100 Years of Style in 100 Seconds

East London is getting a make-over.

Entertainment and shopping complex, Westfield Stratford City is due to open in the area on September 13th.

To commemorate the opening, director Jake Lunt with The Viral Factory, created a film that celebrates a century of East London fashion, dance and music.

Hundreds of costume changes, four days and music commissioned by Oscar-nominated Tristin Norwell, who interpreted the same tune for each decade, resulted in an entertaining look at our obsession with style over the course of a century.

 

 

Is it me or are dance/fashion videos showing up everywhere?

Want more vintage London style? Take a look at Emil Otto Hoppé’s photographs.

Savage Beauty to London?

Savage Beauty in Somerset?

Could be - Somerset House is one of the venues being tossed about for an encore showing of Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty.

That’s right, the fashion exhibit that broke records (and many hearts) at The Met, will be going home to London – a story broken by Melanie Rickey, Editor-At-Large at Grazia mag – on her blog.

Gems from one of my favourite McQueen collections, FW09, masterfully displayed at the Met.

Ms. Rickey couldn’t detail her off-the-record convo with the House of McQueen, but offered up this official statement from them:

“Alexander McQueen appreciates the huge amount of interest the public has shown
towards the Savage Beauty exhibition. We have been in discussion with a number
of major venues in London for some time now however nothing has been finalised.
Please be assured that an official announcement will be made the moment we
confirm our plans for London.”

I didn’t get to New York for the exhibit, but there are things I just know in my heart when it comes to McQueen.

I knew I’d see Lee in London.

Here’s a virtual tour with The Met’s Andrew Bolton to tide you over until 2013 – when the exhibit is planned, to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the launch of the Alexander McQueen label.

Read all my related posts about Savage Beauty.

With files from Melanie Rickey/Grazia, linked above. Image courtesy of The Met.

The Modfather’s New Clothes

As I told you about a couple of weeks ago, Paul Weller teamed up with pal Liam Gallagher to design a capsule collection of cool clothes for Gallagher’s label, Pretty Green.

The six pieces of High Summer basics have now hit stores on Carnaby Street and beyond. They include a “wet look” jacket (not leather as I originally thought), a tank, t-shirt, “Indian shirt”, scarf and cardy.

While the basic North American male may not consider the cut of these all that basic for himself, I think it’s not a bad start for the gents groovy enough to pull these off.

These pieces have personality.

The easy cardy - with elbow-length sleeves. Perfect if you are playing guitar constantly, no?

Each piece is finished with Weller's English Rose tab detailing. Nice.

The man, himself shows you how it is to be worn.

Careful, though, boys. The italicized warning labels on the site emphasize that the cardy, singlet (tank in this part of the world) and tee are “slim fitting garments“.

Same sleeve length on the tee.

A closer look at the signature label on the singlet.

The Nehru-collared kurta, inspired by the '60s.

Same colour English rose embroidery on the "Indian shirts".

Nothing says rock star like...

The site says it's made from "luxury polyester". Will have to take their word on that one, but I do like the Issey Miyake thing going on here.

The motorcycle (read: Vespa) jacket is at the high-end of the range at £175, with other pieces starting at £30. All pieces are also available online.

I would have liked to see a pair of well-fitting trousers, too. Perhaps those are in the queue for Fall. Weller will be working with Pretty Green for a while to come – according to the brand, this is the “start of a long-term partnership”.

Images courtesy of Pretty Green.

Green Team: Paul Weller, Fashion Designer

How often do we hear the term celebrity designer these days? It seems everyone and their little sister has a clothing line or perfume brand associated with them.

Fashion has become for the masses, and celebrities of questionable note offer up even more questionable mass-produced wares for us to wear.

For the most part, I’m not buying it.

Why? Well, because, I don’t often see the connection between the product and the person flogging it.

You see, I grew up listening to the music of bands (many of them from the UK), whose style influenced me, likely as much as their music did.  I didn’t disassociate the music from the look of the band – they were all players on the same stage. I had infinite respect for those who bothered to get dressed for their jobs.

When Bryan Ferry put on a raw silk suit and sang his heart out, it was anything but the same old scene. When The Specials put on their braces – brace yourself, you were in for a romping good time – suspended in Ska style.

For some musicians, a foray into style is a natural extension versus a marketing agency strategy.

Liam Gallagher of Oasis, launched a clothing label and store a while back, called Pretty Green. Say what you will about the bad boys of Brit rock, but they had a style all their own. Need proof? Head down to the hipster neighbourhood of any given city. Chances are, traces of Oasis’ look is in the crowd.

The store’s been a hit amongst the Brits and beyond.

If the friendship and mutual admiration between this Gallagher brother and Paul Weller was a secret before (hardly), the name of the store was a giveaway.

Pretty Green is a song written by Weller, during his days with The Jam.

There were rumblings last year of a design collaboration between the two for the label, with Pretty Green even designing bespoke suits for Weller’s five-day run at Royal Albert Hall last Spring.

Paul Weller, backstage at Royal Albert Hall in Pretty Green bespoke, May 2010.

Well now, it’s official. The Modfather will be launching his first stand-alone fashion collection with the brand on June 23rd.

Paul's signature label for Pretty Green.

This, you see, makes infinite sense.

This, is fashion coming full circle.

Nice to see that we agree on a few things…

Weller, to those of you who don’t know him, comes from style stock. Through the music of The Jam, The Style Council and his 20+ years as a solo artist, he is the epitome of British music – having collaborated with the best of them over the years. Throughout this musical journey, Weller has managed to look immaculate. The word ‘cool’ has lost its meaning in our urban dictionaries, but Weller was and always will be cool – as the word was originally intended.

Before Sart was taking pictures of international males sporting bare ankles, Weller had set the pant length years before. When we all snickered at tassled loafers during the pointy shoe phase (which, I beg, I have yet to leave), Weller wore them. Men, of course, followed suit. And speaking of suits, he has always been tailored to perfection. There is something about the way he can don a pinstriped pair of trousers, a slinky sweater and wrap a scarf around it just so. It’s all in the details with Weller – the break of the pant, the fringe of the scarf, the slant of the cigarette. He is one cool cat.

He grew up in the ’60s scene on Carnaby. How fitting that his collection will now be shown in the Pretty Green shop on the infamous stretch of bricks and mod mortar, come late June.

Each visit to London, for me, includes a stop on this style street.

The capsule collection will have six limited edition items – but according to PG, this is the “start of a long-term partnership” with Weller, who designed all the items himself.

The motorcycle jacket from the collection. More like Vespa jacket, ya?

In a statement released by the brand, Weller said,  “I’ve wanted to design my own range for some time and Pretty Green felt like a good home for my clothes. I guess my main design reference is somewhere between ’68 and ’70. The clothes themselves sit between being smart and casual with quality materials and tailoring.”

The first Paul Weller Collection for Pretty Green includes: a high-shine zip biker jacket (seen on Weller, here); a three-quartered length Indian linen shirt (intrigued by the sound of this), a luxurious Egyptian cotton long-sleeved t-shirt; a statement tank top with satin trim; and pleated silk scarf (you can see what a staple the scarf is to him, as it’s one of only six key pieces!). They will range in price from £30 to £175 and will also be sold online, for those of us on this side of the pond.

Look for a fuller Weller collection, this Fall. I’ll have pics for you of the High Summer collection as more pieces become available.

Mod style, zipped up.

Here’s a little snippet of a vid, when Liam was asked about the Weller rumour, last June.

[Update June 22: take a look at the full collection.]

Images: Royal Albert Hall backstage photo by Lawrence Watson, courtesy of Pretty Green. Original (and brilliant) Union Jack Mod illustration (used as quote background) by Guy Davies. All other images courtesy of Pretty Green.

E.O. Hoppé: Image Maker

This has to be the year of spectacular art, fashion and photography exhibitions. I have a running list of those I want to write about (not to mention, actually see!) but can’t seem to keep up with them all. You will see the inspiration slowly spill onto these virtual pages over the coming weeks and months.

One that I am sad to miss, being on the wrong side of the pond this close to its closing, is Hoppé Portraits: Society, Studio and Street at the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Emil Otto Hoppé – one of the most important photographers of the first half of the twentieth century – took pictures of noted figures from the literary, political, artistic and aristocratic worlds.

However, what I love more are his images of Brits going about the business of everyday Edwardian life.

1. Ruth St. Denis, dancer, USA, 1922 by E.O. Hoppé.

2. Reflections on Wet Pavement, probably London, 1923 by E.O. Hoppé.

3. Vera Fokina, Ballerina, 1920 by E.O. Hoppé.

4. Mona Maris, UFA Film actress, Berlin, 1929 by E.O. Hoppé.

5. Woman in mink stole shopping in Oxford Street, London, 1934 by E.O. Hoppé.

6. Film-maker Fritz Lang, 1929 by E.O. Hoppé.

7. Duke and Duchess of York, later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother by E.O. Hoppé.

8. Ezra Pound, 1918 by E.O. Hoppé.

9. Rendezvous at the London Stock Exchange, 1937 by E. O. Hoppé.

10. Savoy Hotel waiters feeding birds, London by E. O. Hoppé.

11. London by E. O. Hoppé.

12. Hebe (Constance Vessellier), 1917 by E. O. Hoppé.

13. Anna Pavlova, Indischer Tanz, 1920s, by E.O. Hoppe on exshoesme.com.

14. Sandwich board man advertising Shafi Hindustan Restaurant, 18 Gerrard Street, London by E.O. Hoppé.

15. Man reading at lunch time, Hyde Park, London, 1934 by E. O. Hoppé.

16. E.O. Hoppé, 1969 by Cecil Beaton.

He captured a London in transition, between tradition and modernity.

If you are in Londontown, hop on over to the Hoppé ex before it closes on May 30th.

17. The Houses of Parliament, view from Victoria Tower, London, 1934 by E.O. Hoppé.

Images: 1, 4, 5, 6, 9, 13, 15, 17. EOHoppe.com. 2. Life Magazine; 3. Corbis; 7, 8, 10, 12, 14. E. O. Hoppé Estate Collection Curatorial Assistance Inc.; 11. artinfo.com; 16. Cecil Beaton Studio Archive, Sotheby’s London.

Brit Fashion Queens Talk London and McQueen

Two of my favourite fashion editors had a recent chat about London Fashion Week, McQueen and the coveted style of Covent Garden.

CG is one of my fave places on Earth, discovered on my first visit to the city many years ago. I never miss it on a return trip to Londontown.

Here’s Ah-na, interviewed by Hil’ry for Telegraph TV.

There’s a Twitter rumour making the social media scene, about Hilary retiring. I’ll believe it when I read the story from the Fashion Director of the Daily Telegraph, herself. And we haven’t heard a tweet from her directly, have we?

As #8 on the UK’s Twitter elite list, I can’t imagine my daily fashion feed without her – or the front row sans that sunburst, bike-spoke necklace or that fur topper.

Ms. Alexander in her trademark accessories and an Indian embroidered coat.

Short Film: Special Edition

Before Thom Browne revealed the ankles of men for the world to see…

Thom Browne, in one of his signature suits, back in 2006.

…there were these boys, who showed more than a little flair by wearing skinny, short pants in the time of flares.

Love Terry’s polka dots and suspenders and the suits on the rest of the gentlemen.

Did you get their mod message, casually dressed men of the world?

Browne image courtesy of GQ Mag.

The Modfather’s Mini

Well, it’s not actually his.

Paul Weller, an avid Mini fan and collector, has teamed up with the brand to design the exterior of a one-of-a-kind set of wheels to be auctioned off for charity.

Mini meets Modfather

The car shows off its mod stripes – literally – in a flurry of pink and brown. Weller says he was inspired by a Ben Sherman shirt he loved a few years back.

Wildwood

As you lean into the light...

Bid here and you’ll be Going Places.

Proceeds will benefit Nordoff Robbins and War Child.

Nordoff Robbins brings music’s transforming power to children and adults in need, through the delivery of music therapy services, music and health projects and community music projects, as well as education programmes and research.

War Child’s unique projects help transform the lives of former child soldiers, children living on the streets, children put in prison and girls at risk of rape or violence.

Come to my side child
don`t leave me alone
stay with me darling
I can`t face this on my own.
I need you to be with me
I need you in life
I want to forever
be yours and you`ll be mine
oh child
cos` we`re going places
never thought we could
through all kinds of changes
but still our hearts beat closer more and more.
More than just a heart beat
from the city floor
more than just the bright lights
that lend me to your distant shore.
I`m keeping my head up
and out of the sand
way `cross the rooftops
I`m gonna plan our escape
oh child
we`re going places
never dreamt we could
through all kinds of changes
but still our hearts beat closer more and more

Photos and lyrics courtesy of Paul Weller.

Make Room for More Brits

Toronto was invaded by the Brits. Again.

The view from these eyes has always been a little bit British – having grown up with musical influences from across the pond and with crushes on Bri’ish boys.

However, I do believe there has been an inherent love of Ing-lund here in the Homeland, whether it is the crowd knowing all the words to That’s Entertainment (which made Paul Weller smile proudly at the Palais Royale show a few years back) or Mini Cooper hosting a recent Brit weekend capping off with a show by The Beat (that’s the English Beat, to North American natives). And really, could you think of fashion without mentioning a Brit brand? Burberry, Westwood, Paul Smith, the tailors of Saville Row. McQueen. But alas, they are considered the old guard.

The new army of hip designers from the Queen’s country were invited to invade Toronto (politely please, we are Canadian) by none other than, retail royalty Bonnie Brooks, President and Chief Executive Officer at The Bay.

A regal welcome *

Queen B of the Bay: Bonnie Brooks

The Brits (and a few former Canucks), namely Erdem Moralioglu, Mark Fast, Charlotte Olympia Dellal, Giles Deacon, Marios Schwab, Mary Katrantzou, Tom Binns, Nicholas Kirkwood and Jonathan Saunders, recently took over The Room at The Bay for a few days with events ranging from private dinners with media, an invite-only God Save the Queen Gala, as well as a panel discussion and trunk shows, open to the public.

I attended the ‘gala’ where media, socialites, Room patrons and the locally fabulous were out in full force.

The delightful Mr. Deacon

A few pieces from the Giles collection

Marios Schwab amidst his designs

Mary Katrantzou in fashion black in front of her pastel collection for SS11

Nicholas Kirkwood, the soft-spoken shoe designer…

…who creates hard-edged footwear for the rock n’ rolla in all of us.*

The lovely Charlotte Olympia Dellal. Her personality lives up to the vivid colours she dons.

Golden platforms by Charlotte Olympia, fit for a goddess? *

Jonathan Saunders, the kind of gentleman you bring ’round to your mum’s house for tea.

Laser-cut felt that would make any woman feel feminine, by Jonathan Saunders. *

The champagne was flowing, the designers were mingling and in the case of Deacon, spinning turntables.

DJ Deacon, with Canadian entourage in tow.

It’s not my usual schtick – covering parties. I attended because I have a distinct interest in British fashion. Interesting though, that I was not on The Room’s client list after having been a customer for over a dozen years. I guess much got tossed with the old decor.

It was at The (old) Room that I first discovered Liberty of London. I wanted to wear my properly eccentric Liberty tweed suit to the event, but it’s made to keep you warm on a cold wintery walk in the English countryside in the middle of December…and well, might have been a little too cozy for cocktails.

I opted instead, for a mix of Brit and Canadian: a red and white lipstick-print shirt by Auntie Viv bought in Paris, a high-waisted ankle-length black skirt bought in an indie designer Kensington Market shop (on this side of the pond) in the ’90s, a Ports 1961 grey pinstriped tweed cape, my Gothentic pointy Victorian lace up boots bought on Queen West before it turned into a mall, red Danier granny clutch, topped with the McQueen hat, from his Pre-Fall 09 collection. It was my homage to British design sensibilities as I understand them.

That’s me, with the lovely Natalia, whom I met on a French detour, in the Alaïa section. She designs couture pieces and is wearing one of her own.

I was surprised (or was I?) to find many dressed in the Toronto party uniform of LBD and platform pumps. Gala is a funny word in Toronto circles. I have yet to attend one that lives up to the implied dress code.  The few exceptions and the ones that stood out to me are featured in this post.

In fine feathered form, complete with fishnets. Is that vintage Mugler, I wonder?

Moving fast, wearing Mark Fast.

Charlotte and Carrie (from her marketing team) clutched style like no others at the fête. Charlotte Olympia clutches, of course.

The belt is Burberry. The jacket, McQueen?

Undoubtedly, an Anna Dello Russo fan?

She walks on gilded splinters. McQueen SS10 shoes, or a reasonable facsimile?

The lucky doc who happened to be in town just for one night, glam dress in tow. Simple elegance.

Style does not age, my dears. Quite the pair, complete with a pair of Dries necklaces, too. The bubble skirt reminds me of vintage Romeo Gigli. Sigh.

Well, at least the items on the racks did not disappoint. Brooks and her mod squad did a wonderful job in presenting each designer’s pieces.

Mary K’s dresses – worthy of an art gallery, no? *

A dress begging to be danced in, by Mary Katrantzou. *

Fringing on fabulous – by Mary K. *

Ms. K adds detail drama but keeps it subtle with chiffon and pink embroidery. *

The Room, for those two days, became an art gallery, where one could actually touch the luxe fabrics, see the intricacies of embroidered lace up close, pick up the shoe sculptures.  While some of these designers may be known to those of us who adore fashion and follow it like some do the Footie, it was a huge risk for Brooks and Nicholas Mellamphy, The Room’s Creative Director, to bring relatively unknown names to the attention of Toronto’s prospective fashion customers. Kudos to them for that.

The event had a classy air about it, to be sure. In addition to the clothing display, there was a gin bar, a Lula pop-up shop (which will remain in The Room until mid-November) and an avatar of the famed lounge at The Savoy.

Lula Pop-up Shop

The sign for the pseudo Savoy, flanked by a statement neck piece by jewellery designer Tom Binns. *

More designs from Tom Binns *

Layering it on, at Tom Binns. *

One fork accessory and you are done! A Binns necklace from the ’80s. *

One could easily approach the designers, whom were all very down to earth and in many cases, slightly shy. In this day and age of PR hype, it was nice to have a chat with regular people who weren’t necessarily given sound bytes or media training.

Erdem, at ease, in his home country (he is originally from Montreal).

A few pieces by Erdem.

Erdem fans. The woman on the left had one of the classiest looks that evening – love the black, white and gold combination and the earrings were just gorgeous.

I think, though, that this is the true essence of London coming through. There is a certain nonchalance about fashion in London. A close friend who lives there has told me that fashion is like any other industry there, it is part of the fabric of the city (pardon the pun). It’s the norm.

And after my visit to London a day or two after these events (posts to follow), I can see exactly what she means. What we call Brit eccentricity is worn by regular people on Oxford Street.

Mustard Mark.

Fast and Erdem are ex-pat Canucks who flew over for the event, but they weren’t the only Canadian creative contingent that evening.

Arthur Mendonca and Wayne Clark

Mr. Mendonca always looks so handsome. Love the pants and shoes.

And speaking of good pants and shoes, Mr. Bailey does not disappoint.

Hoax Couture’s Chris Tyrell always looks like a million – Pounds Sterling. Still remember a great conversation I had with him and Jim Searle at a Smirnoff party a thousand years ago.

I ran into Joyce Gunhouse and Judy Cornish of Comrags as well, telling them that I still remembered theirs was the first fashion show I had ever seen – at the Festival of Canadian Fashion. I remember that Swamp Thing was playing – those fashion and music memories never leave you.

I wanted to go over to say hello to Tu Ly, to chat with him about his time at Ports.

Tu Ly, always in a fashion class all his own.

He was standing over by the champagne bar. However, by the time I got to the spot and tapped whom I thought was Ly from behind, I realized it was another familiar face – David from Holt Renfrew’s World Design Lab, who also happened to be wearing black and white (like Ly!). We had a lovely chat about Mr. McQueen.

Dapper David, laughing it up.

Dare I say it, but it is quite possible that the men that evening were outshining the women in the room.

Bravo to the risk takers!

Printed, from head to toe.

Tartan and sparkle: a retro duo with style to spare.

These two are surely related to dear Auntie Viv!

Despite these few fashion daredevils, most Canadians play it safe when it comes to style.

This new wave of Brit designers will work better than the Westwoods and McQueens for this market because the collections are infinitely easier to wear. I say this, not with disrespect for any of the designers. Their clothes are gorgeous and each collection has a distinct personality.

Colour-dusted Kirkwoods

There is immense craftsmanship in Christopher Kane’s embroidered leathers (Kane didn’t attend but his clothes were on view), Erdem’s grey lace frocks and in Charlotte Olympia platforms.

Dressed to thrill, in Christopher Kane. *

Sometimes all it takes is one killer piece. Christopher Kane belted blazer. *

Erdem’s ethereal grey lace. *

And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better…he embroiders it! *

It’s all in the details, darlings. Charlotte Olympia green platforms, with the signature spider web logo. *

However, they are safer than a bias-cut, twisted, blossoming bosom dress by Westwood or even the plainest of accessories by McQueen. After all, this is the new wave of Brits. While the former lot of designers were all about rebellion, it seems these men and women are rebelling against the notion of what British fashion is supposed to be.

Like the designers, these clothes were unique, yet approachable. So, for Toronto, they should work. And maybe, just maybe, more of the masses will not wear a little black dress at the next party, but a laser-cut Saunders or a printed Deacon or a Kirkwood shoe sculpture paired with one of the above?

Ms. Brooks, Mr. Mellamphy, I raise my glass and tip my McQueen hat to you, for that.

All photos marked with * are by Yours Truly. All others are courtesy of The Bay.

[I also attended the panel discussion the following day and will have more on that and the individual designers in an upcoming post. My 'To Write' list is longer than my FW10 shopping list. Thanks for your patience, my dear readers. It's been a whirlwind few days/weeks/months with many new adventures. I have some great London stories to share very soon, too.]

London, Loved and Left

…for the time being, at least.

I am back from London, my dears.

On this visit, I fell in love with one of my favourite cities all over again, discovering nooks and crannies of rich fashion goodness. It was a melt in your mouth and melt your heart kind of goodness.

And do I have a few stories for you that will unfold here in the coming days and weeks – stories involving musical icons, must-stop shops and culinary couture.

I am richer from the exchange and poorer from the exchange rate.

I owe you a million posts, I know. We haven’t even shared coffee over FW10 yet.

But for now, there are bags to be tended to – both the deep Vs under my eyes from a whirlwind trip and bags to unpack…

Auntie Viv - the true Queen of England.

Image courtesy of stylesectionla.com.

Daphne G’s Museum-worthy Wardrobe

As you may know from hanging out in this space from time to time, Daphne Guiness is one of my fashion heroes.

No one can put together clothes like this woman. She is planets ahead of us all when it comes to style.

And now, well, in  2011, we can all ogle the gladrags she dons so well (and maybe, if I am lucky, even the tangled web she weaves!) at an exhibition of (what is surely a tiny fraction of) her wardrobe at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.

The September 2011 ex will feature 80 to 100 pieces by McQueen, CDG, Alaia, Balenciaga and beyond.

Of course, the ex will be curated by the brilliant fashion historian and director/chief curator of The Museum at FIT,  Valerie Steele, plus a book will accompany the show.

I’ve already booked it off in my calendar.

Our dear, dramatic Daphne.

 Photo courtesy of Vanity Fair.

Mod girls need a new place to shop

Ben Sherman, the Carnaby street retailer synonymous with mod fashion for the past 50 years,  is getting out of the women’s wear game.

After a tough year, the retailer plans to focus on its bread and buttah: menswear.

Shame for mod girls the world over.

Image courtesy of bensherman.com.

Erdem to get eMOTIONal at the V&A

The Victoria & Albert Museum is hosting their next Fashion in Motion event on December 11th.

The star of the show? None other than Montreal’s very own, Erdem Moralioglu.

“I am thrilled and honoured to be showing at the V & A. Since my student days is has been one of my favourite museums and I even showed my very first collection here.”          – Erdem Moralioglu

Fashion in Motion is a series of live catwalk events at the V&A to bring couture to the common/everyday fashion lover, featuring some of the greatest modern designers du jour. The last show featured Giles Deacon.

This show will likely give us a look through Erdem’s past, present and future. Here are some looks from his Fall 2009 collection…

Erdem Moralioglu printed babydoll dress for FW09

Erdem is no stranger to London – he studied at the Royal College of Art, graduating in 2003. He worked for Diane von Furstenberg for a New York minute, before returning to the birthplace of Mods and Punk Rock, to launch his own line in 2005.

Erdem Moralioglu's layered prints, FW09

Blurred beauty at Erdem Moralioglu FW09

Getting dressed was never so easy. Erdem Moralioglu FW09

He is obviously inspired by artists from Monet to Degas to Kandinsky. The fusion of florals and blurred beauty is deliberate and intricate, but the results are simple.

These dresses are easy to put on, easy to wear and easy to carry.

Scoop, there it is. Erdem Moralioglu FW09.

A little detail in the right place. Erdem Moralioglu FW09.

It doesn’t matter if you are going to the opera, to a cocktail party or on a romantic tryst.

A little Russian and a little French, all at once. Erdem Moralioglu FW09.

Modern cheongsam? Erdem Moralioglu FW09.

His dreamy dresses and positively pristine prints make you glad to be a girl.

Glamour, fully zipped at Erdem Moralioglu FW09.

Admission to Fashion in Motion is FREE but booking is essential.

Tickets will be available to book from Monday November 30th. Call the V&A at: 0207 942 2820.

We’ll, of course, have the post-event pics posted in this space!

Erdem FW09 collection images from Style.com.

Christopher Kane for Topshop Fall 09

After the light, airy numbers for summer, every girl needs a little edge. Enter Christopher Kane for Topshop this Fall.

An LBD, a platform tassle boot and some studly adornment. Dressed and done.

Photo source.

From the Beatles to Bowie at National Portrait Gallery

There’s no doubt that the ’60s were cool.  I wasn’t there, but there’s certainly plenty of photographic evidence to support it.

The  Beatles to Bowie: the 60s exposed exhibition launching October 15th at the National Portrait Gallery in London is a show and tell of some of the pop-star cool cats of Swinging London at the time.

David Bowie, 1966. Photo by David Wedgbury.

The Beatles, 1964. Photo by Robert Whitaker.

The show includes 150 photographs and memorabilia from musical icons including The Beates, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Kinks and Bowie. 

The photos are great examples of how music, image and fashion are intertwined.

The Who, 1966. Photo by Colin Jones.

Pink Floyd, 1967, cover of debut album Piper at the Gates of Dawn. Photo by Vic Singh.

David Bowie, 1969. Photo by David Bebbington, Retna Pictures.

Worth checking out, whether you are a mod, fashionista, muso or just a pop culture junkie.

Many of the snaps have not been displayed publicly before. The exhibition runs until next January.

While you are at the NPG, be sure to check out the photo ex of another ’60s icon: Twiggy.