B is for BESPOKE

A few of my friends, myself included, have been turning 21 recently. So what's more perfect than a personalised trinket or trousse to say bon anniversaire mon cheri?! Monagraming hit the Vogue a while back with Penelope Chilver's Dandy slipper pumps, but we've come to realise nothing's more luxurious than complete overall personalisation. Take a look at these bespoke beauts for some inspiration...

SILKEN FAVOURS- It's no myth that Chelsea Art School graduate Vicki Murdoch's scarves have become the prize items in Liberty's historic scarf hall. The quirky and playful illustrations eclipsing her classic silk scarves expertly showcase the true meaning of the term "quintessentially British". Her business startup was completely organic, all sparking from the one off scarf she made her parents featuring all the various birds in their garden. Quickly realising the potential of her creations, she began printing more of her designs until they were eventually snapped up by Libertys. Her many collections range from scarves entitled "Russet Revels" and "Butterflies and Beasticles" he he to sumptuous silk printed cushions. Silken Favours offers a bespoke service for £475- by asking questions about your passions, favourite colours, chosen hobbies and preferred time of year(!) you are sure to create a truely unique gift. And there's no doubting the recipient will love you forever! Check out www.silkenfavours.com

MILLER HARRIS PERFUME- What greater luxury than concocting your own unique scent? With the help of infamous fragrance guru, Lyn Harris, you can tailor make a bespoke Miller Harris fragrance. Harris pioneered this idea of bespoke perfumery with the intention of affirming her philosophy "match scent to sensibility". The creative process begins with a personal consultation to establish theme and style, and ends with the delivery of your hand-engraved perfume bottle. Et viola!

ANYA HINDMARCH BESPOKE- "I spend my life trying to find the perfect present. A personalised one is always the one that people love and keep for generations which is why I started Anya Hindmarch Bespoke. These pieces are not of a season but of a moment in your life and designed to have your name on them rather than mine". From photograph printed bags and pouches, to leather goods forever embossed with your doodles and hidden inscriptions, it's clear Anya excels when it comes to creating luxury gifts with true heart. Their Pont Street Store ( picture to the left) is home to Anya Hindmarch Bespoke and showcases the entire collection, as well as an on site workshop for specialised embossers. Although their bespoke service is not currently available online you can check out www.anyasworld.anyahindmarch.com/bespoke for videos and inspiration, examples of the witty handwritten messages include "to the best legs in town! xx"
Merci beaucoup.

MADE IN CHINA: Angelica Cheung, founding editor of Vogue China

“I am going to redefine the concept Made in China, so one day they’re going to say- eeet’s good”

Fancy delving into the freshest crop of movers and shakers? Well, BBC Arts Editor Will Gompertz is here sorting the chaff from the wheat. The current Radio 4 series Zeigeisters follows the man himself as he presents a cultural exposé of the most influential figures in the art world today. The label “Zeigeisters” will attempt to categorize the few outstanding visionaries. Those who are constantly encapsulating the spirit of our age, and shaping the modern world.

Despite such talents their names are shamefully under acknowledged, so the program signals a call for widespread recognition. Opening the program Gompertz laments the “cultural impresarios standing quietly in the wings… the Andy Warhols, Coco Chanels and Steve Jobs of today. The people we should know all about.”

First up was the turn of Angelica Cheung, style-maker and business impresario, one who till now has been firmly off radar. It was in 2005 she claims “fate just picked me” for the daunting role of creating a Chinese edition of Vogue. Although a complete contrast to the law profession she was intent on returning to, it was offer she couldn’t refuse. Everyone knew it was a risky start up, but with instant sell-out success the lady is consistently proving “style has substance”.

With an unlimited luxury market at her well-manicured fingertips, her voice as editor-in-chief Vogue China is becoming of increasing interest to the western world. “For western fashion houses- it’s a gateway to China’s booming domestic market”. Cheung has been instrumental to the success of our luxury brands in China. However, as we follow her doing the rounds at Paris Fashion Week, something she calls “community service”, there is a noticeable air of futility even frustration, which perhaps hints there is a little more in it for them than Vogue China.

It is evident that her primary ambition at Vogue is far from the aggrandizement of big established fashion labels, but to nurture surrounding creativity. For China’s emerging designers Vogue could offer a global promotional platform, and she immediately saw the importance of launching a column to showcase fresh Chinese design talent. Entitled, somewhat ironically, MADE IN CHINA. The innovation and modernity gracing these pages is the very antithesis of the plastic, mass-manufactured gaudiness this term has come to represent.

Cheung believes Vogue is a valuable instrument to make women think, dream and aspire. She fondly pictures her readers as those “who want it all” and sincerely believes they can have it all. As she willingly accepts that “fashion is political”, we must see that in China this takes on an even greater significance. With all areas of publishing being subject to strict censorship, each page must be severely scrutinised before the paper can even contemplate hitting the printers. However, she seems very positive and accepting of this, viewing it as a necessity of the job. When pushed she can only cite one previous dispute with the authorities, and she humourously describes feuding with the Chinese government over the query “indecent” exposure of Ms Moss’s nips.

Is Angelica Cheung really the most powerful woman in fashion? Quite possibly, however one thing is certain her power is not just a reflection of the vast consumer market but a testament to her creative and pioneering mind.

PAPER LONDON AW'13 collection

PAPER LONDON is one of the most exciting emerging British labels today. With a clear focus on creating clean, sharp silhouettes their look exudes style and confidence. Such aesthetic could be reminiscent of a later-day Joseph. Manufacturing excellence remains the focus of each collection- every garment is produced to a high specification in London. The modernity of these shots speak for themselves. The refined yet zesty palette of their new collection achieves a lasting impression, no doubt you'll agree.

Zelda Fitzgerald: feminist or fruitcake?

“In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars”

Not many people, literary or otherwise, can deny the lyrical and nuanced beauty of F Scott Fitzgerald’s prose. His words blow us sweet imaginary kisses whilst his characters are diamonds sparkling off the pages. This quotation (one of many) taken from The Great Gatsby captures the ephemeral, dazzling, heady brilliance of his Jazz Age critique. But as Cannes welcomes in yet another Gatsby adaptation to congratulate the enduring resonance of his work, it is only fair that a further spotlight illuminates his wife. Zelda Fitzgerald, the woman who history cast its shadow upon.

'Sometimes', said Scott, 'I don't know whether Zelda and I are real or whether we are characters from one of my own novels.' This confession sparked many critics to consign Daisy Buchannan, a careless and impetuous creature, as a showcase of Zelda’s most unflattering facets. His novels would be a juicy exposé of their fascinatingly tumultuous relationship. Frivolous, fool and narcissist- feminists continually challenged this damaging portrayal of Zelda Fitzgerald. But despite this she has wholly been remembered as the hedonistic and troubled wife of F Scott Fitzgerald.

With the two critical novels Beautiful Fools and Z: A novel of Zelda Fitzgerald ready for publication, history prepares to be rewritten. Zelda was the true embodiment of the Jazz Age spirit- vivacious, witty and extravagant. As a pioneer of early day feminism, she emerged into the public eye at a time when women were becoming increasingly visible, both in dress and public standing. Her reputation as the first flapper forever unites her with this new breed of women. Zelda bounced and bobbed with the best of them, she was liberated, androgynous, tanned and outspoken. Yes, most importantly she had a voice. But as one half of the “ultimate golden couple”, her independence had its bounds. She was both victim and muse, cast cruelly in her husband’s life story. Her fall from the American Dream culminated with the break down of her marriage and mental state. She showed great courage through adversity, but was tragically killed in a fire at her asylum.

Therese Anne Fowler, author of Z, concludes “Zelda remains fascinating because we are attracted to fearlessness, to individuals who live outside the lines. She was a remarkable blend of fragility and strength, and while her story has elements of tragedy, it’s uplifting too”.  Isn’t it time Zelda Fitzgerald is recognised for her true influential self? As a woman who inspired a generation, and as a budding author in her own right.

"A Diamond as Big as the Ritz"-
Tiffany&Co. present The Great Gatsby Collection

BOOTY CALL: fashion's love affair with the boot

If the land of footwear was broadway, I can safely say boots have played centre stage for multiple runs now. They have waltzed and sashayed their way down many a catwalk, and into the hearts of fashion's most savviest insiders. First it was ACNE's cult PISTOL boot that commanded our notoriously flippant attentions. Black, ankle length with three inch cuban heel- both practical and gorgeous? Cor these boots are undeniably made for walkin'. Metaphorically speaking, Pistol fever became even more rabidly contagious than its ACNE counterpart. With a hint of nostalgia, e-tailer mywardrobe.com reflected that "customers who call trying to buy a pair sound quite desperate. One refused to get off the phone until we could confirm there was a pair on the way to her". Oh, the thrill of the chase!

Next season courtesy of Lagerfeld et al, boots are going THIGH-HIGH, toe-peeping and just a little bit LACY. Chanel's Couture collection paid homage to the spellbinding verse of a midsummer night's dream. But, as is the Lagerfeld way, this enchanting fairy realm was not left to stew... but uniquely revived by the gothic. "A stunning juxtaposition of the sinister and the fantastical". Most importantly, for you boot enthusiasts- every one of the looks were styled with so-called LEGGING BOOTS- there really is no attractive way to describe them. This was a trend that could be seen as prolifically during the Celine show. However Phoebe Philo, known for her unparalleled modernity, presented a more neutral affair. Matt-black, navy and mustard-seeded buttery leathers framed this unique legging shape and off-set the brighter hues and felt textures within her collection. Philo also dabbled with the mid-way-calf boots, a look that was spotted at Prada and Stella McCartney. So, say adios to those treasured ankle boots, and embrace the mid-ways.

ROLL UP! CAMBRIDGE SATCHEL CO. DISCOUNTS!

Hi everyone, I've long been an admirer of the Cambridge Satchel Company. These chic sling it on carry-alls have been making waves for a while- it's the frisson of wit and surprise that plays on their comforting sense of British tradition. Take for example their Fluoro collection- the prim and preppy lines of an old school satchel are electrified by the zing and zestiness of neon leathers. There's something almost offensive and brazen about those shameless hues, previously a symbol of public school conformity and rules- perhaps we're now seeing a rebellious side of the school satchel?

Anyway, here's what you really want... the website www.mybag.com has nearly half-price savings on the CSC metallic ranges and some reasonable discounts on other lines like the super stunning Chelsea collection pictured above. And all with free postage?! There's really no excuse.

Enjoy and let me know which you choose,

Decisions, decisions...

Mrs. M xx

Sessùn campaign printemps-été '13

I've been rather unprolific recently- unprolific? If that's a word, well, the opposite of prolific anyway... So as a little treat, I'm sharing the campaign shots for Sessùn's latest collection. Some really gorgeous pieces, which are so well put together- kudos to their stylists. I love how the cute little necklaces peeping under the shirt collars are MADE FOR EACH OTHER. Let me know what you think. 

Yours with a feather boa, Mrs. M xx

TRENDING... whistles shoes

Yes, Jane Shepherdson does it again! Finding niche areas in a market as saturated as womenswear is no mean feat. But I think these gorgeous buys are case and point- that when women and shoes are involved... anything's possible! With Acne's boots taking the fash-pack by storm, those with a more modest budget have been left with major shoe envy. What a-to-do? I guess there's the option of Kurt Geiger-but it sometimes feels they're pitching at a girls-night-out/cougar mama kind of vibe. Or Zara accessories- perhaps lacking the quality of a great shoe buy? Turns out Whistles has the panacea of all shoe related matters. All ranging from £125-150, shoes such as the Slammer Sandal and the Mai Tai Court are the perfect trans-seasonal buy- wear with tights now/whip them off later. Sorted!

WE ARE INFINITE: my kinda review of The Perks of Being a Wallflower

"Welcome to the island of misfit toys" As Watson’s perfected American lilt hushes these almost prophetic words, reach for your seatbelts everybody- the film has kicked into full gear. But it’s those beguiling eyes framing each vowel that give voice to their “suffering”. The film centers on a group of teens marginalised by mainstream American culture. Where the jocks and prom queens rule the bleachers, it leaves very little room for Gatsby reading pseudo-intellectuals with a penchant for The Smiths. They are the metaphorical yogi bears to the high school’s homogeneous Barbies and Kens. When Ezra Miller’s Patrick enthuses that he “LOVE football”, there is an overt sense of mocking that’s taken to point where we question is he or isn’t he. Thankfully the whole American high school cliché is given very little screen time and is placed merely as a back drop- in a way that leaves the focus very much on Charlie and the other “misfit toys”. One review I heard labeled this as a film very much “about teenagers for teenagers”- patronising or what? With many films of this genre, the “moral” tends to be grossly overpowering and clumsily addressed- I admire how the film presents the “we accept the love we think we deserve” message in a take it or leave it kind of way. Introduced as a frank and candid aside, it only becomes truly relevant during the emotive dénouement- when we realise the multisided influence it has held on events.

You may be thinking the whole teenage angst and societal alienation vibe whiffs of a Catcher in the Rye type ride. And well, you’re right. Coupled with themes of mental illness (although never explicit in CTR), unreliable narrators and the actual reference to the book, its kind of undeniable. But where do they differ, I hear you ask? Lets put it this way, where Holden Caulfield is dive bombing off that symbolic cliff and “heading for a fall”, Charlie’s outlook is way more positive- after heroically cliff grappling through the whole film he finally “figures it out”. The closing line “and in that moment I swear we were infinite” reclaims his sense of control allowing Stephen Chbosky’s film to resonate with a tone of survival. Something that is tenuous at best within Salinger’s novel- we are persuaded that things will turn around but see little foundation for this reversal of fate.

Nostalgic, authentic and inspirational- to name but a few of the praises I have for this novel-to-silver screen adaptation. As with any great film we are taken on a journey, one which we cannot foretell its destination. We emerge through the tunnel-lit darkness into a world with a renewed sense of clarity and purpose. A wallflower, loud and proud.

Catch it on DVD new release.

CRAZY, STUPID LOVE

"Cupid shoots and he scores!" Mrs M. is lovestruck. FALLEN HEAD OVER HEELS. And the object of her undying affection... (no, not Mr. M) Lancôme's limited edition clutch in collaboration with Parisienne designer Olympia Le-Tan.

The handcrafted beauty is crammed full of the best selling lippy and nail polish from Lancôme's much-adored IN LOVE range. The selection includes everything from the iconic Miss Coquelicot to Corail in Love, a perennial basic with the fashion set. But surely the aptly named Sweet Embraces is set to be the  Valentine's success?

With only a limited number of the bags being commissioned there will undoubtedly be a crazy demand- think Chanel's jade and Mulberry's Alexa combined. Get yours exclusively from Harvey Nichols on the 13th- a perfect Valentine's treat. Of course, the detail and craftsmanship is impeccable, something we've come to expect from her handmade designs. Stitched inside is the line "handmade with love in France"- a motto that could apply equally to both Parisienne labels.

Olympia lovingly describes her creation..."I wanted to design the cover of an imaginary novel called 'Rouge in Love'. My idea was to create a 'mise-en-abyme', a book within a book. It is held by two hands with painted nails and surrounded by little red and violet lips that seem to dance around. I love drawing lips, so it was the perfect opportunity... The clasp and side, instead of having a gold finish like my other designs, are silver, like a mirror. Perfect to look into during the evening if you want to touch up your make-up."

Even I cannot deny the fabulousness of this cheeky minaudière, in all its kitsch felty glory- but at £995 a pop this one ain't coming cheap. Who said money can't buy love?

FLASH FICTION: the art of short story writing

I think the short story form is a particularly great medium both to be creative and show literary flair. As with all writing, but particularly that of the short story, there is a fine balance that must be met. A sense that one’s refined prose has left much unsaid, but revealed enough to the point that you have manipulated your reader’s response to character and plot. Similarly, I believe the mark of a true short story is one that stays with you once you have turned the final pages- and for reasons you sometimes do not know. In striving to achieve this lasting and maximum impact, it requires much skill- one that has been witnessed few times within each generation.

“The best stories take you somewhere new, somewhere different, or they take you somewhere you might have been before but by a different route. They help you see the world afresh. They wake you up and make you dream, both at the same time”. Nicholas Royle

I was initially inspired by the postmodern short stories of Raymond Carver and J.D Salinger. They epitomise the distinctive style of this form through their objective and minimalistic narratives. They are undeniably linked by their heavy emphasis on spontaneous, uncontrived dialogue- it drives the narrative and leaves characters exposed to the extent that their humanity is palpable. I love the sense of irony- the fact that despite presenting the reader with such an unembellished and detached prose, they maintain a purity and intensity of emotion. A quality that in this instance is instrumental in reflecting the disillusionment and alienation of the post-war era.

A selection of favourite short stories-

“Neighbours”, Raymond Carver

A classic choice from the so-called “Godfather of the American Short Story”.  As he exposes the peculiar antics of his characters alone in someone else’s apartment, he reveals the universal desire to live the life of somebody else. The story ends as his characters hit a wall of realisation- the emptiness of their own lives. Robert Altman director of the film adaptation describes his own journey through the collection as “it all began here. I was a reader turning these pages. Trying on these lives”. Love the quote!

“Collectors”, Raymond Carver

Notoriously ambiguous. My sister studied “Short Cuts” for A Level and their teacher sheepishly avoided all direct questions to the meaning of this one. Eventually telling them to leave it out when considering essay choices in the exam! However, I’ve included it in the selection as I feel it reveals more about Carver’s distinct style than possibly any of the others in this collection. The exchange between a salesman and unnamed protagonist appears on the surface to be mundane- but on reflection it’s littered with an oppressive sense of suburban ennui and a life fallen short of the American Dream.

Any from the collection entitled “Nine Stories”, J.D Salinger

It’s often said that “The Catcher in the Rye” was a “one hit wonder”, but I believe these works to be a masterpiece in their own right. His signature simple and conversational style lives on. It’s evident that it contributed to the development of Carver’s own unique literary style.

“The Bloody Chamber”, Angela Carter

This one is such a contrast to the previous choices. Where the postmodern American works are objective and minimalistic, Carter’s style is overtly subjective and sensual. The context plays equal relevance to this story as her feminist criticism of female subjugation openly challenges attitudes within late 20^th century Britain.

“Flora”, David Rose

I came across this one in a modern short story anthology. It’s a story that will leave you with more questions than answers but truly enjoyable all the same. The narrative has such a propulsion- that for me, marks this story as a great one.

Short stories of Saki.

I’ll admit I’ve only had a taster of this but he is considered the master of British Short Story writing- so it’d be rude not to.

WHITE OUT! Officially snowed in...

"Oh the weather outside is frightful. But the fire is SO delightful. And since we've no place to go. Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it SNOW!"

So after many nauseating overtures, the Bublé finally got his christmas wishes and Britain awoke to a flurry of snow last week. REAL PRETTY. But with which of course came the panic buying and the stories of slushy-horrored commutes. Advice has generally been not to go out "by foot or by car" so here I am writing my post whilst looking out at the wintery scenes. (ooh how self-referentially postmodern of me!)

I've just recently succumbed to a Vogue subscription and got a brilliant freebie with the purchase- always a bonus. Do it now! It was the NUDE ProGenius treatment oil which is doing wonders, but am I alone in finding the greasy residue it leaves more than a little unpleasant?! The oil (rrp £58) claims to "absorb instantly" which frankly is a joke, though I can definitely vouch for the fact that post application skin "radiates vitality" ;) If you have an iPad etc. I would really recommend subscribing as with it comes free access to the electronic edition. This not only has lots of spectacular additional features such as shoot videos and exciting flying things, but conveniently allows you have a portable back catalogue for easy reference. Here goes...

Review of Vogue: February edition

COVERGIRL. It's a truth universally acknowledged that the year's first covers will establish a tone for the coming year, one that can be said to extend throughout the sartorial landscape. With cues taken from Louis Vuitton and Prada, last year presented itself like a popsicle, sugary sweet and all wrapped up in Vogue's signature aesthetic. Where 2012's bright and playful hues set the stage for a cultural explosion, this year's sharp and detoxing shades truly encapsulated the headline "FRESH START". February's cover was no exception- the black, nude and lipstick red shades outlined a quiet revolution in the new season's silhouette. CLEAN, SOFTLY-SPOKEN, FEMININE AND SEDUCTIVE. Demarchelier's shot, taken from the corresponding feature "The New Modern", further developed this newfound refinement. Each look, inconspicuous yet stunning, exhibited this element of purity- only not in a severe minimalist Celine kind of way.

TACTILE. The iPad edition didn't disappoint in it's additional content, allowing us to enter this elite and aspirational world like never before. Vogue's introductory video and personal shoot tour electrified readers finally bringing us a vision of fashion for the 21st century. STANDOUT FEATURE. The buoyant makeup tips entitled "Beauty School Rules" were a joy and brought a well needed focus to this section. Most interestingly, the app allows editors to incorporate other equally influential mediums in fashion like music and movement.

COVET. This month's wish list includes Sarah Harris's LV styled headband (a look which was unsuccessfully recreated on this week's Dancing on ice!), Valentino's navy silk trench and Sophie Brahe earrings, oh and those kittykats. Yeh, DREAM ON...

CANDY KANE: a sweet deal for the Christopher Kane label

Oh how the skinny lattes and the faux fur were strewn aside! DRAMA. In a manner worthy of an Olivier award-winning performance, the fashion world stood aghast this morning as news broke of PPR aquiring a majority stake in Christopher Kane's eponymous label.

But surely we saw it coming? Wasn't it only a matter of who would be the first?

The chief executive of PRR (the French luxury goods conglomerate with ownership of brands such as Gucci and Saint Laurent) revealed plans to take the budding label to new heights and become an international brand in its own right. I can't help thinking that part of the Christopher Kane charm is its incongruous nature- the idea that such artistic beauty could be borne out of this one unassuming workshop in Dalston. Take the fact that a previous collection was inspired by squidgy childhood pencil cases- can this singular vision survive the hands of a multinational organisation? Christopher Kane himself has freely admitted that his creativity has previously been constrained by the limited budgets available to an emerging designer. So with PRR on board production and marketing expenditure is set to soar allowing him full creative potential. Exciting times for the label. But the implications of this deal are far reaching and signify a new step in the emergence of British fashion- will Saunders, Kantrantzou or Erdem be next to reach the world stage? I guess we'll just have to wait and see...

Christopher Kane: A HISTORY...

The name Christopher Kane is synonymous with our new generation of dynamic, eccentric and thoroughly modern designers. Through his irreverence there maintains a wearablilty, a quality that makes  his designs extremely influential both commercially and editorially. His first independent collection of bandage-tight fluoro mini dresses demanded the attentions of leading critics whilst epitomising his signature fusion of the chic and coquettish. The incorporation of futuristic white buckles and zips added a new dimension to the parade of electric purple, acidic green and shocking fuchsia. Averyl Oates praised the show as "incredible” and commented that she loves “how Christopher surprises us. He's not led by trends, which makes his clothes very desirable and very collectible." 

Since graduating from St. Martins 6 years ago, he has created firm foundations within the industry through both his leading role in relaunching Versus (Versace’s fusion line) and stratospheric popularity with celebs. He was one of the first designers to be honored with the prestigious BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund award.

welcome from the musings of mrs malaprop

malaprop |ˈmaləˌpräp| (also malapropism)nounthe mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with unintentionally amusing effect, as in, for example, “dance a flamingo ” (instead of flamenco).ORIGIN mid 19th cent.: from the name of the character Mrs. Malaprop in Sheridan's play The Rivals (1775)

Aloha! Konichiwa! I just wanted to formally introduce myself then give you a bit of a heads up as to the name of my blog and all future ramblings. Firstly, I tell a lie... to dispell myth and avoid later disappointment, I am not actually the Mrs Malaprop. There you have it. I'm Lottie, age 20, cultural enthusiast and writer extraordinaire ;) How d'you like me now...

Personally, I believe Mrs Malaprop is one of culture's most memorable figures, a literary tour-de-force if you will. With the comic timing of Maggie Smith's Lady Grantham and all the charm of Sarah Palin, her cultural significance transcends the pages of a 18th century comedy-of-manners. Instead of being an object of ridicule, she should be admired for her infallible attempts of getting across what she wants to say in spite of making these enormous blunders. Mrs Malaprop may be a verbal catastrophe but her ambition is faultless. And if that's not impressive enough, not many people can claim to have sparked a linguistic phenomenon, her name forever enshrined within a common noun. 

"The musings of mrs malaprop" is a free flowing cultural explosion centred around my three favourite art forms- literature, film and fashion. Though I reckon posts will tend to have leanings towards the world of fashion just because it's well, as Brad would say, inevitable.

Yours truly,

Mrs M x

And IF you stop by, please post a comment or (if your feeling generous) follow me, just so I'm not talking to dead cyberspace!

Fashion Week a-go-go!

With snow hitting our blustery Isles it seems only apt that we suspend our pastel-shaded perennial musings and wrap ourselves up in the enviable warmth of the A/W '12 collections. Fashion followers the world-over have just under two weeks of insatiable anticipation as London Fashion Week goes LIVE on the 17th. With a scorching schedule set to wet the appetite of even the most reluctant sartorialist, we can rest assured that the celebrations will kick start London 2012 in style!

As ever the Burberry Prorsum show (live streaming on Monday 20th with location currently all cloak-and-dagger...) is hotly awaited and by nature will draw in a mac-claded, glittery array of famous faces. After last season's collection daringly infused Burberry's synonymous heritage look with a raffia toting, tribal-printed exoticism, there's no telling what trends this fashion emporium will be dictating next. ADIOS to those hushed preconceptions of a English country house slash Wallis Simpson-esque aesthetic.

Burberry Prorsum S/S '12

London Fashion Week stands out through its fervent promotion and dedication to a young generation of edgy and innovative designers. It creates a vital showcase for these irreverent and dynamic talents, offering them prime exposure into the world's media and burgeoning blogosphere. Even with the absence of multi-million pound editorial campaigns and production teams, creatively their businesses have flourished. The BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund acknowledges this great potential and offers well-needed financial support (often being referred to as "the fashion equivalent of a lottery win"). Jonathan Saunders, this year's recipient, is at the forefront of British design. His ability to juxtapose the femininity of delicate silk screened prints with a clean, almost architectural form has won him not only critical acclaim but a legion of enamoured followers.

Jonathan Saunders S/S '11