion Week (from the 19th Feb). But don’t fret if you haven’t been invited on to the front row list – let’s face it, it’s a pretty hard task unless your Emma Watson or Gwyneth Paltrow. This year the British brand will be streaming the show around the world in 3D. Ok, so the glasses may look slightly nerdy but just think of the experience - to witness the show first hand and practically in front of you. “3D technology will bring our global audience into the London show space allowing them to see the colours and fabrics” said Christopher Bailey, Chief Creative Officer. This is certainly an event to good to miss; the catwalk show will be held at The Chelsea College of Art, on the afternoon of February 23rd. But can also be seen, with the helping hand of 3D spectacles, in New York, Paris, Dubai, Tokyo and Los Angeles.

Even us mere mortals can get in on a piece of the fashion action, as Burberry is teaming up with SKY to create a 3D package of the pre-show event and backstage footage. If all else fails, the show will be streamed in 2D online, where viewers can comment on the event using Facebook and Twitter - all in real time of course.

Fashion Moment - The Marvellous Mini

The Mini skirt may only be a little piece of clothing worn just over the thigh, but it certainly speaks volumes to the fashion world.

Exploding on to the fashion scene in the 'Swinging Sixties' under the creative hands of Mary Quant (or Andre Courreges if your French), the Mini soon became iconic. Worn by practically everyone under the age of 50 - including Jackie Kennedy at her wedding to Aristotle Onassis in 1968, the skirt quickly earned its place in fashion history. When the skirt first appeared, sexual freedom was evolving (namely down to the pill) and for the first time pubescent teenagers were influencing fashion from the streets. Together this revolutionized Dior’s New Look of the previous decade. Perhaps, foolishly women lost the conservative silky elegance of the 50s and embraced fun, sexy, mass produced skirts made from Cotton Gabardine to PVC. Available to those neither rich nor grand, youth culture propelled this trend not just across Britain but internationally, changing the face of fashion forever. Just think of Twiggy’s 1960s boyish frame and mod style, in comparison to the 40s and 50s curvaceous Hollywood sirens Jane Russell or Lana Turner.

From this point on, Minis became a wardrobe staple swinging in and out of the closet; Blondie pranced around in hers towards the end of the 70s during the ‘new wave’. Whilst the 80s saw a number of Mini variations spring up from ra-ra styles to puff balls. Even the Princess of Wales could have been seen sporting a puff ball. Knowing no bounds the ubiquitous trend grew; even business attire was not left untouched by the craze. In the mid 1990s Minis were walking into offices across the world, with a little help from TV stars such as ‘Rachel’ from Friends. Availability and popular culture had at first made the Mini classless (taking the limelight off couture trends) and so this may have remained had the late 20th century craze for Spandex Micro Minis, not created snobbery amongst the tightly clad clan. Just think of Geri Halliwell as 'Ginger Spice' revealing her knickers to the world.

Yes, there is a tarty stigma that surrounds the modern bum cheek showing Mini, (need the Bratz doll Mini skirt for pre-teens be mentioned.) However, worn properly the Mini can not only cover a multiply of sins, but to date it looks set to be one of the hottest trends of the year. A refreshing new twist to the Mini is emerging- think double layered. An illusion created by the likes of Prada and Louis Vuitton, where a layer of white underskirt pokes out from beneath the top Mini skirt. Certainly there is no shortage of style variations to choose from – ruffled, draped or frilled the marvellous Mini seems to adapt to every situation.

Ok, so some of the daring catwalk styles popping up this season may not be hitting the shops in such short proportions, but nevertheless the Mini is here to stay. The best advice is to choose wisely, don’t ignore the trend but find something that works for you.

A Touch Of Talent – An Interview With Camilla Seckin

(Images as seen - photographs by Beth Davies/Camilla Seckin and garments created by Hannah Byrne)

Want to find out what’s going on in the world of fashion right now? Well the best place to start is to turn to students. Just think of the talent that has surfaced from university courses –John Galliano graduated from Central St. Martin's School of Art and Design in 1984, and look at him now (working on his own label and with Dior). Ok so not every single fashion student is going to take the industry by storm – but tick-tock-trends will keep you updated on the latest talents that emerge.

So here goes, Fashion Promotion and Imaging postgraduate (UCA) Camilla Seckin is certainly no stranger to the world of fashion having gained work experience with companies such as i-D magazine and WGSN. So it’s no surprise that her work as a stylist and photographer has already been published in various magazines (Disorder to Catch 22). Yet only a term into her Ma, Seckin has just completed a new shoot, Anglonight (images as seen). In response to her new found work load she reveals, that the project was carried out to explore high-end designers - such as Vivienne Westwood’s use of underwear as outerwear.

Aspiring to be a successful stylist /photographer, Seckin admits, “I actually knew from a really young age I wanted to study fashion.” Indeed if her personal style is anything to go which she suggests, “evolved from big Granny 'Margaret Thatcher' cardigans with lots of funky jewellery” and her love of charity shops and village fetes, surely her unique styling will soon be turning major fashion heads. Following this dream Seckin turned to Beth Davies (photographer) to collaborate on her latest unique shoot, set in a dilapidated Surrey mansion – which is fast becoming a hot spot for fashion shoots (having recently been used by a certain evening news paper). In response to asking Seckin where her forward thinking inspiration stems from, she replies “I am so inspired by stylists such as Nicola Formichetti (Creative Director for Dazed & Confused and Fashion Director of Vogue Hommes Japan.)” That being said, her latest work is influenced by a range of approaches from the shoots structural shape and silhouettes – “it is my job to ensure that the shapes work well to the narrative of the fashion story” to her passion for history, “I just love reading about the past.”
Indeed the future is wide open for the talented stylist, whilst reflecting on her work so far Seckin reveals that she does not want to work for trashy magazines but says, “I would like to work for more art-house magazines or foreign magazines.” Determined to succeed and leaving no area of the fashion industry untouched, she certainly seems to know where she’s heading, “I am currently working on several shoots and I’m designing and making headwear and clothes.” In fact success seems imminent for Seckin as her latest images may even be heading off to a certain glitzy magazine. Modestly she concludes by summing up her life philosophy like this: “Read, read, read…watch films…culture…. travel…throw yourself into new situations and then you will learn.”

Check out her blog - www.camillaseckin.blogspot.com

Fashion week by Berns

Take a look at Fashion week by Berns – Yvonne Sörensen Björud, CEO Berns Salonger suggests that Berns fashion week has grown into one of the most prominent catwalk shows for Swedish designers to platform their work. Dagma has already shown on Monday a collection that was sweet enough to eat – just take the pink sugar almond tights(image Dagmar Spring Summer 10.) However Acne will be showing on the third and final day (February 3rd 2010)- and going by their fusion between jeans and fashion it's certainly not a show to be missed. Importantly fashion week at Berns seems to be following a highly prominent trend in producing sustainable fashion, a seminar will be held by Antonia AX:son Johnson foundation on Fashion night (tomorrow)titled ‘Sustainable fashion, onwards and upwards'- that's one for the diary.