Showing posts with label Carnaby Street. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Carnaby Street. Show all posts

Sunday, 5 December 2010

SS11 Press Days: Nicole Farhi

A good few weeks ago I popped down to the Nicole Farhi showroom near Carnaby Street for their SS11 press day. Having loved both the props and collections last season I was really looking forward to going back. First off I spied a cool bust in the menswear section (pictured below), and also spotted one of my favourite young actors Louis Garrel in Farhi's mood board ( in the top right hand corner of the mood board, below). Garrel is of The Dreamers and Ma Mere fame and is exceedingly hot...
In terms of the clothing, the mainline Nicole Farhi collection is superb, with stunning watercolour floral prints (pictured below) in iridescent fuchsias and light 'n' luxe fabrics.
I was really happy to see Farhi experimenting a lot more this season combining her more traditional and chic mainline collection - perhaps better known for its cruise and nautical themed wear - with modern innovation in sophisticated fabrics, experimenting heavily with cut and texture. Stand out pieces include the stunning pleated coral dress (pictured below, centre).
Other favourite garments were the rubber dress in white (below, left) and the silk and paper geometric print dress (above, right).
Lots of beautiful detailing caught my eye such as the rope detail red suede dress and '80s style power jacket (both pictured above, right). With plenty of sparkly evening dresses to choose from as well this is Farhi at her best.
Keeping the theme going throughout I love the nautical details dotted around the menswear section with the shoes (above, right) displayed casually on rope and a boat suspended buoys and all, from the showroom ceiling.

Tuesday, 2 February 2010

'Kissed by Lulu Guinness' pop-up-store

Way back in October I went to hear a Q+A session with the lovely Lulu Guinness at the V+A, which I wrote about for Freestyle Magazine’s blog. Whilst there Lulu mentioned that from 2010 she would be founding an eponymous scholarship for MA Artefacts students studying at London College of Fashion, to mark the 20th anniversary of her world-famous accessories brand.

Fast forward to February – more commonly known as now – and Lulu is set to open a pop-up-shop off London’s infamous Carnaby Street (which coincidentally is celebrating 50 years of its own in 2010). Branded as ‘Kissed by Lulu Guinness’ - after the ‘Lips’ clutch bags she is synonymous with – the store will celebrate both Valentine’s Day (pass the sick bucket) and the fast approaching London Fashion Week, stocking only ‘Lips’ related products.

Carrying on the LCF link (as that was my point after all), a percentage of sales from the ‘Lips’ clutches will be donated to London College of Fashion to create bursaries to support students in their study of the historical and contemporary practice of fashion.

For all Lulu’s fans – the lady of the hour herself will be working in the store on Monday February 8th, with a host of celebrity friends to celebrate the opening so make sure you get down there, as not only will you get your hands on a highly sought after ‘Lips’ clutch, but you may even be lucky enough to be served and get it signed by the designer herself.

Monday 8th February – Monday 22nd February 2010
Free Entry
65 - 67 BROADWICK STREET, LONDON W1 9QU

Thursday, 27 August 2009

Roxy Heart by Zakee Shariff launch pop up store @ Beyond the Valley- 26th August

Yesterday I had the great pleasure of previewing the FW09 Roxy Heart ‘Fly Like an Eagle’ collection, which launched with a pop up store within hip central London boutique, Beyond the Valley. As I arrived in Newburgh Quarter (the small area of shops and bar’s hidden behind London’s infamous Carnaby Street) I could see cheeky triangular arrows leading the way to the entrance of the pop up store. Recognising these triangles from the invitation (pictured above) I eagerly followed their path (see pictures below).
Once inside Beyond the Valley I was directed into the gallery space which was covered from top to bottom in what I would later discover to be Zakee's signature Multi Tri print, which also featured heavily throughout the collection. Comprised of approximately 15 garments Zakee’s range for Roxy Heart is simply stunning with several cute separates and some iconic hero pieces, such as the ‘Cat II’ leather jacket in midnight red (pictured below).
Taking inspiration from nature, in particular the four elements; earth, water, wind and fire, I found Zakee’s collection to be really fun yet chic, playfully combining superior cuts and fabrics with illustrations of mountains and seascapes on the actual garments themselves (pictured below).
Another of Zakee’s inspirations for this collection is the Steve Miller band’s 1976 hit album ‘Fly Like an Eagle’ which inspired the designer to create an illustration of an eagle as an emblem for the collection, to be featured on several garments such as the heavily embroidered ‘Alice’ jersey top (pictured below).
Other stand out pieces were both the ‘Niel’ top and ‘Ellie’ dress (worn on the night by Zakee herself) which featured the signature Multi Tri print. Bringing a sense of luxury to the collection both garments were made using silk and were cut so beautifully that I’m confident they would flatter any figure. A personal favourite from the collection has to be the beautiful chunky knit ‘Jacko’ cardigan which featured the eagle emblem in addition to a smattering of stars down both sleeves. Available in navy blue/yellow and grey/pink colour schemes this is one item I have definitely got my eye on.
All items mentioned pictured below. With free flowing beer and champagne all night there was a really great crowd and atmosphere despite the rain. And to top it all of there were hundreds of posh cupcakes on offer which had been lovingly decorated with the Fly Like an Eagle emblem.
Additional pictures of event below.

All in all a great evening out and a great show from both Roxy Heart, Zakee and Beyond the Valley who surpassed themselves with such kitsch branding throughout! The highlight for me other than viewing the collection was meeting Zakee herself and two lovely fellow bloggers Marlboro Martini and Platform Princess who write the Cigarettes and High Heels blog.
The Roxy Heart pop up store at Beyond the Valley is open until 27th September.
Invitation and cut out/lifestyle images courtesy of Roxy Heart.