There are only a few months left prior to the Halloween fever strikes the world once more as it does every calendar year. People hold outfit celebrations and strive to outdo every other’s costumes. It is possible to forget about vampire costumes or zombie outfits since people costumes are normally already taken. It might be quite annoying to see two or three other folks wearing the same Halloween costumes at a party.

For a far more original seem, you’ll be able to try dressing up in Halloween vintage outfit. The Halloween classic search can be a positive winner. And since you’ll be able to select from any decade within the past for inspiration, the chances of showing as much as a party and finding other folks with exactly the same outfits are considerably lower. Here are some great tips for a Halloween vintage seem going by decade if you aren’t looking to buy Expensive Halloween Costumes.

You’ll be able to gown up as being a 1920s gangster just like those genuinely previous Mafia movies. All you’ll need is a black go well with, a toy Tommy gun or violin case and also a fedora hat. If you’re a girl, you might want to think about sporting a Flapper outfit. All you will need is really a head band, a wig with brief hair (you are able to also have your hair cut in the event you want), plus a drop waist gown.

You can gown up as Bonnie and Clyde or a Jazz large band member. For the Bonny and Clyde look, you’ve got to search for an accomplice. The Bonnie appear will will need an outdated costume, a beret plus a trench coat. The Clyde look, on the other hand, will will need a fedora hat, old trousers plus a suit jacket. To gown up as being a Jazz huge band member, all you will need is really a cane, a watch, a long pocket and also a Zoot swimsuit. It might aid should you had a horn, trumpet or some other instrument that you can carry around.

A Carmen Miranda would be the excellent outfit to get a forties seem. You will want a halter top, some ruffles from aged clothes, lightweight artificial fruit, a sarong with tropical prints and some espadrilles.

Couples may need to garment up as being a greaser couple. The girl would will need high heels, a scarf, a leather jacket, tight pants or leggings and also a boat neck shirt. The guys will will need a motorcycle jacket, black boots, black denim pants along with a white t-shirt.

You could garment up as your preferred Beatle. All you’ll need can be a wig and an outdated fashioned sixties fit. You may also gown up as being a hippie with a loose shirt, a headband and bell bottom jeans. You could also go as Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. All you will want is a tiara, a heavy pearl necklace, a bit black costume, long white gloves, along with a pair of oversized sunglasses.

You’ll be able to garment up as a 70s rock star. All you’ll need is an aged band t shirt, studded belts, spandex pants or acid wash jeans, a leather jacket and a few leather cuffs.

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You can set this Halloween night aflame with the sexy Halloween costumes that are available at online costume stores. Starting with very demure Alice Girl Adult Disney Costume you can try the Queen of Felines Costume. This one’s most slinky and is a 2 pc costume that includes a long sleeve cat suit with lace-up detail and ears. The costume is made from a blend of quality nylon Lycra. Add your shoes and slip on your claws!

Go for the Magnificent Pimp Costume that consists of 3 pieces and includes a zipper front robe with a lace-up detail, a ruffled top with a lace-up short! There are some great sexy Halloween costumes in the category of Law Enforcement and Convict too. Check out the extremely sexy Army Chief Costume or the Playboy Foxy Firefighter Adult Costume that includes a drop waist dress with firefighter ladder hooks. It has a rabbit head logo badge and red suspenders besides a soft firefighter hat with a rabbit head badge. This one’s a licensed Playboy costume!

With sexy Halloween costumes you will also need some sexy lingerie! There are stacks of these as well. You have a fabulous choice in chemises and garters, camisoles and teddies, bustiers and corsets besides petticoats, bra sets and dancer shorts among others.

You are sure to be locked up as an arsonist if you wear sexy lingerie such the Midnight Glamour Chemise and Thong Set! Of equal status is the Long Sleeves Fishnet V Neck Body Stocking that doesn’t leave much to the imagination! The 3 pc Cat Dress with Leopard mesh and fur trim is voluptuous. It has features such as adjustable straps. Fingerless gloves and ears are also supplied. Take a look at the Bustier & G-string! The bustier is in satin and mesh. The bust has a fully padded front with under wire cups and a sparkle trim. Adjustable straps, side zipper, boning and back satin ribbon lace-up are all provided with a G-string in satin to match!

Now with your sexy lingerie and the costume you are fully equipped with two weapons of mass destruction!

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Workplace fashion had a subtle shift from ultra-casual dressing to more structured, tailored pieces. Most mature women would still rather enjoy comfortable clothes over fussy dressing. The question is: how can mature women find a style that is both comfortable and fashionable and somehow catches on today’s latest trends without being too “young?”

Many experts suggest building wardrobe and start acquiring quality pieces that convey your personal taste. Then start adding tops, accessories and jewelries that are fun, unstructured and informal. This way, you could look your best and feel confident but still inject a little of your personality in your wardrobe.

It is safe to base your choices on the people you deal with and the environment that you are in. Remember that what you wear has an effect on how you work and deal with your environment; if it makes you feel good then it is bound to empower you. Even when injecting your own flair into the look, make sure that it suits your environment.

For example, if you want to soften the look of the usual suit, then try wearing a long, nubby sweater instead of the jacket. Instead of wearing the usual slacks with classic lines, you may opt for brightly colored or black and white blouse paired up with dressy jeans or cuffed pants. You can also find a classic suit with softer lines and made of lighter fabric. A skirt is also a good way to soften up your usual office look. Try to find one with a dropped waist. Try to mix and match the current styles with the styles that you have become comfortable with over the years.

If you are mature career women, always make sure that you wear comfortable clothes that boost your confidence. You wouldn’t know who you’d bump and meet during your day so make sure that your clothing reflects the position and authority that you carry. It isn’t sensible to dress like your granddaughter when meeting with potential clients and customers. This doesn’t mean that you can’t adapt to trends and be stylish but just make sure that you don’t go overboard.

Pass up on the smoking, red-hot trends of the season but still try to keep on top of what’s new every time. Buy a piece because it looks good on you and not just on the model wearing it then pair it up with more structured, classic pieces. For example, if you have a trendy new blouse, pair it up with a suit or a pair of pants that you already have that looks good on you.

If you work in an ultra-conservative workplace, then try to soften up the look with simple lines and use layers to vary your looks and not make it dull and ordinary. If you are in a more casual environment, then you have the freedom to play around more. Try subtle fringe, frayed cuffs and peasant skirts to liven up your usual casual outfit.

In the end, find a balance with what you are comfortable with and what’s appropriate and continually update your look with a few pieces from fashion’s latest trends.

Junior wholesale apparel is making a dramatic impact on fashion in the 21st Century, offering fresh new ideas in women’s clothing styles, designs and fabrics. This is becoming a fast-paced market as the Los Angeles Fashion District races to meet global junior apparel demand with continuously new, exciting and stylish apparel trends. New trends for women’s fashion are now appearing monthly. To keep up, junior clothing wholesalers are adding to their inventory every three to five weeks, a trend that will continue for the next few years.

One important junior wholesale apparel trend is to offer an expansive collection of junior tops. Women with a variety of top options can transform a pair of jeans, slacks, pants, skirts or dress into an entirely new outfit simply by changing the fashion top—expressing a totally different mood and making a different statement.

Halter tops, a top fashion performer in the junior wholesale apparel market since 2006, continues to remain a popular top option. Although halter tops are often worn during the day, spaghetti strap tops under a jacket, complemented by edges of lace, sequins and beads, transform into a nighttime outfit, perfect for going out on the town. Short sleeve or cap sleeve tops can augment the outfit as a top layer as well.

In terms of colors for tops, red is the primary choice for junior wholesale apparel. Fabrics with pattern combos of red, black and white are very stylish. When other colors are worn, they can be accented with a red layer or scarf to keep the look in fashion.

Denim continues to evolve as a leader in the area of junior wholesale apparel. Rhinestone sparkle and sequin flash can add to denim jackets, pants or skirts, and cropped jackets, mini skirts and mini denim cut offs with ragged edges are also making a big splash in the fashion world.

But don’t forget about dresses, which are always in fashion on some level in the junior wholesale apparel market, especially when the Hollywood celebs are walking down the red carpet showcasing the hottest styles. Dresses are becoming more flamboyant with bold colors, textures and cuts, such as open bust with rhinestone clasps. Sleek and flattering designs are seen across junior wholesale apparel with v-neck dresses, retro designs with drop waists and collars, and shimmer close fit, just to name a few.

The fashion gods have spoken.  Two of the hottest trends for this spring are the sporty look and the maxi dress with high splits.  Here are some ideas for wearing these two chic new fads.

Light, airy fabrics are showcased in maxi dresses this year as opposed to the heavier fabrics of the short thigh high styles from last year.  The sex appeal of the dresses resides in their high slits, sometimes reaching to the top of the thigh or hip.  “Movement and flow are a big part of the charm” as well.  Look for dresses with a center split, a single side split, or if you are really daring, dual side splits.  Flat shoes are really not the best choice for accessorizing this trend, so pull your sexiest heels out of the closet and let them shine.  Bare legs, thigh highs, or interesting stockings such as fishnet are all sultry choices to wear with a high slit.  For any weddings, parties, or special occasions you might have, this is the perfect trend to wear.

The sporty trend is a little more difficult to pull off since there isn’t one basic characteristic you can look for.  The upside of this is the versatility and ability to pull off this look with items already in your closet.  The sporty trend falls into four simple categories according to fashion experts, “the tomboy, the sporty flapper, the urban dancer, and the Bond bombshell.”  On the casual-to-formal scale, this fad falls somewhere between gym wear and weekend, glamorous casual.

Knee high socks instantly add a sporty vibe to many outfits, so incorporating them is a great idea.  Cross lacing, similar to baseball gloves, boot laces, and footballs is another characteristic to look for in tops, shoes, and as an embellishment.  Side braids are a great way to suggest cross lacing without aggrandizement.  Mesh fabrics, such as those worn by basketball or soccer players is a cool and comfortable fabric to add to your wardrobe.  Shoulder pads can recall football players, while cut off tees make one think of cheerleaders.

“The cool factor” of the tomboy sporty look “is engineered by way of cropped tops, pants low slung to expose the waistband of an under-layer; leather cross-lacing, jersey fabrics, football-style shoulders. Woven into the effortless tomboy look are super-feminine elements like sheer fabrics and high heeled shoes, placing the look firmly in 2010.”  The confident, fun-loving, happy-go-lucky spirit of the tomboy shines through the sporty trend.  Drop waist skirts and pleats fall into the realm of the sporty flapper.  An athletic, yet seductive figure, the flapper is enthusiastic about life.  Sweats are given a girly, yet urban spin with ballet pinks used in skinny pants and slouchy hoodies.  The urban dancer is reminiscent of the “Step Up” movies with their incredible dancing married to the coolness of the street.

Fall has finally arrived, and most of us are soaking in cool crisp mornings while looking forward to wearing sweaters, scarves and boots. Even in the more temperate climates, it is time to bring out those darker colors and stash away your summer clothing for the season. For all fabulous-over-50 women, no matter where we live, we want to look our best, which means incorporating new fashion trends in to our existing wardrobes.

Forward-thinking fashion designers have to predict the future as they create seasonal palettes 24 months before they actually hit the retail stores. The designers at Pantone, Inc., the world’s color authority for over 45 years, have been preparing for Fall & Winter 2010-2011 for over two years, and the colors of the seasons were selected with a “crystal ball,” taking into account the economy, technology and “the needs, moods, fantasies and aspirations of consumers.”

The 2010 Color of the Year is a beautiful tropical Turquoise, which has been transported into fall as “Lagoon.” Turquoise is a color that is flattering on most everyone, and can be paired Fall 2010 Lagoon with neutrals, reds, deep blues and greens to add a splash of extra color. Long thought to be a color of faith and truth inspired by water and sky, Lagoon can transport your thoughts to a tropical paradise as you go through the cold of winter.

Fall and Winter 2010 colors are titled “Mosaic,” and include vibrant colors of the universe, deep darks, and rich botanicals, all based on the mosaics of the environment and of the human personality. Along with Lagoon, these colors include:

* Endive—a yellow-green that can brighten an otherwise dark outfit

* Golden Glow—an earthy yellow, like in autumn leaves

* Living Coral—a soft orange with a pink undertone

* Lipstick Red—a dramatic sexy red

* Purple Orchid—a purple with fuchsia tones

* Chocolate Truffle—evoking visions of delicious treats in rich browns with purple undertones

* Woodbine—the season’s neutral green, darker than sage, and looks great paired with Purple Orchid and Chocolate Truffle

* Oyster Gray—the season’s classic neutral, lighter than the traditional fall gray and can be carried in to Spring 2011.

* Rose Dust—a romantic, flattering beige

Today’s over-50 women are more cautious than ever about spending money on clothes. Cate Adair, Costume designer for Desperate Housewives, says “In these economic times, it’s actually quite fashionable to get more life out of our closets before we buy new. As costs increase, so does our appreciation of beautiful fashion. Fashion now is something that needs to transcend seasons as well as be seasonal. My new fashion rule is to embrace colors that make you feel good and breathe new life into your closet. Now more than ever is the time to mix new colorful accessories with your classic silhouettes. You’ll be amazed at what a splash of color can do to both your ‘look’ and your ‘outlook.’”

Sometimes, all it takes is a one new piece of clothing or a “wow” accessory that you can mix and match to update your current wardrobe for fashion over 50. If you can only get one new item, here are some suggestions in the season’s “must-haves” from some well-known designers.

•Adrienne Vittadini — The tiger print dress – very easy and very sexy, and comes in an earthy shade that mixes beautifully with rich jewel tones

•Charlotte Ronson —Pleated maxi skirt in sullen solids and restored ‘70s floral prints

•Christian Cota — A structured drop-waist skirt in a multi-colored print

•Christian Siriano — A perfect party/evening dress that makes you feel glamorous at night

•Dennis Basso — A short, cropped, long-hair fur jacket in natural tones from Golden Camel to Tan and Black

•Ella Moss — The perfect day to evening dress that can be layered and worn differently throughout the season

•Frank Tell — Whether it is a perfectly tailored tuxedo jacket or a striking grommet-adorned motorcycle style, the suede leather jacket is a must have for fall

•Ports 1961 by Tia Cibani — A Pepper Gray carbon dyed slim jacket with metal embellishments

•Rachel Roy — Our very glamorous “fur” coats we are building with a new technology using absolutely no fur!

•Tibi — A fabulously structured tweed coat paired with a gorgeous, flowing, jewel-toned, ruffled top in silk and super chic Army Green suede skinny trousers with deep pleats – a romantic and reinvented take on a stayed classic

•Tommy Hilfiger — The Navy sleeveless blazer is a new take on an irreverent classic

•Tracy Reese — A jacquard lace strapless dress in Black – it has a raw, edgy feeling with a touch of sparkle

Spring 2011 colors are again focused on taking us on an exotic journey, with lighter colors including Lavender, Honeysuckle pink, a lighter green called Peapod, and a light clear blue Regatta. According to Pantone, “The season is a new look at definitions of harmony, proportion and balance,” with inspirations from the world of flowers.

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Junior wholesale apparel is getting a dramatic effect on fashion in today’s Century, offering innovative new thoughts in women’s dressing styles, designs and fabrics. This is becoming a instantaneous marketplace as the Los Angeles Fashion District races to satisfy global junior wholesale apparel demand with unceasingly new, exciting and modern apparel styles. New styles for ladies’ fashion are instantly coming out regularly. To continue this, junior wholesale apparel merchants are adding to their inventory every 20 to 35 days, a movement that will stay for the next few years.

One important junior wholesale apparel trend is to provide an amazing collection of junior tops. Ladies with different top choices can transform a pair of jeans, slacks, pants, skirts or dress into an entirely different getup just by changing the fashion top – showing a completely unique mood and producing a distinct statement.

Halter tops, a top fashion design in the junior wholesale apparel market since 2006, keeps to remain a popular top option. Although halter tops are frequently worn during the day, spaghetti lash tops beneath a jacket, accompanied by borders of lace, sequins and beads, change into a nighttime attire, perfect for going out on the city. Short arm or cap sleeve tops canmay augment the outfit as a top level too.

In terms of colors for tops, red is a great choice for junior wholesale apparel. Fabrics with pattern combos of red, black and white are really stylish. When other colors are dressed, they can be accented with a red layer or scarf to sustain the look in fashion.

Denim retains to evolve as a leading item the area of junior wholesale apparel. Sequin flash and Rhinetone sparkle can contribute to denim jackets, pants or skirts, and cropped jackets, mini skirts and mini denim cut offs with lumpy edges are also producing a marked splash in the fashion industry.

But don’t forget about clothes, which are constantly in fashion on several level in the junior wholesale apparel market, particularly when the Hollywood celebrities are appearing down the red carpet showing the freshest trends. Dresses are becoming more elaborate with bold colors, textures and cuts, such as open bust with rhinestone touch. Sleek and flattering designs are regarded across junior wholesale apparel with v-neck dresses, retro styles with drop waists and collars, and shimmer fit, just to distinguish some designs.

1850s fashion in European and European-influenced clothing is characterized by an increase in the width of women’s skirts supported by crinolines or hoops, and the beginnings of dress reform. For men, the introduction of the sack coat as informal daywear and of outfits with matching coat, waistcoat and trousers marked the beginnings of the modern business suit.

cheap fur bootsIn the 1850s, the domed skirts of the 1840s continued to expand. Skirts were made fuller by means of flounces (deep ruffles), usually in tiers of three, gathered tightly at the top and stiffened with horsehair braid at the bottom.

Early in the decade, bodices of day dresses featured panels over the shoulder that were gathered into a blunt point at the slightly dropped waist. These bodices generally fastened in back by means of hooks and eyes, but a new fashion for a [jacket] bodice appeared as well, buttoned in front and worn over a chemisette. Wider bell-shaped or pagoda sleeves were worn over false undersleeves or engageantes of cotton or linen, trimmed in lace, broderie anglaise, or other fancy-work. Separate small collars of lace, tatting, or chrochet-work were worn with day dresses, sometimes with a ribbon bow.

Evening dresses were very low-necked, falling off the shoulders, and had short sleeves.

The introduction of the steel cage crinoline in 1856 provided a means for expanding the skirt still further, and flounces gradually disappeared in favor of a skirt lying more smoothly over the petticoat and hoops. Pantalettes were essential under this new fashion for modesty’s sake.

fiberglass filter materialsSpecial dress fabrics were printed à la disposition, with a small figured print over most of the fabric and an elaborate coordinating border print down one selvage. Dresses were made up so the border print decorated the flounces and parts of the bodice or sleeves.

Cape-like jackets were worn over the very wide skirts. Another fashionable outer garment was an Indian shawl or one woven in Paisley, Renfrewshire in a paisley pattern in imitation of Indian styles. Hooded cloaks were also worn.

Riding habits had fitted jackets with tight sleeves, worn over a collared shirt or (more often) chemisette. They were worn with long skirts and mannish top hats.

Hair was dressed simply, in a bun or wound braid at the back, with the sides puffed out over the ears or with clusters of curls to either side in imitation of early 17th century fashions. Deep bonnets with wide ribbon bows tied under the chin were worn outdoors.

The indoor cap became little more than a lace and ribbon frill worn on the back of the head.

1851 marked the birth of the Victorian dress reform movement, when New England temperance activist Libby Miller adopted what she considered a more rational costume: loose trousers gathered at the ankles, topped by a short dress or skirt and vest. The style was promoted by editor Amelia Bloomer and was immediately christened a Bloomer suit by the press. Despite its practicality [3], the Bloomer suit was the subject of much ridicule in the press and had little impact on mainstream fashion.

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Halloween costumes are becoming popular among adults. Halloween will make plus size women feel beautiful and sexy. Many plus size women can wear Belly dance costume. Wear a pair of billowy plus size harem pants. Find a matching short-sleeved matching top which exposes the midriff. Buy a push-up bra which can create a sexy cleavage in the chest area. Try to wear a silk shawl or shirt which is made up of pure fabric. Find a color or material that complements your belly dancer costume. Along with this dress wear eastern-style jewelry. At last wear a pair of castanets.

Another excellent Halloween costume for plus sized women are Renaissance wench. Features of this costume include shoulder less plus size shirt with a low neckline and billowy sleeves. Put this over a strapless bra. Other features of this costume include floor length skirt, plain black shoes or boots, and a mop hat.

Another famous costume is French Maid. It is one of the classic costumes. Features of this costume include puff sleeve dress, an apron and feather duster. Wear a Charleston Queen which is made up of purple drop waist dress with chiffon over blouse and a headband. Another sexy costume that plus sized women can wear is Elvira. This costume includes black dress, belt and dagger.

Cleopatra Queen of the Nile costume comes with a white dress, under slip, gold wrist bands, Egyptian sash and Cleopatra headpiece. Super Hero costume features include red, white, blue and gold dress, with a star skirt and red cape. Vegas Bee costume includes metallic stripe knit corset and sequin detailed tulle petticoat, neck collar, pair of wings and an antennae.

After Hours Nurse sexy costume comes with zip front dress, nurse cap and stethoscope. You can act as a doctor with that special someone this Halloween. Every woman would love to wear a school girl outfit. No female would forget their school life. A plus sized school fit costume comes with short sleeved white cotton tie front top and matching plus size red plaid skirt.

Another popular costume in this category is Cop which many online stores sell. This costume features black dress, glasses, gloves and a badge. Be a Diva is considered one of the best costume for plus sized ladies. Dress up like an opera singer, wear a white wig and do the make up. Do carry a feathery fan and put a mask on your face.

frumpy to funky’s London based Personal Stylist, Karen Grace, comments on a few of the catwalk shows at London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2010

PROPHETIK “Southern Shores” catwalk show.Designer JEFF GARNER

Showing at Vauxhall Fashion Scout 19Feb10

Tennessee based Prophetik kicked off the LFW catwalk shows at Vauxhall Fashion Scout, Freemason’s Hall, Covent Garden.  And what a kick off!!!

At the beginning we are lulled in to thinking of a carefree southern country theme when violinist Anna Cwad starts playing toe tapping music, with ex-Paramore Jason Bynum joining her on guitar. Then the band Man Raze shatters this illusion with their fusion of punk and pop rock. Not surprising as their drummer is ex-Sex Pistols Paul Cook and their vocals/lead guitar is ex-Def Leppard Phil Collen. And let’s not forget their bass guitarist Simon Laffy from Brit glam rock act band Girl.

With Man Raze raising the tempo, the show began for ethical designer Jeff Garner’s  A/W10 collection titled “Southern Shores”. His inspiration came from the American Civil War and sees hope and romance alongside strife and uncertainty.

Main colour palette in true Civil War colours were blues, greys with a touch of red.

The menswear saw layering and serious looking ¾ length coats, waistcoats, vintage buttons, riding boots and peace silk neckties.

For the women, the designs ranged from jodhpurs, ripped leggings, military jackets and capes to full on Little House on the Prairie style dresses. In-between were mini dresses and long flowing dresses both teamed with flat heeled riding boots.

At the end of the show, the music mellowed as Jeff Garner appeared looking the part of the Southern gent taking a stroll with his Southern belle in her striking long red velvet bustier dress.

Garner’s collection is proof that no fashion look has to be harmed in the making of ethical clothing.

Prophetik is a sustainable men’s and womenswear label using environmentally friendly materials such as organic cottons, hemp, flax, Greenspun (recycled bottles) and organic pigment dyes. One of their signature dresses “the Elle” is made from silk and organic cotton that elephants have painted in collaboration with the AEACP (Asian Elephant Art Conservation Project), which helps to raise funds for an elephant sanctuary in Thailand.”

ORLA KIELY presentation -TUESDAYS CHILD AUTUMN/WINTER 2010

presenting at the Portico Rooms, Somerset House 19Feb10

The stage for Orla Kiely’s presentation was 2 impressive make shift rooms decorated in the 60′s style with brown and beige designed Orla Kiely wallpaper in the living room and dark & light blue in the bedroom. The furniture was 60′s vintage and a modern retro looking TV showed the collection on screen. Models sat or stood in above the knee dresses and skirts teamed with shoes and mid calf navy socks.

Patterns for the wallpaper and dresses were inspired by Ivon Hutchins’s abstract art and the photography of Erwin Olaf, and captured the essence of falling autumn leaves.

Main colour palette was autumnal – creams instead of whites, various shades of browns, burnt oranges and navy. The obligatory grey and black could be seen on some pieces.

Fabrics used were mohair and silk crepe teamed with traditional checked wool and wool jacquard,

The models wore their hair in a serious bun and makeup was kept simple, providing a good contrast to the cute collars and fun update of the 60′s retro style.

LAKOBUKIA “Emotions” catwalk show

Showing at Fashion Mavericks, the Strand Palace Hotel 20Feb10

With her A/W10 collection titled “Emotions” Lako Bukia wanted to show both positive kind and dark bad emotions through fabric, shape and colour.

The main colour palette is black for the darker side and white for the lighter side of emotions. A few cream pieces appear to show that not everything is black and white.

Fabrics used are light soft flowing chiffon, a stiffer cotton silk and wool.

Geometric shapes are seen on collars, and by way of diagonal zips. The zips are also used as a bridge to join together the stiffer fabrics with the softer fabrics. Some pieces are obvious with the contrast between the hard and soft fabrics. On others the contrast can only be seen once the zip has been undone and then only revealing the hidden soft silk fabric underneath.  Zips on shoulders and sides allow the wearer the flexibility of changing her silhouette – whenever the mood takes her.

Lako’s shoes look striking in black or white soft leather with triangular heels. She explains the triangle is a more gothic shape and gives a harder emotional contrast to the softness of the leather.

Not surprisingly her favourite piece is the long flowing chiffon pleated dress in white which is teamed with a little sharp cotton silk back to front cape. The cape has a high collar with long geometric lapels which represent the bad emotion. Once the cape is removed, the dress is free of restrictions and can float on just the good emotions.

Lako Bukia, beginning fashion designer, was born on October 4, 1987 in the city of Tbilisi, capital of Georgia. After graduating from School No.58 in Tbilisi, she was immediately offered a place at the A. Kutateladze Tbilisi State Academy of Art, where she did her BA in Fashion Design and Textiles.

SADO “Geometric Glamour” catwalk show.Designer CARLOTTA GHERZI

Showing at Vauxhall Fashion Scout 20 Feb 10

The young designer for the Sado label is Russian born Carlotta Gherzi (of Italian parents) who brings a modern elegant edge to the label.

The latest collection had great styles which could be worn by real women and not just catwalk models. The main colour palette was black with blue and pillar box red.

Silks dominated the tops, dresses and even leggings which brought out the vividness of both the blue and red.

“Geometrical glamour” is the title of this autumn/winter 2010 collection – this was shown in the silk leggings, tops and dresses which were all pleated in horizontal tiers giving texture and depth.

Black knits wear glamorous with glitter woven in to produce wide sparkly horizontal bands

Silver and red brocade made an appearance for the evening dresses. Particularly loved the strapless silver brocade maxi dress.

SADO’s signature is stylish and classical – this season’s collection did not disappoint.

DOII PARIS “Walk in the Forest” catwalk show

Showing at Vauxhall Fashion Scout 21Feb10

This was Korean designer Doii Lee’s first catwalk show in London and it didn’t let her down.

The collection titled “Walk in the Forest” was inspired by her favourite Russian fairytale “Baba Yaga” In this fairytale a wicked stepmother sends her lovely step daughter in to the forest to visit her aunt,Baba Yaga, the witch.

In Doii’s walk in the forest story, she passes through an intoxicating rose maze. Copper haired models wore layered chiffon dresses and glittering sequined dresses – all in the designer’s exclusive illustrated print of large pinkish red roses. Red patent high heeled shoes with patterned fabric tied around the ankles in large bows matched the vividness of the designs. White faux fur trims and linings added softness to some of the stiffer sequined fabrics.  The first outfit on the catwalk immediately caught our attention – long straight chiffon dress with a kick flare hem, draped with a long trailing shawl covered in the sequined rose pattern and lined with white faux fur.

“A dove guides her along the right path” – the digital prints now were of flying white doves on orange/peach light chiffon or heavily sequined fabric. The short belted double breasted coat covered in sequins on large bold doves looked spectacular with its contrasting print of blues and creams on the lapels. The dove print on the long and short chiffon dresses were more stoned down due to their smaller scale.

“A garden full of glorious sunny memories” Main colour palette was cream with a touch of blue, green and pink. The print of potted plants was hazy as if faded by the sun. Here we saw a loose fitting sequined egg-shaped coat with a sexy kick at the bottom and cuff.  The contrasting print on the collar of polka dots added to the glamour.

The story and walk becomes darker, she is in turmoil –mid greys or rich browns are added to the mix. The print is busier and again vivid. The patent shoes colour changes from carefree red to serious black, but still with the patterned fabric tied around the ankle. Here we saw a plain short mid grey double breasted wool coat contrasting perfectly with its brightly patterned lapels, tie belt, cuff bands and buttons.

“Her heart sank”- black and grey dominate and the designer’s prints are of lace and netting. Black lace features on the sequined evening dresses, black fur on the coats. Another gorgeous coat (you can see a pattern emerging here – I’m loving the coats!) this time in black with a touch of white and grey. Egg-shaped, black fur collar and that sexy kick at the bottom and cuff. Slouchy black and grey zipped fur leg warmers over the black patent shoes made a luxurious touch. The silver grey lace print teamed with billowing black lace bishop sleeves made a simple egg shaped mini dress a knock out cocktail dress. And the elbow length black lace puffed sleeves and tiered lace high yoke and hem of another silver grey print mini dress gave an Edwardian vintage look.

“But she knew she was a protected one” – the colours here were pale gold and black. Here we saw a sequined gold and black patterned trench coat with plain light grey lapels, tie belt and pockets. A short sequined gold and black patterned dress was given the 20′s vintage look with a drop waist and a wide band of scalloped gold lace around the hem.

“My skeleton friend is always with me” – again black and grey dominated for the new print of lace skulls.  Here we saw a luxurious knee-length fur wrap coat with silver grey fur wraps and a touch of sequined skull prints; and a plain mid grey mini wrap wool coat adorned with the sequined skull print on the pockets, cuffs, belt and partial front with contrasting polka dot collar and trimming.

“Then the goat queen of the forest is on her side” – honey blonde models came out wearing prints of the goat queen in creams, white, soft browns with a touch of light blue. A padded egg-shaped coat, plain but for the print and teamed with silver grey fur leg warmers. Other outfits lined or trimmed with white faux fur gave a Cossack appearance.

“Divine roses blossom along the dark path of the forest “- Proving anything can look glamorous, a duffle style coat was given the luxury make over with a sequined print of roses along the path of the  green forest, lining and trims of light grey faux fur and with the hem longer at the back.

Chiffon dresses were long and short, some with a few of the signature sequins, some decorated with small hanging hearts down the back and some with their hems longer at the back. All were colourful and patterned.

Dresses in heavier fabrics were completely embellished in sequins making Doii’s print designs even more dazzling.

My favourites were the coats: all statement pieces proving you don’t have to wait to take your coat off before making an entrance.

Doii states that the lady who wears Doii Paris becomes a diva. The last model came out in a black sequined coat and large hat with fringes so long they reached her shoulders.  Not representing the end of the story but in true diva style, this piece wanted to take centre stage.

CLEMENTS RIBEIRO presentation

HAUTE BOHEMIAN AUTUMN/WINTER 2010

Presenting at the Portico Room, Somerset House 21Feb10

The style may be bohemian for the husband and wife design duo’s (Suzanne Clements & Inacio Ribeiro) latest collection, but this is bohemian with decadent glamour. They chose to look back to the 70′s around the time when Yves Saint Laurent created his Russian collection

The footwear was to die for – all embellished with sequin patterns. My favourites were the long boots in soft leather slightly slouchy and gathered at the top.

Sequins also adorned dresses, trousers and cardigans along with crystals.

The collection was divided in to definite sections:

A more masculine tailored section – main colour palette charcoal grey, black and dark plum.

Oversized knits were embellished but in a monochrome tone to create understated classical glamour.

The feminine section showed silk dresses, skirts and tops in paisley and marble effect swirl prints.

One dress and trousers in pale gilded jacquard and cardigans embellished with sequin patterns or bejewelled motifs.  The colours were more muted in shades of greens, gold, mustard, light browns and taupe.

The more opulent section showed the heavier brocade for jackets, skirts and coats trimmed with sequins. Main colour palette was black and midnight blue. Nice touch with the leather gloves trimmed with sequins.

This collection shows opulent luxury does not have to be just restricted to eveningwear.

FUTURE CLASSICS presentation. Designer JULIE WILKINS

CUT & PASTE AUTUMN/WINTER 2010

Presenting at the Portico Room, Somerset House 21Feb10

Although advertised as a presentation, designer Julie Wilkins presentation of her label’s Future Classics A/W 10 collection was more like a mini catwalk show.  The benches were set out so the models could walk down in between them – so everyone had a front row view!

The inspiration for this collection was:  ”Cut and paste; the written word and renaissance craft (wo)manship.”

Main colour palette was neutrals and black (what else for classics) with a splash of pinks and oranges to brighten the collection.

Lots of long knits with draped hoods, trousers and leggings. Especially loved the denim print leggings. Plainer leggings in black or grey were given a more interesting look with a row of buttons sewn down the front.

Fur covered just the sleeves and hats giving a more playful look.

Long black satin fingerless gloves reaching above the elbow looked great with the layered chiffon LBDs.

This collection is for the woman who likes soft tailoring and knitwear but wants a little design twist to her classical look.

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