Saint Laurent Paris

Yves Saint Laurent to become Saint Laurent Paris. Although the brand's logo will remain the same, the change is set to take place in the coming months. The renaming of the brand comes as part of Hedi Slimane's makeover of the brand, inspired by what the label was originally called back in 1966 when it was founded - Saint Laurent Rive Gauche. The studios is also moving to Los Angeles, where the designer lives. This represents a massive shift for the French-label. 


So YSL is set to experience some pretty radical changes in the following couple of months, I am intrigued as to what the next collection brings to the table. 

Nicholas Kirkwood

So I have started my summer internship at Starworks Group in London, and one of the clients they represent is Nicholas Kirkwood. So we had resort press day last week and then a couple of days later 2 buyers from NET-A-PORTER came to look at the shoes in order to see what to feature on their website. The shoe samples happened to be in size 37 and I just happen to be that very size! So I took one for the team and tried on the shoes for them....oh it was just so hard! 


Feeling that there was a gap in the market for statement shoes, Nicholas Matthew Kirkwood launched his first collection for SS05, and has been creating innovative designs ever since. He has worked with many great designers from a jewellery collection with Swarovski to Erdem to Rodarte. 


Here are some of my favourite pieces from the SS12 collection...

For the whole collection as well as previous ones, visit the Nicholas Kirkwood website.

Backpacks

There is something great about the revival of a previously forgotten trend. It's inevitable which is why I don't like throwing things away, things come back into style. The trend I am referring to in particular is the humble backpack. In my early teens the backpack was considered seriously uncool, however, I now have been sucked back into the craze and I must say thank god. Backpacks are a great deal more practical - for example carrying books to uni - and just make a lot more sense. 

When it comes to rocking this trend there are multiple ways in which to do so - from the worn out leather look, to brightly coloured, to navajo fabric - there is something for everyone.

(Images via random Tumblrs)

There are some trends that I can't wait to die, mainly because for a mere mortal like myself I just can't pull it off. However, I hope the backpack never ever leaves us again. 

My last week in Manchester

Apologies for the severe lack of posts but I have had a pretty hectic week! So here is what I've been up to...

Firstly, COLDPLAY at the Emirates Stadium in London, which was amazing! I have loved Coldplay ever since their first album Parachutes. Their latest album Mylo Xyloto took a slightly different direction, being much more upbeat. I got to see them with my family and some family-friends which was just so much fun! Chris Martin was of course flawless, and boy do they put on a show! We were all given wristbands on entering which flashed to different songs. When Charlie Brown came on, arguable my favourite song from the latest album, it was pretty insane looking around and seeing 65 thousand flashing lights. An absolutely incredible night.

Next I was back up in Manchester to celebrate the end of second year with a couple of big nights, the first of which was Pangaea, one of the biggest non-profit student nights in the country. Currently in its 7th year, there are 2 events a year, right after the January and Summer exam periods and takes place in the student union. There is a different theme every time, this time it was Club Tropicana, and the union is completely transformed. An all night rave completely organised by the students is what makes this one of the best nights of the year!

Straight after Pangaea came Parklife, a mini festival that takes place in Platt Fields Park in Manchester. This is the last thing that happens each year in Manchester before everyone goes their separate ways for the summer. This year saw the likes of The Flaming Lips, Noah and the Whale and Labrinth headlining over the 2 days. Unfortunately Azealia Banks cancelled her appearance, who I was most looking forward to seeing!

Finally I was lucky enough to get tickets to see Watch the Throne, and even luckier I got to see it with one of my best and oldest friends. If you haven't already you simply must download the collaborative album of Jay Z and Kanye West and listen to it all the way through! One of the best albums from 2 of the biggest artists and producers. They played for 3 hours, songs from the Watch the Throne album as well as some songs individually. I had been looking forward to the concert for months and am kind of sad that it is over, as well as not quite being able to believe that it actually happened. That's just how great it was. It was pretty fucking incredible. 

After my whirlwind of a week I am back home in Oxford after having said an emotional goodbye to Manchester. It was bittersweet, I could not be more excited for my year abroad but it was sad saying goodbye to my housemate and other friends who won't be there in my final year. 


So my apologies again, I will be spending the summer working and interning and blogging!

Lily and Lionel

Following on from my last post on the power of accessories I bring you Lily and Lionel, a luxury scarf company. The founder, Alice Stone, has a long history of fashion in her family, naming the company after her grandparents, Lily who was a dressmakers, and Lionel who supplied clothes to London boutiques. 

Her prints are unique and fun, I especially love the most recent collection - a collaboration with photographer David Bebber entitled 'Young Brit thing', particularly fitting considering the significance of 2012 in Britain. 

Beach Huts

Marching Guards

Other favourites include the Cityscape scarfs, depicting various cities from 'the edgy, urban Black London print to the delicate romance of the Venetian Gondola design and the vibrant, colourful scenes of New York'.

City of London

Paris by Night

Pink London

New York Cityscape

Other classics include the smudgy floral and original animal prints.

Austen (left), Tiger's Web (right)

Gardner (left), Watercolour Blue and Orange (right)

Check out all the other designs and what else Lily and Lionel has to offer at their website.

Accessories

Sometimes it's all in the accessories. From a belt to a scarf to jewellery, nothing quite pulls an outfit together. The beauty of the humble accessory is that can update an ensemble, the perfect investment from season to season. 


First and foremost we have belts. I love nothing more than trawling vintage and second hand shops for cheap belts.

Some other fun was to accessorise...

(images via random Tumblrs)

So next time you look at your wardrobe in despair searching for something to wear, look no further than some simple accessories.

Gold Tips

Everywhere I look, shoes of all varieties have had a bit sprinkling of gold. From tips to heels to all over metallica, the shoe of the season comes with a hint of sparkle. I love shoes - they always fit - and one can never have too many. I bought into this trend this past winter with a pair of Topshop, gold heeled ankle boots, which I have worn to death. The perfect combination of sophistication and cool these boots can be dressed up or down - this versatility making them all the more attractive (meaning their cost per wear went way down). 

(images via random Tumblrs)

Below are some of picks from the world wide web...

1. Topshop, WALTON Bleach Wood Wedges

2. Zara, Basic Sandal

3. Jimmy Choo, Peachy metallic leather gladiator sandals

4. Gucci, Cracked-leather and suede sandals

5. Topshop, PAPARAZZI Metallic Toe-Cap Shoes