Fashion news – Page 5

Becks’ pecs make headlines

Published on January 24, 2014 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

Ah David Beckham! How do I love thee? Let me count the ways… Yesterday saw the announcement of the new David Beckham Bodywear at H&M advert, which brightened up my dull January afternoon no end.

This year’s TV campaign sees David sharing his toned torso with the world as he jumps across the rooftops of East London’s Truman Brewery, having been locked out a photoshoot in only his undies (as you do – thanks to H&M). What’s more David insisted on doing all the stunts himself including zip wiring across buildings and jumping over walls barefoot. Filmed by acclaimed director Nicolas Winding Refn – he of Drive and Only God Forgives fame (which both feature another undeniable hottie Ryan Gosling) – the new advert will premiere at the US Super Bowl on 2nd February 2014. In an added twist there have been two alternative versions filmed, titled #Covered and #Uncovered, and from 27th January the public can head to hm.com to vote on which ending they would prefer to see.

Although the full adverts are yet to be shown, H&M have released this teaser video and I think the titles are self-explanatory. So which would you prefer – to see Beckham covered or uncovered? Hmm…

All images – David Beckham Bodywear at H&M. The new collection will be available in-store and online from 30th January 2014 http://www.hm.com

David Koma new Artistic Director at Mugler

Published on December 15, 2013January 11, 2026 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

London based designer David Koma has been named as the new Artistic Director at French fashion house Mugler, a position previously held by Lady Gaga’s ex-stylist Nicola Formichetti. Koma has long been a draw at London Fashion Week and celebs such as Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Lawrence and Amy Adams have all donned his frocks for red carpet events.

A portrait of the man himself, David Koma

It is a great match for the brand, with Koma’s fierce architectural designs bonding well with a French fashion house whose beloved 80s muse was the grand dame herself, Grace Jones. Definitely one for independent ladies, Thierry Mugler’s dramatic body-con designs garnered huge success in the 80s and 90s, and he famously created the iconic black dress worn by Demi Moore in Indecent Proposal. And what 30-something isn’t familiar with the brand’s blue-bottled star-shaped ‘Angel’ scent? Aah, the sweet smell of nostalgia…

Demi Moore in Indecent Proposal – in the much replicated cut-out Thierry Mugler dress

Angel by Thierry Mugler was launched in 1992

Koma himself is also a name that has been lauded for several seasons, after first presenting at London Fashion week in 2009 and winning BFC NewGen sponsorship in 2011. Yet this new appointment should catapult the 28 year old into the fashion stratosphere. Of the post (announced on Friday 13th – clearly not unlucky for this young chap) Koma says “I am deeply honoured to take up the role of Artistic Director at Mugler. For me, Mugler is the most extraordinary fashion house with an undeniably audacious heritage.”

All above images (and main holding image): David Koma Spring/Summer 2014

With Koma’s first Resort collection for the label due in June 2014, and the first catwalk show in Paris next September, I can’t wait to see what this exciting designer will do to re-energise the revered brand and bring it back to its former iconic status.

http://int.mugler.com/uk/en/ http://davidkoma.com/

Winter sun anyone?

Published on December 9, 2013December 10, 2013 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

Dubai, Cape Town or Maldives? Those of you lucky enough to be heading abroad for some winter sun this Christmas (me, jealous? Not at all) may be interested in today’s post. For a limited time only B London Boutique http://www.blondonboutique.com are hosting a Winter Sun pop-up shop on South Molton Street in central London, selling everything you need for stylish lounging by the beach or pool.

Guarani Green bikini, from £130, by Vix

Agave bikini, from £130, by Vix

With bikinis by superior swimwear label Melissa Odabash (as worn by Kate Moss, Beyonce and Gwyneth Paltrow) and Vix (a super-luxe label inspired by the beaches of Brazil) and cute straw beach bags from Twenty Violet, this is your one-stop-shop answer to a Winter Sun wardrobe. Best get down there quick though. With only 3 days left of trading, much like a British summer it’s a case of catch it whilst you can…

Brussels bikini in blue, from £83, by Melissa Odabash

Grenada bikini in burgundy, from £83, by Melissa Odabash

Positano Snake Swimsuit, £198, by Melissa Odabash

Lemon beach bag, £56.95, by Twenty Violet

Blue beach bag, £56.95, by Twenty Violet

Unleash your inner tiger with an animal print towel, £195, by Maslin & Co

BLB pop-up store can be found at 35 South Molton Street, London, W1K 5RQ until 12th December. Open Tue & Wed: 10am-6pm and Thurs 10am-8pm. www.blondonboutique.com

An Oasis of summer delights

Published on November 21, 2013November 21, 2013 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

Every so often in the monthly round up of press days you stumble upon a presentation that is so beautiful it warrants it’s own blog. Last week, that was Marks & Spencer’s stunning SS14 offerings, and this week the title goes to Oasis, who yesterday wowed the fashion crowd with a beautifully styled set and some gorgeous girly garments.

Described by PR Manager Lindsay Butcher as ‘Stepford housewives meets Edward Scissorhands’, the make-belief world of ‘Matchy-Patchy Mews’ is based on the opening scene of the 90s cult classic – the part where the camera pans down an American avenue of neatly kept lawns and identikit houses. Yet behind the perfect facade there is a strange murmur of unease and a world of contradiction. I am pleased to report that Oasis’s fashion boulevard was far less sinister, yet equally intriguing (despite the unusual human-sized bright pink bunny rabbits).

The Spring Summer 2014 press day showed brocade dresses hanging on washing lines, trowels and plant pots filled with statement jewels and sunglasses, and dummies dressed in pastel 50s inspired looks pushing boldly painted pink shopping trollies.

So onto the clothes… prints featured heavily whether they be ditsy florals, bold botanical clashing prints or snakeskin jacquards. Denim was found in the form of a cute sundress and A-line skirt, and crop tops, structured leather and the aforementioned pastel tailoring was also showcased.

Quirky floral print birdhouses and sheds peppered the set – so adorable!

Rather than matchy-matchy, Oasis are championing the ‘matchy-patchy’ trend for next season (as seen above)

Fuchsia and scarlet – one of my all-time favourite colour combinations.

If only I could look this chic whilst mowing the lawn…

As an added treat there was also the gorgeous pop-up cafe, which was serving tea and coffee along with some fantastic ladybird macaroons, plant pots of humous and veg sticks and jam jars of superfood salad.

With such a gorgeous presentation, who wouldn’t want to live on Matchy Patchy Mews? Come next Spring, I know where I’ll be heading.

The above images were all taken at yesterday’s Oasis SS14 press day. Items will be in store from February 2014. To view the current AW13 collection, including the fabulous Loved by Mollie edit, head to http://www.oasis-stores.co.uk.

Another darn good collaboration…

Published on November 19, 2013November 20, 2013 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

Sometimes I feel all I write about is designer high-street collaborations, so sorry if you’re a little tired of the subject, but there have been so many awesome ones of late that I find it hard not to mention them all. Isabel Marant for H&M, L’Wren Scott for Banana Republic, Meadham Kirchoff for Topshop – the list is constantly being added to. Today’s announcement is about the lovely British designer Georgia Hardinge (whom I have met and can attest is both gorgeous and supremely talented) and her new range for River Island, which launches in-store and online tomorrow. If you think this sounds familiar, you’re not mistaken, as this is Georgia’s second collection for the high-street store (the first was clearly a winner) and coincides rather nicely with the forthcoming party season.

The lovely lady herself – Georgia Hardinge

An image from her first collaboration launched in-store in April 2013.

Renowned for her stunning use of digital prints, voluminous shapes and a savvy way with an origami fold, Georgia’s designs are inspired by her passion for architecture and sculpture. Her main collection has been worn by fashion icons and new label champions such as Jessie J, Florence Welch, Lady Gaga and Nicole Sherzinger – who looked stunning in her printed frock (& is that a cake pop I see there?)

Nicole Scherzinger, Jessie J & Florence Welch – all sporting pieces from Georgia’s main collection

The book sculpture that inspired her latest print (as seen below)

Georgia’s 13-piece collection for River Island includes dresses, skirts, crop tops and leggings. My best-seller predictions are the printed cap-sleeve dress, and the chic knee-length number with folded waist detail, which comes in bold cobalt or classic black. All three would be perfect for a Xmas party and would look stunning paired with a chunky gold choker and sexy stilettos.

From top: Structured printed dress, £80; cobalt blue dress, £60; black dress, £60, all Georgia Hardinge for River Island AW13.

For those that are a little braver the printed leggings are amazing and would look great with a biker jacket and long line tee. Or if you have killer abs, then pair the neoprene cropped top with the pencil skirt and shrug on an oversized white jacket to channel this season’s key minimalist trend.

From top: Printed leggings, £30; printed top, £35; cobalt blue crop top, £35, and cobalt blue miniskirt, £40 (both also available in black), all by Georgia Hardinge for River Island AW13

With prices starting at £35 for a top and peaking at only £80 for the structured dress, this is the perfect way to tap into some edgy, in-the-know designer chic at an affordable price. And with the unique prints and architectural shapes these garments will ensure that you stand out under the mistletoe this year. So go on, treat yourself, it’s nearly Christmas (well, sort of) and you’ve been such a good girl…

Georgia Hardinge for River Island AW13 launches in key stores and online on 20^th November at http://www.riverisland.com/women/design-forum