LFW: Mary Katrantzou Spring 2012

“Inspired by nature, but viewed through a hyper-real lens", Mary Katrantzou’ Spring 2012 collection set in the old Eurostar terminal softened with thousands of carnations was a hypnotic blend of stunning images printed on tulle, chiffon and techno fabrics.

From borrowed from Paradise fields of flowers, exotic birds, and coral reefs to bows of steel, car parts and tin cans inspired by the crushed-car sculpture of the American artist John Chamberlain the prints were mesmerising.

It was a fresh, rainbow-like, summer-perfect and totally unforgettable collection that looked like a wearable work of art.

Photo sources: style.com, elle.com

Gucci love

Fell in love with this dress after watching Gucci Spring 2012 collection streamed on-line earlier today. It’s so simple, chic and sensual in a way it moves and the back view can totally catch you off guard. It would be a dream to have this piece one day.

Stylish quote

“Real fashion change comes from real changes in real life. Everything else is just decoration.”

Tom Ford

Photo source: Vogue US June 1997

LFW: Burberry Spring 2012

There are a lot of things I love about Burberry even before I get to talk about the actual clothes and accessories. I adore Christopher Bailey for being so incredibly talented and charming and actually taking his time to twit personally just about an hour before the show no matter how crazy busy it must have been for him, for making a small video for all of us anxiously waiting before our PC screens and, of course, streaming the show live later and twitting a photo of every look before it hit the runway.

Again, it was the highlight of the London Fashion Week for me. The collection was perfect, yet again, from head to toe, from the stripy raffia hats to the most gorgeous sky-high booties, sandals and wedges, especially those, in delicious toffee-coloured leather, woven and decorated with wooden beads and, of course, incredible skirts, pleated dresses, trenches and parkas in between. I loved the tribal and batik prints, leather and raffia details and rich colour palette.

With his new Spring collection Christopher Bailey gave us coquettish dresses, printed pencil skirts, sweet tops and dresses draped around the body and decorated with most adorable bow details. He also kept in mind the fact that good old British summer isn’t so much about floating around in barely there silks, but requires some wardrobe substance to protect our pale selves from the rain and temperamental weather. As a result knitwear, classic trenches and cropped parkas, from beautifully simple to most elaborate works of art completed this yet again gorgeous collection.

Photo source: @Burberry via Twitter

La nouvelle amazone

A special story from Elle France 2004 photographed by Stephane Sednaoui. It’s like a dream that lives among enchanted trees and hidden treasures just waiting to be found. A magical kingdom guarded by an amazon who has the most beautiful eyes in the world.

Photo source: Elle France 2004

Cesare Paciotti

These are my babies. Aren’t they gorgeous? The sculptural heel reminds me of Rivendell and elven jewellery. The one-step-before-they-tern-fetish shape of the booties is so undeniably sensual and chic and the red soles covered in printed lace pattern make every step unforgettable (if one chooses to follow me). Should I also mention that walking in these booties are like dancing on air – so comfortable I feel like waltzing. I’m slightly obsessed over them, which probably shows…

Photo source: personal

Weekend sign off

How fabulous is that Lanvin dress from 2003 Natalia’s wearing? It was a gorgeous collection…

Well, today I’m following a “talk about what you see” rule, so please don’t seek any logic in a story – just enjoy the reading (hopefully).

According to the latest fashion news, Giles Deacon left Ungaro and nobody knows who is going to replace him. I quietly hope it’s going to be Giambattista Valli because he’s highly capable of producing couture, ready-to-wear, colour, gorgeous shapes, chic and impeccable cut. He would feel solid to me and it would be nice to see somebody like him finally giving the house of Ungaro plenty of TLC after it’s been through hands of several designers and, most shockingly, Lindsay Lohan.

Another house that’s trying to get their act together is, of course, Dior. Apparently, Mr Jacobs will be replacing him. I’m not going to jump in with my opinion on the new creative collaboration, however, do want to mention that, as far as Dior is concerned, I’m totally with Franca Sozzani on this, but frankly I don’t think Galliano would actually return to the house of Dior after they treated him like some unwanted toy that got a few dusty spots, nor Dior would have guts to apologise to the designer. Shame, but here we go.

Oh, lets talk more about fashion houses, shall we? To celebrate the launch of their first perfume Bottega Veneta released a short movie directed by Christian Weber and Tomas Maier. It’s all about sensations as if showing the birth of the fragrance itself. Beautiful and classy, as always.

And that’s about it for now. Don’t want to keep you in front of your screen for ages on a glorious Saturday morning.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Always yours,

Photo source: Telegraph Fashion UK 16 March 2003