SO TOTALLY: November 2010

Friday 19 November 2010

Street Spotted: Designer - Hildur Yeoman

While out-and-about in London doing a spot of street-style hunting, I happened to bump into Hildur Yeoman, fashion designer and illustrator.

It was her quirky style that made me stop her, though namely her array of electric blue crochet and beaded necklaces. It was only after a little small-talk I realised the woman I stopped was the actual designer of these necklaces, and was in London sorting business with a couple new suppliers of her most recent collection. I have to admit, I had never heard of her before this meeting, but having come home and done my research into her work - she is one extremely talented lady!

...Also loving the fact that she had been shopping at Rockit, Covent Garden - one of my top picks of London vintage stores.

Hildur has decided to do one collection of accessories a year, with her most recent one featuring crochet swans, beads and - from her previous collection - crochet poodles!

To shop Hildur Yeoman, click here.

Most recently, Hildur collaborated with fashion photographer Saga Sigurðardóttir. Her styling and illustrations were merged with Sigurðardóttir's photography to create a magical world inspired by greek mythology and russian fairy tales. The end results are gorgeous and are an innovative merge of two separate artistic talents - wouldn't mind a print myself! Below are just a few examples.

Sunday 14 November 2010

Liberty London Glitter Galore & Fantasy World Windows

Tuesday 9 November 2010

Flash Forward: The Cape

The cape has undoubtedly taken centre stage for this seasons retro renaissance, adding a dash of sophistication and 60s glamour to the fashion conscious masses. Classic icons, such as Twiggy and Audrey Hepburn, lend themselves to this wholly British trend that boasts military chic while homing in on demure, feminine elegance. In fact, on the street today you can almost be guaranteed to spot one of these timeless numbers, in a range of colours and styles.

Looking forward to spring/summer 2011, the cape is still holding strong as a throw-on must-have piece only lighter, more refined and often as an extended back to an actual garment.

Floor Sweeper

Hermes fully embraced the legendary Zorro figure in his western parade for SS11 with a sheer black, billowing cape adding mystery and impact to the whole ensemble. Julien MacDonald took a more delicate and feminine approach that looked as if the white satin cloak barely touched the shoulders, creating an almost goddess-like frame.

Straight, Printed & Net

A little more discreet, but still a statement addition, the evolved cape for SS11 can also be straight cut, printed or even netted and de-constructed. Unique demonstrated how perfectly the cape could continue as an extension of the top, in the same print and fabric, while Vivienne Westwood turned the cape into more of an accessory.

Fall Reminiscent

Falling just above the knee, this style is the most similar to this seasons take. The style has moved on in terms of lighter fabrics, pleating and print but nevertheless, this is the summer translation of the cape.

Short & Simple

In summer, we hardly want to be wrapped in lengths of fabric so while the chiffon and satin capes allow us to fashion longer length capes comfortably in SS11, the shorter lengths can be cotton. Unique has taken a symmetrical and simplistic approach, while Vivienne Westwood used a bold checked print that almost disguised the garment structure - perhaps a safer choice for those more conscious of trying new styles.

Leading by example once more, Kate Moss featured the below embellished cape-back dress, £130, for Topshop in her final mainline collection.

Click here to view my post on the launch & Kate's final collection

Tuesday 2 November 2010

Launch - Kate Moss's Last Collection

Last night we saw the launch of Kate Moss's final collection for high-street giant, Topshop. It's been a 4 year commitment from our favourite London girl, but we are closing that chapter and starting to look forward to new possible futures.

For the launch, store windows were minimalist and classic, with pure white spotlights focused on promotional pictures of the collection and white mannequins fashioning the product. Think luxurious 70s film-star glamour!

Above photographs © Natalie Green

In a custom-made, full-length black jumpsuit, Kate, along with Sir Philip Green and his daughter, was at the London store to open the event. Although a sombre outfit for a party, this classy 70s chic was the theme carried on throughout her collection - quite typically our Kate.

Below are a few of the new pieces, however alongside this was a smaller capsule collection called Kate Iconic which consists of 10 selected pieces from previous collections over the past 4 years, including the pansy-print day dress from her first collection and the unforgettable bold panther mini dress.

Fringe Embroidered Shift Dress: £120

Indian Lace Up Dress: £60

Star Print Chiffon Dress: £75

Collar Feather Cape: £90

Embellished Cape Back Dress: £130

(Following trend for SS11, keep watch for my next 'Flash Forward' report)

Iconic Dobby Spot Dress: £60

Paisley Poncho: £250

Shaggy Hooded Cardigan: £100

However, we're not saying goodbye to Kate just yet...

"Topshop can confirm that the inimitable fashion partnership between Kate Moss and Topshop will enter a new phase in 2011"

Instead of being tied down with seasonal contributions, she is going to become a free agent, being able to introduce looks as and when they take her fancy.

"Kate and the Topshop design team will focus on creating Limited Edition drop-in collections, replacing the current Seasonal Collections"

This matches Kate's spontaneous style, and how exciting to have a regular additions from our London girl!

Chloe Green, shown below, will also be joining forces with Kate. They are set to design collections together as Sir Philip hands over more responsibility to the young Topshop successor. Something to watch out for in the new year!