Rags to Riches

     

From his ready-to-wear collection to his advertising campaign, sunglasses, jewellery and footwear, Oscar de la Renta has, as always, gained the respect of any true fashionista out there. His ball gowns, which for most of us will remain a fantasy, shimmered their way down the catwalk in rich emerald,ruby and golden helidor. Opulent? Yes! But definitely worth it! The tiered skirts juxtaposed with crochet, lace or frilled tops, creates a beautiful silhouette, perfect for those with a small waist, eager to hide those not so toned legs! However, for the most of us, it is his general collection that is worth noting... I for one, am not regularly trotting down the red carpet. 

This is equally as beautiful and far more wearable. With structured tailoring and often bright colours it makes for a great collection that can easily be transferred into the workplace. Oscar has been on my radar for a while now and each time I come into contact with any of his pieces my love for his collection grows. The mix match of classic shapes with bold prints gives its a contemporary feel that is suitable for any age, and I could quite easily stock my entire wardrobe with his designs. 

Beaded Crocodiles

I thought i'd take full advanatge of the sun this morning and wear my new Maison Scotch jacket. Paired with some little jean shorts or a cotton shirt-dress it easily makes the transition from spring to summer. Embellished with brass coins and beads it is bang on trend this season, mirroring the looks of Isabel Marant and Dolce and Gabbana. It is so easy to wear and elevates the simplest of outfits, making it easy to create that effortlessly chick look.  The crocodile print combined with embellished shoulders and cuffs gives it an ethnic feel, quite different from those dominating the catwalk. Its versatility makes it a real investment, this will definitely make a cheeky appearance in the seasons to come.

Jacket Maison Scotch, avaliable at www.bodandted.co.uk; bag Karen Millen; boots Mango (previous season); Ray Bans.

Roses

Just a quick post tonight to express my utter love for this Marc Jacobs piece. Featured in his AW12/13 collection it is quite possibly the most stunning dress I have seen this year. Perhaps not the most wearable of outfits- unless your strutting your stuff down the red carpet or entertaining the idea of a theatre production- it is no less than perfect. The sequined skirt combined with the dramatic floral top cuts a beautiful silhouette, the huge hat, a stark contrast to the slim figure. It has a certain romanticism in that it is extremely seductive.  This 'woman' has  purpose, intention or is on some type of  journey. It is not often you get to admire such craftsmanship and it is safe to say that this is top of my wish list- if only I had a place to wear it! My humble respect goes to the designer- A-MAZING!

The Anywhere Trouser

Mary Katrantzou

Diane Von Furstenberg (left) and Thakoon (right)

Prabal Gurang

Erdem

J W Anderson

Peter Pilotto

If skirts aren't your thing, trousers are bang on trend this season. Chilling on the seafront or attending a dinner party, there is a pair for every occasion. Paired with a simple stiletto or a casual wedge they are instantly stylish. If your feeling brave you can opt for bold prints and bright colours or alternatively milkshake shades with simple tailoring. Featured in most designer collections- check out Celine, Jean Paul Gaultier, Chloe, Nina Ricci, Ralph Lauren, Valentino, Stella McCartney or Pucci, to name just a few- there are more than enough to go round. If these are a bit above budget, you can pick some up from all major highstreet stores- my favourite is the flowered chino from H&M. Happy shopping...

Secrets

It's no longer a secret ladies, our prayers have been answered! Victoria's Secret is opening a new store in London's New Bond Street in July 2012. The first in Europe, its a whopping 22,500sq ft and invites customers to make full use of its VIP suite, fully equipped with personal shoppers. Could this mark a revolutionary change in British underwear as women do away with their 'Bridget' pants in exchange for sexy lingerie??

Louboutin

I braved a 5am start yesterday and attended the official opening of the Louboutin exhibition. I wasn't disappointed. Famous for the glossy red sole, his shoes are on almost every girls wishlist- including mine! The exhibition celebrates twenty years of the iconic shoe designer featuring shoes inspired by cabaret and showgirl; landscape and travel; art and archhitecture; fantasy and fairytale. His innovative use of textiles and materials is astonishing, constructing what can only be described as a bedazzling collection of luxury shoes.  

The layout of the exhibition is A-MAZING. Greeted by a brightly lit arch, showcasing the most perfect of shoes, it inspires confidence for what is to follow. The central space is dominated by a carousel, helter-skelter and a spinning top which is juxtaposed with a dark room featuring shoes from the 2007 Fetish collection- very sexy and ridiculously high! This is accompanied by photographs taken as part of a collaboration with Louboutin and David Lynch and features sensual shots of naked women showcasing his shoes. There is also a section dedicated to the design process, Louboutin's Parisian atelier recreated with panoramic photographs bringing the creative workshop to life.

There is no way the written word can do this exhibition justice. Its extravangance and beauty is mindblowing. My advice is to check it out yourself! In the meantime however, you can indulge in some of the photos...   

Have to say I absolutely LOVE these jewel-encrusted designs below... sooooooo beautiful!

Full article will be avaliable at www.125magazine.co.uk within the next few days.

30th April- 9th June 2012

Design Museum

Shad Thames

London

SE1 2YD