Tag Archive: Fyodor Golan

Oct 03 2012

LFW SS13: Fyodor Golan – The Holy Mountain

Fashion Fringe is developing an impressive alumni, Corrie Nielsen provides the couture, Erdem is the floral king, and Jena.Theo are the masters of cool and wearable, and I think it is safe to say that Fyodor Golan has settled in perfectly, and each season the duo get better and better.

For spring/summer 2013, the design duo were inspired by the Blue Tattoo, a true story about a Victorian girl travelling through the desert when her and her family are attacked by Native Americans, and ‘The Holy Mountain’ by Alejandro Jodorowsky, leading to a vibrant collection filled with Aztec and Mayan elements, broken porcelain china prints, and a rich colour palette of Royal blues, dessert hues, and a pop of pink.

What stood out the most about this collection, other than the gorgeous billowing silhouettes and the theatrical vibe, had to be wearability of the designs. This was a collection with maturity, it showcased the extraordinary talent of Fyodor Podgorny and Golan Frydman perfectly, and really put their label on the global fashion stage. I know that they are already stocked in Harvey Nichols and boutiques around the world but this feminine collection with a luxe edge will be very much in demand next season.

There were lots of highlights, but I adored everything that came in the gorgeous deep blue shade, from body-con dresses with sheer arms to peplum cocktail styles featuring lattice skirts, to skinny trousers adorned with Swarovski beaded, and then there were gowns that swept the floor – each was simply stunning.

Add the sculptural headwear created by milliner Zara Gorman and the facial jewellery designed by Yunus and Eliza and this was one show that I won’t forget in a while, I loved each look, and I hope big named stylists take note as these boys deserve to get their designs on the red carpet!!!

Tags: Fashion, Fashion Fringe, Fyodor Golan, LFW, lfw ss13, Trace Publicity

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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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Apr 06 2012

AW12: The Close Up Brilliance Of Fyodor Golan

When I saw Fyodor Golan’s debut solo show at London Fashion Week after winning Fashion Fringe I was in awe at the brilliance of Golan Frydman and Fyodor Podgorny, these two young designer bring an excitement to London’s fashion scene that I think has been needed for a while. I just love their mix of sculpted lines, luxurious detailing, exquisite styling, but most of all I adore their ability to tell a story with their couture clothes.

The autumn/winter 2012 collection was inspired by the juxtaposition between Russian peasants and royalties, which was beautifully showcased in a rich and detailed range, and what was evident seeing the collection up close this week at Trace Publicity’s press day was how technically brilliant this label is. For me it has the genius of Alexander McQueen, the creative edge of Meadham Kirchhoff, the glamour of Versace, and the couture brilliance of Givenchy.

I loved all the contrasting textures from velvets to quilted leather, plus the gorgeous Swarovski crystals, the bug jewels, and the intricate sheer panelling and feather additions, but what caught my eye seeing the collection up close was all the folded fabric detailing worked onto skirts and collars.

For more pictures check on my Facebook page.

Tags: AW12, Fyodor Golan, LFW, Trace Publicity

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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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Feb 20 2012

LFW AW12: Fyodor Golan – Welcome To The Machine

Friday for me was all about the pedigree of Fashion Fringe, with the 2010 winner Corrie Nielsen starting proceedings followed by 2009 winner’s Jena.Theo and last year’s winner’s Fyodor Golan. Like with their winning collection at last year’s Fashion Fringe final, this was another collection filled with their trademark sculpted lines, luxurious detailing and exquisite styling.

Showing in the new intimate LFW showspace at the Embankment Galleries, the venue has a lovely long runway, which totally suited the drama of this collection with its high necklines, blade embellishments, cut out detailing and statement jewellery by Pebble London.

Inspired by the juxtaposition between Russian peasants and royalties, autumn/winter 2012 was a rich and detailed display showcasing not only their creative process but their exquisite craftmanship. Once again I was in awe at the use of contrasting textures from luxurious velvets to quilted leather, as well as Swarovski embellishments, tribal detailing, feathers and sheer panels. Every single piece that strutted down the runway was mind-blowing, and the colour palette was rich in its use of whites, burnt oranges and reds, and greens, which included a green glittery woman.

Like with Corrie Nielsen I think the Fyodor Golan duo are aware of making their line commercial and there were a number of sharp tailored overcoats and some gorgeous knitwear items, which sat really well against the dramatic dresses. My favourite look though had to be the finale, which included a statement headpiece that I am sure Lady Gaga’s team are already eyeing up, and for good reason as it as it just blew the audience away.

I loved the dark romance about this collection, which had a lot going on, but I am so proud of their first solo show as it presented their technical and creative skills to the max. On the way out of the venue people were saying that it was reminiscent of the late Alexander McQueen and I most certainly agree. I love it when emerging designers aren’t afraid to do couture looks and step away from just following the trends, this collection really has made me excited to see more from the uber-talented Fyodor Podgorny and Golan Frydman.

Tags: AW12, Fashion Fringe, Fyodor Golan, LFW, Swarovski, Trace Publicity

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Sep 18 2011

LFW SS12: The Winner Of Fashion Fringe 2011 Is Fyodor Golan!!

Wow, what a night I had last night, I got to see the amazing Fyodor Golan scoop the coveted Fashion Fringe prize, joining the likes of Basso & Brooke, Erdem, Jena.Theo and last year’s winner Corrie Nielsen, and oh did they deserve it. I had the pleasure of meeting all three finalists a couple of weeks ago and I really took a shine to the lovely Golan Frydman and Fyodor Podgorny, and even though on paper I think Nabil Nayal was seen as the favourite, these were the guys I was rooting for.

I had only seen a sneak peek at the collection before the night, but thanks to Fashion Fringe and Very, one of the night’s sponsors, I got to take a backstage tour *more on this in another post – coming soon* before the catwalk show. I was in awe at the detailing of not only of the clothing, which is exquisite but also the thought they had put into their models, running order and the fabulous make-up and styling of the collection.

First down the catwalk and was always the one to beat, everything from the dramatic styling of the hair coming over the models faces into chunky neck braces, to the impressive music, and most of all the show-stopping value of every single piece. The detailing in the texture, silhouette, and the vision; as the show was entitled ‘Flowers of Evil’ and was about the nymph’s painful metamorphosis they even used a more mature model, who strutted her stuff wonderfully.

My favourite dress of the night, which I loved backstage and looked even nicer on the catwalk was this white beauty, with mesh panelling and flower like embellishments, the detailing and the structure of the dress around the hips is just divine and the model looked amazing.

Another strong feature of the collection was the embellished spine detailing down the back of the dresses, I love this floor-skimming gown with its high neck collar and train.

Fyodor Golan with the gorgeous Claudia Schiffer and fellow judge Roland Moret and their Fashion Fringe trophy designed by Jessica McCormack.

It is hard to believe that Fyodor Golan only launched in 2010, they are such a creative design team that I they were such worthy winners, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them as it can be good!!!

Thanks again to Fashion Fringe and Very.co.uk for being such amazing hosts, I felt a very lucky girl to have front row seats to see such amazing designers showcase their collections.

I will also be posting the pics and reviews of Heidi Leung and Nabil Nayal, as well as the fun I had backstage, so do check back later.

Tags: Claudia Schiffer, Fashion Fringe, Fyodor Golan, Roland Mouret, Very

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Sep 08 2011

LFW SS12: Fashion Fringe Finalists – Sneak Peek

I’ve had a pretty amazing week, first Chanel, then confirmation that I am a fully fledged member of Handpicked Media, and then yesterday I popped along to a house in Covent Garden to meet the finalists of this year’s Fashion Fringe: Fyodor Golan, Heidi Leung, and Nabil El-Nayal, as well as past winners Jena.Theo *check out separate post coming tomorrow*.

Along with a few bloggers I had the chance to see their SS12 collections, find out their inspirations, generally have a chat, and get super excited for the final, which takes place during London Fashion Week.

If you aren’t familiar with Fashion Fringe let me bring you up to speed, it was set up in 2004 by Colin McDowell *who I love* and IMG Fashion to support emerging talented designers in London, and since then has helped the likes of Erdem, Basso & Brooke as well as last year’s winner the amazing Corrie Nielsen.

This year’s finalists are very strong, and so, so different, it was hard for me to pick my favourite, so I can only imagine how hard the decision is going to be for judges Claudia Schiffer, Roland Mouret, Bel Jacobs from the Metro, Anna Pitcher from Selfridges, and Roy Peach, London College of Fashion.

If you are worried about spoilers don’t be, I am only going to include sneak peeks of the collections, I totally believe that these amazing designs need to be seen in all their glory on the catwalk, with their models fully made-up and the music moving their stories along, and trust me it will be worth the wait as this year’s Fashion Fringe is going to be a good one!!

Fyodor Golan

First up is label Fyodor Golan, which are L-R: Golan Frydman from Israel and Fyodor Podgorny from Latvia, who were so adorable and as well as being a design team they are such a balanced couple who speak so softly and passionately about their work. They both describe their ethos as “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde”, and they have a no compromise policy when it comes to their design process, which they said “leads to lots of talking”. I think it is their very different backgrounds that makes this such a unique label, it mixes influences from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, as well as their shared passion for London where they met. As well as passion they both have great fashion backgrounds and between them they have worked at Alexander McQueen, Raf Simons, Issey Miyake and Richard Nicoll.

For SS12 the duo have been inspired by Charles Baudelaire poem Les Fleurs du mal, translated into English is ‘Flowers of Evil’, which is the title of their collection, combined with flowers and nature by Vincent Van Gogh and Frida Kahlo. What I loved about Fyodor Golan was the story behind their collection, “it is about a nymph that lives through a painful metamorphosis”, which is why they say they are fascinated with “spines” that shows in this dress above as it has a sheer back panel, “grasping for support from the nature around her; gradually letting it consume her. It is a contrast of mind and physical beauty”.

I can’t wait to see this collection come down the catwalk as this white laser-cut leather dress is just exquisite, the detailing of the birds is amazing, and I love the contrast of the leather against the chiffon pleated sleeves and the sheer back panel.

Nabil El-Nayal

Syrian-born Nabil Nayal is such a gent, I loved that even though it been a long day doing his look book photo shoot before our gathering, he was still excited to talk to us about his collection. Nabil is already award-winning he has won prestigious fashion awards including the Royal Society of Arts Award, the GFW ‘Best Womenswear’ Award and the BFC MA Scholarship Award; enabling him to study at the Royal College of Art. I wonder does this make him favourite to pick up Fashion Fringe as well??

Nabil’s SS12 collection is called ’All The Riches She Deserves’, and he described it as “my clothes are for rich women, not girls”, and features flowing gowns in transparent fabrics, luxury bespoke silk jacquards and even includes the same lace used on Catherine Middleton’s wedding dress.

I think Nabil’s collection is going to be the most spectacular on the catwalk just because of his couture techniques, the use of opulent fabrics and his feminine designs, from the gorgeous gold lace floor-skimming dress that I saw, which would look amazing on the red carpet. I also loved this cropped jacket, the embroidery looks amazing and there was also a smoke print on one of the dresses, Nabil was so generous in showing his collection I am very excited to see it in full. I nearly forgot Nabil’s shoes are to-die-for as they are all Nicholas Kirkwood beauties, I spied black pointed toe heels as well as knee-high boots.

Heidi Leung

The only girl in the competition, San Francisco-born Heidi Leung is so cute and stylish, check out the jacket she is wearing I was in love as soon as I saw it, and it is made by her as well. Heidi has been in living in London for five years now and has been an intern for some of the best in British fashion including Alexander McQueen and Christopher Kane.

Her love of fashion is evident and she counts Daphne Guinness and Diana Vreelandher as two of her greatest fashion influences. Fashion also runs in the family as she was telling us that her uncle has his own tailoring business and he has helped out the collection.

Out of the three finalists Heidi’s SS12 collection are maybe more wearable with a California girl-meets-oriental influences, I saw a lot of pleats and romantic floaty designs, but what caught my eye was the embroidered detailing on the flat panels they are divine. I won’t spoil it too much but this collection features the quirkiest footwear that has to be seen to fully love.

It is on days like this that I remember why I love fashion so much, I always get chills meeting fashion designers and more so when they are emerging as their passion is intoxicating. I just want to thank Fashion Fringe for such a wonderful day and good luck to all the finalists, it is going to be a tough call on who wins but each one will go onto do amazing things as they are all so talented.

Roll on September 17, I serious can’t wait!!!