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Category Archives: message-wear

Ciao Tutti ! It’s the start of Milan Fashion Week (MFW) and designer Stella Jean starts things off ‘in living colour’

18 Thursday Sep 2014

Posted by meappropriatestyle in colourspeak, fashion fun, free to be me, grunge fashion, message-wear, Milan Fashion Week, patterns, prints, ready to wear, spring/summer 2015, style = innovation, womenswear

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Milan Fashion Week, mixed patterns and prints, spring/summer 2015, Stella Jean, vibrant colours

The first day of Milan Fashion Week,

sees the runway show of designer, Stella Jean

whose s/s  2015 collection is sheer visual pleasure.

…

Vibrant prints, which translate the images of her Haitian roots.

Colour combo clash that absolutely delights.

Prints and pattern interweave, which should contradict but instead compliment.

Silhouette variety in a single look.

…

The fashion verdict?

A joyful collection.

As to be expected from the incomparable Stella Jean.

…

 

Stella Jean

MFW,  s/s  2015

The Collection

 

 

(images from fashionising):

 

stella-jean-spring-summer-2015-mfw10

one look

a cornucopia of shape, colour, pattern

…

   stella-jean-spring-summer-2015-mfw6

…

stella-jean-spring-summer-2015-mfw17

stella-jean-spring-summer-2015-mfw1

grunge – wear

with a lady-like, tropical vibe

…

stella-jean-spring-summer-2015-mfw19

incorporating a message-wear tee into the mix

…

stella-jean-spring-summer-2015-mfw15

two tone slip – on brogues in cream and mustard yellow

…

stella-jean-spring-summer-2015-mfw22 stella-jean-spring-summer-2015-mfw30

a story to tell:

images of island life

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30 years on and still going strong: history highlights from London Fashion Week (LFW), 1984 – 2014

15 Monday Sep 2014

Posted by meappropriatestyle in fashion events, fashion news, history notes, London Fashion Week, meapp fashion highlights, message-wear

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Alexander McQueen, Anna Wintour, Annette Worsley-Taylor, Bodymap, British Fashion Council, Christopher Kane, Clements Ribeiro, fashion history, history notes, Hussein Chalayan, Kate Moss, Katharine Hamnett, London Fashion Week, London Fashion Week - history, London Fashion Week: 1984 - 2014, Matthew Williamson, message-wear, Naomi Campbell, Somerset House- London, Sophie Dahl, table skirt, Tophop

London Fashion Week

This year marks the 30th anniversary of London Fashion Week (1984 – 2014).

Traverse the years’ memorable high points:

the innovative, quirky, boundary-pushing, delight

that is British fashion.

…

 

 

1983

The British Fashion Council (BFC) was founded with an aim to coordinate varied designer exhibitions under one framework, in presenting the best of British fashion to the international press and market.

(image from britishfashioncouncil.co.uk):

BFC somerset housesh1700

BFC offices at Somerset House, London

…

1984

The collection of fashion talent ignites the idea for an organised means of showcase and hence, London Fashion Week is organised and launched by Annette Worsley-Taylor, founder London’s Designer Collective and  PR expert, Lynne Frank.

The first event takes place in a West London car park (February, 1984) with dynamic catwalk shows and exhibitions.

The first ever British Fashion Awards are bestowed with designer, Katharine Hamnett recognised as Designer of the Year.

(image from katharinehamnett.com):

Katharine-Hamnett-1984-Peter-Lindberg

by designer Katherine Hamnett, message-wear, 1984

…

1985

Cult label Bodymap by designers Stevie Stewart and David Holah, set the fashion world a-quiver with its  “Barbie Takes a Trip Around Nature’s Cosmic Curves” collection, off-beat creations and general anti-fashion philosophy.

 

(images from shapersofthe80s.com):

bodymap clothes from shaperofthe80s.combmap11vintagefest-dh

Bodymap on the runway

 

…

 

1986

 

The British fashion industry is boosted by support from Diana, Princess of Wales and British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher attend the shows.

 

…

 

1988

Naomi Campbell models in Jasper Conran’s spring/summer show and in that year London-born Ms. Campbell becomes the first black model on the cover of French Vogue.

 

(image from fabmagazineonline.com):

 

naomi-campbell first french vogue cover from fabmagazineonlinecom-vogue-france-august-1988

Naomi Campbell graces the cover of French Vogue, August 1988

…

1989

At only fifteen years old, model Kate Moss makes her runway debut for John Galliano.

(image from lifestylemirror.com):

kate moss runway debut for galliano image form lifestylemirro.com 30 yrs LFW1_fash_models-first-show_2-4-14

A young Kate Moss walks in John Galliano runway show

…

1992

The fashion industry is not spared the storm from impact of economic recession.  Only a handful of designers show at The Ritz Hotel, London.  Yet, where there is a storm there is a silver lining.  Twenty-three year old Alexander McQueen presents his first collection  inspired by Jack the Ripper’s Whitechapel victims in 1888. Sewn into the clothing was human hair in acknowledgement of the hair the Ripper’s prostitute victims would have sold.

Mr. McQueen was a story-teller and his clothes were the visual representations of the tales.

from Alexander McQueen:
“The inspiration behind the hair came from Victorian times when prostitutes would sell theirs for kits of hair locks, which were bought by people to give to their lovers. I used it as my signature label with locks of hair in Perspex. In the early collections, it was my own hair.”

A new fashion reign begins, a fashion king is crowned:

“Here were capelets made out of crows’ feathers, tailcoats with dramatic sihouettes. The designs were radical, disturbing and viscereal at a time when taste meant sleek and minimal,” recalls Harriet Quick, fashion features director of Vogue. “McQueen’s language is life, death, sex, religion – he’s a true great.”

(image from metmuseum.org):

alexander mcqueen  1st collection 1992 coat with hair from metsueum.org McQ.3018.L

pink satin coat with human hair embellishments

…

1993

Milliner, Philip Treacy presents his first show,  which features model Naomi Campbell who walks topless.

 

The industry continued active involvement of assistance for emerging talent with the launch of NEWGEN, a platform for gifted up-and-comers.   Designated as ‘ones to watch’ were Alexander McQueen and design duo Suzanne Clements and Inacio Ribeiro of Clements Ribeiro.

 

(image from marieclaire.com):

 

alexander MCQUEEN  nihilism s_s -94 marieclaire

Alexander McQueen, ‘Nihilism’ collection  s/s  1994

 

~

 

(from clementsribeiro.com):

 

clements ribeiro design duo from clements ribeirocomabout-bottom

design duo, Suzanne Clements and Inacio Ribeiro 

 

 

…

 

1994

Interdisciplinary design visionary, Hussein Chalayan premiers his conceptual creations on the fashion stage.

 

…

 

1995

Stella McCartney showcases her first collection.  Models Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell walk in the show.  Ms. McCartney’s entire collection is an instant sell-out sensation.

 

(image from marieclaire.com):

 

KATE MOSS models for mccartney  graduation show 1995

Kate Moss walks the runway for Stella McCartney’s graduate show

…

 

1997

Model with curves,  Sophie Dahl makes her runway debut, sparking new discussion on skeletal physique of runway models and an apparent link to eating disorders, such as anorexia, from the demands of models adhering to an ultra skinny fashion- type.

 

(image from marieclaire.com):

 

SOPHIE DAHL LFW debut 1977 marieclaire

model Sophie Dahl modelling knitwear by Lainey Keogh

 

…

 

1998

 

Roland Mouret’s first collection.  He would later go on to design the internationally acclaimed Galaxy dress (Spring 2006 collection):  the perfect frock for all women.

 

(image from rolandmouret.com):

 

roland mouret galaxy dress in black rolandmouretcomGOLDEN_DRESS_BLACK

the iconic Galaxy dress by designer, Roland Mouret

…

 

2000

With his wooden table-cum-skirt, present in the “After Words” collection, a/w  2000 Hussein Chalayan, cements his reputation as one of London’s premier conceptual designers.

 

(image from elledecor.com):

 

chalayan Table-dress-by-Hussein-Chalayan-from elledecor.com de

table skirt by designer Hussein Chalayan

 

~

 

View the runway show:

 

…

 

 

2001

 

Charles, Prince of Wales presents the Designer of the Year prize to Alexander McQueen at the British Fashion Awards.

 

(image from sfgate.com):

 

prince charles presents designer of the year award to mcqueen 2001 from sfgatecom628x471

 Prince Charles and designer, Alexander McQueen

…

 

2002

With designers Matthew Williamson, Luella Bartley, Roland Mouret, Preen all showing in New York, London Fashion Week suffers a bit of a blow.

…

 

2004

 

Fashion Fringe competition launches, which nurture cutting-edge designers with creative direction and funding.

 

…

 

2005

Topshop becomes the first high street store to present at LFW.

 

(image from london-attractions.info):

 

topshop-oxford-street from london-attractions.info

Topshop flagship store at Oxford Circus

 

..

 

2006

Chrstopher Kane unviels his first LFW collection.  He went against the grain and presented “neon brights when black was in and figure-hugging when full-flowing ruled.”  His risk-taking collection was hailed a success.

 

(image from telegraph.co.uk):

 

christophr kane debut collection 2006cane-lock-ss-07_2452295a

Christopher Kane presented first independent show in September 2006 at London Fashion Week

 

…

 

2007

Matthew Williamson returns to  show from New York  to show at LFW.  In addition to a show-stopping collection, an additional high point was Prince’s impromptu performance. “All dignity was abandoned as I, and many others, stood, camera-phones pointed at the legend, dancing and clapping like idiots.”  (Jo Elvin, editor of Glamour)

 

(image from zimbio.com):

 

Matthew+Williamson_ prince perform ss2008 on sept 19 from zimbiocom+LFW+Spring+Summer+2008+FFcN9VHa2W4l

recording artist Prince performs at Matthew Williamson s/s  2008 show

 

…

 

2009

 

LFW to Somerset House and Anna Wintour returns to front row after a two year absence.  Her presence is regarded as indication that the US is taking full note of the import of LFW.

 

(image from zimbio.com):

 

Anna+Wintour+Erdem+Front+Row+Spring+Summer+LBHo7zffD3Rl

 

Obviously, happy to be coming back!  Anna Wintour, front row LFW 2010

 

…

2012

 

London is riding high from the success of the Summer Olympics Games and milliner,  Philip Treacy does not disappoint.  He  presented a hat show, which is quintessentially British fashion-cued:  witty, quirky, inventive.

(image from standard.co.uk):

philip treacy ss 13 from standard.co.uk22treacycomp

by milliner Philip Treacy,  s/s  2013

…

 

2014

And here we are,  the s/s 2015  shows and presentations.  LFW has come a long way, baby and continues to move on from strength to strength.

 

(image from londonfashionweek.co.uk)

London fashion week tents at somerset house16487

London Fashion Week tents at Somerset House

 

…

sources on LFW history from: The Independent,
Clerkenwell Vintage Fashion Farm,
The Telegraph, The New York Times
 

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Fashion East a / w 2014: Let’s hear it for the girls!

22 Saturday Feb 2014

Posted by meappropriatestyle in accessories, bags, emerging designers, Fashion East, hats, knitwear, message-wear, metallics, monochrome, patterns, prints, shoes... glorious shoes, urban-chic, womenswear designers

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Tags

Ashley Williams, autumn/winter 2014, Fashion East, Fashion East - womenswear designers, Helen Lawrence, Louise Alsop, Lulu Kennedy

Established in 2000, Fashion East is a non-profit concern

organised to identify and assist emerging designers through

funds and mentorships.

…

Each season three womenswear and three menswear designers

are chosen by Lulu Kennedy and a panel of industry experts

for participation in the Fashion East programme.

…

For a/w 2014 the three womenswear creatives selected

were all women designers:

Ashley Williams

Louise Alsop

Helen Lawrence

…

Well done ladies!

…

(images of collections from fashionising):

(photos of designers from londonfashionweek.co.uk):

Fashion East,  a/w  2014

The Collections

…

Ashley Williams

Ashley Williams

…

fuzzy animal bags

colourful cowboy boots

praire-inspired caps

metallics and snakeskin patterns

kittens and horses motifs

whimsical dress for a new-age hoedown

fashion-east-autumn-fall  ashley-winter-2014-lfw45 fashion-east-autumn-fall ashley-winter-2014-lfw40 fashion-east-autumn-fall ashley-winter-2014-lfw39

…

Louise Alsop

Louise Alsop

…

bold patterned black/white chromatics

touches of pale spearmint green

message tees

urban vibe

a ‘taking it to the streets’ sensibility

fashion-east-Louise autumn-fall-winter-2014-lfw4

fashion-east-autumn-Louisefall-winter-2014-lfw6

fashion-east-autumn-louisefall-winter-2014-lfw2

…

Helen Lawrence

Helen Lawrence

soft knits

asymmetric details

cut-out tops

 graphic linear print

an offbeat elegance

fashion-east-autumn-fall- helenwinter-2014-lfw25 fashion-east-autumn-fall-helenwinter-2014-lfw29 fashion-east-autumn-fall-helenwinter-2014-lfw27

…

………….,,

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Making a fashion statement

27 Sunday Oct 2013

Posted by meappropriatestyle in fashion and politics, fashionspeak..., free to be me, inspiration, message-wear, street style sass

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

fashion and politics, fashion as political message, fashion as social statement, Katherine Hamnett, Margaret Thatcher - Katherine Hamnett photo, message clothing

Message clothing is an integral part of

contemporary fashion –

used to convey sentiment range from

angst to joy

frustration to motivation

apathy to awareness

silliness to seriousness

…

During the 1980s British designer

Katherine Hamnett

used her clothing t-shirt line as

platform to voice her political stances.

…

The photo of her 1984 meeting with the

then British Prime Minister

Margaret Thatcher

is iconic for its immediate recognisability.

Ms Hamnett t-shirt read:

“58% DON’T WANT PERSHING”

which was the public protest position

against stationing nuclear weapons in the U.K –

a bold statement

a bold action

…

(image from dazeddigital.com):

hamnett

…

Some say that Ms. Hamnett faced near bankruptcy,

following a financial audit she endured as punishment

for the embarrassment suffered by the

Thatcher government from the photo’s

widespread publication.

…

The activist designer is today

still at work using

 t-shirts as banners to generate

public awareness of issues,

which she regards as action-taking worthy –

her continued campaign against nuclear armament.

…

(image from theguardian.com):

Katharine Hamnett - with her NHS not Trident T-shirt

…

At almost 67 years old,  Ms.  Hamnett is preparing

for full re-launch of her design label  –

targeting a men’s line for a/w 2014.

One can only guess the reading on that.

…

(image from ebay.com):

retro tee:  anti-Vietnam War

…

(image from zazzle.co.uk):

make peace, not war

…

 

(image from markuslupfer.com):

say cheese – ah, a bit wider

Markus Lupfer,  women  a/w  2012

…

On the streets where you live

(photos from stylebistro):

New York, New York

S/S   Fashion  Week,  2014

New York Fashion Week Spring 2014 Attendees

now that’s a bit harsh

…

New York Fashion Week Spring 2014 Attendees

chat speak

…

New York Fashion Week Spring 2014 Attendees

much better to spread the love

…

New York Fashion Week Spring 2014 Attendees

so true

…

New York Fashion Week Spring 2014 Attendees

love thyself

…

 

 

(image from 1stclassfashion.com):

street style 5

a million USD for your thoughts

…

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