Sat 28th Feb: Hanging Around With Hermes

Here is the latest in the line of moonlighting modelling jobs in Andy Macgregor's portfolio. My studio-mate who is usually to be found conjuring up miniature cardboard novelties for photo shoots or gigantic cardboard scenarios for installations................also has a secret sideline in the odd starring role. With previous appearances for Paul Smith and CDG, here is the new Hermes menswear magazine shoot by Tim Walker. All in a day's work...........getting fitted in numerous beautiful blazers and having to stand in on a vertical illusion. Whats the next booking?...........

Friday 27th Feb: Hats Off to Charlie Le Mindu

For me, this London fashion week was a playground for pleasure in the playfullness in hats and general headwear. My final smiles stretched from ear to ear all the way through Charlie le Mindu's presentation at Portland Place. His collection pieces weaved and constructed from hair, were so large it was like Alice In Wonderland emerging from the door as the models appeared gangly and triumphant. Charlie must have been living and breathing hair over the last couple of months as each item looked like it must have taken an army of coiffures to do each one. And there were many many looks in the whole package. I can't wait to find out how these creations will get couriered to shoots. I think it can only be a good thing as it will deter those stylists who order everything in on a whim. Courageous fans will find a way to incorporate the miraculous concoctions into their call-ins. I am a massive fan and this was yet another moment in millinery history. Blimey, what a week!

Friday 27th Feb: New Gen

My stand in the New Gen area in the exhibition tent at LFW
Photos courtesy of fashion 156 who I was positioned next to and kindly took these snaps for their blog

Thurs 26th Feb: Lady Sovereign

...........wearing pieces from my A/W 08 collection styled by Kate Ruth

Tues 24th Feb: Hats Off to Nasir Mazhar

So after waiting a good 18 months for the Stephen Jones exhibition, I was bouncing off the walls with excitement to cross the road from LFW to the V&A for the opening night. I whipped a silver mirror disc (new collection) off my stand and accessorized myself with Vicky's camera to capture the night for hintmag.com (as seen in previous posts). I was in HAT HEAVEN! Oh my word! I didn't even go into the exhibit because that would be like having a birthday on Christmas day! The party was quite enough of an ordeal to orienteer myself around with the dress code stipulating everyone to wear a head adornment. The night was blissfully unpretentious (sic: riotous) with a gleaming turn out from the old-guard and original crowd -Stephen's contemporaries from the 80's.

And so onto the new generation, and quite literally a New Gen winner Nasir Mazhar. I blogged his presentation from last season as it was a significant moment in millinery. If its possible, I think he pulled off another one yesterday. I was personally blown away but I think that was the general verdict according to feedback from the chaperone's bidding the guests good night.
I will try and keep this short and sweet: EXQUISITE EXECUTION and EDITING. If I say any more it will dilute the enormity of the experience. So I salute you sir, ...........my hat's off to Nasir.

Tues 24th Feb: Hats Off Part 2

Tues 24th Feb: Hats Off

Sun 22nd Feb: Michael Van Der Ham

I am a smug-face, weepy eyed, Miss B. I am so proud. Don't say, I didn't tell you.......... you read it here first!
Now sit back and see these dresses pop up everywhere.
Michael opened the CSM show and also closed the proceedings by scooping the award.
I have been going through all the reports online and it is an image from his collection that has been unanimously attached to the article from wwd to elle etc.
With Sarah Mower already on side, here is the official word from Vogue.com:


"And the show was just as energetic as ever, both on and off the catwalk. First up was Michael Van Der Ham, whose graphic shapes on multi-textured dresses were a perfect execution of a refreshingly new idea – and wearable at the same time. Those who gave their gold star there and then weren't far off the mark – Michael ended up as joint winner of the L'Oreal Professionnel Award alongside Oden Wilson"

Michael has kindly sent me these snaps from an initial fitting. Just one of the stages during the labour intensive treatment of his dresses. Go to vogue.com and use the zoom function to fully explore the multi-layered brocade and hand embroidered panels, spliced together in historically cross referenced sihouettes. Each different look with precision detailing and character of its very own, was styled with a pair of specially comissioned collaborative foil-print tights. I can't wait for the static show to get my paws on the pieces for a close inspection to fully appreciate the technique and tenderness in this (deep breath of sincerity) genius collection.