Chanello

January 26, 2016 Nicola

Ah, fashion. My great love. My escape from the quotidien.

You've been overlooked recently what with some terrific music opportunities and my attentions turned to whether full-belly or demi-belly maternity jeans are the most snug and offer maximum coverage - rather than what's exciting and progressive.

Temporarily neglected, perhaps, but never replaced. I still get the same giddy sense of excitement when I clap my eyes on some magnificent fashion. This time it was Karl Lagerfeld, and his Chanel Spring/Summer 2016 Couture show in Paris, that had my heart all a flutter.

Cara and her puppy Leo on the FROW, the new breed of supers in Gigi, Bella and Kendall-form and an entirely recyclable wooden eco-structure on the Grand Palais complete with manicured lawns and a lily pond were all good and well, and perfect Insta-fodder. But for me it's the clothes. Always the clothes.

The collection featured a muted and elegant palette of ivory, my absolute favourite colour taupe, mushroom and navy. There were dirndl skirts and a more voluminous take on the Chanel bouclé two-piece suit we all know and love (AND REALLY WANT BUT WILL NEVER HAVE) with a classic fitted jacket and over-sized elliptical sleeves. Models, including Edie Campbell and Lindsey Wixson, wore stunning dresses pared with billowing capes twinkling with rhinestones and some had sleeves embellished with feathered bees and applique petals.

For me, the show stopper was worn by Kendall Jenner, a floor-length sculptural black gown with elegant lace layers that showcased the shoulders.

Accessories included wooden-soled wedges, a nod to the surrounding eco-structure, and hair beautifully rolled into a style that was, apparently, inspired by a Picasso sculpture. Makeup was dramatic with double liner in an elaborate shape.

Glittering, enduring and classy.

A world away from maternity jeans, but comfort must prevail. For now...

Revisited: Chanel - The Little Black Jacket Book and Exhibition

April 14, 2014 Nicola

'It has become the symbol of a certain feminine elegance, nonchalant and timeless, which means for all time'.

Karl Lagerfeld

Back in November 2012, I visited the Saatchi Gallery in London to see The Little Black Jacket: Chanel's Classic Revisited Exhibition by Karl Lagerfeld and Carine Roitfeld.

The book is Lagerfeld and Roitfeld's reinterpretation and celebration of Chanel's iconic little black jacket. Over 100 beautiful black and white photographs of Lagerfeld's favourite muses filled four expansive rooms at the Gallery and the pictures, in black and white portrait format, were taken by the designer himself and styled by Roitfeld, stylist and former French Vogue editor.

The exhibition was lavish and impressive and I can remember studying each photo very carefully, and with the due absorption that it deserved to soak up every detail. Each photo, whether of a man or a woman, captured the individual style and personality of its subject, all wearing the iconic Chanel black jacket. A range of accomplished models, actors, singers, rappers, fashion editors, and designers are styled with their own individual flair.

The exhibition, and the beautiful book of the same name with Roitfeld gracing the cover, celebrates the versatility and classic endurance of an inimitable item, designed for women but worn by men also.

If I am ever lucky enough to own my own Chanel Little Black Jacket, I will definitely take inspiration from one of these stunning shots.

A girl can dream...

Website

Book

Off to the Races!

March 3, 2014 Nicola

Cheltenham Ladies Day Challenge

I have been invited to take part in the Cheltenham Ladies Day Social Voting Campaign via Ladbrokes and need your help!

I have been pitted against other fashion bloggers to put together the ultimate race-day outfit to wear to this year's Ladies Day at Cheltenham Festival on 12 March 2014. My challenge was to put together the perfect attire for this very special occasion and see if I could beat the strong competition.

I am up for the challenge.

CHELTENHAM

Off to the races! The Cheltenham Festival takes place annually in March at Cheltenham Race Course in Gloucestershire. Ladies Day is an opportunity to enjoy all of the exciting action on the course and wear a fantastic outfit. There is no dress code at Cheltenham but as March climates can be unpredictable, guests are advised to dress accordingly and with the weather in mind. This is quintessentially, brilliantly British - but us British women know that this is never an excuse not to have high fashion in mind. We laugh in the face of the weather.

THE LOOK

I wanted my look to be less traditional and more contemporary; to really project my appreciation and love of fashion. I wanted to keep it stylish and nail the new season look with a nod to the Spring / Summer 2014 trends with sartorial success in mind.

THE INFLUENCE

Primary colours and florals are exciting Spring / Summer 2014 trends. The bold shades of red and blue on the Peter Pilotto Red Floral / Check Print Dress are far too fun to ignore and with a splash of black thrown into the mix, as seen at Fendi, Prada and Céline, brights are more pared back. Florals are super-sized, bold and in bloom. The white belt is a nod to the understated Sports Luxe look.

Delicious candy colours are showing no signs of fading. A pop of candy pink on shoes and coat keeps it playful but chic - and who says clashing red and pink is wrong. The subtle fascinator hat? You simply cannot be at Cheltenham without a hat.

THE COMPONENTS

From left to right

1. Pink Coat by Zara

An oversized coat is a bloggers favourite and still going strong for Spring / Summer (and this is England, so a coat is a must in chilly March).

2. Rivington Shiny Croc Pouch by Whistles

A place to keep all your Cheltenham essentials in on-trend reptile effect leather.

3. Belted Dress - Red Floral / Check Print by Peter Pilotto for Target

Adored for its signature otherworldly prints and sculptural shapes, Peter Pilotto's beautiful designs are walking works of art. This is a perfect print from the hotly anticipated and limited-time only designer collection for Target.

4. Vintage Ring from Gigi's Dressing Room

All of my outfits usually include some form of vintage item. Gigi's Dressing Room in Wood Street Market, Walthamstow, London, E17 is a treasure trove of beautiful vintage clothes and jewellery.

5. Fine Mesh Fascinator by Whiteley for John Lewis

Made from two layers of fine, ivory mesh and trimmed with luxurious feathers, this is the perfect finishing touch to the all important Ladies Day Outfit.

6. Ariel Shoe from Coast

From Coast's new range of affordable, stylish footwear. The colours are classic but the stiletto heel and double strap ankle makes a sophisticated and fierce statement.

7. Charm Bracelet by Thomas Sabo

A classic charm in stylish black keeps jewellery minimal and stylish.

8. Black necklace from South of the River, Crystal Palace, London, SE19

The detail on the necklace really stands out against the bright floral print without overpowering the overall look.

9. Brass Bangles Set in Gold by & Other Stories

In my opinion, & Other Stories the coolest place for jewellery on the high street.

BEAUTY

Less is more when it comes to easy every day glamour. Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation helps to achieve a clean base and Benefit's World Famous Neutrals and Eyeko Skinny Liquid Liner keeps eyes simple but impactful, finished off with Le Volume de Chanel Mascara in Noir. Lips and Nails stand out - Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Rebelle keeps lips hydrated but bold and nails painted with Chanel Le Vernis in Rouge Noir completes the look dramatically. Subtle sheen is provided by Benefit - High Beam on cheeks and Bathina body balm for a silky, glimmering effect.

VOTING

THE VOTING HAS NOW CLOSED ON THIS COMPETITION.

RACING

My dear Dad has been a dedicated race goer for many years, attending national and international meets and sometimes taking his family with him. If I win, it will make my Dad very happy indeed, so please vote. If I don't, he will still be happy as I am standing on a racecourse, with authentic binoculars and wearing a hat.

Photos by Mister Kirby

Cheltenham Festival: 11th - 14th March 2014.

#CheltFashion

Fashion Inspiration - Maria Soromenho

November 26, 2013 Nicola

The world of fashion is, arguably, dominated by the giant heavy weights, the icons. Chanel. Victoria Beckham. Oscar de la Renta. Erdem. To name but a few. The upper echelon of the fash-pack command the advertising pages of the glossy magazines (that I adore) and dominate the catwalk. They are the names to know, the collections to study, the looks to emulate and translate into your day-to-day wear.

But inspiration can be found in many places, and sometimes it's the emerging newbies, the just starting-outs, the underground movers and shakers that can influence and catch your eye.

May I introduce you to Maria Soromenho.

Maria contacted me recently about her first capsule collection, launched in August 2013, and I was intrigued by its unconventionality and taken in by the distinctive textures, the detail and striking colours of her work. Handcrafted sequins, beading and studs cleverly juxtapose leather and leopard skin and create a unique and fresh look. Her work is extremely influenced by music and art, and as a lover of both and of all things fashion related, I am particularly excited to showcase Maria's work on Material Whirl.

A clothing brand that is music / art conscious. Has the aim to collaborate with artists specially musicians. Each piece is different and unique. An experiment of materials and different textures. Experimental yet wearable. Each piece has a story, a song and a name. Fashion to communicate, give identity and to turn a lifestyle into a look that can be translated in clothes. An aim to shape a generation anddress the agitators. Not just about the clothes alone but how people dress them.

Born in Setubal, Portugal, Maria lived in Lisbon and Paris where she studied Stage Design and interned at the museum Les Arts Decoratifs being part of the organisation of the exhibition "Hussein Chalayan: recits de mode". Having briefly studied Womenswear at the London College of Fashion she also managed to get an impressive collection of internships under her (very stylish) belt including the prestigious Peter Pilotto and Richard Nicoll in London, and with the very influential Wonderland Magazine. She is currently Studio / General Manager and in-house PR at Fannie Schiavoni.