London Fashion Week AW12

One day at Fashion Week and I'm already looking forward to Autumn/Winter which is very unusual for me, the all time summer person hating all things related to cold temperatures. What Maria Grachvogel and later Felder Felder sent down their catwalks was hugely inspiring and far from the usual winter attire. 

Maria Grachvogel's collection was full of flowy satin numbers, some with her exclusive artwork prints, others in rich shades of garnet, peridot and petrol blue head to toe with figure flattering long satin dresses and sophisticated catsuits. All in all a confident collection with contemporary glamour and an air of easy luxe. The looks came to live with edgy shoes by Atalanta Weller and chunky Jewellery by Erickson Beamon.

Felder Felder had so many want-to-have and must-buy pieces that I left the show on a total high. I loved the chunky jumpers with army style shoulder fringing. They have just the right heavy texture to go with the delicate leggings and skirts. The collection was full of stand-out digital print dresses in amazing colours. They came in long simple silhouettes, as flowy corsage dresses (with belts made of the same pattern) and tight minis. You will be spoilt for choice this autumn.

The epitome of coolness was this little jumper number walking out with just a skimpy swimsuit and a pair of shades. 

After the shows I had a quick look around the exhibition. I'll be back Monday for a more detailed look but a few brands have already caught my attention.

Mawi's Neo Panther collection ouzes opulence and elegance. I still can't get enough of spikes and theses beauties here have just the right amount of colour and edge.

A visit at Yang Du always brightens up my day. I just love her unusual design and the bright colours. New in her collection is a figure hugging roll neck dress and for a pop of colour throw on this super cute owl rucksack or pony hat.

There seems to be a new tribe of architect-turned-shoe designer. Julian Hakes is the second designer I met recently who designed a shoe around a women's foot. Out came this object d-Art that on closer inspection does indeed look comfortable. With 9.5cm heels and special padding he could be on to something.

Spotted -  Camilla Svovgaard has launched her first bag collection

Topshop celebrates 10 years of supporting British Fashion with a collection of limited edition t-shirts designed by the NEWGEN recipients from the last ten years. Since all profits of the Sale (£30) are going to charity I decided that this is enough reason and excuse to invest into British fashion and got my Tees there and then. If you want to get your own Brit designer check here or come to Somerset House and look for the Topshop campervan.

Love. Peace. Happiness

Your Spy-ness

xoxo

The ultimate guide to Fashion Shopping during London Fashion Week

Get your copy here

London is an ever-changing city when it comes to shopping. New shops are opening every day and it’s difficult to keep up with the great opportunities the city has to offer. To assure you never miss sample sales, shopping events or find out about the latest pop-up store I created MyShoppingSpy. The guide keeps visitors and Londoners up-to-date with what is happening when it comes to shopping in London.

The Merchant, One of a Kind and The Merchant Archive - all in Notting Hill

Where do you go to find the real London?

London is a great place to discover amazing one-off pieces from either young designers or in one of the many vintage boutiques and markets. No matter if you like to rummage through stalls heaving under vintage fur at Portobello market or you want to get you’re hands on that iconic Chanel bag (check the secret room at One of a Kind), London offers something for every taste.

Wolf & Badger, LN-CC and The Village Bicycle  - great to buy designers

Where are the good places to buy designers?

A great place for designers and also an iconic shopping destination is Liberty near Oxford Circus. The department store has a great range of international and up-and-coming designers. If you prefer smaller boutiques go to concept store LN-CC in East London with an unusual mix of selected international and underground Japanese brands or The VillageBicycle in Notting Hill where you find the latest British labels and harder to find overseas brands. Both are worth a visit alone for the look and style of the store.

Vintage Fashion Fair, Mary Katranzou and Coco de Mer

What else happens during LFW?

The city is buzzing during LFW with events in many stores. Selfridges is hosting a series of events and workshops to celebrate their 2012 Bright Young Things initiative. While we can’t wait to see Mary Katrantzou AW12 collection on the catwalk there will be the chance to snap up one of her amazing prints when Topshop launchesher capsule collection on February 17th. And if that isn’t enough to get you excited there also is a Coco de Mer Sample Sale on 23&34 Feb.

Statement Ring at Les Nereides, COS Covent Garden and Rock Star Ballet Flats at Pretty Ballerina

If you don’t have much time and just want to pop to Covent Garden for a quick Shopping Fix where would you go?

My favourite boutiques in Covent Garden are Les Neireides, selling chic and very unusual high end costume jewelry. Also, don’t miss Pretty Ballerina‘s flagship store offering luxury ballet flats with a rebellious spirit. And since you’re in the High Street Mekka you should also pay a visit to COS, Karen Millen and Kurt Geiger.


To see the trip on a map click here


Happy Shopping!


Love.Peace.Happiness.


Your Spy-ness


xoxo

Shooooes

Open-Toe Marni Clogs £160

Shoes are my favourite accessory. The right shoes can catapult your outfit from bland to breathtaking, give you confidence and make your day. Between you and me - when I work from home and I'm feeling down/tired/unmotivated I sometimes pop on my heels and - bang - I'm back to my old self feeling strong, sexy and on top of the world. Is it justifiable to spend your monthly salary on footwear? Yes, but no. From a styling point of view of course but looking at this from a surviving angle maybe better not. After all there must be some money left for an occasional Prosecco...


So what a delight to find Retro Women on Notting Hill Gate selling designer shoes for a friction of the original price.

Metallic courts with block heel - Sergio Rossi £100

The whole length of the shop and the entire back is dedicated to designer shoes. Nicely displayed and lit from behind in floor to ceiling glass cabinets. All our friends are here: Rossi, Zanotti, Miu Miu, Prada, Marni, Louboutin - name your favourite brand and I bet you find it here.

Miu Miu stilettos with neon stripes £170

Guiseppe Zanotti heeled trainers caught mid-air £80

 Only downside is that you've got to find your size. Surely I managed to discover pair after pair after pair

I wasn't allowed to look at the rest of the shop (our parking ticket was about to expire...) but I couldn't ignore this skirt from Issey Miyake. Padded black, perfect for the winter chill and truly a snap at 80 quit.

The Zanotti trainers were super cool but two sizes too small. If I was a size 38 (6) i would go there quick and get them.


Love. Piece. Happiness.


Your Spy-ness


xoxo


Images: Naomi Cole

Shopping heaven at the house of the 3 guys

There is nothing more rewarding than to find a nice new shop after a long walk through the freezing cold. Maison 3 Garcon, a lovechild of the owners of the fashionable Shoreditch bar, Loungelover, dazzles with an eclectic mix of furniture, antiques, vintage fashion, accessories and jewellery. 

Interior designer and Malayan born, Hassan - one of the 3 garcons is responsible for the look of the lifestyle shop and he's done a good job. Even if you ignore the furniture and home accessory part of the shop - admittedly difficult but after all this is a fashion blog - there is a lot that wants to be bought. The fine selection of sparkly vintage tops from the 80s feels like just the warm up to a massive vintage jewellery collection with everything the modern Retro Diva could ask for. 

Like these brooches - hidden away between chairs, mirrors, lamps and vases, pinned down on a massive velvet cushion.

This wall absorbed me for quite a while. Its full of chunky necklaces, statement pendants and clip-on earrings from the 70s and 80s. My favourite was the large owl necklace in gold and white with red eyes. It will give a playful note to every outfit and best of it - its vintage so none else will have the same.

There is so much to discover in this shop that you better bring enough time and leave your husband/boyfriend/lover at home. They will get bored. I promise. Because once yo're done with the necklaces it's just a little turn around and there is a whole lot of super cute bracelets to coo over. 


Below selection is all vintage from the 50s with one bracelet from a German archive and one by Trifari. The Chinese inspired bracelet didn't last long and was snapped up by one lucky girl the minute I took it off. 

The edit of just about everything at Maison Trois Garcon is spot on and has a quick turn around. So you better move fast if you have your eyes on something.


Which leaves me with the question if I should get this unconventional headpiece or not. I admit it's not quite the understated glamour I usually go for. But it would make an entrance...

Love. Piece. Happiness


Your Spy-ness
xoxo


Images: Naomi Cole