Shooting Stars

Ok - sorry about the delay but work does come first! As I said in the previous post I was knee deep in Graduate Fashion Week, and I promised to give you a few names to keep and eye on. Now for once me and the Judging panel were in similar agreement with the overall winners from the colleges but some didn't make it to the final gala that I felt should have.

First and Foremost Ria Thomas, she won the Pringle of Scotland Knitwear award. I saw her Nottingham Trent show earlier and the week and thought she was something special - I expect we will see her on the LFW sched very soon. She definitely impressed me the most. The overall womenaswear award went to Nabil El Nayal who presented a very grown up, geometrical collection and the award was well deserved. The overall winner went to the menswear designer Jessica Au, with her Kenzo floral print menswear. Personally it didn't really rock my style boat but you can see she is a very strong talent. However what was a surprise to me was that the delightful Paul Smith/Techno/Public School boys collection by Krishna Chavda didn't make the judges cut. Personally I really enjoyed the presentation and I though it was fun without being showy, however its classic lines with a twist I guess didn't impress others in the same way.

Good luck class of 08 - in the changing market you are going to need all the help and support you can get.

xx
WS

Will the Graduating Class please stand for Commencement!

Yes I have been having one of those weeks - it was all rather 'Too" Fashion. I am prepping for a shoot, which is making things crazy - but to top that all off, it was the much publicized launch of Chanel at Dover Street Market last night (for those rubber neckers: Spotted, Agnes, Henry Holland, Katie Grand, Sarah Bailey, Bronwyn Cosgrave, well lets face it the fucking who's who of London fashion). I stayed for only a fashion moment before heading off to the Matches Circus evening and even covered an Art Exhibition (Grayson Perry, Peter Blake etc) - so I was plum tuckered to say the least.

No let up today, as the Gala Evening for Graduate Fashion week was on. I will say a big kudos to River Island as sponsor of the event. It is covered brilliantly and they have big plans to take it forward. It is also helpful to see everyone in the same place - it is rather like the Fashion week tents but all new, raw talent. Yes, there are some weaker students and you have to sit through things that might be your cup of tea (or are genuinely crap) however that is what a good editor does - EDIT.

There is a good deal of support for the event, the usual suspects BFC, but also it is sponsored by NatMags (the UK outfit of the Heart Corp). Sadly several of the Journo's who would usually turn out stayed away to go to the Royal College Gala tomorrow night but Extra Kudos to the Evening Standard crew, who were being well on top of it (which can't be said for certain other publications).

Anyway - if I weren't propping my eyes open I would give you the Grads to keep and eye on but I will save that for the next blog as Cinderella needs her sleep.

Girls, that is just a no no!

So I had some time to kill between appointments and tottered on down to the lovely Notting Hill exchange. Bagged myself an out of season Mulberry boating blazer for a £5 which is a bargain in anyone's book. It will go great with a wife beater and jeans and perfect at that price.

However, while slipping into the changing room the interns/fashion assistants saunter in from Wonderland flogging the castoffs from the fashion closet and desperately trying to put food on the table. Now we were all there once, I remember returning the M&S press gifts (back in the day they were worth £50) and could feed you from M&S food for a whole month if you were careful. However, words to the wise to the younger generation. Yes we all know you get paid pittance. We were there once too. Do not however show up at the local vintage/pawnshop with samples in a designer carrier bag that is clearly marked to the attention of the Fashion director of the MAGAZINE!!!!! It is so so not form - and if you aren't careful, people have been fired for less as you never know who is watching!

R.I.P. Y.S.L.

I can't quite believe it. I am actually reeling from the news. I guess it doesn't help when I am right in the middle of the The Beautiful Fall by Alicia Drake. He was only 71. A mere 5 years older than my parents. I know he had retired, I know - he must have known that it was coming. It doesn't make it any easier.

Here is the news on the AFP - For me I will remember him for all of my mother's lovely handmedowns, my silk black peasant top, my red autumn pie crust blouse, and last but not least my favourite black croc slingbacks.

R.I.P. Y.S.L.

Kiss my Double C's

Every year it starts earlier and earlier. Today the first in line at the coveted invitation only, Chanel Sample Sale were in line at 6am apparently. Usually there are not too many bags on offer so you have to be at the front if you want pick of the litter.

I luckily, am not the biggest Chanel bag fan (gasp, horror) but I do go for the clothes in a big way (long with the rest of us). I passed over the Relative PR sale last night (I am never going to be a true sample size and thought, "Do I really want any more shoes?") and my saved my bank account for the workout this morning.

The great and the good were all there in spades, from Editors down to fashion assistants (no interns). I came away with a great cocktail dress, a day dress to die for, a cute knit piece and a skirt. All items that are good additions to my already packed wardrobe. I have in the past suffered buyers frenzy at this sale, and come away with items that, to be honest even I wonder what I was thinking at the time.

Furthermore this sample sale, opposed to others has past sale merchandise so women other than the wafer thin, get a look in. I am pleased as punch with my purchases, but with that and the McQueen dress last month - I have over splurged. It is a fashion diet from here on in this season.

xoxoWS

The Earliest Morning in Fashion

Roll up, Roll Up. Starbucks in hand. Are you ready? Tomorrow is the earliest day in Fashion. The only day you will see from the Top of the Masthead on down standing in line. I will report back on my loot in due Course!

See you there ladies.

xoxo WS

RIP LLG

Well as many I know are readers of the lovely Liberty London Girl it is with sadness that she leaves (not forever I hope) the blogging family. It is understandable as she has taken the medium by storm and run with it. Understandably she will be sorely missed by those who know her and by those that don't.

I wish I had her writing talents as well as her zest for life. Her new publication is bloomin' lucky to have her. RIP LLG - but knock them dead!

It seems that many of the fashion insiders are taking a break - Mrs. Fashion has also 'retired' this month. Perhaps the medium is getting old or actually it is far more likely that the industry is getting a little to close to the bone for us to have an annoy blog.

I have been lucky, dipping in and out over time. I have seen the Fashion Blogs develop and some have fully bloomed. I just want to take my hat off to the small league of fashion insiders who trundle on.

Good Luck LLG and Mrs. F in all that you do, but your blogs will be missed.

xxWS