Kate Moss' Final Collection for Topshop

Kate Moss launches her final Kate Moss for Topshop collection on November 2. As well as 70s inspired designs including luxurious limited edition evening dresses and feminine lingerie for AW10, Kate will also be presenting three new collections: Kate Iconic, her ten sell-out pieces from past collections; a vintage inspired jewellery range; and 1 in 50, a collection of exclusive pieces.


Talking of Kate's time at Topshop, boss Sir Philip Green says: 
"Kate has done 14 collections with us. It has been fantastic for us and fantastic for her, but they take more and more time and she can't do this full-time any more." (Mirror)


I feel that she has done a great job with the high street retailer and has been an inspiration to many, definitely going out on a high note but it's now farewell to Kate Moss at Topshop.

Gap Rebrands

For many years, we have recognised GAP's logo as a simple navy box with the brand name. All this has changed, as the rebranding of the label takes away the brand heritage just to comply with todays contemporary environment. No wonder they have been a bit hush hush about it - do we like it?

Well, not many of us do, nor do many agree that they have changed for the better.

After dominating the late 1990s and early 2000s, the high street retailer has dropped its iconic logo for a bit of boring Helvetica and a small blue gradient box which looks much cheaper. By ditching their classic logo known by pretty much all, is the brand attempting to take a turn to something a bit new as a whole? This is a risky change for Gap, as customers are back-firing the San-Francisco based label as people continue to post negative feedback on the change through Facebook and Twitter.

However, it is not yet confirmed whether the new logo will remain as their Twitter page calls for the customers to submit their ideas. Lets hope they can find a better one out there - surely there'll be several to choose from over this?


12 Oct 2010 - UPDATE: Following the backlash of the new transformed logo, Gap has chosen to ditch the change and has replaced the modernised logo on their website back to the original. Good choice I say!

TREND ALERT: Fairisle

If you're going to buy a trendy item for this winter, I recommend fairisle knitwear! One of high streets' top trends. Bringing that young, christmassy and skiing feel. One that I had actually forecasted for this season, so I guess it's a good prediction right? Here are some styles that you can be sure to see during your Christmas shop:

Knitted Fairisle Dress, New Look - £24.99

Fairisle Jumper, ASOS - £38

Blue Fairisle Print Cardigan, River Island - £39.99

TREND ALERT: Satchels

Vintage is a market that is beginning to expand. With rising costs through the recession, consumers are looking to bring back old styles - one being the satchel bag which is bang on trend this season. Bringing back the schooling classic. Here are a few to get your hands on:

Leopard satchel, Miss Selfridge - £30

Pushlock Faux Croc satchel, Topshop - £28

City Wallet, Zara - £39.99

There are many styles out there on the high street, but don't forget you can shop online at all the retailers listed here. Fancy any of the above, easy - click on the links. Simples!

Lanvin for H&M

What a great collaboration this is set to be!

Lanvin for H&M is now an official collaboration!! I'm excited to see the end results already! A collection to launch in stores on November 23 will be designed by the director of the luxury brand, Alber Elbaz and head of menswear Lucas Ossendrijver.

Speaking of the link, Elbaz says "H&M approached us to collaborate, and to see if we could translate the dream we created at Lanvin to a wider audience, not just a dress for less."

"I have said in the past that I would never do a mass-market collection, but what intrigued me was the idea of H&M going luxury rather than Lanvin going public. This has been an exceptional exercise, where two companies at opposite poles can work together because we share the same philosophy of bringing joy and beauty to men and women around the world."

Margareta van den Bosch, creative advisor at H&M says, "Lanvin will bring to H&M a luxurious French tradition that is also modern and playful. It is very much a Lanvin collection, using their cut and tailoring, with lots of focus on form and details for both women and men.” (H&M)

The new range is reported to be exposed worldwide on November 2 through a film available online at www.hm.com. So a date in the diary!

Kate Moss Set To Exit Topshop

I'd of thought Kate Moss would have been a long term appointment at Topshop, but before we know it, after three years (which is actually fairly good) she is to put an end to her collaboration with major high street retailer.

Kate Moss for Topshop's last collection - her 14th range will be on sale in October. She began her partnership with the chain following her friendship with billionaire Sir Philip Green. Nothing but 'other commitments' for Moss has ended her deal according to Sir Philip.

It doesn't seem too long ago when Moss launched her very first range where thousands queued to get their hands on the supermodel's designs to achieve the model look. However, during the few years, the collections have been a huge hit with consumers where Moss is reported to have pocketed at least £3M from sales. A successful appointment for Topshop at least anyway since collaborations come and go quickly at the Arcadia retailer.

Kate Moss models her very first collection in Topshop, Oxford Street

TREND ALERT: Shearling

I'm finding it difficult to blog these days; whether it's the lack of interesting news, or my lack of awareness or maybe both perhaps. So, in that case I have decided that I am going to start blogging about my favourite trends coming to our nearest retailers.

First trend that's getting a mention is.....the must have autumn/winter 2010-11..

SHEARLING
Entering the catwalks in February for the AW10/11 season, this trend is set to be a popular one. The key piece being the shearling jacket, with aviator themes taking over the runways - cropped with soft furry oversized collars as seen by Burberry but with a staggering price tag of £1,895.00 but I love it!

Source: VOGUE.com

Just a little bit on the high end for me! But don't worry, at £58 Topshop have a great biker jacket incorporating the shearling trend and again I love it too!

Source: Topshop.com

If you're not too keen on the shearling jackets, look out for the shearling shoes and even bags to keep your wardrobe trendy!

Jedward Fashion

Oh please! Can they really do anything that they do any worst?

The quiff heads are moving into the fashion direction having built up their status from their run on the X Factor. The 18 year old twins are preparing a new fashion range called Pop Icons - to be inspired by Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury.

Edward Grimes told The Sun, "Fashion is our big passion and our collection will look hot on the catwalk."

"We love the jackets worn by Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury and think everybody will love to wear stuff like that."

Not only are they setting up this new line, they are not ruling themselves out modeling the collection following the signing to agency Next Models.

Speaking of that Edward continues, "we have experience. We know how to pose and walk, plus we've worked with some big-name photographers."

Music flops, fashion success? Really?

Fish and Chips, Twice Please?!

So... it has been how long since I last blogged? Too long. Well, within that time I have been traveling around Europe with a group of wonderful friends, and now that the journey has sadly come to an end I can get back into the routine of keeping you updated.

I did miss a bit of my regular fashion intake whilst being away for almost a month, until we stumbled upon an exhibition at Vienna's quartier21. 'Fish and Chips, Twice Please?!' It couldn't be more British. The exhibition presents the UK as a hub for international design talent celebrating innovation, and creativity from a variety of contemporary designers. Designs included a mixture of knitwear, tweeds combined with interesting detailing. You can see how fashion is driving forward quickly.

The exhibition is directed and organised by British fashion designer, Emma Bell, and curator Polona Dolzan. Designers featured included; Louise Gray, Dashing Tweeds, Louise Amstrup, Cooperative Designs, Nicholas Kirkwood, Craig Lawrence and much more - some of which have showcased during London Fashion Week.

The exhibition runs until 12th September with free entry. A UCA student is even the face of the exhibition! Worth a visit if you're in Vienna - as you would!

To read Dazed Digital's interview with Emma Bell and Polona Dolzan, click here.

UCA Epsom Shows Talent at Graduate Fashion Week

Graduate Fashion Week kicked off on Sunday blooming with talent, with UCA Epsom closing the show on the opening day setting the standards extremely high.

Watched on by front row seaters such as Hilary Alexander and Zandra Rhodes, the UCA Epsom fashion show displayed a variety of imaginative yet fashionable collections designed by final year students, who have without doubt put extremely hard work into the designs of which will be competing for the top prize - the prestigious Gold Award worth £20,000.




I was highly impressed by the standards showcased this year, and so was Rosy Crehan, GFW judging co-ordinator who described the show as "the best show of the day. It had best use of colour, brilliant variety of collections, a lot of humour and it was a thorough delight to watch.

"The music was also fantastic as each collection had its own personality. There was opera, brass band, rap, comedy and it all made for a most fantastic fashion show." (UCA)

Following the catwalk, one or two designers are usually put a step closer towards the top prize. However, this year four lucky designers are being kept in the competition. We have; Claire Zeng, Katie Barrett, William Hamil and Olivia Coskie. A very well done to them, clearly showing how tough the competition is for the judges as well.

The exhibition also displayed great work from students from a variety of fashion based courses around the UK as well as Europe. Not to mention it was great to see myself and fellow students featured at the Epsom stand representing the first appearance of the BA(Hons) Fashion Management & Marketing course.

It looks like its been a year of success for our graduates - wishing them all luck for the future! Let's hope we can snatch up a few awards!

ASOS Plans Green Move

Earlier this week ASOS announced plans that it will launch an online marketplace later this year for customers to buy recyclable clothes to encourage customers to shop in a more environmentally friendly way. This gives customers an opportunity to trade in their own clothes through a virtual online marketplace.

Goods will be of a fixed price rather than determined by an auction. Advice will be given from ASOS on how to display items to maximise selling potential.

The concept is set to offer both individual and corporate customers an additional channel to sell their fashion merchandise in a sustainable and ethical environment. The marketplace will also be accessible to independent retailers and designers and provide larger companies another way to sell their goods or to market excess stock, all in which will minimize waste.

These clothes may be sitting at the bottom of your wardrobe, so why not give them a better home to someone who desires what you no longer want! Great plan.

Miss Selfridge for Gossip Girl - Collection Revealed!

The time has finally come girls! On 15 April, the Miss Selfridge for Gossip Girl collection was finally revealed, and isn't it typical that I just want everything!

The gorgeous and on-trend eight piece collection in the style of the four leading ladies from the American TV series form the UK's first official Gossip Girl collection - inspired by the designs of the TV series costume designer Eric Daman.

In the style of Serena van der Woodsen...


In the style of Blair Waldorf...(My fav combo)


In the style of Vanessa Abrams...


In the style of Jenny Humphrey...


Whether it's the Serena sleek body con bandage dress, Blair's feminine ruffle front shift floral dress, Vanessa inspired leopard print elegant maxi or Jenny's cute lace tutu dress - you can fall into your character with prices starting from an affordable £39.

Speaking of the collaboration, Creative Director Yasmin Yusuf says, 'we are delighted to be working with the Warner Bros. TV series, Gossip Girl. The dresses we've created based on the characters fit perfectly with our spring/summer 2010 range. Our customers love the show and the styles of the girls so the partnership is a perfect match', and quite rightly so!

The launch saw a fantastic atmosphere, with a hint of New York vibe. The dresses were a huge hit as the event saw press and bloggers flock to Arcadia HQ, and not to forget a special guest appearance!, yes that's right, the much loved Chace Crawford arrived to view what inspirations the girls have injected into the collection.


All of this coming to one of our favourite high street fashion retailers on 30 April, but if you can't wait to get your hands on a piece or two, then visit www.missselfridge.com from 27 April.

XOXO

Doors Open to Brighton Mind Boutique

The time has come! Flooring re-done, walls up to date, stock in, garments priced, cakes out, and bubbly popped, as the queue begins forming. Doors opened to the new Brighton Mind shop on Wednesday 31 March - the opening to it's first boutique style shop.

It was over four months ago when we received this brief, and to get so far and see the end result is such a huge achievement, yet a relief following our hard work. I can see a great improvement in the whole store design and the goods offered. Including donations from a range of celebrity names for the launch.

The main aim of the store concept is to transform it into a unique charity worth shopping in. An environment that will encourage customers to browse and consume great donations in keeping with that charity feel. This is a big step for Mind as well as it is for us students. It's been a great opportunity to do something for a good cause, and I hope this will be the start to creating a better brand identity for Mind.

Our campaign 'EQUALITY in Mind' also launches, hoping to tackle stigma and discrimination as 1 in 4 people suffer from mental health distress. It is more common than you think, and it's not something that everyone speaks out about so someone close to you may be going through this.

The grand opening included a catwalk with students modelling ethical designs following the 'make do and mend' concept that were also shown at the Ideal Home Show, and a silent auction for those celebrity pieces ending Friday 9 April. So, if you've not seen what's on offer - go before they get snatched! Highest bids win.

The launch was a huge success as we saw the end of day income increased by a fantastic 280% more than a good day at the original Mind shop. All thanks to those who came and purchased. So let's hope this continues!

To end this blog, I just want to say some thank you's to some people involved in this success -
- My team: Emily Marsh, Hellen Njagi, Shama-Rose Morgan, Carol Chung and Rasha Muyheddeen for bringing our great ideas together to get this far!
- Tom Empson, Mind's communications officer and our mentor at UCA for his hard work in helping us along the way and also his commitment to this project behind the scenes.
- Bob and Chris from Mind, for giving us this opportunity to redesign one of their shops and working to put the proposals into the store.
- The team back at the Mind office and our tutors at UCA for coming and supporting.
- Sara Callarman and those who volunteered to be in our campaign: very grateful for their contribution!
- The girls who designed and modelled the catwalk collection; you were great!
- Amanda and Rosie at the Brighton Mind shop for being a great support behind our ideas. We hope they are content with what they have to work in now!

…and finally, to everyone who donated and purchased as all this will make a huge difference to Mind and those who need support. Keep those donations coming!

I Love...

H&M Garden Collection

It's out now. All so elegant and feminine, the new collection captures everything summer. Great place to start your holiday shop!

To see the full collection visit the H&M website, where you will find prices of each garment.

[Click to enlarge image]

Launch of Brighton Mind

It's time to revolutionize charity retailing, and i'm behind the design of the new Brighton Mind shop opening Wednesday 31 March! Mind also launches a new advertising campaign also designed by me and my fellow team mates on the BA(Hons) Fashion Management and Marketing course at the University for the Creative Arts.

But, I shall leave the final outcome as a surprise.

Mind's St James' Street shop has been redesigned and refurbished to offer a directional new charity shopping experience. The boutique will stock high end vintage garments as well as original catwalk creations designed by fashion students from the university.

To design a shop and advertising campaign has definitely been a challenging brief but one that I think we all have learnt a lot about - regarding mental health and Mind in particular. It has been a great experience and I am more than delighted to have won the chance to re-design a store and have our national campaign mass produced. It's a huge achievement for myself as well.

Charity is becoming more fashionable, so it's good to see a unique shop that will encourage shoppers to consume great donations.

It's been a pleasure to do something for a good cause, so I hope that with our work we will be able spread the word that everyone should be given the right to play a full part in society.

Brit Award winning singer Florence Welch, Superstar DJ and Brighton resident Norman Cook, TV queen Fern Britten and fashion icon Daisy Lowe are among the famous faces who have donated clothes to Mind's first ever Boutique charity shop.

So, if anyone is in Brighton or nearby, please come to the launch from 11.30am and grab yourself some bargains!

Hope to see you there.

Sneak Preview: YLB for Wallis

Born in Oxford, Yasmin Le Bon started developing her status from a young age. Now 45, the ex-supermodel launches her second collection for high street chain Wallis. The S/S 10 'YLB for Wallis' collection becomes available on 29 March, and I got an exclusive preview of the 15 elegant garments, only to be sold exclusively at www.ylb4wallis.com

Spring features smoky taupe tones mixed with electric blue. Maxi dresses in luxurious silk crepe and satin, silk knitted tops combined with harem trousers and suede jackets creating the tribal trend that's key for this season.

Luxurious designs continue into the summer with a much more vibrant colour palette consisting of nude tones mixed with scarlet red and zesty orange, bringing an uplifting mood to a suspected hottest season in some time. Summer brings an outstanding asymmetric sky printed maxi dress, printed knee length silk dresses and more suede pieces with the lead-in price point starting at £35 for a silk racer back vest.

'YLB for Wallis' is a sophisticated range combined with style and glamour stamped with the Yasmin Le Bon signature with ruching, pleating and feminine ruffles present in her designs.

I think it's a range worth putting your hands on, if you can afford to that is. Remember, it's only available online -limited edition pieces!

Miss Selfridge Teams Up With Gossip Girl

Gossip Girl fans, you might want to keep your eyes opened!

The end of April will see Miss Selfridge launch an official Gossip Girl collection inspired by the four leading ladies of the successful US series. The style of Serena van der Woodsen, Blair Waldorf, Jenny Humphrey and Vanessa Abrams is soon coming to the UK high street.

"We are delighted to be working with the Warner Bros television series, Gossip Girl," Yasmin Yusuf, creative director of Miss Selfridge said. "The dresses we've created based on the characters fit perfectly with our spring/summer 2010 range. Our customers love the show and the styles of the girls, so the partnership is a perfect match."

The stylish eight piece collection will feature a leopard print boho maxi dress (Vanessa), a ruffle front shift dress with a floral skirt (Blair), a black body con bandage dress (it could only be Serena), and a nude and black lace tutu-style skirt (Little J) - and will retail from £39.

"Fashion is intrinsic to Gossip Girl and a key ingredient in the continued popularity of the series," Paul Bufton, general manager of Warner Bros consumer products UK commented. "Miss Selfridge has created a collection that is true to the ideals of the show and one that young women will aspire to own. We're certain it will be a commercial success, and the beginning of a long-term relationship with the retailer." (VOGUE)

So mark the date in your diaries.
XOXO

Alexander McQueen's Last Personal Collection

The last collection designed by Alexander McQueen before his death was shown in a Parisian salon to a soundtrack of operatic music earlier today. Models walked slowly and respectfully, showcasing the 16 luxurious creations by the remarkable designer.


Models' heads bandaged and moulded with leaf or feathered mohicans that were sprayed stiff with gold and black paint. Their bodies sculptured in red or nude, gold embroidered jacquards, as their short skirts gather like a curtain surround their hips.

Stiff drapes form frock coats, as definite pleats and trumpet sleeves blossom around the shoulders. Every garment well crafted and entirely unique, and yet again McQueen blows us away with his imagination during fashion week.

“All the patterns in this collection were cut on the stand by Lee Alexander McQueen,” VOGUE.com was told.

As the show ends with the words - “Each piece is unique, as was he.”

It's so sad to see such talent disappear off the fashion radar so instantly - but let's hope the label lives on.

London Fashion Week A/W Trends

London Fashion Week has of course now ended for now. Having not been able to blog during the event, I have put together a round-up of the key trends spotted on the catwalks for the end of 2010.

My A/W 10/11 Trend Predictions

I thought it would be appropriate for me to put my trend predictions up for A/W 10/11 after a whole module on it!

After thorough research and hard work, I eventually put together two trends that I thought would be key to the A/W season.

Right or wrong - we shall see!

London Fashion Week Kicks Off

It's back!

The hottest biannual event on the fashion calendar commences today, with fresh new designs and talent for A/W 10/11.

Following the death of an innovative designer Alexander McQueen, the event started in a despairing mood as British Fashion Council chairman Harold Tillman led a minute’s silence in tribute.

Mr Tillman said: “His impact on London and this international fashion industry has been extraordinary. And he will be sorely missed. I know that we will all remember his incredible achievements and what he did for fashion here in London.”

“He proved that this industry and this city is one of opportunity, he left school with one O-Level and, with a good mix of determination, hard work and genius, he became and will remain one of London’s leading lights.

“He has inspired so many to follow and establish their own collection and has influenced many designers. To ensure London, his home city, continues to grow as a global fashion centre will be a fitting tribute to this brilliant man.”

McQueen undoubtably will not be forgotten for his amazing talent, but will surely be missed by all fashionistas.

Supermodel Kate Moss, paid her tribute to the British designer by taking to the catwalk wearing one of McQueen's dresses for the Fashion For Relief Haiti charity event, hours before the event opened. This was later auctioned off and was bought by Arcadia boss Sir Phillip Green for £100,000.

Breaking News: Alexander McQueen Dies

Designer Alexander McQueen has been discovered dead at his home this morning after reports that he had committed suicide at the age of 40.

The company said in a statement: “On behalf of Lee McQueen’s family, Alexander McQueen today announces the tragic news that Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand, has been found dead at his home.

“At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee’s family.

“Lee’s family has asked for privacy in order to come to terms with this terrible news and we hope the media will respect this.”

This comes days before the start of London Fashion Week, and weeks before he was due to unveil his new collection at Paris Fashion Week on March 9th.

This is a huge shock to the fashion industry. He had achieved so much and still had much more to give having picked up numerous awards including a CBE, as well as being named International Designer of the Year at the Council of Fashion Designer Awards.

My thoughts are with his family and friends.
x

She's the Goldin Girl

Congratulations to Louise Goldin, who celebrates winning the British Fashion Council Fashion Forward award, receiving sponsorship for two seasons to show at London Fashion Week. The shortlisted designers included Basso & Brooke, Emilio de la Morena, Jean-Pierre Braganza, Osman and Todd Lynn.

Louise Goldin says with delight, “I am so proud to be a winner of this prestigious award – Fashion Forward. It is amazing to have the support from The British Fashion Council, Coutts and industry experts. I am even more driven to create my most successful collection yet! Receiving the financial sponsorship enables me to create pieces which are commercially viable yet maintain creative integrity”.

Goldin's SS10 pastel collection showcased her innovative knitting techniques through elegantly sculptured garments.

She states her design signature as “Innovative programmed techniques where I create my own knitted fabric and textures, combined with structured, sculpted garments.”

All eyes will be on Goldin this February as we all wait to see what she has to offer.

The Face of Armani

The time has come girls! Late last year I reported that Cristiano Ronaldo has become the new face of Armani, following David Beckham's footsteps. Well, now the results are here!

Showing off his amazing physique, Ronaldo poses in a series of photo shoots promoting the luxury Armani brand.

"Cristiano is a great-looking young man with the perfect physique of an athlete," Armani said.

"For me, he is the essence of youth - spontaneous, exciting and a real maverick. It is for his energy that I have chosen Cristiano to become the new face of Armani Jeans and Emporio Armani Underwear - for his youthful, exciting, and, yes, sexy attitude."

Doesn't that just reflect his these sexy advertisements! He reportedly maintains his chiseled abs by performing 3,000 sit-ups a day. No wonder!

Ronaldo responds saying: "Giorgio Armani is a legend in the fashion world and I have long been a fan of his work. I am very pleased with the pictures we have done together - they are certainly striking and are full of attitude and a spirit I can relate to."

I'm more than happy to flick over those fashion pages and seeing these! It's thumbs up for me, and a great replacement for David Beckham.

Williamson Expands

Wool printed scarves, £195
Paisley printed silk scarves, £225
Beetle print cotton/silk mix T-shirt, £265
Plain cashmere, £395
Printed cashmere, £450




He's already collaborated with H&M last year, and has his collection for Debenhams, but now Matthew Williamson is to launch a capsule menswear range for spring/summer 2010. He surely is developing quickly.

The designer who is again lined up for this February's London Fashion Week will unveil his very own capsule menswear collection for spring/summer 2010, with the possibility to expand the line the following season.

The luxury collection will consist of slim-fitting cashmere jumpers, of course featuring his signature prints and embellishment.

"I know these jumpers will become season-less staples in my own wardrobe," Williamson states.

Adding to the line will include "cashmere and silk printed scarves and hand-beaded T-shirts complement the line and form a solid foundation for the collection to grow next season."

The collection will be available from February 2010 in Harrods menswear designer department, as well as Matthew Williamson flagship stores and online boutique.

All men must be eager to get their hands on Williamson's first menswear designs. It looks like a great line to me and it's going to be a cheerful start to the spring season for the men.

The Queen Honours...

It's a new year, a new decade, and I begin with a positive by congratulating Amanda Wakeley, Stephen Jones, Luella Bartley and Cath Kidston on being named in the Queen’s New Years honours list.

On January 1st her Majesty The Queen appointed Amanda Wakeley and Stephen Jones Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), and Luella Bartley and Cath Kidston Members of the Order of the British Empire.

Wakeley, whose signature label now enters its 20th year, was honoured with an OBE for her work as the founding co-Chair of charity Fashion Targets Breast Cancer. Wakeley said: ‘I am extremely humbled by this honour. It is also recognition for the talented and committed teams that I am fortunate to work with both in my own business and at Fashion Targets. It’s an incredible way to complete an extraordinary year.’

Milliner Stephen Jones who I bumped into during the last London Fashion Week was honoured for his services to the fashion industry with an OBE. He says ‘around the world, millinery is seen as a uniquely British art and I am proud to be part of that tradition” continuing, “I would to take this opportunity to pay tribute to my talented staff and faithful clients who, like me, believe that self-expression in fashion need not stop at your neck’.

On the other hand, Luella Bartley, despite losing the investors of the Luella label in November last year, starts 2010 on a high with a much deserved MBE. Homewares designer Cath Kidston also receives an MBE.