Club to Catwalk – London Fashion in the 1980’s

Whilst in London recently I visited the V&A museum at South Kensington, to see one of their latest exhibitions ‘Club to Catwalk’. The exhibition “...explores the creative explosion of London fashion in the 1980’s ... a result of the fusion between club and catwalk.” (V&A: 2013) It was visually interesting, showcasing more than 85 outfits from leading designers including John Galliano and Vivienne Westwood, which were bold and edgy. Some outfits were set on a black, dimly lit catwalk stage, while others were showcased in glass cabinets. 80’s music played in the background, which meant the club mood was captured perfectly.

Galliano, who attended St Martin’s School of Art “...found inspiration in London’s nightlife...” (V&A: 2013), while Westwood “...re-worked fashion’s traditions and layered her designs with cultural references...” (V&A: 2013).

The exhibition runs until the 16^th February 2014 – if you get chance to attend its well worth a visit!

London Street Style

At Portobello market recently, I found this really cool stall selling 3D style bags! They were totally unique and nothing like I’d seen before! I also spotted this lady who looked effortlessly chic in a black skirt and hooded top comb, paired with a chunky grey knit and finished off with simple accessories including a statement silver necklace, brown leather tote and bright white canvas pumps.

Over at Covent Garden this woman caught my attention straight away in this stunning navy and beige cape, worn with black lace up boots, red nails and lipstick. I also loved her clutch bag, which was a three in one – perfect for all those handbag essentials.

In Knightsbridge grey and black were the order of the day – a sweater and PU leather shorts teamed with an oversized clutch bag and my personal favourite, the bowler hat. 

 

 

Purls of Wisdom

On Tuesday night C4 aired the documentary ‘Fabulous Fashionistas’. Six ladies “...with an average age of 80...” (C4: 2013) each talked about their personal life stories and how they reinvented themselves as they got older, often as a result of personal tragedy. The documentary offered “...insights into how staying young and dressing with style is about more than following the latest trends; it’s about an attitude to life itself.” (C4: 2013) From model to Conservative Life Peer, all of the women were holding down jobs, in a bid to avoid social stereotypes that say you become invisible with age. United by a ‘not caring what anyone thinks’ attitude, the ladies all dressed up for themselves, whilst embracing old age and grabbing every opportunity life throws at them.

Over on BBC Four last night, another documentary grabbed my attention. The ‘Fabric of Britain: Knitting’s Golden Age’ explored “...how knitting rose from basic craft to the height of popular fashion in the 20^th century.” (BBC: 2013) From the Fair Isle trend populated by the Prince of Wales in the 1920’s to the gaudy colourful jumpers showcased on the 1980’s breakfast television and everything in between, the series is part of ‘Handmade in Britain’ – “...an ambitious year-long season exploring the history of British decorative arts” presented by the V&A and BBC Four (BBC: 2013).

If you missed them, both programmes are available on catch up TV and well worth a watch.

London Fashion Week

With London Fashion Week in full swing, a trip to the capital was definitely in order this past weekend. At Oxford Circus the windows at Liberty’s certainly didn’t disappoint, with single mannequins in each window, layered up for Autumn/Winter. Set against a neutral backdrop, the clothes did all the talking and really made an impact. At various other retailers across the city the London theme was played on more literally with the Tower Bridge, London Eye, Buckingham Palace and Red Buses used as visual merchandising props.  

 

 
  
At Harrods one large window was devoted to Fashion Week with all mannequins who were suggestive of models styled in black, while down the road at Harvey Nichols, colour was far more evident, with a younger, more playful theme emerging. The use of chains, metal, bricks, glass and knives in the main windows gave a more ‘punk’ style attitude, while the accessories were cleverly given focus through the use of black and white birds, suggestive of magpies.

 

 

 

 

At Topshop a ‘digital garden’ had been created to allow customers a chance to experience the Topshop showspace, with all the Topshop shows and backstage events being streamed live. Pretty benches, a grass floor and birds nesting boxes, made it a unique and memorable in-store experience.

Over at the ‘Cake and Bake’ show at Earls Court, one competition really grabbed my attention. The ‘Cake Catwalk’ as it was titled, in celebration of LFW, asked competitors to enter cakes themed ‘London Fashion Through the Decades’ across one of three categories including Professional, Non-Professional and Junior. There were many superb entries, but my favourite was by Ramla Kham (Professional) who describes her design as depicting “a pile of pearls, fashion magazines and shoeboxes...picture frames featuring prominent British designers from each decade and ... Philip Treacy hat and a Vivienne Westwood shoe”. The design was of such a high standard in terms of creativity and execution and fit the brief perfectly, deservingly being crowned the winner.

Another of my favourites was by Sue Kim (Professional) whose design received a Certificate of Merit. She says she was “inspired by a dress (featured) in the movie ‘Emma’, based on the book by Jane Austen”. The cake was simple yet extremely effective utilising creams and whites in various textures to convey an elegant design.

LFW continues until tomorrow at Somerset House, while the Cake and Bake show ran from Friday, right across the weekend.



More Tea Vicar?

Last night the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended their first Royal function, since the birth of Prince George. With this in mind, I thought about their wedding and recalled an article I wrote just before their big day back in April 2011, about ‘Britishness’ as a trend. I thought I’d post it for you to read, let me know you’re thoughts –

According to Colvile (2007: Online) “the concept of Britain is making a comeback”. With TV shows such as ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ having come to dominate our screens in recent years, is it an attempt to celebrate our culture or even question our national identity?

Whatever the reason, Britain is undoubtedly having a moment. With Kate and Wills getting hitched on the 29^th of this month, there is no denying that a patriotic air is sweeping the nation. And according to the BBC who report that there is a tendency for royals to wed during times of hardship, we love the idea of escapism with all the glamour and romanticism a wedding brings (2010: Online).

To mark the royal occasion, throughout April Harvey Nichols is staging afternoon tea at their Bristol store, with an assortment of sandwiches, cakes and tea fit for a princess. Plus we’re set to witness a whole host of regal memorabilia in celebration of the big day – with numerous brands providing everything from tea towels and bone china to t-shirts and even fridges!

Kate Middleton has become somewhat of a fashion icon in recent months. Commonly known in the press as ‘the Kate effect’ her ladylike style choices have become hugely popular amongst fashion followers. Sporting iconic British brands such as Barbour and Burberry, Kate’s sartorial elegance has trickled down to the high street so everyone can don the dress of the lady in waiting.

Royal blue is said to be the colour of the season, with “Kate’s sophisticated and chic fashion sense...now (setting) this royal blue colour trend on fire” (Donna Ida, 2011: Online). The classic trench and kitten heels are just some of the other predictions for women’s fashion trends this Spring/Summer, with occasionwear and bridal fashion also set to be popularised. And for the boys there will be a return towards formal dressing but with a modern twist, allowing them to be the fashion authority and ultimately stand out from the uniformed look of the business suit brigade.

And it’s not just clothing getting the royal treatment, interior fashion will also see use of the Union Jack, crowns and even “designer paint colours” according to ‘Cynthia’ of Interior Design Hound (2011: Online).

But one of the other biggest national events putting Britain firmly on the map is the London 2012 Olympics. Taking reference from all things “quintessentially British” and “quintessentially English” (The Independent, 2011: Online), it seems the Games organisers want the venue to celebrate all things Britain stands for and really showcase ‘British’ sports such as tennis and cricket.

So, in an age of austerity where we all seek to ‘escape’, it seems these momentous occasions can only be a positive thing. Kate and Wills, you’ve got three yes’s.

Fashion Meets Floral

Whilst shopping in Birmingham the other week, I came across the Birmingham City Centre Floral Trail. “The Floral Trails forms part of Birmingham’s entry into the Royal Horticulture Society in Bloom Campaign... [and] along the trail you will ... see living walls and wildflowers as well as thousands of colourful plants in flower beds, on railings and in hanging baskets...” (Birmingham City Council: 2013) There are a total of nineteen displays along the trail with three related to fashion, including ‘The Handbag’ at The Mailbox, ‘The Hat’ – on the High Street and ‘Stiletto Shoe’ at Rotunda Square. All the fashion designs standout and certainly make a statement!

My favourite is ‘The Handbag’ as it utilises wicker and an array of coloured flowers to create an eye catching display, which, in my opinion achieves the prettiest overall design. The Floral Trail is said to run until the beginning of September, but is still present now – be quick if you’d like to take a look!