Category Archives: Life & Style

The MayFair Hotel fronts fashion with Felder Felder + Sunday Girl.

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photo: Talented twins Annette (left) and Daniela (right) Felder of fashion house Felder Felder unveil their designer windows at The May Fair Hotel ahead of London Fashion Week

The May Fair Hotel kicked off London Fashion Week in style this week with the unveiling of their designer windows, exclusively created by talented twins Felder Felder and there is lots going on, including the chance to catch the amazing Sunday Girl.

The official hotel to London Fashion Week for the fifth consecutive year, The May Fair transformed its famous façade to reveal bold, vibrant scenes from the twins’ own collection.

On seeing their rock and roll aesthetic and signature feminine twist translated on to screens, Daniela Felder said “It makes us really proud to have our designs exhibited at the top hotel of London Fashion Week”.

Annette added she was “blown away – I’ve never seen our sketches on such a big scale before – they look so stunning and vibrant”.

Felder Felder have wowed the fashion world since the launch of the label in 2007, gathering a huge celebrity following including Rihanna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Alison Mosshart and Florence and the Machine. Winners of the respected New Gen Award for three consecutive seasons, they have also had features in Vogue, Elle, i-D Magazine and The Sunday Times Style.

Felder Felder will be launching their Autumn/Winter 2012 collection at London Fashion Week.

This is the second season The May Fair has transformed its façade for fashion. Other May Fair London Fashion Week celebrations include:

* The Eat, Sleep Fashion Package
* A brand new Sunday night DJ residency, “Sunday Girl @ The May Fair”, starting 19 from 6.30pm-8pm every Sunday night
* The May Fair Bar’s exclusive £100 Show Stopper cocktail
* Complimentary pink candyflossin The May Fair lobby between 5-7pm each day

Also at the Mayfair Hotel….

THE SOUND OF FASHION:
SUNDAY GIRL SETS UP @ THE MAY FAIR BAR FOR
LONDON FASHION WEEK

The May Fair Bar; the official hub of London Fashion Week and London’s young, glamorous and well-connected, has announced the launch of a new venture with one of the capital’s hottest fashion and music rising stars – Sunday Girl.

Described by The Observer as “The One To Watch” and fresh from collaborating with Martin Solveig and Firetrap; DJ, model and talented singer-songwriter, Sunday Girl (aka Jade Williams) will be celebrating LFW and setting Mayfair up for the week ahead, with the launch of her Sunday night DJ residency “Sunday Girl @ The May Fair” from 19 February.

Celebrated for being the “Best Hotel Bar”1 in the “Coolest Hotel”2, the May Fair Bar, in the heart of Mayfair, has an established position as the must-visit venue for London’s fashionable jet-set. This latest partnership with Sunday Girl is one of many which celebrates it’s fashionable and creative roots including sponsorship of the British Fashion Council’s London Fashion Week and the BFI’s Film Festival.
MF.

Sunday Girl @ The May Fair will be mixing the coolest tunes, with old-school tracks and eclectic beats from 8pm-9.30pm every Sunday night. Support will be from the May Fair Collective; a set of
music stars from 6.30pm-8pm.

Said Sunday Girl “I’m really excited to be hosting my own Sunday night residency at the May Fair Bar. It’ll be a great mix of fashion, music, friends and cocktails. Come along – i’ll either be on the decks or on the dance floor!”

Said Bar Manager Marios Elias “We’ve long been associated with the top names in the music industry – Lennon, Jagger, Dylan, Madonna and Lady Gaga have all partied here over the years – but we’re really looking forward to supporting and providing a showcase for the next big name. It’ll be the first time we’ve ever had a resident DJ and I can’t wait to see the public’s reaction.”
Sunday Girl at the May Fair will launch on Sunday 19 February from 6.30pm-9.30pm. Entrance is free. For more information visit www.themayfairhotel.co.uk

Chinese creativity hits London Fashion Week

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The “Mountain, Water” themed show brings original Chinese fashion brands, EVE CINA and EXCEPTION de MIXMIND, to the London catwalk.

Eve Group is regarded as China’s leading high-end men’s wear groups. With more than 300 stores in China the group has five brands: EVE CINA, NOTTING HILL, KEVIN KELLY, JAQUES PRITT, and EVE CINA. EVE gains creative inspiration from Chinese culture with a Western style and confidence. The brand’s design signature is delicate traditional culture in modern city life.

Ladies wear brand EXCEPTION is one of China’s longest-established, most successful art and fashion labels. With over 90 outlets across China, its design is original and contemporary. Its popular sister brand, WUYONG (“Useless”), is a leading creative label.

“China is a huge focus for us right now and an increasingly important market for our designers. I hope that China’s creativity will be a highlight of this Fashion Week. London is a creative powerhouse and China has a burgeoning creative industry. If we combine these two I believe great things can happen. This is the goal of the China Britain Fashion Alliance which I launched last August”, says Harold Tillman CBE, Chairman of the British Fashion Council.

“EXCEPTION and EVE are examples of well established Chinese brands that have real potential to build international followings. Let’s hope London will be a platform for them to build on in the future”, said John Walford, director of the shows”.

Celebs gather in Hollywood to celebrate the launch of Marni at H&M

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Celebrities gather in Hollywood to celebrate the launch of Marni at H&M

Last night in Los Angeles the great and the good of film and fashion including; Drew Barrymore, Winona Ryder and Milla Jovovich were among the guests who attended a party to celebrate the launch of Marni at H&M. The event was held in a beautiful Hollywood residence and the event was hosted by Marni’s Founder and Creative Director, Consuelo Castiglioni, the Director of the Marni at H&M campaign, Sofia Coppola and Margareta van den Bosch, H&M´s Creative Advisor. As well as Drew, Winona and Milla, other guests arriving at the party dressed in Marni at H&M included Jessica Chastain, Freida Pinto and Andrea Riseborough. The collection will be available from March 8 in around 260 stores worldwide, as well as on-line.

“It has been an inspiring night, surrounded by a perfect setting and a great crowd. LA encapsulated the dream! It is not long before Marni at H&M is in the stores, and I am happy to share these magic moments with everybody.” Consuelo Castiglioni, Founder and Creative Director, Marni.

“It’s nice to see again the people I worked with on the project for Marni and H&M. With the film I just tried to do something that fitted with the mood of the collection, the fantasy and the fun of fashion.” Sofia Coppola

In a classic Hollywood house in Los Angeles, around 200 guests gathered to celebrate Marni´s collaboration for H&M, a collection full of Marni’s signature print and colour arriving just in time for spring. Guests were given the chance to enjoy an evening in an atmosphere captured by Sofia Coppola’s campaign for the collection, as well as an exclusive performance by Bryan Ferry.

Marni’s collection for H&M is all about freedom and experimentation, Marni prints and colours intended to mix and match together in a playful way. Everything goes with everything, making African prints the perfect companion to Bauhaus modernity, and sporty silhouettes sitting with more feminine shapes. The collection also includes a full range of shoes, bags and charming accessories to create a total Marni look at H&M. Meanwhile for men, Marni offers a fresh take on menswear staples, with a subtle use of print and a softened use of colour.


“I love H&M and I love Marni. I love how H&M are bringing the regal, chic clothes of Marni to everyone.” Drew Barrymore

“I’m a huge fan of Marni, I have been for years. I love the whole idea of taking high fashion and making it affordable and accessible with H&M.” Winona Ryder

“Tonight has been magical. It is as if Sofia Coppola’s campaign for Marni at H&M has come to life with this party in Hollywood. It’s been amazing to see so many personalities wearing the Marni at H&M collection. I can’t wait for these looks to go into stores so everyone can wear them for themselves.” Margareta van den Bosch, H&M’s creative advisor.

Showcase on Florian Jayet AW12/13

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There is a certain je nais sais quoi about designers who manage to construct their clothes in an aesthetically beautiful AND flattering way. Florian Jayet is one of them. A trained biologist turned designer, Jayet knows the female form inside and out and a flattering structure is an occurring theme throughout Jayet’s entire body of work.
The collection was presented in an air of grandiose with the Freemasons Hall being the setting. From the preset, the girls took their time strutting across the catwalk indulgently, complimenting the luxurious and striking craftsmanship of the pieces. Structure and craftsmanship takes centre stage and each piece seems to be executed architecturally even down to the serious headwear that was heavily featured.

Again, the colours are dark which seems to be a popular theme across the board this season…see PPQ or Francesca Marotta for example

 

The splashes of bold colour in amongst the noir makes it ever more striking nestled in amongst the tribal patterns (another popular theme). The fabrics are luxurious and for me the final piece was the perfect show stopper. A beautifully striking white gown, the only white piece in the collection, with highly tailored, patterned top and a sheer, flowing skirt.

 

The standard of work in each piece is breathtaking and i’m very much anticipating the next collection from such a talented designer.

 

 

Keshini xx

 

 

Ashley Isham’s AW12 collection | London Fashion Week

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In keeping with his signature style of soft draping fabrics ebbing with a touch of couture, Ashley Isham’s AW12 collection contemporises both the bold monotone and bright floral prints seen from his last catwalk showcase.

With embellished detail to his floor-sweeping Grecian dresses and the shorter pleated skirts, Isham’s latest designs punctuate the feminine frame, nipping in flowing fabric around the waist, below the breast and lower back, creating an elegant silhouette.

The Singaporean designer’s contribution to London Fashion Week with his ‘My Beautiful Fashion’ set saw the revival of a metallic theme, with clouded sequined strapless dresses to rich bronze tones sweeping the stage.

The models were styled with slicked back hair curled underneath the ends and the make-up unified the metallic undertones of the evening.

Against the shimmering floor-length assymetrical designs, Isham infused a chatter of green floral and fish-scale prints, adding a fresh outset to the collection but re-enforcing his preference for pretty soft-flowing styles.

And it seemed, he was uninterested in hiding the seam within his creations, instead thick zips trailed along the models back, or seduced the eye towards the lacey top-half of his dresses.

A memorable look from the Saturday 18th February show was a full cream-coloured lace ensemble, which delicately wrapped the head yet gripped the body to the waist, before retreating away from the legs towards the floor.

Simple yet stylish, it infused Isham’s trademark Western look with an Arabesque layer, perhaps a subtle digression for future runways.

But, what I have come to respect Isham for is his high-street friendly designs, with the style and cut of his collection fit for the catwalk yet which also easily translate to the wardrobe favourites for the average fashionista.

Despite a power-cut at the start of the show which meant the music was off for a couple of minutes, Isham should be proud of his 2012 achievement, rather than humbly welcoming the applause before quickly sliding out back stage.

By Paloma Kubiak

Flipping Pancakes On Their Heads

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It’s pancake time and Frost has new Ocado recipes to tickle your taste buds this Shrove Tuesday

Ocado is mixing up more than batter for Pancake Day with a range of quirky recipes to excite the taste buds. Whether you’re a traditionalist looking for a twist which isn’t just lemon, or fancy yourself as the new chef on the block, there’s a crepe recipe to suit all palates and cookery skills this Shrove Tuesday.

Baked Pear and Caramel Pancake Pudding

Using the nation’s burgeoning obsession with baking as inspiration, the Ocado Baked Pancake Pudding is an ideal recipe for all those Great British Bake Off fanatics. Created by Ruth Clemens, runner up of the 2010 series, this scrumptiously sweet and fruity pancake pudding is sure to be popular with all the family.

Lemon Curd

Putting a spin on an old favourite, the traditional lemon and sugar pancake, Ocado has created an exceptionally more-ish lemon curd cold topping to add real zest to your Tuesday treat.
Ham Hock, Gruyere and Duck Egg Galettes

Pancakes aren’t just for desert you know. This crispy, grilled Galette is truly tasty and a great dinner for those who prefer savoury treats. It looks pretty fantastic too – one to impress your Pancake Day dinner party, for certain.

Ban Xeo

If you have an adventurous palate, take on the Ban Xeo. Bursting with flavour this traditional Vietnamese spicy chilli, chicken and prawn pancake has a truly exotic edge. Invite loved ones over to celebrate your skill as well as those popular pancake festivities.

Healthy Spelt and Buttermilk Baby Pancakes

Ocado’s baby pancakes are a lighter option for those who aren’t looking to overindulge in the Shrove Tuesday festivities. These little wonders are topped with poached dried fruits, Greek yoghurt and sweet honey for a healthy touch. Delicious.

For further information on recipes and ingredients visit www.ocado.com.

Blogging = Fun

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It seems that everyone has their own website or blog these days, and why not? It is life enhancing to have your own blog. Just find your own niche and you can shape people’s lives for the better. If you are a good cook then write recipes and guides, if you are a lawyer then write about legal matters. It connects you to the world.

All anyone need to start a business or their own magazine these days is some web hosting. Though it is good to shop around for your web hosting. If you get a bad one, or one with too many restrictions it will be a false economy. You will usually be tied to your web hosting company for a year, so you better get along!

You can read a web hosting guide at this site. It has some other information too. One of the best things I have ever done with my life is start Frost. It has been an amazing experience that has connected me with so many people.

Negarin at LFW: Day One

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As Kate mentioned in her article, LFW kicked off yesterday in spectacular fashion and the air was rife with the escentric and the well and truly artistic. Amongst the schmoozing and ahem Champagne, were some extremely talented designers presenting us with their new collections. One of the presentations I had the pleasure of attending was the Negarin Presentation. Negarin herself, was born in Iran and studied in New York, now based in London, the collection is very much inspired by her travels and Middle-Eastern influences. The concept of the label is to provide luxurious fashion for the busy woman something which was explicit in the short film presentation.

Beautiful Stylist Marian Kihogo In Negarin

The previous collection I found was very fitting to the season with vivid yellows and oranges and bold prints. This season, the collection has not failed in emulating the general hues and tones we associate with autumn. We are presented with autumnal Browns, Navy and muted pastels. Of course, with Negarin’s exotic style, we also have striking bursts of Mustard and which beautifully compliment the Navy’s and Browns we get in the collection. The pieces are luxurious, silk shifts made with Italian fabrics and tailored jackets with matching accessories.

 

 

There appears to be a piece for everyone and I got rather excited when Marian introduced me to the intricate accessories. Sadly, I didn’t manage to get any pictures but in particular two iPad cases, (one is shown in the picture with Marian), with a similar design to the coat she wears. I don’t know about anyone else, but I will most definitely be nabbing one of those when they are on sale.

More excitement to follow…

Keshini.x

For all the latest on LFW check out Kate and Catherine’s postings

 @keshinimisha