london fashion week spring 2008

Since Mark Eley and Wakako Kishimoto, the London designers behind Eley Kishimoto, were recently named the new creative directors for Cacharel, I thought I would give you a better introduction to their style.

Known in some circles as the patron saints of print, Eley Kishimoto has been credited with influencing the resurgence of patterns on the international design scene. They partnered in the 1992 directly after graduating from Central Saint Martins design school, starting in womenswear but eventually expanding into bags, jewelery, sunglasses, and even home accessories.

Bold graphic prints combined with bright colors have always been their forte, brokering collaborations with the likes of Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, and Alexander McQueen. I've always been a fan of their lighthearted designs, and I'm really excited to see what they have in mind for Cacharel!

Eley Kishimoto is available at Creatures of Comfort and runs $19-$850.

To see more from Eley Kishimoto's Spring 2008 line, read more

British brand Aquascutum is known for inventing the first waterproof cloth in 1853 and creating the raincoat to protect the English from the unpredictable weather. Given those facts, it's not surprising the Spring collection was chock full of outerwear. The majority were simple with clean lines, functional yet stylish. Interesting were the necklines, which included spread and motorcycle collars. They came in muted colors like navy blue, khaki, black and grey. A few khaki coats were doused with pops of fuchsia and red, which was refreshing among a sea of neutrals.

A couple dresses with paisley and floral patterns and bright hues were spotted, as well as skirt and blouse combos in solid colors like navy blue and orange. The most interesting piece was a cropped fuchsia pant, which was uncharacteristic of Aquscutum. Then again, you can always expect the unexpected in fashion.

Speaking of the unexpected, check out this model who let her shoes take over on the runway!

For more from Aquascutum's Spring 2008 collection, read more

I always anticipate a Matthew Williamson collection, for they are usually alive with the sound of bold colors and frilly details, with an overall cool feel. Yesterday Williamson showed a collection of that and more, with an opening act by Prince - top that!

This collection is a pleaser with a bevy of electric brights, tie dye, condensed ruffles, black and white graphic prints and rainbow washed metallics. Williamson has too gone tribal and though he often does, he does it so well. With an overarching Native American theme, he balanced things out with tailored vests, oversized blazers, trousers and khaki. You will notice some very Williamson-esque bold shoes and bags, lucky for us, he is expanding his empire into accessories. As well, you have some really unique dresses that I wish to see at future events on some daring PYTs. Williamson rocked the runway indeed!

To see more from Matthew Williamson's Spring 2008 collection, read more

After 23 of his Spring collection pieces were stolen from his studio just a little over a week ago, Christopher Kane set out to recreate everything, with only days before his presentation. Many would have folded under such pressure, but Kane pulled it off.

The 25-year-old designer presented a ruggedly feminine rock'n'rolly collection full of python printed chiffon, ripped denim, and ruffles galore. Although he's only shown a couple of times since graduating from design school, Kane quickly became associated with body conscious, up-to-there mini dresses. This collection was a departure from that silhouette: skirts were tiered, sweatshirts baggy, and everything was more loosened up. In summary, this garb was definitely not what was expected, but that just keeps everyone on their toes.

To see more from Christopher Kane's Spring 2008 collection, read more

When Luella Bartley came back to London earlier this week after showing the past few seasons in New York, she wasn't the only one to make a return. Batman also made an appearance. Trousers with Batman motifs, old school Batman and Robin masks, and mini capes all adorned models on the Luella runway.

The collection was inspired by Thora Birch's geeky shabby chic character in Ghost World - the second collection in a row where Luella has tossed around the geek chic theme. And as geeky as Luella tries to be, she always manages to churn out oodles of covetable feminine dresses - dresses that cool girls want to wear. Whenever I see her new collection, all I can think is: "I want to be a Luella girl." And as long as she incites that kind of reaction, she is good to go.

Source

Last week, I asked you to imagine I'm flying overseas to catch runway shows by Giles, Luella Bartley, Aquascutum and the like at London Fashion Week. London is more avant-garde and funky than New York Fashion Week, so I asked you to think outside the box!

I started you off with these Anthropologie Prim & Proper Wedges, $178, because they're off the beaten path and look comfy. To see all the Fab finds, go London Fashion Week.

Let's see what you all came up with!

Oh! Now, you can build outfits by creating a list of clothing items. We have everything you need to build outfits with and you can use your Fab Find bookmarks too. This is an even better way to put together an entire outfit when you are completing your Fab Finding missions.

Look #1, created by cnyc1a is LFW-ready! I love how she contrasted the rocker chick leather with the frilly chiffon, playing hard-edge against super femme.

To see a couple more, read more