Sonia Delaunay Fashion Inspiration

It is one of the biggest exhibitions taking place in London this year, Sonia Delaunay at the Tate Modern. Delaunay was a key figure in European abstract art and this exhibition is the first UK retrospective of her work. Art and culture always inspires designers and plays a central role in informing trends for the coming seasons. So it comes as no surprise that Delaunay's work proved very influential on the SS15 catwalks.  Designers including: Dsquared2, Roksanda Illincic, Kenzo, Junya Watanabe, Mara Hoffman, Peter Pilotto and Fendi have all be inspired.

The key to being inspired by Delaunay's work is to observe her use of colour. Her eye for colour and abstraction was just sublime. Delaunay even gave her colours specific names. If you want to follow this theme/trend for Spring/Summer then it is all about large scale abstract geometric prints, in bold block colours. Here is a selection of Delaunay inspired fashion, all available now. 

If you want to visit the Sonia Delaunay exhibition, it runs until August 9th.

 

Phillippa x

 

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Wishlist Wednesday

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SS15 Trend - Waistcoat / Sleeveless Blazer

Bridging the gap between a transitional spring coat and wearing no coat at all, the sleeveless blazer is one of this seasons must have garments. Creating a tailored clean-lined silhouette, the sleeveless blazer is the ideal go to item to wear to pull your outfit together. Seen on the runway at countless SS15 shows including: Balmain, Christian Dior, Balenciaga and Givenchy, this garment comes in varying lengths and different structured styles.

The sleeveless blazers in question are classic and smart, and will elevate your outfit to look new and fresh for Spring. A long length version works well worn with a skirt which falls just below the hem of the blazer or teamed with jeans and heels for a smart/casual feel. My preferred way to wear this trend is to pair it with a long sleeved polo neck. Less is more when it comes to colour and print, keep both to a minimal. See how celebrities such as Olivia Palermo and industry icons like Caroline Issa have styled this look.

I have put together my pick of the best long and short sleeveless blazers currently available. Which is your favourite?

Phillippa x

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Elizabeth Olsen for The EDIT

This week actress Elizabeth Olsen covers Net-a-Porter online magazine The EDIT. The indie darling turned Hollywood blockbuster star, poses effortlessly in the Bohemian themed editorial shot in California. I love everything Emilio Pucci, Etro and Matthew Williamson, so how could I not love this editorial?, seen as Olsen wears all 3 of the aforementioned designers SS15 collections. Beautiful! All these collections are available now.

Emilio Pucci SS15

Matthew Williamson SS15 - Hibiscus Silk Chiffon Gown

Etro SS15

Etro SS15

Etro SS15

Paul and Joe SS15

Phillippa x

 



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Milly X Kohls DesigNation

Michelle Smith brought her A-game to her new collaboration with Kohls. If your closet is in need of a revamp for spring, then look no further than this collection. Available now and inspired by Capri, this collection is full of vibrant prints in fresh summery colour palettes. With everything from dresses to skirts, tops to shorts, you are sure to fall in this collection and find something perfect for your closet. The best part? It is super affordable with everything coming in at under $78. This collection is another reason why I adore Milly. Congratulations Michelle and Team Milly. Happy Shopping!

Take note from these stylish celebs for style inspiration. For me its all about the pencil skirt / striped graphic tee look.

Hannah Davies / Chanel Iman / Olivia Palermo / Leigh Lezark

Sophia Bush / Jaime King / Kate Bosworth

Phillippa x

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Style Inspiration - Coachella

These past 2 weeks it is likely that your Twitter and Instagram news feed has been full of Coachella pictures. The second weekend of the festival in Indio, California, has drawn to a close for another year. America's answer to Glastonbury, this festival always attracts a stylish crowd of fashion loving music fans. Known for it eclectic fashion style, everyone goes all out to impress and dress the part. This year, Kate Bosworth wore Etro, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wore Chloe, Julianne Hough wore Zimmermann, Kendall Jenner wore Derek Lam and Saint Laurent and Gigi Hadid wore H&M.

There are a few key brands to know if you want to get the Coachella look. Alternatively, this style would be ideal for a summer vacation.

Spell and The Gypsy Collective

LF Stores

Nasty Gal

Wildfox

Planet Blue

Phillippa x

Drapers Next Generation Event 2015

I was privileged to be invited to take part in the Drapers Next Generation Event 2015, which took place at 30 Euston Square on the 16th April. Drapers invited a cross-section of design professionals under the age of 30, specialising in different areas within the fashion industry, to take part in this event.

Over the course of the day I sat in on eight Q&A sessions with some of the industry's leading professionals including: Mark Sebba (former CEO at Net-a-Porter), Patrick Grant (Owner of Norton & Sons and E.Tautz), Neil Hendy (Creative Director at Coast), Mark Newton-Jones (CEO at Mothercare) and Rosanna Falconer (Communications Director at Matthew Williamson).

I cannot even begin to explain just how inspiring I found this event. Being able to hear so many industry front runners talk about their careers and offer advice was a really unique opportunity and I left feeling so motivated and with so much more clarity regarding my career options. This event was also the perfect opportunity to network and meet new people.

The day ended with a wonderful drinks reception with live music, followed by an after party at The Cuckoo Club. The perfect end to a great day.

Thank You to Drapers for organising this incredible event and thank you for inviting me....I've got 5 years left to be selected for the '30 Under 30' (which is now in my five-year plan)! Also, thank you to Matalan and Oasis for the great gift bag and to Searcys for the fabulous catering.

Phillippa x