London Fashion Week S/S 2012: Mary Katrantzou

If there's any show I wish I could have attended during LFW - meaning, if I had an invitation and didn't have art history class the same time - it's Mary Katrantzou's. I find it quite easy to be entranced by Katrantzou's bold, artistic designs. Though only on the scene for a few seasons (A/W 2009), she's become a powerful new voice. There's quite a difference between her work and simple garments created by other designers. This collection is indeed less architectural, and hence more wearable than prior seasons', but there's a depth to these pieces that not all designers can conjure.

Inspired by the contrast of man and nature, she adopts her influences in a literal sense - floral prints appear in a setting, a field. Motifs from nature are digitalized, blown up to the point of being unrecognizable.



I keep mentioning art vs. fashion and whether they are entirely exclusive. I don't believe they are; it's quite evident through many designers that fashion is a wearable extension of simple "art." When I question my purpose as an artist, I can't help but think studying fashion would be an appropriate path. I suppose my training as a designer at this point is absolutely minimal - but isn't that what university is for? To guide one? To teach? Yes? Yes.

xox Catherine

Images via style.com

EDIT: For an interview with Mary Katrantzou on her most recent collection, check out the latest issue of Lula.

Sunny London Days

Tshirt - C&C California, collared shirt - H&M, necklace - thrifted, skirt - H&M, shoes - Topshop

One thing I've realized is this isn't simply a "trip" - it's quite much to call it that. Nor does simply calling it a trip address the main reason why I'm here, which is of course, school. I only started classes last week, but I'm sincerely enjoying them all. My favorite, perhaps, is a writing course; I prefer the analytical side of English to simply reading and interpreting literature.

I'm regaining confidence in myself. I can't describe it any other way besides simply odd that upon coming here, I felt, in some aspects, inferior to others. My classmates, strangers, friends at home, etc. I suppose it has a bit to do with the fact that I'm in a new environment and thus entirely vulnerable. I'm adjusting. Becoming more reassured. It's nice.




Despite thoroughly enjoying my classes, I'm questioning once again it is that I want to do. Currently, my major is jewelry and metals. It is something I do quite love, but I don't know that it necessarily matches my goals as an aspiring artist. With that being said, my current university doesn't offer either of the majors I'd want to switch to - architecture or fashion design. Keep in mind I'm a very fickle being, and I change my mind constantly. It happens.

I have nothing scheduled on Fridays, which means my weekend has begun! I do hope to find something exciting to do, but I don't seem to be as into going to clubs as the rest of my peers. Big crowds aren't my thing, especially when the music is awful.

Well, enjoy the rest of your week! I know I will - temperatures nearly in the 30's (Celsius) this weekend!

xox Catherine

Life, lately

Sweater - Urban Outfitters, top - Anthropologie, jeans - Madewell, bag - Melie Bianco, shoes - Topshop

I realized it's been nearly three weeks since my last outfit post - where does the time go? I suppose all my blogging efforts had been dedicated to the coverage of LFW. It was a little more stressful than I had anticipated - not the events themselves, but editing, refining, and posting content. I'm glad my first fashion week was international, and I do think I'll try for NYFW next season if my schedule allows.

This photo was taken last Tuesday by my friend Jeremy. Truthfully, I've been having quite a difficult time actually securing friends. I'm quite introverted and reserved, and my homesickness has affected my mood. It's a cycle I know must end, but being in a foreign city with no close companion is just plain intimidating.

Here's to looking up.

xox Catherine

London Fashion Week S/S 2012: Joanne Stoker

In the Exhibition at Somerset House, I came across these artistic, colorful, architectural creations by Joanne Stoker - a 2009 graduate of Cordwainers College. A collection full of heels, naturally, I was enthralled. Though a few elements seem slightly derivative, it's hard not to be mesmerized by these wonderfully eccentric shoes.

xox Catherine

LFW Street Style: Day 3

Well, here's the last batch of street style photos from LFW! Yes, there is a shot of Anna Dello Russo (editor at Vogue Nippon) in the mix. She was probably the most famous person I saw throughout the weekend - besides Hilary Alexander.

I still have a few more sets of photos to post, but I hope you've enjoyed my street style coverage! Any thoughts, criticisms, questions? Post them in the comments, please.

xox Catherine

London Fashion Week S/S 2012: Cristina Sabaiduc

Located in the basement of a seemingly office-like space, show goers were ushered into the middle of a room surrounded with a white catwalk. Applied to the walls with magnetic strips were pieces of cloth, though I didn't quite know what to make of the setup. No one had any idea where to look, definitely giving a mysterious atmosphere - but crammed into a space with so many women wearing tall heels, I don't think anyone knew where to look.

The show began as models appeared, wearing basic, revealing bodysuits. Each model circled the room, pausing to be clothed from the garments adorning the walls, with assistance from a few dressers.







The two dimensional wall decorations transformed into dresses, tops, pants, skirts, before our very eyes; although most of the audience had trouble seeing this process. This was a bold first attempt at a show during London Fashion Week, but some aspects fell slightly short. After this, I'd be disappointed to see the designer try a more traditional show, but perhaps seating could be arranged to allow for better views of the work.

Sabaiduc was inspired by the contrast of the natural environment and industrial waste, evident through patterns and textures present within the collection. The concept behind the clothing is arguably stronger than the design aesthetic - which again, is something that we're eager to see improved upon.

xox Catherine

All photos by Catherine Everett

London Fashion Week S/S 2012: J. JS Lee

As I walked into the Portico Room, I saw this would be an intimate presentation. Seated what I suppose would be considered front row (though there weren't many other rows), I was pleasantly surprised to see Susie Bubble take a seat next to yours truly. She relocated before the show started, but I was quite starstruck!





The collection is very sleek, quite minimal. There's no frills or anything very extravagant, though subtle shine does show in a look or two - influenced by the way her niece's cotton candy had stuck onto her clothing. Jackie Lee was inspired by 1920's silhouettes - long and dropped waists, box pleats, and a slightly subdued color palette. The shapes are slightly androgynous, but details are undeniably feminine.






The simple shapes allow playfulness within the garments themselves, whether via light, color, or texture. There's asymmetric hemlines, pencil skirts over knee-length trousers, slight ombre effects, and tied backs. The color palette is mostly monochromatic, but highlights of cobalt and peach appear.

Jackie Lee graduated from Central Saint Martin's in 2010, and received the prestigious Harrods Award for her work there. J. JS Lee was launched in March 2010, and has since become a part of NEWGEN. We can certainly expect more great things from Jackie Lee.

xox Catherine

All photos by Catherine Everett