LFW Diary SS11 Highlights: Paul Smith

With beautiful clothes to make every woman with a pulse swoon each season, Sir Paul Smith simply has to be up there in my imaginary list of designers I would love to dress me. With a hard act to follow from last season, as the decadent gowns and rich velvets made me fall head over heels, I’m lovesick all over again for the heady mix of androgynous tailoring and 70’s floral shifts presented for SS11.

Deftly blurring the lines between genders in his eponymous collection, stand-out garments were the micro grey tailored shorts with matching waistcoat and a gorgeous plain navy long sleeved romper suit. A great combination of simplistic city chic and cute-as-a-button dresses fit for luncheons and tea parties, this could well be Sir Paul’s most versatile collection for a few years.

In a rich colour palette of burnt umbers, rich browns and formal black and grey, the mood was slightly autumnal, playfully lifted by Sir Paul’s trademark sense of humour which saw candy stripes and polka dots make appearances in details such as neckties and thin knits.

A thoroughly preppy collection styled to perfection, each look sent down the catwalk was entirely wearable oozing a laid-back vibe, whilst still being infinitely ‘on-trend’ and fashion forward. I loved the painterly floral silk dresses, and the romantic and whimsical element they added to the overall mood –referencing the spirit of the 70’s to a tee.

LFW SS11 Diary: Orla Kiely

The queen of kitsch print (who’s nearest rival - if of course we had to pin one down - would be Cath Kidston), wowed once again with an eye-catching presentation in the Portico Rooms of Somerset House on the inaugural day of LFW SS11.

Last season we saw models premiering the AW10 collection delicately rotating around the very same space; however this year Orla Kiely enlisted the help of several oversized cardboard cut-outs to create something slightly edgy, unexpected – and I’m guessing, a little more cost effective.

A great icon of design it’s hard to believe that in just ten short years Kiely has become a huge household name producing fashion and accessories in addition to homeware and perfumes for her eponymous brand.

With a beautiful collection of tea dresses and shifts in beautiful florals and iconic 60’s cut outs and shapes, this collection is one of Kiely’s strongest yet, affording her customers the chance to really step into her world – hinting at twin sets and demure cover-ups, typical of the era she has transported back into the populous. With a hardback book entitled Pattern out next month, this season you can find out all you need to know about Kiely’s empire (from prints to techniques), and better yet, what inspires this Irish maverick.

As with any Great British legend, they receive numerous offers to cross collaborate in the form of branding products in other fields. Following this trend, the obligatory collaboration with a car manufacturer has come to the fore, so as Sir Paul Smith lent his signature stripes to Mini, Kiely has lent her iconic 60’s inspired logo to Citroën’s DS3.

To keep visitors entertained there was a mini cinema booth placed in the centre of the presentation space, complete with plush velvet curtains and eight standard cinema seats, and two pin-up styled stewards daintily handing out popcorn. The short film, From London With Love by Gia Coppola, was played on a loop depicting models in what appeared to be an informed nod to swinging sixties London – perfectly encapsulating the unique aesthetic for which Kiely is now renowned.

AW10 Press Days: Part Four

Last week I went to see the mighty Sir Paul Smith's new AW10 collections in his Covent Garden showroom. As you might expect everything was wonderful, with Sir Paul offering a superior cut and sophistication in his collections, that I have come to always look forward to.

I loved the limited edition Paul Smith Mini Cooper, it looked so amazing and makes such a bold statement.

Everytime I visit the Paul Smith showroom I'm always really excited to see how the PR and marketing team have rearranged the space, as there are always tons of new and exciting things adorning the walls. Rather good for ideas on how to model my own home! I love all the little details like a shoe-shining set next to the shoes... its these small things that I always really appreicate!

The AW10 women'swear collection was as decadent as ever with lots of beautiful string pearl detailing at the backs of dresses. Also in the mix was this season's Horse and Hound equestrian theme, which had a lovely light-hearted aesthetic which perfectly complimented the riding coats and tweed plus fours.

Located near the Mini (and aforementioned shoe-shining box) were these wonderful shoes, taken from the Men Only collection. creating traditional men's brogues and boots into more wearbable shapes and sizes for women. A range of soft leathers were dip-dyed in deep autumnal colours that I can't wait to get my hands on for next season.

As predicted the menswear didn't disappoint and I loved it as much as the ladieswear if not more! Juxtaposed with the dark and dramatic colour palette of the mainline collection were brightly coloured mohair and wool suits in turquoise, blue and a lilac purple.

To say I love these Paul Smith upholstered chairs would be the biggest understatement of the century so far, and has got me thinking and plotting with regards to how I can put my own floral prints to good use.

Also on display were some fabulous examples of tableware that Paul Smith has designed for Stelton. To celebrate their 50th anniversary, Sir Paul has reworked Arne Jacobsen's Cylinda Line, giving it a fresh and contemporary update, not taking away from the integrity of the original design. Stainless tea and coffee pots have accents of colour on the handles, whilst plates and bowls feature heavy colour blocking.

To both showcase his new limited edition floral print china, and feed the press in attendance, the team cleverly utilised the cups and saucers as dispensers for an array of penny sweets that were dotted throughout the showroom – proving to be both a treat for the eyes and the taste buds! The 'Rose China' collection features a striking and colourful photo print originally taken by the designer himself at the Chelsea Flower Show. Like all posh china every piece has been lovingly finished with a gold trim.

As to what these were I'm not too sure... at first I thought they looked a bit like bongs, but that would just be plain weird!