Backstage at James Long ss 2012- Report by Emily Beard

James Long's ss 2012 show was all about the prints; leopard, snakeskin, and florals played a key part. The whole look was very sleek, which even translated to the hairstyles: off the face and flattened to the scalp. Chunky gladiator sandals and aviator sunglasses completed the ensembles while metallics gave a feeling of luxury in key pieces such as bronze trousers, golden knits and the panelled finale jacket.

Images and text by Emily Beard

Backstage at David Koma ss 2012- Report by Emily Beard

Koma's Spring/Summer collection focusses around a central material: iridescent coated perspex (result of a collaboration with jewellery designer Sarah Angold). Spikes of the ethereal coloured acrylic glass coil over the collection, twisting and turning around the body like futuristic snakes. The silhouettes are only emphasised by these, and the way the perspex catches the light of its environment makes it appear to have a life completely of it's own.
Other elements of the collection were inspired by artist Kim Joon, where the fabrics recalled an almost tattoo-like quality, and the creation of a second skin for the wearer.

Images and text by Emily Beard

Meadham Kirchhoff ss 2012- Report by Emily Beard

Those attending the Meadham Kirchhoff s/s 2012 show and expecting a similar abrupt statement as their last season would be sorely surprised. In place of the twisted sculptures that adorned the last catwalk, there were pastel balloon arches and columns, a giant glitter cake and golden curtains. There was one consistency with last season: a zine entitled 'A Cosmology of Women' placed on each seat, this time adorned with rainbow riding lambs, and scented with a curious perfume by Penhaligon's.
The show opened with a troupe of Courtney Love dancers, who strode down the catwalk with oversized powder puffs before bursting into dance.
Then the models strutted out in an explosion of cute, with ruffles, fuzz, pastel and candy. The shocked audience barely had a moment to catch their breath before the models disappeared and were replaced with another dance troupe, this time mini ballerinas. They performed in the centre and another batch of models appeared, working their kawaii flat-forms like troupers.
The sense of optimism and excitement was so overwhelming that, for a small time at least, it reminded the stunned audience that fashion cannot just be inspiring, but that it is also fun.

Images and text by Emily Beard

Nasir Mazhar ss 2012- Report by Emily Beard

Nasir Mazhar's Spring/Summer 2012 presentation saw a takeover of the lower floor in Topshop's Waterloo show space. A live DJ (DJ Big John) mixed in the back while a crew of models displayed everything form box-peak bully caps to a fluoro-bright hijab. Once the space had drawn the sizeable fashion crowd, two of the models (better knows as the prolific grime MCs Lioness and Shystie) took over, launching into ferocious rhymes that transported the crowd from the old eurostar terminal straight into an underground party.
The collection mixed prints such as leopard and polka to reflect Mazhar's cultural mashup style, and his vision of the urban concrete jungle.

Images and text by Emily Beard

Louise Gray ss 2012- Report by Emily Beard

As everyone knows, Louise Gray is a fan of of colour. But it might come as a surprise that she's a fan of everyone's favourite poor little rich girl, Cher Horowitz of Clueless (as revealed in the opening monologue). This did make a little more sense when compared with the invite to her ss 2012 show: fake money (in primary colours of course) emblazoned with the phrase 'trust me, my money's a fun magnet'.
The theme of money continued throughout the show, with bags for guests shouting 'Eat my outfit!' and a soundtrack which included Rich Girl by Gwen Stefani.
The clothes themselves stayed true to Gray's signature haphazard kaleidoscope style, with a further signature of Gray's (layering) being exercised to full effect. There was significant detail to each piece, such as embroidery and prints, but yet somehow still oozed that effortless glamour of the woman herself.

images and text by Emily Beard

MORE CHERRIES BY PIERS ATKINSON FOR ALAN JOURNO

Ok so after a while away I am back and have lots of share............... We have just finished shooting Piers Atkinson's new SS12 collection and although these pieces are NOT in the collection I thought I would start my many blogs with a nod to Piers. These amazing new Cherry headbands, all with veils, made by Piers Atkinson are exclusively for the amazing Alan Journo who has a store in Milan.

I would go as far as to say Alan Journo has one of the most exciting stores in the world stocking all the latest designer gear as well as special exclusive pieces. Anna Dello Russo is a loyal customer and we can see why. I can't wait to meet Alan when he visits London for LFW - hopefully I will get to chat to him in some detail, so will keep you updated.

Thanks Reuben for modelling again : )