Inspired by the Riveria...

I stumbled across the website of Francesca Chiorando a recent graduate from the Textile for Fashion MA at Glasgow School of Art...I love the long flowing gowns, and soft but vibrant prints inspired by the South of France...definitely one to watch!

http://www.chiorando.com/

Moda.

Little Minx

Passionata

Yesterday I went to the Moda Lingerie & Swimwear show at the NEC Birmingham, to sneak a peak at the future collections, and sneak is exactly what I had to do! I hid nothing of my intentions and registered as a designer, and was welcomed to the show, but as soon as some of the exhibitors realised I was not a buyer, they were frosty, some practically shoo-ing me from their stalls. It made me laugh though and I enjoyed the day. Princesse Tam Tam had some stunning garments, as usual, bold prints in soft colours, pvc bows, and some braver fabric choices, however still running with their chic and simple block black/ cream sets.

A brand which caught my eye was 'Lingerie by Emily' which was a collection of maternity and nursing bras, these tend not to inspire me, however these were just right. Gorgeous, fun prints, velvet bows and a great attention to detail, but still rather sexy, everything I imagine the pregnant woman wants!

Passionata's collection was gorgeous, bold pastels, making it look young and fresh.

Monsoon lingerie, mirrored the clothing collection well, and with velvet trimmings and leavers look laces looked quite lavish, with its rich colours.

Australian company Little Minx were so friendly, even when they realised I was not a buyer, and their sleek jaquards, and fun embroideries offer a new choice for the younger market.

This is the first time the show had been in the NEC (previously Harrogate) and it was really nice to be able to look around the womenswear also, the only absence I noticed was Elle McMphearson, and I remember the exhibitors being rather rude last time anyway. So, a very interesting show, with some new products starting to emerge after a year of 'safety' products. The runway show was also a highlight, particularly enjoying the finale trend of military inspired lingerie.

Tallulah Love

Tallulah Love is an exciting new UK brand making its mark on the luxury lingerie market. Tallulah Love is being sold in Fenwick in Newcastle and various other boutiques around the country, while international interest has been shown. Inspired by vintage postcards, Tallulah Love has even been ranked by Intima France, the leading lingerie trade magazine, as number one to watch!

Kate Moss for Longchamp

Gaia Repossi and Eugènie Niarchos: creative socialite's girls

Gaia Repossi Eugènie Niarchos

some jewels of the collection "Ere by Repossi"

Family Portrait

This is the last amazing campaign of Missoni for the spring summer collection.

Pictures of Rosita, Tai, Angela, Vittorio and Margherita taken by the photographer Juergen Teller.

The perfect way to express the essence of Missoni.

Socialite girl: Alexa Chung

Waiting for my spring time

Marc Jacobs working on a lingerie line.

Well Robert Duffy let it leak through Twitter, Marc Jacobs is the latest celebrity to join the lingerie bandwagon. Jacobs already produces a swimwear line so I think from that, we can expect to see fun Princesse Tam Tam style lingerie in Spring 11!

Treats.

Being British there is one thing I am thankful for, Topshop. When I spent a few months living in France, there were no high street shops satisfy my shopping needs. Firstly the French chains are not even worth looking at unless you want to take the 'chava' elements of England, throw in some euro (trash...pvc, fur trimmed, bubblejacket anyone?) and add a few harsh prints. Then you have the international stores such as Zara, H&M, and Mango, which again adopt a slight euro distaste or a uniformed blandness. The elegant department store of Pritemps, Paris which catered for the young trendy shopper has rid itself of these such brands and so the feeble and sporadic highstreet stores in Frances high-street are alien when compared to the great high-street of Britain.

I also like the fact that Topshop is accessible to the whole of England, to all the aspiring fashion tweenies, and to those who live in the sticks. Although my friend doing a buying placement at Topshop, did mention they save some of that extra special stock for the London stores...the absolute cheek of it. However, I like the on trend, fun, affordable fashion it gives our nation, and this applies to the lingerie too, its fun, cute and sexy. Nowhere else produces on trend lingerie pieces that can be afforded and reached by the masses. The fit and quality might not be the best, but lets not take it too seriously and we will all enjoy it! My favourite pieces in store at the moment are pictured above.