Sir Norman Parkinson: A Tribute

Today I discovered the work of Sir Norman Parkinson's beautiful photographs, thanks to the Google Doodle in honour of his 100th birthday and would like to share them with you. Sir Norman is considered by many as the father of modern fashion photography. He has worked for Vogue and Harper's Bazaar and his work remains distinctive through it's abandonment of the studio in favour of outside space. His work reflects an elegance of a bygone era and a hedonistic sense of glamour that does not seem to exist anymore.

 

Mango Catalogue: Summer 2013

Gosh I love the Mango summer collection this year. Simple silk vests and chemises, slouchy pants, lightweight blazers and jackets, all teamed up with bold golden ethnic-inspired jewellery create the perfect look for balmy summer days and scented evenings.

An eclectic mishmash of styles, colours and designs runs throughout the collection: juxtapositions of blacks and whites with infusions of colour and a mix of sophisticated and relaxed convey the idea that there is no 'right' way to wear these clothes. You are beckoned to experiment with them for yourself, in order to create your own signature through fashion. Block colour and Aztec patterned combos are also prominent, combining classic elegance with that distinctive 2013 twist. For me, this is the best of uncomplicated style. Simplicity is always the key, pair it with a couple of exquisite accessories and you've got a killer look.

The Ulyana Sergeenko Lookbook: Spring 2013

Ulyana Sergeenko, thirty-two year old Russian model, photographer and blogger, only until recently made her debut into the fashion world. At first renowned for her unique Anna Karenina street-style aesthetic, she then launched her eponymous couture line in 2011, which has only garnered more adoration for her sumptuous outfits.

Sergeenko's creations appear to be a halfway point between a marked nostalgia of old-world Russia and her own personal street-style. They are unashamedly reminiscent of the decadence of Russian aristocracy under the Tsarist regime yet all seem vaguely familiar when we remember the clothes that she herself used to sport when snapped by photographers on the streets of Moscow. "They are clothes I love to wear" she says "but they are also for every woman who wants to be beautiful."

Beautiful, indeed, is the word to describe her Spring Collection, which, this season took a turn to the West, remembering in more ways than one the classic American tale Gone with the Wind. Although retaining traditional Russian roots, Sergeenko's full-length corseted gowns, frills, crochet embroidery, velvet capes and hand-painted porcelain buttons, adorned with straw hats and parasols sparkle with the evocative romance and theatricality of the folktale. The meticulousness of detail that she pays to every item along with her innate ability to transport the wearer and the observers to another time through the power of clothing demonstrate that she is definitely one to watch for the seasons to come.

Inspire me: Patterned Leggings

I laughed when I heard that leggings (patterned ones, at that!) were making a comeback. 'Surely you must be joking!' I thought, the visual in my mind immediately reverting to cheesy fitness videos of the eighties. 'How could anybody possibly be willing to look like such an idiot?!' This opinion I maintained for long afterwards and despite the growing fan base numbers for this unlikely fashion trend, I still remained ever-cynical. Now however, as much as I hate to admit it, they're beginning to grow on me. If you are still skeptical, take a look at the images below and tell me that you still hold leggings in high contempt. Or have you already got your eye on a pair?

Morena Rosa Fall Campaign 2013

I love the new 2013 Fall Campaign for Morena Rosa. We see Brazilian model Isabeli Fontana claim the streets in daring red dresses, over-the-knee boots, fur gilets and racy stilettos, creating a sexy, glam-rock aesthetic.

TFW: Matohu Fall 2013

One of the collections that I adore from Tokyo Fashion Week is that of Matohu. Long woollen coats, quilted gilets and modest below-the-knee bell shaped skirts were big on the agenda this fall, all with an infusion of delicate shades of greys, creams, olives and teals. A playful use of texture pervades the collection, with interesting juxtapositions of heavy swathe tweeds and wools balanced with lighter fabrics such as silk, cotton and chiffon for blouses and skirts. The clothes are all so incredibly different to the quirky eccentricity of their French and Italian counterparts, yet, because of this, they possess a certain quality of charm so befitting to the ideal of the demure Japanese lady.

LKBennett Fall 13 Campaign

Just been flicking through last month's Vogue and the latest LKBennett campaign to me stands out head and shoulders above the rest, has anyone seen it? Rosamund Pike is the epitome of feminine beauty and dazzles against the subdued office backdrop. I love how understated the campaign is - staple items of clothing with which every female in the world is familiar, paired together to create a vision. How could a simple white shirt and black pencil skirt with stilettos possibly look so chic?