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Archive for February, 2010

Asos launches Africa collection

Asos has launched a new capsule collection called Asos Africa, designed, sourced and produced in collaboration with several small communities in Africa.

Contemporary silhouettes including jumpsuits, playsuits, blazers and cropped trousers are re-worked using African Kanga’s – the vivid printed cottons traditionally worn by men and women throughout Eastern Africa.

Organic cotton cutwork-detail tees and vests are embellished with heavy brass beading whilst tunics and tops are hand- crocheted with loving care. Hand beaded leather sandals, belts and woven raffia baskets finish the look.

Each piece comes packaged in its own pouch made from Kanga fabric with a handmade coconut button fastening.

Asos buying director Caren Downie said: “On our continuing quest to find new inspiration, we recently spent time in Africa working with artisans and small producer groups. The vibrancy of the continent inspired us to create the ‘Asos Africa’ collection with the aim of supporting trade in Africa.”

Clothing prices range from £15 to £75 and accessories from £18 to £32.

The collection is part of The Green Room, a new area on Asos’ website which promotes people and the planet.

fashionbite xx

FIRST LOOK: French Connection’s new ad campaign

Do you remember the FCUK campaign?

Launched by French Connection in the late ’90′s it was a hugely successful ad campaign which went on to sell millions of clothes emblazoned with the acronym. A hallmark of the ’90′s, the brash, bold and controversial campaign summarised the decade perfectly, an era which brought us Brit pop, ladettes and girl power.

Fast foward 13 years and times have changed. Emerging from a global recession, the excesses of the nineties and noughties, the mass consumerism and materialistic culture of the era seem crass. We are entering a new, more considered time, where ethical awareness and social responsility play a factor in our forward thinking.

In response to this, French Connection has brought us a fresh advertising angle for the teenies. In the biggest piece of brand activity since FCUK, the ad campaign heralds a new direction for the much-loved premium high street name.

I have fond affiliations with the brand. My first job was working on the shop floor at French Connection’s Oxford branch. I was a Saturday/Sunday girl from the age of 16 to 18, whilst studying for my A-levels. I absolutely loved it. Although I was slightly more interested in the fashion than the studying…!

The campaign is a lighthearted study of a woman (above) and a man (below), bringing a distinct voice to the brand. The idea came from a need to talk to men and women in different ways.

The female character is understated yet elegant, chic without being overtly sexy- the advert is accompanied by a voiceover with a French accent talking about the female’s behaviour and attire.

The campaign showcases the French Connection Spring Summer ’10 collection, womenswear is about feminine tailoring in soft nudes contrasted against bold Hawaiian prints and stripes. Clean cut lines are juxtaposed against softer silhouettes in fluid fabrics. Exaggerated shoulders still play an important role and feature on blazers, embellished tops and fitted dresses.

The brand has launched a separate advert to speak to its male customers. The male character is a bearded, rugged, intelligent-looking creative, the advert is also accompanied by the French accented voiceover. The spring summer ’10 menswear collection focuses on quality fabrics, unique detailing and signature design twists.

French Connection founder and chairman Stephen Marks said: “We believe we have created an impactful and intelligent campaign which we hope will encourage talk-ability amongst our loyal customers and fashion opinion formers worldwide.

“The campaign creative enables us to speak to our male and female customers in a clever and effective way, whilst reaffirming our premium status on the high street. This is set to be a very important season for French Connection”.

fashionbite xx

FASHIONBITE PROMOTION

Pam Hogg rocks at London Fashion Week

Pam Hogg put on a show to end all shows at London Fashion Week this season, opened by legendary rock singer Siouxsie Sioux, from Siouxsie and the Banshees.

The space was crammed full of guests including a front row lined with Nick Cave, Jefferson Hack, Pearl Lowe, Peaches Geldoff and Jaime Winstone.

The collection was punk rock rebellion at its best, with outfits leaving little to the imagination! Thigh high PVC boots, huge net hair pieces, sheer cape jackets, plunging bodysuits with slashes of lace, PVC and leather and Pam’s signature catsuits sashayed down the catwalk.

A sheer white catsuit with angel wings and carefully placed leaves did little to hide the model’s modesty.

Halfway down the catwalk two models rock n roll kissed, Pam Hogg knows how to put on a show!

For the finale, Pam descended the catwalk hand in hand with Siouxsie to a standing ovation and screaming applause from the crowd.

FRONT ROW AT PAM HOGG

Stunning body jewellery at J Maskrey comeback

The crazy, hectic world of London Fashion Week has closed for another season…the parties, the outfits, the glamour, the front row, the champagne, the air-kissing, the fabulous collections…!

I’ve been writing On|Off’s first London Fashion Week blog and have had an access all areas pass to the shows, back stage, front row gossip and parties.

Thought I’d sum up some my favourite bits in the next few posts…

J Maskrey mesmerized the audience with a dazzling collection for autumn winter (above), gaining a standing ovation at the end for her first Fashion Week show in 5 years.

Skin jewellery was the name of the game, as models descended the catwalk dripping in diamonds and excuding glamour. The collection was stunning, but not for the body conscious, as short and tight were the key silouettes.

Get the look with Swarovski Crystallized body tattoo transfers at Swarovski Crystallized

The On|Off After Party on Saturday night was also a huge hit….despite last minute cancellations!

At 4pm that day, Neneh Cherry, who was down to headline the night, pulled out due to illness- so it was all systems go to find a replacement before 9pm. Luckily, the Sugababes stepped in at the last minute and performed one the band’s raunchiest sets to date…there were no complaints!

The crowd sipped gorgeous Dannoff vodka cocktails and danced the night away to the brilliant tunes of DJ Yasmina Dexter, Pandoras Jukebox.

See On|Off After Dark, for a night in pictures…

The after party at Jalouse was AMAZING….we stumbled home around 5 am…

fashionbite xx

Sonia Rykiel for H&M: why we love designer tie-ups

I finally got round to checking out the new Sonia Rykiel for H&M collection last night- been so hectic with On|Off at London Fashion Week didn’t get the chance to head to the launch on Saturday.

I went to the large H&M store opposite Bond Street tube, London, and was quite suprised to see a lot of stock still on sale…but also really pleased as I managed to nab myself this gorgeous little rhinestone beret-I’ve had my eye on it ever since the preview pics landed in my inbox!

However, despite there still being a fair bit of stock, key pieces, such as a striped knitted jumper dress, had sold out. For more details about the collection, see fashionbite’s earlier post ‘Sonia Rykiel for H&M launches next week.’

I love H&M’s designer collaborations -they’re a fantastic way to buy a piece of the designer, without the price tag!

Talking of which, yesterday I saw Roksanda Ilincic’s autumn winter 2010 catwalk show at London Fashion Week (she recently launched a capsule collection for high street boutique chain Whistles).

The collection was stunning, fluid, silk dresses, sheer blouses and beautiful fabrics, accompanied by a feel-good soundtrack of disco songs such as ‘You Make Me Feel.’ It had a definite Studio 54, early Halston-esque vibe, see my blog at On|Off for more details about the show.

Whistles boss Jane Shepherdson was spotted on the front row, so hopefully this means future collaborations are in pipeline. Watch this space!

fashionbite xx

London Fashion Week…best bits so far

As I mentioned in the last post, I’ve been writing a blog for On|Off, the showcase for new and emerging design talent, at London Fashion Week.

On|Off has produced amazing designers such as Hannah Marshall, Peter Pilloto, Jasper Conran and Pam Hogg. The concept is fresh and unique and it’s amazing to see raw design talent before it hits the big time. The space this year, at Victoria House, Bloomsbury Square, is a large warehouse and creates a fabulous backdrop for the fashion exhibitions, installations and catwalk shows…although the press room is a bit cold!

A London Fashion Week highlight, On|Off’s famous bi-annual party, rocked last night- headlined by the Sugar Babes….I’m feeling slightly ropey this morning! Just downing some coffee before I head down to On|Off to start reviewing today’s catwalk shows.

Before I do, thought I’d highlight some of my best bits so far….

Charlie Le Mindu (the hair stylist) kicked off On|Off in true Le Mindu style, a shocking but incredible show which left the audience speechless. There was a religious/occult theme and Charlie showcased amazing wig installations complete with huge crosses on the head, black/blue body paint and veils made from twisted hair.

I also really liked Spanish knitwear designer Ramon Gurillo. Although his show wasn’t such a spectacular, the knitwear was stunning and I could have worn every piece straight off the catwalk.

The shapes were loose and fluid, chunky knits alongside intricate spidery open weave dresses. Exquisite! I could see me and most of my friends lusting after every item..a very wearable collection and perfect for autumn winter. It’s Ramon’s second season at OnOff.

Julian J Smith’s collection was another very commercial, very wearable collection- again I could see myself in a lot of it.

He repeated a 70′s style geometric print in a lot of the pieces, a real statement print where you’d be sure to stand out from the crowd in. Dresses were short, with slashes of vibrant colour against block black. I could imagine myself in lots of them for winter, combined with a lovely pair of chunky tights and boots.

I also loved Belle Sauvage, the label from emerging design duo Virginia Ferreira and Christian Neuman. The show was fantastic, the hair and make-up looked amazing (apparently the hair alone took 2 weeks to do!) and the collection was inspired by industrial imagery found in German expressionism. The show had a very mechanical feel to it, the models walked slowly, almost like robots and the music was very industrial-esque. I loved the shoes, they were huge black, almost cogg-like pieces, reminded me a bit of Alexander McQueen’s sea-urchin inspired shoes from spring 2010.

Will update with more later, looking forward to Pam Hogg and Roksanda Ilincic tomorrow!

fashionbite xx

London Fashion Week launches

Fashionbite is on the front row at On|Off, which showcases new and emerging design talent, at London Fashion Week to bring you all the latest runway reports and up-to-date fashion news throughout the week.

Thanks so much to Dell for sending me a cool, little blue Notebook laptop. It pops easily into my handbag bag- perfect for front row blogging.

Visit the Fashionbite for On|Off blog at OnOff….for all your London Fashion Week news.

fashionbite xx

Wedding dress shopping??


I’m getting to the point now where lots of my friends are getting engaged. Hen do’s, wedding invites, venues, dresses… are all becoming part of mainstream conversation.

I popped to the launch of Net-a-Porter’s new wedding boutique last week- see Net-a-Porter launches new wedding boutique- and I have to admit, even I started lusting after the gorgeous dresses, shoes, accessories and even matching honeymoon suit/vanity cases on offer.

Your wedding dress is probably one of the most expensive and well thought-out outfits you’ll ever wear, but what advice is out there…?

iStylista founder and award winning stylist Chantelle Znideric shares her top tips with Fashionbite readers on how to dress for the big day….

Wear a wedding dress that suits your body shape

“With so many dress choices out there the task is a daunting affair. Don’t be fazed by what seems like hundreds of different dress styles and avoid advice from hard selling shop assistants (some benefit from substantial commissions).

Everyone is individual so remember, what might look fabulous on somebody else may not necessarily suit your body shape or proportions.

Take a friend along who has a similar build and frame to you, when you pick out a dress get her to try it on for you as well. It’s always easier to see what you like and dislike on somebody else.”

Focus on enhancing your best bits

“The secret to looking great whatever size you are is to enhance the bits you like about your body.

If you have toned arms, beautiful shoulders and neck then don’t just go for a typical strapless style; draw attention to this area by choosing a dress with an unusual neckline or a halter neck style.”

It’s not about what you wear but how you wear it

“You are gorgeous so just you remember that – you are the one getting married after all!

Wearing your wedding dress practice walking around in front of a mirror, the idea is to feel confident wearing it so it’s a chance to perfect and assess your posture.

You are the lucky one getting married so wear your biggest smile ever – you will instantly look and feel more confident without even knowing it!”

Face your wedding party with confidence

“Shop around for a fabulous make-up artist and once found ask for a referral before you commit.

Ensure your make-up enhances your natural features whilst still making you look recognisable afterwards.

After the trial session with your make-up artist, ask him or her to take a photo of your make-up so you can see what it looks like in photographs, and tweak it if necessary.”

Feel confident underneath it all

“Never underestimate the power of sexy underwear, there’s nothing like wearing beautiful lingerie to make you feel like a million dollars.”

Chantelle offers wedding styling sessions for brides, mother of the bride and/or wedding parties. Visit her at iStylista to book an appointment.

fashionbite xx

SPRING TREND: Fearne Cotton’s Prada inspired plait

Fearne Cotton rocked last night at the BRIT Awards with her Prada inspired plait, a hot spring ’10 hair trend.

Hairdresser Mark Hill created a fabulous side plait to accompany Fearne’s vintage inspired outfit, perfect for red carpet glamour with an edgy twist.

Long side braids were spotted on the spring ’10 catwalks at Prada, Missoni, Cavalli and Mcqueen- a perfect way to update any look, see James White Hair.

To re-create the look, Mark Hill said: “I blow dried Fearne’s hair using Va Va Voom Blow Dry Mousse to give root lift on the top and crown sections and a large radial brush to smooth and add natural movement.

“Then, from a side parting, the majority of her hair was loosely taken back into a side ponytail – only the front section was left out. I then weaved the pony tail into a fish-tail plait, securing the ends with a clear band.

“This plait should be thick and chunky, never too neat, so small pieces were allowed to stray from the main bulk.

“Once plaited, the front section of her hair was taken back and secured just behind her ear using a vintage style clip, leaving the ends to fall naturally over her shoulder to balance the style and add softness.

“A final spritz of Diamond Shine Spray protected the style on the red carpet from the damp weather and gave Fearne’s hair a great shine.”

fashionbite xx

Fashionbite to launch On|Off’s first London Fashion Week blog


Very exciting news!!! Fashionbite is launching On|Off’s first London Fashion Week blog this Thursday.

On|Off is an independent fashion event which showcases new and emerging design talent at London Fashion Week. It bridges the gap between on and off schedule designers and has some amazing names showing this season, such as Roksanda Ilincic, Pam Hogg, Samantha Cole, Julian J Smith…and many more!

Over the past seven years, On|Off’s pioneering approach has attracted some of the most exciting design talent from the UK and internationally, including: Hannah Marshall, Jasper Conran, Gareth Pugh, Peter Pilloto, Aminaka Wilmont, Gardem, Karen Walker and Sinha Stanic.

Fashionbite for On|Off will keep you up-to-date with all the front row gossip, show reports, designer interviews and loads of fabulous pics from the four day event (February 19-22).

You can access the blog from On|Off’s homepage, starting this Thursday, to kick start all your Fashion Week news!

Fashionbite will also be keeping you up-to-date with all the exciting news and gossip from London Fashion Week…so keep posted!

fashionbite xx