South Beach After Dark, 70s disco and Xanadu at House of Holland

I just thought I'd show this to you because it's colourful and makes me quite happy.

It's like primary school production meets a runway show, and somehow it just works. I hadn't really heard much about Henry Holland since all those slogan tees that everyone loved, copied and got sick of. A few of the pieces actually reminded me of Romance Was Born's Doilies and Pearls, Oysters and Shells collection back in... whenever that was. Hmm what quality blogging that was right there. Some things I loved, some things I really didn't. Plus stars are my favourite shape (yes I have a favourite shape at eighteen), and I look good in purple and green (preferably not at the same time), so big ups to Mr Holland for that. I love that pale blue blouse with the pleated sleeves more than words can describe. Pleats make me happy. And the prints are just amazing. I've only posted what I did like, so if you want to have a look at the whole presentation's worth, click here.

Backstage.

Ever wondered what models get up to backstage? No, it's not primping, preening, changing clothes or chatting with designers. They just make out.
No, but seriously I just saw this photograph on Thread's facebook page from the actual show and loved it for no apparent reason - this happens a lot with me.

P.S. beautiful clothes, I loved NOM*D. Post soon... A bit too tired now as I just finished a pair of black and gold shorts for uni. I'm actually really proud for once and I think they're beautiful!

Lizzie xx

P.S. Lizzie, I can't tell if they're guys or girls or one of each. What is with all this homogenization of people! No that's not the right word. . . if you were here you would know what I'm thinking. Not bisexual.. . androgynous! (sp?). But also I love. Amy xx

Juliette Hogan: The Morning After The Night Before

Juliette Hogan's A/W 2011 collection was sweet and feminine with a hint of darkness. It was a bit 60s which made me like it even more. I love most pieces in this collection, although I wasn't a fan of the navy and white polka dot prints (despite owning a number of navy and white polka-dotted items). It wasn't a particularly radical, out-there collection but it was pretty and classic, which I like. The look was feminine without being frou-frou - very minimalist in terms of colour pallette but with girly additions such as the pussy bow blouses (possibly my favourite pieces, especially the dark long-sleeved one), light pink ruffles and sheer fabrics, and the leather was a refreshing contrast. I'm writing this as though I actually know what I'm talking about... HA! Anyway main thing is it's cute, I'd wear it, I want it. Video here, just the finale so you can see every look and make up your own mind, and some backstage photos (thanks Rag Pony, hope you don't mind me stealing!)

Clogs.

They might be in fashion now (See FQ page below, which I love the layout of btw), but if you ever see me in a pair of clogs, shoot me. They make you look like you have chunky legs, and the sound is awful.



Then again, I wasn't going to buy into platform boots either. .. .

Or lesbien boots. Lizzie post a picture please, so all those not down with our terminology know what I mean. Although, classy ones like Ashleigh's are okay (also post a picture please), but other than that, lesbien boots = not okay. Is it it lesbien or lesbian? Also Lizzie, is this offensive terminology for the blog? I don't think so. . . But then again I have no mind-mouth filter. Oops.

My apologies to all the lebien/bians out there. =P.

Amy (the one who rants aimlessly) xx

Fashion Weeks!

True to form, I am running late with everything. . . so with New York and London Fashion Weeks running so close together, I haven't really given them a second thought until now. After spending a good chunk of time poring over style.com's photo galleries (also the nytimes does really good photos, fast loading, but you can't save them) I have selected my first couple of favourites (pretty sure Topshop is from the London show and Sass&Bide is from NY).

Topshop Unique

I have to confess, my hopes were not high - how could a chain store (admittedly a high end one) adapt to a show? But, as usual, Topshop did not disappoint. Although not a fan of the slit in the first dress, I love the weirdo neckline, and looking at these pictures, I seem to have become a little obsessed with prints (topshop, shakuhachi, are we seeing a pattern here?). Kind of a strange colour scheme, but I think it works! Also loving the insane hair. Apparantly, drapey and outrageous is the way to go. Love it. Could have been a boring train wreck, and in this case, the insane was definitely the way to go! Looking forward to getting my hands on some of this stuff in November!

Sass&Bide

Although their jeans never fail me, their dresses etc tend to be a little odd for my liking. See neckpieces above. But, the awesome prints on the two dresses, and the grey-ish print on the pants - love! Especially those shorts. And the shoes. And the legs to go with them. . . please? Cute grey tee too. AND although the feathers on the peach dress are a tad OTT (it is a catwalk after all), I would love to see more of that colour. And matching shoes. Ah S&B, if only my wallet was a little more accommodating. . . .

So far so good. Seriously inspired to make Lizzie teach me how to sew. . . in all that free time that I have.

Enjoy NZFW - will be posting sometime soon on the best of the best, but until then, my lovely friend Amber and her Lizzie-equivalent Hilary are doing regular and comprehensive show postings - I'll be stealing all their photos! If you can't wait for my oh so intellectual and witty commentary, check them out http://amberandhilary.blogspot.com/

Amy xx

PS Have finally worked out how to do my own photos! Hooray for independence! xx

Jen Kao S/S 2011

NY Fashion Week started last Thursday and I am going to have a lot to say, but I'll start here. I never really took notice of Jen Kao until her Fall 2010 show with those amazing knit pieces (here). This collection is a lot more romantic than the edgier one last season. I'm loving the earthy/neutral colour palette and blues (see below)... It kind of makes me wish that our hemispheres didn't clash and my bank account wasn't empty - I spent all my money on flights to Wellington AGAIN for this weekend. But will so be worth it. I have a lot of baking to do to pay for my stay though. I especially love the little leather panelled dress on Bambi [5]. Here are some backstage photos from Gypsy Rose (Amy's going to kill me for putting huge pictures up again):

Downtown

This is kind of one half of a shoot for V magazine called Uptown & Down, featuring two of my favourites, Freja Beha Erichsen and Anna Selezneva, and photographed by the amazing Mario Testino. I am in love with the last shot. It's pretty much TrashyClassy on camera, only I much preferred the trashy part. Have a look at the whole thing (classy included) here.