podflower

I have just done my first design to submit to Threadless and they have just accepted it for scoring! (oooh it is actually quite exciting).

My normal Podbears (from my avatar) have gone all Steampunk, and they would really appreciate some kudos (it took a lot to convince them they didn't look silly). So if you would like to show them some steamy love, please click on over to Threadless and vote for them to be immortalised on Tees!

Jo

Ivana Pilja is a new young fashion talent hailing from Serbia. These shots from her new collection will be presented at FASHIONCLASH 2010. The collection consists of 12 pieces, all in black that play on geometric themes. Her work really puts me in mind of another upcoming fashion designer, Samantha Cole.

Via: mmmust.com

Jo

I posted their 2009 Spring/Summer collection on Latemag last year, and I’ve felt compelled to post my favourites from their 2010 Spring/Summer collection this year as well. Why? Simply because Stills just make beautiful, completely timeless clothes. I actually like the fact they are not slaves to trends, it’s just good old fashion quality in both styling and fabrics and knowing how to dress to perfection the female form. 

To check out the full collection visit their website

Jo

Why look, its half past purple. To be honest I’ve always been a visual person, numbers were never my thing, in fact give me pretty colours any day. Whilst you are at you can also give me this watch. 

Available from here, and in a lovely little tin too.

Jo

I usually have an extreme aversion to spring/summer clothes. Maybe it’s because I really don’t like pastel colours. Maybe it’s just because I feel you can do more creatively with the extra fabric that comes with winter attire. I’m not really sure why, but I generally find myself much more excited about the autumn/winter collections than I do the summer. That was until I saw the Spring collection from New York based design house Sine. The silhouettes, the colours, the fabrics; love, love, love. Maybe I’ll have a summer wardrobe after all.

Here are my favourites from the collection, to view it in its entirety visit their website....

Jo

I was mightily enamoured with United Nude’s previous collection, and by the looks of it, they have done it again. The recent launch of their Spring /Summer 2010 collection has once more left me drooling and screaming “I want those shoosies!”. Amongst the new pieces of foot candy in the range there are some original styles that have had a revamp, such as the Eamz Shoe (inspired by the Charles and Ray Eames chair) which has seen the introduction of elastic and leather straps to make a breathable summer sandal.   Untied Nude’s launch style, the Mobius, featuring a single strip forming the sole, heel, foot-bed and upper, has had ankle straps introduced for S/S 2010 making it slightly more practical. Low Res (one of my favs from last time, I have the grey version!) have been given a fresh lease of life with some funky new bright colours.

My favourite newbies include the Label Shoe, the result of a second collaboration with Dutch Fashion Designer Antoine Peters, which is a play on the industries excessive use of labels and the Ultra Loop, a design concept where a single foot-bed penetrates a sexy loop with a towering 130mm heel height. 

Below are some of my favourite styles from the Spring/Summer 2010 collection, enjoy!

To view the whole Spring/Summer 2010 collection click here

Jo

Every girl appreciates a bit of good lingerie, but it’s not always easy to find something that is sophisticated and sexy at the same time and also affordable.  I find Anne Summers stuff tacky as hell and pretty poor quality and Agent Provocateur for the most part way too expensive.  Google “lingerie” and the array of sites that come up featuring “wag-tastic shag wear” befuddles the mind.

Now maybe its thanks to the rather stupid trend of burlesque (stripping for the middle classes), but if so maybe I won’t knock it as much if its brought about “Kiss Me Deadly”, a somewhat brilliant collection of vintage inspired lingerie. Glamorous, Old-school, proper underwear for proper ladies, Kiss Me Deadly is designed for Femme Fatals, but better still is really affordable, especially as it’s so gorgeous. Averaging £25 for a bra, the pricing is more on par with Anne Summers, but the design and quality more in line with Agent Provocateur; it’s definitely worth checking out!

For more information and stockists visit www.kissmedeadly.co.uk

Jo

These images are from Maya Hensen’s collection shown at Cebile’s Madrid Fashion Week.

The playful collection caught my eye because of the juxtaposition of the heavy metal/rock influences combined with the elegant gowns and masterful corsetry – her signature item of clothing throughout all her collections. What is particularly special about Maya’s work is the sense of Noir Fantasy (her past work shows influences of cyber and steam punk) that obviously inspires her; it gives what is essentially a rather sexual item of clothing a playful innocence.

If you want to check out her past collections or visit her online boutique, pay a visit to her website www.mayahansen.com

Jo

The latest collection by one of my favourite new designers, Samantha Cole, is an equally a visual surrealist treat as her previous collection. Entitled “Warrior”, the new collection displays Cole’s mastery of blending fashion with art and sculpture, a talent that see’s her create some truly original silhouettes. What is particularly striking about Cole’s work though is her ability to craft unusual structured forms, which on paper shouldn’t translate to wearability, but in reality are figure flatteringly so.

The Warrior collection draws inspirations from Kate Beckinsale in Underworld, Tina Turner in Mad Max and Jane Fonda in Barbarella. For me there is also a rather arthropodal quality to the pieces, with glistening scales, and armour-like shells all set against a palette of blacks that are given depth and interest through the fabric types used.

I also love the photography and styling that accompanies the collection shoot – couldn’t have been more complimentary.

Flick through the slideshow above to view all the pictures.

For more information visit www.samanthacolelondon.co.uk

Jo

When it comes to accessories and adornments, I’ve always had a preference for the aesthetically chunky and black and red are one of my favourite colour combinations. So you can imagine my glee when I spotted these rather perfect little timepieces, part of the Urban Spin collection from Greek brand Folli Follie.

Featuring stainless steel roses and rubber straps, an Urban Spin watch is definitely featuring in my letter to Father Christmas this year. I do hope the jolly one hasn’t been hit too badly by the recession though as prices are between 150 – 220 Euros, which wouldn’t be so bad if I didn’t want every one of them!

For more information visit Folli Follie

Jo

Edit - This is a case of me being blind as a bat my friends, Shop Cuffs do indeed ship internationally! So good news all round (apart from eyesight!) 

This one is more for our trans-Atlantic friends ( you lucky people you) as these uber cute dresses are from shopcuffs.com, a site that unfortunatly gives no indication of international shipping (correct me if I'm wrong, oh shoppy cuffs do)

Anyhoo, here's the linkage for those that can...www.shopcuffs.com

Jo

Ok, rather loving, somewhat endearingly, these structred wool coats by Swedish designer Camilla Wellton. A more beautiful cut you'd be hard pressed to find. And more so, it can also be a cut just for you, as if one of the standard sizes doesn't fit your frame you can also request a made-to-measure option.

Also a special mention has to be made to the model in this photoshoot. Grey is now officially the new black, brown and blonde. I walked past a young lady at the airport the other day with strikingly grey hair and I'm almost tempted to abandon the hair dye and let nature take its course. Though somehow me thinks that the odd stray strand doesn't quite have the same impact as full on silver.

For more info visit: www.camillawellton.com

Jo

Formed by architect Rem D Koolhaas and shoe designer Galahad Clark in 2003, United Nude are the proof in the pudding that great designers, and indeed great design can transcend disciplines. With inspirations coming from anything from Stealth F-117 fighters to the furniture design classic; the Charles and Ray Eames chair, the brand has a distinct architectural voice, that lends itself perfectly to footwear.
Now what I would be really interested to see, is a flip on perspective here – how well would shoe design translate into building design. Maybe the old nursey rhyme “There was an old woman who lived in a shoe” might not sound so silly after all...

United Nude have just opened a flagship store in Amsterdam, located in in the prestigious city center address of Spuistraat 125.

Visit:www.unitednude.com

Jo

Since Oli's launch, they have scooped 'Best Newcomer' at the coveted Cosmopolitan Online Awards, and also polled 3rd in the Sunday Mirror's High Street Fashion Awards for 'Best Website!'. Now you can have a little taste of that success by entering their competition, which offers a chance to design a capsule range for the Oli Fusion Autumn/Winter 2010 collection.

You'll get to work directly with our design team to put your designs into production - and you'll even get your name in the label of every garment, gaining valuable exposure! You'll join our impressive list of Oli Fusion designers past and present including PPQ, Sinah Stanic and Jasmine Guinness. The winning range should capture the essence of the Oli brand, with an appropriate mix of edgy design and commerciality. Your designs must appeal to Oli's target audience of fashion-savvy twenty somethings. Closing date:18th December 2009.

Via: Oli - Search for a Designer

Jo

Fair trade and ethical jewellers, CRED, have teamed up with James Bond Jeweller Sophie Harley to create a vibrant and opulent collection of intricately designed jewellery. The inspiration for the 15 piece range comes from Harley’s recent trip to the African Savanna and features 18ct fair trade gold and a rainbow mix of rubies, amethyst, fire opals and sapphires.

To get your mitts on one of these dazzling delights, you’re going to need some gold in wallet to get some gold in your wardrobe as prices start from £2500.

Available from www.credjewellery.com and the Chichester Boutique from mid October 2009

Jo

It’s easy to see why London based designer Samantha Cole picked up the accolade of Best Womenswear Designer for her Spring/Summer 2009 collection at 2008’s New York Fashion Week. The collection is a master class in fabric sculpture, featuring striking silhouettes tailored from silk, cotton, organza and silk taffeta.

Reminiscent of Eyola, Samantha Cole’s collection shows influences of the detailing and opulence of the Edwardian and Victorian eras. However what I am particularly drawn to in Cole’s work is the aura of something darker, something more fantastical, like a surrealistic gothic fairytale.

If the shoot  by Annie Leibovitz for American Vogue was all about Alice in Wonderland, Samantha Cole’s Collection could be Alice Through the Look Glass, with its darker storyline and monochromatic themes of chess. In fact, if Tim Burton decides to make the sequel Cole could make a superb costume designer.

Noir fantasy aside, whilst the collection packs an impressive visual punch as a whole, individually there are some beautiful and very wearable pieces. I am particularly enamoured with the wide legged, large chequered trousers and the elaborately pleated jacket is just divine.

To view the whole collection and for more information about Samantha Cole visit www.samanthacolelondon.co.uk

Jo

Now I dont usually consider Kays to be a hotspot destination for cutting edge fashion. I still don’t. However after a recent virtual visit I’ve come to the conclusion that they must have a new buyer on the books as their product range is looking decidedly better than I remember. They currently have a rather good selection of dresses, all of which wont break the bank.

Featured are Love Label Biker Dress £49 (my favourite), Teatro Embellised Kimono Dress £99 and Teatro Pencil Dress £69.

All available from Kays

Jo

OK, so there must be something about Marmalade that is uber cute, first Marmalade Ho and now Marmalade Clothing (I also had a rather charming guinea pig called Marmalade). Maybe I will now keep my eye out for fashion named after spreadable condiments.  Goes well on toast? A fashion must.

Marmalade Clothing is the concept of Polish born, Toronto based designer Magadalena Sokolowska. Her signature style celebrates vintage shape and colour, with her bubble-gum design distinctively 60’s retro flavoured.

You purchase pieces from the collection here

Jo

I discovered Marmalade Ho by complete accident (thanks to a typo and Google), but I’m glad my atrocious spelling led me to perhaps the cutest thing in fashion I have ever seen.

Who could not fall in love with the Helix Cat and Runny Mouse prints? And Bunny Bang Bang, well that’s just genius. Even more bizarre than these adorable prints, is perhaps the story behind how they came about. Click on “What Ever Happened to Marmelade Ho?” and you get the story of a “deceptively cute looking girl living in a place called Clone town. She’s a creative individual in a dull town full of chain shops which are full of the same mass produced rubbish.” The story goes on to explain how she fell into her drawings and met Iik- iik, Mii-ow and Bunny Bang Bang.

It’s all utterly bizarre, adorably imaginative and wonderfully kitsch– well worth checking out.

www.marmalade-ho.co.uk

Jo

Most fashionistas have seen photos of Susie Bubble (Style Bubble) and her eclectic style, but I wonder how many have seen her immortalised on paper? This brilliant portrait-come-fashion illustration is by Kathryn Elyse Rodgers, an apparel design apprentice from Boston. She's a really talented illustrator and you should check out her website for other great examples of her work - Paper Fashion

Jo

Like most girls, I have a feminine side which I do try to indulge occasionally. However I’m not a personal fan (on myself at least) of anything too girly girl; I prefer my clothes to have a bit of a tougher edge. With that in mind, it’s no suprise that I am a fan of Heimstone’s Spring 2009 collection.

Launched in 2007 by Delphine Delafon and Alix Petit, Heimstone’s signature is a mix of flowing dresses and edgy styling, a complementary contrast formed by Delafon’s love of grunge and Petit’s love of more romantic girly styles. Like Ying and Yang these two should-be conflicting style elements come together perfectly in Heimstone.

To view the rest of the collection visit Heimstone’s website

Via: Fashion Indie

Jo

If I were to sum up my personal style with three words it would probably be tailored, tomboy and funky. If I were to sum up my personal style with one label, then London based e.g... would certainly be a contender.

The hot new label is the brainchild of Emma Griffith’s, a lady with an impressive CV, previously working with Alexander McQueen and Boudicca. The debut collection is an arresting mix of structured silhouettes and luxurious fabrics with silk jersey and silk taffeta prominently featured.  I particularly like their trousers with back vents, the shape-shifting black trench, the blue silk taffeta skirt and their jackets (all three of them!)

To view the fill range visit their website www.egfashion.co.uk

Jo

These fashion drawings are by Hanna Mϋller, an Illustrator from Sweden. I always found the most challenging part of fashion illustration were faces so I am particularly in awe of the perfectly formed and expressive varieties Hanna has acheived. I love the medium she has used, and the subtle splashes of colour work really well with the delicate monochrome ink work.

Check out other examples of her work here website, Myltan

Via: Cyana Trend Land

Jo

I adore the colour of this Valentino Tote and the rose detailing makes it really striking.

You'll need bags of cash in your current bag to hold this rose though as it carries the not so sweet smelling price tag of £1,265.

Available from Browns

Jo