London Fashion Week: Ashish AW11

I saw my first Ashish show this time last year and I've been hooked ever since; it was really exciting being back again for AW11 because I completely and utterly adore the label. Not only does Ashish make sequins edgy (as opposed to something that resembles an 80s disco-ball) but he makes such beautiful and playful clothes that I can help but dribble at the mere sight of them. I've not had a chance to catch-up with the rest of London Fashion Week yet but this collection is by far the best I personally saw all season...

I literally thought this collection was ingenious; I'd even go so far as to say that Ashish is the master of sequins - how great are the baggy skeleton trousers?! This seasons heroine (you'll love this) is "perfectly content to sponge off Mum and Dad, yet discreet enough to ensure her flatmates are unaware of her imminent succession to a thousand acres of grouse shooting and a castle that makes Balmoral look like a Portakabin". As I said, ingenious.

Ripped jumpers juxtaposed perfectly with sequinned trousers; great for dressing-down the going-out look and vice versa. I haven't seen the BFC showspace that rammed for a long while which made the whole experience rather sweaty/exciting - especially because of the whole "only one day left to go" vibe. I never thought I'd say it but I'll be glad to see the back of London Fashion Week for another season, I miss having a social life and regular sleeping pattern!
















What do you think of Ashish? Have any shows really stood out to you from London or are you waiting for the big boys in Paris and Milan to strut their stuff?

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

Cream of the Crop

A few of my favourite shoes were made somewhat redundant over the winter due to the ridiculous weather, it was either a case of wear Dr Martens or get wet feet and clearly, wet feet wasn't an option. Because of this I got stuck in a rut and solely wore skirts or leggings - trousers were altogether out of the question.

Now that the weather's being a bit more reasonable, I can venture back into trouser territory or more dauntingly, the land of jeans. I've always been a bit scared of jeans because they're so hit and miss and the perfect denim usually is something of a myth to me. BUT with the help of my trusty brogues (think Ashish AW10/11) I'm on the hunt once more...

I recently had a look at MiH's AW collection and I couldn't believe how soft their jeans were - I'm literally in love with the panelled Vienna and The Paris is such a beautiful cut. One Teaspoon is another brand I came across on my hunt and OH MY GOD I wish I'd discovered them earlier - their jeans/clothes are to-die-for. I want everything from their online store, check it out - you'll understand why!

My brogues have already had an outing with my Levis 501's but this bunch tells me that they're going to see a whole lot more of London in the near future. What are you looking forward to wearing and what do you think of the whole panelled/coloured jean trend?

Photos from www.mih-jeans.com, www.net-a-porter.com, www.oneteaspoon.com.au, http://asos.com, http://www.topshop.com, http://www.uniqlo.co.uk/

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!