Author Archives: Jatinder Kalsi

London Fashion Week – Exhibition S/S’ 2013

Posted on by

 

This was my first time at London Fashion Week, so I was excited when I got the chance between shows to walk around Somerset House, and have a look at the exhibition rooms.

After hearing that Minnie Mouse was this year’s fashion muse, I headed straight to the ‘Inspired by Minnie Mouse’ collection. Growing up most girls love Minnie (I definitely did!) and this collection embraces both the fashionable side and the young girlish persona of the character.

The collection is comprised of bespoke dresses and lots of accessories, made by the few handpicked international designers. I must admit that I absolutely adored Lulu Guinness’s take on creating a ‘must have’ Minnie piece. Lulu designed a purse and handbag and the lipstick detailing on the zipper made it that extra bit special, I think Minnie would approve! Below are my photographs of the collection, my standout dress has to be by Giles Deacon, the prom style silhouette and red polka dot aspects make it a perfect Minnie Mouse dress.

 

 

I also walked into my idea of heaven the Atelier Swarovski Collection exhibiton. The S/S 2013 collection is collaboration with different designers from jewellery and product designer Stefano Poletti to shoe designer Nicholas Kirkwood. Each designer took Swarovski’s crystals and used them in very different ways. My favourite collaborations were Vanessa Seward who is an Argentine Fashion designer, she says of her designs that they were inspired by ‘the kind of ethnic necklaces chic Parisian boho women use’. Take a look at her pieces below…

 

Also Nicholas Kirkwood’s collection combines Swarovski with pearls and enamel. His designs are something unique and modern, definitely take a look at the whole collection.

www.atelierswarovski.com

Whilst roaming around Somerset House I came across Topshop’s poster range and some new designers who I found particularly interesting take a look at the photos below. The chance to walk around and look at the exhibitions was a highlight of my LFW experience it unveiled to me some designers I had never heard of before and lots of stunning jewellery!

 

DAS Collection S/S13 – VFS

Posted on by

The DAS Collection established in 2008, was set up by Emirati sisters Reem and Hind Beljafla. Their initial aim was to update the abaya making it a fashion statement whilst maintaining its heritage and respecting the tradition attached to it. The DAS Collections designs also aim to empower women allowing them to be fashionable and conservative at the same time.

I had never heard of DAS  until London Fashion Week, and was excited by their fashion aims and interested to see how they convey this through their designs. The DAS Spring/Summer 2013 Ready to wear collection definitely did not disappoint. The collection used rich bold colours which were clearly inspired by Middle East and Indian style. Each piece made from luxurious fabric and with impeccable detailing of Arabic calligraphy and beading giving the collection a very rich feel. I was impressed with the tailoring of their designs as they definitely fulfilled their brief and more.

It was a very cohesive collection starting with deep blues flowing into vibrant golds and reds. Some key pieces stood out a dipped hem dress in a crisp fabric which was both on trend with a sophisticated air. The stand out dress of the evening has to be the finale gown, worn by supermodel Alex Wek. Alex Wek was beaming as she strutted down the catwalk to the audiences applause. Her red dress was draped in pearls and she gave the audience a double twirl.

DAS Collection embraces Middle East and Indian style whilst fusing it with current western trends. With this seasons brocade and oriental trends this collection entwines this and creates both beautiful and elegant designs.

Take a look at their entire collection here : http://www.dascollection.com/

Some of my phographs of the key pieces …