FabSugar UK

London Darling: Topshop Plays to British Punk and Polish For Fall '12

Hannah Weil — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 09:30:00 BST

With a mix of punky plaids, tweedy separates, and prim pointed-toe flats, we like to think of Topshop's Fall collection as a hybrid of cool-girl stylings from Britain's fashion darlings. We could see both Alexa Chung's boy-meets-girl street style and Poppy Delevigne's effortless-chic in the trench coats, leather skirts, loafers, and tweed crop tops from Topshop's Autumn lineup. Right down to the boxy handheld satchels, quilted leather, and red-plaid skinnies, the brand balances British prep-school punk with a more sophisticated, ladylike spin. In short, it's perfect for playing the part of any of London's trendsetters (no accent required). Read on for our editors' favorites, then click through to see it all.

This quilted leather mini was made for nailing that punky-rock feel. We'll pair it with our favorite band tee, a statement necklace, and loafers to drive it home.
From the trench to the cap-toe flats, this look is the perfect balance between edgy and sophisticated. Just switch out the crop top to take it to work.
This gold sheath would be easy to dress up for cocktail hour or down for the workplace, layered up with a collared button-down underneath.

Source: London Darling: Topshop Plays to British Punk and Polish For Fall '12

The Top Fall Trends From Milan Fashion Week

POPSUGAR Fashion — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 09:20:00 GMT

FabSugar:

Milan Fashion Week showed some of the most stunning collections so far for Fall 2012. While designers like Dolce & Gabbana, Ferragamo, and Pucci were all in an opulent state of mind - think brocade, jeweled embellishments, and lace - Bottega Veneta and Etro veered toward ladylike dressing via peplum pops. We also spotted an artillery of military influences and enough colorful statement fur to please every style personality. Just click the slideshow to get the complete breakdown of the top trends from Milan Fashion Week now.

Source: The Top Fall Trends From Milan Fashion Week

Roksanda Ilincic Fall 2012

Hannah Weil — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:49:26 GMT

Cold shoulders? Roksanda Ilincic's answer is a Fall 2012 collection of sheath dresses, tailored trousers, and slouchy sweatshirts all topped with fur trim. It's the modern girl's cold-weather wardrobe - complete with the most sophisticated play on buffalo plaid (yes, sophisticated plaid) we've ever seen embellished onto deep burgundy dresses and bold bright blue pencil skirts. Silhouettes too speak to that modern proportion - slouchier tops and slim-cut skirts. Nothing is too literal; while sporty references abound with hooded sweatshirts, relaxed trousers, or full jumpsuits, Roksanda counters with luxe fur trim on the same laid-back toppers. She always remembers her clientele with the feminine allure they crave. To that note, there are the classic ladylike silhouettes - sheaths finished with a flutter of ruffles at the hem or a sharp little dress with just the right draping. It's not hard to imagine Roksanda's fans like Kate Middleton or Michelle Obama slipping into any of the designer's perfectly crafted dresses.

Trends: Full skirts, buffalo plaid, brights, fur trim, sporty dressing, menswear.
Colors: Black, red, bright blue, yellow, purple, gray, and white.
Key Piece: We love the embellished take on buffalo plaid, especially the deep red and black sheath.
Accessories: Yellow ankle-strap pumps, slouchy bucket bags.
Who Would Wear It: Polished feminine types who crave sophisticated cuts and statement color; fans like Michelle Obama and Keira Knightley.

Source: Roksanda Ilincic Fall 2012

Mary Katrantzou Fall 2012

POPSUGAR Fashion — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:36:15 GMT

Mary Katrantzou didn't shy away from her signature look; in fact, she turned up the dial on the bold prints she's become known for - the same ones she's crafted for her own Topshop collaboration. Her Fall '12 collection had no shortage of neoprene color, nor full-bodied patterns crafted in the most sculptural of silhouettes and body-conscious forms. Katrantzou revealed to The New York Times that her way with print is not without purpose: "With print, it is about educating the customer to try it on and see what it does with the silhouette . . . trying to do with print what a black dress would do onto their body. And it works!" If you see the line through her eyes you begin to understand her body-conscious strategy. It's not just about the whimsy of the print; every detail of design works together to highlight the shape of a woman. You see that in color choice, in silhouette, and in the widening or narrowing of her patterns - how it may open up in a cheeky timepiece at the waist, but taper in a tighter pattern at the hip; you can't discount even the smallest details when taking in the collection. But the whole is greater than the sum of its parts - Mary is a master of illusion with a talent for print-making that makes this collection not just playful, but oh so smart.

Trends: Brights, print mixing, texture, bold shoulders, structural silhouettes, ruffles, a-line skirts, tulip skirts.
Colors: Black, scarlet red, brilliant yellow, blue, green, fuchsia, nude, moss green.
Key Piece: The bright blue and green neoprene print combos and the softer dresses with ultra-femme flowy capes and skirts.
Accessories: Suede ankle boots in green, black, blue, and red; white and black lace-up heels and bright yellow pumps.
Who Would Wear It: The risk-taker with an appetite for emboldened silhouettes, brilliant color, and all-over print; Katrantzou fans like Keira Knightley, Alexa Chung, and Solange Knowles.

Source: Mary Katrantzou Fall 2012

McQ by Alexander McQueen Fall 2012

Jamie Roy — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:19:46 GMT

Last night I attended McQ by Alexander McQueen. It was the first-ever show for this diffusion line and let me tell you that it was nothing short of spectacular. The runway, well actually, the entire floor of the show-space was covered in dusty mulch and the lighting was dark up until show-time. Then, the models walked out in what was clearly a military-inspired collection that included incredible belted coats, cocktail dresses and evening wear in olive, black, white, burgundy, lace, leather, fur collars and velvet. There were even different textures within the same piece at times.

Clothing and high, dramatic lace up boots aside, the makeup was almost bare, other than a constructed brow and a bit of squarish shadow creating yet another androgynous beauty style this season. Hair was outrageous, pulled up into a slick bun and covered with a hair-encrusted giant donut piece. Just like the clothing and the setting and the ultra-loud music, it was all quite dramatic.

Highlights from the show included Salma Hayek in the front row flanked between her business mogul husband and Anna Wintour whose eyes I could not see for the incredible finale through her dark sunnies. About that finale, as the last look of the show, model Kristen McMenamy walked down the runway clad in a white evening dress. However, she stopped halfway, looking up at the leaves falling from the sky. There was a burst of light, and then darkness. Once the light came on again, Kristen then dug around in the wood-chips until she found a rope which lead her into a real forest. From the forest, all of the models emerged back onto the runway for the finale. It was all very surreal - well done McQ!

Twenty8Twelve Fall 2012

Brittney Stephens — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:18:56 GMT

Even though sisters Savannah and Sienna Miller left the brand earlier this year, the ultra-cool Twenty8Twelve girl that they created is still very present in the Fall '12 collection. Designers Vanessa James and Elsa Elphick offered a '60s mod grouping for the season, featuring Beatnik-style babydoll frocks with tights, slim-fitting trousers and flawlessly-cut coats - all perfect pieces for the seemingly effortless girl-about-town. They also played with prints - we saw the Prince of Wales check on tailored trousers, a silk blouse and skirt were cut in bold florals, and a psychedelic pattern popped up on a pair of shorts. Overall, Twenty8Twelve still has the same pretty, cool-girl appeal, and we're feeling this Fall collection.

Trends: Menswear-inspired trousers, tailored peacoats, short babydoll dresses, leather touches.
Colors: Black, gray, camel, petal pink, navy.
Key Piece: The Pepto Bismol-pink peplum dress caught our eye immediately.
Accessories: Sculptural colorblock heels, black leather gloves, printed head wraps.
Who Would Wear It: Retro-chic types like Kirsten Dunst and Zooey Deschanel.

Photos courtesy of Twenty8Twelve

Source: Twenty8Twelve Fall 2012

Vivienne Westwood Red Label Fall 2012

Jamie Roy — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:00:00 GMT

Vivienne Westwood sure knows how to put on a show. So much so that she drew the likes of chef Heston Blumenthal, Mary Charteris, Jacquetta Wheeler, Sadie Frost and Leigh Lezark to the front row. With a typically British, unorthodox theme, the clothing was far more conservative than what we usually see from this punky, edgy and unpredictable label. She used British fabrics at the beginning of the show, however, the kooky tribal patterns and bright colours were still fun and flirty enough to keep her reputation in check towards the end. Also, I'd like to point out that Vivienne has raised £1.15 million for the charity Cool Earth and used this forum to help reach her £7 goal - how wonderful that fashion can help this cause.

The beauty style complemented the collection with an overall creamy, caramel, wearable look on the face. MAC Cosmetics lead artist Val Garland took the helm to create a "30s tomboy on a bomb site" effect. Using dusty earthtones, tea stain shades on the eyes and cheeks, she left out mascara and instead opted for racy tattoos on the arms, legs, face, neck and feet to appeal to the tough girl side of the brand. Nails were also quite unique painted in grey and black with random symbols that tied into the tribal patterns in the collection.

For more on the review of the clothing and accessories, read what FabSugarUS has to say about the line here.

Issa London Fall 2012

Marisa Tom — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 20:27:28 GMT

Marisa Tom:

Issa showed off bold graphic prints against softer feminine silhouettes for Fall '12 - a perfect combination of bright and ladylike. From an emerald green, Kate Middleton-worthy wrap dress to funkier fur-enhanced, cap-sleeved frocks, we loved how wearable each retro-inspired piece was. Our full runway report is coming shortly, but click through now to see the complete collection.

Source: Issa London Fall 2012

Temperley London Fall 2012

Chi Diem Chau — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 20:21:19 GMT

Temperley London's opulent Autumn collection showed an array of beaded and silk gowns, gold lamé, and intricate embroidery. Inspired by the "sumptuous colors and decadent subjects of the religious paintings and tapestries" from the Renaissance, designer Alice Temperley created a decadent fairytale filled with grandeur and glamour. Adorned with luxe fur cossacks, models walked down the runway dressed in an array of long-sleeved floral and beaded gowns, some of which were Oscars-worthy contenders, in addition to shiny pant suits, and full-skirted silhouettes. Standouts included an elegant black slitted gown with a draped back, and the floral-patterned tops and dresses. Meanwhile, velvet separates and chic leather skirt suits provided a modern and textural twist to the line. More details from the beautiful collection below.

Trends: Full skirts, gold lamé, florals.
Colours: Black, gold, ivory, red, navy, blue, brown.
Key Piece: The floral embellished pieces and silky black gown were the standout pieces.
Accessories: Suede platform sandals and ankle boots, colourful jewelry, fur cossack hats.
Who Would Wear It: Women looking for unique, yet polished look like Kate Middleton and Thandie Newton in addition to front row attendees Poppy Delevigne and Minnie Driver.

Source: Temperley London Fall 2012