SO TOTALLY: September 2010

Tuesday, 28 September 2010

Armour Ring & Damson Jam

Autumn is my favourite month. Out come warm palettes of berry reds, velvety greens and rich caramels mimicking the turning of the leaves. Damson Jam by Collection 2000 is the perfect colour for nails this season. I've bagged mine already!

Referring back to a few style shots from London Fashion Week, I've noticed that amour rings are becoming a bold trend of the moment. Moulded to fit perfectly around the bends of the finger, these statement rings mimic medieval body armour with flexible overlapping metallic plates. Not exactly your most delicate of options, but certainly one which would bring out your inner rebellious nature.

The amour ring featured in these photos is from ASOS for only £10 (shown above) but of course those with a more indulgent nature may go for this Vivienne Westwood creation (below) RRP £170.

McQueen Memorial

It was one of those moments in time you will always remember. Of when and how you heard the news. The death of Alexander McQueen.

Whether or not you are a fond follower of the fashion world like myself, his creations couldn't have gone amiss. Each encapsulated a uniqueness and edge that many designers seem too narrow-minded and conscious to attempt with any amount of matched vigour and passion. McQueen was able to translate his visions through his garments, that when showed on the runway, became much more than your ordinary parade. He would put on a show in which he would create a world that expressed the nature of the collection, down to the very characters that modelled them. Without doubt, an Alexander McQueen show was the one to watch with each being so unique, controversial and unpredictable.

On Monday 20th September, while I was busying about Somerset House, some took a brake from London Fashion Week to remember this fashion visionary. Located at St Paul's Cathedral, 1200 adorned in black took their seats to pay their respects to the late Alexander McQueen who took this own life in February of this year.

"He taught us that the runway was a place where dreams become reality" - Anna Wintour

"He was an artist who just happened to be working with clothing" - Suzy Menkes, fashion editor of the International Herald Tribune

In honour of McQueen's Scottish heritage and love for tartan plaid, bagpipers led the mourners back onto the steps of the cathedral once the service had ended. A truly royal and touching farewell for such a great name.

Anna Wintour, one of the most powerful women in fashion, arriving in an Alexander McQueen coat embroidered in gold blossom flowers.

English model, Kate Moss, attended wearing a black leather skirt and blazer - simple and classic.

Not perhaps your ordinary pick for a memorial, but the late designer sure had his impact on those who attended.

Also sporting an Alexander McQueen ensemble was one of his dearest friends, Sarah Jessica Parker.

"He was one of a kind. The service was bitter-sweet. Perfect." - Sarah Jessica Parker.

Sunday, 26 September 2010

Manolo's New Shoes

As part of my 21st birthday gift from the family, I received this beautiful collection of Manolo Blahnik sketches. Designing since 1971, Blahnik is synonymous for exceptionally crafted shoes that are unique and objects of pure desire. Each design starts with these colourful sketches, that have become as sought after as the shoes themselves.

Homing in on his current inspirations and desires, the volume is organised under such titles as 'Africa', 'Architecture' and 'Botany'. It really is intriguing to see how such a talent translates outside influences into their work, and it is something that I would love to pursue.

For anyone who appreciates art and fashion, this really is a gorgeous book to own.

Of course, to see the best of Manolo, we only need to turn our attention to the Sex and the City girls. I really do need to train myself to last in heels. Second to that, I think I need to go shopping!

Tuesday, 21 September 2010

LFW Style: Vintage Geek Chic

Messy up-do with vintage black fascinator, oversized nerd glasses, brilliant red lips, monochrome patterned bow-tie with ninja turtle homage through a 6th birthday badge.

LFW Style: DSquared2 skeleton heels & Ambush 'Eye got Ballz' ring

Wondering around Somerset House after the Mark Fast SS11 show, I managed to do a spot of street style photography and happened to bump into the gorgeous stylist, Yoon. What caught my attention were the unbelievable skeleton heeled shoes from DSquared2 AW10/11 collection. How amazing are they!

Above photographs © Natalie Green

Yoon was also spotted by Face Hunter on day 5 of LFW.

For SS10, Yoon collaborated with Verbal, from Teriyaki Boyz, to create a limited edition line of jewellery called Ambush. Keeping true to the label, she was also wearing one of the collection named 'Eyes got Ballz', a clearly identifiable and fun piece.

LFW: Mark Fast SS11

Following the David Koma and Holly Fulton back-to-back show, Mark Fast was to showcase his SS11 collection in his first solo runway show. Having taken position on the steps next to the stage, and with someone taking a rather uncomfortable pew on my feet, I was avid to catch the first glimpse of the designers creations and to see whether Fast had managed to move on his signature knits for the upcoming seasons.

For his SS11 collection, Mark Fast took his inspiration from nature and the notions of disintegration and restoration. Affected by the Icelandic volcanic eruption and oil slick earlier this year, Fast interpreted this into an aesthetic mixing the "danger of an alligator with the fragility of the butterfly" that slowly introduced injections of vibrant carnival colours that faded to pure white, representing the fragile state of our world.

Working with his signature lattice knits sculpted to the natural shape of the body, we saw longer lengths and a mass of fringing and tassels that mimicked the fluidity of water. 70's styled jumpsuits and high-waisted trousers added to the designers dress stable, and those not fringed with acid-dipped neon shades were panelled with plastic and sheer chiffon, keeping little to the imagination for the onlooker. Experimenting with new textures, some pieces were adorned in loosely sown stud Swarovski crystals that resembled reptilian scales and jingled softly as the models strode down the runway. To top the whole ensemble, models wore Christian Louboutin platforms that simply oozed with 70's glamour in block fluorescent shades and alligator skin heels.

As the last model walked back down the runway and the lights dimed, we all waited in anticipation for the whole collection to be walked out once more. Though something was askew as the lights went up to show the runway in brilliant white and the music softened creating an almost surreal atmosphere. With such elegance and Utopian glory, out came Fast's key piece. With an almost bridal quality, the full-length maxi had a full skirt of delicate tassels that created such a mesmerising movement as the model glided towards the mound of photographers. The light followed her down until she stood, hands on hips, in a solid stance drenched in the purity of the spotlight. A symbol of restoration and purity, this truly was a stunning end.

On the first row and right opposite sat the Editor-in-Chief of French Vogue, Carine Roitfeld. Clearly in support of this seasons leopard print, Carine watched on intently and applauded Mark Fast (below) as he came out to credit his SS11 collection.

As homage to the great Mark Fast, everyone seemed to be wearing his signature tights that were the generous freebie from his SS10 show. Since they became so sought after, he introducing them into the seasons collections and they are now being sold for £70! Bonus, but I have yet to brave wearing mine!

all photographs featured above © Natalie Green

Some even strode out in the bolder Fast creations. This dress is sold in Browns for a pricey £540.

Spotted modelling in the show, Amber Le Bon, daughter of Duran Duran singer Simon Le Bon. Snapped this sneaky pic' as she exited from backstage after the show.

Monday, 20 September 2010

LFW: Holly Fulton SS11

Still perched on the edge of my well chosen spot and with hardly a pause in-between shows, the track was changed from David Koma's parade and Holly Fulton's SS11 collection was ready to be revealed.

For yet another season, Holly Fulton managed to adapt her signature art deco graphic prints into a wholly wearable collection. Taking inspiration from Joan Collins, Fulton drew on elements of 60’s cruise-wear for the modern women. Printed silk palazzo trousers, jewelled shift dresses and sarong skirts moved away from the simple monochrome palette with splashes of canary yellow, azure and refreshing mint. Fur and python panels added extra luxury and hand-cut patent leather pieces made the collection have an exclusive air. Luggage echoed graphic prints and chunky perspex jewellery brought through Fultons love for art-deco design.

After the show the collection was moved the the NewGen Space at the back of Somerset House. Holly came down to celebrate, sporting one of her own designs. Her monochrome art-deco prints can hardly go unnoticed!

LFW: David Koma SS11

After a sweet talk with the doormen the day before, and with no invitation to hand, I rocked up on the day of all the NewGen sponsors. After waiting aside watching all the invitees go through to be seated, I was let in to stand by. Literally balancing on the edge of the tiered seating, I was in a prime location at the end of the catwalk to capture the show despite one little nudge would have meant landing on an unlucky crowd! First on the catwalk was David Koma in a back-to-back show with Holly Fulton.

- Full show report yet to come. In the meantime, enjoy my shots of the show! If you wish to use any of the photographs, please contact me first -