monday musings 003That Collaboration Rumour.

Erdem S/S '11

Not the Royal Wedding Dress one, although Mr.Moralioglu isn't ruling that one out either. My thoughts on this? I wish someone would just hurry up and admit to it. The Sarah Barton will she, wont she saga is wearing thin. Surely, if it is you, then it's something that you couldn't help but be screaming from the rooftops, for the whole world to hear, no?

My interests are much more concentrated on something that will make a difference to my life, or my wardrobe at least. Dun dun dun.......

Who will fill Lanvin's H&M collaboration shoesies?

Your guess is as good as any, with names from Erdem to Tom Ford being tossed around the fashionable air, mass hype has amalgamated regarding this seemingly, 'deadly secret' subject, today.

Like with the case of Middleton and her exceedingly, impending dressmaker discovery, it seems that the Fashion Houses' top dogs are struggling to unveil any clues. I really don't get the appeal of keeping it under wraps. Why such a big secret? We're all fashionable friends here. We'll found out sooner or later. And the sooner you tell us, it won't become any less exciting, than if you wait a month.

Personally, I am championing the Erdem case. A glance over any season's lookbook and you'll understand why. A man who in, not only my eyes, has perfected the mastery of the ladylike frock.

It got me thinking; what is the appeal of that high-street collaboration? What makes the creative directors (and their army of pattern cutters and sewers etc.) of the world's most reputable fashion houses, dedicate precious time and efforts to producing a collection that sells for an absolute snip of its ready-to-wear pieces?

Its a simple answer of a high-profile, publicity stunt. Increased hype for said high-street store, setting it apart from its competitors and mass brand awareness is sprinkled over the high streets of the world, all thanks to the fact that the unattainable becomes attainable.

Yes, H&M's consumer market of teenage girls will by no means, contribute significantly, to said designer's, following season's takings, (well their 'mummys' or 'daddys' may) but the important fact is, that along with their new dress, they'll walk out of said high street store with a hell of a lot more brand awareness than when they entered. This spreads like the plague. All it takes is for a friend, acquaintance or relative to ask 'Oh, who's that by'? To which the smug teenager has the pleasure of replying; "It's Erdem". BOOM. 'I should be wearing Erdem', thoughts ensue.

What gets me though is, why, if all these high-flying, fashion names are so highly covetable, then why not let the whole world have access to it for all of five minutes (by the time it sells out)? Lanvin's collab with H&M last year pretty much sold out, the day of its launch. But then I suppose distributing it worldwide for any Tom, Dick or Harry to get their paws on it, is all too mainstream and diffuses the exclusivity of it all. And no-one likes a sell-out.

Still, if it is Erdem I would like a look in please. This has unintentionally turned into an I ♥ Erdem campaign. Just saying.

Debates aside, one thing is for certain, with Lanvin and Jimmy Choo on its books, the chosen one will have super-high expectations to live up to.

Thoughts or guesses?

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Helen,

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Chung does Madewell debut.

Or Madewell does Chung? Either way more than a bit pleased that my only girl crush is making her debut fashion collection for the US label.

Effortlessy cool as always. What else did you expect?

Also, massive, blatant plug but one of the gals is on the BBC's new series of 'So You Think You Can Dance?'. Check out her skillz here - "Bethany Lives Her Dream." Proud and excited, the show starts next Saturday, so keep your eyes peeled.

Have a sweeeet weekend.

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Helen, 

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profile me: bethan juliff.

After the privilege of her company at the British Fashion Awards, I thought it was only fair to formally introduce her to you and showcase her awe inspiring talent. A definite one to watch; I give you Bethan Juliff - up and coming knitwear designer.

A bit about Bethan and the brand. The Bethan Juliff brand was borne out by young, London fashion designer of the same name. Bethan anchored the brand on the completion of a BA in Fashion Knitwear Design at Nottingham Trent University in 2009.

Bethan prides herself on creating exclusive, handcrafted knitwear pieces implementing unique, bespoke, knitting techniques that set her apart from other knitwear designers. Pieces are made from the best cotton, cashmere, mohair and lambs wool Bethan can get her hands on.

Bethan is currently weaving her way into the cut-throat world of the fashion industry, waiting on those all important words every designer so longs to hear; ‘we want YOU‘. With three enviable collections already to her name and the recent launch of the latest, it is looking increasingly promising that this could be her season to shine.

Bethan celebrated the launch of her Autumn / Winter 2011 collection on 25th February, earlier this year. Hosted in the exclusive confines of Kensington Roof Gardens, it was a lavish affair from the bubbling champagne to the stylish turn-out. The event was received with great praise from the general public and the London fashion scene alike. Ten models flaunted new collection pieces during the evening, accessorized with the beautiful, Bethan Juliff Knitwear, signature, Poppy broach. 

 

Photos: Tomo Creative

Bethan says of the latest collection; "I design and create a luxury knitwear product, which is unique yet wearable. The collection provides a look for every possible occasion including a wedding gown for the new season. I find that knitwear is very misunderstood and there are possibilities for beautiful elegance and not just cable knit jumpers and socks!"

The collection compliments innovative new designs with classic pieces. The range is carefully crafted, every piece elegantly bold in its own right. The collection compiles thirteen graceful styles, including two debuts in the form of a choice of evening gowns. And Bethan’s efforts have even championed a wedding dress first for the brand. The gowns combine full fishtail skirts with backless tops and the wedding dress’s elegant buttoned detailing creates the meticulously designed, dramatic finish, providing the centre piece to the collection.

 'Bluebell'

Another first for the collection are two party dresses named 'Ivy' and 'Forget Me Not', full billowing skirts play in harmony with flattering structures. These are both available in black, grey and cream. 

'Forget Me Not'

The range also features a much loved classic which has been given a subtle revamp; Bethan’s trademark 'Coatagan'.  The Autumn Winter 2011 'Tulip' is a revamped version of this popular style.

To see the new collection in all its handcrafted glory visit www.bethanjuliff.com.

Bethan is more than happy to answer any queries you may have regarding any collection pieces, please email your questions to info@bethanjuliff.com.

You can also find her on 

Twitter / Facebook

Helen,

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one love.

This blog was never intended as a sell-out, high end fashion wannabe but with the Paris couture shows in full swing, I couldn't resist re-posting these images from the season's Chanel offerings.

All Images -Vogue.co.uk

Pastel, frilled and feathered dresses in soft tones of lilacs, pinks and blues, whispered innocence but waist-less silhouettes percolated the Grecian allure.
Glittering evening versions fell to the floor, adorned in sequins, crystals and delicate embroidery detailing.

Coveted Chanel pieces were evident in the form of the traditional bouclé wool suits that played out at the start over narrow trousers which were also intricately sequinned and crystalised.

Mr Lagerfield has hit the nail bang on the head with this collection, perfectly channeling S/S '11 through pretty, sheer dresses in monochromes and floor-skimming, pastel gowns.

Three words: pure, girlish, elegance.

Karl Lagerfield... marry me? Or design me a dress as a freebie at least.

 

p.s. thank you all so much for voting for me to win a sixth month paid internship at ELLE magazine. If you haven't already, it's not too late. If you like what you have seen on are you dressing up or dressing down? or just want to show your support then 'PICK ME' to win here.

profile me: meadham kirchhoff.

Going against everything I believe in posting twice in a day.

I introduce - Meadham Kirchoff.

Brought to my attention about three weeks ago when trowelling through the rails of Oxford Street's Topshop in a desperate attempt to put together an outfit suitable for a black tie occassion - the British Fashion Awards. Coincidentally, the duo - NEWGEN designers, snapped up the award for Emerging Talent of the Year at the ceremony, presented by Alexa.

Once I returned home, I did some light googling, facebooking and uncovered a wealth of new favourite designs.

So who are they?

The British/French duo is made up of Edward Meadham and Benjamin Kirchhoff. They both studied at the prestigious Central Saint Martins - Edward; Womenswear and Benjamin; Menswear. They joined forces post-graduation and launched a menswear label, "Benjamin Kirchhoff".

In 2005 they were chosen to showcase their new-born label in Fashion East’s first MAN show, bringing them to the attention of a very impressed London Fashion scene. From there, in 2006, they extended their efforts to womenswear and thank god for that. Over the last few seasons, the pair have rightfully earned a name for themselves as the new avant-garde of the London Fashion Week schedule. Summing up their designs in three little words - "uncompromising, aware and individual", they have increasingly become fashion insiders' label of choice, debuting a collaboration with TOPSHOP in May this year which went down a storm.
I only hope they have more sorts of these 'gigs' lined up.

Loved for their edgy, yet beautifully melancholic collections, exquisite pieces that transcend seasons, their upcoming S/S '11 collection is inspired  by “susperia, My Little Pony and girls in all aspects.”

Every piece is stamped with their imitable, dreamy style and their S/S '11 offerings are no exception.

Feast your eyes on this lot.

Images: ELLE.com

What was set in wonderland of pink foliage, the S/S '11 preview at London Fashion Week provided quite a show. Admittedly an incredibly audacious choice of hair and make-up, it was all part of the aesthetics.

The collection comprises ethereal chiffon gowns of varying length, accessorised with chunky knit thigh-high legwarmers and patterned block heels. The gathering and cutwork detail emphasised the influence of layering in the designs. Dresses were worn over graffiti printed t-shirts or under thin baggy cardigans styled to drape off the shoulder and high-vis yellow and red painted leather bomber jackets. A welcome burst of colour.

Watch the show in its all its prettiful glory here.

The boys are in the process of launching a new site so watch this space.

Stockists: Browns, Liberty

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