Label’s Fashion Show 2011 Report

A fashion show in the street!? Now that’s something you don’t see every day!

The Labels Fashion Show 2011 provided a refreshing vision of what a fashion show should be, seeing models strut down the catwalk in a natural urban setting, surrounded by a mirage of architecture, rather than in the cliché fashion show arenas. But as I talked to other guests, I was told that anything could happen in this part of Shoreditch. A very exciting prospect, spurred on by the fact that the event had started off with a unique, yet personal twist.

The preparations for the show were graced with a variety of different sounds; some emanating from models erratically getting into their different pieces of clothing for that night, other from the DJ pumping out his original funky mixes, all that whilst glamorous organisers were also running around, making sure everything was perfect.

We were ready to get started… The rain was nowhere to be seen, onlookers gazed curiously at this exclusive event’s set-up and the paparazzi was in position.

The audience was to be blessed with a variety of fashion pieces, inspirations and designs from 5 upcoming designers that would later be showcased that evening.

The Designers

Anna Gregory

Anna Gregory’s self titled collection was inspired by nature and countries with exotic natural beauty such as Scandanavia. She loved the elements of beauty, and the contrasting harshness, of nature in the Norwegian Fjords and so used this experience to create a masterpiece of a collection which portrayed organic, rustic elements complemented with hand – made chunky jewellery.

Intern: Sidewalk 11/12

Enjoy the richness of Schnell Stephens’ collection, titled Sidewalk S/S 12. It marked the transition from the summer to the autumn months. Taking inspiration from the streets of North London where she resides. Schnell constantly strives to push the boundaries of creativity and create unique yet wearable fashion. Her clothing line ‘Intern’ truly recognises and promotes young talent in the fashion industry and helps them showcase, collaborate and grow.

Marsha Bigby: Kaleidoscope

This is Kaleidoscope, Marsha Bigby’s first collection. The models wore prints inspired by Marsha’s love for early hip hop culture, and dance merged with modern sport/ fashion silhouettes. Aiming to create a connection between casual sportswear and high street fashion, Marsha uses her professional luxury experience gained at Burberry UK to produce an exceptional piece of art.

Slyvia Fumudoh: Preby Fumudoh

Sylvia Fumudoh presents Preby Fumudoh, a collection which sparkles with feminine shapes and curves. Travel back to the eras of the 1920′s and the 1940′s, a time where Sylvia believes fashion really came into its own. She gives those traditional silhouettes a splash of modern influences through her collection showcased at Labels 2011.

Kiwi Sumo

Enuvierhire Orere hopes that her Kiwi Sumo brand will bring an element of fun to fashion. A wonderfully fresh collaboration of vibrant colours and classic shapes, this collection is largely produced from 100% cotton, leather and silk – based fabrics. These are timeless garments, that point towards the future of fashion whilst paying the utmost attention to style.

Other highlights

Other highlights of the show include a bootylicious performance of Beyonce’s Who Run the World by the CEO dancers, the fabulous looking guests at the show and some delicious cooked food!

In this month’s Urban Fashion Fix we have Part 2 of our Celebrity Body Shape Guide. This time around we focus on showing how to dress for highly desired, and voluptuous, Hourglass body shape, making the most of those sexy curves.

Hourglass: Attributes

The Hourglass is considered the most desirable of all body shapes, and is defined by a small waist. partnered with hips that roughly the same width of the shoulders.

Traditionally Hourglass’ also have a full bust and curvy bottom, which is probably why they are such a hit with men(!). Variation within the Hourglass class of of body shape can come in the form of a bust that is not necessarily bigger than average. The bust can be an average size whilst still being wider than the size of the waist. In this case the body shape can be more accurately described as a Cello, which is a close cousin of the Hourglass.

One major downsize of having an Hourglass figure is that when a person with this shape gains weight, they tend to gain weight all over their body which means they have to be conscious of keeping their body toned to look good.

Hourglass Celeb’s: Eva Mendes, Salma Hayak, Scarlett Johannson (Cello), Halle Berry (Cello), Kim Kardashian

Chello shaped Hourglass

Scarlett Johannson

Scarlett has a well defined waist and small curvy hips and bust.

Halle Berry

Halle just like Scarlett is a Chello shaped Hourglass.

Body Shape: Classic Hourglass

Kim Kardashian

Kim is a classic Hourglass with full hips and bust and a small waist.

Salma Hayek

Salma is every inch a curvaceous Hourglass with her well defined waist.

Kelly Brook

Kelly has curves in all the right place and made a career out of them.

Eva Mendes

Eva embraces her lady lumps whilst oozing mega sex appeal.

Hourglass: How to dress

Well toned hourglass’ can wear most fashionable clothing as long as they draw attention to the waist and avoid bulky clothes like frills and puffy sleeves. When wearing an item of clothing with volume, make sure the rest of your outfit is fitted. For example wear a baggy top with fitted skinny jeans.

Wear fitted clothing to emphasise your small waist and show off your curves or trying wearing a belt around the smallest part of waist. V-neck dresses and tops will help achieve the desired effect as will fitted jackets. It can be difficult to find jackets that compliment the waist so maybe opt for a cropped or slightly shorter blazer that is cinched in at the waist.

Hourglass: How not to dress

Hourglass: Suggested garments

Twist Dress by Boutique, £55.00, Topshop; Orange Vest, £5.99, H&M; Floral Top, £14.99, H&M; Peach Short Sleeve Tuck Shift Dress, £46.00 Topshop; Tan Three Buckle Belt, £14.00, Miss Selfridges; Blue & Beige Dress, £14.99, H&M; Stone Waterfall Cardi, £20.00, Miss Selfridges; Mink Satin Ballerina Pumps, £16.00, Miss Selfridges; Beige Print Dress, £9.99, H&M

Look out for Part 3 of our guide in next month newsletter.

Everyone knows that women come in all different shapes and sizes. However, did you know that everyone has a body shape that will not change, whether you gain or loose weight? This shape is your body frame and effects how your body stores weight, it’s is genetic.

In this month’s Urban Fashion Fix Kizzie Amor presents a guide showing you how to dress according to your natural body shape, making the most of your assets. In this article we’ll help you dress for your shape, whether you’re confident or not, and reveal simple tricks on how to draw attention to your best bits, counter-balancing any problem areas.

This article will be spilt into four parts, starting with The Pear body shape.

Pear: Attributes

Pear’s have slim shoulders, average boobs and hips wider than their shoulder width. Variations within the pear shape are either; a full curvy bum and thighs (Classic Pear) or small/flat bum with full thighs (Skittle shape); or larger hips and fuller thighs than a classic pear, plus or minus a curvy bottom (Bell shape). Pears are prone to gain weight around hips and thighs.

Pear Celeb’s: Rihanna (Classic Pear), Beyonce (Classic Pear), Jennifer Lopez (Bell), Shakira (Skittle), Alicia Keys (Bell)

Well tone and confident Pears can wear the fashionable jumpsuits drawing attention to well toned arms, shoulders and backs. Harem pants with a fitted vest/top will highlight toned, slender, torsos. But be sure to wear them with heels to avoid adding extra bulk to already curvy hips. Think Rihanna; dressing young and fresh, making the best of her curves.

Rihanna: Classic Pear – Body Shape

For a more classic look, wear fitted dresses that skim the hips, and off the shoulder or V-neck dresses which create an illusion of balance (looking like an Hourglass shape). Think Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez when dressing up for an occasion.

J-Lo: Bell Pear – Body Shape

Beyonce: Classic Pear – Body Shape

For less confident Pear’s you can create balance by wearing darker colours on your bottom half; a-line skirt and empire line dress, which is fitted on top and flows around the hips. Wear heels where possible to elongate the legs, slimming the legs and calves. Wear wide lapels on coats and blazers to give the illusion of wide shoulder, wear lighter shades and print on your top half to draw the eye up to the smallest part of the body. You can top that with ruffles on shoulders, or puffed sleeves, to create wider shoulders that will compliment the hips. Halter necks give the illusion of making the shoulders look broader, balancing out with your wider than normal hips.

Avoid skinny jeans unless you are confident. Stick to straight legged jeans which avoid tightening around the calves and avoid the hips looking bigger. Avoid wearing loose fitted clothing on top, aim to draw attention to the smallest part of body (your top half) with fitted tops.

Here are a few other pears that might be familiar to you..

Other celebrity Pear’s

Shakira: Skittle Pear – Body Shape

Alicia Keys: Bell Pear – Body Shape

We hope Part 1 of of our Body Shape Guide proved helpful and encourages all you Pear’s out there to try something different and make the most of those curves!

Look out for Part 2 of our guide which will be the famous Hourglass body shape.

Here are a few of our favourite gift ideas for this Valentine’s, here’s wishing everyone a very sexy Valentines day…
WIARD FM

1

Available from: Ann Summers

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Sophisticated fun

Treat your woman this Valentine’s day to an extra special treat. This beautifully designed corset, and tutu piece, will leave your lady feeling fun and flirty!

2

Available from: Ann Summers

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Irresistible Blue

This stunning electric blue baby doll piece is perfect for an extra special Valentine’s date. Given the amazingly high-quality silk, she will literally feel irresistible!

3

Available from: La Senza

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Jolly Dolly

This simple but classy red number will make a lovely Valentine’s present for that special someone, and really help set the mood for a romantic Valentine’s night neither of you will forget!

4

Available from: Gerald Online

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Pop the question!

If you’re thinking of popping the question this Valentine’s day, make sure you get the perfect ring. This amazing eighteen carat, white-gold diamond piece will make it impossible for her to refuse!

5

Available from: Knickerbox

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Cheap Frills

This frilly, cute, underwear set will put you in her good books this Valentine’s! The set is from the Knickerbox at Ann Summers, and is cheap enough for you to add lots of other goodies to your purchase.

6

Available from: Ann Summers

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Oh My Goddess

If you’re looking to experiment with a whole different look in the bedroom this Valentine’s, why not try buying your lady this gorgeous goddess outfit? This four piece costume will transform your woman into a goddess of love!

7

Available from: Gerald Online

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Treasure Her Heart

This simple, yet beautiful, heart shaped necklace is the perfect gift to say I love you. The nine carat white gold and special CZ crystals really make it an unforgettable gift which she will treasure forever.

A common trend on the catwalk for men has been blazers with skinny jeans or trousers. For a casual look Balmain and D&G blazer’s were worn with jeans and boots. Lanvin and Guuci paired up the blazers with v neck tops and scarves. Prada teams up trouser with a cardigan instead of blazer for smarter casual look. For the party season wear a blazer with straight legged dark jeans, v-necked (or round neck) t-shirt and smart shoes. For a formal occasion swap the jeans for trousers, add a shirt and a skinny tie for a rock and roll look.

Product Links

Ladies: Autumn Floral

Jade Norman: Embellished waist jacquard bandeau dress – £42.00

New Look: Lace Wing Platform Heel – £29.99

New Look: Corsage Rope Necklace – £12.00

Ladies: Opulence

ASOS: Rare Metallic Floral Dress – £48.00

New Look: Ruched Dressy Heel – £22.99

Ladies: Little Black Dress

ASOS: Lipsy Dress With All Over Sequin In Bandeau Style – £70.00

ASOS: Premium Feather Vintage Chain Handle Bag – £45.00

Ladies: Cobalt Blue

Jane Norman – One shoulder Swirl dress – £150

New Look – Strappy Platform Heel – £22.99

New Look – Wrap Bangle Set – £7.99

Mens: Blazers & Jeans

Zara: Men’s Resin trousers with five pockets – £39.99

Zara: Wide Lapel Blazer with 2 Buttons – £39.99

New Look: Buckle Straight Leg Jeans – £24.99

River Island: Navy Skinny Suit Jacket – £80.00

River Island: Brown Pointed Leather Lace Up Shoes – £39.99

The brands

Isis is an independent clothing store specialising in Ed Hardy and Christian Audigier designer wear, two of the biggest names in America. The Ed Hardy clothing brand is inspired by the illustrations of renowned tattoo artist Don Ed Hardy, and is produced in collaboration with fashion designer Christian Audigier, who has his own label and has worked with high-end brand such as Von Dutch in the past.

Exclusivity

Store manager Jarrod says: your worst fashion nightmare is looking the same as everybody else. We only buy 5 pieces of any one item, and the bags are one of a kind. This is not your average high street store.

Walking into the bright, vibrant store is a visual spectacle.  You instantly feel relaxed in this spacious shop; full of funky leather chairs, amazing graffiti wall art and beautiful designer wear.

Jarrod is passionate about Isis: We are inspired by the L.A. shopping experience, which is relaxed and puts the fun into fashion. We are a family here, we believe in individual customer service. Customers know us and trust our advice, they come to us describing the look they want and we tailor it to them. We even have an X-box to keep the kids happy!

The store opened in February 2007 and due its popularity, with a strong client base, in 2009 it  re-opened in a bigger, plusher, store on Leicester City Centre’s High Street.

Celebrity Clientele

Isis’s reputation reflects the exclusive brands inside with people flying in from all over the country to attend the celeb studded “evening sessions” (by invite only). The select few invited include the likes of: football players, Peter Andre – Ed Hardy’s ambassador, singer/emcee Chipmunk, and various DJ’s, to name just a few.

These celeb studded, cocktail/catwalk events give Isis the chance to showcase new ranges, 6 months before they hit the website. Chances are that the iconic clothes worn by;  footballer  Jermaine Defoe, boxers Rendall Munroe and Amir Khan, along with other celebrities, were probably purchased in Isis Clothing.

Isis’s unique shopping experience, and exclusivity, is taking Leicester fashion  in a whole new direction.

It’s hard not to be impressed by the edgy wall art covering the store, with one wall covered with a black and white urban mural inspired by Ed Hardy’s designs. It was made by artist Aron Cowles, the wall took him 3 weeks to complete. It’s made from white paint and black marker pens. We will soon be selling his designs. He is one to watch. We always stay ahead of our game Jarrod informs us.

Going forward

Isis Clothing is also planning it’s own statement brand so watch this space.

So what are Jarrod’s top fashion tips this season to stay ahead of the game? Bling, you can never have too much bling! Christian Audigier’s rhinestone t-shirts, are great. Hooded jackets are really big for men at the moment and (they) have bling. Bright colours are also in this season and jeggings, everyone loves jeggings. Plus you must always have statement sunglasses, they are always in fashion.

To find out more about Isis Clothing check out their website and join their Facebook page, you can also sign up to our newsletter to receive exclusive info on new ranges, money off promotions, and 15% discount all year round.

Isis Clothing is no longer Leicester’s best kept fashion secret.

Credits:

Photography

Michael Seymour

Model

Natalie Deegan

Clothing (Christian Audigier and Ed Hardy)

Isis Clothing & Eyewear

Video Camera Operator

Trudi Karatt

Graffiti Artwork Design

Aron Cowles

If you’d like to try your hand at modeling, get in touch with us and submit your photos and information.

The first Reiss store was opened in 1971 and specialised in European, quality tailoring in the City of London. The fashion house has continually advanced its vision of being a directional and design-led brand and by 2000, Reiss had its own in-house design team and studio, cementing its design credentials and expanding its unique offering into a complete range of women’s-wear, as well as menswear and accessories. The 1971 collection signifies the underlying evolution-come-revolution of the Reiss brand…

With the promise of a fresh, youthful range coming to Reiss, we were eager to see what the new collection included (and how much it would set us back to buy something!) The long awaited 1971 Reiss range was finally revealed at the Nottingham (Byard Lane) store on 15^th October, with an invite-only launch party which made us feel very VIP!

Great Atmosphere

Upon entering the store, the modern individual vibe was in full flow, with live performances from both bands; The Cedars and The Avengers, along with a number of DJ’s playing music to accompany the free champagne that the guests were sipping. With the edgy new range being named after the year that music and fashion started to collide, the music on the night certainly embodied the spirit of that particular year.

The store itself was buzzing with friendly and helpful staff, who were offering endless advice to eager customers, with the promise of 10% off on all purchases on the night & a free gift bag, who wouldn’t be excited?! Rosie Coverini, a 19 year old student at Nottingham Trent University, agreed. “There’s a good vibe here, the staff are really friendly, and it’s such a good promotion with 10% off. It has definitely has persuaded me want to buy something I’ve got my eye on!”

The collection itself is aimed at a slightly younger, more casual customer than normal for Reiss, with the man behind the brand, David Reiss, stating it was created because the brand “wanted to be cooler, edgier and provide a complete wardrobe.”  The range also includes its first significant denim range, which is a world apart from their norm of great tailoring.

The range

For the men there are three new denim jean fits, all treated to create a unique texture and feel (and they look a lot more individual than your standard high street jeans!). The casual theme is continued with shirts worn as jackets, printed tees, modern biker jackets and chunky knit scarves, which adorned the giant blown-up poster boards on display around the store. The bands playing on the night were also showcasing the key pieces of the new men’s range, including a very stylish navy military jacket which a number of girls were eyeing up for their boyfriends!

For the ladies the look is traditional with a twist, with tailored pieces being combined with chunky zips, studs, and special washes and finishes. The key colours of the range are evidently black, vintage blue and grey, with splashes of nudes and pinks to brighten up those winter months. Prices start at twenty-five pounds for a printed logo tee, but armed with 10% off and student loans in our banks, we couldn’t resist looking at some of the more costly, and detailed, pieces including an amazing black and gold zip dress (one for the Christmas list!).

Shopper’s response

Collectively, the new pieces looked amazing lined up in the 1971 Reiss section of the store and guests from the night agreed with us. Vidya, a 24 year old student at Nottingham Trent commented, “There are some lovely wearable pieces in the range, and a good choice of colours for winter”. Her friend, Sonia, 22, also studying at Trent, commented that “the display of the accessories is not like normal high street stores; because it’s different it makes you want to buy them!”, and I’m certain a lot of spent out guests would agree. With damaged bank balances and goody bags galore, we all stumbled home satisfied with a new found love for 1971 Reiss.

• Students receive 10% at the Nottingham store (Off Bridlesmith Gate) until mid November on production of a valid student card.
• Check online for pictures and info on the new 1971 Reiss collection at: www.reiss.co.uk

Article by: Joanna Lucy Thompson
Photography by: Jo Wright

http://www.reiss.co.uk/1971/