Trend Notes: Spring/Summer 13

Activewear  

Missoni S/S13 Ready-To-Wear 

Stella McCartney, Missoni, Richard Nicoll, Victoria Beckham and Jonathon Saunders all put their own twist on sportswear this Spring/Summer 13. Who knew a sweatshirt and pencil skirt could look so good!

Stella McCartney reminded us of her olympic summer with oversized jackets and sweaters, teamed with shear pencil skirts and dresses. Splashes of orange gave the collection colour and energy.

 Stella McCartney S/S13 Ready-To-Wear

At Victoria Beckham, sportswear was crisp and clean  with athletic cuts. Fabrics included beautiful chiffon in block colours - whites, reds and blacks. Lace added texture to this very feminine and luxurious collection.

Victoria Beckham S/S13 Ready-To-Wear

Images sourced from style.com

Grace Coddington  - Creative Director American Vogue

Grace was fashion's best kept secret...... till the 2009 documentary 'The September Issue' (about the goings on inside the American Vogue headquarters). With her fiery red hair and cheeky smile Grace 'represents the hero in all of us' (i-D Winter 2012). She has a real eye for detail and a true belief in fashion.

After reading an interview with Grace in i-D I knew why she was an inspiration. Grace born Pamela Rosalind Grace Coddington grew up on the remote Island of Angelsey and moved to London Town (by bus) aged 18. She started out in the sixties working as a model and was first photographed by photographer Norman Parkinson. Grace become one of the famous faces of the 1960's along with Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton.

 In 1968 Grace joined the British Vogue team as Junior Fashion Editor, 1987 saw Grace arrive in New York and begin to work for Calvin Klein a year later she joined Anna Wintour at American Vogue as Creative Director a position she still holds today. From there on she has influenced the fashion industry for over twenty five years.

"Grace is unique as a fashion editor because she cares about the photographs."               
David Bailey

"Grace taught me how to look at everything through different eyes. Colours, light, nature and art. As if I was seeing it for the first time. She truly was and is, the greatest inspiration......It was a real privilege to see her at work, seemingly effortless, but all in preparation."                                                                                                                               
Lucinda Chambers, Fashion Director, British Vogue

Over the years Grace has created some amazing photo shoots, her inspiration comes from 'English Garden's, flowers, Paris couture, innocence, crazy hair....'  (i-D,Winter 2012)

After reading this amazing interview I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of her new book, Grace, A Memoir. When I do I will report back, Speak Soon......

'Cool Cafe'

'The Sparrow' opened in the city centre of Bradford in 2011 has become a favourite hangout of mine!

With great drinks, (real ales, vintage ciders and much more) my favourite being the Brooklyn Lager, quirky art work, cool, chill out music and chic 1970's style tables and chairs it’s a great place to drink and relax come the weekend (day or night).

I even spent my New Year’s Eve there, they hosted a free party with DJ's playing classic 80's tunes.....the good ones!

I even wore my classic 1980's trainers - Nike Air Force 1's

This week I'm listening to.....

Aesop Rock - Skelethon 

Aesop Rock's 'Skelethon' is a 'one of a kind' album, with unique beats and fast paced rap lyrics, its a great listen.
Aesop Rock was introduced to me a few months ago by my boyfriend and after listening to his 1999 album 'Float' I was excited to hear about 'Skelethon' released last year.
Fave tracks include 'Zero Dark Thirty' which is constantly on repeat, 'ZZZ Top' and 'Fryerstarter' for its oriental instrumental (sounds unusual for a hip hop album but it really works). 

Aesop Rock -  Zero Dark Thirty

Trend Notes: Spring/Summer 13

Swinging Sixties

Seen at Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton and Moschino the 1960's was revisited this season.

Checkerboard prints in black, sunshine yellow and silver were seen on micro mini skirts and
A-line round neck jackets.
I have always loved 1960's style and this season Louis Vuitton took it to the next step by adding graphic minimalistic looks to classic 60's silhouettes.

Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer13 Ready-to-wear

At Marc Jacobs it was all about STRIPES, but kept basic!

Stripes covered 1960's silhouettes, mini dresses, midi skirts and jackets (with a little midriff showing). Colours included metallic reds, blues and browns that added a touch of glamour.

This collection resembled the young ladies of the early sixties.



Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer13 Ready-to-wear

All images sourced from style.com

This is one collection I will be defiantly trying out this Spring/Summer, the A-line silhouette is one of my favourite shapes and no doubt my own stamp will be put on it!

This week I'm listening to....

Kendrick Lamar -  Good kid, m.A.A.d city

I've heard that this was one of the top album's of 2012 and I can defanitley tell why.
Kendrick Lamar from Compton, California is in my opinion a talented hip hop artist who's great beats and lyrics have caught the attention of many.
Fave tracks include Swimming Pools (drank) which was released last year and M.A.A.d City.
Lets hope we hear more from Kendrick in 2013.
Check it out, I love it!

      
                           

Swimming Pools (Drank) - Kendrick Lamar

'Class of 95'

'Clueless' has got to be at the top of my favourite movie list and whilst flicking through the channels this Sunday afternoon I found it on the box!

This is definitely a perfect lazy Sunday afternoon flick. Not only are the characters great, the storyline is fab and fun! A one of a kind 90's movie!

I love the 90's fashion, Cher (Alicia Silverstone) with her designer dresses, knee high socks and patent shoes is, loveable and sweet. As for Tai (Brittany Murphy) who's got that 90's grunge look with a girly twist, tartan jackets, denim dungarees and Dr Martens. I love it all. 

The film's costume designer, Mona May must have had so much fun designing the costumes, I'm very jealous! 

 

 

This week I'm reading........

Blow by Blow - The Story of Isabella Blow
By Dermot Blow with Tom Sykes

Written by Isabella's husband this touching book gives a true insight into the life of legendary fashion figure Isabella Blow, who's suicide in 2007 shocked and saddened the fashion world.
 
Issie (as she's called in the book) was known for her eccentric and outrageous style and discovering couture fashion designer Alexander McQueen who she was a great muse, friend and confidante. 

I am about half way through now and finding it difficult to put down. Isabella is living in New York and working at American Vogue as Anna Wintour's assistant.
Anna Says:
"People would stop by my office just so they could see what Issie was wearing that day. One morning she might be in full East Village punk regalia like she'd stepped out of the Mudd Club, which she may have well done, the next dressed like a Maharaja, dripping in jewels and sari silks".

The New Yorker's Mad Muse of Waterloo: Isabella in an Alexander McQueen dress and Philip Treacy's 'Arrow of Love' hat.