The Conde Nast Newsstand

Last week in London opened the first Conde Nast newsstand, which sells all the British and International editions of the publisher. Visitors can not only chose from publication from all around the world, but can also browse through digital versions of these magazines on iPads. One of the main aims of the newsstand, whose modern design is by Ab Rogers, is to make magazines more desirable for the public and to approach the Internet not as a rival, but as another way to entertain old and win new readers.

Daphne Guinness talks about statement pieces, her incredible collection of couture and the tragic loss of McQueen and Isabella Blow

The Royal Academy of Art’s fashion workshops were such a great experience. The last one of their Magazine Salons, dedicated to biographical wardrobes was attended by Daphne Guinness, the fashion icon, well-known for her enviable couture wardrobe. Present were also Beatrice Behlen – curator of the Museum of London and the designer Tonya Bastyan. The discussion tackled issues such as the symbolic meaning of clothes in the passed, compared to modern day culture. Behlen emphasised on the importance of the connection between the wearer and the wardrobe. She explained that one of the main aims of the Museum of London is tracing social changes through fashion and clothes. The participants of the workshop then reflected on the issue of collecting pieces, especially vintage. Most of the guests agreed that there is in their closet a specific item of accessory or clothing that they favour and would like to keep. Daphne Guinness, as one of the greatests collectors of couture explained that for her clothes are like pieces of art, which carry their own personality and history. This is why, she admitted, she could not leave her friend – Isabella Blow’s collection to be auctioned and taken into pieces. Now that the collection is safe, Guinness admitted that she is not sure what to do with it. Nevertheless, she assured the audience that as soon as she overcomes the emotional barrier and manages to go through the pieces, Blow’s heritage would be either exhibited or put online. In that way, Guinness continued, Isabella Blow will remain alive through her clothes. The Salon talk came to an end with some thoughts on how the personal style evolves through time. The audience left the gallery thinking of one single item in their wardrobes that could describe them most accurately...I still have not picked out mine.

Charlotte Dellal talks about the success of her brand Charlotte Olympia and her plans for the future

Last week I had the amazing opportunity to have a quick chat with the shoe designer and socialite Charlotte Dellal. Dellal, whose brand Charlotte Olympia opened last year a flagship store on Maddox Street in London, was kind enough to tell me more about her shoe passion and design inspirations before she had to rush to some of the shows at Fashion Week (she also designs footwear for some of the other young British talents). On my suggestion that Dellal sketches her towering heels with her glamorous celebrity friends in mind, she simply smiled and replied that when she starts creating a model she thinks of herself and her mother. Charlotte Olympia, which is available all over Europe, as well as Japan, the Middle East and America, is soon going to include clutches and hosiery. The designer explained that it’s the total look that she is after. One could see this from her own image, which is always immaculate and brilliantly accessorised.

Club Monaco comes to London

When Brown’s sent me an invitation to their Club Monaco party a few days ago it really made my day. The cocktail party last night, held at the Royal Academy of Arts was definitely THE event of London Fashion Week. Hosted by the charming Lou Doillon, the fete gathered celebrities and fahionistas. Brown’s as well as photographer Lee Stewart had brought the Mighty Booth for more funny shoots. This time the images were taken in full size and were later put on a board in quirky camouflages. Performances by the jazz band and the Clare Maguire warmed up the atmosphere. In the meantime, the party-goers were greeted with cocktails by the HIX Bar (the most delicious bellini I have ever tried and mind you I have even tasted the Ritz Paris version of the cocktail). The other host - Miss B was also present, talking to guests and clients of the luxurious boutique. Speaking of the boutique, I met some of the people working there, who were as sweet and nice as the founder herself. Thank you Brown’s for the glamorous evening!  

The glamorous Jacquetta Wheeler

Lou Doillon stunning as usual

The retro inspired images by The Mighty Booth

Shoe Heaven

Today Harrods celebrated the opening of their renewed shoe halls. I stopped by between shows for a quick look at the new spring/summer footwear collections. The surprise in store was the designer Gueseppe Zanotti, who chatted with customers about his latest inspirations and masterpieces. The Italian shoe wear genius was kind enough to answer a few questions, which I will very soon share with you. But for now, have a look at the new Harrods Shoe Salon, which is even more luxurious and exquisite than before.    

The Mighty Brown's

Last night the Brown’s Boutique celebrated the launch of Lou Doillon’s collection for Club Monaco. The American brand comes to the UK first at the South Molton Street boutique. The guests at the party had so much fun taking their photos in the Mighty Booth. Photographer Lee Stewart snapped everyone who ventured in the photobooth.The end result is retro and funny.

The Club Monaco collection is also available online at the  Brown's website.  

Le Look du Jour

LFW Countdown

This month Liberty’s celebrates Love magazine as well as LFW with windown dedicated to some of the Best British designers – Peter Pilotto, Christopher Kane and Jonathan Saunders.

Sneak Peek of Edition's Collaboration

Jonathan Saunders' bold prints

Jonathan Kelsey's range of footwear and handbags

On Friday the Debenhams designer collection Edition will finally reach the stores across the country. Some of the leading names in fashion like Preen, Jonathan Saunders and Jonathan Kelsey have collaborated with the department store, launching accessible clothing and accessory lines. If you just like me are too impatient to wait for the collection to hit the stores, their Soho pop-up store is offering a great opportunity to have a sneak preview of Saunders’ colourful creations or Kelsey’s accessories line. Debenhams certainly knows how to celebrate the future of the fashion industry and to engage with a new breed of designers.

Selfridges - the Ultimate Denim Destination

Pop Champagne made the jeans shopping less stressful

Why is it that most of us can never have enough pairs of jeans? It is worse than shoes! Season after season, year after year, the denim fashion changes while the different styles remain the same: skinny, high-wasted, flared, old-looking and so on. Not to mention the trendy jeggings, for which I have to admit, I have mixed feelings. And in most cases when we come across a flattering pair of jeans we are likely to stick to it until eventually it is being discontinued (I know, the worst feeling ever).

Today Selfridges, and more precisely the fashion blogger and writer Kiki Georgiou offered style advice and consultation at the new denim department on the third floor. When it comes to finding this perfect, life long pair of jeans, the dilemma is inevitable. The department store, however, found a solution to the jeans drama- the expertise advice of bloggers as well as consultants, who would be happy to guide your choice among the hell of a lot of brands and styles that are available. Selfridges is definitely the new denim heaven!

My old trusted pair of jeans from Sportmax