Tag Archive: Bora Aksu

Sep 14 2012

LFW SS13: Day 1 – My Leather Skirt, Musical Madness And The Apartment

For some, day one at London Fashion Week is a complete miss, maybe it is the hangover from New York Fashion Week, but for me it is the start of an amazing five days and I wouldn’t dream of missing former Fashion Fringe winner’s Fyodor Golan and Corrie Nielsen and the Bora Aksu army is always a spectacle. Mix in the excitement of catching up with fashion friends that sometimes you only see twice a year, and checking out this year’s Mulberry tote – it makes for a great day.

Today was amazing – I had backstage at not one, but two of my favourite shows, I saw some jaw dropping red carpet worthy gowns, I listened to a marching band, I went to a Kate Nash concert at the Felder Felder show, and my whole day was helped along by the genius that is Abi Omole aka Abi Marvel and her amazing bloggers sanctuary, The Apartment.

Generally unless you’re an editor of magazines like Vogue or ELLE you generally walk a lot, spend way too much of your time tracking down the press bus, and miss a lot of shows, well this year thanks to The Apartment sponsor Get Taxi I have been whizzing round in a bright yellow cab – it as been heavenly!

I’ve also consumed more food than at all my previous fashion weeks put together, thanks to breakfast and afternoon tea with Aubaine, lunch with Raw 42. Plus I got to play dress up in the Chanel blazer that Anne Hathaway wore in The Devil Wears Prada, of course not the actual one, but a close second that eBay had tracked down.

Back to the shows, it was a packed day and more detail reviews coming up, but my top three highlights definitely included:

The gorgeous cobalt blue dresses at Fyodor Golan, I seriously hope and pray that major celebrity stylists see this collection and dress their A-list celebrities in them, as they need to be worn on a red carpet, I can see the likes of Diane Kruger and Kate Hudson in their designs, I really think they need to think big as they derserve the exposure.

The incredible Couture craftsmanship at Corrie Nielsen, inspired by delving through the archives at Kew Gardens this is a collection with more feminity than previous seasons, and it really did glow down the runway. Everything from the dip-dye effect make-up to the statement headpieces that complemented the divine gowns, this was once again another hit for Corrie.

Finally, but definitely not least, was the Romanian Queen romance from Bora Aksu, this collection had everything from intricate an hairstyle from KMS California, they needed three stylists per model to create a head of hair worthy of a crown, then the collection itself was dreamy, romantic and regal all at the same time, it was just perfection that ended with his signature Bora army of models – this is a collection that truly captured me to the end and I have already google Queen Marie of Romania as I need to know more.

To my look, as it was day one I decided to be brave, and so I wore my faux leather pencil skirt from Next for the first time, I was a little worried that I wasn’t cool enough to wear! I picked up most of this look for my gothic fashion challenge with Westfield London and as I really loved the leather pencil skirt paired with the cute lace peplum I thought what the hell. Finishing off my look was a layered cardigan, I think it helped to tone down the skirt, an adorable red bow belt as I love red and black together, the most comfortable, go with everything laced up ankle boots, lots of silver bangles, and a simple silver origami swan necklace.

My Style: Next faux leather skirt (c/o Next), Topshop lace peplum top (c/o Westfield London), Allsaints cardigan, New Look red bow belt, Topshop ankle boots, H&M Swan necklace and bangles, and Retro54 glasses.

Did you go to London Fashion Week today or did you see any of the livestream, which don’t forget you can view on my blog here, do let me know what your highlights were, also all comments good or bad welcomed regarding my outfit – I got wolf-whistled for the first time in years off some builders so I’m thinking it was a thumbs up.

Tags: Bora Aksu, Corrie Nielsen, Fashion Fringe, Fyodor Golan, LFW, London Fashion Week, My Style, Next, SS13

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Aug 10 2012

Bag Loving: Bracher Emden For Bora Aksu Heading To Harrods

Fashion week always brings a lot of collaborations and one of my favourites from London Fashion Week autumn/winter 2012 had to be Bracher Emden for Bora Aksu. Regular readers will already know I am a big fan of Bora Aksu, the incredible detailing, the story telling, and the army of models that always finishes his show it is one of my highlights, this year’s collection was made even better with the addition of the gorgeous Bracher Emden bags.

Bracher Emden is well known for creating futuristic-yet-feminine styles and the collaboration features two styles an elegant tote and a gorgeous leather clutch, featuring Bora Aksu’s signature organic swirl in a heart motif. Seriously dreamy and considering they are straight from the catwalk they aren’t priced badly either – £365 for the heart clutch and £565 for the tote.

Both styles will be exclusive to Harrods and will feature in the New Designers Accessory Space on the Lower Ground Floor from August 31 and will be available in seven colours - Aubergine, Butter Yellow, Pale Grey, Taupe, Ink Black, Forest Green and Coral Red. I have a feeling these beauties will be sell outs – so if you loved them at fashion week get in there quick!!!

Which one is your favourite – the heart clutch or the tote?

Tags: Bora Aksu, Bracher Emden, Harrods

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Mar 31 2012

AW12: Bora Aksu – All For The Love Of A Collar

What I love about attending press days is the chance to see catwalk collections up close and this week I got to see the divine Bora Aksu autumn/winter 2012 collection. At London Fashion Week I adored the girlie-yet-dark romantic pieces, as well as the explosion of gorgeous colours with the vibrant oranges and pinks, which worked perfectly with the grey. But what really caught my attention at the press day had to be the exquisite prints, which apparently Bora Aksu took from some vintage curtains that he found, and then there is the raised texture of the print, simply gorgeous.

This collection has everything I could ask for – colour, cute touches in the billowing babydoll silhouettes, couture tailoring in the striking cape jackets, and lots of ladylike additions in the fitted pencil skirts, knitted jumpers with bows, and the floral explosion in the raised print. What I couldn’t see from the catwalk show was the cut, the draping and texture of all the pieces, the craftsmanship is simply out of this world, and what is perfect for autumn/winter is that there are a lot of wearable items. Top of my list has to be all the floral printed dresses.

Another highlight had to be the masses of collars, all of which come as separates, and I totally want one in every colour.

I also got to see Bora Aksu’ first bag collaboration with Bracher Emden, which features both clutches and totes – I love all the chunky piping.

For more pictures head on over to my Facebook Page.

Tags: AW12, Bora Aksu, Bracher Emden, Goodley PR, LFW

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Feb 24 2012

LFW AW12: Day 1 Round-Up – The Fashion Fringe Takeover

I am a little bit behind on my London Fashion Week reports, I blame my freelance commitments *which pay the bills*, so I thought it would be best to do round-ups of each day alongside reviews of my favourite shows. I always get excited about Day 1, it may not have the big hitters, but each season I have a packed schedule and it is always fun catching up with friends, watching the madness that is Somerset House, which seemed even crazier this year as the street-style snappers have quadrupled, and I get to see my one of my favourite designers, Corrie Nielsen.

First show was Antoni & Alison, marking their return to the catwalk and celebrating their 25th anniversary, it certainly woke me up with the music blaring and the very quirky announcer introduction of the brand. The collection itself, Models Walking Up and Down in Dresses, was simply just that streams of simply cut dresses, featuring eccentric prints such as brown paper bags, cellophane, feathers, glitter and sequins. This was definitely a different start to LFW than the usual Paul Costelloe that used to have this spot on the schedule, I have to admit I didn’t love it all, it did seem to go on forever, but what I did like was how all the models all sported short dark crops, and my favourite look has to be the slip-on tuxedo maxi dress, complete with a felt-tip bowtie and sew-on lapels – cute.

Next up was Corrie Nielsen, I know I have already written up my review of this gorgeous regal couture collection, but this was my first front row of the season, and what was special about it was the discovery of the very high-tech gear under the seat from Vodafone to recharge mobile devices. I know it was only the start of the day but it was fun charging up my phone.

I also bumped in my friend Fiona Fletcher, make-up/stylist extraordinaire, who brought her gorgeous poodle puppy, Tallulah – seriously cute, and totally makes me want a doggie.

Next up was Fashion Fringe 2011 winner’s Fyodor Golan and what a treat it was, not only was the collection amazing crazy couture genius but it was also my first show in LFW’s new showspace in the Embankment Gallery, which has a lovely long runway but a great intimate space.

Back to the main tent and it was the return of the Bora Aksu model army, which is always one of the best finales of any show. For autumn/winter 2012, the Turkish-born designer was inspired by Henry Darger’s pictures of The Vivian Girls in The Realms of the Unreal, which translated into a girlie-yet-dark romantic vision in a gorgeous colour palette of light shades of pink, peach, grey and burnt orange, as well as some exquisite prints, the designer’s first major foray and what a success.

I loved everything about this highly technical collection from the colours to the billowing babydoll silhouettes, striking cape jackets, fitted pencil skirts, and lots of bows and floral touches. This is one gorgeous range of clothes that I can’t wait to see up close at press days, also if there is one more show that features ‘face lace’ as seen also at Corrie Nielsen that I am going to call it a trend.

Then I went to the Savoy Hotel for Maria Grachvogel’s autumn/winter show, which is one of the most gorgeous locations – the ballroom has lots of beautiful chandeliers and suited the line’s Twenties meets modern-day free-spirited jazz girl perfectly. As always Maria delivered a glamorous line of floor-sweeping red carpet worthy gowns in jewelled shades with her signature draping detail. But there were also great tailored separates and outerwear, with her magic pants appearing in a cropped, cigarette leg and masculine slacks in wool tweed, but my favourite pieces had to be the cocoon jackets.

Back to the Embankment Gallery for Jean-Pierre Braganza’s ‘Chandelierium’ collection, which complete grabbed my attention with the gorgeous chandelier print on the invite. However, I had to wait until towards the end of the show for the chandeliers prints in violets and reds, which were striking on silk floor-skimming gowns, and it was a colourful end to a collection that was mainly black, grey and purple.

My second to last show was at the new Beautiful City venue for print masters Basso & Brooke, which was a gorgeous explosion of colour and clashing patterns in oversized jackets, tailored pants, and long-sleeve and sack-style dresses. The former Fashion Fringe winner’s also took their first steps into knitwear, and also showed off their new collaboration with the Cambridge Satchel Company, think the classic satchels with the duo’s striking prints – they looked amazing and I so want one!!!

My day ended with another former Fashion Fringe winner and possible one of my favourite labels for their understated luxury, Jena.Theo. Entitled Heavy Metal, the collection had a simplicity about it with silk chiffon shirts and printed evening dresses, and skinny jeans in varying washed-out greys, deep blacks and bleached blue washes. But as always their collection was full of their signature oversized, draped look, which still carries a very feminine feel about it. I loved all the leather detailing, the fringing, and I totally need a silk slouchy tee and this leather jacket below – gorgeous.

[All pics mine except Antoni & Alison from Style.com]

Tags: AW12, Basso & Brooke, Bora Aksu, Corrie Nielsen, Fashion Fringe, Fyodor Golan, Jena.Theo, LFW, London Fashion Week, Maria Grachvogel

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Sep 16 2011

LFW SS12: Bora Aksu – The Unknown

Another first for me, I had never been to a Bora Aksu show before, and OMG have I been missing out as it was a pure spectacle of gorgeous designs, photogenic styling, and an all round masterclass in how a catwalk show should be done. No queuing, no hassle getting in, no stress finding our seats, pure bliss and I wish it was always done like that. It was also nice to see that a designer had done something a little different with the very plain BFC tent space by sprinkling the runway with petals for the models to walk through.

What made this beautiful other than the amazing clothes, which were exquisite, was the story behind the collection of the lost love notes found in an antique market written by a young lady named Rose, that disclosed her love for Charles. Such a cute premise for a collection, and it really showed in the designs that included hand-sculptured leather roses, lace, draping and pleating.

I adored the beginning and ending where an army of models strutted down the catwalk, such an amazing scene, it was also a show worthy of Paris or Milan with its drama and attitude.

As well as the amazing dresses, which were stunning in an array of colours from flesh pinks to turquoise, and dark blue hues, I loved the detailing in the tights that featured fishnet panelling down either side that creates a great line down the leg.

Bora Aksu also attracted the very pretty Nicola Roberts from Girls Aloud to his front row, and what I loved was she was studying every piece that came down the runway, unlike some who just stare at their phones!