Manolo Blahnik at London Fashion Week

One of Frost’s favourite shoe designers collaborated with one of Frost’s favourite hotels for this year’s London Fashion Week. Shoe designer Manolo Blahnik did the London Fashion Week windows at the May Fair Hotel

Inspired by the creative window displays of the world’s leading fashion houses, The May Fair Hotel stepped into London Fashion Week in style with the unveiling of its designer windows.

World-renowned shoe designer Manolo Blahnik CBE has collaborated with the British Fashion Council (BFC) this season to create the exclusive imagery of London Fashion Week campaign for Autumn Winter 2013. To celebrate the May Fair’s partnership with LFW, which is for the 6th year running the Official Hotel partner of London Fashion Week, these illustrations are also fronting the hotel’s façade on Stratton Street. Inspired by the designer’s personal career, this exclusive collection of illustrations represents key industry figures who have been a special influence in Manolo Blahnik’s life and career.

Talking about his collaboration with the May Fair, Manolo Blahnik said: “I’m very excited for my drawings to be featured in the May Fair windows. I have fond memories of the Starlight cinema club in the hotel as I used to go there when I was younger to watch films. I really enjoy going to the May Fair Hotel as it brings back those memories.”

Anthony Lee, General Manager of the May Fair Hotel, said: “I am delighted that with the support of our partners, the British Fashion Council, we have the privilege to introduce the legendary Mr Manolo Blahnik and his sublime ‘shoe-inspired’ designs.”

Caroline Rush, Chief Executive British Fashion Council commented “It is great to see Manolo Blahnik extending his creative collaboration with London Fashion Week to the May Fair Hotel Windows. His illustrations are world famous and truly capture the creative essence of London.”

London Fashion Week – Exhibition S/S’ 2013

 

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!