Monday 31 October 2016

SS17 Trend Report - Stylised Florals

It goes without saying that florals for Spring are nothing new. To quote everyone's favourite fictional editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly "Florals for Spring...groundbreaking". In fact it is pretty much a given to see them gracing many a dress at countless runway shows. However for SS17 gone are the twee 'romantic' florals that we have seen a lot of the past couple of seasons, and in are the-over-top statement stylised prints. Think of all those great retro florals that you would see on garments in a vintage store and on wallpaper from the 60's and 70's - that is what we have this season. Large scale cut-out style graphic florals work well in a minimal colour palette (think mustard and tomato red), whilst layered florals work well in multiple flat block colours. As you can imagine, such prints translated through to the catwalk exceptionally well and made a huge sartorial statement - these are not prints for the shy and retiring! Not content with just a vintage inspired print, Prada even went one step further and also used traditional silhouettes. Key Designers: Balenciaga, Chloe, Gypsy Sport, Michael Kors, Miu Miu and Prada.
Phillippa x

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Saturday 29 October 2016

The Matthew Williamson Print Edit

After announcing the restructure of his eponymous brand last year, a new business model now means that Matthew Williamson does not show his mainline ready-to-wear collection at fashion week. Closing his bricks and mortar Mayfair store and shifting instead to focus on strong e-commerce sales, the brand now drops smaller seasonal collections gradually throughout the year. Each new collection is inspired by a different theme and the focal point of which is a stunning print. As a longtime devotee of Matthew Williamson this was of course music to my ears! Alongside apparel, the brand has continued to expand on their extensive range of licensed products including: wallpaper, furniture, homeware, stationary and books. Whether you are looking for daywear, eveningwear or the ultimate party dress, I have put together an edit of my favourite clothing currently available online on the brands website. An edited selection of the latest collection is also available on Net-a-Porter. The marble slip dress from the 'Mirage' collection is my most coveted item, the incredible colours make this a real statement piece. Which is yours?

Phillippa x 

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Wednesday 26 October 2016

Brands To Know - The Vampire's Wife

The Vampire's Wife
Susie Cave, former model and wife of Nick Cave, named her label after an un-published book written by her husband. The label was born when Susie began making clothes that she would want to wear to events, and later received high praise for her designs. There is definitely a strong feeling of romanticism attached to the designs - with soft silhouettes and feminine colours. A love of vintage has also inspired many of the pieces, namely so in the use of pretty ruffles and ribbon shoulder ties. Further inspiration also comes from beautifully illustrated children's books from the 1950's. The fabrics are largely a mix of cotton and silk, the latter of which is sourced from one of the oldest silk mills in England. What I love most about this brand is that it is a truly stand alone brand. I cannot think of another British label which is doing anything similar, making The Vampire's Wife a great go-to brand if you are looking for wearable everyday pieces which are not mainstream. Celebrity fans include: Cate Blanchett, Kylie Minogue, Daisy Lowe and Charlotte Olympia. Available from Matches Fashion. Price Range: £340 - £975

Phillippa x

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Tuesday 25 October 2016

ELLE Women in Hollywood Awards - Red Carpet

The 'Women in Hollywood' awards took place last night in Los Angeles. Hosted by ELLE magazine, winners on the night included; Kristen Stewart, Amy Adams, Helen Mirren and Anna Kendrick. On the red carpet we saw lot's of beautiful rich fall colours, silks and velvet. Fishtail hems and asymmetric cuts were also a key look. Who was your best dressed at this event?
1. Nina Dobrev - Stella McCartney A/W16
2. Lupita Nyong'o - Duro Olowu
3. Annabelle Wallis - Mary Katrantzou S/S17
4. Michelle Monaghan - Prabal Gurung S/S17
5. Anna Kendrick - Gabriela Hearst  A/W16
6. Alessandra Ambrosio - David Koma A/W16
7. Nikki Reed - Monique Lhuillier A/W16
8. Dakota Fanning - Miu Miu
9. Vanessa Hudgens - Zimmermann Resort 17
10. Kristen Stewart - Roberto Cavalli

Phillippa x

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Monday 24 October 2016

SS17 Trend Report - Gingham

Candy coloured gingham was present at several SS17 runway shows, most notable being House of Holland. The designer sent countless models down the runway in cowgirl/prairie-style gingham, but not content with just one piece of clothing the contrasting coloured gingham garments were layered up - including 90's style Bardot off-the-shoulder tops. Showing the versatility of gingham for SS17, we saw simple clean-line silhouettes (Pringle) but also dresses with an undeniable sexy ingenue (DVF). Talking of which, Jonathan Saunders delivered a modern gingham at his debut collection for Diane von Furstenberg. The larger scale check felt fresh with black lines on a primary blue ground. Typically gingham would be worn as daywear, but this season even red carpet gowns were constructed from this iconic printed fabric. Carolina Herrera made this fabric work for evening wear by opting for a sophisticated black and white check with dramatic effect, whilst Prada elevated gingham to high fashion stakes by adding an ostrich feather trim. This once considered cutesy pattern has been given a strong overhaul for Spring and it's sure to be a commercial trend winner! Key designers: Peter Jensen, Molly Goddard, Prada, Shrimps, House of Holland, Pringle, Diane von Furstenberg and Carolina Herrera.

Phillippa x

Twitter - @Phillippa22
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Saturday 22 October 2016

Social Media

Did you know that aside from my blog I also have corresponding social media channels? I use all of my platforms to document all that is happening within the fashion industry and world of design, as well as everything that is inspiring me. What follows is a unashamed plug of my social media channels...
Pinterest - phillippadesign
It's fair to say i'm a little obsessed with Pinterest. I currently have 93 boards (yes, really!) ranging from everything such as runway images to interior design and architecture. In terms of the catwalk, on my blog I review my top 10 collections from each city but over on my pinterest you can find images from every single show that takes place...well I did say I was obsessed. Some of my most popular boards include: Celebrity Red Carpet, Runway Favourites, Prints/Patterns, Model Editorials, Street Style, Shoes, Room Settings, Furniture, Global Culture and Artists. With 93 boards to choose from and 3.2k followers be sure to follow me if you want to feel inspired!
Instagram - PhillippaDesign22
I use my instagram as a visual moodboard. On here I regularly upload close up snaps of designer garments, prints, colour references and street art - as well as the occasional image of my own personal design work or drawings (if you didn't already know I used to be a print designer and still put pen to paper in my spare time)
Twitter - @Phillippa22
I 'tweet' several times per day with up to date fashion news. This could include: details of the latest designer/high street collaboration, names of new creative directors, links to great fashion articles, information about the latest exhibitions or a new brand I have discovered and I want to share with you. It is a quick and easy platform to share my love of all things fashion and textiles.

Phillippa x

Twitter - @Phillippa22
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Wednesday 19 October 2016

Seasonal Trendboard - Orient Express

Evoking feelings of wanderlust, for Fall 16 let your wardrobe take you to the Far East. Adding a strong injection of the Orient to your outfit, this decadent trend indulges in exquisite embroideries and highly detailed prints. With lotus flowers, cherry blossom and cranes being the focal point, rich colours add to the powerful impact this trend is currently making. Seen on the runway at the likes of Andrew GN and more recently at the House of Holland, Dries Van Noten and Gucci SS17 shows - the latter of whom delivered head to toe Oriental inspired floor sweeping gowns and gilded brocade suits. Inspired by kimono's and cheongsam dresses, elevate your look with modern silhouettes and beautiful accessories. You can play with colours on different spectrum's - black/red/orange for dramatic evening looks or soft pastels for a more romantic take on this trend. I have put together this trendboard to summarise the theme.
If you are looking to shop this trend on a purse friendly budget, then this edit should have you covered. Thankfully the high street has fully embraced this trend and offered up a wonderful variety of Orient inspired pieces. From pajama style trousers to smart day dresses, most retailers have several key pieces from which you can build this trend around. Whilst I have focused on apparel, you can also readily shop shoes and handbags, inspired by this trend, to liven up an otherwise classic outfit.
1. Topshop £55 / 2. Dorothy Perkins £45 / 3. Yumi £45
4. Wallis £25 / 5. Boohoo £14 / 6. Select £16.99
7. River Island £24 / 8. Debenhams £69 / 9. Phase Eight £99

For my trend boards and print inspiration, be sure to follow my Pinterest (details below).

Phillippa x

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Monday 17 October 2016

SS17 Trend Report - Colourblock

Colourblocking has been around for a few seasons, but for SS17 designers came up with new creative ways to achieve this look. Over at Balmain, Olivier Rousteing created striking colourblocking with crochet being the technique of choice (crochet is also another key trend for Spring!), Rosie Assoulin used sequins and Paul Smith opted for lace. Another reccuring theme was also the use of burnt orange and sunset hues. Such bold blocks of colour lift a simple silhouette and create a look which is clean and modern. In previous seasons colourblocking has been about pairing different coloured separates together, but for SS17 one piece of clothing encompasses the full trend. Key Designers: Ports, Adam Selman, Arther Arbesser, Escada, Delpozo and Alexis Mabille

Phillippa x

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Saturday 15 October 2016

A/W 16 How To Style - Black Turtleneck

Here's how to take one classic black turtleneck top and style it in several different ways for your Fall wardrobe. Everything seen in this edit is available from Net-a-Porter!

The 'Daywear' Edit
Military styling is a huge look for fall and this jacket from Madga Butrym will ensure you are both on trend and investing in one of the hottest new brands on the fashion scene. Picking up on the accent of red in the jacket, I have accessorised this outfit with jewellery and a handbag with a pop of the same rich colour. This watch from Gucci is a great way to buy into the most sought after brand of the year but without a sky high price point.
The 'Streetstyle' Edit
This nonchalant style of streetwear has been around for a few seasons now and it is still a strong look. 90's style boyfriend jeans teamed with an oversized parker and embroidered sneakers are the ultimate wardrobe staples if you want a super comfortable look. Fur trims add personality to your outfit, whilst this Lanvin bag reinstates a feminine feel to overall styling.
The 'Evening' Edit
Eveningwear need not be about low-cut tops and dresses. You can easily dress up a basic turtleneck to look appropriately stylish for an evening soiree. This zebra patterned skirt is the perfect way to tailor your look for the animal print trend, but still remain sophisticated. The black suede/silver strap heels from Malone Souliers are the perfect shoe to complement the monochrome skirt. Silver and onyx drop earrings from Sophie Buhai make for the most dreamy statement accessory.
The 'Grunge' Edit
If you are looking for an alternative styling option for your turtleneck, then you can style it in line with the 'grunge' trend. This look is all about black clothing with accents of silver hardware. Clothing with stud detailing and eyelets is the way to go and layering a lingerie style slip dress over a knitted turtleneck also incorporates the 'underwear as outerwear' trend.

Phillippa x

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Wednesday 12 October 2016

SS17 Trend Report - Bell Sleeves

Whilst this cut has been around for the past couple of seasons, Bell Sleeves made their strongest sartorial statement to date on the S/S 17 runway. Seen at the likes of Burberry, Ashley Williams, and Simone Rocha, such silhouettes have been translated through to blouses, knitwear and dresses. In previous seasons bell sleeves were typically seen on the wrists and made for oversized sleeves which completely covered the wearers hands, however for S/S 17 they start higher up on the arm. What is great about the reinvention of bell sleeves for Spring is that given the fact they are closer to the top part of your arms they are a practical and yet trend driven wearable daytime look. Over at Burberry ribbed knitwear reigned supreme whereas David Koma took this trend one step further and combined bell sleeves with off-the-shoulder dresses, creating a hybrid of two major trends. There is something rather architectural about bell sleeves, adding an element of drama to a look by taking on a sculptural form. The full-on volume of the sleeves means that you can keep the rest of your outfit fairly classic. Balance out proportions by styling with a pair of cropped flares or an asymmetric midi skirt. In the process of putting together this post, the work of the artist Isamu Noguchi instantly sprung to mind. His light sculptures reminded me very much of Burberry's pullover knitwear, as did the work of Pierre Cardin.

Phillippa x

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Monday 10 October 2016

Brand To Know - Sies Marjan

As one of the most talked about brands of 2016, Sies Marjan's NYFW debut collection came in February with an A/W 16 collection which had the industry abuzz. After stints working at Marc Jacobs, Balmain and Dries Van Noten (as Head of Design) 32 year old Dutch designer Sander Lak moved to New York and launched his own brand. Whilst it can take many new brands years to reap the rewards of their own creative visions, Sies Marjan became the most sought after brand of the season with retailers such as Matches and MyTheresa snapping up the collection for their e-comm sites. The Sies Marjan aesthetic is somewhat nonchalant - feminine pieces which are utilitarian in their approach, with a strong emphasis on colour and fabric. Coming from a menswear background, Lak understands the importance of fit and this ensures that this is an integral part of all his designs. See below for highlights from A/W 16 and S/S 17
The starting point for each collection, of which there has only been 2, is colour. There is a strong love for acidic colours, which translates exceptionally on the runway. This brings a distinct playful aspect to the collections. The A/W 16 offering is available now and features a variety of beautiful day wear in fabrics including mottled jacquard, shearling and satin. Price point: £650 - £4000

I regularly profile new brands on my blog, so if you like finding out about the 'next big thing' in fashion then be sure to follow me. I post 3 times a week: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Phillippa x

Twitter - @Phillippa22
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Saturday 8 October 2016

Shop The Edit: Animal Instinct

Love it or loathe it, leopard print comes around each season and there is no escaping it. It's a recurring trend that never really goes out of style and given that it is constructed from fairly neutral colours, such as black and brown, it can easily be mixed into your wardrobe or home. After becoming popular in the 18th century, and favoured by the wealthy, this exotic animal print soon filtered it's way down to a more commercial market and it rose in popularity with the average consumer. Leopard print is a bold look and makes a strong sartorial statement and for Fall you can shop this look very readily. For fashion inspiration think more along the lines of Twiggy wearing Biba and Edie Sedgwick in the 60's, rather than scary spice circa 1995. For the home, Matthew Williamson's collaboration with Osborne and Little has a beautiful leopard and peacock feather printed wallpaper which will add a hint of glamour to your living space.
1. Skirt - Stella McCartney - £535
2. Printed Cushion - H&M - £12.99
3. Belt - Isabel Marant - £140
4. Ankle Boots - Tods - £525
5. Blazer - Dries Van Noten - £660
6. Sweatshirt - Equipment - £310
7. Bag - Hill & Friends - £1797
8. Candle - H&M - £2.99
9. Embroidered Cushion - Jonathan Adler - £285

For more animal print fashion and interior inspiration, follow my Pinterest page (details below)

Phillippa x

Twitter - @Phillippa22
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Wednesday 5 October 2016

Paris Fashion Week - S/S 17 - Top 10

Paris Fashion Week has drawn to a close, rounding off the SS17 shows in style. Here is my look at the top 10 collections from Paris...
Dries Van Noten
Before the show, Dries Van Noten described this collection as 'spontaneous'. He played with new silhouettes and pairing pieces together which, in previous seasons, would not have been styled together. There was a sense of drama to this collection, black gowns and coats were teamed with Edwardian collars with beaded detailing. High octane prints in bold shades of orange, yellow and blue further fueled the dramatic look and had a somewhat Oriental feel to them. This is a lesson in high fashion dressing from the designer who has shunned the more commercial pre-season collections instead focusing on his mainline offerings.
Valentino
This season Pierpaolo Piccioli delivered his first solo collection for Valentino, after Maria Grazia Chiuri left for Dior. As the first model made her way down the runway I was struck immediately by the print, knowing instantly it was by Zandra Rhodes (having interned at Zandra's design studio I cite her work as one of the main reasons I wanted to work in the fashion/textile industry). It's fair to say I knew at that precise moment I was going to love this collection. Piccioli had been researching medieval art and was particularly taken with The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch. Using this as his starting point he flew to London to meet with Rhodes and asked her to interpret this piece of art in her own iconic way. It was a match made in heaven. Delicately printed handkerchief-hem dresses were beautifully romantic, whilst the brocade coat and trousers were simply divine. Lace, velvet and pleats were also key features. I am smitten with this entire collection!
Loewe
Given that J.W.Anderson is at the helm of Loewe, it is no wonder this collection made a serious impact on the runway. The silhouettes had nods to the brands Spanish heritage (peasant blouses and shawls), but were modernised by the use of different fabric and textures - Raw edged necklines, ruffled hems, plisse dresses and patchwork coats. The accessories were also extraordinary: sculptural cuffs in leather and metal, tapestry bags with rope handles and oversized architectural leather belts. 
Balenciaga
Demna Gvasalia's preferred choice of fabric for SS17 was spandex, which was used on skin-tight stirrup pants, shirts and dresses. This being Balenciaga, these were no ordinary garments - rather they were beautifully draped and ruched. Working once again with oversized silhouettes, Gvasalia brought boxy jackets with exaggerated shoulders back to the forefront of fashion with a dazzling display of extreme trenches and coats. Vintage style floral prints were amongst the most memorable of the entire season and came in shocking acidic colours that clashed together to create a high power impact. There were also more market bags, following on from the success of last seasons offering, some of which were printed. Pieces from this collection will easily be some of the most coveted of the season, perfect for editorials or those all important street style shots.
Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney quite literally practiced what she preached with her SS17 collection, with 'No Fur, No Leather' branded across t-shirts and dresses. It looks like the slogan tee is here to stay for at least another season. Trousers with paper bag waists were teamed with long sleeved tops, oversized cotton shirts and boxy jackets. The cotton and loose denim pieces had a distinct relaxed vibe to them and will make for the ultimate summer wardrobe staples. The large circular motifs also worked well in blue and red.
Celine
Phoebe Philo let the clothes do all the talking at the Celine show. Everyday, versatile clothes which were beautifully tailored and draped. The use of colour was similar to Balenciaga in that nonconformist colours were placed side by side but it worked oh so well. Flowy skirts came with soft pleats whilst one had a wonderfully dip-dyed hem. Lacework bra detailing added intrigue to the collection and I also adored the major reference to the work of the artist Yves Klein.
Alexander McQueen
The design team at McQueen descended on the Shetland Isles in Scotland to gather their research for SS17. They photographed wild flowers, landscapes and wildlife, as well as exploring the techniques of traditional crafts. It was a masterclass in how to create a showstopping collection. Traditional Fair Isle sweaters were worn as stand alone separates and also intertwined with lace which created the most stunning floor length gowns. Tartan was given a touch of 'punk spirit' with edgy lace inserts, thistle motifs and worn with crocheted knitwear. Embroidered leather and brocade jackets, and jeans, were the most wearable daywear pieces in the collection. Exquisitely embellished evening dressed closed the show and they were quite simply breathtaking. I must also mention the biker boots - these came with floral prints/metal studs and gave me major shoe envy!
Givenchy
Riccardo Tisci had been thinking "women fighting for power" whilst dreaming up this beautiful collection, for which he associated with the power of mother nature. Cue agate printed silk dresses in fiery rich hues of orange, red and purple. Striped dresses with burnout prints, delicate ruffles and sheer inserts were my favourite pieces in the show. The collection was 'toughened' up with sharp tailored suits that came with plunging necklines and zip details. Whilst this was not as dramatic as previous Givenchy collections, it still delivered many desirable looks.
Louis Vuitton
A sophisticated showing at Louis Vuitton courtesy of Nicolas Ghesquiere. Gone were the bold colours of Resort and in was 80's inspired power dressing. Oversized double breasted jackets were modernised by teaming them with leather skirts. Vuitton collections are often about structure, of which we did see, but this season many of the dresses were loosely draped and sensually cut. The more daring pieces came in the form of lace cigarette pants and metallic jackets. Closing the show were a number of asymmetric evening gowns with geometric panels and embroidered metallic tulle. Showing the relevance of this collection in 2016, many of the models walked the runway clutching iPhones instead of handbags - this was a collection for women on the go!
Chloe
Clare Waight Keller has the undeniable ability to produce collections which make you lust after every single look. For SS17 Keller wanted to create an urban 'Chloe Girl'. With silhouettes that were inspired by sailors outfits, to the inclusion of ropes as shoulder ties - there was a clear nod to nautical. Of course this wouldn't be Chloe without a flouncy tiered dress with ruffles and lace, these were delivered in soft pastel pink, navy and sunflower yellow. For me the piece de resistance was the graphic floral print, which had a distinct 70's vintage feel to it.

For a more extensive look at all the SS17 runway shows, head over to my Pinterest page (details below). 

Over the next few weeks I will be putting together a number of trend posts based on what we have seen on the runway, so stay tuned to my blog for those! I post 3 times a week on a Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Phillippa x

Twitter - @Phillippa22
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Monday 3 October 2016

Colour Moodboard - Yves Klein

A major retrospective of the work of the late Yves Klein will be opening at Tate Liverpool later this month. The influential post-war era artist whose work embraced sculpture, painting, performance and architecture, expressed the desire to create infinite space through the use of colour - in turn having his own shade of blue named after him. From the runway to the forefront of interiors, Yves Klein's influence is still very much present in the world of design. His influence was seen only yesterday at the Celine SS17 show during Paris Fashion Week. I have put together this moodboard showing the scope of Klein's work and the impact his work has had on the creative industry.  The exhibition runs from October 21st - March 5th and tickets are priced at £11
For more trend inspiration, follow my 'Design Moodboards' page on Pinterest (details below).

Phillippa x

Twitter - @Phillippa22
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Saturday 1 October 2016

Outfit of The Month - October

Fall is my favourite season to dress for, finally being able to put away those lightweight summer cotton pieces and swap them for cosy knitwear. One of my signature styles is to wear a mini skirt, which I reserve only for fall - I only feel comfortable wearing them with tights in Autumn. This season Isabel Marant has a great faux leather option, which comes in both black and burgundy. The asymmetric zip gives it a rock 'n' roll edge. I have paired this skirt with a wool and cashmere blend sweater from Anthony Vaccarello. Embroidered with floral motifs, this sweatshirt will be an easy to wear statement piece in your wardrobe. For outerwear I have chosen a wool blend peacoat from M.i.h with oversized lapels. The beautiful teal colour adds a pop of subtle colour to your outfit. To accessorise the outfit I have gone for one of the most coveted bags of 2016 - the Gucci 'Dionysus'. Constructed from the iconic 'GG' printed canvas and embellished with crystal motifs for an extra high fashion finish, this bag is a real investment purchase. Completing the look, I have teamed with a pair of Rupert Sanderson leather boots. I love ankle boots that have an edge to them, and this pair is perfect with their pink trim detailing. All these items are new season and available to shop now.
Phillippa x

Twitter - @Phillippa22
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