Resort Collections 2012

Fashion Houses are taking resort collections more and more seriously. The timely release of the resort collection bridges the gap of the amount of time between the releases of the Autumn/Winter collections to the Spring/Summer collections and is an increasingly important date in the diaries of many fashion designers.

I think Resort wear for me is more relatable as the collection can be worn all year round, it isn’t season specific. In some ways I always think of resort collections as being more a fun side to each designers’ aesthetic. I always enjoy looking through new collections and below are some of the looks that caught my eye.

I really liked the Moschino Resort Collection, those full skirts paired with colorful Blazers looked amazing. The looks were definitely for a rock meets chic kind of girl.

We saw in Chloe’s Autumn/Winter 2011 collection references from the seventies and we see that this trend transcends into the resort collection. I love the simple elegant looks from this collection. The collection is very Parisian chic, something that I look to the Chloe brand for and I’m glad to say they didn’t disappoint!

We saw the sheer trend on the rise this year in 2011, but Maison Martin Margiela definitely shows us how to wear it the right way. I love that skirt, I literally want to take it from the model and the top is great too. I think the collection is simple but just has really good designs that could work well for many people.

I think what caught my eye for Prabul Gurung resort collection was the separates, I really adore the colours and textures (but I think most of all I just fell in love with those shoes ha! But yes the collection is really nice).

What do you think of this year’s Resort Collections?

Blake Lively in Couture

Blake Lively turned up to the Green Lantern Movie Premiere in a showstopping Chanel Haute Couture gown from the spring 2009 collection pairing it with some gold bangles. Blake chose to wear all white, she gave us all a little bit of flash of her great legs though as the skirt on the gown was sheer. She exuded lots and lots of confidence but was this dress right for the occasion?

The runway version of this dress was paired with a very quaint headpiece, which I think really adds to the drama of this dress, after all it IS Chanel Haute Couture. Without the headpiece does the dress lose the sense of it’s drama it was designed to have? Don’t get me wrong I think the dress was really nice, there’s just something I just can’t quite put my finger on. As Blake is currently the face of Chanel’s Mademoiselle Bag’s I think I just expected a little bit more special from her, the whole look didn’t really give me that ‘wow’ kind of a feeling.

Designer Turns Art into Luxury

Lyudmila

Lodichka Couture Jewellery the woman behind this up and coming brand is Lyudmila, a very dynamic jewellery artist. She is based in London and she most certainly has one creative mind. The jewellery she makes is always a one of a kind piece of art, which always makes for a special piece of jewellery indeed.

I think Lyudmila has a unique point of view when it comes to her creations, she has ‘a passion for art and vintage designs and loves finding rare antique metals and gem stone of all shapes and sizes’. 

Lyudmila’s jewellery looks exquisite. What caught my eye the most whilst looking at her work, was the beautiful sketches and detailing that goes into each piece of her work. With this elegant yet inventive jewellery, let me tell you Lyudmila will be taking her online boutique to the top. Although Lodichka Couture Jewellery has been open for what is just a little over a year now, Lyudmila has really achieved a great deal in her business.

Fashion Loving, inspired by all of the lovely creativeness got in touch with Lyudmila to ask a few questions about her online boutique!

FL: When did you know you wanted to become a jewellery artist?



LCJ: It came to me slowly, I started making jewellery for myself first with the feeling that I simply couldn’t find anything that I liked in the shops. I didn’t make anything to sell for a very long time, as I always got really attached to my jewellery and I know that I can’t replace it. The pieces I use are one offs and the gemstones which are used can’t be found again. But being a big fan of online shopping myself, I decided to open an online boutique 🙂



FL: What inspires you and your jewellery designs?



LCJ: Anything can be an inspiration… nature, fashion, movies, people, books, art…

FL: How long does it take to create a piece of jewellery from start to finish?


LCJ: Sometimes more time goes into the designing and sometimes creating a piece takes longer than the design. 
That depends on the piece of jewellery that I’m designing and making. Some of them take very long as I’m looking for the right material, colours and texture. A lot of care goes into my creations I spend hours, days and sometimes months ensuring that I produce jewellery of the highest quality!

FL: What are those lovely gemstones you use when making jewellery?



LCJ: I have a confession to make, I’m an “unique gemstone hunter” , I’m always looking for very original forms and colour gemstones, you can see from my jewellery that many one of a kind gemstones have been used. I look for my gemstones worldwide!

FL: What type of person do you design your collection for?



LCJ: She is free, likes to experiment, loves fashion and not afraid to be a centre of all attention, loves original and one of a kind things.

FL: What advice would you give to someone who wants to design?

LCJ: Just  be creative and do it only if you are truly enjoying doing it, as there’s not always a reward for your hard work. I would have given up a long time ago if it wasn’t for purely being passionate for art and design.

FL: Is there anything else that we should be looking out for from you in the near
 future?

LCJ: While last year “Lodichka Couture Jewellery” has grown with more categories, quantities and qualities, I am not planning to stop here.
There is a lot more designs to be completed. I’m planning to launch brooches, hats and fascinators collections as well.

I am so excited to see more of the Lodichka Couture Jewellery!! Check out some of the lovely pieces in the gallery.

You can find Lodichka Couture Jewellery on www.lodichka.com, check it out!!

What will you be wearing…

Now that the Sun has finally come out to play, it got me thinking that June is the time when everyone is planning or starting to go on their summer holidays. It’s always so difficult choosing what to wear but the photo shoot below shows just how you can make your bikini or one piece suit that much more spectacular.

I’m always a fan of Patrick Demarchelier and this shoot is no exception, his photography always elevates both the model and the fashion in each frame. Lara Stone also looks great but so much different from her usual self.  The styling brings each look to another level just by focusing on accessorizing the swimwear!

Look at more photos in the gallery

These looks are easily translatable for everyday wear and I will most certainly going to stores to find the perfect pieces to accessorize my swimwear.

Randi Spoon talks about the start…

It’s always great to see the Fashion industry from all perspectives, have you ever wondered how Chanel became one the biggest fashion houses in the world? At what point did the ‘big gun’ fashion designers decide to take that risk and start their own label? Well, everyone has to start somewhere right? Fashion Loving has found a designer based from New York City, who is in the early stages of starting her own fashion line and creating the new collection.

I’m sure it is both an exhilarating and overwhelming experience for any new designer starting out in the fashion industry, thankfully Randi Spoon involved Fashion Loving in her first steps to becoming the next big fashion designer!

FL: How do you feel about the process of starting a new fashion line?

RS: The process of starting my own clothing line has been one of the most exciting and yet overwhelming experiences.  At this point, I am at the very beginning stages of starting the line. I could go in a million different directions.  Every decision is ultimately mine.  The luxury in that is absolutely amazing but also quite scary.  For now, I am a one man show and it is up to me to decide every last detail and to make sure I do it with integrity and with respect to my personal design aesthetic.  I will say that it sometimes feels safer to work within a team and to use your friends as a sounding board.  I simply have to trust myself to make the right decisions and to move forward.

FL: Describe yourself as a Fashion Designer?

RS: I am about the longevity of a design.  I am interested in creating garments that can withstand time.  I want people to buy my clothes and wear them for years to come.  Quick trends are fun, but they get tossed around and eventually thrown out.  I want people to look at my clothing and pause, take a moment and breathe them in, to process the actual designs.

FL: What gives you inspiration?

RS: I think the better question is what doesn’t inspire me!  It is so important to always keep your eyes open and to take in everything around you.  Always be an observer.  Keep your eyes open and carry a notebook because its the tiniest things that end up being the most inspiring.  If you want a more concrete answer, I would say architecture, art, nature, seasons changing,
color, texture, shape, music… and most importantly, how all of these things relate to one another.  The wonderful juxtaposition of different textures layered on top of one another or the way in which light reflects against a puddle of water.

FL: What’s the next step for you?

RS: Since I am only at the very beginning stages of starting the Spoon Fashion line, the next step is to start turning my illustrations into actual samples.  I need to work on initial samples to figure out the actual construction of each design.  I need to test fabrics and see how they bring the design concept to life.  I think this stage of the design process will be the most exciting.  It is always gratifying translating a sketch into a reality!

FL: When did you know you wanted to become a designer?

RS: For as long as I can remember, I’ve been creatively driven.  I carried a box of crayons everywhere I went and colored anything and everything that came before me.  I was a danger to our house, quickly covering our white walls with colorful patterns and designs.  Needless to say, my parents were never thrilled with my surprise midnight murals but they always remained encouraging towards my creative endeavors. I think my interest in fashion,
specifically, was there all along.  When I played with my barbies, I was more interested in dressing them up and changing their outfits than I was in playing make believe.  I loved to try on my mother’s shoes and to play with her pearls.  Fashion illustration is what initially drew me into the industry.  I filled one notebook after another with fashion sketches and ideas.  There was never a doubt in my head that this was the industry I wanted to be in and ever since I have focused every extracurricular, summer vacation, and job towards furthering my dream of becoming a designer and starting my own line.

FL: What advice would you give someone who wants to be a Fashion Designer?

RS: Do it! There is nothing wrong with taking a risk and following your dream. To do what you truly love is the most energizing, exhilarating feeling there is.  You wake up every day knowing that your goal is to turn your dreams into a reality.  It’s important to continue to build relationships with people in the industry, act like a sponge and soak up all the information you possibly can, recognize what you do and do not know, and ask questions!  People love to talk about themselves and what they know… so use everyone as a resource!

** N.B Pictures of from Randi’s previous portfolio. She is still in the design process for her new collection

Wow, this lady certainly has her head on her shoulders, and her designs are awesome already. Can’t wait to see her new collection! If you want to know more about Randi Spoon then follow her on her blog, where she shares all of her adventures on the road to becoming a successful fashion designer!! Randi said “I want people to join me for the ride as I expose my process in building a collection! In the end, I hope to open up a strong line of communication between me and my audience. Their opinions and thoughts are everything to me.”

1. www.randispoon.com
2. www.facebook.com/spoonfashion
3. www.twitter.com/spoonfashion

FL♥ Thursday Loves – Lily Allen does vintage

Lily Allen has created her own vintage 18 piece collection, which is called ‘Treasure Chest’. Lily certainly appreciates the vintage fashion and it really does show throughout this collection.

She designed the vintage line with her sister Sarah Owens (last year, they also opened a vintage shop in London), the line includes really fun dresses, jumpsuits and maxi dresses with lots of colour. I think they have both done a really great job, as a fellow lover of vintage I totally see myself wearing some of these  pieces!!

The collection is out this June and will be sold at Harvey Nichols, it is based on the character ‘Lucy’, the story is that Lucy is walking through each decade and there are pieces in the collection that represent this. I love the direction this collection took and I’m loving what I see!

Controversy follows Andrej Pejic

FHM has been the centre of controversy over the last couple of days due to its readers choosing Andrej Pejic as the 98th Sexiest woman in the world. It was FHM’s writers that caused the stir as they wrote as part of a blurb about the supermodel ‘the gender bender has jumped the gun in hoping he might one day be signed as a Victoria’s Secret Model (pass the sick bucket).’

FHM readers were said to be outraged thus resulting in a public apology from FHM and the removal of the written insults from the online version of the article.

Andrej has been the source of so much controversy since his debut as womenswear supermodel. A few months back it seemed that we welcomed the thought of an androgynous male walking the runway as a great idea, but ever since there have been articles after articles that oppose this idea.

Obviosuly the Fashion Industry have no oppostion to the idea of Andrej but this leads me to wonder if the rest of the world is as accepting as the Fashion Industry.

Do you think it is a good idea to promote an impossible boy/guy’s body image as the perfect ‘woman’s’ body or do you think we should embrace the idea of Andrej? I have to ask myself, would there be the same amount of uproar if a woman decided to walk on a runway and do photo shoots dressed as a man.

Leave your comments below!

Pippa Middleton

Since the Royal wedding, Pippa Middleton has become somewhat of a style phenomenon and images of her on her daily routine are cropping up all over the internet. We were all blown away by her in Alexander Mcqueen at the Royal Wedding, she looked positively exquisite. She stepped out into the media with a big bang and ever since we have expected perfection, but has she delivered?

Pippa has been photographed wearing some really chic outfits, with the extra media attention I do think she has done a fine job. I absolutely loved this casual but chic look that Pippa stepped out in London with. It had a real impact because of the mix of colors she chose to wear but for me, I did think the simplicity of the outfit spoke wonders.

But does Pippa really deserve to hold the title of ‘Style Queen’ or is she just a one hit wonder. The outfit below does make me question if Pippa Middleton can be a style guru where the masses flock to her for fashion inspiration. I feel the outfit is a little dull and lackluster, an injection of color would have done wonders. The choice of outfit, I find is a little surprising, considering after the Royal Wedding I am sure Pippa would have been inundated with free gifts from designers. I am sure she could have put together a more inspiring outfit. I suppose only time will tell how Pippa fairs as a style icon.

 

 

Cheryl Cole Stateside style

After recent events, Cheryl Cole has once again been the talk of the nation due to her hasty exit from the US version of X factor. There have been so many speculations as to what actually happened, and why America didn’t gel to her.

There was a lot of emphasis on her style when she was stateside, it seemed everyone couldn’t wait to see what outfit she stepped out in. There have even been rumors that allegedly Cheryl had to lose 2 stones to ensure she would become a well liked style icon. So the question is, did her stylist let her down?

While Cheryl was in America, we did see her want to take more risk with her outfits. The color blocking outfit was a prime example of this, the outfit was ‘meh’ ok, but I do think Cheryl and her stylist were probably trying a little too hard to be this amazingly, on trend fashion icon. I don’t think that big hair helped her either.

I think we know Cheryl for her effortless, fashion forward style, I don’t necessarily think this translated well when she went stateside. For me, I don’t think she needs to change her style or anything she was just good as is.

Sources:

1. http://www.dailymail.co.uk

Rihanna’s ever changing looks

Rihanna is a fashion conscience artist who always keeps us on tender hooks, while we await what look she will be turning up at an event with. Well, she has done it again, she has exchanged the short bob look she has been sporting for a while now to long tresses. She was at a New York concert and her new hair went perfectly with her stage costume, it was a lovely spin on the sailor girl outfit!

I think this stage costume could easily be translatable into a really nice day look, in fact the only thing I would change would be the high waisted knickers. I would prefer a more tailored and looser fitting short. Nonetheless, she looks HAWT!

I think Rihanna’s new Hairstyle looks awesome, she actually looks really chic in the picture below. I like the fact her hairstyle references the hairstyles of the 40s but her outfit makes the entire look modern chic. Loving this new look for Rihanna, her ever evolving looks never get boring. Does this lady ever get it wrong? She can just have any color hair or hairstyle and just make it look frightfully gorgeous!

                     

Fashion Designer : Melissa Velia

Melissa Velia is an up and coming Fashion designer who is certainly making a name for herself in the fashion industry. Her designs are inspired and have caught the attention of the many. Even before venturing off to create her own fashion label, Melissa had her designs worn by big celebrities like Tyra Banks, Hilary Duff, Faith Evans and Kimora Lee Simmons! With such success, Melissa decided that 2010 would be the year to brave it alone and she created her own fashion line where she has already accomplished a great deal.

Melissa’s describes her ready-to-wear collection as “a line that upholds the art of couture“. The collection is really adorable and you can really see the vintage influences within a lot of the pieces, which have been refreshed to make them fashion forward. It is a stunning collection.

Obviously, Fashion Loving loves to pick the brains of any talented designer and Melissa was no exception!! Read the interview below…

Melissa Velia

FL: What is fashion to you?
MV: An art form

FL: When did you decide you wanted your own fashion label?
MV: I think when I was about 7 years old. Really, it was just right off the bat, the
only thing was at that time I wanted it to be a clothing line for Barbie.

FL: What do you think inspires your fashion designs?
MV: Everything around me but mostly fabrics

FL: What are you as a designer about?
MV: I am really just about using fashion as an art form and expressing myself with it.

FL: Have you always wanted to be a designer?
MV: Yes

FL: What inspired you to be a fashion designer?
MV: Honestly, Barbie and my mom

FL: What skills do you need to be a fashion designer?
MV: You really need to understand the construction of a garment. I mean sewing and drawing are great skills to have but I don’t think you NEED them. But I do feel that a true designer can do all of it, draw, design and create their pieces.

FL: From your experience, what advice would you give someone who wants to design?
MV: I’d say grow some tough skin and never give up.  Always do your fashion homework and let yourself be inspired.

FL: Who are some of your fashion influences and why?
MV: I’d say Marc Jacobs and Alexander McQueen for there daring creativity and Coco Chanel for her strength and dedication to the art of couture.

FL: What type of person do you design your collection for?
MV: Someone who is not afraid to be fashion-forward.

FL: What, to date, has been your biggest achievement in your fashion career?
MV: I’d have to say, all the wonderful press I’ve been getting on my collections

FL: What would you have liked to have done, if you weren’t a designer?
MV: Oh let me see….a chef, a writer, a stylist, and an actress!

FL: What have you got in store for us with your next collection?
MV: An array of colors, prints and styles all centered around Summer

FL: Is there anything else that we should be looking out for from you in the near future?
MV: Coming to a store near you!

Thanks for sharing Melissa!! Have a look through the gallery for more of Melissa’s designs

What look from Melissa’s designs could you see yourself wearing?

Visit Melissa’s website www.melissavelia.com

Eniko Mihalik

Fashion Loving loves to appreciate everything about fashion and oh yes Eniko Mihalik is right up there. The Hungarian model is an absolute beauty and her modeling is exceptional! She has been in some of the most amazing fashion shows and her photo shoots are awesome. Most recently you can find her in a beauty spread for the June/ July 2011 issue of Vogue Paris. The spread is about tanning and was shot by Giampaolo Sgura, doesn’t she just look hot!!

This is one sought after model, just this year alone she has graced the pages of Vogue Italia, W Magazine, Haper’s Bazaar and many more not to mention her ad campaigns. There’s just one simple reason why she is everywhere… this lady is just great at what she does and I most certainly love her to bits.

Check out the gallery for some more recent photo shoots!

Do you love Eniko Mihalik or what?

Photo Source:

1. models.com

FL♥ Thursday Loves – Flatforms

Flatforms have become the sensation of this season, it has raised many eyebrows and there’s been a bit of controversity surrounding them. The new hybrid that takes from platforms, wedges and flats, has stepped on the scene for this summer. We have seen them used in a lot of the designers runway shoes, but will this trend really catch on.

Many of the critics have simply said that flatforms are ugly, and I agree that there are many flatforms that are ugly, but here at Fashion Loving I have found a few that I liked, which made me think… ‘this trend has potential’!

I think the hardest thing about this footwear trend, is picking the right clothes that compliment it. It’s quite difficult and unless you are a real fan of the 70s look there’s not much else you can wear it with. Having said that I think the Derek Lam collection for Spring/ Summer 2011 collection used the Flatforms cleverly.

One good thing that I love about the Flatform as a 5″ 5  lady, is that you get the height that you would get from heels (I love heels) without the pain that notoriously comes from wearing heels for a long time, which is always a good thing.

Tell me your thoughts on Flatforms, are they trendy or crazy?

Photo source:

1. Elle.com

Introducing the Buttercup Lingerie Collection…

I recently came across the lovely Estelle Puleston who is a final year university student, with her own business called www.estylingerie.com! She has recently branched out into designing her own lingerie and has a new collection that will be debuting in June 2011 “I love sewing and design so decided to create my own collection to go on the site”.

The collection is called Buttercup and is designed with the idea of lingerie ‘essentials’ in mind, which in the designer’s mind are a satin bra set, a cotton bra set, a lace bra set, a corset, a babydoll, a kimono and lace gloves.

Estelle drew her inspiration for her collection from Spring “I started designing it just when it was getting lovely and sunny in England, hence the light colours and the summery designs”. Estelle keeps the designs fresh and exciting, which I really love and am shocked at the talent this lady has! A  21-year old Management Science and French student studying a part-time fashion styling diploma, who writes for several fashion websites  AND runs her own business and now designing…. I’m just wondering where she finds the time to do it all and do it all so well? I’m in awe of this superwoman.

This luscious lingerie is all handmade in the UK and really looks great, “I’m a really girly girl so there are satin bows (I love bows!) on every single item”. I LOVE the bows too! This collection is rather sexy and appealing, the colours are great and really do give you that summer love kind of feel. The pieces in the collection are really made for every woman and every situation, whether you need that ‘special’ occasion lingerie or that everyday lingerie wear.

I’m excited for Estelle, this collection showed a real understanding of what us women want from lingerie, not to mention the real creativeness it showed. She has already been mentioned in the Daily Mail and the Sun newspapers for her talent. As a young designer we can expect to see more from Estelle and her business and I for one can’t wait to see.

Have a look through some more pieces from the Buttercup collection in the gallery below.

Would you wear this lingerie collection?

Credits:

Photography: Roland Selivanoff

Makeup and Hair: Natalie Coles

Lingerie design and styling: Estelle Puleston

Model: Katerina Perepech at Base Models

Ashley Tisdale goes Neon

Ashley Tisdale looks fabulous in this lovely neon ensemble. The pop of pink against her striped skirt really speaks ‘trendy’! Her beach look hair went perfectly well with this day outfit and overall made for a very glamorous looking lady! I only have one question, Miss Tisdale please teach me how to look this effortless!

P.s I love her ankle boots, they  fit the outfit so well

What do you think of this day look?