Around LFW S/S 2011

MAN / James Long S/S 2011 Shows

Lovely Amy and I joined the WGSN journalist to the Menswear shows, watching the blog world dominate the press.  It's amazing to observe how London is the most experimental fashion capital in the West.  One could never feel like an outsider because people are marked by the personality expressed through their choice of clothing. 

At the MAN show, the three different labels were easily differentiated by the styles of the clothing as well as the presentation.  One thing is for sure, choreography does stick to the mind.  Some humour doesn't hurt either. James Long's show was most impressive with paint splattered canvas looks, loose crafted knits, and panel constructed leathers. 

Hats on for Barbie Bride in Deauville

The Barbie Bride:

 

The 30 min firework show

 Wonderfully decorated center pieces.

3 Wedding planners, 2 receptions, 1 amazing memory shared with the couple.

London's Fashion Night Out - Peter Pilotto

Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos interviewed about their collections, collaborations, upcoming news, etc in Selfridges for London's Fashion Night Out.

HE who can make homemade food....

Homemade food from Marylebone:

-Salad: fresh market yellow courgettes shaved, washed mixed leaves salad, mini radish, finely chopped red peppers and quarter red onion, generous drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive oil, splash of white vinegar, shakes of salt and pepper
-Pimentos: grilled for 5-7 mins on low heat with olive oil, sprinkle with salt
-Fish: tomato puree, fresh fish steaks with bones (halibut), red onions, paprika,  red peppers, rock salt
-Yellow Courgette: stir fried with olive oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper


Simple, delicious, and comforting.

Braille: '...re-imagining the modern wardrobe'

Braille's Menswear collections are absolutely impressive, ,making me wish they'd launch womenswear too.  They've successfully claimed notice after launching their first collection A/W 2010 'A Gentle Wake' at Vauxhall Fashion Scout.  This new S/S 2011 collection features a tranformable wool zip-up scarf (pictured on right, £75) I would buy myself.  Their new collection is avaible to order online!

I admire the simple but innovative designs and ways of approach the designers have.  It's an inspiration for young designers and the growing art world in East London.

Can't wait for their next collection.

Miike Snow & Polpo

It was at the famous Polpo that I found my BA fashion show catwalk song.  Miike Snow's tracks were playing in the restaurant at my first visit there a month after it's opening.  The fun restaurant/bar staff wrote the artist's name down and it officially found space in my Ipod.  I love sitting at the bar for dinner and watching my bf chatting away with the staff.  They always remember him because he orders everything from the menu, sometimes twice.

This time we stuck with some favorites and tried some of the new:

New time will be Polpetto.

Trunk Clothiers Official Launch

Marylebone's Chiltern Street welcomes a 'cosy neighbourhood shop' - Trunk Clothiers

Prior to the opening of this shop, I took notice to how early in the morning the team from Trunk was at location to ensure all was going smoothly. Their soft launch has arrived and people are exploring this new offer in Marylebone.  Although they are situated in a niche area primarily providing wedding gowns and services and fashions for taller women, their heritage based foundation will draw people in.  Stocking collections that range from Japan, to Italy and locally, they are sure to make a impression.

I had the please of being greeted by one of the team members of Trunk and was invited to join the official launch of Trunk Clothiers on 9th Sept 2010 @ 8 Chiltern Street, W1U 7PU.

See you there!

Howling for more

Bocca di Lupo in Soho continues to impress me with their ever changing fancy descriptive menu and the amazing chefs behind the bar. I enjoy sitting at bars of restaurants (if available) because, as a customer, you are priveledge to watch how quick and precise these chefs can be. The chefs at Bocca di Lupo so happen to also be Italian (some Portuguese) and they are painting a picture with their cooking.

There's no point of ordering dishes of food you could whip up yourself (unless you don't cook at all). I always choose a few interesting dishes to excite my tastebuds. This time it will have to be the courgette flower. It's slightly crispy on the outside from the quick dip in hot oil but the flower itself just melts in your mouth with the slightest natural taste of sweetness. The chefs are not only great with their timing on cooking but also creating the delicate rich sauces that seal the tastes of rather simple dishes. The red wine selection has just enough variety to compliment the food.

Inside Aqua - Kyoto or Nueva...?

Argyll Street brings back so many memories of living in Soho and Movida car shows (you know what I mean). The street has been paved beautifully and Aqua has found itself a vast space that overlooks Regents Street. With two restaurants to choose from: Kyoto (Japanese) and Nueva (Spanish) the place was very much buzzing! DT took me there so I chose Japanese...
DT is one of the few people that can pull off a white jacket. He is also one of the rarest Scottish people I have seen who actually tans rather than turn into a freshly cooked lobster.



I have much to say about this place, good and bad and.... but I truely believe you must go to experience it yourself.

A few tips to keep in mind:
-The bar/restaurants are on the 5th floor (the elevator only has two buttons)
-Host/hostess will tell you the restaurant is on the 5th floor
-DO NOT let the bartenders serve you their specialties unless you enjoy cucumber juice with gin
-Be prepared to hear a banker say 'Oh, I'm going to make that building my office', pointing at the Crown's property across the street
-Expect to walk half way across the 2 restaurants if you're heading to the ladies' room


Is it trying to be the new Nobu?

Dinings: Sushi & Japanese Tapas

Dinings on Harcourt Street: two sittings ONLY per night, limited days a week, and you may only book through the phone! Not pretencious at all, rather very comfortable and pleasant.

Good Luck!

1910's Contemporary

Futurist City, Perspective Drawing by Sant'Elia, 1914

Futurist City, Perspective Drawing by Sant'Elia, 1914

Portrait de Martin Luis Guzman, Diego Rivera, 1915

Unique Form of Continuity in Space, Umberto Boccioni, 1913

I chose the 1910's decade for inspiration to Menswear because I didn't know much about the time period.  Looking at late Cubism art and the Futurist ideas made this decade rather contemporary than dated.

Mystery Concept shop in Barcelona

Shop in Barcelona on a street near La Ramblas; off Hotel Catalonia Avinyo.

Ghanaian food is SPICY; All Saints controversy

Portobello Market is swarming of tourists and locals who dig around for antiques, hand-made crafts, various fashions, knick knacks, food, etc.
I always follow the smell of amazing food; and this time I've discovered the most delicious food in the market - Ghanaian food. It is served as a stew form and in this summer weather, the chillies will numb your mouth. According to TimeOut magazine, there are few others around London worth giving a taste!


While trying to swallow the mouth flaming food, I discovered another reason why I love London markets...look closely.

On an ending note, if we want to reserve Portobello Road for its markets, we will have to battle the likes of All Saints and other retailers from taking it all away.