Dior Makes an Appearance at Platt Hall

It was fairly incredible to finally get the chance to see some of the looks from Dior's incredibly famous, and influential 'New Look' from the 1940s and 50s last week at the Gallery of Costume at Platt Hall. 

Pieces included a lilac floral gown designed by the great Yves Saint Laurent during his time at Dior, several black cocktail dresses featuring narrow waists, sloping shoulders and plunging necklines, typical of the ''Ligne Carolle'', as well as a blue velvet piece that was on show in the upstairs space and was part of the Dior London collection. 

However, it is safe to say that my favourite piece, and the showstopper from the entire collection was the 1956 embroidered ensemble made from printed peach silk, and decorated lavishly in a variety of metal threads and black seed pearls. It even featured very subtle embroidered figures and buildings that furthered the oriental vibe. 

It was also lovely to see that the exhibition did not only have Dior's garments on display, but also included imagery from past publications as well as original sketches, giving the entire experience a more personal feel, steeped in history. 

Tactfully positioned images of both Christian Dior himself, his famous quotations and his designs around the gallery prevented the viewer from forgetting that despite other displays of Victorian dress and various other things, the Dior collection was the prized jewel at the Gallery of Costume. 

Despite this, I was slightly disappointed at the size and range of the exhibitions. Many pieces were of similar cut and design, in fabrics that unfortunately did not exhibit the typical traits of luxury dress one might associate with Christian Dior. However, this critical though process might be due to my seeing the Valentino exhibition at Somerset house earlier this year during the February London Fashion, week where the sheer size and exclusivity of the pieces on show were so out of this world that nothing could possibly could compare. 

Manchester Street Style

 In another university task we were asked, in groups, to venture onto the streets of Manchester in search of some of the most stylish, striking or unique people and report back with two visual examples in the form of a presentation of the people whose fashion choices that day caught our eye. 

You would presume, like i did, that this would be SO SO easy. However, if you take into account the fact it was 11am on a rainy Friday, you quickly realise It. Is. Not. 

The first example is a very stylish international student by the name of Keith Yeom. Her bold choices that morning caught our eye so much so that another member of my group literally ran after her in an effort to find out more about her style. Evidently it was sports luxe, and despite her citing that her favourite designer was Prada, to me her style that day reminded me of Stella McCartney, in particular the 2013 S/S collection. Mainly due to the blocks of colour and pops of orange. 

Our second fashionista turned out to be a close friend of mine who is currently studying Fashion Design at university, and whose dramatic personal style has always been a cause for admiration. Never afraid to mix and match designer pieces with those from the high street or charity shops, and never afraid to experiment with pieces of different styles, it always turns out fabulous. With style icons such as Pete Burns, Grace Jones and Amanda Lepore, it's easy to see him as an offspring of all three! 

Mira's wall

During a university task, where we were asked to talk a little about our ''Style Inspirations'', it got me to thinking, who does really inspire me, whose wardrobe would i blissfully be happy wearing for the rest of my days? A few names ran through my mind, the Olsen Twins, Kate Moss... But one name really stood out. Miroslava Duma, previous editor at Harper's Bazaar Russia, freelance writer, and style icon. Her effortless chic, bold colour choices and experimentation when it comes to silhouettes is what really caught my eye. She is also rarely seen in prints, and if she is, they are larger in scale and mostly geometric shapes, something i have noticed about my own style. 
I therefore created this quick mood board to summarise which of her looks are my favourites and why she is my style inspiration. 



Mira's wall by everybitas featuring a blue arm chair

Giuseppe Zanotti shoes
giuseppezanottidesign.com

Alexander McQueen red velvet shoes
alexandermcqueen.com

Yves Saint Laurent wedding sandals
$860 - cricket-fashion.com

Chanel handbag
consignofthetimes.com

Oscar de la Renta blue suede purse
modaoperandi.com

Yves saint laurent lipstick
yslbeautyus.com

Yves saint laurent makeup
yslbeautyus.com

Lighting
danagibson.com

Blue arm chair
$790 - sweetpeaandwillow.com

It's a boy girl thing

Tartan is set to be HUGE this Autumn/Winter, and if you're not lucky enough to afford these Vivienne Westwood beauties, then high street stores like ZARA are doing great alternatives.

I also love how touches of silver given through the accessories give the whole outfit a city chic vibe, these great loafers and hat also provide an androgynous edge.

You could always throw on a pair of Yves Saint Laurent style strappy sandals for a quick day to night look and be out of the door in a matter of seconds. 

It's a boy girl thing by x-anna94-x featuring a silvertone bracelet

American Vintage short sleeve t shirt
lespommettes.com

Black plaid pants
$600 - viviennewestwood.co.uk

3.1 Phillip Lim gunmetal shoes
tenover6.com

Fendi silvertone bracelet
$490 - net-a-porter.com

Alberta Ferretti earrings
albertaferretti.com

Black diamond watch
dunhill.com

Yves Saint Laurent hat
net-a-porter.com

Westwood Team Up With Cambridge Satchel Company

The Cambridge Satchel Company is teaming up with Vivienne Westwood to create a limited edition collection of bags for its fifth anniversary.

The collection, which was first seen at Westwood’s Red Label Spring/Summer 2014 show during LFW, is inspired by the British designer’s 1981 ‘Pirate’ Collection. 

The anniversary bags will feature pale tan buckles and straps that replicate those on Westwood’s ‘Pirate’ boots, as well as the original ‘Squiggle’ print that also appeared in the collection.

Available in two sizes, 11 and 14 inch, the eagerly anticipated bags are set to drop this October and will be available from both Vivienne Westwood, and Cambridge Satchel Company stores.

Simone Rocha's Deep Summer

It was earlier this September, at London fashion week, when Irish born designer, Simone Rocha took a step in the other direction. Moving away from the pretty in pink pastels of last season, Rocha took on a darker, more restrained tone. One steeped in poetic depth and the subtext of marriage.

It was the veiled models that communicated a sense of isolation and mourning but battled with the punkish persona of the rough bun which the models were sporting.

The long line up of monochrome was briefly broken up by a whisper of mossy green in the form of a tailored leather coat, inspired by a trip Rocha took to Connemara earlier in the year, and which then provided the inspiration for this season’s collection.

By beautifully marrying up plastics, leathers, and soft synthetics to cut through the sweetness of what should be a wedding themed collection, Rocha created a look, and feel, of something pretty, edgy, innocent, sexy, and angry, all at the same time.

The dropped waistline and shell top silhouette, together with the pearl encrusted high necks were also reminiscent of last season’s collections, where themes of 15^th century dress were witnessed from designers such as McQueen. It is also this which gave the collection a slightly Couture feel without compromising on wear-ability.

Separates were seen in the form of simply tailored trouser suits, sheer tops, and coats in a variety of metallic prints, further enhancing the punkish vibe by subverting ladylike pieces and making them cool and edgy.

It is this, why her collection was such a success. 

By taking a theme, which in another designer’s hands might have turned out preen and somewhat predictable, Rocha managed to capture our imaginations and give us something new.  

24/7

(Joie Mirella Dress, Equipment Reese Blouse, Calvin Klein Shoes, Marni Handbag, Shourouk Gilda Necklace)

I love how color blocking is achieved through the accessories in this outfit, adding a needing pop, and interest to the monochrome goodness of the crisp white shirt, that i layered underneath the 60's silhouette dress. The crystal necklace was just thrown in to add some humor to an otherwise office look.