Garment Of The Week: Melissa Diamantidi

A new designer on my radar is Melissa Diamantidi whose AW11 collection is to die for. Whilst its way too early – and I really should be making this blog post under ‘Sneak Peak’ on a Monday – the collection is so stunning it had to make the cut for this week’s GOTW.

Images throughout courtesy of The Clear Agency

Taking inspiration from architectural design the inspired collection effortlessly fuses contemporary and fashion-forward silhouettes with sophistication and a beautiful line that creates a playful air of spontaneity. Brimming with leather, lace and power shoulders, this is a collection to invest in to tick all the trend boxes for next season.

Stocked at super-boutiques such as Beyond The Valley and herviabazaar.com, I’m afraid you’re going to have a little wait to get your hands on this collection. On the plus side, its ample time to start saving those pennies!

Garment Of The Week: From Somewhere

Imagery throughout courtesy of From Somewhere

Each season at LFW I make a point of spending several hours doing the rounds at the Estethica exhibition looking to find the newest and most innovative designers working with sustainable practices at the forefront of their brand identity. One such brand who never fail to catch my eye are From Somewhere, whose recent collaboration with the world’s leading swimwear brand, Speedo has produced an array of surprisingly chic 50’s style garments.

Created using unsold swimwear and surplus stocks of the revolutionary Speedo LZR Racer suit (interestingly launched in 2008 by myself and the PR company I used to work for), the mainline collection can be found at yoox.com. In addition to the wider range, two styles will be available exclusively at Selfridges and two styles will be exclusive to yoox.com, with all proceeds from the iconic Barbie dress being donated to Green Cross International, YOOXYGEN’s partner.

Orsola de Castro, co-owner of From Somewhere, says of the collaboration:
“After unveiling the first of our Speedo LZR Racer collaborations at London Fashion Week in September 2010, we have had an enormous amount of fun in designing and producing these latest pieces, and we feel that we’ve learned a lot about how far we can go, building our confidence, introducing lots of colour and creating designs we’re extremely proud of. The range comprises a wide variety of products, taking in eveningwear made from over 60 swimsuits, to the super wearable Swimdress – a new concept in swimwear as daywear.”

Garment of the Week: Tela Bags

Not quite a garment, I’ve become rather taken with Tela Bags, a Portuguese eco accessories label recently exported to the UK. Launch back in 2006, Tela pride themselves on transforming trash into trends, designing bags for the fashion conscious and eco-friendly, recycling discarded PVC banners, left over newspapers, magazine covers, and even linoleum floor coverings. Individually hand-cut and crafted, each Tela bag combines innovative eco-friendly materials with witty design, incorporating acid hues, bold prints and geometric shapes into their chic range of handbags and stationary.
Prices range from £10 to £200, and are available both online and at a number of nationwide stockists.

Garment of the Week: DIRTYloves

Imagery courtesy of DIRTYloves

Instead of writing about a favourite garment this week, I’ve thrown caution to the wind, instead opting to write about the launch of new platform DIRTYlove’s online shop which is set to launch this Easter Sunday. Stocking an inspired and beautiful collection of own brand women’s wear and accessories in addition to collections from Sugarhill Boutique, this new UK-based e-tailer will offer the latest fashion trends and will be the go-to shopping destination for fashion savvy, on trend, cool hunters.

To celebrate the eagerly awaited launch, DIRTYloves have partnered with Toni + Guy to offer the first 50 customers a special gift of hair products from T+G with a few other goodies thrown in for good measure.

The first DIRTYloves own brand, womenswear collection includes a selection of affordable, youthful dresses, playsuits and separates with average price points ranging from £32 - £55.00, with accessories starting at £10.00. So what are you waiting for: LOVE IT, CLICK IT, WEAR IT!

Garment Of The Week: Yoox.com's 'We Love Japan'

Image courtesy of Yoox.com

Today’s Garment Of The week is for a fantastic cause so was a no brainer. Stylish fashion website yoox.com has united eight international fashion brands to show solidarity for Japan in wake of the recent nuclear disaster. Ann Demeulemeester, Antonio Marras, Dsquared2, Kitsuné, Maison Martin Margiela, Marni Moschino and Y-3 have each created unique one-off designs for a special T-shirt collection that will be sold exclusively on yoox.com.

100% of all sales proceeds will go to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) for the earthquake and tsunami relief efforts in Japan. Revolving around the motif “We Love Japan”, each brand’s interpretation is quirky and unique in its own way, while sending the message of unity towards Japan in this time of adversity. Please support this great cause!

Garment Of The Week: Suzannah

This week I had no hesitation whatsoever with regards to what my GOTW would be. Love at first sight, I fell in love with this 50’s Italian silk cotton dress by Suzannah as soon as it landed in my inbox. As if taken straight from Betty Draper’s wardrobe I love the delicate rose print, lovingly inspired by vintage tea sets.
Partially boned to work wonders for the silhouette, this dress creates the perfect hourglass figure, creating a miniscule waist whilst side pockets give the illusion of fuller hips. Available in cup sizes A-D, unfortunately this beauty will not be for everyone – myself included – however that doesn’t take away from its sheer spring beauty.
The rose print dress is priced at £425 and is available to purchase online or at Suzannah’s boutique in Little Venice, London W9.

Garment Of The Week: Thomas Wylde

A brand I’ve been in love with for a little while, but haven’t yet had the chance to write about is Thomas Wylde, who’s inspired SS11 collection entitled Cuba Libre, has a beautiful 30’s flavour, referencing the Latin country’s status as one of the most exotic destinations of the period, where visitors dressed to impress in their finest wares. Incorporating traditional ruffle detailing with great finesse, Wylde have cleverly kept the collection as authentic as possible naming each garment after customary Cuban clothing. With the colour scheme - slightly morbidly - inspired by the 'Bay of the Pigs' invasion of 1961, hues reference themes of blood, death, ash, and life. Founded by Miss Thomas in 2006, Thomas Wylde has gone from strength to strength boasting a diffusion line, menswear range, eye-wear and fragrance collections.

As usual choosing just one garment was a hard task, but made easier by the beautiful silk dress pictured above, subtly referencing leopard print in one of my favourite colours burgundy. I also love the four looks below, styled to perfection and exuding sex appeal.

Garment Of The Week: Eley Kishimoto for Climate Week

In aid of this year’s Climate Week (21 - 27 March) super designer Eley Kishimoto has created an exclusively limited-edition t-shirt in aid of the Environmental Justice Foundation’s campaign (modelled by heavyweights Lily Cole, Gemma Arterton and Gillian Anderson to name but a few). The cute tree design t-shirts are organic, ethically produced and are manufactured exclusively using wind and solar power.

Of her design Kishimoto says: “Our t-shirt design incorporates the ‘tree of life’, a concept that exists in many cultures across the world. In itself this represents nature and reminds us to look towards a positive future. We worked with a play on an age-old patchwork motif, symbolising the care and attention our planet needs, translating the idea that all life on earth is connected, and we should work together to tender our environment.”

Available to purchase exclusively from Tesco - who are the headline partner for Climate Week - this great garment will only set you back £10 – so head down to Tesco before the end of the week!

Garment Of The Week: Dimensione Danza

Manufactured by Sinv - the company behind See by Chloe, Love Moschino and McQ by Alexander McQueen - Dimensione Danza’s luxurious SS11 collection is brand new to the UK market. Available in a variety of boutiques nationally and of course online, Dimensione Danza reflects the expert Italian craftsmanship more commonly associated with an international fashion house, demonstrated through a cacophony of luxurious fabrics and edgy cuts.

Image courtesy of The Clear Agency

Inspired by both New York street culture and the world of dance, Dimensione Danza is the brainchild of professional dancer Nadia Baroni, who deftly unites refined technical proportions with their casual counterparts, perfectly marrying fashion with functionality. Comprised of four capsule collections; The City, One Mile from Home, Active, and Weekend, Baroni’s SS11 collection is a muted colour story, shirking the trend for bright colour blocking instead offering beautifully understated earth tones that epitomise the versatility of the luxury urban brand. Key garments include the beige suede-effect jumpsuit and the black asymmetric off-the-shoulder top (both pictured above).

Garment Of The Week: David Koma

Having recently viewed his graduate/ SS11 collection at Somerset House during LFW (where he was sponsored by NEWGEN), I couldn't not write about David Koma for GOTW. After studying fine art in St Petersburg where he showed his first collection aged just 15, Koma later studied at CSM where his name became synonymous with body-con.

Favouring heavily embellished statement dresses which have unsurprsingly caught the eye of red carpet heavyweights; Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Megan Fox and Alicia Keys (to name but a few) – Koma is fast establishing himself as a fashion force to be reckoned with.

Already a household name at the tender age of 25, Koma is inspired by the works of Geoffrey Beene and Thierry Mugler, exploring masterful, heavy techniques to create uniqie forms of embellishment season after season. Currently stocked in Topshop as a collaboration for SS11, Koma's strong, architectural shapes evoke empowerment, are incredibly sexy, and with this diffusion range – are affordable too!

Garment Of The Week: Lalesso

A label I first discovered several years ago while researching emerging brands of African origin, Lalesso is a firm favourite, getting additional brownie points for being ethically sound – something that is getting increasingly important to me as I get older. Having recently won the coveted Ethical Fashion Forum award for Innovation, Lalesso’s SS11 collection beautifully reflects the brand’s signature love of East African print. Offering a plethora of stylish summer dresses in a variety of figure-enhancing cuts, bright colours and light fabrics, Lalesso’s designs are both eye-catching and practical in equal measures.

In 2009 Lalesso’s lovely founders - Olivia Kennaway and Alice Heusser - transferred their in-house workshop to the HQ of another of their Kenyan inspired ideas, SOKO. After realising the potential that an ethical factory could offer - namely an increased number of jobs in the local town of Ukunda, and increased export of quality garments - the entrepreneurial pair leapt at the chance to create their own independent, charity-based, eco and ethical clothing production unit.

With Lalesso - among many other international designers and brands, including another favourite of mine, Lu Flux - using SOKO exclusively for garment production, the future for Kenyan workers in Ukunda is looking bright. Located in the grounds of Ukunda Polytechnic, this pioneering initiative seeks to place the community at the heart of production. By encouraging local hotels and businesses to donate materials, SOKO ensures students are given the means to improve their practical skills while providing the possibility of further training and employment for graduates.

Certified as a Carbon Zero company, Lalesso hone and utilise the creative talent of SOKO-based Kenyan artisans in many aspects of the design process to create: bead detailing, bracelets on the swing tags, delightful hand-carved coconut buttons and Masai beading. Rather excitingly SS11 sees a new collaboration, incorporating the beautiful brass works of the Bombolulu Workshop into garments – a project organised by the Association of the physically disabled of Kenya.

As you can tell from the 400 odd words above, there is a lot to love about Lalesso, so when it came to choosing a singular garment for GOTW I was quite surprised that only one really stood out in my mind; the Matatu halter-neck dress, which just screams out to be taken on holiday. In a beautiful sea blue with a striking yellow and red repeat print, my guess is that this dress will be beautiful for highlighting a tan and sun-kissed tresses, making it the jewel in Lalesso’s SS11 head wrap.

The Matatu dress and the entire SS11 collection is available worldwide from 1st April 2011.

Garment Of The Week: OH! By Ohema Ohene

Image courtesy of Liz Parry PR

Much to my surprise, this week I’ve fallen in love with a range of African printed trainers called OH! By Ohema Ohene. Bang on trend for SS11, these unique and unisex trainers first launched back in 2009, to celebrate and promote the talent of African designers working around the world. Originally created using off-cuts and wastage fabric from the clothing range, the shoes are produced using a range of exclusive prints sourced globally, as well as fabrics from sustainable sources, including vintage wax prints.

Completely sustainable I’m OH! By Ohema Ohene’s biggest fan, and am particularly impressed with the ingenious design of the high-top trainers which come as a detachable ‘high top’ and base plimsolls. Each style has been named using popular Ashanti names such as OH! Kofi for boys, OH! Nana which is unisex and OH! Classic – which is exactly what it says on the tin.

Available in a plethora of vibrant colour ways, OH! By Ohema Ohene are stocked at MyAsho, and can be delivered within 24 hours so what are you waiting for?! Prices range from £28-£80.

Garment Of The Week: Miss Sixty

Image courtesy of Chase PR

With the 70’s set to make a huge comeback for SS11, it seems that several designers and high street stores are referencing Andy Warhol and Studio 54 to embody the era of D-I-S-C-O, snubbing the perhaps more obvious and cliché inspiration of Saturday Night Fever. Whilst the 70’s are in, it appears that John Travolta esque white suits and shiny shirts are out – fashionistas take note.

Instead brands such as Miss Sixty - a label so quintessentially Italian the mere mention of it makes me long for gelato – are going all out with iconographic symbols galore. The arty Disco Fever Skirt (pictured above), plays homage to the 70’s with an array of pop art inspired frames featuring acid coloured lip prints, optical illusions and all things kitsch rock ‘n’ roll. So, if you’re feeling bold and want to have some fun with a youthful take on 70’s fashion this season, the Disco Fever Skirt is highly recommended.

Garment of the Week: Mint Velvet

Image courtesy of Mint Velvet

A brand I could wax lyrical about all day every day, Mint Velvet cater to everything my heart desires; light, luxurious, sophisticated, effortless and characterful fashion. Blowing their competitors out of the water with their pared-down-chic, the brand’s trio of designers Liz, Jane and Lisa have been influenced by all forms of art and film. With two key directions coming to the fore for SS, the new collection reflects a welcome return to the chic and minimal style of the 90’s and in contrast the spirit of the 70’s, echoing the romantic vibe of the bohemian jet set.

With one-off artisan prints, super feminine shapes and a cool colour palette of steely greys, burnt oranges and cream the SS11 collection is highly covetable (indeed, it made me swoon at the press day back in November). Think of romantic floral prints inspired by English gardens on sheer fly-away silks and satins and floor sweeping maxi skirts and dresses. With safari style tunics and military jackets juxtaposed with delicate lace, this inspired collection combines sharp lines and strong silhouettes with soft feminine fabrics and prints effortlessly. Offering affordable price points and quality you know will last, this is one British brand worth buying into – especially if you’re after staple investment pieces.

One of my favourite garments from the new collection (hence the GOTW accolade), is the Paw print organic jacket (which I’ve taken upon myself to rename The Paw Paw)! Priced at a very reasonable £75 The Paw Paw is best worn with jeans and a plain tank for understated glamour, but can be dressed up just as effortlessly. If like me you love the print, look out for the silk dress and skirt later this spring!

Garment Of The Week: YMC

Image courtesy of YMC

As anyone who’s had a poke around the January sale racks will know, the Great British high street is being infiltrated with beautiful fine knits and luxe crochets ready for SS11, so I feel it my sworn duty to include one as my Garment Of This Week.

Founded in London by Fraser Moss and Jimmy Collins in 1995 in response to the ever-increasing demand for stylish, modern and above all functional clothing, YMC has quietly been bubbling under the surface for over 15 years. Inspired by the mantra ‘you must create your own design style’, YMC are not led by the market or influenced by seasonal trends and fads, instead solely aiming to provide wearable clothing that is intelligent and distinctive – which they do to a tee.

With their SS11 collection oozing nostalgia for the lazy hot summer days (of old), it has a playfully innocent and fun naivety about it, taking inspiration from outdoor pursuits such as camping and hiking – essentially playing on a quintessentially British heritage. Designed with layering in mind, the focus is on lightweight shapes and tactile textures in an earthy colour palette of muted khaki greens, burnt oranges, and mustard yellows juxtaposed against dark block colours. Whilst once again, it was hard to choose just one garment, I’m particularly enamoured with this cute bow detail knitted tank which is available to buy now in burnt orange, navy and khaki (pictured).

Garment Of The Week: Rütme

Images throughout courtesy of Rich London PR

Anyone who knows me personally will know that I love a good print - preferably two together – so it should be no surprise that Danish brand Rütme caught my eye instantly. Inspired by dreams and fantasies, Rütme’s prints are a kaleidoscopic experiment of shape and form, utilised to create unique urban fashion statements that above all else are relevant – a rarity on the high street these days.

Fresh from its debut as the first offering from the brand, the AW10 collection is inspired by the new decade’s wave of young female musicians such as La Roux and Lucy Love, referencing their tough, edgy and unpredictable natures. With Rikke Charlotte Larsen spearheading the design, functionality is paired with heritage, taking colours from vintage T-shirts and trainers, whilst incorporating details from the early 90’s such as puff shoulders with great aplomb. Whilst as usual, it was hard to edit down just the one garment; my favourites is the hot pink tassel detail jacket with royal blue lining, which looks particularly great teamed with a patterned dress.

Rütme is available now at JOY and in several independent boutiques.

Garment of the Week: Partimi

As the old adage ‘third time lucky’ rings true, this week I’ve successfully narrowed down my selection to just one solitary garment, the mesmerising Dieu Bleu T-dress*. Created by Eleanor Dorrien-Smith in 2009, the Partimi label got me rather excited at LFW back in September, with its eye-catching prints, luxe fabrics and cold, sleek colour palette.

Image courtesy of Partimi shot by Nicole Maria Winkler

A woman after my own heart, Dorrien-Smith’s approach to fashion is one of sustainability. Having recently launched Partimi’s first full ready-to-wear collection (back in September), Dorrien-Smith is a fantastic advocate for ethical and responsible fashion, which saw her awarded runner-up in the ‘Design for a Thriving Fashion Industry Award’ category at the Fashioning the Future Awards back in 2009 – a ceremony I was privileged to attend and review.

Inspired by and designed in homage to costumes her grandmother collected from a sale of Diaghilev’s Ballet Russes costumes at Sotheby’s in the late 60s, the SS11 collection entitled Dieu Bleu utilises organic fabrics and yarns to great effect, creating a fresh and contemporary collection of elegant dresses and separates. With simple silhouettes and stunning digital prints at the fore, I’m tipping great success for both Dorrien-Smith and the Partimi label in 2011. *The Dieu Bleu T-dress is soon to be available at YBDfashion.

Garment of the Week: Ashish for Topshop

This week's decision was a no-brainer. On Monday - which isn’t *technically* this week - one my favourites, and no doubt the most fabulous London designer of them all, Ashish launches his sixth collaboration with Topshop featuring dazzling prints that will appeal to his magpie fashion fans and the surrounding Oxford Street pigeons alike. Whether you're in the mood for something sweet or savoury, to be frank, it doesn’t matter as Ashish’s veritable feast for the eyes is so retro-kitsch you’d be a fool not to want a piece of the action – or should I say, a piece of the pie?

Clearly inspired by the fast-food industry, when I first saw the four designs on offer (two oversized t-shirts and two sweatshirts, pictured above and below), I genuinely thought I might lapse into a sugar-fuelled coma. After coming to my fashion-senses I marvelled at how mass-produced and fake the foods look, which strangely makes me love the prints even more. Perhaps because junk food is a no-no in my house, the collection makes me feel like I can still indulge in things that are bad, and even have a (fashion) binge or two.

Speaking of the collection, Ashish said: “The inspiration was very easy – I love junk food! I was thinking of what I would like to wear to the gym, and I thought junk food on t-shirts and sweatshirts would be perfect! Perhaps not very motivational, but definitely very amusing!”

As luck would have it I have an appointment in Topshop on Monday so I’ll see you there, and be warned; I am prepared to (fashion) fight for my fave piece, the doughnut sweater.

Prices start at £40 and items are available from Monday morning in flagship London stores and online.

Garment of the Week: Jaeger

As it’s a fresh New Year I want to introduce a new weekly post where I’ll pick the top garment(s) that have caught my eye either in-store or online each week. Starting off in a vein which looks set to continue, I have been unable to whittle it down to just one item, instead opting for two fab pieces from one of my lust-labels, Jaeger.

With the 70’s era making a huge comeback this forthcoming SS11 with colour a-plenty, I love a good fashion underdog which is emerging in the form of a Monochrome trend. So, if you’re looking for high octane drama and glamour indicative of the polished and liberated pre-WWII 30’s Jaeger is your best bet.

Joint garments of the week are the paired down and effortlessly cool black waistcoat dress, which is a triumphant interpretation of the modern shift; and the super sleek ivory oversized blazer complete with edgy black asymmetric lapel.

Images courtesy of Jaeger.