Kate Spade New York Launches Bold New Bedding Range

Kate Spade New York is on a mission to bring their company philosophy - 'Live Colourfully' - into every aspect of our lives. Clothing - check, Accessories and footwear - check, check, Stationery - check, china, glasses, crockery and general home wares - check, check, check. Now there's also the newly launched Kate Spade New York bed linens to add to their lifestyle range too. 

Bold prints and colours (like the Florence Broadhurst Japanese Floral monochrome motifs featured above) mingle with pretty embroidery in oh-so-NY fonts on pillows, quilts, shams - everything you could need to bring a bit of character and charm to your bedroom. As regular readers will know, I'm a big Kate fan so am hoping this crosses the pond soon. 

Check it out on www.katespade.com 

Beautiful Ballgowns: V&A's British Glamour Since 1950 Exhibition Is Not To Be Missed

By now I'm sure you've all heard about the incredible Ballgowns exhibition which opens at the V&A this Saturday and seen all the twitpics of exquisite frocks from the likes of Giles Deacon, Ossie Clark, Marchesa and Gareth Pugh.  I'm not sure I've seen anyone post images of my favourite from the exhibition though which is this phenomenal silk satin Cindy Beadman number pictured here with matching jacket from the late 1970s. I appreciate the way she's combined evening chic with a snuggly, quilted style that doesn't look out of place today.  In fact, I wish I had this outfit so badly so I could wear it with these shoes.

With over sixty showstopping looks designed for the likes of balls, society and red carpet events, I can't recommend this stunning exhibition highly enough; the wonderful collection catalogues the rise of glamorous formal wear and charts its social influences - do stop and watch the old films showing early society girl catwalks which are projected onto the white walls of the exhibit's inner circle. It's more than worth a tenner of anyone's money.  

Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950 at the Victoria and Albert Museum, 19th May 2012 - 6th January 2013 - for more information and to book tickets visit: www.vam.ac.uk 

Ground Control to Major Tom: Nike's Mars-Bound Makeover from Tom Sachs

Tom Sachs' NIKECraft: Mars Yard Shoe, £325

Nike really are doing their best to convert me at the moment. Check out these super tactile NIKECraft designs from their collaboration with bricolage artist Tom Sachs coinciding with the launch of his latest art project, SPACE PROGRAM: Mars. 

Inspired by the athletic journey astronauts take to get them space-ready, these designs are a joint collaboration between Nike - who bring the tech - and Tom - who brings the space-geek chic. The range includes trench coats, jackets, the Mars Yard sneaker, pictured above (£325) and a couple of bags, and all are packed clever, astronaut-approved functionality packed design features like zipper pulls that double as storage.

Tom Sachs' NIKECraft - Lightweight tote, £480, TS Trench coat, £430

Aesthetically, I love the crafty, brown paper and packaging feel of the colour palette as well as the quirky, doodling, science geek detailing on the trainers' insoles and packaging.  Everything looks like it would crinkle and crunch if you touched it, especially the crazy fresh Lightweight Tote (£480) pictured above.

The NIKECraft collection is set to drop at the Nike 1948 store in Shoreditch (if you haven't been - go) on 18th May, then available from Dover Street Market from 23rd. Oh how I wish they were coming to Foot Patrol, if only for the sake of the post's title...

Check out more from Tom Sachs at http://tomsachs.org

Converse x Stussy Shoes Coming Soon - Pretty Much What You'd Expect

When the news came in about a Converse x Stussy capsule footwear collection I was really excited but sadly, in reality the designs are a bit safe.  Converse's deck style boat shoe/sneaker hybrids - the Sea Star LS - feature Stussy's signature camo print and ripstop cottons, whilst the hiking-inspired ELM LS, pictured above with the D-rings and red laces, comes in black leather with Stussy logo indented into the heel. They're clearly more guy-oriented than unisex (which is a shame) which is maybe why they're pretty standard and solid every day shoes, but I'd really have hoped for something more exciting, fresh and colourful from these two great brands. Maybe next time, eh?  

Converse x Stussy footwear drops 1st May and will be available from Cooked Tongues, Hanon, End Clothing, Selfridges and at London retailers Hideout, Size? Carnaby Street and FootPatrol.

Disney x Swarovski Crystal Jewellery Collection 2012

Whether you're into your Disney or not, the Disney 2012 range for Swarovski is subtle enough to go unrecognised to the untrained eye.  Delicately gothic pieces featuring crystal roses and thorns inspired by Sleeping Beauty (I die for the looking glass chandelier earrings pictured below) sit alongside Snow White looks of pierced jewel heart jewellery.  There are a few more playful, traditionally cartoony pieces too like the sparkly jet Minnie Mouse drop earrings and heart pendant pictured below and a fun Cheshire Cat necklace. Shop the full collection on www.swarovski.com

Sleeping Beauty Looking Glass earrings, £61, Thorn and rose ring, £59, necklace, £61 and bangle, £102, Snow White earrings, £79.

Minnie Mouse earrings, £67, Minnie Mouse heart pendant, £61, Snow White pierced heart chain, £61 and earrings, £99.

Hello Kitty x Laduree - This Makes Me Happy

Yeah I'm too old but I don't care - I love Hello Kitty. I also love Laduree macarons and their gorgeous little presentation boxes so this collaboration is a double win for me.  The Hello Kitty x Laduree collection of deliciously sweet, cutesy treats and all manner of kiddy stationery (notebooks, stickers, letter writing sets, etc) specially produced for the French gourmet brand, is only available in store.  www.laduree.fr for stockists

Hello Kitty x Laduree presentation boxes L - macarons, R - chocolate ganache

Hello Kitty x Laduree writing kits and stickers

Hello Kitty x Laduree notebooks and bag charm

BOY London 2012 Collection Selling Fast At Selfridges

Rihanna image courtesy of the Daily Mail website.

OK so after Rihanna worked a straight up original 80s BOY look on the Jonathan Ross Show the other week, everyone knows that BOY London is back.  The underground fashion label which was founded in 1977 became famous for its iconic logo print designs worn by every top popstar in the early 1980s, has been enjoying a resurgence with those early-adopting East London hipster kids for over a year now thanks to vintage eBay finds and capsule collections via the likes of Urban Outfitters.  Now though, the whole SS 2012 retro BOY London collection is available in the UK exclusively at Selfridges, both in store and online at www.selfridges.co.uk.  Here are some of my favourite bits but check the site for the whole collection - or at least what's left as it seems to be going FAST!

Nicola Formichetti's Mugler x Louboutin Extreme Ninja Heels

Always edgy, Nicola Formichetti's Mugler AW12 show last night didn't disappoint as his futuristic fashion ninjas and insect-inspired designs stalked the Paris Fashion Week catwalk. Distinctly more wearable than previous collections, the sharply cut clothing with its clinical colour palette, exaggerated shapes and the talking point shoulders (oh and THAT peplum jacket - *swoon*) made for one of my favourite shows of the season - but it was actually the Mugler x Louboutins that grabbed my attention first. Ankle high with angular cut outs and extreme heels, these red soled suede beauties are loaded with urban attitude. WANTWANTWANT. <3 

 

All images courtesy of Nicola Formichetti - see his tumblr for more pics from the show and other projects: http://nicolaformichetti.tumblr.com/

Oscars 2012 - My Red Carpet Winners

Michelle Williams in coral Louis Vuitton

The TV coverage was absolutely shocking - if you're doing Red Carpet shows then please show us the red carpet! We don't want to see polls about who's going to win what taking up the whole screen, we don't want to hear what the kid off Modern Family thinks about anything at all, we want to see the outfits!  So simple but every channel seems to get it so wrong. Anyway, rant over and back to the dresses.  It wasn't a particularly great year for Oscars fashion for me, with no real WOW moments, but there were still some great looks, including...

1. Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton (above) - top spot for her attention grabbing colour choice and fashion forward gown with that on trend but entirely impractical for an Awards ceremony peplum. Gorgeous jewellery but could have done without that random pink clutch.

2. Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford.  A sleek and edgy choice from Gwynnie.  Nice to see her taking a bit of a risk and changing her hair up too with the floor length cape putting a red carpet twist on what would otherwise have been a very simple wedding dress.  Loving the cuff.

3.  Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace.  The overall look of this black velvet dress with the softer, blonder hair and glossy lips gave Angelina a softer look than usual but it wasn't without drama thanks to the gown's structured, asymmetric bodice and THAT slit.  Her right leg already has it's own twitter. Love it.

4. Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen.  Originally placed a lot higher in my Best Dressed list, The Help star's heavily embroidered McQueen creation was just exquisite.  Her softly waved half up - half down hair (which was beautifully coloured) and neutral make up kept her polished but let this statement dress do all the talking.  A great red carpet moment.

5.  Milla Jovovitch in Elie Saab Couture.  An early arrival, Milla was originally my number one red carpet choice, working the embellished bridal white trend so successfully and oozing old school Hollywood glamour from every supermodel pore. Her make up was divine and this was a true starlet look from perfectly coiffed head to crystal encrusted toe. Safe but still perfection.  And props to her for working that dress like a true pro - that thing must weigh an absolute tonne.

All images courtesy of The Telegraph Fashion - click here to see their full Oscars 2012 Red Carpet gallery.

Brit Awards 2012 Star Style - Adele, Rihanna & Jessie J WOW (didn't Cher Lloyd look nice too?!)

Image courtesy of www.holymoly.co.uk

The girls done good! Adele, who won two Brit Awards at last night's ceremony, stole the show - with the biggest, most perfect hair. Thankfully she changed out of the matronly, ageing Burberry number she walked the red carpet in, switching to the gorgeous custom Clements Ribeiro dress featured above for her performance.   

Images courtesy of www.guardian.co.uk

Image courtesy of www.guardian.co.uk

Red was the colour of the night with Lana Del Rey wowing in a Vivienne Westwood gown, Jessie J's show-stopping sheer lace Falguni & Shane Peacock frock (which kept getting ripped as guests trod on it..) and Emma Bunton looking cheerily stunning in a red lace shift. Front row fashion girls Rihanna and Florence Welch didn't disappoint either with Rihanna wearing a super sexy, floor length Givenchy Couture gown with long black leather gloves (disappointingly straw like hair though), and Florence working an intricate peach lace  train-trailing Alexander McQueen creation. Props to the Alexis Knox styling of Cher Lloyd too who scrubbed up remarkably well in a sparkly disco jumpsuit by Hasan Hejazi and zebra print Louboutins.  Chic high ponytail too - that's more like it!

 

Images courtesy of www.holymoly.co.uk

Performance of the night for me goes to Outstanding Contribution to Music award winners, Blur, who performed the longest ever Brits set - 5 songs (Girls & Boys, Country House with Phil Daniels, Song 2, Tender and the beautiful This Is A Low).  Check out the video of their performances here.

Image courtesy of www.holymoly.co.uk

Multi Coloured Crimps on the NYFW Catwalk

OK so I love me some Jeremy Scott, any FFYW reader will know that, though with his new collection for Autumn / Winter 2012/13 I found a lot of the looks a little flat and 'Cyber Dog'-slash-festival stall wear for my liking but OH the hair!  Check out the awesome crimped bleach blonde bobs with colour flashes to match the outfits from yesterday's New York Fashion Week show. Jezza always does give good hair... The 90s Bart Simpson prints and emoticon pieces were fun too as well as the multicoloured fur chubbies (I do hope it's faux though). Have a look.... (all pics courtesy of Style.com - catch images of the full collection here)

Rankin x Kipling for the Belgian Bag Brand's 25th Birthday

How cute is this heart shaped Kipling rucksack?  Sadly, it's not being produced, it's just for this image - iconic British photographer Rankin's piece for Kipling's 'Play With Bags' anniversary artist project to celebrate the Belgian brand's 25th birthday.  I suggest getting in touch with them on Facebook or Twitter @KiplingOfficial to ask if they'd put it out - don't ask, don't get!  View the classic Kipling bags and rucksacks that inspired this and a host of other hand picked artists' who contributed to the project including Vincent Gapaillard and Li Wei, at www.25yearskipling.com

YAY FERRIS

Ferris Bueller's back!! ...Or is he?  This teaser for a Superbowl ad has just gone viral - we'll have to wait until 5th Feb to find out what exactly's going on though.  Please let it be a really great sequel....!

SCREAM! KARL'S COMING

Fashion's hardest working designer, Chanel and Fendi's ingenious visionary, Karl Lagerfeld is launching a new affordable fashion range called Karl which will include everything from tees and trousers to sweats and biker jackets, with prices between £50 and £390.

What amazing news to wake up to.  Even better, it launches on 25th January 2012 so remember to save that Christmas money!  

Net-a-Porter.com will sell the womenswear collection exclusively for four weeks from 25th January, then after that the Karl label will be available from it's newly launched e-commerce site over at www.karllagerfeld.com - go there now to sign up for alerts about exactly what, when and where the collection will drop as pop ups, retail partnerships, a menswear line and an accessories range are also set to follow, as well as a Karl Lagerfeld Paris ready to wear line for autumn 2012.  Does this man ever sleep?

More after the jump if I can get near it - like his 2004 H&M colab, this is guaranteed to be another gone-in-60-seconds sell out.  

NEW APC WINTER 2011/12 WOMENSWEAR RANGE - I'LL TAKE ONE OF EVERYTHING

APC has done it again.  The new Autumn/Winter 2011/12 collection has just dropped and MY it's a wonder. 

The French label specialises in relaxed Left Bank-style Parisian chic that Brits can not only fit into but feel great in too. 

The mainly muted, supremely sophisticated colour palette combines with simple detailing and quality fabrics to produce yet another highly wearable collection. This collection maintains the brand's minimalist aesthetic but incorporates a nod to current fashion trends, particularly in its ladylike knitwear and 70's jackets.

Equally perfect for work and play, APC is a go-to wardrobe staple label for many working women as their clothes transition so well from day to night.  The subtly flared Charlotte's duffle coat with its perfect collar is my most hotly desired piece but honestly, there's nothing I'd turn my nose up at - particularly the accessories.

Check out APC's site for the full collection, stockists and to get your hands on these awesome APC x Incase Macbook and iPad covers in their beautiful signature Japanese selvedge dark denim.

YES PLEASE! JEREMY SCOTT X ADIDAS S/S 2012

He's not everyone's cup of tea but Jeremy Scott totally does it for me.  next installment in the quirky LA-based designer's ongoing collaboration with Adidas Originals includes the now iconic JS Wing trainers which  have been made over in a faded 90's style denim with gold stitching (above) for Spring / Summer 2012.

The furry teddy bear trainers loved by the likes of Lil' Wayne and Kanye have gone feral with aggressively cute gorilla heads or leopards with tails this time - an interesting development for the leopard print trend! 

Retro hip hop fat (phat?) tongue hi tops have more of a mainstream appeal while the stars and stripes winged hi tops for all the family are just too cool for school.

These preview pics, courtesy of Sneaker Freaker, may show shoes that aren't available for another 12-18 months but personally I'm pleased cos it'll take me that long to save up for them all!