The curse of the designer label...

Versace for H&M. Cue the high-pitched screams of budget fashionistas worldwide, as the chance to own their very own Donatella designs becomes a stark reality.

The Italian label announced in June of this year that they would be working with the Swedish brand, in a bid to bring a little bit of pizzazz to the high street. But do we really need it?

If I am completely honest with myself, I am a sucker for all things designer. The more expensive it is, the more I WANT it. The more high profile the label, the more inclined I am to drool over an item that is certainly never going to grace the inside of my wardrobe. Yes, you can sit there and call me shallow, but ask any fashion-loving girl, or boy, out there and deep down I bet you my prized Chanel glasses that they feel the same way. We’ve all got a case of  ‘I want what I can’t have.’

And so it poses the question, are we only buying this stuff for the recognition, regardless of whether we like it or not?

Having already previewed the collection for H&M, I can tell you that it’s nothing to write home about. Think bold prints, vibrant colors and enough lashings of leather to last you a lifetime. In fact, think Donatella Versace; because every piece is reminiscent of something you would see her flaunting.

But you know what? I can guarantee you that I will be spotted on Princes Street, queuing outside H&M on November 17^th when the collection launches, just so that I can lay my eager hands on a piece of ‘iconic Versace history’ as it is being dubbed. Even if it is just the cheapest of the lot at a £19.99 ring.

But even as I say that I am kicking myself for being such a mug! That’s what these businesses are relying on, the idea that high prices equals high fashion. And if we can get it at an ‘affordable price’ then we really are complete idiots for not jumping through hoops to purchase it. And I say ‘affordable’ because on average I would splash out fifty quid on a really lovely dress. Donatella wants £179 for hers.

And the only reason Versace is considering this collaboration is because of flailing profits. After years of saying they would never move into the high-street sector, as they prided themselves on being ‘ultimate luxury’, they now are moving forwards with it, full steam ahead. No doubt this is a knock-on effect of Alber Elbaz’s Lanvin for H&M collection last year, after it sold out within minutes. Versace have seen the effect us peasant shoppers can have on their profits, and they are jumping on that commercial bandwagon.

And so are they just taking advantage of our naivety? I think so. But will I continue to swoon over things I’m not that keen on, simply because they boast a high priced label? Most certainly. I am such a fashion victim.

Pure Fashion

So on Saturday, I took myself along to the Gallery on the   Corner, found in Edinburgh’s Dundas Street, for what was promised to be a gorgeous exhibit of designer Catriona Garforth’s ‘Pure’ Collection.                                                               

Having already written a feature on it for the Edinburgh Reporter, I had the inside scoop on what was to be expected, but oh my goodness, those clothes! Talk about a picture not doing them justice, they were absolutely stunning. Of course I had already had a snoop about Catriona’s website, so I had an idea of what the designs looked like, but I literally fell in love with them at first sight (and it wasn’t just the free glass of champagne going straight to my head, though that was appreciated).

Models floated about showing off Catriona’s creations, which looked so lovely on them I was struck by an overwhelming urge to demand one in my size!

One dress, from the ‘Madame Butterfly’ collection really caught my eye, the ‘Madame Butterfly Coffee Dress.’ Can we get an oh la la? Because it so deserves it. The chiffon, lace and silk dress positively screamed glamour, while adding in an edge with the boned bodice and brown leather piping. Had I not just spent my whole months salary on an inter-rail ticket around Europe, I would have been sorely tempted to grab it off the mannequin and claim it as my own.

Sadly, this was not to be, and I was left to admire the clothes in the devastating knowledge that I would be unable to take them home with me. Though I did settle for trying on a gorgeous little tweed bodice with the all important trademark brown leather piping, that finished the piece off perfectly.

It had been my first experience at a fashion exhibit, and one that I certainly enjoyed. Along with getting to meet the charming designer herself, I also got the chance to witness the exquisite creations of her talent. Her detailed craftsmanship and the appealing uniqueness of her pieces leaves me in no doubt that she will continue to make a name for herself in the fashion world. And here’s hoping that I will eventually get my hands on one of them!

                                               
Designer Catriona Garforth, visit her website at www.purebycatrionagarforth.co.uk

Lady In Red

I recall seeing the Marchesa Fall 2011 collection back in February and being left breathless at the beauty of one particular dress. The silk organza illusion gown featured gothic red embroidery with a studding train that captivated me as it floated down the runway. But I found myself wondering just how this masterpiece would translate to the red carpet.

Step in actress Rachel McAdams. She managed to look dramatic and romantic at the same time, proving to be one of the best dressed at the Cannes Film Festival in France this week. Though I may be a bit biased, as I have a total girl crush on her! But seriously, I dare you to find someone that looked as stunning as her, she hit the nail on its fashionable head with each outfit she has worn so far. From said Marchesa gown, to the ‘oh so cute’ Maxime Simoens white couture dress. Whilst other stars such as Salma Hayeck may have gone for all out Hollywood Glamour (and well, might I add), my idol went for the chic, simple look in this one. And it worked like a dream. Some might think playing it safe, but those thoughts would have been blasted out the window as she wowed in that transfixing red number, and later as she rocked a gold Monique Lhuillier trouser-bustier combo, going against the red carpet grain of the dress.

SIGH. I just want to be her. Or at least have all her clothes.

The Festival Fringe

As the countdown to summer begins, celebrities are paving the way to the ultimate festival fashion must haves. Forget wellies, anoraks and those old clothes we aren’t afraid to get dirty, this year it’s all about fringing, hotpants and the maxi. Better start praying for some sunny weather then, hadn’t we?!

Although we may be tempted to pull out our comfiest and baggiest items from the back of the wardrobe, remember that festivals are the summer seasons catwalk. Which is very good in theory, but if I recall my experience at 2010’s T in the Park, my rucksack was full of extremely undesirable leggings and old vest top ensembles. In fact the one day I did strut about in denim hotpants, the heavens opened, and I was forced to stay in the tent for the remainder of the stay with tonsillitis and a cold. A big fat fail.

But the celebs at Coachella made it all look far too easy.  Fair enough, the festival is in a bloody desert, therefore guaranteeing sweltering hot weather, however they still managed to make me boil up with envy. Try as I might, I couldn’t go one hour without getting dirt/spilling drink/falling in a puddle at the almighty T.

However, if I manage to make it to the music extravaganza at Balado this year, I will definitely be paying a lot more attention to my wardrobe. As I already mentioned, fringing is nudging its way back into the limelight. It was used in the twenties to make entire dresses (think flapper, showgirl type outfits), and now it’s proving it has stood the test of time by re-branding itself for the 21st century in the popular form of embellishment on crop tops, bags, shorts...the list is endless. From top designers to the highstreet, the craze has spread like wildfire.

So as you cram your rucksack full of necessities such as baby wipes and the extremely important dry shampoo, spare a thought for festival fashion. Think positive as you pack a gorgeous tribal printed maxi dress (Warehouse have brilliant ones), or your denim short shorts. And of course the crop vest with fringe embellishment (Topshop are full to the brim with them). And rest assured in the knowledge that whilst it may not be a scorcher of a weekend, it most certainly will be a stylish one...

YES for Online Shopping

Gone are the days of trying on hundreds of outfits in those tiny square cubicles that shops like to call ‘dressing rooms.’ No longer do we have to risk knocking ourselves out as we battle to try on the seasons latest must haves in those enclosed, claustrophobic spaces, which always seem to have TERRIBLE lighting. I constantly look awful in those ghastly mirrors; therefore I am choosing to blame this on the lighting.  Please don’t try to tell me different, I am rather happy in my little bubble of denial.

No longer do we feel the need to spend money on items we are unsure of, convincing ourselves that ‘we just need to see it at home, in our own surroundings, you know?’ Don’t get me wrong, I am not judging at all. My goodness, I’ve done it more times than I like to count! And it ALWAYS ends up with me forgetting to return the items and ending up with a dress hanging in my wardrobe that I am never going to wear. With me seeing pound signs every time I catch a glimpse of it, as I imagine the money that could have been spent on a pair of essential shoes instead, had I just refunded it within those 28 days....

Yes, this is all a thing of the past thanks to online shopping, hurrah for the online generation! I can now order as much as I like (well, as much as my bank balance allows, which is always a lot less than I would ideally want) and try it on in the comfort of my own home. Where the lighting is ideally suited and I can pair it up with accessories I already own, saving me some much needed cash.  Consider my mother, for example. She has a wedding coming up this summer and ordered £700 worth of dresses to try on. Yes, that’s seven HUNDRED pounds worth of cream and green outfits. Can you imagine how long it would have taken had she been trailing around the shops looking for the suitable attire, with me following (a second opinion is always needed when shopping by foot, to reassure you it is just indeed the lighting making you look fat), it would have taken FOREVER. Instead she was directed to the exact location for formal dresses and was able to decide within half an hour of them all arriving on our doorstep. Again, thank god for online shopping.  (In case you’re wondering, she chose this one from Laura Ashley, looks gorgeous on her!)

So all in all, It would seem that this cyber world has improved our overall shopping experience. And it’s very helpful too! I've noticed many websites are now offering a ‘wear with this...’ section, in which it chooses out an entire outfit based on the item you are looking at. Yes, it’s a sneaky way to get you to part with your cash. But hey, if it helps a girl complete an outfit, I’m all for it!

Tim Berners-Lee, from online shoppers everywhere, I offer you our gratitude for making it so easy for us to stay fashionable! Bet you never considered that when you first created the first World Wide Web browser....

McQUEEN Kate

Now what kind of fashion lover would I be if I didn’t dedicate the time towards discussing the breathtaking dress donned by Kate/Catherine on her wedding day?

For starters, it was MCQUEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was beyond excited when it was revealed Sara Burton had designed the masterpiece, such an achievement for her and the label (which as you may have guessed, is my fave!). And what an achievement it was, the dress was absolutely stunning. Such a timeless style that will not be looked back upon in the years to come with horror, as I do with Princess Diana’s dress.... (Sorry, Elizabeth Emanuel, it just doesn’t do anything for me!)

But the best part was that she wore the dress, the dress didn’t wear her. An extremely important point to consider. It enhanced her beauty, it did not steal it. She was the perfect blushing bride, so composed and elegant. Everything a royal should be.

But back to the dress....the detail was absolutely exquisite. I had to rewind and see it several times before allowing myself to take the whole design in. For that wonderful craftsmanship was so intricate and beautiful that it deserved several viewings, as well as prime place on my fashion collage that sprawls over my entire wardrobe. I especially loved the thought that had gone into the lace detail; roses, daffodils, thistles and shamrocks were worked into that gorgeous ivory silk tulle to insure no corner of the United Kingdom was left out in the cold. How nice! And the ‘Sweet William’ flowers that were included in her bouquet were indeed, just too sweet for words! Someone find me a William pronto.

All in all, Kate hit the nail on the head. And this isn’t just my opinion, it is a view shared by the entire fashion industry. Burton’s design has sent an outcry of praise rippling through the creative world, and rightly so. It is a dress that will define a generation of fashion (I sincerely hope anyway).  The demure, yet captivating elegance of the dress will hopefully steer this decade towards a more classical look, drawing on the inspiration of fashionistas such as Grace Kelly. Of whom reference had to have been drawn on for this occasion, the similarities can’t just be coincidence right!? Even so, Kate certainly held her own in that to die for dress. I’m sure it wasn’t just me who gasped in awe as she stepped out the car, surely the whole world shared a collective swoon?

In the words of Julien McDonald, ‘A style icon is born!’

Ps. Apparently because of the success of the Burton/McQueen design, all products stemming from the collection are to go up in price, dresses, shoes, SCARVES. Better get a move on if I want to buy that one I’ve been pining for eh? The bank balance will only stretch so far...

King Kanye....

'In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.' Coco Chanel

Is this the start of a new trend, men rocking out in women’s clothing? If anyone can launch it, it’s Mr West.

I’ll admit, when I first heard about him appearing at Coachella in a Celine silk shirt from the Spring/Summer 11 collection, I was dubious. But I was AMAZED at how fierce he looked in it, he totally owned it, and I have a feeling this isn’t going to be the last we see of this womenswear as menswear trend.

To be fair, us females have already made the clothes of the opposite sex look fabulous on us, (think boyfriend jeans, oversized shirts and girl boxers) so it’s about time men took the initiative to mix things up a bit. And mix it up Kanye did. His appearance at the California based music and arts festival has been the talk of the town, with it appearing to be a love it or hate it situation when it comes to his chosen attire.

Not one to play it safe, he is certainly no stranger to having his fashion sense closely followed by the public, and I commend him for stepping outside the box with this one. I can safely say that I LOVED loved loved it, despite having read some critics say otherwise (pffffft, obviously they don't know good style when they see it!).

But seriously, I think Kanye's outfit is a step in the right direction when it comes to fashion. It's preaching tolerance, and acceptance of styles that may seem alien to you. Perhaps his appearance in Katy Perry's E.T had a resounding effect on him? Ha!

Or maybe he just liked the shirt? Who knows. Ross Gellar couldn't pull it off, but Mr West you can! I am all for the idea of fashion shedding its labels and venturing into this new area.  If women can make the men's collection look good, why can't it work the other way round? It's definitely one to watch...