Archive for the ‘Fashion Newsroom’ Category
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Isabel Marant mania
Isabel Marant’s spring 10 stock has just arrived at Net-A-Porter, and it is sure to fly out in no time. Who are the editors and purveyors of all things runway wearing when it comes to fashion month? You guessed it–Marant’s brand of relaxed Parisian chic has been the go-to uniform of choice for years. You’d be hard-pressed to find a front row bare of Isabel Marant’s slouchy trousers, effortlessly cool frocks and don’t forget suede boot or two.
For spring, Marant presented little Lurex dresses and ruffled skirts, draped shiny trousers, tailored blazers and suede footwear slung with tassels and chains. All items designed to instantly refresh the wardrobe for long warm days and even longer nights. We love Marant’s bohemian-luxe stylings, and would gladly–and loyally–wear any one of her designs out with the girls, on a date or whilst sipping cappucino outside of a cafe. Hers are the pieces you can make your own, adapt to fit your mood, your style, or simply update your look.
Don’t delay, as Net-A-Porter’s selection will certainly go quick!
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In Memory
A tribute to Lee McQueen inside the BFC tents at Somerset House. London Fashion Week February 2010.
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NY show style
It’s no secret that fashion writers/bloggers like to look their best whilst attending the shows in New York, London, Milan and Paris, and one of our very favourite fashion week pass times is to search the web for the best show-day style we can find. We almost labeled this as street style, but to be accurate, Miss Palermo isn’t just your average girl skipping over cobblestones in impossibly high heels. Ever since The Hills spin-off The City introduced us to the young socialite, we have been enamoured with Olivia’s distinct style.
Olivia epitomises downtown-chic. She is incredibly classic, but never safe. Dressed in smart lines with a sophisticated style, Palermo throws a little surprise in there to keep us guessing (remember that entirely tassled jumper that reached her knees? Love). At New York Fashion Week, we spotted Olivia wearing an absolutely fabulous black coat over a brilliant shot of gold lame. Simple yet glamorous. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for any style sitings you need to see!
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Destination: Wedding
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue… Traditional wedding rites are fading, and we’re only too happy to see them pass as Net-A-Porter launches its incredibly luxurious–and modern–wedding boutique on 16 February. Brides everywhere are now exhaling a massive sigh of relief. Understanding that each woman wants to make her special day unique, the online boutique aims to dress a variety of tastes and price points. From bucolic affairs to breezy Mediterranean destinations to impromptu City Hall style weddings à la Carrie and Big, Net-a-Porter’s stock will suit any blushing bride.
This the boutique for the bride-on-the go. The girl who doesn’t need–and doesn’t have–months or years to plan the Big Day. This is wedding dressing/accessories for the fashion-faithful. Let someone else worry about the silverware and place settings, we’ll stick to finding the perfect dress with killers heels and shimmery jewellery any day. Net-A-Porter’s one-stop shop answers all of the dressing dilemmas of the bride (Rehearsal Dinner, Wedding and even Honeymoon) as well as her wedding party (translation: no more lame bridesmaid dresses, ladies). The best bit of this online wedding salon is that with same-day delivery (to the UK and US) and extended returns, you can gather up the girls and try on your dress in the comfort of your own home.
Over champagne and cupcakes in the French Salon at Claridges, the Net-a-Porter team explained to an intimate group of fashion editors/bloggers the inspiration behind their latest venture. Although the boutique already carried an impressive inventory of white dresses, the sell-out success of Carrie Bradshaw’s Vivienne Westwood Gold label gown sparked the idea to build a more comprehensive catalogue of wedding wear. The buying team headed straight to top-end designers, giving them an extra nudge toward bridal. Alber Elbaz in particular took interest, and now Net-A-Porter is the only online boutique to stock Lanvin’s aisle-worthy attire.
A smart Donna Karan suit is perfect for a quick town hall gathering, whilst a lacy white or grey V-neck dress is great for a destination wedding (and to fit in repeat-wears). A ruffled bodice mini dress is ideal for an aisle-walk on the sand.
Yes this grainy shot is one of ours. We admit it. If you can look past the blur of wispy chiffon, take a look at the perfect peep toe heels. File under: Need to own as soon as possible.
Accessories for all of the events leading up to, during, and after you say I Do.
Stunning embellished mini dress.
Still more accessories, because you can never have too many options on your wedding day. The stark white fascinator would look sweet and retro paired with a white suit and heels, whilst the cream studded wedges have a modern edge.
An updated version of the traditional wedding cake, perhaps?With a vast collection of designer gowns and accessories, the decision to shop Net-A-Porter’s wedding boutique is simple, choosing the dress is the hard part.
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L.A.M.B gets creative
The show must go on at New York’s Fashion Week. Designer and recording artist Gwen Stefani may have appeared cool and calm at the show for her line L.A.M.B yesterday but backstage designers and stylists had to think fast—and creatively—due to the mountain of snow covering Manhattan.
The blizzard that hit New York City, just as Bryant Park was getting set up, prevented half of the L.A.M.B autumn collection from being delivered the day before the scheduled presentation. Stefani and her crew created make-shift vests from belts and styled models with more accessories to make up for missing pieces.
Luckily the new looks went well with the fall collection, which mixes vintage, military and futuristic styles. Many of the line’s looks included lace, deep red fabrics, textured harem pants, short skirts and of course, bold shoes and bags. Though reviews of the line were mixed, with some saying that Stefani was a season behind, we have to hand it to her for thinking on her feet in the middle of a snow storm.
Whilst other shows were cancelled completely due to show, Stefani faired well despite the adverse weather. With luck, weather conditions will improve, giving us hints of autumn trends to come.
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Put a ring on it
Valentine’s weekend is here and if cupid has not plucked your heartstrings, it is high time that you treat yourself to a Valentine. Instead of waiting for someone else to gift you a ring why not dress up your fingers yourself?
Cocktail rings are it right now and there is one for everyone. Instead of hoping for the big diamond ring, a ring with diamonds is just what a girl wants. Unleash your wild side with a bling-encrusted shark tooth like Made Her Think’s Double Talon Knuckle Buster ring with Swarovski Details. Or, try Anita Ko’s diamond encrusted panther ring with emerald accents.
Precious gems may sparkle, but natural rings are making more of a style statement these days. Yves Saint Laurent has iconic cocktail rings with natural stone—plucked straight from the ground. Often mixing pure gold, many YSL rings feature natural crystals in earthy tones such as creams and greens. Alexa Chung is a big fain of the YSL option, and has been spotted in her turquoise Arty ring all over town.
For the more traditional, gems will never go out of style. To integrate a classic sapphire or ruby into the trend, go big. Lydia Courteille’s coral flower rings is the perfect accent on Valentine’s Day with it’s delicate pink carvings and attention to detail. Plus, it incorporates diamonds, rubies, sapphire and and green garnets. Pearls are also timeless, but for a modern approach make it oversized for impact.
The key to any big jewel statement is the metal. The tone of the metals must compliment the skin; silver adds a cool sophistication whilst gold warms up your skin tone. Breaking away from tradition, rose gold has become a popular jewellery choice from engagement rings to women’s watches.
Be bold and indulge in a personal Valentine ring. Spikes, coloured gems, flowers, mixed metals and chunky construction will all make your fingers feel loved this holiday.
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The spring of McQueen
The loss of Lee McQueen in the fashion industry is tremendous. His talent was immeasurable. His scope endlesss. As a tribute to McQueen, we have dug back through the archives to select some of his most memorable spring runways.
2001. McQueen staged his theatrics in a mirrored cube asylum. Cue the dramatics. Erin O’Connor, Kate Moss and the girls came out in hospital caps, wandering aimlessly covered in feathers, tassels, a few pantsuits and even a miniature castle that rested on one of the model’s shoulders.
2002. El Matador was the central focus in a show that fused skilled tailoring with lavish latin ballerinas ready to approach the bull in seductive cut-outs and deconstructed dresses.
2003. The product of Robin Hood and Maid Marion’s love, spring was a forest romance, replete with bark-brown leather waist coats and cropped jackets, billowing tufts of lace and floaty chiffon. Brought to life with woodsman, dainty damsels and even snarling seductresses dressed in black. This story developed into more of a twisted legend than fairy tale.
2004. Entertainment that is second to none, McQueen’s show required dancers and models to perform in lacy lingerie and brilliant whirling dresses.
2007. McQueen’s careful tailoring shined in this historically-inspired collection. Weaving in detailed corsets and beautiful suiting from the 19th century, the designer successfully showcased his technical talent on a theatrical backdrop.
2009. In Plato’s Atlantis, McQueen masterfully fused digital prints with architectural designs. His spring show was like no other runway collection. Always ahead of the changing tide, McQueen streamed his show live on the internet to the delight of fans around the world.
Lee McQueen has certainly left his mark on fashion, and will be forever missed.
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3.1 Phillip Lim on Outnet
Breakfast in a rush today, friends, because 3.1 Phillip Lim has arrived at Outnet, and the stock is going fast. Not surprising at all considering that we’re talking about Phillip Lim here, and woman plunder through his stock in break-neck speed. He’s the designer that’s doing something right. We started clicking away as soon as we checked Outnet, though we’re beginning to suspect some shoppers were already pillaging at 9:59 this morning.
We adore the sky blue dress above, with a pleated bodice twisted down the centre–this definitely appeals to the gentle knotting trend this spring. We can always count on Lim for lightweight work-and-brunch appropriate dresses, and this stock does not disappoint. A denim dress (pre-chambray, perhaps?) with floral cut-outs is perfect for spring, whilst khaki –forever a wardrobe staple–is trending heavily this season. We like a bold print as much as any, and Phillip Lim’s floral print white dress and paisley sheer blouse epitomise effortless casual style.
Shop now, Phillip Lim won’t be around for long!
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Bow Crazy
Oh, Luella. We still can’t accept the fact that we won’t be seeing your amazing Spring ‘10 collection hit the stores. The only way we can think of paying you a very much deserved tribute is by focusing on what became part of the brand’s identity (and stood out in your, for now, last show): bows.
Why is it that bows seem to be everywhere? Simply because they can go everywhere. Add a bow to clothes and accessories and you’re adding a touch of effortless charm and all round delightfulness.
But one must be careful with bows. Because the problem with a bow is precisely what makes them so appealing – they’re so sweet that we need to watch our bow intakes, or else we might end up looking like five year-olds.
Headbands and other hair accessories are a danger zone. Try a headband with small bows in colours like black and white – less eye-catching but equally charming. However, if you happened to be a proud owner of Louis Vuitton’s bunny ears from last season, there are plenty of big bows out there for you.
Clothes are an easier matter, the latest novelty being stripes and bows having an enduring love affair. From prints to the real deal, the versatility of the bow is undeniable.
If you wish to keep bows to a minimum, leave it to your accessories. Bows and jewellery seem to mesh perfectly, since bows can be found on earrings, rings et al. Belts and gloves with a bow detail are chic and have just the right dose of sweetness. And who says bows don’t have attitude? Heels look all the better when they’ve got a bow on them, whilst studs and bows make the best of friends.
So take a bow (sorry, we had to) in honour of Luella and be prepared for a very sweet intake on LynkU.
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British fashion designer Alexander McQueen dies
British designer Alexander McQueen was found dead in his home today at the age 40. McQueen, who also went by the name ‘Lee’ was just 40 years old. Already a prolific fashion icon, the designer was scheduled to show his Autumn/Winter 2010 collection in Paris in the following month. McQueen’s death comes just a week before the start of London Fashion Week, and three years after the death of Isabella Blow. Blow, who was the fashion director at Tatler, is credited with discovering McQueen. She famously bought every piece from his first collection for £5,000.
McQueen was born in London’s East End in March 1969. At the age of 16, the designer dropped out of school and turned his focus on fashion. He honed his tailoring skills at Anderson and Shepherd on Saville Row, before starting his own line in 1992. McQueen went on to win the British Designer of the Year Award four times. Regarded as ‘enfant terrible,’ the designer was known for his avant-garde collections and dramatic runway productions. McQueen later added Designer of the Year by the CFDA and CBE to his CV.
His ever-evolving fashion was monumental and definitive. From utilising gothic theatrics to creating an apocalyptic underworld, McQueen was entirely unique and ground-breaking.
Alexander McQueen’s fashion house has issued the following statement:
“On behalf of Lee McQueen’s family, Alexander McQueen today announces the tragic news that Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand, has been found dead at his home. At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee’s family.”
We have lost an extraordinarily talented man, may he Rest In Peace.
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