Burberry Prorsum moves back to London fashion week!

Breaking fashion news story of the day! Burberry has decided to move its Burberry Prorsum womenswear from Milan to London, and will be closing LFW on Thursday 22nd September. How exciting! Burberry designer, Christopher Bailey said:

“London is our home - it's the heart of this global luxury brand and the centre of all our creativity. We are so excited to be showing during London Fashion Week and particularly to be part of its historic 25th anniversary. We are incredibly proud of our Britishness and this is really a wonderful opportunity to celebrate that in our home city.”

Its so great to see that Burberry are supporting British creativity and the arts. So many of the British well known super brands get their recognition and history in the UK and then tend to move over to Paris and Milan. Maybe Burberry could be starting a trend, by bringing it back to the UK...

The arrival of Bernard aka Bernie....

*Pictured: Trushar (owner) and Bernard*

So today signalled the arrival or Bernard, or Bernie as i guess he will be known as. I am sure you will agree he is the cutest mo-fo you have possibly seen... ever! He is a liver spot dalmatian (he has brown spots), incredibly cute and immaculately well behaved. At first when he was picked up this morning, he was really shy and cautious, and after a nap in London Fields park, he was up-an-atom exploring everywhere! We even bonded over a few face licking session (Bernard licking my face, not the other way round!). I think i am in love!

Body Rockin...

I recently bought a body, as in a Body-suit. One of those that does up at the crouch area with little poppers. And now i just don't seem to be able to get enough of it. I am not sure if it is the nostalgic memories of my mum anchoring all or most of my outfits as a child around them, but now all i want to do is wear them. Here are a few of my favourites i have seen recently:
ASOS- Following the ever popular denim trend of now, i love the brass buttons down to past the navel too. I could really put together a serious outfit, and enjoy wearing it. One of those outfits you wear two days in a row to 2 different friends.... In fact the more i think about this, the more i want it...
River Island- So fun! It makes me want to put it on, put on some Lady Ga-Ga, paint one half of my face silver and do the robot!
This one is available now to buy from Miss Selfridge, £30!

Best dressed MAN of last week...: Elliott James Sainsbury

I am sure Elliott will not be too pleased about this as he is very modest about his great style, but i just had to shout about. The other day (pictured below), Elliott kept his Lanvin blazer on all day, until the heat got the better of him and he peeled it off. No i am sure you will all agree with me, that he looks great. Maybe it is my current obsession with all things stripped, and the fact that he looks great. I love the perfect white ribbed cardigan teamed with the opposing vertical stripe blue and white striped shirt with the sleeve rolled up to casual 3/4 length, and then the insousciantly tied belt and the crumpled cropped trouser. There is something very cool, quite Monaco about it, i can imagine him driving his yatch into the harbour, parking it and then cool-y smoking a cigarette.

Komakino Duo

Husband and wife duo, Komakino, launched their 4th collection during the last London Fashion Week. The pair, consisting of South Korean born Jin Kim and Italian Federico Capalbo, met in Florence and moved to London in 2005. Kim has worked for Topman design, Michiko Koshino London and McQ Alexander Mc Queen, while Capalbo is currently studying Menswear design at Central St Martins.

Fe and Jin, as their friends know them, have been working on the label since their move to the capital and although initially a street-wear label, they have evolved well into their signature style ofDuo fusing military influences with tailoring.

Their AW09 offering was based on fascist buildings and a sense of disillusion, aiming to present an apocalyptic vision. “Interaction within a social atmosphere plays a big role in the design process. Komakino is based on reality, taking current cultural aspects, implementing them then giving them a twist”, Fe says. The collection saw a dark palette of deconstructed jackets and trousers with unfinished details, elasticated bands covering t-shirts and jeans, juxtaposed with tailored finishes on box shaped coats and sheer hooded tops.

The design duo, previously showing at London Fashion Week in September 2007, have also produced a range of exclusive Komakino t-shirts and prints for Levi’s Korea, and have presented at Tokyo Fashion Week. Stocked exclusively in Japan, prices start range around £65-£500

Celia Loves: So how has the response for Komakino been after London fashion week? Komakino: Very positive in terms of recognition for the brand.CL: Your style and concepts are very unique; describe the “Komakino” style in your own words? Komakino: We do not know how or want to describe our own style. There are always a few strong elements that characterize our collections, people can pick and interpret how they wish.

CL: After your positive reception at the past LFW, will you be showing in London again this year? Komakino: Actually yes, but we can't tell you yet!

CL: Do you find any limitations to being menswear designers in London? Komakino: It is never easy to work as independent designer, but to be honest London probably gives young designers far more opportunities than any other fashion capital.CL: Is Komakino working on anything exciting they could tell us at the moment? Komakino: We're about to get into designing some jewellery, it is quite exciting since we have never done it before.

Written by Me for Dazed Digital

Islands In The Stream....

Well, the high street is thoroughly impressing me, bowling me over left right and center. Now with the high fashion press days, you had either seen the collection at the shows or online, so you know what you're going to see. In the presence of Chanel, Louis Vuitton or Prada, i get the same "bowled over" feeling, but knowing fully well that i might be able to afford maybe one piece from the whole collection. God bless the British high street. River Island designs are becoming more and more trend led and fashion relevant, offering purse friendly alternatives to the high end counterparts. Here are my favourites from River Island press day:
Janitor style coats: There are a few of these coming up in AW09 from RI and i have already noticed a few in store. I really like the idea of these oversized jackets, but they just don't work on me as i have broad shoulders. Boooo to my bad genes!
Both above have that great Balmain look. Its great to see that the high street have taken inspiration from that show. I think it is probably one of my favourite looks on the high street at the moment, that and the nautical look (which i am showing a slow death, in my everyday wardrobe). I need to get me that jacket before i am off to the Milan and Paris menswear shows!
Military/Nautical (ish) inspired jacket (modelled by the fabulous River Island PR, Arieta)
Mary Katrantzou style oversized tee. I think you all know how much i covet her collection. Great print!

Picture of the Day: Stephen Petronio

I found this image while perusing the utterly addictive and so sexy East Village Boys website. There are so many amazing images and shoots on there that'll make you hot under the collar. Go check it out. I stumbled across this image of choreographer Stephen Petronio shot for East Village Boys by Ves Pitts and it reminded me that i am still on my quest for the best thigh-high boots. I might have to give in to waders, start a trend... or something...!
Really what i love the most about the image is how he has teamed the waders with the military jacket, the layered t-shirts and the distressed look jeans. Ill have to try this out one day!

Naughty in Nautical....

Following my promise to reveal all things brilliant from Press days. Here is a picture taken of myself by Rubbish Blog editor, and great friend of mine, Kila at the Arcadia press day.
Bar the red-eye, i think blended in to the other mannequins perfectly. For the past 3 months i have been seriously sporting the nautical look. Basically my recent outfits have been anchored around the pendant pictured (pun intended) and a series of different style horizontal stripe tops. I will soon tire of it, i know, but until then "anchors away"

My Outfit: Scarf by APC, Blazer by ASOS, Bag by Gap, Necklace by Jean Charles de Castelbajac, Top by H&M, Shorts by Topshop, Shoes by Office

The Acne Treatment

Written for Mywardrobe.com

We are now well and truly into the spring summer season and one collection that jumps into my mind for impressive, cool, insouciant style is that of Swedish fashion house Acne. The creative collective have struck gold again with their SS09 Pop Classics collection available now at Mywardrobe.com.

Reminiscent of the “freedom of our teenage years” collection, “Pop” sees bleached, stonewashed and ripped denim, brighter patterns and pastel shades used across the range and casual fabrics such as cotton and mesh jersey. Never one to follow trends, rather lead them, Acne have once again created a perfect balance of effortless cool; their uncomplicated clothes making them possibly my favourite brand of the moment. Why not try this light cotton gingham button down shirt, a fresh and faultless substitute to the ageing check shirt trend that we have seen over the seasons, making way for the “picnic” trend set to emerge this summer (think gingham and shorts). Paired with this classic sweatshirt (also available in a light pink), and finished off with these light blue straight leg relaxed fit light wash jeans, turned up at the hem to expose some skin at the ankle. All clothes by Acne styled with Raf by Raf Simons cross strap shoe.

You'll Never Guess Who...

The last press day i attended was one where i was pleasantly surprised. Not only because the brand in question had always had somewhat of a mumsy feel, a place for staples and the odd classic item for your wardrobe that i had to double take the name it said in the label. A name we have all grown up on, and worn since we were little nippers, and in fact lots of OAPs frequent this shop. In fact let me see if you can guess who it is, bet you cant from the pictures below....?





Do i hear: Dynasty, 80s Glam.... Yes i do. It is Marks and Spencers...! Amazing right! Oh and they also had this amazing Balmain style jacket...

Slack Blogger....

It suddenly struck me about 3 minutes ago that i have been so slack on presenting my press day finding to the lovely readers of Celia Loves, and there have been so many in the past few weeks, especially from the high street front. I don't know what i have been doing to let things slide so much- well actually i do know what i have been doing... I have been so darn busy traipsing across London attending the press days, and working myself tired. Between Buckstyle relaunching, shooting and writing for Dazed Digital and preparing my shoots for My-Wardrobe.com i barely have the time to eat let alone blog and for this i apologise. To follow in the next few days will be my findings over the past 2-3 weeks, and only the finding i will ever put forward to share with you are things i love...

Guliano Fujiwara Furniture

So this is another article/report i have written for Dazed Digital hope you like it, comments welcome:

At the recent Salone del Mobile in Milan, Guliano Fujiwara presented a collection of home furnishings with the Japanese design ideal of Wabi Sabi at its core.

Wabi Sabi, admittedly a concept that creative director Masataka Matsumura of fashion brand Guliano Fujiwara incorporates in all his collections, derives from Zen. It is an aesthetic philosophy of looking at the beauty in imperfection, “the beauty of the shadow which is concealed on the other side of shining beauty, and new shape invented from a style that seems unbalanced”. This starting point led to work on the concept of Dominoes, a dominant and recurring theme linking the pieces in the collection together.

Celia Loves: How has the response been to the new collection of home furnishings? Masataka Matsumura: The response from the visitors of Salone del Mobile to our home furnishing collection was extremely good and positive. Everybody showed a lot of interest in the details, especially in the “domino” effect, and in the irregular details I’ve added following my personal interpretation of Wabi-Sabi, which I incorporate into each and every aspect of my collections.
CL: You use Wabi Sabi when designing. What was the starting point for this collection? Masataka Matsumura: The starting point for this specific collection was the research for the irregular details you can now see in one of the tables, for example, or in the general shape of the collection. They are in the cut of the carpets and rugs which, again, reproduces the “domino” effect; something very close to the décor of my brand new flagship store in Milan, something that really represents my world and my way of thinking. Visiting this store truly helps to explain my philosophy and my idea of design; it represents all that matters for me and perfectly expresses my creativity.
CL: Which other aspects of your life do you use Wabi Sabi? Masataka Matsumura: Wabi-Sabi is my main source of inspiration, and I draw from it for any Giuliano Fujiwara collection; for home furnishing as well as for clothing and accessories, but I often refer to it also for in my personal life whenever design matters are involved. My house in Tokyo, my flagship store in Milan (which I favour above all), my personal choice of details – such as fabrics, shapes, colours – they all reflect Wabi-Sabi as a life philosophy. For me as a Japanese, one of the most relevant historical figures is Sen No Rikyu, the father of Wabi-Sabi, whose portrait appears in the movie “Death of a Tea Master” with actor Toshiro Mifune. I often refer to him and his teachings as well.
CL: What are the next plans for the brand.? Any more branching out into other areas? Masataka Matsumura: For the future of the home furnishing collection, I want to keep adding details derived from my personal aesthetic vision and from Wabi-Sabi. I also want to expand the brand’s business as well adding new collaborations to the ones that have been started in the past, of course paying always full attention to venture into fields that are in line with Giuliano Fujiwara’s philosophy and brand image, that I’ve tried to renew after joining is as creative director.
Next month in the Milanese flagship store we’ll hold an exhibition - the first ever, called GIULIANO FUJIWARA: RETROSPECTIVE-PROSPECTIVE – about the past, the present and the future of the brand, that will show exactly what the brand is all about, from its avant-garde start in the early 80s to its current modernity, that keeps mixing and balancing Japanese philosophy and Italian manufacturing traditions.
I will also keep developing co-marketing projects with brands whose values I share and respect, and also licensing programs will be developed, even if in a very selective way.
CL: What themes are you thinking about for the upcoming S/S 10 catwalk show?
Masataka Matsumura: The trend for the new S/S 10 collection that will hit the runway in Milan in June draws inspiration from current times; in reaction to this time of recession and crisis, the key word, that the new collection seems to express, is matter-of-factness. The collection therefore will be strong and masculine, with military accents, and very straightforward.

I have a lot more articles coming up on Dazed Digital. Keep posted here for all my contributions...

Picture of the day: Giuliano Fujiwara Autumn/Winter 2009

Love the total colour blocking, love the slim fit slouched hem trousers and LOVE LOVE LOVE the bangles. More men should wear bangles! Love Giuliano Fujiwara, what a brilliant collection. Looking forward to going to Milan in June and seeing the SS10 menswear show.

Clarks Original- 60th Anniversary

At 60 years old most of us would be looking a bit tired. A bit rough around the edges and not much of a go-er anymore.... (Yours truly excluded), but not Clark's Originals. A few weeks ago I was able to glimpse into the 60th Anniversary collection. Originally designed in 1948 by Nathan Clark as a solution to sustain the harsh surroundings of the desert, over 60 years later the brand is well and truly a golden oldie. The shoe brand is still showing its spark by releasing a collection of Clark's Original shoes, one for each decade since its conception from the 50s-90s:

50s- Inspired by everyday post-war man's attire
60s- Inspired by Liberty's Burton prints and the psychedelic swinging 60s
70s- Inspired by free love and hippy culture
80s- I am not sure why the little pouch signifies the 80s, I would have expected an acid wash, or a punk theme with studs and the like...
90s- Geri Haliwell's iconic Union Jack dress. Cool Britannia... And all that is in again, I have seen a new wave of Union Jack emblazoned garments such as heels, blazers, badges, dresses... Bring on the 90s I say!
The Noughties is an original replica of the original dessert boot.
I love the new styles, I cant wait to see them hit the general public, I know I will be after a pair of each boot. I have already made an order for these below in black:They are a kind of heeled dessert boot. Cute no?

Spedies Vintage

This is actually a cheat post, as it is a post that i wrote for Dazed Digital this week. But its a great store and so here it is...:

A haven for all things vintage, retro and the like, Speedie’s on Redchurch Street is fast becoming a one stop shop for all essential period wares.

Speedie Gazelle has been running the shop since September 2008, selling hand selected dresses, 1960s furniture, record players, bicycles, home furnishings and decorations sourced from across the world. “The items I have span many decades and styles so there's bound to be something for everyone!” Speedie’s shows his passion for vintage furniture and electronics in the spacious and kitsch shop décor, with it’s kitchen, lounge, and dining areas brimming with retro appliances and decorations, and the walls plastered with quaint pictures and Top of the Pops album sleeves.

Thrift shopping is currently booming, mainly due to the financial situation. “I have noticed the rise in thrift shopping but only because I'm interested in the trade and being part of it”. But Speedie isn’t resting on his laurels. “I have many fun and interesting plans which will be revealed when they are ready”.

Speedie host a monthly party in the shop, offering BBQs in the summer, a live band, all drinks priced at £1 and the guarantee of leaving with a bargain.

Speedie's, 81 Redchurch Street, E2
The next party will on the 21 May and Rodeo Massacre will be playing.

Puppy fashions...?

Words fail me too....! This is a dalmatian puppy that my best friend Trushar has acquired. He is about the size of my arm. Every time i look at this photo i squeal in pure excitement! He is the cutest thing. EVER! He is still living with his family in Essex as he is too young to leave them, but the countdown has begun till Bernard/Arnold/Cecil comes home to his new family. T minus 11 days!

But it has made me begin thinking about puppy fashion and in fact dog fashion. I have always thought they were a bit cruel and pointless really, but my line of work and the fact that i will be a mother to it brings other thoughts to my mind... Several dog websites later these are my favourites.....

Studded and so "On-Trend" Will be the coolest pup in London
A little Celia Blue number, and why not!Very Alexander McQueen AW09