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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under construction.

As the observant amongst you have probably gathered, the blog is undergoing a few urgent aesthetic changes.

It's all well and good having amazing content but it has to look a bit pretty too.
This is where I struggle.

Who's the lucky girl whose best friend is the most creative lady around and just so happens to be trained up in website design?

Yes, that's me. Score. You can find / follow Megan on twitter at @PrettyEvents

We're going to get exams out of the way first, then have a proper brainstorm to make the blog a bit more cool.

Fingers crossed by the end of January you will looking at the new and very much improved are you dressing up or dressing down?

It's about time. I have high hopes.

I cannot wait.

Back to the books for now, urgh.

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TRENDSETTER.

As if another year end is upon us. Here are my favourite top five trends of 2010.

After much deliberation I eventually whittled it down to a measly five. There were mini-trends a plenty I would have liked to sneak in but I believe these five were the ONE.

5. Fashion Faux pas (pl.)

Socks and shoes? Double denim? SUSPENDERS!? Nothing could scream fashion police alert more than these three. That refused to be the case this year and in fact huge fashionable respect was gained with the sporting of one of these unconventional trends.

Whoever would think that the biggest going-out outfit dilemma would be which socks with which shoes? I don't know when, where or which genius decided that this cringey dad faux pas was suddenly cool but I think we all owe you a huge thank you.

Thanks to Henry Holland and Pretty Polly it was acceptable to rock suspenders out of the confinements of the boudoir. Provided the sell-out suspender tights weren't paired with anything remotely, stereotypically 'slag', they added a subtley sexy touch. I was definitely a fan. The whole of the high-street jumped on the bandwagon offering us their take on the trend. I bought mine from non other than Marks & Sparks.

Double denim sneaked its way into our lives, slowly but surely to earn a rightful place in my 2010 trend hall of fame. Please please please if you do try this at home, remember not to co-ordinate the colours. The term is double denim; two pieces of denim worn at any one time that is; not all over or matching denim.

4. The Nudist

Not literally. I mean in terms of colour palette, obvz. This is a trend which I cannot remember my wardrobe without. Sure to be crowned the new black of 2010, girly pinks were well and truly ousted with its arrival. Nude shades were everywhere this year, having dominated the spring/summer 2010 catwalks, from off-white through pale rose to gold. Delicious candy-floss shades in sheer and floaty fabrics gave glamour to girlish looks. Accessories were also big on this trend and it was even extended to the beauty counters with nude lips reigning supreme thanks to the Golden Globe awards.

3. Material Girls and Boys

Winter signified an epic switch to more substantial garments; those brave enough to weather the winter chills, thick enough to block the blustery winds. This winter we were kept snug with knits, leather, sheepskin and suede.

Nostalgic, fairisle knits made a comeback. Slouchy, waffle, or cable - chunky knits were well and truly embraced.

The leather jacket recieved a feminine update to become what would be known as the (SOLD OUT TOPSHOP) shearling aviator. But leather this year wasn't only in jacket form...

Leather and suede were no longer confined to the shoe lounge, extending their portfolios to the clothing rails of our high street. Shorts, skirts and jackets contributed to the main of the collections. Yet, the suede shoe trend fittingly remained. Ladies and gentlemen took their pick from so many variations of the cute dessert bootie.

2. SHE Wears the Trousers

The fashion industry jumped aboard, all hands on deck campaigning for girl power and urged us to man-up with a good old bit of power dressing this year.

Spring came laiden with variation of the unconventional, drop-crotch 'nappy' pant. I am, of course, talking about the harem trouser. The marmite of the leg department. I, personally, am not a fan but there were options a plenty to choose from: peg-leg, tapered, high waisted, statement prints, you get the idea. Pretty dresses and flouncy skirts were no longer the garment of choice for eveningwear, the statement piece was the jumpsuit. An outlet of the trouser trend completely misunderstood by the opposite sex.

Autumn got all grown up on us and saw a return of the previosuly favoured skinny styles in anything from equestrian lycra to country corduroy, ooh ar.


1. Hollar for a Collar

Admittedly a bias choice for the top spot but can you blame me? Yes, if you look at my hundred most recent facebook tagged snaps there is a running theme, slight obsession? Maybe. Bothered? Not at all. Kindly welcomed into my wardrobe by my only girl crush, dearest Alexa Chung, the collar emerged as the mighty mini-trend of 2010. Dresses, tees, shirts and blouses all got the collar treatment. Some stores stepped it up a level and even stocked separate collars you could attach to non-collared garments. Genius. A trend I hope will transcend through the seasonal trends of the next year; it remains to be a trend pulled-off equally by both men and women. Peter Pan or pointed; this one will show no signs of fading fast if I have anything to do with it.

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blogging interview debut.

The guys at okreko.com emailed me over the weekend saying how they loved my blog and would like for me to feature in a blogging-themed interview on their site. I was flattered. An offer I couldn't refuse.

It went a little bit like this...

When & why did you start blogging?

I started blogging in July 2010 so I by no means consider myself a dab hand at this. I had moved back home from uni for the summer holidays. Friends and family had nagged constantly as they knew of my burning desire to become a fashion journalist. Up until then, I had been too lazy to get the ball rolling. I wanted to channel my thoughts and energy into something constructive. It acted as the pefect distraction from the split with my ex. So, with too much time on my hands, I finally made the move.

Why do you like blogging, and what makes you post?
To be honest I don't think I can pin-point why I enjoy blogging. I've always loved writing and fashion so having a fashion blog let's me fufills both these interests. I find the fact that people actually readamazing. I would've never have thought.

Most bloggers find it hard to get an audience, whats your advice?

That's no secret, it is hard and very time consuming. You have to be committed and a lot more goes into it then simply posting decent content. You have to NETWORK. Having a strong presence on the blogosphere is the best piece of advice I have ever been given. It is a cliche but it's a simple case of getting your name out there. Easier said than done right? Not strictly. Post your link on facebook, comment on forums, join networks - IFB and LOOKBOOK - participate frequently with genuine, related comments. Build relationships with fellow bloggers by commenting on their posts - show that you've took time to read the post.
Get Twitter also - I'm still struggling with how to work it but its handy to have.
It won't happen overnight but it'll be worth the wait.
A few other hinters - be original, have readable content and a personal writing style. 
Your blog should reflect your personality to some degree so don't go copying other's hardwork.

Why should okreko readers follow your blog?

I'm not a big believer of the philosophy 'follow me and I'll follow back'. It defeats the point of blogging, I feel.
If opinionated insights, fashionable experiences and interesting articles are your cup of tea then check me out.

Whats a typical day like in Helen's life?
Right now my days are mainly taken up by uni work or Christmas present shopping, followed by light blogging duties and catching up with my girls of an evening over a few glasses of wine.

Whos your favourite designer?

It would have to be Chanel as it is so effortlessly classy. My new obssession though is the duo that makes up Meadham Kirchkoff. Check them boys out.

Who or What is your biggest style influence?

Two words - Alexa Chung.

Street style is amazingly inspirational too.

If you had a fashion label what would it be called?

Eek, that's a toughie. It took so long for me to come up with a blog name, it'd take lifetime to do that.

What item of clothing do you wish more people wore?

Boys in desert boots and caps.
People need to learn to buy decent fitting jeans.

What item do you think is a must have right now?

A shirt and bow-tie combo.

Describe yourself in one word.

Excitable.

I really do love doing what I do but it makes it even more worth the while when people actually read it and I get so much positive feedback. I couldn't extend my gratitude far enough.

Thank you all.

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LDN on FLM.

As promised - London in pictures. I am more happy snapper than sell-out photographer.

 

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it must be love.

I have been awaiting this literally heavenly moment a while now and oh hello you.

Thanks to Jade, my full attention has been brought to what can only be described as the BEAUTIFUL S/S '11 lookbook of my favourite. tba of course.

Those sherbet-y colours, touches of metallic gold, the adorable collars, the delicate lace detailing, etc etc.

In no particular order I give you...

 

tba SS11

I'm a fan of the pairing of the desert boots and socks combo.

I WANT YOU ALL.

When are you going to be in the shops please?

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do me a favour.

Pretty please?

To my suprise I have made it onto the British Style Bloggers, Blog of The Month December shortlist. I didn't even know about it. It'd be hugely appreciated if you could all take two tiny seconds to click here and vote away.

Big up to the team at the team at British Style Bloggers for the nomination in the first place.

Obvz a huge thanks to everyone who votes.

Fingers crossed.

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BRITISH FASHION AWARDS

I am fully aware that I am a week late with this but turning twenty one with my best mate this weekend amongst other important social calls has kindof took over my life up until now.

I returned to the deserted, cobbled streets of York on Thursday with thee biggest hangover. It is a world away from thr hype of London. Talk about snap back to reality. Severe dislike. But with having had the best experience in London so far. British Fashion awards attendee yes please.

So after all the deliberation what did I wear? I made a last minute (standard) dash to Oxford St. opting for a green silk tulip skirt, H&M with a delicate Meadham Kirchhoff for TOPSHOP blouse and these wedges in black. I accessorizied with this, these plus vintage pendants. My patent navy vintage carry bag completed the look.
Pictures of the whole ensemble will follow in the next post.

My plus one- up and coming British knitwear designer - Bethan Juliff and I, were like over-excited little girls. We had noo idea what to expect.

After collecting a glass of champagne we were shown to our seats and welcomed by an 'exclusive' goody bag. Sitting eagerly, anticipating the start of the show.

Claudia Winkleman presented the main of the proceedings. She fully embraced the current cape trend sporting a black, sheer number. After the formalities she welcomed Harold Tillman - head of the British Fashion Council to speak. He was full of admiration for the British fashion industry and praise for its progression over the last year.

The whole evening was a bit surreal, breathing the same air as Alexa and Naomi eeek. I think it'll be amazing to look back and say I was there when they honoured the late Lee Alexander McQueen with the award for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design. Only rightly.

And the winner is...

Designer of the Year - Phoebe Philo, Celine Creative Director
Model of the Year - Lara Stone
Designer Brand of the Year - Mulberry
British Style Award - Alexa Chung
Accessory Designer - Nicholas Kirkwood
Men's Wear Designer - Patrick Grant of E. Tautz
Emerging Talent - Meadham Kirchhoff (I obviously saw this one coming)
Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator - Nicola Formichetti
Special Recognition Award- Naomi Campbell
Digital Innovation - Burberry.

Alexa was a humble winner saying - 'Oh god, my face really big on the screen, erm well this is awkward'. She looked stunning in an S/S '11 Chanel piece. Bizarrely, she said she'd chose her Chanel gown as she liked “to look like a four-year-old”. Yet, still managed to look so effortlessly stylish.

Naomi Campbell made an emotional acceptance speech, talking about the need to use more varied races on runways. The London born model said ' what I've seen recently is that I've seen it go backwards. We need to raise awareness again and need to start using women of colour more.' Implying that eliminating racial preference is still something that very much needs addressed by the industry. She was very appreciative of the award.

Another highlight was the film shown to accompany Burberry's digital innovation efforts. Never would you think that the iconic trench could be manipulated in some 2000 ways.

It was over in a flash. It gave me such an enlightening insight into the industry and where it all starts from - a spark of genious creativity is what it all comes down to. The high street would be nothing without the raw talent of young, artistic minds. It is refreshing to see them recognised in such a manner. I think the sheer hardwork of designers and their army of helpers is very much underestimated as its often only the glitz and glam of the exterior that we see.

Maybe just maybe, I shall be sat applauding future winners sat between the camps of Mulberry and Burberry one day. But for now I am just thankful for the opportunity.

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christmas wishes.

I'm not huge on the whole laborious, over-rated affair that the festive season embodies itself as but the one thing I do still conform to is compiling a 'if I had all of you, I would be a very happy girl' list.

All I want for Christmas is all of you, pretty please. If you ask me. I reckon its pretty reasonable. Mammy may beg to differ.

ASOS, Burberry, tba, Olympus Pen, Chanel, Topshop, O&O

Cheers Santy baby.Throw in a trip to New York if you fancy.

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material girl.

Hiya new feature - may I introduce to you my first guest blogger post. Written by my beautiful favourite Chineeese gal, Liz.

As winter tightens her icy grasp over England, we are faced with the horrid realisation that bare legs have overstayed their welcome. Tanned skin is very much faded and it is now time to reluctantly admit that our trusty ray-bans should retreat somewhat sheepishly into their cases; nostalgically dreaming of sunnier climes.
However, despite the adverse weather, winter for the fashionista is a far cry from the doom and gloom cloaking England. Winter, signifies an epic switch to more substantial garments; those brave enough to weather the winter chills, thick enough to block the blustery winds and chic enough to stop any man in his tracks. This winter look to four essentials, all tactile, all textural and all promising to leave you hot to trot. It is with great pleasure that I present knits, leather, sheepskin and suede.

The time has come to dig out those nostalgic knits lurking deep in the cave of your grandmother’s wardrobe, to brush away those mothballs and to seize this season’s knitwear which is bigger and bolder than ever before. Whether its slouchy, waffle, or cable – knitwear caters to any look. Try classically chic: a slim knit, cinching skinny waist belt and floor length skirt. Quintessentially quirky: vintage levi cut-offs, cropped tee and grandpa cardi or melancholic grunge: leather skirt, sheer blouse and freyed cardigan. It is time to embrace those warm folds full of love and memory, for knit is a trend which is effortlessly easy.

To accompany these winter warmers is the leather jacket. You’re immediately thinking biker right? This season while the biker remains, the fruitful fashion world kindly offers a more feminine, slash less rocky alternative. If there’s one coat you buy this winter let it be a shearling aviator. Warm, snug and super cool this jacket is soaring along both catwalk and high street.  Look to chocolate brown leathers with shearling collars. Mix these with cream knits, thick tights and denim shorts or alternatively a tucked in knit, high-waisted skinny trousers and some cheeky lace-up booties. Whistles’ Anika flying jacket is a lust-have at £325, however TOPSHOP also have a great range which is still easy on the eye but also kinder to ones pocket.

Alternatively, for a more authentic and individual look, some vintage chains like Beyond Retro and Rokit offer a range of real aviation jackets. But be warned, finding the correct size can be tricky and laborious, but this makes success all the more sweet.

Furthermore, leather this season isn’t only in jacket form. Urban Outfitters have a sleek leather skirt in their range as do TOPSHOP.  Also, as grown up trousers remain hot this season (high-waisted and tailored), leather brings another texture to the table. Sophisticated, grown up yet playfully sexy.

Alongside the rails of many a high street store of these edgier leather pieces sit its counterpart; suede. Leather and suede are textures standardly confined to the shoe lounge. However, this winter that is no longer the consensus. Suede has extended its portfolio to the clothing rails of our high street. Shorts, skirts and jackets contribute to the main of the collection. Yet, the suede shoe trend fittingly remains. Ladies, take your pick from dessert boots to subtlely detailed platforms. For the boy; a trusted brand with a stylish update, I give you the suede Vans plimpsoll.

Options a plenty.

Without further ado I bid you a snug winter.

Follow these trends and you’ll have no choice but to be, excuse the pun, hot property.

 1.Whistles, 2.Vans, 3.NEAL, 4.Won Hundred, 5.ASOS White, 6&7.TOPSHOP, 8.River Island, 9. Rag&Bone

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