Also showcasing at LFW, Iris van Herpen unveiled her latest AW10 collection – Synthesia, a futuristic collection inspired by synesthesia: a mix-up of the senses such as feeling sound, tasting movement and hearing colors. Some critics say it mimics McQueen, but to me – this is all her. And who cares anyway? Lots of designers take inspiration from a mish mash of others – it doesn’t make her any less of a designer than the next person.

Synthesia

www.irisvanherpen.com

Nadir Tejani

Nadir has created a good balance with his different shapes and lengths of his garments. A perfect layering of the three quarter leggings under his shorts. His draped style top comes from Ante, his silk shorts from H&M and leggings from Uniqlo.

Shaun

Shaun has an effortlessly cool style here. He wears Alexander McQueen trousers and shoes, vintage shirt and Marc Jacobs belt.It’s all topped off very nicely with Raybans.

Anna

Anna strikes a strange comic like pose in her dark layers. She could be straight off Junya Watanabe’s runway. Her layered garments are from Sick In The Sick Laboratory.

Makode and Perax

I love the dotty vest with the bright yellow trousers and toppling dreads over the peak – and the bum bag! Makode says his clothes are all fake which I think he means fake designer although his high tops are Supra. Perax wears girls denim turn ups from H&M with Birkenstocks and a cockroach hat.

Lana Nogatchev

Black and white is one of my favourite colour codes right now. Lana’s cut out strappy heels are perfect shoes to wear with peg leg style trousers. The graphic bag with embellishment breaks up the block colours perfectly. The lovely bag is from H&M, trousers are Rick Owens and top from Mario’s 172 Bricklane.

Andreas Pajon-Leite

Andreas simply combines a red check shirt with striking patent red loafers  which are actually Japanese Cicata shoes. His tan shorts are APC and his shirt Ralph Lauren.

Make sure you check out the rest of our On the Street shots on Flickr.

The book signing is taking place on Thursday, here are the details:

Start Time: 13 May at 18:30

End Time: 13 May at 20:00

Where: 1.10 Kingly Court Carnaby Street, London W1B 5PW

To RSVP to this event, follow this link to be taken to the Facebook page.

Check out Kristin’s blog at www.theclotheswhisperer.co.uk

My mother always says that accessories make an outfit…she wasn’t wrong ∨

Natural, worked fabric against beautifully structured pieces ∨

About Alexandra Groover

Originally from California, Alexandra moved to London in order to promote her designs to the international fashion market.

Her Black Label collection was created to fulfill her need for expression through sculptural and textural manipulations of fabric. Black label is a collection of luxury garments inspired by the architecture of nature. Made from fabrics such as felted wool and washed silk, these pieces concentrate on the sculptural properties of the felted wool together with the flattering, body skimming properties of bias cut silk, making the visual impact of the pieces both classic and avant-garde.

taken from Alexandra Groover’s blog.

You can shop for Alexandra’s pieces at www.alexandragroover.com

S/S 2009

His label is often described as gloomy, opulent and glamorous…another one of London’s ‘next big thing’. Educated at the Royal College of Art in London, Kristian combines the technical knowledge of a skilled couturier with the charm of a screenwriter. Undecided between fairytale and horror, he explains: “For me every collection is like a film starring the heroines I dress; plots and stories change, but my muse remains the same, she is the protagonists who evolves and explores life.”

AW 08-09

For a full list of stockists, email info@kristianaadnevik.com. Visit Kristian’s site at www.kristianaadnevik.com for the rest of his collections.

We did a piece on Jeni Jaques and Harlow in Chains not too long ago; and we’ve gone one better and managed to get an interview with her. There are few designers who move me with their stories behind their reasons to become designers…Jeni Jaques from Harlow in Chains is one of the very few. Her anwers to my questions are filled with so much passion and love that she would even inspire Gordon Brown to become a jewellery designer. This lady is incredible…take a peek at our interview with her.

EF: Jeni, we absolutely love your style…what inspires you to create these big statement pieces?

Jeni Jaques: Thank you!! I’ve always loved art and creation in all forms: painting, illustration, sewing/fashion design & construction, writing, photography and in recent years constructing one-of-a-kind jewelry and accessories… I’ve also always had a love for older vintage and antique items and have been collecting those since I was a young child. I love the history, mystery and sense of wonder that each and every piece holds: ‘What kind of woman wore this brooch?’; ‘Was this locket a gift from a loved one?’; ‘Did it hold a special meaning?’; ‘What journey has this piece followed to end up in my hands, to use in part to create an entirely new piece?’ It’s mysterious and slightly haunting; I love that…

I hate resorting to labels such as ‘artist’, ‘designer’, etc; but I suppose you can say that I’ve been a general ‘artist’ all my life. I’ve been creating for as long as I can remember; I did not come from a rich family so I started using everything and anything that wasn’t nailed down, and though I worked, I still didn’t have enough money to go out and purchase professional-grade art supplies so I used anything I could. I started young, around 11 or 12 years old: painting my shoes, tearing apart clothing and re-creating something new using what I already had, visiting thrift stores and vintage shops, buying the clothing and altering it to my taste – all the while, dragging my creative friends along with me and introducing them to the joys of vintage. As a teen, while my friends were all reading Teen Beat & Seventeen Magazine, I was reading Harper’s Bazaar & Vogue (Italian Vogue if I could get my hands on it). I always felt inspired by the freedom and artistic nature being portrayed by these heavily-saturated images of wearable art; all of the beauty and uniquity they imposed, held within the glossy pages of these foreign and brilliant magazines: they suggested, almost demanded freedom of personal expression; making a statement regarding who you are while utilizing something completely necessary and functional: clothing, shoes and accessories. I started altering anything I could to my liking and it went forward from there. I’ve also been heavily influenced by the goth/burlesque scene, as I was a part of that in my teen years… Glossy corsets, crinoline skirts, unbelievably high platform shoes, pink & teal dyed hair… it was all surreal and so much fun! I suppose the statement pieces are directly descendant of my love for that glamour, glitz and my constant desire for a unique and expressive look. I even made ‘most unique’ in my high school yearbook, lol! I always keep in mind Siouxsie Sioux, Diamanda Galas, Dita Von Teese, Vargas pin-ups… they all inspire me. The statement pieces can be worn in full regal to a swanky event, or with a t-shirt and jeans, while day-shopping. Many of my clients wear these pieces everywhere and layer them too!

Now we know what inspires, we’d love to know WHO inspires you…

Jeni Jaques:> I was definitely *inspired* by the 20’s & 30’s: Louise Brooks, Jean Harlow, Greta Garbo… Marlene Dietrich was a big one… I love the look of the past contrasted by an edgy, futuristic look. Anything edgy, artistic, unique…

I wouldn’t say I’ve been ‘inspired’ by the following designers/labels because all of my designs come together without referencing other designers collections, but I’d say some labels that I appreciate would be some of the more artsy, edgy labels such as Alexander McQueen, Viktor & Rolf, Blumarine, Ziad Ghanem, Hussein Chalayan, Guilty Brotherhood, Renata Morales, Katie Gallagher, Ann Demeulemeester, Dennis Gagnon, Akiranaka, etc… I could go on & on as I adore fashion – both vintage and current!!

In my younger years it was more Vivienne Westwood, Edith Head,  Betsey Johnson, Chanel/Karl Lagerfeld & Christian Dior/John Galliano; I definitely LOVE the new ‘Plato’s Atlantis’ Collection by Alexander McQueen…what an amazing talent he is!

Did you find it difficult starting your label, Harlow in Chains, or has it been a smooth ride?

Jeni Jaques: Well, at first I didn’t even think I would start out doing jewelry for Harlow In Chains, however, in 2004 my grandmother passed and I was the last woman in the family to receive her boxes of jewelry…Now, mind you this is a woman who had worn heels and donned wigs to go out on the town with a gentleman friend and did this well into her 60s… so once I opened these boxes of what everyone else must have deemed ‘junk’ jewelry, I was in heaven! Vintage and antique brooches and chains galore – I was absolutely elated! Until I realized that there was no way that I could wear a brooch every day! I started tearing things apart and piecing them together in a way that felt wearable and relevant today… at first I reserved the pieces for myself, family and friends. Eventually, it became an obsession and all I did was work on this jewelry night & day; thus Harlow In Chains was born! As a working artist, I decided to switch gears and change my medium. I realized that I was able to combine my passions – being eco-conscious (just as my father raised me), also creative/artistic and within the realm of the fashion industry, I could create a line which was completely and totally ‘green’ – producing one-of-a-kind items for women using objects that had already been produced, therefore not lending to mass production. These items have amazing patinas, and they just don’t make ‘em like they used to! What woman doesn’t want something she knows no one else will have, ever??

As far as getting myself out there, I had NO idea what to do. I just went for it – posting photos and information about my pieces online everywhere, craigslist included, and then I realized that people started coming to me! I started building a private client base and soon after magazines followed, and Harlow has continued to rise!

What advice would you give to anyone starting their own label?

Jeni Jaques: Don’t be afraid; just do it! No one will notice you if you’re not putting yourself out there…do as many trunk shows, markets and online posts as possible. Contact the editors of magazines – they responded to me! After a while, if you maintain integrity, a high-quality product and are responsible when it comes down to servicing your client’s needs, you’ll only rise. Love what you do; channel your passion into a fierce hunt! Most importantly: DON’T let it get you down if this goes slowly or you’re rejected; learn from that and move forward. It will take some time, but it WILL happen… You simply have to do the work involved and make use of every free tool out there.

Lastly where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

Jeni Jaques: I see myself with a family, creating jewelry in my studio, along with my shoe line, bags, hairpieces/fascinators, cocktail hats, refinishing/re-vamping antique furniture and housing all of this within my own boutique. I hope to one day expand the boutiques into unique locations: Portland, Savannah, LA, Austin – featuring completely local and eco-friendly designers, alongside my designs. I believe in what I do, and I love it more than I can ever express with these words.

END.

www.harlowinchains.com

To contact Jeni, email her on jeni_jaques@hotmail.com or contact her on +1 631 8853132. You can also become her fan on Facebook - support this amazing designer!

* pieces are from the SS10 collection

I personally don’t know Joanna but a guess would be that she is a little like Monica from Friends…a complete perfectionist. Each piece is paid an amazing attention to its detail. From the laser cut leather to the delicate chiffon…this is a woman who designs clothes with one thing in mind, impeccable detail. Another Central Saint Martin’s graduate, Joanna worked for the big wigs of fashion, Alexander McQueen, Jonathan Saunders and Eley Kishimoto. Fast forward to Joanna being invited by Diane von Furstenberg to work in New York creating prints for DVF after winning the prominent award for both her designs and prints for Diane von Furstenberg during her MA course. After this, Joanna returned to London to present her final collection at the Central Saint Martins A/W 2008 show.

Since graduating Joanna seems to have gone from strength to strength, appearing at LFW ON/OFF section back in September.

Prices are available on request and everything is made to order. To contact Joanna, then email info@joannavanderpuije or why not check out her entire collection at joannavanderpuije.blogspot.com

The Fast Company have put piece up about 13 amazing high-concept shoes which include cutting edge material and techniques which we just had to pass on.

They are amazing and although undoubtedly not very comfortable, I’d love some in a show case!!

Andreia Chaves’ Invisible Shoe, invisible as it will blend in with the environment and so handy when you need a mirror.

Andreia Chaves’ Form & Texture Shoe, I can’t stop thinking Jenga

Marloes ten Bhömer shoe is made of leather and carbon fibre, the individual pieces were formed individually and then assembled to create a fractured collage, they actually look wearable.

And who could forget Alexander McQueen’s crazy creations for his Spring 10 collection?

Check out the rest of them at Fast Company site.

We’ve also found a few more, make up your own mind if they are wearable or not…

Bart Hess’, Pump up the Volume shoe which was made for an exhibition. I would hope so.

Bart Hess, creepy…

Martin Pill, mh not sure what you could wear with them…

And if you want to find out more about Andreia Chaves creation, and they get even more mad, check out this great article by Yatzer.

SEQUIN DRESS

Olli says: “I love this dress. I think the high street has become a little TOO inundated with sequins recently. They can be a little lairy/tacky at times. I personally love them when they’re used subtly like this. I feel all aquatic and magical in it. Although, I’ll usually dirty up a look that’s too girly – hence the jacket and whopping great big platforms.”

If you like the style and after something slightly different, then check out our suggestions throughout this piece.

What we found

1. Dress £363: Antik Batik from farfetch.com 2. Jacket £519: Preen from fatfetch.com 3. Shoes £140: Ethel by KG at Kurt Geiger

SHOES

“These are my favourite shoes ever. They were a random find in Next of all places. I got them about 4 years ago, but they’re timelessly stylish and cool.  They go with everything and are stupidly comfortable. I can wear these all night and still skip all the way home. Plus they’re not super high like some of my other shoes – I’m pretty tall, so I can look scary in platforms!”

What we found

1. Lace top £75: Coast Stores 2. Harem pants £146: MCQ by Alexander McQueen at farfetch.com 3. Ankle boots £280: Amp at Kurt Geiger

VELVET CARDI

“I have a big obsession with velvet.  My mum wore a lot of velvet in the 90s, so I’ve stolen some of her goodies.  Velvet is such a gorgeous luxurious fabric.  It just adds something special to any outfit.  This is a cardi/jacket I recently found in a charity shop.  It sadly doesn’t photograph very well, but trust me – it’s glorious!  It has beading around the cuffs and seams.  Super lux baby!”

What we found

1. Military velvet jacket £198: Jigsaw 2. Leather drawstring skirt £425: Rick Owen at farfetch.com 3. Leather wrap skirt £559: Peachoo and Krejberg at farfetch.com 4. Studded heels £140: Katie-Jane KG at Kurt Geiger

PAT BUTCHER

“Now this cardi is a wonderful example of something being SO bad, that it HAS to be good. You have to wear it carefully, black tights and a black mini skirt is ideal – I’m not really into the ‘clashing prints’ vibe that’s popular at the moment. It’s another charity shop find – glorious to snuggle in, and I personally love rocking a bit of the Pat Butcher vibe.”

What we found

1. Flash Knit dress £90: French Connection 2. Shoe boots £90: Carvela Alicante at Kurt Geiger

SHIRT

“This shirt has lasted forever. I wear a lot of big baggy men’s shirts as dresses, or I’ll pair them with leggings. This is my favourite. It’s Ralph Lauren (and only a quid from ebay!), so it’s really good quality. It also looks cool worn open with a body-con dress, lot’s of gold jewellery and 80 Deniers.”

What we found

1. Men’s loud check shirt £55: Curlew at Boxfresh 2. Men’s military shirt: £60: Crossbill at Boxfresh 3. Velvet trim tux jacket £489: Jasmine Di Milo at my-wardrobe.com 4. Shoes £75: Layla at Faith

Good quality tights are really important for outfits like this so take a look at mytights.com for lots of different styles, including new in from Henry Holland.

To know more about Olli then you can visit her very amusing blog here at iliketotalk

Putting aside how amazing his collection is (although not so sure about the shoes but amazed there weren’t any accidents), we love the fact that Alexander McQueen embraces the digital age and the social media world.

His show was streamed live to a potential audience of millions by six video cameras and two robot installation which operated on motion-control technology, meaning they responded to the models’ every movement. Just check out the video and you can see how much thought went into the set up as well as the collection.

Not only that but about 15 min after the show ended, his designs were sent to millions of people’s iPhones!

The world is changing and he’s not only setting trends in the fashion world but the digital one – we love it and hope other designer will follow.