Saturday 24 December 2011

Curiouser and Curiouser

Soon the Winter Wonderland will be a distant memory and ALICE in Wonderland will be at the forefront of our minds. This spring the new sensation movement is upon us and there is no time to be a shrinking violet, as designers think BIG and cause an explosion on the catwalks. At first glance, this trend could be your worst nightmare…bold prints, clashing colours, feathers, fringing and flowers. You name it; new sensation has it, as it is all about playing with your senses and creating a mouth watering, eye popping, three dimensional fashion illusion…guaranteed to blow your mind.


Alice in Wonderland, Tim Burton

The main influences for this larger than life trend stem from numerous sources that believe it or not, manage to somehow put this mind boggling fashion frenzy in to perspective. Art clubs from the underground scene, exotic flowers, drag queens and even the natural wonders of the northern lights have made this trend the high impact phenomenon that it is today and that we will soon be seeing coming down the runway…and lets be honest we can hardly miss it.

Texture is key, with many designers turning to 3D to enhance the sensory spectacle, creating a fun and excitable playground for our eyes. Christopher Kane, a personal favourite of mine, in true mad hatters tea party style, has used oversized flowers and prints to create real magic on his latest collection; he has even incorporated glow in the dark fabrics for a further twist on the mind.

Christopher Kane, Spring/Summer 2012
Christopher Kane, Spring/Summer 2012
Mary Katranitzou, known for her exquisite digital prints has captured the trend in her own unique way, with outfits covered head to toe in clashing yet equally beautiful prints. Despite this not being 100% to my liking, there is no denying that she does it well and leaves you feeling fun, magical and slightly youthful inside.

Mary Katranitzou, Spring/Summer 2012
If flowers aren’t your thing and you were a fan of the faux fur this winter, maybe sporting a few feathers could be just up your street, or should I say down your rabbit hole. Nepalese designer Prabal Gurung has used these gorgeous purple and turquoise feathers to create a fun yet feminine statement that when teamed with red lipstick, screams Alice in Wonderland.  If you were just getting in to the glitz and glamour of Christmas and are reluctant to leave the festive season behind, then fear not as all things that sparkle are still a must for your senses, as demonstrated by Marc Jacobs in this high shine, high drama outfit.

Prabal Gurung, Spring/Summer 2012
Marc Jacobs, Spring/Summer 2012
Spring is a time for confidence so let it shine through the movement of the new sensation, with 2012 proving to be a big year for the UK, what better way to bring in the new year, than with a high fashion bang. Take this opportunity to make a statement and grab it with both hands, I for one can’t wait to see what the British High street thinks up and to take a giant leap in to the fantasy world of Alice.

Mad Hatter's Tea Party
P.S It’s not only clothes and fashion that have got trapped in the magical world of  Alice, enhance your senses further by provoking your taste buds and enjoying the Mad Hatter’s afternoon tea at the Sanderson Hotel. This is not a massive hint to those that know and love me…I PROMISE <3

Wednesday 21 December 2011

Wet and Wild

Ok, so I’m aware that it is only a few days until the massively awaited Christmas Day and that most of us are brainwashed in to festive mode, BUT I am breaking the mould and sadly, in true “wishing your life away” style am thinking about the arrival of spring, RATHER than the arrival of St. Nick.

Despite winter being my favourite time of year, I have been well and truly swept up in the surf of next season’s ocean frenzy. It is no doubt that this water based trend will be dominating our wardrobes and transforming us all in to magical sea creatures…I have always had a slight case of the green eyed monster towards The Little Mermaid, so now is finally my chance to experiment.

Now this is not the time to dig out your Hawaiian shirts from the depths of your wardrobes…they are still only ok when you are a million miles away from home; instead inspiration comes from the likes of tropical fish, coral reefs, waves, starfish and sharks.

A few years ago I was lucky enough to go down under and visit the magical world of The Great Barrier Reef and there truly are no words to describe its beauty. As soon as my head (and very attractive snorkel, wetsuit and flipper combination) pierced the water, it was like I left earth and entered another planet. A beautiful planet, peaceful and serene, made up of tantalising coral in a striking array of colours that will make up the bold palette for spring/summer 2012.




Blue is the colour of the season, a variety of shades ranging from the deep blue of the ocean to the bright turquoise of the reef will be complimented with bright corals, oranges, pinks and metallics in true water world style.

Never failing to mention my favourite fashion house, Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen is leading the way in coral-etiquette with these beautiful barnacle inspired garments as well as a stunning silver “shark” evening ensemble that will ensure to take you to the top of the underwater “fashion food chain”.

Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2012
Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2012
Mary Katrantzou creates a realistic sea life scene on her tropical print garments that really are amazing and not for the faint hearted. If you are not a natural water baby, perhaps you could paddle in the shallow waters with more subtle sea accessories, such as adding shimmering pearls to your outfit, a la Chanel.

Mary Katrantzou Spring/Summer 2012

Chanel Spring/Summer 2012
All be it a little early, fashion for 2012 is looking to be the best yet; so when the bleak and cold, winter days are drawing to a close, make a splash this spring and dive deep in to the water world.



I AM ALIVE!

Consider this a formal apology for being thoroughly useless with my blog posts over the last few months. There is no excuse other than I am rubbish at time management. Uni got the better of me and I vow never to be this neglectful ever again.

Yours sincerely,
Amy <3

P.S I’M BAAAAACK