September 2013 – Stylitz

Gogo crazy

Published on September 26, 2013September 26, 2013 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

I have recently been introduced to a jewellery brand that I had never heard of (I know, call me a stylist huh?). I love it so much that I have decided to share. The brand is called Gogo Philip and markets itself as a vintage bijoux jewellery label, but I think the tagline ‘sophisticated pieces with a street edge’ would also sum it up nicely. Produced by Georgi Philip Pecenikov in his parents’ factory in Milan (jewellery making is clearly in the genes) the brand is beloved by fashion favourites Rihanna, Jessie J and Rita Ora, and has been featured in Vogue, Elle, I-D and many more.

Jessie J meets the Queen in Gogo Philip earrings – if it’s good enough for royalty…

Oh my! Another Jessie J shot featuring a Gogo Philip necklace

Rita Ora rocks the same necklace on stage

After producing pieces for American Apparel for several years, Georgi was spurred to launch his own label in 2008 and has since been stocked in Topshop Oxford Street as well as ASOS.com, Yoox and Selfridges. Last month he opened his first stand-alone store in East London’s Cheshire Street and this month he has revamped his online venture, adding new collections and sprucing up the design – great for those who prefer to shop from the comfort of their sofa.

Gold-plated F13 classic chain necklace, £17, Gogo Philip

What drew me in most (aside from the gorgeous designs) was the affordable prices. Gold plated chunky choker necklaces start at £17 and would look amazing worn with a minimalist 90s-inspired white shift dress. Or opt for the unique clean lines of the leather insert gold-plated earrings, as seen below.

Gold-plated leather insert earrings, £29, Gogo Philip

Gold-plated black leather classic chain necklace, £50, Gogo Philip

Some pieces admittedly cost more – up to £120 for this stunning lock necklace – but the quality and design give the illusion of a far higher price tag.

Gold-plated handbag lock F12 necklace, £120, Gogo Philip

Add a choker to a crisp white shirt and tailored trousers, don a necklace with your favourite LBD, or make like Rihanna and Leigh-Anne from Little Mix and pile it on with your sportswear. Either way this is a one-stop-shop to statement accessorizing. Now, aren’t you pleased I shared?

Rihanna blings up her sportswear with a Gogo Philip necklace

Little Mix’s Leigh-Anne piles on the Gogo Philip chains

For the store head to Gogo Philip, 68 Cheshire St, London, E2 6EH. T: 020 7613 2198. Or shop online at http://www.gogophilip.com

Main holding image: Rihanna wearing Gogo Philip jewellery for GQ magazine

Debenhams celebrates 200 years

Published on September 25, 2013January 11, 2026 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

If you have been inspired by the gowns featured on the Emmys red carpet, then you may be interested in today’s post. High-street stalwart Debenhams is celebrating its 200^th birthday this year (yes, that’s double century!) and to mark the occasion is releasing an exclusive limited edition Designers at Debenhams collection. The pieces hit store in October, however the pre-order waiting list is now open, so if you’re dreaming of donning a shimmery maxi-dress this Xmas then you’d best get on that list.

Printed maxi-dress, £150, Butterfly by Matthew Williamson for Debenhams

Long time Debenhams collaborators John Rocha and Jasper Conran have both designed pieces for the collection alongside boho-lover Matthew Williamson and K-Mid favourite Jenny Packham. Speaking of our future queen (and if it’s full on glam that you’re craving) then this sequinned showstopper from Julien Macdonald may tickle your fancy. It is also remarkably similar to a recent dress worn by Kate to her first post-baby event.

Sequinned dress, £199, Star by Julien Macdonald for Debenhams

The collection comprises of eight garments – four evening dresses and four coats – and a selection of homeware and leather accessories. Prices range from £12.50 for plates to £299 for the stunning scarlet Jenny Packham floor-length gown – guaranteed to make you feel like a princess.

Red satin gown, £299, No.1 Jenny Packham dress for Debenhams

However, if you require something a little more practical then perhaps this white faux-fur trimmed fit-and-flare coat will suit (I did say a little more practical). This rouses my Slavic roots and channels an inner Anna Karenina – cue image of self skating round a deserted frozen lake in snowy Russia.

White faux-fur trimmed coat, J by Jasper Conran for Debenhams

Keira Knightley in Anna Karenina

Keira Knightley in Anna Karenina costume for Vogue Oct 2012 (Image: Vogue)

If late 19^th Century literature isn’t your thing, then opt instead for this on-trend furry cocoon coat from H! By Henry Holland or this chic Hepburn-esque lace A-line dress by Rocha. John Rocha.

Boucle coat, H! by Henry Holland for Debenhams

Lace midi-dress, £150, Rocha. John Rocha for Debenhams

To join the list, email 200yearcollection@debenhams.com and be sure to get your orders in early. A modern day Cinderella doesn’t need a fairy godmother when she has a waiting list and email to hand…

Limited Edition Collection from Designers at Debenhams launches in October, but you can pre-order now by emailing 200yearcollection@debenhams.com. www.debenhams.com

Main holding image: Lace midi-dress, £150, Rocha. John Rocha for Debenhams

Architectural adventure

Published on September 21, 2013 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

If you’ve always wanted to take in the view at The Shard or explore the inner towers of the iconic Battersea Power Station, but don’t fancy having to remortgage for the experience, then this may be the weekend for you. For two days only, a vast number of London’s finest architectural landmarks are opening their doors for free. Yes, that’s free! Named ‘Open House London’ this annual weekend event allows you to take in Tower 42 in the City (once the tallest skyscraper in London) and even snoop around 10 Downing Street. Well, technically numbers for the viewing of the Prime Minister’s residence and The Shard have already been allocated by ballot, but there are still plenty of other famous buildings to explore.

Battersea Power Station (image source: Creative Commons/Aurelien Guichard)

No 10 Downing Street (image source: Open House)

Open House was started in 1992 as a not-for-profit organisation promoting our fantastic architecture. Their aim is to get people to look around them and learn about the structure and history of some of our beautifully designed constructions. Often buildings that are not usually accessible to the public (like the aforementioned Battersea Power Station) are included in the long list of participants. The event has been so popular that it has been replicated in numerous cities internationally, including New York, Melbourne, Rome and even Jerusalem.

Tower 42 (image source: Open House)

Dalston Eastern Curve Garden (image source: www.timeout.com)

Most of the buildings are on a first come first served basis, so you best be quick if you want to peruse the plum locations. It’s already mid-morning and we all know what they say about the early bird…

London’s Open House runs from 21^st-22^nd September- visit www.londonopenhouse.org for more info.

For ideas of where to head this weekend check out Time Out’s guide to the top venues: http://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/open-house-london-our-highlights

Main image – Cutty Sark. Source: www.timeout.com

London Fashion Week SS14 at Somerset House

Published on September 17, 2013September 17, 2013 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

Yesterday I finally made it down to Somerset House to check out the London Fashion Week SS14 showrooms. The Courtyard houses the main tents where models take to the catwalk in the designers visions for Spring 2014. Yes, just as normal folk are beginning to pull on jumpers and dust off their coats, the fashion folk are projecting what will be the hottest trends when the sun reappears sometime around March. Here is a summary of what I saw and what I loved.

London Fashion Week SS14 New Gen entrance hall

First stop was the Topshop sponsored New Generation hall where the next big things in fashion tout their wares. My favourite shoe designer of the moment, Sophia Webster, showed off a display of her signature candy coloured, kooky heels, predicting bold colours and clever heel detailing for next spring. Oh and jelly heels! My particular fave is the ‘Killer’ stiletto, surely the shoe Bridget Fonda’s rival should have worn in Single White Female…

Shoes, such pretty, pretty shoes by Sophia Webster for SS14

A lot of the New Gen hall was empty as catwalk collections by the likes of J. JS Lee and Simone Rocha hadn’t made it to the showrooms yet, so I headed upstairs to the Ready to Wear Emerging and Contemporary collections.

First stop was Zoe Jordan who showed at the early hour of 9am on Saturday morning, and put out a collection inspired by a grown up skater girl. Expect sports influenced pieces such as white punched leather tees married with printed silk dresses, in a palette of white mixed with bold hues.

Fresh from the catwalk: Zoe Jordan’s ‘Pretty Vandals’ SS14 collection

Christopher Raeburn’s collection also had an overlying sportswear feel (a trend that refuses to go away) with high-tech fabrics worked into chic printed separates.

Christopher Raeburn’s SS14 vision

Georgia Hardinge has this year decided to focus on her buyers and will be presenting a show in Shanghai next week, but for London she was on hand to explain her pretty printed silk dresses and clever pleat inserts. Collaborating with a specialist, she has created intricate origami shapes hidden within her box pleat skirts and tops. Beautiful!

The designer herself, Georgia Hardinge wearing a pleated piece from her SS14 collection

Another brand that caught my eye was Paper London, which featured gorgeous laser cut jackets and wide sculptural garments in a tight palette of white, red and navy.

Paper London’s intricate cut-outs for SS14

Onto emerging talent where Jane Bowler’s hand-cut leather and PVC plastic creations were drawing attention. Strong editorial garments, plus amazing jewellery and reworked trucker caps means this brand will be a winner with the streetwear and music crowd.

Hand cut leather and PVC plastic pieces from Jane Bowler SS14

Finally I loved the pleat work, colour combinations and printwork of Heohwan Simulation’s SS14, who showed off-schedule on Day 1 of London Fashion week. Definitely one to watch…

Monochrome and yellow at Heohwan Simulation SS14

In the afternoon I managed to catch a presentation at the stunning Freemasons’ Hall showcasing the work of Natasha Zinko – a cute floral stage and pretty ethereal vibe in a succinct collection.

Natasha Zinko SS14

I was supposed to attend the dramatic Pam Hogg show at 5pm, but after queuing for over 30 minutes with what felt like half of London my tired feet got the better of me and I decided to give it a miss. I hear it was quite the crazy with magpie hats and more refined silhouettes mixing with the usual latex catsuits.

London Fashion Week SS14 draws to a close today and the crowds of fashionistas in towering heels will move onto Milan for the next round of shows. Although not until they have partied at tonight’s closing parties, put on by the likes of Harper’s Bazaar and Dazed and Confused. When in Rome…

London Fashion Week SS14 runs from 13-17 September 2013 http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/ at Somerset House

For further details of featured designers: www.sophiawebster.co.uk; www.zoe-jordan.com; www.christopherraeburn.co.uk; www.georgiahardinge.co.uk; www.paperlondon.com; www.janebowler.co.uk; www.heohwansimulation.com; www.natashazinko.com.

Dining at The Shard

Published on September 14, 2013 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

Last night I visited The Shard for the first time. Or to be more specific I dined at the restaurant Aquashard on the 31^st floor of London’s latest architectural triumph. Whether you love it or hate it, The Shard is definitely a prominent landmark on the London skyline, boasting a lift that can scale 30 floors in 30 seconds and stunning views of the city. Unfortunately, the first day of London Fashion Week also brought with it the rain, and the rather spectacular view was somewhat ruined by the cascades of water running down the windows. Nonetheless, the beauty of Aquashard made up for the view. A sexy, low lit, slick interior – reminiscent of a chic New York cocktail bar – is complimented by a three-storey high atrium and plenty of glass. As the world’s fashionistas descend on our fair city, I thought it more than worthy of a blog.

Stunning cocktails – a Margarita

I am incredibly lucky as I, along with my cousin Joanna, were being treated to supper by my lovely aunt Irma. We had a fantastic evening. The atmosphere and service at Aquashard was superb. Our dishes for each course were brought out simultaneously, so no-one at the table had to wait to start their meal. Our wine was topped up regularly and empty plates disappeared discreetly. My only complaint was that drinks did take some time to arrive, but this could be due to the large, lively crowd at the bar on a Friday night.

Britain’s finest artisanal cheese selection

So to the food… Aquashard ‘serves innovative contemporary British cuisine’ and the menu is succinct and well written. The food itself is creative and beautifully presented, but a little hit and miss. We ordered three different fish starters and shared them all. The confit salmon with Dorset crab, and a puree of avocado and courgette was delicious and definitely our favourite of the three. For mains, my cousin ordered the lamb, my aunt had the Diver Scallops and I opted for cod. Each dish was lovely and very subtle with some intriguing difficult-to-place flavours, although the scallops were too lightly cooked for my palette and the lamb was quite rare (admittedly this was requested). Unfortunately I was too busy dining to remember to take pictures, and I didn’t think an image of an empty plate would suffice. For dessert we opted for two cheese plates, which came with wafer thin walnut bread and a delicious chutney. Not only were these very tasty, but as you can see from the images they also looked very stylish. All in all, I had a wonderful evening – the setting and atmosphere was fantastic and the dishes were beautifully presented, but make sure you choose wisely as certain dishes are better than others.

Me and my aunt Irma

If you’re in town for Fashion Week, it’s worth noting that reservations need to be made in advance and we did have to wait over a month for a suitable time slot. However, you can come for cocktails at the bar and to soak up the atmosphere while taking in the view of London by night. I would definitely recommend it…

For more information and to make a booking go to www.aquashard.co.uk