Tuesday 31 March 2015

Kendall Jenner for Calvin Klein

It came as no surprise last week when Kendall Jenner was unveiled as the face of the Calvin Klein Denim Series. As one of the industry's most in demand supermodels, her rise to the top of her game shows no sign of stopping with this latest campaign. The 19 year old has a global fan base, with 22million followers on Instagram and 10million on Twitter. These days a single Instagram shot can be just as powerful as a paid for digital image, meaning Jenner's undeniable influence on social media makes her the perfect choice for this campaign. The campaign see's Jenner following in the footsteps of Kate Moss who modelled for the American brand in the early 90's. The limited-edition collection revives CK Jeans iconic styles for a new generation. It will be available in Selfridges from April 15th and online at calvinklein.com from May 1st. See below for the #mycalvins campaign pictures shot by Alasdair McLellan, which will be coming to a billboard near you soon.
Phillippa x

Sunday 29 March 2015

Stripe It Lucky! - Spring Summer 15 Trend

Nautical stripes in red, white and blue for Spring/Summer are nothing new, however this season stripes have more impact. Seen on the runway at Balmain, Dries Van Noten and DKNY, stripes are now wider and come in brighter colour palettes. If a standard stripe is not your thing then look to Peter Pilotto and Preen for this seasons 'engineered stripe' which has more movement.
If wearing this look head to toe is too bold for your personal style, then why not get on board with this trend by mixing up your accessories. A striped bag or pair of shoes teamed with a block colour outfit will still have serious impact. I have selected my favourite striped garments and accessories currently available on Net-A-Porter.
Phillippa x

Friday 27 March 2015

Spring Summer 15 Trend - Slides

Thought that Slides were just for wearing whilst walking around a hotel pool on holiday? Time to think again. This style of sandal was seen at several of the top SS15 runway shows and now they are set to be huge this season with countless great pairs hitting the shop floor. Best of all they are one of the most comfortable and practical sandals you can wear!
So here are my favourite Slides available right now.
For styling, I would suggest wearing with tailored cropped trousers and a loose fitting shirt for a smart/casual look or for another great look wear with a slouchy shirt dress.

Phillippa x


Wednesday 25 March 2015

Laura Bailey X L.K.Bennett

Contributing Editor to Vogue Magazine and Chanel Brand Ambassador, Laura Bailey, has teamed up with LK.Bennett to produce a Spring/Summer 15 capsule collection. The 'Retro Modern' collection is inspired by Bailey's love of vacations in the Amalfi Coast. Known for her impeccable style, Laura Bailey knows a thing or two how to wear vibrant colours, so this has been incorporated into the collection. Think vintage 60's bathing suits, citrus printed deck chairs and cruising the Med onboard a luxury yacht. Wear with wide leg trousers and a wide brimmed hat…think Amal Clooney for style inspiration or look to Bailey herself. The collection launched today in stores and online! 
Phillippa x

Sunday 22 March 2015

Silk Scarves by Cléo Ferin Mercury

Last week I visited the Victoria and Albert Museum to attend the Alexander McQueen 'Savage Beauty' exhibition. Whilst I was there, I spotted two of the most adorable scarves in the V&A shop. They were by silk accessories designer Cléo Ferin Mercury. The scarves in question were the long animal scarves, the Cat and the Jaguar to be precise. I just can't get over how cool these scarves are! They are 170cm x 18cm, Silk Twill, Hand Finished and Made in England. Price £95. There are also very versatile and can be worn and styled in several different ways. What's not to love?
Cléo also has a collection of narrative-based scarves with kitsch illustrations. Her latest SS15 collection follows a nautical theme. Previous themes included: a Circus, a Picnic and a Jungle. Price range £85 - £180 dependant on size.
Now sold globally, stockists include: Luisa Via Roma (Italy), Galeries Lafayette (China) and Condor (New York).
 
I loved these scarves so much I had to share them with you. I hope you like them too.
Phillippa x

Thursday 19 March 2015

Slip-On Sneakers

One of the key footwear styles this season is the slip-on sneaker. Despite its casual street style appeal, this footwear trend has serious high fashion appeal. A super comfy choice of shoe, these sneakers look great teamed with jeans (both skinny and boyfriend) and also chinos and light summer dresses. Breton stripe tops or a plain tee underneath a good tailored blazer take this look to the next level. See how these celebrities and fashion bloggers have owned this look.
Jessica Alba / Kendall Jenner / Jenna Lyons / Mary Kate Olsen
These sneakers come in a variety of different styles, so whether you want to keep it classic and opt for a metallic pair or whether you are brave enough to rock a vibrant animal print, there is something for everyone. I have researched some of the best styles out there at the moment. Here is my pick of the best.
Floral
Animal Print / Camo
Snake Skin
Lace
Metallic
Embellished
Novelty
 
Phillippa x

Tuesday 17 March 2015

Most Loved - Balenciaga Spring 15 'Light and Shade' Dress and Top

One of my favourite Spring 15 collections was Balenciaga. The full collection was feminine with a sporty edge. The 'Light and Shade' top and skirt looked beautiful on the runway, and is looking equally beautiful on the red carpet and in editorials. I keep seeing this look everywhere at the moment.
The collection has proved very popular on the red carpet, with stars choosing the 'light and shade' top and skirt to wear to attend various events. I love that the collection requires the wearer to be confident on the red carpet, due to the sheer panels and slightly daring nature. Here's a look at who has worn it and how they styled the look. Note that accessories and beauty have been kept fairly simple.
Juliette Binoche / Sienna Miller / Julianne Moore
Julianne Moore / Kerry Washington / Rooney Mara
Emma Watson / Nicola Peltz
Kim Kardashian / Zoe Kravitz
The collection has also featured in editorials. I have spotted it twice in Harpers Bazaar, worn by both Gwyneth Paltrow and Margot Robbie. I also love Sia wearing this look on the cover of Interview Magazine.

Who do you think wore this collection best? I adored Sienna Millers look, and thought Emma Watson styled her top and trouser combo to look sophisticated and elegant.
If you love to see what all the A-listers are wearing on the red carpet, or you love fashion editorials, then be sure to follow my design Pinterest. You can find me at 'phillippadesign'.
Phillippa x

Sunday 15 March 2015

Paris Fashion Week A/W15 - Top 10

Balmain
A vivid, exuberant colour palette lit up the runway at Balmain. Yellow and teal, fuchsia and orange, these were my kind of colour combo's. Colour-blocking gave the garments so much more impact. We are used to seeing Olivier Rousteing showcase collections of heavily embroidered garments, however this season it was more about playing with texture: velvet, lace, fringing, fur. I couldn't have asked for more, I loved it.
Chloe
When a runway show takes place that features a Fleetwood Mac soundtrack it would be a pretty good indication that I am about to like what I am going to see. Of course the collection was rather folksy and boho, but would you expect any different? Clare Waight Keller has perfectly moulded the aesthetic of a Chloe girl. Fluid billowing gowns and flirtatious sheer shirts are a standard, but whilst some garments were whimsical there was still an element of  power and confidence in the collection.
Valentino
It was the show that stole all the headlines at Paris Fashion Week, thanks to the genius surprise appearance by Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson reprising their Zoolander roles on the runway. But aside from this crowd-pleasing moment, the collection was a dream. Starting with unexpected black and white geo's on oversized knits and full A-line skirts, we also saw beautiful lace dresses in autumnal hues, a metallic feather print, vibrant embroidery and a delightful floral print inspired by Celia Birtwell. Beyond beautiful from start to finish.
Christian Dior
This collection was more liberated and more commercial than anything we have see before from Raf Simons. We saw almost psychedelic animal prints, most notably on bodysuits.  The short dresses with cut-outs and mesh collars were my favourite. There was of course more sophisticated pieces, masculine tailored jackets and oversized fur and tweed coats. Vinyl boots and statement sunglasses completed the look.
Stella McCartney
Easy nonchalant fashion is not easy to achieve, but Stella McCartney has the formula down to a T. Beautiful fluid lines were classic and feminine. Asymmetric necklines and oversized separates were also key features. I adored the paper-bag waistbands of the tailored trousers. Subtle metallic printed jacquards and brocade completed the collection.
Louis Vuitton
Taking place in the show space at the Louis Vuitton Foundation, this was a very cool collection with a futuristic edge. Nicholas Ghesquiere has been at Louis Vuitton for 1 year now and he is really putting his stamp on the fashion house. Mini dresses and mini skirts in leather and lace featured heavily, as did ribbed knits with peek-a-boo cutouts. I particularly liked the metallic jellyfish jacquard. I would wear everything from this collection.
Balenciaga
Inspiration for this seasons collection came from: society women, aristocrats and regal women. Alexander Wang referenced Christobal Balenciaga's original clientele as a starting point. Cocoon coats and waist focused tulip skirts were key styles. Fabric was luxurious - tweed with fur trims and leather and metal detailing.
Givenchy
Many of the main styles seen on the runway touched on what Ricardo Tisci has shown in previous collections. The dark gothic nature of the dresses with elements of Victoriana is exactly what the Givenchy customer wants to see. This was a very intense Fall collection with a strong use of velvet, devore, fur and leather. Trims and ruffles were made from silk georgette and ornate beading.  Prints were peacock feathers and  historical paintings. As for the dramatic jewellery and face jewels, yes they will be offered for sale.
Alexander McQueen
Backstage Sarah Burton explained that she had in mind 'the spirit of the rose' when designing her latest collection for Alexander McQueen. Following a distinctly Victorian mood, the show explored the life of a rose from bud to bloom to decay. Layered organza, leather and distressed lace made this a collection a standout show. The show notes read "the frayed nature of reality and the beauty of imperfection". I couldn't have put it better!
Giambattista Valli
Tunics over slightly flared trousers were a major look of the collection. This style was a more grown up look and will suit more people, taking over from the super short dresses we used to see at Valli. We always see feminine florals at Valli, and this season was no different, the floral print was very commercial. Other materials included: lace, sequins, fur. One of the white lace dresses was so exquisite it actually looked like delicate laser cut. My favourite look was the red fur bodice over a black tank.
Phillippa x 
 
 

Saturday 14 March 2015

Savage Beauty - Exhibition Review

I recently became a member of the Victoria and Albert Museum, and decided to take full advantage by attending the Alexander McQueen 'Savage Beauty' exhibition on the day it opened without needing to buy a ticket. The exhibition was everything I could have wished for and more. A truly stunning display of the greatest collections by the genius Alexander McQueen.
The first McQueen collection I ever saw was Spring 2005, and I've been a fan ever since. Being able to see the clothes that cemented in my mind that I wanted to pursue a career in fashion was just amazing. Seeing the craftsmanship of the garments close up you do truly appreciate just how revolutionary McQueen's take on fashion was.
Each room of the exhibition has a different theme, starting with McQueen's work for Givenchy and ending with his final full collection before his death, Spring 2010, Plato's Atlantis...my personal favourite collection. My favourite room was the 'Cabinet of Curiosities', which I believe is considerably larger than when the exhibition was at the MET in New York.
Highlights of the exhibition included 'that' dress worn by Shalom Harlow during the Spring 1999 runway show, the mirrored box from the 2001 'Voss' show and a hauntingly beautiful hologram of Kate Moss. I also loved the video's from the runway shows playing throughout the exhibition, putting the designers work into context of their themes. I also recommend that you read all the quotes written on the wall, some of them are very poignant.
The whole exhibition really does explore the evolution of McQueen's work and the setting was appropriately theatrical. The exhibition above and beyond exceeded my expectations and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Prepare to be overwhelmed by how breath-taking this exhibition is! Savage Beauty runs until August 2nd.
Phillippa x
 
I just want to point out that these images are not my own, photography was not permitted in the exhibition. Photo Credit to Vogue.