Author Archives: Samar Ayesha Sadullah

THE Rodnik Band

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London Fashion Week was in full force in February – a flurry of indelible catwalk designs and world wide fashion influence were in abundance. One show the Frost girls and I attended, that made a sustained mark on the mind – was the Rodnik Band Show. A collection of post moder pop art frenzy – a clever and refreshing illustration of art and fashion, with the essential ingredients to create a niche flavour for an otherwise more conformed ideology of fashion.

The face behind the charactered pieces is Scottish born Phillip Colbert – who’s uncanny approach to fashion, bares a strong reflection to his own persona. “I make clothing with a strong sense of fun”, Says Colbert “Conception and shape is important to me.”

Humouring the fine line between Art and Fashion, Colbert takes an expression, an art form – accordingly forming his interpretation visually – in fashion mode. Opting to relate to art as his muse, Colbert derives the idea and fascination of combining  bright, bold art with the enthusiasm of original fashion.

“I like the idea that my clothing is taken off the wall and worn, that each style expresses and artistic idea that is accessible and makes a thoughtful statement.”



Colbert‘s dynamic vision was evident at his A/W 2011 Show – encompassing a strong sense of conversation and expressive narrative within his collections. With a distinct belief in the notion of fashion fantasy and escapism, Colbert effortlessly executes a light hearted humour to his work.

The highlight of Colbert‘s shows, is the music he accompanies in presentation of each piece – in perfect harmony with the expressive path and nature to each one of his collections.

A joy to see, Colbert single handedly omits a strong sense of creativity in hand with fashion. “I am inspired to reinvent the way people look at fashion and clothes – if you change the way you look at something, the thing you look at changes!”

Paul Costelloe – LFW – The Review

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The newly rescued Paul Costelloe opened London Fashion Week with a collection that mixed fun and sophistication for his Autumn/Winter 2011 range.

Bright candy coloured hues of pink, green, orange and yellow sauntered down the catwalk alongside checked tweeds, metallic jaquards, and pchycadelic prints – all keeping with this season’s top gun fashion trends of the sixties and seventies.
The sixties silouettes and details that prevails as being one of the hot trends of this year, played a significant part in Costelloe’s collection.  On women, trapeze coats, boxy jackets and tweed bomber jackets were teamed with skater skirts and accesorized with bright opaque tights and nude platform courts.
Sixties baby doll dresses with peterpan collars and mock button plackets came in bright and checked tweeds, bright watercolour prints and metallic brocade. In the fashion hype for deep stitch detail and colour blocking, Costelloe procured his collection with a flow of bold, statement making pieces.
Detailing came in the form of pleats; most notably at the waist and neckline. With the instilled brightness of the collection, some may have found this a less noticable factor – but us at Frost, found it simply divine.
The Female and Male Fashion show, showed the female models dressed in matching red bobbed wigs in perfect accompaniment with a mix of soft lilac and traffic light Red shades of  lipstick – intrinsic to the quality of Costelloe’s shows.
Menswear styles were slightly more muted and resembed lounge wear, aside from the brightly hued check jacket, the subtler designs included velvet jackets and belts – in keeping with the signature sophistication of the Costelloe Man.

The brand was recently rescued from administration by Cesar Araujo, the owner and chief executive of Portuguese supply group Calvelex, who has set up a new UK based company named Couture Brands.

The Frost Girls with Bethanie Lunn – How to Walk in High Heels!

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Friday February 18th 2011 – the first day of Fashion week. A flurry of high fashionistas making their way to the central point of all things chic – the quintessential week commencing all factor fabulous a La Mode.

 

The ladies of Frost Magazine were fortunate enough to be invited to a presentation hosted by none other than Beauty and Fashion pioneer Bethanie Lunn, on her talk ‘How to Walk in High Heels.’ Held at the exquisite May Fair Hotel Suites, we were greeted courteously by an array of cup cakes and bellinis – plus endless champagne for a gathering of high fashion women.

Bethanie presented her deep narration on high heel technique in a friendly, professional manner – highlighting the points us ladies all wanted to know. How to maintain posture, the do’s and don’ts of street chic walking and the imminent importance of looking after our precious feet. Lunn’s beautiful outfit was complemented by a delicious pair of daring pink shoes – in true illustration of her love for the femme fatale look – simply divine!
Sipping on our delectably fine glasses of champagne, we sat ourselves down in what can only be described as a ‘dream’ suite – presented with a narrative of Lunn’s acute vision and knowledge of good footwear, which in turn focussed on more paired up physical activities.
Lunn is simply a lady of 21st Century modernism, encompassing all the essential elements of style. Her profound knowledge and individual approach to the Beauty and Fashion industry is a true inspiration for a catalogue of fashion daring women. Establishing herself as a Fashion Editor and Stylist by the mere age of 22 is an accomplishment to marvel at. Her carefree manner, together with a strong vision for all facets of fashion, makes her presence all the more interesting and educational.
Through the course of the presentation, Lunn taught us the some tricks of the feline posture trade – breathing techniques, how to prevent slipping on untoward surfaces (which involves scratching the surface of the sole) and the ‘heel to toe’ step – enabling less distress to the front part of our feet. It wasn’t long before all us high heel wearing ladies took to the Bethanie Lunn Catwalk, to show what we had learned.
For someone who has walked in high heels since I was 16 (the height disadvantage made me do it!), Lunn’s talk really enlightened me and my fellow Frost girls on how important it is to look after our feet. In the hustle of everyday city life, we often choose to brave the pain of our delicate toes, without thinking of the consequence.
As fashion wary as we are, it’s imperative to maintain a friendly balance. Lunn masters and teaches the techniques to combining the necessary care along with an even level of manageability. By the end of her session, the once wobbly-heeled Frost girls were ready to purchase the highest pair of heels Louboutin had to offer!

Fashion Label Miu Miu Collaborating on Short Films

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Italian Fashion Label Miu Miu have teamed up with film-makers to produce a series of short films for their Label Campaign.

The high fashion brand first emerged in 1992, from the house of Prada – headed by the incredible Miuccia Prada. Miu Miu clothing is sleek, sexy and cosmopolitan chic – a flamboyant mix of bold colours, feminine, flowing designs and block colouring in satins, silks and cottons.

The short films prominently engage on the intimacy of being a woman – a strong reflection of the label’s approach to design and women’s fashion.

The first film, titled The Powder Room, is directed by Zoe Cassavettes and consists of a dreamy Claridges backdrop, sprinkled with the essence and aura of all things feminine and classy.

“I love the idea of the Powder Room,” she says. “There’s something special about glamourising yourself. It’s away from men, where you can check out other women before facing the world again.”

The first film has a stirling fashion cast, and expresses the class and beautiful aura of the Miu Miu Woman, perfectly.

Starring Audrey Marnay, Caroline de Maigret and Sophie Vlaming – parading some delectable pieces from Miu Miu‘s S/S 2011 Collection – the films scream glamour, femininity and refined, quintessential beauty.

Visit www.miumiu.com to watch the film for yourself!

Sonia Rykiel – Uprooting 70's Glamour!

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Paris Fashion Week paid homage to one of the most sought after and vivacious lines in fashion. Sonia Rykiel is known for her carefree charm and chic ‘no mess’ attitude, and as one of la Mode’s most experienced and knowledgeable designers, her approach to fashion is quirky, independent and extremely fun.

This S/S Season is treading the roots of 70’s fashion glamour in a big way. Illustrations of bold palates are everywhere we go. Rykiel‘s collection voiced the welcoming of sophisticated 70’s runway glory, by capturing the effects of geometric, colour-refined fashion.

Inspiring designs and vivid colour were all in the range at her Paris catwalk show. Sharp designs, playful – embedding a chic, youthful vibe.

A mix of jersey prints and skinnies. An application of heavy cotton-layered trench cuts, cute slimline dresses, stripe-inspired georgettes, silks and satins on show, along with an array of  beautifully designed tassels – in company of outrageously divine accessories.

Top Hats, eccentrically, oversized mid way strap bows, block-colour tees and open-toe wedges. This was creative 70’s characterisation taken to the max.

Rykiel took to the skies with her illustration of handbags, clutches, casual totes and stunning bucket bags – mid length to long straps,  soft fold flaps, hip length falls, in luxurious leather. Colours were bright and striking – a multi array of tan, yellow, blue and black, finishing with the dainty decor of two tone tassels – in theme with the exuberance of tassels in her top hats collection.

Beautiful and chic. Definitely a bookmark for this season’s 70’s-inspired fashion trends.

Introducing Marwood: Men's Accessories – French Style

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This year is playing extra friendly to the theme of Lace, whether it be embodied in clothing, accessories and jewellery. One brand that is making its integral mark in the fashion market is brand Marwood.

Tha label is due to launch in preparation for A/W 2011. This is great timing, working perfectly in sync with the popular movement of lace through S/S 2011 – notably for women, but Marwood are creating a new balance.

As mentioned in my A/W Accessories article, craft-enthused accessories are a must for any fashion lover this year. Marwood expresses a similar hand-made facet in their design – showcasing a range of Ties and Bow Ties, created from fine fabrics, such as Woven Silk and English Spun Lace.

Marwood take immense pride in their craftsmanship, taking their inspiration from those who have showcased their techniques in the industry, both previously and current.

The French brand draw on traditional looks, and a rich and distinguished heritage. Appealing to a wide range of people – from those uber fashion-conscious vintage lovers, to more traditional followers of defined cut menswear suits and garments.

The range is simply exquisite, comprising of checks and lace. The bow ties are of particular beauty. Delicately handcrafted, they can be combined with both casual, vintage day wear, to a more refined look for the evening. Their unique look can even be something of a collectors item.

Intelligently created and rich in its flavour of style – Marwood is definitely a brand in 2011 to look out for!

A Peak into A/W 2011 – Part Three – Accessories

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So here we are, on the brink of S/S 2011 – engaging our enthusiasm on what’s hot for this season’s primary looks and trends. Fashion is forever changing and reinventing itself. After looking at this A/W’s main Looks and Trends, it’s time to take a little peak into the merging accessories.  Ladies, the aim of fashion is to stay one step ahead!

Hats – BIG this year, and let’s face it, the latter part of the year plays happy to cute knits and a warm palate of colours. From warm woollen in bright welcoming colours, to boyfriend peaker caps, it’s all in fashion. Checks and vintage marked pieces are all splendour, combined with gloves and woollen detailed scarves – it’s all in the mix.

The Eccentric and Bold Hat Statement: We’ve paid homage to last year’s flappy ear inspired hats – so individual and characterised, an illustration of how A/W accessories don’t need to be minimal in mirror of the weather! Russian inspired, these hats will be ever present this A/W. Turn down ears, in sync with vibrant multi colours, embedded with fur and button detail. Fun and chic.

The Chic Downtown Girl: The Cap Accessory – Boyar Mink Cream and dyed jet black winter caps are all dominant this year. Look to Oscar De La Renta‘s line for inspiration.  Feminine, cosmopolitan and eye-catching. Perfectly combined with monochrome scarves from Soft Angora.

P for Pom pom!: The Pom pom hat. Distinguished and adorable – for all women. Presented in a range of colours, the bolder, the better! A reminder of yesteryear trends – the pom pom hat was more than likely worn by most of us at some point, but this 2011 makes the stage for a large pom pom comeback!

Jewellery – Making a figurative fashion statement all year round, jewellery can be effortlessly accessorised from season to season. This A/W, look out for vintage-inspired rings and necklaces. A divine accessory to wear along with patterned, graphic autumn prints, tuxedo jackets and long knits. Think bohemian meets fall chic.

Tangled necklaces, heavily encrusted in a mix of dazzling reds, mustards and greens, in spirit of the Autumn season, as well as browns, silvers and reds for the winter.

Tassels – Remarkably popular through this S/S 2011, tassels will be making their mark this A/W, but unlike the fusion of tassels on handbags, this year will see tassels making a standpoint in jewellery. Delicately derived choker necklaces and bracelets. In addition, the featuring of tassels on ethnic gold and silver mused jewellery.

Knitted Headbands – I’m not talking slim line headbands. More thicker, striking coloured bands – perfectly accessorised with trench coats and printed scarves, again, perfect boho allure.

Knit Legwear – The chunkier, the better. Worn over your simple Osbornes’ or ankle boots, this accessory makes for a brighter statement to any footwear, and equally as comfortable without footwear.

Top handle Bags and Satchels. The trademark cosmopolitan look. Leather enthused, in a mirage of cream, black and mustard palates. For the more adventurous satchel lover, check out the line by Ed Hardy, for creative, illustrated inspiration.

The Skinny Belt – A favourite for most fashion followers, the skinny belt is a great accessory to have in your wardrobe. Versatile and easy to wear – from day to evening. Worn with Navy, Military jackets or longer collar fuelled coats, the skinny belt adds that simple edge to an outfit.

One of my personal favourites – Craft fair inspired bracelets and scarves. If you love vintage shopping, you will love this. Woollen flowered and patch-enthused scarves and bracelets. You can find these individually charactered pieces in vintage stores and markets. If you want to keep your collection exclusive this year – this is a must!

A Peak into A/W Fashion 2011 – Part Two – Trends

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We’ve taken a look at the core colours and richness which is due to explode this coming Autumn and Winter –  now it’s time to take peak at Trends.

First up, none other than Chic Fur – loyal to its spring governing in the fashion world, fur will be a big trend this year. I’m not just talking heavy fur jackets and coats – we’re talking capes too. In addition, it will be an essential accessory tool to add to more simpler, less extravagant formations and textures.

This year will see a more grown up look to women’s wear – the neutral tones and severity of black will play a significant part in portraying a subtle sharpness to women’s fashion.

Florals – Yes,  this Autumn will be making a statement with florals, from light pastels – figurative to romanticism – to deeper mulls, reds and purples. An occasion of mixing and matching with casual day wear to evening dresses.

The 70’s Look – Already making it’s statement for S/S 2011, the look for this A/W will be less hippy, and more chic. We are talking minimalist stripes teamed up with camel colour turtle necks and gently embroidered knits.

Back to the Future 90’s – Deep colours, needle-defying textures – symbolising the strength and boldness of a woman. Minimalistic meets futuristic. Though this is a featured trend that comes back and forth, this Autumn/Winter will see it strike back with force.

Lace – Yes, a niche trend to some, but bringing its versatility back for this S/S, the trend will continue its animating presence in A/W, too. Together with sheers and cut looks, lace will be the friendly option to your add-on closet.

Silks and Velvets – Silks being prominent when it comes to shirts and dresses – outerwear that would be worn more as an illustration for the evening. Velvet – enthused in jackets and capes – mustards, browns, chic camel and gorgeous ruby.

Tweed – In essence, tweed has been a female fashion must since the introduction to tweed-inspired suits and hip tucked-in belts by Chanel – reinvented by many fashion designers. This A/W is the season for tweed enthused suits and jackets – in a palette of warm browns, camel and creams.

Tweed also works in alignment to the uniform style. Returning this year, welcoming an array of blues, greys and mulls. Strikingly bold, and again, wearable in the day and an accompaniment to evening wear.

Knitwear – BIG this year! From the classic roller neck to the boyfriend’s cardigan – a flux of yarns and defining patterns and patchwork enthusiasm.