Christopher Kane Spring / Summer '12

If you were to ask me who my favourite designers are, almost without thinking the name Christopher Kane would spurt from my mouth. From his galaxy prints to his liquid 'pencil case' dresses and bags, his previous collections have been popular with bloggers, fashion editors and stylists alike. His current collection was one of the standout shows last fashion week and helped to kick-start the current trend for iridescent, translucent and sheer clothing - very mermaid-like. So here is a look back to that collection, some images of editorial and features, and I pick my key pieces and outfits available online now.

1. Acne Mape Suede Biker Jacket, £1000. Available HERE.
2. Christopher Kane Metallic Silk-Blend Jacquard Top, £745. Available HERE.
3. Christopher Kane Metallic Silk-Blend Jacquard Top, £990. Available HERE.
4. Yves Saint Laurent Ingénue Swarovski Crystal-Embellished Satin Slingbacks, £920. Available HERE.

1.  Christopher Kane Floral-Print Iridescent Organza Dress, £2500. Available HERE.
2. Anita Ko Snake 18-Karat Gold Diamond and Emerald Bangle, £6400. Available HERE.
3. Miu Miu Washed-Leather Platform Sandals, £420. Available HERE.
4. Christopher Kane Clematis Leather Clutch, £400. Available HERE.

1. Christopher Kane Silk-Blend Floral Brocade Jacket, £2200. Available HERE.
2. Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Marghi Broderie Anglaise Top, £195. Available HERE.
3. Christopher Kane Metallic Brocade Trousers, £1200. Available HERE.
4. Anita Ko 18-Karat Rose Gold Diamond Cat Mask Necklace, £7360. Available HERE.


Image Source: STYLE.COM; I-D ONLINE; AWAKE-SMILE; FASHION-EDITOR-AT-LARGE; VRAG.

'Fetish in Fashion' by SHOWstudio

Last week the guys over at SHOWstudio launched the first in a series of films about fetish in fashion. Provocatively named 'Fuck Me' and featuring Karlie Kloss, who recently and famously posed nude for Vogue Italia, the film explores the ever-present theme of fetishism in fashion. The film also highlights the contradictory imagery provided by the fashion industry on a daily basis - whether girls are meant to be feminine and demure, or leather-clad sex symbols. Kloss even switches from blonde, virginal young girl holding a bunch of flowers, to bondage queen complete with black wig and leather whip. The concept of fetishism in fashion is not a new one, however is the industry providing confusing mixed signals about what it means to be a strong, feminine woman, or are the personas protrayed by Karlie a sign that there can be two sides to the same coin?

The theme of fetish really came to the forefront of fashion last season thanks to Marc Jacobs' daring collection at Louis Vuitton. Girls dressed as night porters with latex caps and stockings walked the runways, handcuffed to their own bags or with hands tied behind their backs. Kate Moss even closed the show whilst smoking a cigarette. There was large editorial prescence last season of fetish-inspired clothing, and actual bondage apparel and paraphenelia. Fetish brands such as Atsuko Kudo and House of Harlot were regularly featured alongside the big designers in magazines from LOVE to Wonderland. The fetish theme has taken a back step this season as Spring / Summer '12 is all about feminity, however it will not be gone for long. Sex sells after all.

Image Source: LOVE MAGAZINE; FASHIONISTA; STYLE.COM.

Topshop Mini-Trend - White Out

So as some of you may know, I work full time as a Visual Merchandiser at Topshop's flagship Oxford Circus store. This week I launched a new mini-trend in our 'front promo' section of the store, named 'White-Out'. The look is all-white with flashes of bleached denim and silver, giving a slick premium feel. Outfit wise, girly dresses are clashed with edgy gilets in leather or denim, and crop tops are teamed with boyfriend jeans and slouchy blazers to create a cool juxtaposition. Shop the look below!

 

1. Scuba Skater Dress, £46. Shop HERE.
2. Studded Dollar Sleeveless Biker Jacket, £165. Shop HERE.
3. Pastiche Metallic Sandals, £70. Shop HERE.
4. Square Bangle, £14. Shop HERE.

1. Linen Tapered Trousers, £32. Shop HERE
2. Lace Corset Style Crop Top, £22. Shop HERE.
3. Textured Unlined Blazer, £60. Shop HERE.
4. Croc Metal Bar Clutch Bag, £35. Shop HERE.
5. Harp Metallic Gladiator Sandals, £26. Shop HERE.

1. Shimmer Skater Dress, £48. Shop HERE.
2. Sleeveless Denim Crop Jacket, £35. Shop HERE.
3. Metallic Vintage Rucksack, £38. Shop HERE.
4. Trouble Mesh Hi-Top Trainers, £28. Shop HERE.