IN LOVE WITH LONDON

I realise that I live in London the most when I look across my shoulder and looking back at me is the Tower Bridge. I love relaxing by the riverside (when it doesn't rain!) and enjoying the stunning views of the London skyline. It's one of the most dynamic and wonderful cities to explore; no matter how much I walk around, there's always something new around the corner. Feeling nude and beige colours to complement the overcast sky, I love this MONKI jacket which genuinely goes with everything and anything. 

trench MONKI

dress CLUB MONACO
bag COACH
sunglasses FOREVER XXI

shoes LK BENNETT

photo JEVGENIJA

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SLEEK IN BLACK

The trench. The staple classic for every lady's wardrobe. However, a good quality, sleek trench doesn't need to cost you an arm and a leg - this one from ZARA, for example, still gives that subtle look of luxury. In particular, I am a sucker for the faux leather sleeves. I've paired this number with LK BENNETT heels, with the statement strap (highlighted beautifully in white!). Add in a plain black dress, and voila! Winning formula? 

I think I've said this millions of times, but you can't get more comfortable than LK BENNETT. Although I love ridiculous shoes from time to time, comfort is essential. This pair fits wonderfully, and they're unique! What's more, can be worn for work or leisure. 

dress FRENCH CONNECTION

trench ZARA

shoes LK BENNETT

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FAUX REAL

London is one of those places where, even if you've seemingly explored every nook and cranny, there's always something new around the corner. As the seasons change, it's hard to get totally accustomed to leaving the safety of a warm piece of outerwear behind. I love this ASOS faux fur coat, which pairs really well with any outfit. I've matched it with this maroon dress from FRENCH CONNECTION, which fits really well and gives some form to the overall outfit. 

To make it a little more casual and better for on-the-go, I've also added my favourite VAGABOND booties, giving that perfect Londoner style edge! 

faux coat ASOS

dress FRENCH CONNECTION

photography

JEVGENIJA

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LFW DESIGNER SHOW ROOMS - JAMIE WEI HUANG

This London Fashion Week season, I had the pleasure of attending the Designer Show Rooms event, stumbling upon the gem that is the designer JAMIE WEI HUANG. Unfortunately the image (due to the poor lighting conditions!) above isn't sufficient to capture the full theatricality and vividness of her work, one thing's for sure, this designer has a novel angle and has shown her versatility throughout her budding career so far. 

I've been a fan for some time, having been in love with her philosophical, light and delicate METAPHYSICS SS15 collection, and also impressed with the dark and intrigue of the NYMPHOMANIAC AW15 collection. The designer has been featured and recognised by various platforms, including VOGUE, for her distinct and edgy style. Her newest AW16 collection, LILY, is a satirical take on the post-war depressive economy. It deals with the interlocking and opposed interests of the different classes, as well as reevaluates the traditional ideals of femininity and elegance.  

You can see some influences from the period, including colour block and stripes, feminine touches such as bows; as well as the emphasis on androgynous forms, with wide fit items and more linear tailoring. The variety of textures in particular struck me; the knits, leather and denim, for example, work in unison but also could be said to clash, but there is a cohesive narrative overall. In particular, I love her bags, which combine knit and leather. They are beautiful, attention grabbing pieces which behold significant meaning, but can go well with any understated outfit. 

Many thanks to Selina Lau for the first two images from the showrooms! 

THE OVERDUE FAREWELL

I've been seriously waiting to see the back end of winter for the longest time. On the bright side, I get to wear this timeless BURBERRY scarf a few more times before retiring it for spring! 

I've always loved pieces with a lot of texture, and that's why this black and white number from ZARA is a clear favourite. It's really warm and cosy, goes with almost anything, and can be transitioned from a winter to a spring wardrobe easily. 

cardigan ZARA

scarf BURBERRY

boots RUSSELL & BROMLEY

photography

JEVGENIJA

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LFW - OMAR MANSOOR AW16 COLLECTION

Pakistani designer Omar Mansoor presented his 11th collection at London Fashion Week, showcasing his glamorous, form-fitting gowns. These were inspired by Marchesa Casati, who was an Italian heiress, muse, and patroness of the arts during early 20th-century Europe. Marchesa was known for her eccentricities, which were a point of interest in European society for nearly three decades - she was famously quoted for saying this: 'I want to be a living work of art'. Hence, the name of the collection is: "L'art Vivante". 

Known for her soirees, Marchesa's spirit is exemplified in Omar Mansoor's pieces; captured are the vibrancy of her personality and her reputation as an influence on European trends. The collection therefore features full ball gowns, knee length dresses using Koya silks, crepe silks and velvet. Pewter and gold form an essential part of the colour palette. 

Omar Mansoor's designs are complemented by eye masks, symbolising the Venetian Carnival. Marchesa resided beside the grand canal in Venice in 1910.

Also, what is exciting about the collection is that the koya silk that is used is handwoven. The use of this silk is actually part of an initiative to revive the dying craft of this handwoven fabric; the movement is headed by Pakistani designer Maheen Khan. Particularly impressive is how the movement aims to provide sustainable revenues to the artisans that manufacture these, and includes creative consultation and innovative ways to reinvent the craft. Most of these artisans are based in Karachi’s Banaras Colony.

Credits:

Footwear: Lucy Choi London

Concept and Styling: Edita Lozovoska 
First image: Selina Lau

Photography: Shahid Malik

PR: Enigme Internationale  

Instagram:omar.mansoor    Twitter: @omarmansoor    Email: info@omarmansoor.com

LFW - HARPER & BLAKE SCARVES (65% OFF PREORDERS)

A wild London Fashion Week awaited me at the HARPER & BLAKE launch of their gorgeous AW16 scarves. Suitably entitled "PREDATORS", the eight piece collection is loaded with natural motifs and fierce animal prints, celebrating the inner strength of the modern woman through metaphoric visuals comprising of birds of prey, snakes, leopards, octopuses and lizards. 

HARPER & BLAKE were originally made famous for their striking smart phone cases, but their debut into fashion is not to be overlooked. The duo, Harper and Blake, have differing styles, but have blended their visions for their brand to provide something for any wardrobe. Strong personalities, Harper exudes a "refined and classic" aesthetic, whereas Blake sources inspiration from the unusual and unique. Together, they have developed an eye-catching collection that appeals to the wild side of anyone's personal style. 

The fashion presentation itself was impressive, the team pulled in JOSEPH STEPHEN as art director and producer, who had been working on it for about three months from the proposal to showcase stages. Known for his work with OMAR MANSOOR, TATLER, and other high end clients, JOSEPH STEPHEN had to organise the talent, book the location, promotion, and design the space. It was interesting to catch up with JOSEPH STEPHEN to get a glimpse into the delivery of the debut itself, for example, he liaised with the stylist to choose accompanying garments, makeup and hair styles, as well as designing and creating the set itself. Sometimes it's hard to imagine all the work that goes into the final product, especially when it runs so smoothly. 

The scarves were designed by ALINA ZAMANOVA, already a tour de force in the fashion industry (having worked for Alexander McQueen among many other famous names). ZAMANOVA's stunning eye for detail, placement and colour work is clear; printed on high quality silk, the designs are presented on a bold and bright canvas measuring a generous 136cm x 136cm. The models at the presentations moved very beautifully in them; I particularly loved the sizes of these, as they are perfect for layering and manipulating to suit a variety of outfits. 

Pre-order now (before end of March 2016) and receive 65% off the original retailing price!

first photo

SELINA LAU