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.

Christian Louboutin 'June' model

Shoes. I love their extravagance, I love the eccentricity that they exude. I love their ability to transform the plainest of outfits into a work of art. Only I tend not to be such a die-hard fan of them, already being 5ft9 barefoot and with absolutely no desire to grow any more.
Sometimes, however - only for exceptional pairs - my resistance to the shoe proves futile. Today is one of these occasions. The pair on which I have set my sights are the 'Junes' by Christian Louboutin in shocking pink. Aren't they fabulous? If you know anyone who has a spare £475 lying about please let me know pronto!!

The Stefanel Lookbook: Spring 2013

Stefanel. One of my all-time favourite designers. Every season I find myself fawning over his creations and this spring was no exception.

Soft shirts, trousers, cardigans and jackets pervade the collection which showcases simplistic essentials that never seem to go out of fashion. A classic aesthetic is created through the contrast of casual and elegant, combining khaki pants with a knitted sweater in one shot or gladiator sandals and a silk shirt in another. The palette consists of neutral tones of taupe grey, beige and white. The subtle tonality that differentiates the individual pieces from each other only enhances the delicate elegance of the clothing.

Unlike many designers of today, the clothes of Stefanel never seem excessive or OTT. In observing them, not once does the thought cross our mind where on earth we could wear them. This is because Stefanel's aim is not to push the boundaries of contemporary fashion to its breaking point. Nor is it to showcase extravagance which leaves poor souls such and you and I scratching our heads in wonderment at the fantasticality of his creations. No, his muse is simply the real woman; the weekly shopper, the business executive, the stay-at-home mum, the winer-and-diner. His clothes convey the message that no woman is unworthy of his creations and that all women have a right to feel beautiful. And his aim; to turn her into a vision. A vision, that is, all'italiana.