FASHION FRINGE LFW 2011

For the last seven years, LFW has been host to 'Fashion Fringe': A real life project runway on which up-and-coming designers can début their work, providing a perfect launchpad for these creatives to get themselves noticed.

With previous winners going to forge successful careers post-fashion fringe, the world watched with baited breath as this years finalists sent their collections down the runway. I think I can safely say that no-one was disappointed with the results.

First off, I must point out that ALL three of the finalists have a huge amount of talent, and are all winners in their own right, but it is the first collection of the show that caught my eye, and ended up being crowned winner of LFW's Fashion Fringe 2011!

Fyodor Golan, A Latvian/Israeli duo formally known as Fyodor Podgorny and Golan Frydman, blew judges away with their exquisite collection titled 'Flowers of Evil'.


A stunning collection in every way possible; From the cut, colour and embellishment of the dresses, right down to the hair/make-up and ordering of the models.


Each model has an other-worldly air to them, resembling nymph's of the earth and sea that have just awoken from another realm, draped in vivid and provocative gowns that would make any seasoned designer proud.


My favourite pieces from the collection has to be the black and white gown, resembling a bird/flower hybrid...Its this type of awkward grace that I love to see from relatively new designers, an approach to design that is bold and fearless.

You can view more of this collection, as well as the other two collections over at style.com/fashionfringe

And If you'd like to see more of Fyodor Golan's work, you can do so over at fyodorgolan.com

SISTER by Sibling

You may remember my previous blog post on knitwear label 'Sibling', In which I unashamedly drooled over their amazing work, and this new venture has had a similar effect on my saliva levels.

During LFW 2011, Sibling debuted a new offshoot of the original collections, but this time with the female of the species in mind!

The collection is everything that can be expected from Sibling: Loud prints, bright colours and classic designs with a very modern twist. The theme running throughout the collection screams 'Seaside', 'Fairground' and 'tattoo'd carnies', along with the Sibling staple of leopard print! SO MUCH love for the LOVE/HATE jumpers...I don't even care if they're meant for the ladies.

Here are some images of the pieces, along with a teaser video.

Sibling have also collaborated with Topshop and will be releasing a line of exclusive knitwear for the Oxford Street branch and Selfridges...Here are a few pieces from the collection that will be available from mid November 2011!

LFW 2011: JEAN-PIERRE BRAGANZA. SPRING 2012

With London fashion week already kicking off with a bang, it was the collection from Jean-Pierre Braganza that first caught my eye amongst the initial buzz!

Briganza is known for his structured digital print dresses, a re-occurring staple in most of his collections to date, and he certainly didn't disappoint with his latest offering.

As can be expected with any RTW S/S collection, the pieces are loose fitting, in what looks to be silk and satin. Braganza unconventionally opted for a more subdued monochrome palette to begin with, with just a hint of colour, but the collection unfolded however, a more bold use of colour was unveiled, particularly in the vibrant print dress in red.

The cut of the collection seemed rather eighties inspired, with the use of shoulder pads in the long suit jackets, along with the unstructured sack dresses and bat-wing tops.

Overall I do feel that Briganza could have done a little more with this collection, It seemed a bit 'safe'. Despite that I still think it's beautiful!

You can view the full collection over at style.com/Briganza

Here are my favourite pieces from the collection!

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN/GIVENCHY

Before launching his self titled label, Mcqueen worked as head designer for French fashion house Givenchy.

Between 1996 and 2001, Mcqueen was responsible for some of the most exquisite pieces ever released by the internationally renowned label. Givenchy is well known for its classic designs, particularly those worn by Audrey Hepburn in many of her infamous movie roles.

Mcqueen very much put his own stamp on his work whilst at Givenchy, creating much darker pieces...the likes of which had never been seen ati Givenchy before.

One of his most macabre pieces is without doubt this dress from the AW 97/87 collection 'Eclect dissect'.

Mcqueen himself had this to say about the dress  “My idea was this mad scientist who cut all these women up and mixed them all back together.”

I LOVE this dress...the vulture shoulder pieces where a brave move, and I can imagine It was creating pieces such as this that pushed him to create the 'Mcqueen' brand. 

 

GISÈLE GANNE

As anyone following my blog will know, I LOVE any aspect of design using skulls/skeletons/body parts...as long as its BEAUTIFUL.

Well the work of jewellery designer Gisele Ganne is no exception, and honestly, she is a new favourite of mine!

Ganne draws inspiration from the Victorian era...their fascination with death, and creating modern day 'mourning jewellery'.

Every collection to date from Ganne features skulls as a reoccurring motif, but it was the 'Divorce Jewellry' collection that caught my eye in particular...

The use of animal skulls in yellow gold, along with pearls and enamel flowers is stunningly beautiful...A mournful yet optimistic union that seems to acknowledge the end of an era with the use of skulls, which also seems hopeful for the future!

You can see more of Ganne's work on her official site giseleganne.com!

My favourite has got to be the heavy-duty knuckle duster ring which can be seen in the fourth image!

What do you think of the pieces? Which is your favourite from the collection? Leave a comment below!

DOMINIC JONES

The work of British jewellery designer Dominic Jones embodies everything I love in a designer: Ingenuity, individuality, and a healthy dose of morbidity!

Using real animal parts along with casts of animal parts and various metals, Jones creates breathtaking jewellery that is certainly not for the faint of heart! It would take someone with real guts to don this stuff...a challenge I'd HAPPILY take!

It was a spread in Vice magazine annual fashion issue that caught my eye however, In which Jones created a series of accessories using a less then conventional medium...sea creatures.

I adore design such as this: Completely fearless, and constantly pushing the boundaries of what Is 'acceptable'. I'll admit that for obvious reasons the pieces are unwearable, and many people would argue 'what Is the point?'

My answer is this: Does art need to have a point?

You can read an interview with Jones on the Vice website In which he speaks a little about his inspiration and ideas about the series.

Here are the images from the spread, along with an older image of a pair of crocodile bangles that I couldn't resist including!

BILL MULLEN/NUMÉRO

Here is an AMAZING editorial featured in Issue #126 of Numéro magazine.

The spread featuring Jac Jagaciak, was shot by famed fashion photographer Greg Kadel and styled by the ridiculously talented Bill Mullen.

I love the energy in the photos, especially the images with the wind swept fur coats! 

Mullen has styled some of the best editorials I've seen in the last couple of years and his OTT style is easily recognisable. I can't wait to see what this guy has in store for the future!

I haven't been able to find who the designers used in the shoot where yet...but I couldn't resist sharing this amazing series asap.

Gotta whole lotta love for the pentagram bangles, who I believe are by Pamela Love!