Milan?

I'm usually blown away by the big-kids when it comes to Milan Fashion Week. However, I'm really not that excited by their offerings for AW10/11.

There have been a few - Prada, Gucci, Pucci, Jil Sander - which I've really liked, but everyone just seems to be playing it safe. Being super short (apparently I'm 5"1), wearing trousers is pretty much an art form that I rarely get right; therefore I'm reluctant to like several of the collections.

Aside from the trousers, there were some really nice design elements at Gucci. The coats were just to-die-for - I'm usually a scruffy old jacket type but Frida Giannini made me yearn for something a bit more classy. I also really loved the feather/leather details; very Tom Ford's Gucci in the 90's.

Of course my penchant for mini-dresses is the reason I loved Pucci AW10/11 and it helps that the colours and pattern is gorgeous too. I can see all of these on the red carpet and boy, that fur is beyond amazing.

Have there been any collections that disappointed you this season? I know we're in the middle of a recession and all, but AW just hasn't captured my imagination as much as SS did...

photos from style.com

Dakota the Glamorous

I'm really REALLY excited about Dakota Fanning's new film, The Runaways. Featuring Kristen Stewart (who portrays Jett amazingly), the film is a music-fuelled story following Joan Jett and Cherie Currie (Fanning steals the show, naturally) during their rise to fame in the 70s.

I've loved watching Dakota's transition from girl to young woman; she's really grown into herself and has come a long way from her 'Uptown Girls' (so bad it was amazing) days. This shoot with Tom Munro for Italian Vogue really shows just how beautiful she is - the dark eyebrows are a particular fave.

I had to stare at these for at least 5 minutes to make sure it was actually her - she's just so different, in a good way - of course. I'm so glad she hasn't fallen into the fame-game like LiLo and I'm super excited about her red carpet appearances over the next year. The Runaways opens today, check out the website (The Runaways) here; well worth a watch if you love a bit of angsty girl-band rock.

What do you think of Dakota's tranformation from girl to gorgeous teen?

photo's from www.vogue.it

LFW Issa

I'm still not really sure about Issa last night, there were the makings of a good collection but everything seemed a bit too mismatched. The alien 'cone' shaped quiff and dark lips made a bold statement and yet the clothes, well, didn't.

I loved the shoes (a recurring theme this season!) in all their beaded glory but I wasn't so keen on much else. I was indifferent about the headscarves and the dresses were just so, smart - completely out of context from the accessories. The models were unusual choices too - Alice Dellal and Eliza Cummings; more Christopher Kane than Issa.

(Abbey was an hour late for the show and was literally pounced on by hair and make-up)

Alice Dellal is so beautiful in person; she always looks quite tough in editorials but she has one of the prettiest faces I've seen for a while. 

It's a shame because last season the clothes were spot on, I think Daniella Issa Heyalel needs to find Issa's personal identity, and fast! Although I'm glad Fashion Week hysteria has subsided, this week has just been crazy fun.

What have been your favourite shows from London and who was been the best dressed celebrity?

All photos taken by me, do not copy/use without permission!

LFW Ashish

Just when I thought I'd be sick if I saw another sequin, Ashish has made them cool again for AW10/11. Matte black sequins joined at the hip with knitwear whilst kaftan-rug patterns were sequined with copper, turquoise, ruby and white hues.

Bobbled cable knit jumper's were layered over sparkling dresses and teamed with a humble woollen jacket and hat. My favourite elements were definately the washed-out hair (as seen at Nasir earlier this week) and the juxtaopistion of traditionally glamourous materials with utility wear. I'm pretty glad that colour hasn't become a thing of the past during winter times; although I'm usually adverse to anything bright, this collection is something I'd love to wear this fall.

Girls Aloud's Nicola Roberts in the front row

Tomorrow is my final day of backstage coverage with Vitamin Water, sad times all round. I'll post about the Issa show tomorrow and all the exciting (and hunky) menswear shows - I hope you've all enjoyed looking at the photos as much as I have had taking them!

All photo's taken by me, do not copy/use without permission!

LFW Marios Schwab

Apologies for not posting yesterday, it seems that my lack of London Fashion Week sleep suddenly caught up with me. From all your lovely comments it seems you're loving Fashion Week as much as I am and I'm glad to update you with some Marios Schwab.

Although Schwab's AW10/11 collection didn't have the 'pizazz' of last season (everything was quite muted and morose) the detailing was, however, particular beautiful - origami ruffles, criss-crossed bodicesand diamond embellishment really caught my eye.

The shoes were interesting in that their silhouette reminded me of McQueen's infamous armadillo shoes although a little more 'wearable'.

I can't say that this collection blew me away but at the same time I didn't particularly dislike it; lets say, for now, that I'm indifferent. I can see elements which are bound to be a success but otherwise I was a little bored.

What do you think, did Schwab nail A/W on the head or did he miss the mark?

All photo's taken by me, do not use/copy without permission!

LFW Holly Fulton

Holly Fulton's collection at Somerset House yesterday was nothing short of amazing. The Royal College of Arts grad made an impression on us Londoner's last year with her debut at Fashion East and her return for AW10 was even more impressive.

With bright but wearable fluro colours (the first I've seen for AW10 as of yet) and trademark 'art deco' print the collection is bound to be a complete success. The studded white and black trainers (which I completely fell in love with) and block-colour platform heels came courtesy of Christian Laboutin - a match made in heaven, if you ask me.

My favourite piece was an incredible bomber-style jacket with a fur body and grey-patent cut-out sleeves. This would easily be a jacket I would live in 24/7 next winter. Here are the photo's so judge for yourselves - us backstagers got a super cute perspex pendant, how fun is that?

(Love this jacket, if anyone is feeling generous...)

This collection is super young and fun and I can completely understand why Holly has created such a furore on the London fashion scene. Although a very long day, I managed to get ridiculously excited about seeing Jethro Cave, he is after all, a total babe.

See? I really like the studded knee's, might have to attempt a bit of Vogue's favourite 'make-do-and-mend'. What do you think of the collections so far, has there been any real eye-catchers?

Photo's taken by me, do not use/copy without permission!