Fashion & Art
  1. PPQ Fall/Winter 2013

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

    PPQ Fall Winter 2013 London Fashion Week

    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.

    PPQ Fall Winter 2013 London Fashion Week

    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.

    PPQ Fall Winter 2013 London Fashion Week

    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.

    PPQ Fall Winter 2013 London Fashion Week

    PPQ Fall Winter 2013 London Fashion Week

    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.

     

  2. Ainsley S/S 2013

    Ainsley Spring/Summer 2013 Collection
    (Featuring Blogger Natalie Suarez of Natalie Off Duty)
    Written by Samantha Wright

    Ainsley SS 2013

    What could be more appropriate than light, vibrant florals for spring?  Not only are the Ainsley designs seasonally appropriate, they are absolutely stylish and on trend.  The color palette is bright and deeply pigmented with fuchsias, cobalts, and shades of mint with an essence of Monet to the print.  The fabrics used are light and lovely and make for perfect springtime maxis and blouses.  The maxi dress screams Coachella (or any other such music festival), so grab your distressed denim vest and gladiator sandals and hit the road to Indio.  The collection will be made available in March—just in time for our favorite party in the desert.

    Ainsley SS 2013

    Ainsley SS 2013 Ainsley SS 2013 Ainsley SS 2013Ainsley SS 2013  Ainsley SS 2013 Ainsley SS 2013 Ainsley SS 2013 Ainsley SS 2013

    And for a cute behind the scenes of the Ainsley S/S 2103 lookbook shoot, check out this video:

    For more of Ainsley, visit their website at http://www.ainsleyny.com/

     

  3. Asia Spotlight: Japanese Designer Arisa Fukumoto

    Fashion Designer Arisa Fukumoto (Japan)
    Written by Elaine Wu


    Arisa arrived in a black and white polka-dotted cardigan over a cute powder pink lace dress. Framing her flawless face was an unexpectedly bold red-beaded necklace.  Growing up in Japan, Arisa took a strong interest in illustrations and photography. In high school, she began sketching designs and always dreamed of transforming them into actual pieces. After studying design in England at University of Hertfordshire, she followed her dreams and is now designing in Tokyo at her home studio in Shinjuku-ku.

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