London – Page 4

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

All I want for Christmas is…

Published on November 27, 2013November 29, 2013 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

Ooh yay! I have finally got my hands on a copy of this month’s Harrods magazine with their annual Christmas gift guide. And no, I haven’t just won the lottery and am therefore considering my next lofty purchase, but this month is the issue that I contributed to. Back in September I did a 3 week stint at the luxury title (check out my previous blog on the unique experience – https://stylitz.com/2013/08/31/my-week-at-harrods/) and the work has now been published. My still-life styling skills can be seen on the front & back cover of the Christmas Gift Guide 2013 & one of my cashmere style-ups also made it into the supplement.

Styling: Alicja Jasnikowska Photography: Arthur Woodcroft

Styling: Alicja Jasnikowska Photography: Studio 21

With regards to the gift boxes featured on the cover – these two images were the result of a whole day of ribbon twisting, petal fluffing and handbag stuffing, but I think you’ll agree the final results look very luxe. Included was a selection of fabulous accessories from Tom Ford, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy and Smythson (among others). The boxes were 1 metre squared and the freeze-dried petals had to be pre-ordered – it took over 16 litres to fill each box. I believe they will be offering this exact gift box in store should you have a spare few thousand to spend on your loved one. They also used one of the images as the Ultimate page in the November issue of the magazine, which shows details of what is contained. I hope you like the images…

Styling: Alicja Jasnikowska Photography: Arthur Woodcroft

All images courtesy of Harrods Publishing http://www.harrodsmagazine.com featuring the Harrods Christmas 2013 supplement and also the current/November 2013 issue.

All products can be found at http://www.harrods.com

Guilt-free shopping

Published on November 25, 2013November 25, 2013 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

If the annual round of Xmas present shopping fills you with dread, then head on over to No. 23 Welbeck Street tomorrow where the fabulous Matches will be hosting an event to celebrate the festive season. A selection of great gift ideas for both men & women will be available to purchase, including this gorgeous Stella sweater, sparkly Lulu Frost earrings and some fabulous coffee table books from Lanvin and DVF. What’s more 10% of net proceeds will be donated to children’s charity The Rainbow Trust, so you’ll be helping others whilst treating yourself to that Givenchy metallic clutch. That sounds like win-win to me.

Tartan mohair sweater, £700, Stella McCartney at MatchesFashion.com

Eclipse earrings, £140, Lulu Frost at MatchesFashion.com

Lanvin Anniversary book by Alber Elbaz, £250, MatchesFashion.com

Antigona envelope clutch, £755, Givenchy at MatchesFashion.com

Matches at No 23 Welbeck St, London, W1G 8EG is on tomorrow (Tuesday 26th November) from 11am-5pm. www.matchesfashion.com with www.rainbowtrust.org.uk

On your Marks

Published on November 14, 2013November 14, 2013 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

It’s press day time again – the biannual month where all the brands, from River Island to Ralph Lauren, present their next season collections to the press. So, just when I have finally succumbed to a coat and scarf, I am now spending my days looking at next Spring’s sunglasses, swimsuits and tiny shorts. Such is the bizarre nature of the fashion industry.

Most press days tend to fall on a Wednesday or Thursday, which means there can be up to 20 different brands showing in one day, all at different venues across London. Clearly you have to be selective. Yesterday I managed only a handful, which ranged from Jaeger’s new offerings shown at the gorgeous Somerset House to Marks and Spencer’s at One Marylebone. I also popped by Flax PR and Reiss who each presented lovely garments for next spring (vintage clothing and homeware by Cabbages & Roses from the former, and feather prints, pistachio green and minimal white suiting from the later).

The one that really caught my eye yesterday however was Marks & Spencer. I have a huge affinity for the store. I fondly remember buying their prawn and mayonnaise sandwiches as a teenage treat on a busy Saturday shopping with my friends. Equally, my gran, who I love dearly, would give us a voucher for the store every year as our birthday gift. Whilst I possibly would have preferred one for Miss Selfridge or Next at the time, that paper voucher (this was before the current card vouchers) was carefully spent and much deliberated upon.

So to yesterday’s press day, which I think was one of the best I have seen from the brand. Not only was the venue stunning but the clothes were organised into clearly defined (and very photogenic) trend groups, which ranged from the impactful White Out to the pastel Pretty Things. Other trends included Worldwide (prints and tribal influences), Paint Box (bold brights) and 90s Luxe (oversized layers of Celine inspired minimalism). So those are the themes that M&S is predicting for next season. I loved it and I really hope that the collection is as well received by the consumer next February as it was by the press this week. Check out the pictures below and let me know your thoughts…

Trend 1 at Marks & Spencer SS14 Press Day – White Out

Trend 2 at Marks & Spencer – Worldwide (read prints and tribal) – I love this bird print bomber!

Trend 3 at Marks & Spencer – Pretty things

I love this white lace midi dress and the sheer panelled pencil skirt

M&S’s take on the Victoria Beckham oversized drop-waist dress

Bold colours dominate Trend 4 – Paintbox. The pink leather T-shirt is a stand-out piece for me.

Trend 5 – 90s Luxe is a key theme across lots of brands for SS14

The clothes seen above will not be available until next Spring. This is only a preview to give you a taste of what is to come. To shop the current collection, including the fabulous Best of British range, go to www.marksandspencer.com