LFW AUTUMN/WINTER 2012: LAKO BUKIA
ACCORDING TO GEORGIAN BELIEFS, LOOKING INTO A BROKEN MIRROR BRINGS BAD LUCK, BUT THAT WAS NOT THE CASE FOR DESIGNER LAKO BUKIA AS SHE PRESENTED HER SOPHISTICATED COLLECTION “BROKEN MIRRORS” AT FREEMASON’S HALL.
Models with high pony tails and thick eyebrow make-up opened the catwalk in sensual transparent tops, fitted leather trousers and suede skirts. The shoes were particularly striking too as high knee boots and ankle boots were finished with a heel that resembled a shard of glass.
The colour palette was mainly black and silver which combined with luxurious fabrics such as leather, silk and chiffon and “broken glass” embroidery created an extravagant and futuristic look, perfect for a chic night out.
A unique collection for fearless, confident and strong women who take life as it comes.
Check out the AGENT2 Facebook page for more images from the show.
Words Veronica Carpio Martin Images Dan Harley
LFW AUTUMN/WINTER 2012: ELISA PALOMINO
SPANISH DESIGNER ELISA PALOMINO TOOK US TO HER DELICATE AND AVANT-GARDE UNIVERSE WITH A STUNNING COLLECTION OF LONG EVENING GOWNS AND TUNICS, INSPIRED BY FLORINE STETTHEIMER’S BOOK OF POEMS “CRYSTAL FLOWERS”, WHICH GIVES NAME TO THE COLLECTION.
Her designs paid tribute also to couturiers such as Paul Poiret and The house of Paquin, who used exotic fabrics, exquisite embroidery, and Chinese motifs printed in Alcantara.
Models in light purple wigs and extreme colourful make-up made an entrance in spectacular velvet gowns accessorized with bows and floral headpieces. Fuchsia, vibrant orange and black were the main colours in a collection for women who want to show their more delicate and feminine side with a touch of eccentricity.
Her key pieces were a fuchsia velvet gown with an ostrich feather goa, a leopard print cocktail dress with a matching jacket, a printed chiffon dress complemented with an orange goa and the spectacular final outfit: a black ostrich feather gown embroidered with butterflies.
For the first time, Elisa has created two fragrances: “rendez-vous”, with base notes of ruffled taffeta and lace, and “forbidden”, made with precious oils.
The result was a tremendously chic, striking and futuristic collection that highlights female power in a very seductive and intelligent way.
Check out the AGENT2 Facebook for more images from the show.
Words Veronica Carpio Martin Images Dan Harley
WINTER – MAPS & ATLASES
February 21, 2012 by Editor
Filed under ONES 2 WATCH
Indie rock outfit Maps & Atlases are due to release their second album later this year and we’re excited to give you a chance to hear the teaser track, Winter. Inspired by the Chicago winter, the track bounces along to a driving bass line with suitably icicle like spiky guitars. Turn the heating up & play it loud…the album, Beware and Be Grateful is out on the 16th April through FatCat records.
Words Tamsin Worrad
LFW AUTUMN/WINTER 2012: CARLOTTA ACTIS BARONE
FASHION DESIGNER CARLOTTA ACTIS BARONE EXPRESSED SOCIAL ISSUES THROUGH FASHION WITH A SERIOUS AND PERSONAL COLLECTION INSPIRED BY THE EXTERMINATIONS THAT TOOK PLACE DURING THE HOLOCAUST.
The slogan put on the Auschwitz camp gates, “Work liberates”, is printed on her bodysuits, dresses and leggings to remind us that even during a horrific event like the Holocaust, the victims were still dreaming and hoping for a better life.
The colour palette was mainly dark colours: black, blue and purple, that put together with the smoke created a very sinister and tragic atmosphere.
The messy hair and obscure make-up added drama and sadness to a look, which wanted to impress and make us aware of how brutal and unfair our world has been and still is.
The symbolic “Davis star” from the Jewish culture has been translated to her outfits creating structured and rigid silhouettes.
Capes, bodysuits, asymmetric skirts and long evening gowns were the main highlights in a collection that oozed sobriety, fragility and tragedy but with a touch of hope and illusion.
Please check out the AGENT2 Facebook page for more images from the show.
Words Veronica Carpio Martin Images Dan Harley
LFW AUTUMN/WINTER 2012: JOHN ROCHA
JOHN ROCHA HAS GOT INSPIRED BY MEMORIES FROM HONG LONG’S HAPPY VALLEY RACE TRACK AND THE PATTERNS AD COLOURS OF SEAN SCULLY’S CANVASSES TO CREATE A ROMANTIC AND ELEGANT COLLECTION THAT PLAYS WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF TEXTURES AND SILHOUETTES.
Models with messy hair in voluminous taffeta jackets opened a show were the key pieces were lambskin coats, transparent long dresses with floral details and short leather jackets combined with long vaporous skirts that had a rock & roll, wild and naughty feel.
The colour palette was mainly black except for a few splashes of green and gold, that combined with luxurious fabrics such as satin, velvet, lace and cashmere created an interesting duality for women with strong personality, yet fragile; edgy yet sensitive, wild yet sweet.
John Rocha gave us a lesson of how to make “grunge chic” in an effortless way.
Check out the AGENT2 Facebook page for more images from the show.
Words Veronica Carpio Martin Images Dan Harley
LFW AUTUMN/WINTER 2012: FYODOR GOLAN
THE CREATIVE LABEL FYODOR GOLAN MADE THEIR DEBUT IN SOMERSET HOUSE WITH AN ASTONISHING COLLECTION INSPIRED BY THE STORY OF ANASTASIA, THE ROMANV’S FAMILY MISSING DAUGHTER, WHO ESCAPED FROM HER ROYAL LIFE. THE DUO (FYODOR PODGORNY AND GOLAN FRYDMAN) HAS CONNECTED ANASTASIA’S MYTH WITH INSECTS, AS THEY ALSO CHANGE THEMSELVES FOR PROTECTION.
Using traditional weaving techniques, luxurious Mongolian velvets and lamb furs, Fyodor’s collection creates a magic and extravagant universe of striking and fragile silhouettes and sculpted lines that definitely have the “wow” factor.
The key pieces were long evening gowns that highlight the waist and coats in fur and leather in bright green, red, black and white, in a collection that breathes pure luxury, elegance and glamour.
Particularly captivating were also the sharp nose rings wore by the models and the eye make-up, both inspired by Ethel Granger.
The collection is available in selected boutiques worldwide: Harvey Nichols UK, Front Row Beirut and Alan Journo Milan, amongst others.
Check out the AGENT2 Facebook page for more images from the show.
Words Veronica Carpio Martin Images Dan Harley
LFW AUTUMN/WINTER 2012: FLORIAN JAYET
SHOES IN ALL SHAPES (ANKLE BOOTS, PLATFORMS, METALLIC HEELS WITH SKULLS, HEEL LESS WEDGES) WERE THE STAR IN FLORIAN JAYET’S FUTURISTIC COLLECTION INSPIRED BY TRIBES AND CIVILIZATIONS OF THE PAST.
The “office-look-with-a-tribal-twist” created structured and contemporary silhouettes for a woman who wants to feel stylish, confident and powerful.
Earthy tones such as grey, light green and blue have been combined with draping and pleating techniques in a collection were the main highlights were high-waisted skirts and trousers combined with colourful shirts, leggings with tribal prints and a striking silver gown accessorized with facial jewellery, reminiscent of a burka.
Metallic nails and oversized rings completed a look, influenced by McQueen which mixes past and future creating edgy and sophisticated designs.
Check out the AGENT2 Facebook page for more images from the show.
Words Veronica Carpio Martin Images Dan Harley
LFW AUTUMN/WINTER 2012: INBAR SPECTOR
ISRAELI DESIGNER INBAR SPECTOR OFFERED A TRULY SPLENDOROUS COLLECTION INSPIRED BY ESCAPISM AND THE WAY OF TRYING TO CHANGE OUR BODY TO REACH WHAT WE SEE AS IDEAL.
The catwalk opened with a model wearing extravagant jewellery over the face in gold perforated leather trousers.
Inbar’s dramatic signature style can be seen in the use of rich fabrics such as lace, silk and ruffles that combined with avant-garde silhouettes and complex constructions created a stunningly elaborated cutting-edge look.
Think of circus, clowns, fantasy, decadence, dreams, utopia… Inbar’s collection is as innovative, exquisite and creative as you can get.
Each outfit was a total masterpiece, specially the oversized jackets and coats combined with puffy skirts, the metallic body suits and the long evening gowns.
The colour palette included pastel colours such as smoky pink, light green and nude that mixed with black and gold created a magical and surrealist atmosphere.
The result was a spectacular collection designed for a woman who wants to escape from any type of conformism, break the rules and show her most outrageous side.
The audience couldn’t stop clapping and we definitely know why…
The headpieces were designed, especially for this collection, by Lara Jensen. In the future, Inbar is planning to launch a menswear and accessories collection.
Check out the AGENT2 Facebook page for more images from the show.
Words Veronica Carpio Martin Images Dan Harley
MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK MADRID PART 2
THE LAST TWO DAYS OF MBFWM KEPT THE EXCITEMENT UP AS SOME OF THE MOST RENOWNED DESIGNERS IN SPAIN PRESENTED THEIR LATEST COLLECTIONS FOR AUTUMN/WINTER 2012-13.
Once again, Venezuelan designer Hannibal Laguna vowed the audience with an exquisite collection of spectacular evening dresses in silk organza, embroidery, burned feathers and lace. Black, the predominant colour in most of his pieces, was accompanied by gold and bronze in a collection inspired by the work of the Spanish painter Julio Romero de Torres. The result was a sophisticated and elegant collection that perfectly reflected the delicacy and sensuality of the Spanish woman. Without a doubt, the best collection of MBFWM. The show was also the perfect excuse to celebrate the launch of Hannibal’s new online boutique.
Davidelfin’s collection, “Will”, presented simple and elegant silhouettes in black, white and grey in a kind of office-look-with-a-twist. High-waisted skirts and tight dresses got complemented by zips, thin belts, Louboutin high-heels and bags made with oxygen tubes from labs. The fashion show closed with the performance of the Spanish singers Alaska, Mario Vaquerizo and Bimba Bose, who created the soundtrack exclusively for this collection.
Ana Locking’s collection, “Time Capsule”, comes back to the USA’s golden age of the 1920s that led to the Great Depression of the 1930s, linking it with our present economic crisis. Structured long white and black dresses, straight v-necks and jackets with geometrical cuts were the star pieces in a collection inspired by Art Deco for a woman who wants to feel sophisticated and glamorous without taking too may risks. The collection had a more commercial feeling than previous seasons due to the awareness of our difficult economic times.
To commemorate the tenth anniversary of the launch of his first fashion collection, Ion Fiz has partnered with Swarovski elements creating ten different colours, fabrics and silhouettes for strong and powerful women and men who want to be noticed wherever they go. For the daytime, Ion’s look is all about aviator sunglasses and hats, oversized bags, tulip skirts and 40’s style shirts. But the night had the last word with marvellous evening gowns in silk and satin with Swarovski crystals that embrace the feminine form in the most delicate way.
Inspired by big cosmopolitan cities, Kina Fernandez presented a chic collection that had a very down-to-earth and urban feel, where the main highlights were oversized coats, high-waisted trousers and knee-length skirts in black, dark orange and grey. The final part got glamed up with 40s style dresses full of sophistication, style and femininity.
Lady Gaga is a huge fan of her corsets and we definitely can see why. Think of 50’s New York, jazz clubs, Hollywood starlets, burlesque, haute couture, red carpet, luxury, fantasy, elegance… Maya Hansen is as provocative and striking as you can get. Her key piece, the corset, has been combined this time with long couture skirts and high-waisted trousers, that alongside with leather gloves, bows and Swarovski crystals, create a unique and powerful look for the ultimate femme fatale in her purest form.
Maria Barros showcased a mysterious and exciting collection that opens the doors to her story, her world. Models in striking long grey wigs presented enigmatic outfits that had a touch of nostalgia and austere elegance. Wrapped mini skirts and dresses accessorized with maxi-belts and black leather gloves were the key designs, featuring delicate and feminine silhouettes.
Toton Comella (TCN) mixed colourful lingerie with casual wear in a collection where hats, pyjama-style trousers, oversized jumpers, waistcoats and tweed mini shorts where the main highlights. TCN’s designs have a school-girl-meets-cool-granny style for women who want to wear comfortable clothes without losing their chicness.
To wrap up in style, Miguel Marinero closed Madrid Fashion Week with a very personal collection that paid tribute to the painter Gustav Klimt. Models with paintings as hats opened the catwalk in a collection characterized by the use of elegant and colourful fur coats, jackets made of soft glace lamb and leather corsets. Camel, turquoise blue and purple were the key colours in designs that breathe luxury, creativity and sensuality.
Words Veronica Carpio Martin Images Dan Harley and Getty Images
MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK MADRID PART 1
LONDON? PARIS? NEW YORK? MILAN? NO, IT´S MADRID FASHION WEEK BABY! SPANISH FASHION HAS COME BACK THIS YEAR WITH A NEW NAME, MERCEDES-BENZ MADRID FASHION WEEK (MBFWM), TO CONFIRM ITS STATUS AS THE BIGGEST AND MOST IMPORTANT SHOWCASE OF SPANISH FASHION AND STAMP ITS PRESENCE ON THE INTERNATIONAL MAP.
44 designers presented their creative ideas to the fashion world at the spectacular venue Feria de Madrid. More than just a series of catwalks, MBFWM is a visually stunning extravaganza where the most influential fashion magazines and brands have come together to create a unique show.
In different stands, we could see Spanish Vogue delicately crafting fashionable t-shirts, Hola! (the Spanish version of Hello!) inviting you to be photographed like a celebrity, L’Oreal bringing you insider tips about the latest make up and beauty products, and the kissing room, courtesy of Absolut Vodka, where designers welcomed their most exclusive guests after presenting their collections.
The fashion show was inaugurated by the Galician designer, Roberto Verino, who showcased a seductive collection inspired by the artistic, intellectual and bohemian world of New York in the 1970s. The main highlights were plastic and transparent trench coats to cover you in style on a rainy day, glamorous Great-Gatsby style cocktail dresses in black with embellishments, stunning fur coats with a touch of lace and beadwork and velvet grey jackets for men, reminiscent of American gangsters.
Jesus del Pozo looked at the Middle East to present a discreet collection where the main pieces were square ponchos, abayas, goatskin coats and jackets, and mermaid-style dresses for a woman who doesn´t want to show off too much and prefers to hide her curves with stylish and simple lines. The colour palette is made of undefined shades in grey, brown, dark blue and emerald green, which combined with a mixture of textures such as satin, organza and wool, creates an air of mysticism, nostalgia and escapism.
Francis Montesinos´s collection took us into a journey between tradition and innovation, past and future whose key pieces were striking evening gowns with flowery details and vaporous textures and stunning mini dresses in black and cream accessorized with long leather gloves. The result is a celebration of fashion, hand-craft work and art.
The usually flamboyant duo Victorio & Luchino presented a more austere collection inspired by the ambiance of the 1950’s and 60’s. Refined materials such as mink fur and velvet have been used to create a delicate and romantic look for “the girl next door”. Oversized fur pockets, 60s style boots and straight cropped jackets were the key pieces in a collection that had a very wintery feeling.
Elisa Palomino’s collection, “Winter Bloom”, paid tribute to cutting-edge icons such as Edith Sitwall and Elsie de Wolfe, to create an extravagant and surrealist style, with oriental touches, that celebrates glamour, eccentricity and luxury. The main highlights were stunning long gowns in vibrant reds and pinks, that adorned with pearls, feathers, brooches and floral headwear, created a very sophisticated and dream-like look. Elisa will also present her collection during London Fashion Week.
Argentinean designer Roberto Torretta presented a chic collection where he has mixed mid 20th-century feminine purity with futuristic silhouettes creating a “retro-future” feel. Dresses in different lengths and shapes were the key pieces in a collection characterized by raglan sleeves, leather gloves and block colours. Roberto creates a sporty and modern look for daywear, while for the evening his designs transform into vaporous long dresses that ooze glamour and sophistication.
Catalan designer Andres Sarda brought back the “Moulin Rouge spirit” with a very sensual and seductive collection for confident women who dare to show off their sexier side. Dance with me! is a celebration of the cabaret world where luxurious fabrics such as haute couture lace, satin and silk are combined with black, red and white colours creating spectacular pieces that leave no one indifferent.
Miguel Palacio showcased an innovative collection inspired by Art Deco where the dress again is the key piece of clothing for a confident woman that wants to show off her curves and female power. Heavy materials such as wool and velvet are combined with the lighter silk and satin, to create volume and structured silhouettes that want to seduce, without being overly provocative.
The first part of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid offered an eclectic array of different looks and designs that can stand proudly alongside the other four major fashion weeks. Spanish fashion is firmly establishing its name in the fashion world with unique pieces that want to captivate, seduce, impress and remind us that fashion is an art form and one of the most fun ways to express yourself. To be continued…
Words Veronica Carpio Martin Images Getty Images
