Louise Amstrup

It's been a little while since my last post but don't worry, I'm still alive! I spent the day on a boat yesterday which was really lovely (minus the fact that we broke down half way through the trip). The weather made up for it though - how nice has this sun been recently!?. I'm back to school tomorrow which is a bit weird since study leave feels like its lasted forever. I'm into the routine of getting up late in the morning and going to bed late at night so it's going to be a bit of a shock next week (I only have 2 lessons on Monday though, so not exactly a hard start to A2!).

 The designer I have chosen to show you today is Louise Amstrup. She is originally from Germany but now lives in London having worked for designers such as Jonathan Saunders and Alexander McQueen. Her collections are all quite simple but every piece is individual in it's design. I personally really like the colours that she uses in her designs and the different prints that she includes. 

What do you think of this designer? How has your week been?

Spring/Summer 12

Autumn/Winter 12

Spring/Summer 13

Autumn/Winter 13

Felicity Brown

This designer I've actually known about for a while (unusual, I know!). Her designs are so inspiring with the use of fabrics and structure. Part of my textiles coursework was to do a critical study response on one of her designs so I really do understand how hard it is to create these amazing dresses! The designer, herself, is based in London and is running the label with her brother. Have a look at the collections...

Autumn/Winter 10

The stunning photography in this collection really draws out the overall feeling and mood of these designs. I love the simplicity they have and the movement the fabric gives to the pieces. All of Felicity Brown's collections are quite small and she tends to only have around about 15 looks (sometimes less or more) for each season but I think this really makes each design incredibly well-made and amazing quality. 

Spring/Summer 11

Who could not love that texture? This was the collection from which I attempted to do a critical study - it's a lot harder than it looks!

 Autumn/Winter 11

Incredible collection. The actual discovery of this designer for me dates back to when I went to the Ballgown Exhibition at the V&A museum. The dress at the top right was one of the pieces there and it was incredible to see it in real-life. It really gives you the chance to see the amount of time and effort that goes into creating a dress like that.

Spring/Summer 12

A bit more toned down here but I love the the string-like pieces in these designs. I was reminded of this collection when I went to the Valentino exhibition. One of his main techniques was to use strings of fabrics, just like above, to create wonderful dresses. Perhaps Felicity Brown took inspiration from him, who knows?

Autumn/Winter 13

 I was rather disappointed to see this collection. The one thing that I loved about this designer was her unique take on the fabric that she used and the unusual structures she created. Although these designs are still great, compared to here previous designs I feel they are rather lacking. Sorry to end on a rather low note! Anyway, it's not just my opinion - what do you think of Felicity Brown's collections?

P.S. Giveaway coming soon!

Rediscovery

I had a lovely day on a visit to London today. Me and a couple of friends went over to Covent Garden in the morning. I bought a velvet vintage dress which I'll show you all at some point. I've wanted something velvet for ages so I'm so glad I bought it! We then went over to the Valentino exhibition which is currently on at Somerset House. The exhibition includes 137 of Valentino's most incredible evening dresses. We were all amazed by the incredible quality and design of all of the dresses (literally every single one!) and I'd definitely recommend going to visit the exhibition if you get the chance. On to my outfit. This is a variation of what I wore today. The jumper was from a family member and is perfect for wearing tucked into a high waisted skirt. The fur gillet, I actually rediscovered yesterday. I'd completely forgotten I had it (I bought it a couple of years ago) but it's actually really great to add to an outfit and is really great for the winter (It's just a shame winter is nearly over!).

skirt - Primark

fur gillet - Birmingham clothes show

necklace - River Island

jumper - old 

tights - Bora Aksu

shoes - New Look

What do you think of this look? What items have you rediscovered recently?

Highlights of LCM

I haven't really talked much about men's fashion on my blog but since London's Men Collections has just finished I thought I'd do a sort of summary of the highlights (or lowlights!) of the past 3 days. Although, I do love looking at men's fashion, I always find that things seem to repeat. The same suits always turn up or the same trousers are everywhere. This season seems to have mixed things up a bit (there are some very out there designs) with a larger variety. So here goes...

MONDAY

John Smedley

An interesting mix of leggings and striped jumpers!

Topman Design

Loads of different styles in this collection, though a lot of baggy trousers and plenty of layers. 

Lee Roach

 This collection was all about simplicity - every design was either black or/and white. 

MAN

Yes I agree - a bit weird, but it was actually one of my favourite collections. Check out the rest of the designs if you have a chance. 

Hunter Gather

Fashion East

 This definitely wins the award for one of the weirdest collections - footballs for shoes and a bucket for a hat. 

Meadham Kirchoff

Hackett

TUESDAY

Nicole Farhi

 Definitely one of my favourites. Simple but effective.

Aitor Throup

Jonathan Saunders

I'm obsessed with the colours in this collection.

Christopher Shannon

Martine Rose

Savile Row

Alexander McQueen

Sibling

 Yes, I laughed out loud too.

James Long

WEDNESDAY

JW Anderson

Shaun Samson

Katie Eary

The prints are great in this collection.

What do you think of these collections? Which were your favourite?