Fashion designer Amy Hall launched her first ever collection only last year but has already established herself as one of London’s designers to watch after her first two collections were featured in Vogue, Grazia, Time Out, The Times, NBC and Susie Lau’s Style Bubble.
Being a handmade knitwear specialist, Amy is launching her first Spring/Summer Collection translating the theme of sportswear into light, vibrant, wearable summer knitwear. The combination works extremely well together and is sure to be a massive hit amongst fashionistas and shoppers.
Amy comments:
“This spring/summer collection has forced me to re-calibrate how I approach my work. The way these pieces will be worn means that the collection had a different starting-point, from how we approached the materials and techniques used, to the collection’s palette.
“By presenting this summer knitwear collection I hope to challenge perceptions about hand-made knitwear, while creating wearable pieces to make women look and feel beautiful.”
Inspiration for this range came from the upcoming London 2012 Olympic Games offering slinky, figure hugging dresses and skirts and cropped tops and jumpers. Contrasting textures are achieved by combining oversized, chunky stitches with fine, mesh-like, lightweight knits.
I was extremely lucky to get an interview with the talented designer and here is what she had to say…
Jamie: What is the inspiration behind your Spring/Summer 2012 Collection?
Amy: One of the greatest challenges for me was marrying the idea of ‘summer’ and ‘knitwear’ as it felt like a bit of an oxymoron. But once I got to work I found that all of the lightweight garments I was coming up with had a very sporty feel to them. I couldn’t help but be inspired by the 2012 Olympics as, in East London, it’s very difficult to get away from. I see the stadium at least once a week and I’m surrounded by news about it.
Jamie: Did you find it challenging to incorporate a sportswear theme into wearable knitwear?
Amy: Once the idea came into my head I was carried away with it, so it took care of itself. I just found that the colour palette and easy styles of the pieces felt very sporty without even trying to be.
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A slightly unusual story, bit one that made us smile! Sudocrem, the Nation’s favourite nappy rash cream, have collaborated with luxury jewellery designer, Theo Fennell, to create what is the world’s most expensive nappy rash carrier.
Theo, who designs pieces for the likes of Lady Gaga and Elton John, has created a £10,000 Sudocrem charm bracelet created from white gold and 24 rubies, which looks like one of their iconic tubs. Believe it or not, Sudocrem are 80 years old this year and this is certainly a fantastic way to go about celebrating it.
The best news is that this exquisite piece will be auctioned off on eBay from the 1st week of December with app proceeds raised going to he NSPCC, a fantastic cause.
I’m always excited to see what Hetty Rose has to offer for her future collections and for SS12 she hasn’t disappointed! This new range is inspired and influenced by the beauty of birds in flight so the shoes have been designed by studying the forms in their wings to create a truly beautiful and unique Ready to Wear collection.
Versatile, chic and gorgeous seems to sum up Hetty Rose’s SS12 designs! The shoes and bags are handmade in London using gorgeous Japanese kimono fabrics which makes each design stand out in its own distinctive way. Soft leathers in muted tones fused with the kimono wings and feminine, vibrant prints and patterns make the shoes amazing statement pieces which can be worn day or night whilst detailing on the heels brings an interesting twist to the collection. I also adore the fan design on the clutch bags which would perfectly compliment your summer outfits.
Fashion brands Milly and Fenn Wright Manson have some gorgeous pieces for Autumn/Winter 2011 that will sure to give your wardrobe a fashionable up-date! Leopard and bold vibrant prints adorn pieces from the collections which are hot trends for this season.
Interesting, beautiful prints and patterns from Fenn Wright Manson is the way forward if you’re looking to make a statement. Take inspiration from designers such as Erdem and Marc Jacobs. A feminine floral pencil skirt can be incorporated into day and evening looks – an extremely versatile piece. The polka dot dress will enhance your curves and give you a gorgeous shape. Team it with lady like accessories such as a little boxy clutch and lace gloves for a 60’s retro look.
Fenn Wright Manson Dress, £169.00
Fenn Wright Manson Skirt, £129.00
Milly evokes leopard print which is a huge trend for AW11. It is fantastic worn for day and evening looks but don’t go too overboard. Keep things sexy and sophisticated by wearing an item such as a pencil skirt, coat or bag that adorns the print.
Milly Coat, £710.00
Milly Bag, £285.00
Andrew Majtenyi’s SS12 Collection was inspired by the medieval trial of Katherina Hetzeldorfer in 1477, especially images of the jurors and overall art around that period. The richness of colours and textures have been incorporated into the range to produce stunning designs which any fashionista will love.
Soft deep colours and specially designed prints reflect the art and architecture of that period, including forest scenes, castle towers, Gothic spires, and woodwork. They are all printed on pure 100% cotton and silks bringing the luxurious edge to the collection. The unusual patterns on the clothing brings a fascinating take on Andrew’s inspirations whilst structured shapes on some of the pieces brings a hint of futuristic style. There are a variety of beautiful dresses for day or night and outfits which are ideal for your work wardrobe.
Andrew’s 18th and 19th Century theatrical influences, which include cut and panelling, are constant in his work. They are updated with new modern inspired techniques and themes every season making him an extremely talented and recognised designer.
