Style & Design
Originally published on Monday, 23rd February 2009
Gossip: Saturday
Haven't got anything nice to say? Come sit by us.
Friday, 20th February.
Rumour has it shows under PR guru Mandi Lennard’s management are giving out copies of LOVE magazine to audience members; could be a last chance at future eBay gold.
Empty goody bags; seriously kids, we know it’s the crunch, but we’d rather have nothing that a load of leaflets in yet another eco-carrier. Contradiction much?
Someone needs to fire the set designer at the Arutyunova show; after the backdrop nearly fell down, models crashed into the walls and the runway was so narrow the extra wide dresses were getting caught in front-rowers shoes. Agitated pohotographers were heard to shout 'UNCROSS LEGS.' And not in a sexy way.
Spotted on about 15 people: the JEDDY Mid Height Brogue Shoe from Topshop
Trends;
1. High heel wedge ankle boots.
2. Patent anything.
3. Fringing isn't going anywhere anytime soon- cream and black were favourites at the Kangst and Ashish shows.
Spotted on the front row; Ashish front rowers taking photos of performers V.V. Brown with their camera phones.
Unexpected talent; Hoop performer Katherine Arnold amazing the crowd at Ashish with her upper body strength and ability to pull of a white leotard.
Crowd favourite; Paul Costelloe's winter coats with oversized collars.
Guilty pleasure; Dodgy christmas style jumpers immortalised in sequins in Ashish's A/W collection.
Quotes of the day;
"What are you doing calling me? I told you not to during fashion week. DUH". (The 15 year old then proceeded to close over her flip phone in rage at the Kangst show in The Science Museum)
"They look like blingin' Aztecs" - a member of the press remarking on Ashish's A/W 09 collection.
"Her dress makes me wish I still had a keyboard tie" - in reference to V.V.Brown's lead singer's sequin dress by Ashish at the Hippodrome show.
We're still hating: Kids at shows. Look, we're sorry, we really are. Maybe they are the VIO (Very Important Offspring) of some VIP, but when a nine year old starts complaining about being put in the second row, and then proceeds to nick the goodybags off the front row, we feel riled. And we're four rows deep. Humph.
Saturday, 21st February.
Loving the Boleyn style headdresses at John Rocha - yes we might look slightly cave man meet the Ahmish in an enormous furry headband, but do we care?
Half term Hatred; you try getting into the Science Museum when kids are throwing glowing goop at each other and complaining about their potty needs. Not cool.
Press and buyers found themselves locked out of the On/Off site whilst waiting for Hannah Marshall's presentation. One irate show-goer decided banging down the double doors was the way forward. Imagine his consternation when his knocks were met with work experience students in white lab coats wielding enormous umbrellas. Stick that where the sun don't shine.
At the drinks stand: Waspy journo "What's the difference between the blue one and the purple one?"
Even waspier bartender "The colour."
Celebrities spotted at the Topshop Unique show: VV Brown, Susie Bubble, Daisy Lowe, Pixie Geldoff and Twiggy.
Newbie show goer whoops as the lights go down at John Rocha.
Fashion friend, "This isn't the theatre love"
Newbie "Oh sorry; when do we clap? After each model?"
Fashion friend hisses "Christ no, it's not a bloody football match and the models aren't goals. Clap at the end."
Trends;
Tight buns on very top of head
Cotton socks with heels; e.g. Pixie Geldof at Topshop Unique show
Men's large leather bags; Balenciaga a popular choice
My first glimpse of the Louis Vuitton pink graffiti leggings; on a male front row-er at Ann-Sofie Back/ Peter Jensen show
Spotted; Simona Rocha running around frantically seating friends at the John Rocha show
Susie Bubble coming out of Baker St tube stop already 15 mins late for the Topshop Unique show
Colin McDowell suppressing several yawns at the Ann-Sofie Back/ Peter Jensen show
Suzy Menkes making her own coffee in the press lounge at the BFC tent- not a fashion intern in sight
"That's not a fashion dog; he shouldn't have it in that bag"; referring to a sausage dog puppy in a mans tote at the Horace show in the Vauxhall tent.
Boy "So who are you going to the after party with?"
Girl "Oh just some friends. Well actually just my boyfriend."
Boy "Does he go to shows? Like is he into fashion?"
Girl "No not really. He likes champagne and models though."
Sunday, 22nd February
Spied: Alexa Chung scribbling away at the Krystof Stroznya/ Emilion de la Morena show at On/Off.
Irate VIP "Sorry, how did you not know who I was? Who did you presume I was? Just some hanger on-er nobody who just fancied a look at nice clothes after taking in some science, perhaps?"
Apologetic intern, "I'm so sorry, I just presumed..."
Irate VIP, "I'll tell you what. You can PRESUME I am the Queen of F*ucking Sheba until you figure it out."
