Fashion Show | ASTONISHWorld

Apu Jan F/W 2013

| Fashion Show
March 7, 2013

Apu Jan Fall/Winter 2013 Collection: Petroleum
London Fashion Week
Written by Liana Kazaryan and Aram Ostadian-Binai

One of the newest labels to hit the London fashion scene, Apu Jan certainly has made a splash right in the beginning. Originally from Taiwan, designer Apu Jan recently graduated from Royal College of Art MA Fashion Womenswear and has already gained media attention in Europe and Asia. Apu Jan kicked of London Fashion Week and already received lots of praise for his “Petroleum” Fall/Winter 2013 collection.

The show was arranged in the beautiful settings of Freemasons Hall, featuring a white cube in the middle of the room. As the show commenced, the models walked around the room, demonstrating the minimalistic knit and silk creations, and then sat on the cube, allowing the audience plenty of time to examine each look. Every section of the show ended with such formation. The dominating color of the collection was black, with some turquoise glimpses in the first section, and some black and white prints further in the collection. Big knit was featured in dresses, sweaters and ponchos, as well as in accessories for the neck and arms. Make-up and hair reminded us of the designer’s Asian roots; the models sported high-pulled buns and shades of pink. Overall, the collection exuded coolness and delighted with the pieces’ wearability.
Jonathan Simkhai F/W 2013

| Fashion Show
March 6, 2013

Jonathan Simkhai Fall/Winter 2013 Collection
MILK Studios, New York Fashion Week
Written by Nicole Wong

A native New Yorker, Jonathan Simkhai has always dreamed of becoming a fashion designer since he was 14. His dream came true after attending Parsons and FIT for fashion design. But his success was not without any hard work or determination. Starting out as an assistant, he eventually honed his skills to become a buyer at Havana Jeans, a clothing store in Scarsdale 8 years ago. Not only has he become a successful luxury womens apparel designer, he has also become a member of the CFDA incubator program for the next generation of fashion designers in New York City.

Since Jonathan Simkhai first launched his collection in 2010, his signature look of androgyny mixed with an eclectic style of avant-garde and casual chic has won the hearts of women around the world. In such a short time, Jonathan Simkhai has already dressed Twilight actress Kristin Stewart and Glee’s Jenna Ushkowitz. He hopes to dress First Lady Michelle Obama one day, and even named one of his pieces after the First Lady. His latest New York Fall/Winter collection has once again a subtle masculinity that is softened with a feminine silhouette by introducing peplums and circle skirts in his designs. Dominating this season’s ready-to-wear colors are black, white and teal, but Simkhai loves to surprise with the occasional mustard and deep maroon. His eclectic offerings of separates such as great quilted bomber jackets, T-shirts, and soft, boxy pants has an early 80s vibe that is inspired by ska geometric patterns, graphical prints, and structural menswear. Just like Alexander McQueen, Jonathan Simkhai loves his women to look strong and independent without losing the feminine touch.

For more of Jonathan Simkhai, visit http://jonathansimkhai.com.
PPQ Fall/Winter 2013

| Fashion Show
March 3, 2013

PPQ Fall/Winter 2013
London Fashion Week
Written and Photographed by Lucy Topping

PPQ Clothing managed an impressive task with their autumn/winter 2013 offering. Amalgamating distinct Sixties influences with contemporary twists, the collection was comprised of chic, wearable pieces showcasing a definable PPQ aesthetic.

Showing right on schedule in the Courtyard Showspace at Somerset House, to say the show was a popular one amongst press, celebrities, and bloggers alike would be a serious understatement. Swing coats with contrasting detailing and oversized jackets were thrown over cocktail dresses, creating a polished, retro look complemented with beehive hairstyles and black ribbon bows. A nod to the Eighties was also present in jackets with boxy shoulder pads and zippered pockets in vibrant canary yellows. Offset with a bold use of print, these are not looks for the shy, retiring wallflower.

A PPQ show would not be a PPQ show without a selection of exquisite party dresses on display, and I’m happy to say this season did not disappoint. Mini dresses came in an array of jewel hues, complete with cut-out shoulders, high-neck lines, and multi-colored psychedelic prints – design features which could appear somewhat dated but which PPQ managed to make look fresh and relevant for 2013.

Looks as glamorous and daring as some of these need little in the way of accessories. Angled-placed wide-brimmed hats, long appliquéd floral gloves, and a scattering of jewels complemented the garments, providing a subtle extension of each look as opposed to an eye-catching distraction. Stiletto-heeled sling backs were the shoes of choice, complete with pointed toe and frontal embellishment; these were the epitome of statement footwear.

Peaches Geldof, Marina Diamandis, Gizzi Erskine, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Brix Smith Start were all seated on the front row. After PPQ offered up a collection as incredible as this one, it’s very little wonder just why they had such a star-studded front row this season.

For more of PPQ Clothing, visit http://www.ppqclothing.com.
Ostwald Helgason F/W 2013

| Fashion Show
February 26, 2013

Ostwald Helgason Fall/Winter 2013
New York Fashion Week – MILK Studios
Written by Samantha Wright

Right product, right place, right rice, right time. I was taught this concept in school and it seems to (finally) have real world application for real world designer duo Susanne Ostwald and Ingvar Helgason based out of London, England. Having struggled to make a name for their brand for many seasons, they have finally broken into the American market, which at first seemed too intimidating to penetrate. As of late, the brand has zeroed in on whom they are marketing to (Americans!) and for what price point (accessible instead of designer). One thing Ostwald Helgason has never wavered on is the product. This season’s presentation at Milk Studios features the loveliest assortment of brocades, tweeds, and prints. Their design aesthetic is most definitely a buttoned up school boy styled for women. The school boy collection is intermingled with true touches of femininity in the form of stunning brocade mini dresses and bold printed pencil skirts. They remain on trend with their color blocked dress in rich oxblood and navy while also featuring a graphic sweater, which is also a huge trend for the upcoming season. The Ostwald Helgason look is very Hitchcock girl meets London school boy and I cannot get enough of it! Which brings me to my next question: when will it be available locally?
Bellavance F/W 2013

| Fashion Show
February 24, 2013

Bellavance Fall/Winter 2013 Collection
New York Fashion Week – MILK Studios
Written by Nicole Wong

Touted as the next Peter Pilotto and Proenza Schouler, Nolan Bellavance is undoubtedly the next big thing for the fashion world. At 26, the up-and-coming young Parsons BFA graduate made headlines in September last year when he won the inaugural MADE for Peroni Young Designer Awards (MFPYDA), held at Milk Studios. Bellavance’s win was unanimously chosen by the judges, and it’s easy to see why. Best at creating cutting-edge pieces that no designer has ever done before, Bellavance finally launched his first full-fledged collection at MADE, showcasing some incredibly modern, super-chic pieces that bring a fresh touch to New York Fashion Week.

Dominated by many monochromatic ready-to-wear pieces during the fashion show, Bellavance’s collection was anything but monotonous. Inspired by an aura of downtown New York effortless cool, these modern chic structural pieces speak volume by empowering nature with the essence of the urban jungle. The results – a harmonious marriage of nature and city with a contemporary elegance complemented by wild active textures, asymmetrical bold graphic prints, and the occasional explosion of urban colors that screams out when you least expect it. What one can expect is an ingenious Bellavance telling us great stories every time with his marvelous creations.