Jonathan Saunders Menswear A/W 2012

Having spent the last few days working in London with the amazing, multitalented stylist, creative director and fashion editor of beige magazine Kristine Kilty (told you she was multitalented!) I have developed a new passion for menswear. Menswear collections attracted my attention in June when the first ever London Fashion Week for men took place, and contributing to the menswear fashion section at beige has rejuvenated my interest in menswear collections once again.

Paris Fashion Week has just commenced, but the Jonathan Saunders collection for A/W 2012 is just so good I had to write about it NOW. For beige and for my blog. Enjoy the brief review and selection of look book images below!

Menswear designers have seen the light. Gone are the dark days of autumn/winter menswear synonymous with black and grey; when navy might have be worn at a push and red was considered ‘brave’. Thankfully, colour is now an influential source of inspiration for many menswear designers, with many eye-catching colourful collections emerging for A/W 2012.

Jonathan Saunders first standalone A/W menswear collection presented in Milan exemplifies how vibrant prints and vivid colour can combine to capture the essence of bold yet understated masculinity. Inspired by colours in the 1985 issue of French Vogue guest-edited by David Hockney, Saunders’ modish palette juxtaposes rich autumnal hues and pale pastel shades. Mixing deep claret and ochre with sky blue, chamomile lotion pink and vibrant hints of acid green and yellow may seem audacious; it is. But as Saunders has proved, it’s genius.

                                                 

Looking to men that wore colour yet appear masculine, the likes of Mick Jagger and George Harrison inspired the retro feel of the collection, and the nostalgic, slim-line silhouettes are largely inspired by the furniture designs of Le Corbusier associate Charlotte Perriand. Although colour and print are the focal point of the collection, cut, shape and tailoring should not be overlooked. From thick woven jumpers and graphic print shirts to quilted bomber jackets and slim pleat trousers, every piece is effortlessly structured and beautifully finished.

Stand out pieces of the collection include a statement coat made from intricate 3D concertina effect fabric and a mélange suit tailored in a mottled style weave pattern that your eyes can’t help but to be attracted to. Experimental but ultimately wearable, this is a collection that every man will want to wear.

www.beigeuk.com

www.jonathan-saunders.com

    

Backstage at LFW Spring/Summer 2013: Moschino Cheap & Chic

When I was offered the opportunity to assist at the Moschino S/S 13 show at London Fashion Week, it was an experience I definitely wasn't going to miss. As a writer, I love gaining insight into as many different areas of the fashion industry as possible. And I'm also keen to network! Assisting backstage I could appreciate the collection up close and I had the chance to meet some incredible creative people including fellow assistants, models, photographers, hair stylists, make-up artists, creative directors, designers, stylists, show producers...

The runway show was set in a stunning disused factory and there was plenty of room backstage for dressing, styling, hair and make-up. The courtyard space outside was also perfect for the after party which included a free bar (perks of the job one might say!)

I expected things to be hectic backstage; stressed, rushed, intense. However, arriving early, the relaxed, friendly atmosphere was maintained throughout the night, and with almost one assistant per model, few changes needed to be completed during the show. I was interested to watch the make-up artists and hair stylists create the show look on each model; the transformation of bright blue eye-shadow and long, crimped hair. The crimped effect was achieved by first plaiting the hair then using hair straighteners to heat each individual plait before unplaiting. 

As the outfits and accessories arrived and were placed on tables and hung up on rails, I had the chance to examine all the individual pieces up close; observing the colours, fabrics and detailing of each item. The collection was all about “a mix of cultures and influences. Traditional African prints and typical Italian jacquards, all mixed together," said creative director Rossella Jardini. And what a playful, vibrant mix it was.

A color-block suede jacket, purple metallic jacquard flared trousers and a maxi-dress emblazoned with the peace sign created a psychedelic retro feel. The collection was reminiscent of 1970s London fused with Italian club culture, but presented with a contemporary twist. Think Austin Powers meets stylish London fashion blogger and you're somewhere along the right lines. African batik inspired prints, jewel embellishments and pineapple motifs also featured in the collection, creating a modern energy that was enhanced by bright coloured sneakers and athletic sateen sportswear pieces.

     

Bold and quirky, the beauty of Moschino is that anything goes. It was amazing to be involved in such a spectacular show! More from London Fashion Week to follow shortly.

  
      

British Bridal Exhibition Harrogate

The dream, the romance, the dress. Love them or hate them, there is something blissfully magical about weddings. For this very reason, the bridal industry remains big business.

For buyers, retailers, manufacturers and designers in the bridal industry, one of the most prestigious events of the year is the three day British Bridal Exhibition in Harrogate. Strictly trade visitors only, the BBEH is not an event for brides-to-be; it is an unmissable buying opportunity for retailers who will determine what brides will be wearing next season.

Covering the exhibition for On: Yorkshire magazine I was awed by the the scale and variety of the stunning bridalwear, menswear, accessory and occasion-wear collections. I picked up some promotional material from a couple of the exhibitors; just a few bits and pieces...

Not having a great amount of expertise in the bridalwear industry (I have modeled for a couple of bridal shoots in the past, that's as good as it gets), I went in to the exhibition with an open mind, and came out brimming with inspiration, goody bags and hoards of business cards, look books and leaflets. From the hundreds of stands I visited though, it was the dresses by Lusan Mandongus that really caught my eye. Couture-like, romantic and classically elegant yet with exquisite contemporary detailing, the vintage-inspired dresses are timelessly beautiful. I have to admit I was won over by the glossy black and white, high-fashion editorial style look book (I want to look like this on my wedding day!)

Lusan Mandongus

Stepping into the glamorous business of the bridal industry is quite a surreal experience; a bit like entering a dream factory. For those working in the industry it is their job to make a bride's aspirations become reality by providing her with THE dress that will enable her look the best she has ever looked and feel the best she has ever felt, on one of the best days of her life. No pressure then.

Article for On: Yorkshire magazine to follow at www.on-magazine.co.uk