Sequins
Emma Campbell

As the dark nights and wintery horizons creep upon us, it’s becoming increasingly easy to fall into the pre-Christmas trap - forlorn faces, grim feelings, and a dull glimmer in the eye. Its no wonder wardrobes all around the world are starting to reflect the greyness we feel at this time of year.

And just when we need that sudden injection of sparkle back into our lives, sequins announce they are making another comeback. They are showing us from every shop window, from every magazine page, and from every autumn/winter catwalk. Just like we have taken a dose of Prozac, sequin drenched garments are lightening up our spirits, dazzling onto the scene to perk up our winter.

So we may be feeling the effects of the credit crunch, and with Christmas around the corner, our shopping lists cannot revolve around ourselves right now. But its time to let fashion lift our spirits and give us the adrenalin rush of glamour and sophistication we need to feel. Isn’t that what fashions all about anyway?

Sequins are probably one of the most easiest and cheapest ways to dress up our winter wardrobes. Made from cuts of metal and plastic, they embellish dresses, shirts, shorts, hats, to make items appear that bit more expensive and that bit more flash. Women are tired of being neutral and reserved, they aim to be distinguished and independent, and jewel-toned garments allow them to appear much more empowering.

This winters love for sequin embellishment is expressed through latest collections by Dior, Westwood and Jean Paul Gaultier. Christopher Kanes A/W collection presents an array of sequin-garnished pieces, where cocktail dresses appear as works of art. Kane's collections spell out that the bigger the sequin’s, the better, and teamed with floaty fabrics, the perfect party look is formed.

As much fun as you can have with the high shined discs, styling follows one big rule - less is more. One key item from these collections will flirt up your outfit. Miu Miu have just perched their most lustrous and sparkling pairs of Paillette embellished pumps onto store shelves. Teamed with a fitted tee and boot cut jeans, it’s the perfect way to play with the trend.

Marc by Marc Jacobs have also been quick to follow this season. Their exposed zip and denim-sheer material jacket with 3/4 sleeves is the freshest way to add dominance to an everyday outfit.

As a country that has always secretly liked clothes that put on a show, it is only fair to say that where sequins are concerned, let the show begin.

The Chuck Taylor Fashion All Star Sequins By Converse 

Add a touch of sparkle and glamour to your wardrobe this party season with Converse’s limited edition collection of 3 All Star Ox’s in a luxurious sequin fabric.

Price: £50.00
Materials: Sequin fabric
Colours available: Available in black/white, red/white and silver/hologram white
Sizes: 4-8 (other sizes available upon request)
Stockist: Exclusive to the Converse Store at Size, Carnaby Street

Converse who celebrates its centenary year next year, introduces an exclusive collection of colourful boots and shoes using vibrant shades and stand out fabrics to mix up any winter wardrobe. The Chuck Taylor Fashion All Star Sequins is a new collection of 3 All Star Ox’s in a glamorous sequin fabric available from Converse. For more information about Converse please visit www.converse.com

fashion156.com, the online style zine and Start London, the cutting-edge Shoreditch boutique have joined forces to search for the design stars of the future.

This unique opportunity will offer two individuals with raw design talent the chance to see their creations brought to life on the pages of fashion156.com and sold in the prestigious Start boutiques in the fashion hub that is Londons east end. We are searching for designers that will blow us away with creative, inspiring ideas for both mens and womenswear.

The competition is open to students, graduates and anyone with a brand-new label that is not already established. Designers are invited to submit their ideas; this should be in the form of a series of detailed sketches or photographs which must be original, directional designs for Spring/Summer 2009.

The closing date for initial entries is 31st January 2009. The ten designers which the judges feel have best conceptualized their ideas will be invited to produce an actual garment and the winning designs will be selected from this shortlist. All ten finalists will be featured on the fashion156 and Start London websites with readers invited to judge and vote for their favourite design.

Guy Hipwell, Editor/Fashion Director at fashion156.com and Start co-owners Philip Start and Brix Smith-Start will make the final decision, with the winning designs being sold in-store and online in March 2009.

For further information email:info@fashion156.com

www.fashion156.com
www.start-london.com

The Right Amount Of Glam With Elegance Metallics For Spring Summer 2009

This dress is perfect for a friday! Suitable for the office and perfect for a drink & dinner.

Elegance the upmarket fashion brand for woman hits on the Metallic theme for its SS09 collection. A trend we commonly saw at the fashion weeks led by Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, and Donna Karen to name just a few, Elegance's interpretation is chic, wearable and offers just the right amount of glam for any occasion.

Soft, superb silk trousers with wide cut leg and waist pleats are teamed with a gorgeous satin v neck blouse with broad straps and two chiffon scarfs attached tot he front of the waistband that can be tied in all sorts of different ways. A chic wrap dress in the same fluid silk is perfect for any profession or glamorous occasion accentuating the waist with short cuffed sleeves.

Finally a reptile jacquard suit in pastel metallic shades of mint and grey complete the theme. The jacket summery wiht three quarter length sleeves and a wide lapel collar with a straight cut close fitting skirt and side pleat.

Elegance is available to buy on line at www.elegance.co.uk, mail order 0870 990 9904 or at the Elegance boutique which is on Grafton Street, just opposite the Asprey Store on New Bond Street London.

Quaint Says: you can get creative with your shoes when you wear this dress.  They don't have to be simple like the ones shown.

Boot it up!

by Laura Hignett

Boots are perfect for dressing up your winter outfit. It keeps your feet warm while you look the ultimate fashionista!

The high street have got so many funky boots in at the moment, from funky flat fringe boots that work the Russian boho look (big on the catwalk in London Fashion week 2008) to the ultimate must have ankle boots that look fab with skinny jeans and vintage style dresses.

Even charity shops have some fantastic boots, if you rummage around you could get yourself a bargain and maybe even nab yourself some classic designer knee length riding boots.

Whatever your style is, boots are the perfect way to update your wardrobe and keep those tootsies nice and toasty!

                                         speaking of boots you have to see these:

A brand new selection of stylish boots from Bronx. A gorgeous variety of styles with tassel, over the knee and buckle detail, they're sure to brighten up your winter wardrobe!

Prices start from £49.99 and are available in sizes 3-8.

Bronx shoes are available at Schuh and other high street retailers or log onto www.bronxshoes.com to find your nearest stockist.
 

oh oh and these

Quaint Says this Dory Boot is the Coolest boot ever!  Even if you're not the type of person to wear boots you have to get these!

 Shams in a new line of denim from Paris – already a favorite of celebs like Eva Longoria, Rihanna and the editors at French Elle, the company has decided to make the leap into the US.

i hope to bring you more info soon.

- the editor

Gossip Black Stiletto £79.99

Gossip Purple Suede Stiletto £79.99

 

L.A.’s feminine and luxury basics label, ParkVogel has created a beautiful new range for

autumn-winter built around retro 30’s and 40’s silhouettes that flatter a woman’s figure.

Each sumptuous piece, designed by Julie Park and Vanessa Vogel, is an absolute

wardrobe essential with wearability and comfort remaining a top priority. The label has

garnered a worldwide cult following as an “off-the-red-carpet” favourite, and celebrities

like Halle Berry, Rachel Bilson, Nicole Richie, Eva Longoria, Kate Hudson, Katherine

Heigl, and Scarlett Johansson are counted amongst fans.

Classically modern designs come in a lavish mix of fine cashmeres, merino wool, tencel

and organic cottons, and it’s the little details that are key. Ruffled cashmere jumpers,

pintucked organic cotton tops, textured knit overcoats with giant buttons, and thermal

cotton lightweight hoodies come in colours that range from cool greys to bold jewel tones,

blues and reds. The collection is meant to be layered and intermixed and a new line of

knit hats and headbands, cashmere and wool scarves in a soft dip dye, and long rope

scarves have been added as finishing touches.

ParkVogel was started in 2004 by graphic artist turned fashion designer, Julie Park and

Hollywood costume designer, Vanessa Vogel. Their collections are made from the finest

fabrics and yarns and their environment friendly Swiss cotton is knitted by one of the few

textile mills in the world that implement recycling and energy saving programs to reduce

emissions and pollutants.

ParkVogel is available in specialty boutiques including Fred Segal, Trend West Coast,

Calypso New York and Scoop, and at Yates Buchanan in London.

Price range: £73.00 - £367.00