Song of the Rainbird

Good Morning lovelies,

One of the things I really love about being a blogger is unique designers I hadn't come across before sending me press releases and imagery of their collections. Imagine my joy at finding one such email earlier this week from Australian designer Kelly Love. I had not come across Kelly's work before and I am so pleased that she has shared it with me because I adore her AW11 collection - 'Song of the Rainbird'.It is a collection inspired by the 60's with references to the correlation between muses, fallen rock stars and beautiful birds in cages. I really love the print work, black and white mixed with navy contrasted against bright pops of yellow. I wanted to know more about the collection. So contacted Kelly back and asked her a few questions:What is your inspiration?
Inspiration can come from anywhere but my label is mainly inspired by femininity, 1940's and 1960's, textured fabrics, foreign films, Parisian actresses, folk music and antique furniture.How do you start designing a collection?
I start by writing - anything from a short story to a song. For my AW2011 collection 'Song of the Rainbird' I collaborated with the band Nova's Basement who wrote music to my lyrics. You can listen to the song here! Whatever I write is written as the girl who would wear my collection, almost like an imaginary muse. I then do a mood board, start sketching and pick colours and fabrics.What made you move to London?
The Industry is so much bigger in London than in Sydney so I knew there would be more opportunity. I also love to travel and there are so many places just a hop, skip and jump away? Plus it is such an inspirational city with so much to do and see.How long have you been designing?
I started designing at school and loved it. I've always known I wanted to do something creative. My label started in 2o08 when I launched my first collection "Beautiful Side of Everything" at the New Generation Show of Australian Fashion Week. My latest collection for SS12 'Pocket Full O'Posies' is my third collection in the UK and is inspired by bunches of posies, vintage lingerie and 1940's cocktail parties.I really like this collection and enjoyed speaking to Kelly! I hope you do too!
Best wishes,
Fashion Fantasist xx

P.S she also has a shop on her website!!!

Behind The Sun

The drizzly, darkness of winter seems to have appeared. I have that horrible numb feeling in my brain from a rather horrible cold. So this blog post may not make muuuuuch sense. Hehe! We did have one last lovely weekend of beautiful weather however and the papers went mad calling it our Indian Summer. So in natural Brit fashion we took to the park with picnic in hand and disposable bbq in the other.

Now this is my first outfit post so please be kind... I have managed to find myself a lovely pair of wine coloured skinny jeans for the winter months. Coloured trousers - jeans and chinos are becoming a big winter trend for women and men. Imagine my joy when instead of teaming these jeans with chunky jumpers I was able to wear a strappy top - in SEPTEMBER! :)

Head scarf: Charlotte Taylor
Top: Topshop
Jeans: Urban Outfitters
Shoes: Miss Selfridge
Bag: Primark

More posts soon - the fashion weeks have not gone unnoticed!! I am now going back to my hot chocolate, blanket and Red Hot Chili Peppers 'What Hits' and the talking dolphin.

Speak soon lovelies!
Fashion Fantasist xx

All the Jewellery I Never Got

All The Jewellery I Never Got from GrandBoy on Vimeo.

Don't you just love it when you stumble on to wonderful fashion whilst browsing the Internet? Natalie Coleman's hand drawn quirky illustrations caught my eye recently. Her Spring Summer 2012 collection features hand drawn, water coloured jewels digitally printed and pleated. The collection is flirtatious, sexy and full of whimsy.Natalie Coleman is a fashion design MA graduate from Central St. Matins and has worked for threeASFOUR in New York, Ragna Frodadottir a textile designer in Iceland and Joanne Hynes, Ireland.'Inspired by the stories, the secrets and longings for individuality in all women and with a background in strong narratives and quirky romance, Natalie has recently established her own fashion business and label NATALIEBCOLEMAN.'I really like this collection and with the weather turning cold I am already thinking about next season when the sun will hopefully come back!

Enjoy,
Fashion Fantasist xx

Uni City Fashion Face Off

Which Uni are you from Bristol or UWE? I am a UWE graduate and think they might just have what it takes to win this face off...

The lovely ladies at MyStreetChic.com have given students the opportunity to win £50 to spend at Merc Clothing and an exclusive MyStreetChic beauty goody bag.

During freshers weeks an undercover 'glam spy' from MyStreetChic will be scoping out both universities and snapping pics of the most stylish students. “The two universities have a history of friendly rivalry, so we’re hoping they’ll be pulling out all the stops to show us who has the best style,” commented Gina Dyer, Editor of MyStreetChic.com.

Just to make it fair the looks won't be chosen by the MyStreetChic team. Instead the users of the site are able to cast a vote so if you want your fellow students to win you need to log on and vote. Voting will open Wednesday 5th October.

Best wishes,
Fashion Fantasist xx

Bling Bling

Just a short blog post to announce that www.jonrichard.com launched on 22nd September! The lovely people include have put in every effort to make it a first class jewellery and accessory shopping destination.

The website retails jewellery and accessories from Jon Richard, MOOD, Simply Silver, Jon Richard made with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, Jon Richard Bridal, and our newest brand – Disney Couture!They are also offering the first 300 customers who make a purchase an £8 pair of Cubic Zirconia earrings as a welcome gift. Also to celebrate their launch they are running a competition for the first month. All you need to do is enter your details and you will be in with a chance of winning a Jon Richard made SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS goody bag worth over £300!!The site is clean, simple and easy to navigate. To those of you who are getting married a Bridal Boutique has launched and it allows customers to download a bridal brochure and view all their bridal jewellery range. The site also features a Look Book page, which showcases all the latest trend looks and pieces to buy to re-create the look!

As well as the website there is also a brand new blog featuring fashion trends, press events and new products.

I hope you will have a browse.
Fashion Fantasist xx