ONES TO WATCH - DEAN QUINN

I really loved Dean Quinn's futuristic show. The strong, clean monochrome palette distinguished it from the others as the most reserved of all the offerings, to no detriment to the collection. The highlight for me were the little conveyor belts of vertical high-shine beading that lined hems and seams and glinted in the light. Waists were high, shoulders were angular and legs were bare. Wouldn't have looked out of place on Lady Gaga..

ONES TO WATCH - MARKO MITANOVSKI:

Second up; Marko Mitanovski, what a performance! And performance really was the optimum word, as his collection was nothing short of theatre. Huge sculpted shoulders, giant Shakespeare-esque ruffs, masses of pleating, layering, corseting...oh and did I mention the models hair sculpted into antlers?! The models' deathly white faces, cartoon black eyebrows and claw-like leather gloves all contributed to the dramatically gothic collection. Impressive talent, although in my opinion a less imaginative version of Garteh Pugh...

ONES TO WATCH - HERMIONE DE PAULA

Friday 19th:

The Ones to Watch show presents Vauxhall Fashion Scout's pick of 4 up-and-coming young designers, and proved to be an impressively diverse spectacle. First up was Hermione de Paula; my personal highlight of the show. My shakey photographs REALLY do not do her collection justice, as soon as I can find some other coverage of the show I will post more. With dreamy, floral prints, a subtle pastel palette and tactile, barely-there fabrics, the collection was a cross between a medieval fairytale and a Midsummer Night's Dream. Absolutely adore the beautifully delicate laser-cut crowns that perfectly encapsulates the feel of the collection.

Vauxhall Fashion Scout:

Okaaaay, Fashion Week isn't even over yet and I already have MOUNTAINS of amazing stuff to share! So I will start at the beginning (makes sense)...

Cube do the PR for Vauxhall Fashion Scout, a wing of London Fashion Week that supports emerging talent and up-and-coming designers. So the last few weeks have been spent frantically sending out thousands (literally) of invitations for various Fashion Scout shows across the week, which takes place at Freemasons hall in Covent Garden. My job at the actual events was to help set up the shows, and to seat the audience.

So haven't posted much lately...preparation for London Fashion Week has been crazy and have been working til half 9 most nights! But will be sure to get plently of photos this week for my research; I will be in people-watching heaven. In other news, got to raid the showroom today in search of outfits to wear, including my FAVOURITE Camilla Skovgaard shoes...happy days!!

SNAP!

Came across this Jigsaw window in Putney yesterday...playing cards are everywhere at the moment! Tres Alice in Wonderland. I, for one, am lovin' it.

WELL ISN'T THIS JUST HEART-BREAKING:

WISE WORDS:

CURIOUSER AND CURIOUSER:

Was just wasting time on IMDB when I came across something that made me very happy; a trailer for Tim Burton's forthcoming remake of Alice in Wonderland! I have always been fascinated by Lewis Carrol's tale of Alice and am very much looking forward to seeing this film in March next year. It boasts a very impressive star-studded cast including Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter (who else could it have possible been?!), Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen AKA The Queen of Hearts, Stephen Fry as the Cheshire Cat, Alan Rickman as the Caterpillar and Matt Lucas as, you guessed it, Tweedledum and Tweedledee!! And with the perfect man for the job in the director's chair I'm sure Alice's world will be 'Burton-ized' until it's wierder and wonderful-er than before. Certain it will be a classic; can't wait!

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi4240966169/

And hopefully it will inspire some ideas for the 'Alice's Wierd Wonderland' party I'm planning for my 21st birthday in June!

I WISH DIAMONDS WERE MY BEST FRIEND:

Can't get enough of jewellery designer Jessica McCormack, who I discovered whilst reading this piece in Sunday Times Style.

She has 'made it her mission to make diamonds an everyday, wearable item'; alright for some when this New York ring, for example, will set you back a mere £21,000. All the same, her work is truly beautiful, have look at some of my faves.

Jewels Of The Urban Night Collection

New York Night - taking inspiration from the Manhattan night skyline

Paris - inspired by the Eiffel Tower

London Eye

Select Collection

King of the Jungle - Diamond and Tahitian cultured pearl ring,designed as four gold hooked lion claws clutching a Tahitian cultured pearl

The Cunning Mr Fox

Tetris - inspired by the 1980s puzzle video game 'Tetris

Messenger of the Gods Collection

Wing of Desire - inspired by the winged headpiece worn by Hermes, the Messenger of the Gods in Greek mythology

The Guardian (can't describe how much I love this...makes me wanna cry a bit)

Take Me Under Your Wings

http://www.jessicamccormack.com/collection-messenger-5.htm

HUSAM EL ODEH:

A brilliant jewellery designer that caught my eye...uses every day object like a comb and glasses cord.

Reminds me of the latest Links of London advertisments showing their new collection of charm necklaces, one of which is solid silver earbud headphones! Pics coming when I can make my scanner work...

HOUSE OF CARDS:

I first heard of Shelter's House of Cards campaign whilst reading the Metro a few months back, and have been following it's progress ever since. I think it's a very clever campaign, raising awareness of the fragility of the housing market and encouraging creativity. I have always found the aesthetics of the playing card very appealing; intrigued by the clever symmetry and the strong red and black colour scheme. Here are some images of my favourite entries; I love the abstract interpretation of the simple design. Check out the full gallery at http://www.shelterhouseofcards.org.uk/campaign. Alexander McQueen, Barbara Hulanicki, Damien Hirst and Vivienne Westwood are just a few of the high-profile creatives that have taken part in this very worthwile cause. Also take a look at this effective TV advertisement created by associate Leo Burnett: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsY2EVQZ5ek. I am truly gutted that I will be missing the full exhibiton at the Haunch of Venison Gallery (24th-28th September) as I am on holiday!

LIE DOWN I THINK I LOVE YOU:

Was in accessories heaven on the ground floor of Oxford Street's Topshop last week, and discovered this fantastic range of 'Sweetheart' bags. The combination of beautiful soft leather and vintage-style silky scarves tied in oversized bows is very of the moment. Massively want this cute clasp bag with the floral scarf in the bottom pic!