Tag: London Fashion Week

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What to Wear to Fashion Week: Your Ultimate Style Guide

Fashion week is the perfect opportunity to show off your personal style and catch a glimpse of the latest fashion trends. But with so many events and runway shows, it can be overwhelming to decide what to wear. That’s why I have created this ultimate guide to help you stand out and look your best at Fashion Week.

  1. Mix Prints: Gone are the days when matching prints were a fashion faux pas. Mixing prints is one of the hottest fashion trends, and Fashion Week is the perfect time to experiment with this bold style choice. Try pairing a printed top with a patterned skirt or pants. Just make sure the prints have a similar color scheme to avoid a clash of patterns.
  2. Layer like a Pro: Layering and draping are great ways to add depth and versatility to your outfit. Layer a jacket over a dress or drape a sweater over a blouse for a chic, effortless look. These styles are also perfect for adjusting your outfit to different temperatures throughout the day.
  3. Be Bold: Bright colors are a great way to make a statement and stand out in the crowd. Don’t be afraid to wear stand-out shades, like red, yellow, or green. If you’re not ready to commit to a full outfit, try adding a pop of color with your accessories. For example by wearing an all-grey outfit and adding a pop of color with bright-colored shoes.
  4. Prioritize Comfort: Fashion Week events involve a lot of walking and standing, so it’s important to prioritize comfort. Opt for comfortable shoes, like comfortable loafers or cowboy boots, instead of super high heels that can cause discomfort after a few hours. Alternatively, carry your heels in your handbag and wear a pair of flats, so you can swap them when you arrive at the event.
  5. Opt for Statement Accessories: Elevate your outfit and add a personal touch. Consider adding statement jewelry, a dramatic pair of earrings, a chic clutch, or a trendy hat to your outfit. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too many accessories can detract from your overall look.
  6. Play with Proportions and textures: This a great way to create an interesting and unique look. Pair a voluminous skirt with a fitted top or a cropped jacket with high-waisted pants. The key is to balance the proportions to create a cohesive outfit. Mixing and matching different textiles and textures can add depth and dimension to your outfit. Consider pairing a cozy sweater with a leather skirt, or a silk blouse with a denim jacket. These unexpected combinations will make your outfit stand out in a sea of fashionistas.
  7. Coordinate with a Friend: Twinning with friend is a great way to create a cohesive and stylish look. Match your outfits with complementary colors or patterns to create a stylish duo. Why stop at coordinating with one friend when you can coordinate with all of them? Coordinate your outfits with your entire group to create a stylish and cohesive look.
  8. Wear a Co-Ord Power Suit: A power suit is a great way to ensure that you look polished and put together. If you’re feeling stuck and don’t know what to wear, remember that a go-to matching set is always a safe bet. Whether it’s a chic skirt and blazer, or a stylish two-piece suit, these outfits require minimal effort but still look stylish and put together. What is more, if you make your outfit monochrome, that is a great way to create a cohesive and stylish look. Try matching your shoes to your bag or your jewelry to your outfit. Just make sure to keep the color scheme simple and cohesive.
  9. Find Your Statement Piece: Finally, consider finding your own sartorial uniform and sticking with it. This could be a signature style or a go-to outfit formula that works for you. It could be as simple as always wearing a blazer or incorporating a certain color into every outfit. Whatever it is, finding your sartorial uniform can simplify your outfit choices and make getting dressed for Fashion Week a breeze.

As a Swiss fashion blogger and illustrator, I know firsthand the excitement that comes with Fashion Week. Fashion Week can be overwhelming, and sometimes less is more. If you’re feeling unsure about your outfit, scale back and stick to a simple, classic look with a twist. A little black dress or a tailored suit will never go out of style, add a bold red lip and you should be all good.

FAQs

  • What is the best shoe style to wear to Fashion Week? Opt for stylish sneakers or loafers, or cowboy boots instead of high heels that can cause discomfort after a few hours.
  • What should I consider when choosing an outfit for Fashion Week? Consider the event dress code, the venue, and your personal style. Always pay close attention to the invitation, as it usually reflects the theme of the event too.
  • Can I mix and match bold pieces for my Fashion Week outfit? Yes, fashion is about taking risks, and having fun. So be bold, and try out those trends you have been wanting to test out.

In conclusion, Fashion Week is the ultimate opportunity to showcase your style and make a statement. By researching the event dress code, considering the venue, and prioritizing comfort, you can ensure that you look and feel your best. Experimenting with bold colors, prints, and textures, layering for versatility, and accessorizing to elevate your look are great ways to stand out in the crowd. And don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the experience – after all, fashion month only comes around twice a year!

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Front Row at London Fashion Week: Bringing Fashion to Life – Behind the Scenes of Live Illustration at London Fashion Week with Anna Blachut

Capturing the Essence of Design through Fashion Illustration at London Fashion Week

London Fashion Week is one of the most anticipated events in the fashion calendar, bringing together designers, models, fashion editors, bloggers, and fashion enthusiasts from all over the world. This year, I had the privilege of attending the event as an illustrator, and it was an experience of a lifetime. From drawing backstage to live illustrations at the show, it was an exciting time to be in London. In this blog post, I will share my experience, tips, and insights from the event.

Drawing front row at London Fashion Week is every fashion illustrator’s dream, and I am beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to live this experience. As a Swiss illustrator, I was thrilled to be part of the FIDA x Fashion Scout partnership for London Fashion Week, where I had the chance to capture the essence of the event through my live drawings and sketches.

From Sketch to Runway: A Glimpse into the World of Fashion Illustration with The Future Collective X Fashion Scout

My journey began with the Future Collective X Fashion Scout show. I arrived 1 hour before the show and headed backstage with a big bag filled with pens, pencils, and sketchbooks. This was such a great opportunity to draw backstage and live during the fashion show. Backstage at any fashion show is always hectic, so I made sure to stay out of the way. I perched in a corner and started drawing the models getting into hair and makeup backstage. It was a truly exhilarating experience, seeing the models getting ready for the show, and capturing their energy and excitement in my sketches.

As an illustrator, one of the most important aspects of attending London Fashion Week is to observe and capture the details. This means paying attention to the fabrics, colours, and textures of the clothing, as well as the accessories and styling. These details are what make fashion unique and can be a great source of inspiration for your illustrations.

FIGURA SERVICES: The Dark Alluring Psyche of Uniform Expression

Then I settled into a seat and set up to draw live during the fashion show. It was a first for me, and I absolutely loved it. The show was a curation of three emerging designers who were set to debut at London Fashion Week with Fashion Scout at the Future Collective show. The first designer was FIGURA SERVICES, founded in 2021 by a talented design duo who strive to create uniforms of expression that perceive the dark, alluring psyche of those that wear them. Their unique approach to design was evident in their collection, which was edgy and bold, yet still had a touch of elegance and sophistication. The first designer was FIGURA SERVICES, founded in 2021 by a talented design duo. Their collection strives to create uniforms of expression that perceive the dark alluring psyche of those that wear them.

Felix Bendish: Unique Garments and Accessories with a Bold Twist of Hand Embroidery

The second designer was Felix Bendish, a Mumbai-based brand that crafts unique garments and accessories with a bold twist of hand embroidering manipulated onto fabric through digital printing. Felix Bendish draws inspiration from their fascination with illusions, projecting these into their designs, and enhancing their innovative approach to craftsmanship.

Gyouree Kim: Exploring Sustainable Fashion Methodologies with Historical and Modern Design

The third designer was Gyouree Kim, a Korean-born fashion designer who has over five years of technical garment-making experience under her belt, which she further developed by exploring sustainable fashion methodologies to begin building her brand. Inspired by an amalgamation of historical fashion and modern design, along with the intricacies of architecture, Gyouree Kim has built a design-oriented brand valuing structure, quality, and values. The corsets were beautiful and intricate, the fabrics light and breathable. A truly beautiful and poetic collection.

Ingrid Kraftchenko’s ‘Bodymap 23’ (The Sun is Ash): A Dark and Creative Twist on Ecotourism at London Fashion Week

In the evening we headed to Ingrid Kraftchenko’s ‘Bodymap 23’ (The Sun is Ash) fashion show. The designer presented a unique and avant-garde collection at the official London Fashion Week Schedule. The evening show was held in an abandoned tunnel of the London Underground, which added to the dark and edgy vibe of the collection. The Fashion Week guests all gathered around the gate, clamouring to be let it, during this time I spoke with some truly fascinating people, including a designer who worked with Vivienne Westwood for several years. Then when the gates opened, we all trotted down into the dark rubble and got seated in this surreal setting.

The collection featured a fusion of leather, latex, sheer fabrics, and intricate textiles that were artistically crafted with crochet techniques. The catwalk was a tribute to the dystopian and utilitarian themes of the collection, with models donning red and black ensembles that added to the dramatic feel of the show. Ingrid Kraftchenko’s designs are highly political and aim to redefine modern luxury, which has earned her critical acclaim and a cult following. The show was a dark and ritualistic catwalk. It came to a close with the beautiful model Nyekachi Douglas striding down the catwalk in a white and black striped top and billowing black skirt. Fun fact, we were sitting next to her brother in the show, so it was really nice in terms of atmosphere to talk with him and see how proud he was. The designer, Ingrid Kraftchenko is a British fashion designer born in Kent, England who graduated from the London College of Fashion. She lives and works in London and this was her catwalk debut. After the show, we sprinted out of the underground and up to the surface to grab a (very) late dinner before sliding into bed so as to be fresh for the next show in the morning.

MADbyMAD’s Pink Matrix Collection: Fully Sustainable Luxury Pieces That Are Degradable and Easily Recyclable

The last show I attended was the morning show at Fashion Scout, where I went backstage to draw, and drew live illustrations and sketched the audience at the show. I had the opportunity to speak with the designer, the press, the models, and the fashion editors, which gave me a broader understanding of the fashion industry and the effort it takes to put together such an event.

One designer that really caught my attention was Mata, who focuses on sustainable luxury fashion at her bio-luxury brand MADbyMAD. Mata is currently based in Paris, where she works as a textile designer as part of the textile design research team at Chanel Maison. Mata Durikovic is an LVHM Green Trail Award nominee and a winner of multiple awards including the Media Award by ITS: Platform Contest in 2022, Best Fashion Graduate by Slovak Fashion Council and Fashion Live! in 2022 for a sustainability price from the Copenhagen Fashion Summit in 2019.

Her motto, “be MAD! be Bioluxury!”, transforms into her work, using bioplastic as a leather replacement bioplastic crystal leather with 3D embroidery in combination with recycled Swarovski crystal waste and using zero-waste techniques such as knitwear and crochet.

In her collection, ‘Pink Matrix’, she aims for fully sustainable luxury pieces made to be degradable into separate materials and easily recyclable. The inspiration comes from her childhood memories and relationship with her grandmother, who used various sustainable practices at home. One of them was saving the starch water from potatoes and later watering the plants with it for better nutrition. This starch material is the basis for the bioplastic material that she started to experiment with and that became the basis for the collection.

During the show of Pink Matrix, there was a unique and interactive moment that caught everyone’s attention. One of the models lay on a table while the other models took a knife and cut off pieces of the dress. The models then placed the pieces on a cake platter and offered them to the audience. The audience members were surprised and intrigued by this unconventional act, as it showed that the pieces of the dress were actually edible. This was a clear demonstration of Mata’s commitment to sustainability and her willingness to experiment with innovative materials and techniques in order to create sustainable luxury fashion. It was a bold move that left a lasting impression on everyone who witnessed it.

Final Thoughts on London Fashion Week

In conclusion, one of the best parts of attending London Fashion Week as an illustrator is the opportunity to network and collaborate with other professionals in the industry. This can be as simple as striking up a conversation with a fellow illustrator or fashion blogger, or as involved as creating a collaborative project with a designer or model. The fashion industry is all about connections, and attending events like this can be a great way to make new contacts and expand your professional circle. In terms of the actual experience of attending London Fashion Week, I have found it to be a thrilling and inspiring event. The energy of the space is contagious, and there is always something new and exciting to see.

All in all, this was one of my most memorable experiences. It allowed me to see the entire process of putting on a runway show from start to finish. Furthermore, as an illustrator, I have found that one of the most rewarding aspects of attending London Fashion Week is being able to share my work with others. This might mean posting images of my illustrations on social media or creating a portfolio to showcase my work after the event. From the elaborate runway shows to the behind-the-scenes glimpses of the fashion industry, there is truly something for everyone at this event.

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Milan Fashion Week: Fashion Designers to watch & Spring Summer 2023 Trends by A Stylish Story

Milan fashion week is a biannual event that takes place between January-February and then again in September-October each year. MFW occurs in the third week of Fashion Month. The fashion month of madness always opens in New York, heads then to London, next to Milan, and finally wraps up in Paris.

The Milan Fashion Week is organized by the National Chamber of Italian Fashion, Milano Moda Donna, and is one of the most anticipated fashion events of the year.

Industry insiders, VIPs, and the press all flock to the Italian fashion capital to attend exclusive events, runway shows, and fashion presentations. This said, if you happen to be in Milan city at the time of the event, there is a Fashion Hub that is open to the public, which means you can still experience the artistic and fashionable ingenuity of MFW.

Milan Fashion Week

Italians are known for their style, craftsmanship and ability to combine clothes to look impeccably chic. Famous Italian fashion brands include Prada, Loro Piana, Tods, Gucci, Alberta Ferretti, MaxMara, Fendi, Bottega Veneta and Schiaparelli. Prints and textiles are also incredibly important emblems of Italian heritage. Luxury Italian fashion brands known for this include MISSONI, Pucci and Versace.

Milan Fashion Week: ones to watch

Of course, the big names are very exciting and generate a lot of buzz and press coverage. There are also smaller and lesser-known fashion brands that present their collections. With this in mind, here is a quick breakdown of the emerging designers at Milan Fashion Week with innovation and forward-thinking fashion lines to keep an eye on: 

DHRUV KAPOOR

DHRUV KAPOOR the dreamer presentation: This Prêt-à-Porter line was founded by the Indian fashion designer Dhruv Kapoor. Think mesh sets, floor skimming flared sheer trousers and graphic, oversized athletic pieces. My favorite aspect of the new Spring Summer 2023 collection were the circular, crystal-embellished top handle mini bags.

YUME YUME

YUME YUME means “dream” in Japanese. Just like its name, the Dutch brand, founded in 2018 by Eva Korsten and Dave Hendriks present at Milan Fashion Week, offers shoes with a style that are at the same time futuristic and inspired by Japanese traditions. What is truly innovative about their footwear, is that they feature insoles and outsoles made entirely of reused materials such as recycled nylon and rubber or samples of unused products. With an environmentally conscious framework, YUME YUME uses its traditional craftsmanship to ensure sustainability in an innovative manner.

SHUTING QIU

SHUTING QIU – AS A BUTTERFLY CHASING THE SUN. Fashion forward and fun: A complex contradiction in each piece with bold prints combined with softer touches of ruffles and tulle. Colour, textures, and print combinations are all combined in a feminine yet sporty manner. Each piece in the collection is worthy of a conversation with dramatic silhouettes that stand out.

Fashion Fun Fact: The designer has collaborated with Uggs changing the soles and adding hand-sewn sequins in her capsule collection. So her work stretches to footwear as well as fashion.

What to Wear in Milan during Fashion Week?

Of course, Italy is slightly warmer and milder than its other two European counterparts where Fashion Week takes place. Paris and London are freezing and rainy by comparison and you really have to plan your outfits in terms of warmth and comfort if you want to survive there. This means that in Milan, during Fashion Week you can get away with fewer layers and really rock out the latest trends you’ve been itching to try on. In terms of Street Style, you do not need to wait for Milan Fashion Week to get inspired in the city. Simply sit outside a coffee shop in a busy street and sip an espresso whilst watching the incredibly stylish Italians trot past each one oozing more class than the last. This said Milan Street Style Trends that will be making some noise this season include:

What to Wear in Milan during Fashion Week?
  • Noughties nostalgia: 90s Grunge, think Kate Moss meets the Matrix. Everything that made the 90s what they were: Latex leather, cutouts, thin straps, platform sandals, chokers, With this trend, the return of the cool girl is well and truly here.
  • Gilded glamour: sequins, rhinestones and feathers on everything. Euphoria eye makeup is the easiest way to adopt this trend. I tried and loved it personally but “il faut oser !” You might look like your crying glitter tears but that’s the idea. It is such a fun look for an evening fashion event for example.
  • Child’s Play & Y2K are here to stay: Barrette clips, baby blue eyeshadow, lipgloss and plastic jewelry are the easiest way to hop on this trend. Think Moschino fruits, low waist jeans and cartoons – this childhood daydream is what makes this playful trend so easy to adopt.
  • Gucci Grandma: I am not sure how I can name this trend, basically imagine an incredibly stylish grandma who rocks her designer oversized glasses, costume jewelry, and couture on a daily basis. Think lacy frills, chiffon with sequins, prints on prints, ruffles, pearls, and chunky gold with gelato hues.
  • Fashion Faux Pas Made Mainstream: Lastly (and possibly most questionably) Pants paired with dresses, visible lingerie, socks with sandals – essentially all the fashion rules you can imagine, break them. In my days at art school they actually had a themed party exactly in line with this trend (talk about avant-garde!). This anti-fashion fashion in certain circumstances, can be just the look you need.

Who to follow on Social Media during fashion week

Even if you are not able to attend Fashion Week, in this digital era you can happily hop onto your preferred social media outlet and enjoy the digital version of the show. Both TikTok and Instagram are official Fashion Week partners. Many of the Fashion Houses also host live runway streaming sessions. So you can tune in no matter where you are in the world.

There are also all the behind the scenes and street styles which are fun to look at. Here are the top bloggers and fashion accounts to follow:

Who to follow on Instagram During Fashion Week

Fashion Month
New York Fashion Week
Milan Fashion Week
Paris Fashion Week

A Stylish Story pro tips for Fashion Week:

Want to know how to survive fashion month? No stranger to fashion shows, I have worked at Paris Fashion Week, and Couture Week, illustrated live at fashion shows, captured runway looks in the fashion pit as a fashion photographer and attended my fair share of fashion shows around the world as a member of the press, as an art director and a fashion influencer. With that in mind, here’s my two cents if you are headed to fashion week and want some prepping tips:

  • Mini miracles: always have a small mirror compact, a flat comb, your favourite lip product and a hair pin or two handy (easy to add into all your handbags and pretty useful for a quick pic op)
  • The holy grail: A phone charger, because there is nothing more heartbreaking than being at a show with a dead phone. This has happened to me one too many times!
  • Stomping ground: if you absolutely want to wear heels then opt for heeled boots with chunky heels, platforms also support well – you’ll thank me later.
  • Power pack: protein bars, a mini water bottle and chewing gum are going to be your best friends along with a ton of coffee.
  • Logo mania is dead: You would be very much mistaken if you’re planning to wear head to toe designer logos. Unless you are representing a designer, the majority of fashion week people wear unbranded, edgy looks rather than plastering themselves with visible logos. It’s much more of a “if you know, you know” vibe so definitely look at the design quality of what you choose to wear and avoid looking like a walking billboard for a brand.
  • Take your pills: Daflon is going to be your lifeline along with magnesium tablets in the evening.

The Future of Fashion & Italian Designers:

Last but not least, I wanted to touch upon what is next for the Fashion Industry, in particular for Italian fashion designers. With the steady shift linked to digital trends as well as interesting advancements have been adopted by some of Italy’s most loved fashion designers, such as augmented reality collections and fashion gamification.

Fashion and Web3: the Metaverse at Fashion Week

In March there was the first ever Metaverse Fashion Week and it featured luxury brands, household names and digital-native designers. The early adopters include the Italian Fashion designer Dolce & Gabbana who launched a bespoke collection of 20 looks of Metaverse wearable pieces. This season Dolce & Gabbana’s muse consisted of the the ultimate internet celebrity, the OG of social media influencers: Kim Kardashian. Other notable designers with a Metaverse presence include Hugo Boss, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Burberry and Balenciaga. The latest addition to this list includes Vogue Business that launched their Metaverse Atelier on the 22 of September 2022. A members-only event which brings you behind the scenes and up close to view fashion at its finest.