Back To Basics...

Nothing is more important than a comfy cotton tee shirt to wear under your jumper on a cold winter morning. It makes the whole difference to your day. However I've always found it quit difficult to find good quality basics that you don't have to throw away after two wash. UNIQLO is my answer. If anyone is interested, their latest store has opened on Oxford Street and promises to be a real success. From plain leggings to comfy cotton tee shirts to reasonably priced cashmere jumpers, everything is on display. And with the Christmas season around the corner, it is also the perfect spot for some christmas shopping. From t-shirts and sweaters to denim, all of their clothes are made according to exacting Japanese standards for quality and come in an astonishing array of colors and styles, it's time to shop. Viva casual clothes! Viva UNIQLO!

A Touch Of Cavalli

Stella McCartney, Karl Lagerfeld, Viktor & Rolf and Madonna have all worked with high street brand H&M and each time it has been a real success. This season it is Roberto Cavalli's turn to collaborate with the high street store. I am not usually the biggest fan of Roberto Cavalli's design, but I have to admit that after having had a glimpse of this collection, I've changed my mind. "The collection is built around a selection of Roberto Cavalli's favorite pieces throughout the years" says H&M's head of design Margareta van den Bosch. This fall every woman will have the opportunity to have a piece from this Italian designer, who makes women feel sexy and elegant in his leopard print trademark. Leopard and zebra is what prevails in this collection. From jackets to evening dresses to sexy lingerie there is something for everyone's taste. For me it has to be the cute yet sexy sequined mini dress which is being displayed in many of the H&M advertisements. Amazing is the only word I can use to describe it. Amazing, amazing, amazing simply amazing..."

The Golden Age Of Cate

Australian actress Cate Blanchett is back on our screens as Queen Elizabeth (We can not forget that it is nearly a decade ago since her role in Shekar Kapur's Elizabeth earned her an Academy Award nomination). This time I thought she was even more striking than she was throughout the first movie. Cate is on top form and is absolutely breathtaking whether it is with her acting skills or because of the epoch costumes she wears. The story might not be incredible and attention grabbing, however, everything from the costumes to the set is mind blowing. English tradition and opulence is de rigueur from start to finish. Cate Blanchett shines as always and delivers an outstanding performance. From Babel with Brad Pitt to Notes on a Scandal with Dame Judi Dench, it seems like this year is Cate's Golden Age. Every fashion lover will definitely be amazed by the high standard of the costumes and make up used in this period movie.

"Fashion's Seven Sins"

Magnum Photos is a photographic co-operative of great diversity and distinction owned by its photographer-members in four editorial offices around the world; London, New York, Paris and Tokyo. These various photographers portray people, events, issues and personalities. Aside of the large collection of iconic members, Magnum also represent cutting edge photographers. Magnum Photos is currently showing an exhibition at the Magnum Print Room which concentrates on images from a publication called Fashion Magazine. This magazine gives the opportunity to individual Magnum photographers to interpret high fashion. The photographers who are represented include Martin Parr, Bruce Gilden and Alec Soth. Today, whilst I was viewing the photographs displayed in the gallery, the images that grabbed the most of my attention were from an American photographer, Bruce Gilden who joined Magnum Photos in 1998. Gilden is known as being a street photographer; his work done in New York City represents what he calls "Fashion's seven sins: Power, Fame, Addiction, Body, Fantasy, Exclusive and Illicit". I thought what he calls the "Seven Sins" were perfectly translated through his images. "I'm known for taking pictures very close, and the older I get, the closer I get." It seems like he will continue to produce extremely communitative shots for a long time to come. Be prepared.

Sweet Galliano!

This Year, the John Galliano Spring / Summer 2008 Pret a Porter show in Paris can be described with two words: Sweet and Innocent. It definitely made me drift back to my childhood. With pink chiffon dresses, embroidered taffeta skirts, light silky summer dresses and floppy hats, it has to be said, it was the cutest show. A fairytale. With a merry-go-round in the background, doll like models dressed in soft colors such as baby blue, light pink, cream, gold and beige, everything a girl could wish for was on display. Apparently, this was exactly the atmosphere Galliano himself wanted to create for his new and dreamy collection: "Fashion has to be fun, flirty, happy and romantic". I agree.

J'Adore...Couture...

This autumn, the Victoria&Albert Museum is housing a beautiful exhibition on what Christian Dior once described as the "Golden Age" of fashion. The exhibition explores the creation of couture design from the post war era to the global success of the major fashion brands by the late 1950's. It is a must see for every fashion lover. With designs from Paris such as Balenciaga, Balmain, Givenchy and of course Dior himself and from London with Norman Hartnell and Hardy Amies, there is something for everyone to admire. From a Givenchy blue cape to a red version of Dior's Zemire design, this is your chance to see some of the world rarities. Within the second part of the exhibition, fashion photography and illustrations from this era prevail. The slightly somber room is filled with photographs that enable you to enter the very exclusive and private world that was Couture at that time. Cecil Beaton's 1948 photograph was the one that caught most of my attention. For me, it was a glimpse of this opulent era.

One Exciting Pair Of Shoes!

Heels up girls! Next fashion season will develop a serious shoe obsession. The first time I spotted these incredible and most unbelievable pair of shoes was whilst browsing on my favourite fashion website, Style.com on a Sunday afternoon. They there were the shoes that definitely stand out from the Spring and Summer 2008 Paris shows. These black and white knee high boots / gladiator sandals (not quit sure they can actually be called shoes) are Balenciaga's latest and most incredible creation. Since spotting these fabulous "sandals" a few weeks ago, I regularly see a picture of them in the magazines I flick through. They are so striking! I want them! But how on earth would I be able to wear these pumps and more importantly where would they go "incognito"? All of this put aside, Balenciaga's current designer Nicolas Ghesquiere seems to be on the right path to impress the fashion pack with the design of his shoes (do you remember the mind blowing robotic stilettos from the Spring / Summer 2007 collection?). Jimmy Choo, please step aside, Balenciaga is back in town.