Milan Fashion Week 2016

Following on from last weeks memorable fashion debut in London, in my series of Fashion week reports this week I have brought to you a recap of my favourite looks from the recent Milan Fashion Week. Out of each city, I personally would say that there is something about Milan's clothing extravaganza that makes it so unique and ahead of the game in comparison to the other fashion capitals of the world. With inspiration from historical Italian tailoring and impeccable detailing and silhouettes, the Italians really do know how to do it when it comes to fashion. From classic brands with enriched desirable apparel such as Valentino and Dolce & Gabbana to the more innovative and experimental designers such as Moschino and Versace, take a look at some of my best looks from this weeks array of catwalk shows and let me know what you think!

Valentino



Moschino



Dolce and Gabbana


Versace

London Fashion Week 2016

Following on from my review of New York Fashion Week last week, I have put together a couple of my favourite looks from the annual fashion exhibition which took over London this week. From Mary Katrantzou to House of Holland, I have included the most diverse and fashion-forward designers that are definitely putting Britain on the map for fashion this upcoming Spring/ Summer season. Take a look and tell me what you think!

Mary Katrantzou


Julian McDonald


House of Holland



J.W Anderson

NYFW 2016

Fashion week. A fashion students absolute dream and possibly one of our most favourite times of the year. Therefore, in celebration of this year's annual Spring/ Summer debut, I have put together an array of some of my favourite New York Fashion Week shows so far as we head into the autumnal months. Unfortunately this year I was unable to attend any of the fashion week shows across Paris, Milan, London and New York but luckily, courtesy of Vogue I was still able to catch up with the most awe-inspiring and outstanding collections so far. See if you agree with my favourites Spring Summer 2017 collections this year which are filled with heavy dreads, insane new wave punk fashion, the perfect take on pool culture and a new look at the classic wild west trend.

Marc Jacobs

Thom Browne


Ralph Lauren


Michael Kors

Coach

Best holiday getaways for Autumn

As we say goodbye to the unexpectedly pleasant dosage of British sunshine and welcome in the glorious crisp season of autumn; preparing ourselves for the return of fallen golden leaves, blazing bonfires and a revival of the cable knit jumper trend, we are all asking ourselves the same question. Why couldn’t the summer last longer? Therefore, to keep you in the spirit of heat and combat those dreaded holiday blues, we have put together a seasonal report on our top five destinations for you to visit this autumn. From hiking around the alpine slopes of Switzerland admiring the ever-changing colour of the crunchy leaves to enjoying the irresistible sweet taste of Shiraz whilst roaming the vineyards of Paso Robles, we have included the perfect getaway for both the outdoors, adrenaline-led family right through to the taste maker couple with an eye for gorgeous views and the finer things in life.

Center Parcs, United Kingdom
Take the family on an Autumnal adventure this season by spending your time cycling through majestic woodlands, engaging in jaw-dropping outdoor activities and indulging in the leisure lifestyle at one of the Center Parcs villages. Located within the natural surroundings of the English countryside, Center Parcs offer five different landscapes in areas such as Whinfell Forest just on the edge of the Lake District, Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, Elveden Forest in Suffolk, Woburn Forest in Bedfordshire and lastly but just as exciting, Longleat Forest in the valleys of Wiltshire. With activities including indoor caving, rock climbing, quad biking and aerial tree trekking, your trusty trainers and raincoat are a packing essential for this action-pack endured weekend filled with guaranteed fun and quality time for the whole family.


Gruyere, Switzerland
With more than 750 km of hiking routes and a beautiful medieval castle, the picture perfect historical town of Gruyeres in Switzerland is a go-to destination for a bold explorer with a desire for cultural and architectural settings. Surrounded by a peaceful scenery and located on a small hill above the river Saane, the village of Gruyere is filled with different activities for you to take part in such as trailing down the footpath of the La Gruyère lake, hiking up spectacular mountains and tasting signature Swiss specialties including fondue, raclette and the world-famous Gruyeres cheese at some of the town’s most traditional restaurants.

Paso Robles, California
For the most divine getaway where you will be greeted by the indulgent smell of syrahs grapes on every corner you turn, between the rolling Western hills of LA and San Francisco, lies the hidden getaway of Paso Robles. Although many would head to Napa or Sonoma this season for a wine tasting experience, it seems that the exquisite region of Paso Robles on the Californian coast has become an increasingly popular destination for those in search of breath-taking views, an abundance of the most sensual wineries, a truly unique castle and many abodes to the mineral-rich waters they like to call hot springs for the ultimate mind and body renovation. In terms of accommodation, the Hotel Cheval is an elegant boutique haven in the heart of downtown Paso Robles with the most welcoming atmosphere and a location that is just minutes away from the historic town square allowing you to combine culture with relaxation during your vacation.

Montmartre, France
A tradition since 1937, the chic neighbourhood of Montmartre is the home to one of the most popular Parisian festivals in the land, the Grape Harvest Festival. With an array of stalls featuring crafts and rich regional delicatessens, various exhibits, tours, fashion shows, parades, concerts and dances, there is certainly no time to get bored during this celebratory extravaganza which starts on the 6th October this year and lasts for five days. In awe of the main wine ingredient; the grape, the festival also includes a gathering of many expert wine growers and enthusiasts who come together to taste, share and socialize about new recipes. Furthermore, also taking place on the 6th October is the celebration of the annual all night arts festival, Nuit Blanche which sees the town’s main landmarks and places of worship stay open from dusk to dawn and turn into the most idiosyncratic de facto art galleries including phenomenal installations, theatrical performances and magnificent works of art.

Munich, Germany
What was once a celebration for the marriage of Prince Ludwig and his bride, Therese of Saxony in 1810, has now 206 years later, turned into one of the biggest beer fuelled events to visit across Europe during the chilly September and October months. Starting on the 17th September this year to ensure the nicest weather possible the enjoyable Oktoberfest festival, which is an important part of the Bavarian culture, offers various events including the Oktoberfest Costume and Riflemen’s Parade which presents local civilians dressed up in popular traditional German costumes marching through the streets of the city, the Parade of Oktoberfest Landlords and Breweries, the Official Tapping of the Keg which showcases the Mayor of Munich tapping the first beer keg to officially open the alcohol infused extravaganza, the Oktoberfest Mass and the “Böllerschießen” which takes place in front of the iconic Bavaria statue. Whether you are a fan of beer or not, the event is still a great experience which allows you to get involved in traditional German culture and spend your weekend surrounded by the most energetic and harmonious atmosphere.

The VMA'S 2016

As the 33rd annual VMA awards returned to the Big Apple this weekend, filling the phenomenal Madison Square Garden with true music royalty, as promised the star studded evening delivered an array of spectacular ensembles showcased by some of the biggest artists and style icons of 2016. With a night of breath-taking performances from high profile celebrities including Beyoncé, Rihanna and an anticipated comeback from the pop princess herself, Britney Spears, the night was full of exceptional surprises, unmissable award acceptance speeches and the most impeccably choreographed dance routines to this year’s hottest hits. Therefore, to celebrate such an A-list event, I have put together a style report of my favourite looks from the lavish night to present some of the key silhouettes and designs that are circling the world of high end fashion for Autumn / Winter 2016.


Beyonce
Surprising fans with her appearance at the VMA’s on Sunday night, in true Beyoncé spirit, the platinum songstress graced the carpet in the most angelic and heavenly garment from Franscesco Scognamiglio’s Fall 2016 Couture collection. Sharing the spotlight with her four year old daughter Blue Ivy, who was styled in a divine princess dress mashed up with a pair of sneakers to translate an urban yet playful edge, Beyoncé's dress exuded an astounding look taken straight out of a fairy-tale and therefore, placed her at the top of the best dressed list yet again.




Hayley Baldwin
A rising style icon in the fast paced world of high fashion, Hayley Baldwin stepped out on Sunday night showing off her flawless model figure, whilst wearing a sheer embellished jumpsuit from Georges Chakras’ Fall Couture collection. An alternative approach to the LBD, the jumpsuit allowed the model to channel a discretely seductive yet outstandingly sophisticated look, finished by minimal jewellery and a pair of sultry strappy heels.



Naomi Campbell
A stunning choice for the style orientated awards ceremony, Naomi Campbell’s plush ensemble boasted a high rise structured top, finished with a lusciously daring slit in this elegant mini dress by Brandon Maxwell. Not only did the dress complement the supermodels unbelievably slender physique, but it also showcased an opulently fresh combination of velvet fabrications and mint green which will be sure to brighten and add a sumptuous appeal to any formal apparel during the approaching colder season.



Hailee Steinfield
Infusing the grand white carpet of the VMA’s with a rainbow of colour and vibrancy, Hailee Steinfield stood out from the crowd of fellow superstar trendsetters in this Balmain Resort 2017 number. Crafted from a mixture of crochet and lace in an array of blues, reds, oranges and yellows, the singer completed the look with a pair of simple yet glamorous gold stilettos and matching jewellery in order to let her bold dress truly steal the show and become the talk of the night.



Tinashe
Commanding attention in this elegantly innovative two piece from Juan Carlos Obando, Tinashe has dramatized her look further by finishing the alluring crimson red ensemble with an effortlessly wrapped neck scarf. A sweeping number perfect for such an acclaimed event and one which accentuates the stars soft bronzed skin perfectly, the look has also been complemented by distinctively heavy gold eye makeup make-up and nude lips to exude an edgy 21st century feminine appeal.



Zara Larsson
Making a memorable impression during her first appearance on the luxurious white carpet of Madison Square Garden, Zara Larsson amazed in this regal green garment from Thierry Mugler. Favoured by all vintage-lovers, the antique dress created in 1990 was described by her stylist as ‘museum-worthy’ due to its combination of expertly cut shoulders, sweetheart bustier and tasteful velour fabrication. To keep the main focus on the dress, which had never been worn on the carpet before, the collectors piece was finished with beautiful emerald diamond jewellery from Lorraine Schwartz and a pair of architectural heels from Charlotte Olympia.



Holland Roden
Holland Roden is the most fashion forward muse to take inspiration from this upcoming season when the festivities and endless amount of formal eventualities take over your calendar. The perfect layered look for colder occasions, the actress has paired a chic plunging jumpsuit with an unstructured floor length cape which have both been adorned in a pristine shade of ivory. An alternative look for a summer event, Roden’s look exudes an ironic yet fabulously fashionable winter wonderland aesthetic.