Ever wondered where London’s hottest shopping places are? Well famed hat designer Tracey Rose and her husband, fashion journalist, Russell Rose have written an amazing book titled Fashion Fabulous London 2012. It is an essential guide to the capital’s hottest fashion outlets and is a must-have for fashionistas across the country. I’ll no doubt be getting my hands on a copy!
Tracey and Russell literally visited thousands of retail outlets before whittling down the list to the Top 200 – that is dedication! Each entry features a helpful overview of what fashion shoppers can expect to find and includes a simple shopping bag ranking system based on “WOW FACTOR”, “CHOICE”, “SERVICE” and “PRICE”. The guide is packed full of unbiased reviews of the top 200 boutiques, designer outlets and chain stores to check out in the Olympic year and includes a number of small independent boutiques and market stalls alongside the giants of the industry such as Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Westwood and Louis Vuitton.
123 Bethnal Green Road sells edgy, ethical and vintage men and women’s wear and received an impressive five out of five shopping bags in the ‘Wow Factor’ rankings in the FFL Guide Book and was commended by authors and leading fashion commentators Tracy and Russell Rose for its “inventive and inspiring” use of archive and recycled vintage fabrics, creative décor and personalised service. Other stand-out designers, boutiques and High Street shops listed within the book includes Rosie Stallard’s designer-run boutique market stall at Sunday Market, Elys Yard, E1; international designers Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Westwood, Louis Vuitton in the upscale Mount Street and Bond Street areas; and chain stores Reiss (Barrett Street branch) and Top Shop (Oxford Street).
Speaking about 123 Bethnal Green Tracey Rose said:
“One of the great pleasures about compiling the annual Fashion Fabulous London guide is getting to check out the hottest places to buy fashion in the undisputed creative capital of the world. With 123 Bethnal Green Road it’s a true David Vs Goliath story, and it just goes to show that despite the ongoing economic woes that have forced the closure of many wonderful boutiques there is still a wealth of quality clothing and designer talent to discover.”
Fashion Fabulous London 2012 recommends a great variety of new shops at every level of the fashion market which have sprung up in the last 12 months as well as over 60 ‘Must Visit’ fashion shops that didn’t quite make the Top 200 but are still worth visiting. There is even a choice selection of over 100 eateries, bars and clubs regularly frequented by the fashion crowd; fashion hotspot area maps; sections dedicated to fashion events, charity shops and a full listing of the capital’s clothes markets; as well as the Fashion Fabulous Hot List of style, price, service and creativity.
This Fashion Fabulous London Guide is a great idea and a must for fashionistas, shoppers and anyone with a passion for fashion. You’ll be able to visit stores and boutiques which you may never knew existed and purchase some amazing finds. There are many added extras too including a spotlight on the shops frequented by royal style icon Kate Middleton, fashion hotspot maps, and ‘must-visit’ London bars, clubs and cafes. So whatever your tastes and budgets are it will be your go-to book for when visiting London in the Olympic year!
Fashion Fabulous London 2012 by Tracey and Russell Rose (Monjune Publications) is out now, priced £12.99
Celebrities and lovers of fashion gathered in New York last week to witness an amazing runway show which saw Versace and H&M celebrate their collaboration – a truly glamorous event!
Uma Thurman, Blake Lively, Chace Crawford, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Hudson and Selma Blair were among the guests who joined Donatella Versace and H&M to celebrate the much anticipated launch in a specially designed building on the Hudson River. Versace’s stunning collection for H&M, which is full of bright vibrant pieces, was shown on the catwalk alongside some special iconic pieces created just for this exclusive runway show. I would have loved to have been there! The iconic Versace looks were showcased on the catwalk by top models such as Abbey Lee, Daphne G, Natasha Poly, Sean O’pry and Lindsay Wixson.
Donatella says:
“It was the perfect evening, so glamorous and special. I loved celebrating the launch of Versace for H&M here in New York, an iconic city in which to showcase this iconic collection. Now I cannot wait for it to finally reach stores and be available to the world.”
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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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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.
Hundreds of eagerly waiting shoppers queued outside the new Forever 21 store at Westfield Stratford City on Tuesday 13th September to browse round the most anticipated new retail destination!
DJ, blogger and model Bip Ling, wearing a cute polka dot dress, was behind the decks to provide the entertainment whilst the first 20 lucky people in the queue were treated to makeovers – a little jealous!
The brand new store at Westfield Stratford City boasts an amazing 3 floors and is the first in the Capital to feature the men’s fashion line – 21MEN. Your partner will have no excuse now not to go shopping with you ladies as they’ll have their own range of stylish, on-trend clothing and accessories to browse through.
Forever 21 already opened a store on Oxford Street (which I absolutely love!) so I am super excited to visit the one at Westfield Stratford City. More clothes for little fashionista me to buy – my poor bank card!
