Get the London Lowdown

Hi Y'all! Let me clear one thing up, I am not being lazy and ignoring my blogging during the month of international fashion weeks. I am working for TWENTY6 Magazine which is just splendid (check it out) and have been covering the London Fashion Week for them. I will be dedicating a post to TWENTY6 very soon but for now find my reviews by following the link below:

CRISTO'S LFW REVIEWS

Is that CRISTO CLEAR?

x

Giving you the heads up...

I told you last year in my post Hat-solutely Fabulous that hats are the next big accessories trend and my my haven't we seen that come to fruition in a big way, I for one have noticed an increase in people venturing into headwear tentatively trying their first fedora. The popularity of hats is of such a level that a small exhibition of catwalk millinery is on display at The Fashion Space Gallery just off Oxford Street at The London College of Fashion. 

The exhibition is indeed small but it is well worth by-passing if you happen to be in the area, and if you don't live in London, well the whole exhibition is pretty much here for you to see. 

From left to right and top to bottom:

• John Rocha SS13, Millinery by John Rocha, oversized floral creation.
• Katsuya Kamo, Silver head for Junya Watanabe SS13, the piece was made of hundreds of individual silver shards and fine silver chain fringing.
• Lara Jensen, ‘Vanitas' Leather Rose Headpiece SS13, replica roses crafted from ox leather. 
• Yiqing Yin W12, Millinery by Paul Stafford, scarlet red hat that incorporates itself into the accompanying dress, wonderfully clever. 
• AF Vandevorst AW12, Millinery by Stephen Jones, integrated scarf and hat covering the face and creating a gothic-demon style look. 
• Fyodor Golan SS13, Millinery by Zara Gorman, royal blue plastic moulded hat.
• Donna Karan AW12, Millinery by Stephen Jones, grey layered trilby variation.
• Yohji Yamamoto SS04, Millinery by ITOYAMA-DESIGN, japanese inspired woven hat. 
• Hannah Marshall SS10, Millinery by House of Flora, ginger hair recreation.
• Giles Deacon SS09, Millinery by Stephen Jones, ghost hat constructed from orange reflective metal. 

So do I expect to see you all wearing something resembling a UFO on your head come tomorrow? No I do not, just appreciate these hats as the art pieces they are. 

Is that CRISTO CLEAR? 

x 

ps. my favourite hat of the moment (even forgoing my beloved veiled beanie) is the peaked cloche hat. These bell shaped hats are versatile as the general shaping is delicate but the peak adds a military slant which can be emphasised with additional styling (epaulettes, a statement belt, brooches etc.) The one I got is £25 from Topshop and is a simple felt with a matt finish, is very hard wearing and has survived much wind and rain so far in 2013. 

My adored penguin case is back! And this time is a fetching yellow for Spring! Any suggestions on names welcome! 

Chic Freak (Pronounce it "chick" and I WILL slap you)

The launch of anything is rather exciting be it a spaceship or a new concept store. Today we are concerned with the latter for on Thursday 31st January at around about 6pm saw the official launch of Chic Freak, Portobello Road's newest gem in a crown of creative wondrousness...Ok I'll tone it down! 

But in all sincerity I was truly impressed by this new venture and am excited to see how it is developed. Described by owner Tamarisk East-Rigby (who is a down-to-earth delight) as half make-up, half art, half fashion, this grown-ups dressing up box is an Aladdin's cave of clothing.  

Owner Tamarisk East Rigby with Viktoria Modesta

The clothes are indeed directional and those of a more conservative disposition may not understand why you are presented with sequinned handbags in the shape of a leg of lamb and gold skin tight jumpsuits. And therein lies the rationale of Chic Freak. More than a shop. It is also a studio space, a space where stylists and industry professionals can come to gain inspiration, use the garments in photo shoots, customers can have their make up done and in the summer have coffee on the pavement and enjoy the surrounding Portobello appeal. 

A selection of items from the store, including these wonderful Julian Hawkes and Terry De Havilland Shoes

There are many Art/Fashion mergers out there after all the two naturally compliment each other. In certain contexts fashion can most certainly be defined as medium of art extending beyond mere utensils for covering oneself (Haute Couture for example). However when taken into a retail setting I have seen many stores selling nice paintings next to nice clothes. Sure that is great, but really lacks any sort of cohesion or actual purpose even if they are paintings of clothes. Chic Freak manages to find purpose and balance by combining the retail side of fashion with the technical industry side of fashion. A marriage that which will hopefully bring an injection of vibrancy and modernity back to Portobello Road. A space to showcase new designers and also just have a nice time ogling at fantastical products that will be a wonderful addition to any wardrobe.

Is that CRISTO CLEAR?

x