London Fashion Week AW 2010 trends
March 11, 2010 by Eleni Sardi · Leave a Comment
With Paris Fashion Week making headlines, we’re still buzzing with the trends seen at London Fashion Week trying to figure out the looks that we’ll be wearing come September when the nude craze will be old news and we’ll be itching for something new to keep us warm and stylish during the British winter. Eleni Sardi writes.
London Fashion Week estethica highlights: Minna
March 3, 2010 by Eleni Sardi · 2 Comments
Ethical designer Minna Hepburn has traded her signature vintage prints and ivory coloured lace for her autumn/winter 2010 collection and we can’t help but fall head over heels with her newest designs. Eleni Sardi met up with Minna at estethica.
Elite mentoring for eco fashion pack
November 19, 2009 by Maria Kaski · Leave a Comment
(c) Christopher Dadey
Ada Zanditon, Christopher Raeburn, The North Circular, Nina Dolcetti, Goodone and Minna will be the first group of designers to benefit for the British Fashion Council‘s pioneering Eco Fashion Mentor Programme. Maria Kaski writes.
Stocking Fillers for under £30
November 5, 2009 by Maria Kaski · Leave a Comment
Stocking fillers are often impulsive last minute buys that end up costing far more than they are worth. Here we have our pick of the best stocking fillers for under £30 for you to treat yourself and friends to this Christmas. Maria Kaski writes.
Minna snapped up by Harrods
October 1, 2009 by Maria Kaski · Leave a Comment
Minna is snapped up by Harrods
Minna’s adorable lace dresses and zero waste approach to design has attracted the attention of luxury London department store, Harrods. Amiee Jones writes.
The sweetly ethereal pieces are made from vintage lace, sourced from around the U.K, all scraps are cleverly assembled into embellishments and necklaces to ensure none of the exquisite materials go to waste.
Harrods’ buyers have obviously taken note, as Minna’s line will be available from October 2nd, to take its place amongst the store’s huge array of high end designers. The label’s certainly come a long way from it’s humble roots, when designer and founder, Minna Hepburn, began idly collecting vintage lace, broaches and buttons that caught her magpie-like eye in local antique markets.
It’s a step in the right direction, not only for Minna, but to see that ethical designers are being recognised by commercial forces such as Harrods. With beautiful eco-designs reaching a wider audience, it can only be a good sign for the the future of ethical fashion.
Minna
Minna’s adorable lace dresses and zero waste approach to design has attracted the attention of Harrods, the luxury London department store. Amiee Jones writes.
GreenmyLIFEstyle’s Zoe Robinson picks her top Estethica dresses
September 24, 2009 by greenmystyle · Leave a Comment
Stepping in to this year’s Estethica at LFW I was surprised to see so many neutrals for SS10, but on venturing just a little further inside I was delighted to find an abundance of gorgeous garments in stunning colours that I can’t wait to wear next year. Here are my top 10 dresses, each picked for their great party potential, versatile casual style or for being perfect work wear.
Firstly the casual dresses – they’ll be a wardrobe staple so they need to go with everything and have the ability to be dressed up at a moment’s notice for an impromptu summer BBQ or cocktail on the beach.
People Tree – I love the 70’s beach wear vibe of this jersey dress from People Tree. You can wear with sandals on the beach, team with a jacket and pumps for work or throw on wedges or heels, a pink belt and vintage beads for a fab evening look.
Globe Hope – Finnish brand Globe Hope have ingeniously styled this cute dress from post consumer linen. The detail on the neckline is so gorgeous that it doesn’t need a lot of accessorising and I’d be inclined to keep it simple – for day wear this dress would look cute worn with pumps or sandals or for a more elegant look add heels and a clutch bag.
Article 23 – We’re told this silk jersey dress was picked out of 1000’s of pieces for the Paris fashion week’s top 100 for their catwalk show and we can see why – the stunning fabric feels amazingly soft so not only is it super stylish but also very comfortable to wear. Wear loose with sandals and a fedora on the beach or for a sharper look, add heels and accessorise with long beads or chains and chunky bracelets. To give the figure more definition cinch in at the waist with a tan belt or lower on your hips for a more relaxed look.
Minna – This beautiful dress from Minna certainly stood out for its beautiful design and fabric and could easily have gone in the party dress top picks too. This is the kind of dress you can throw on when you feel you have nothing to wear and you’ll instantly feel gorgeous. No jewellery (or shoes) required with this one but it’s also easy to dress up with heels and delicate jewellery or down with sandals and a flower in your hair!
Eco work wear can be hard to get right in a smart office environment – you don’t want to compromise on style but have to look tailored and professional. Here are my top work dresses that can easily dressed up or down according to the occasion.
Henrietta Ludgate – This dress is simply stunning and would be a wonderful addition to any wardrobe. With the flared hemline giving a twist on the classic wiggle dress this offers a fresh and current alternative for work wear, plus it can be accessorised to perfection a number of ways. Add some colourful statement jewellery and shoes to enhance the quirky element of the dress, or go for timeless elegance by wearing with simple gold jewellery.
Junky Styling – Another brilliant re-worked design from Junky Styling – the traditional stripe shirt, updated in this gorgeous and innovative style makes it perfect work wear. This dress is beautifully tailored and nicely fitted at the waist so is very flattering as well as being a good length for the office. Super versatile, it can be teamed with trainers or pumps for a more casual look
Article 23 - Stylish, tailored, eco work wear can be scarce, so this fitted shift dress from Article 23 is a great find. Also available in black, this dress is so versatile – it can be worn as in the picture with a shirt underneath or with matching fitted jacket for a sharper, more formal look. Go straight from the office to an evening do by accessorising with killer heels, skinny belt and some stunning jewellery.
After my initial concern that colour in the SS10 collections was somewhat lacking I’m happy to bring you my top party dresses from Estethica:
Lalesso – This gorgeous 50’s inspired Lalesso dress has a cut away back and comes in a few different patterns. Beautifully styled in this photo, I love this exotic flower and leaf print which is at its best worn with minimal jewellery (anything more might be overkill). Team with a simple bright pink belt or ribbon at the waist and heels or wedge sandals for the evening. For day wear, add a cardigan and pumps for an updated 50’s feel.
Mark Liu’s zero waste designs need little accessorising as each one of them is a work of art in itself. The shape and style of this dress is striking and sexy but feminine and the fabric is stunning. Wear with simple jewellery, gold for the evening – anything more would detract from this amazing dress.
Minna – Last but absolutely not least is the Maria dress from Minna. I could have chosen numerous pieces from this label for my top picks and I opted for this because of the beautiful vintage fabric, gorgeous cut and its versatility. An obvious party dress, this one is perfect for so many occasions I certainly can’t mention them all – for an evening out or wedding wear with white or tan heels, a clutch and chunky bangles; for daytime, team with some trusty pumps or sandals and for work wear add a jacket and you’re away!
GreenmyLIFEstyle personal fashion stylist Zoe Robinson picks her top 10 Spring Summer 2010 dresses, from the designers taking part in Estethica, London Fashion Week’s ethical fashion zone. From home, to office, to parties, find out now what you’ll be wearing next year.
Top 10 accessories at Estethica
September 23, 2009 by Maria Kaski · 1 Comment
It’s never too early to start planning your next season wardrobe. At Estethica, ethical conscious designers showed how to be stylishly environment-aware. From a hat contributing to the fight against poverty and vegan shoes, to budget-conscious scarves and splurge-worthy pumps, here is Greenmystyle’s selection of the accessories you’ll want to be seen in next Spring. Lucie Goulet writes
1. Junky Styling Sleeve Scarf
The Scarf: In warm reds and darks. Made with shirting and jumper fused together. Will stylishly complement your summer outfit, and protect you from the cool evening breeze.
Junky Styling: A hip remade label which specialises in deconstructing men suits to create new, imaginative garments.
Where to buy it: In one of Junky Styling retailers (including Topshop) or on their e-store. HYPERLINK “http://www.junkystyling.co.uk/about/stockists/” http://www.junkystyling.co.uk/about/stockists/ retails for £35.
2. Rachael Cassar Fan Feather Necklace
The Necklace: Made with laser-cut fan pieces with vintage button and feather detailing. It will add an edgy, fashion-forward touch to any outfit.
The Label: Rachael Cassar produces one off garments made of 90% recycled materials. Cassar is from Australia and was showing at Estethica for the first time this year.
Where to find it: You can order any piece from Cassar’s website, http://www.rachaelcassar.com/
3. Globe Hope Kukka Bag
The Bag: A white clutch perfect for carrying all your essentials to the nearest party. Made with recycled boat sails. The lining is made in recycled vintage home textiles.
The label: Global Hope is a Finnish label. Their spring/summer 2010, a tribute to Mother Earth, collection uses patterned organic cotton tricot and recycled sails. Part of the profits will be donated to research to prevent breast cancer.
Where to buy it: Online at HYPERLINK “http://hope.suomenwebkaupat.fi/index.php” http://hope.suomenwebkaupat.fi/index.php
4. Sonya Kashmiri and From Somewhere Miss Georgina handbag
The Handbag: A roomy shoulder bag available in ash black and iris. Practical thanks to all its pockets; it could be used as a week end gateway bag or a handbag for a very busy day. Limited Edition lined with From Somewhere tweeds.
The Label: Kashmiri’s handbags are made with veg tan leather, an ancient method of tanning which doesn’t use chrome.
Where to buy it from: Sonya Kashmiri stockists HYPERLINK “http://www.sonyakashmiri.com/stockists.html” http://www.sonyakashmiri.com/stockists.html and From Somewhere http://www.fromsomewhere.co.uk/
5. Eleanor Feddon hand embroidered belt
The belt: Made as part of the Shared Talent India Project, where 6 UK based designers and 6 Indian designers collaborated in Delhi for a 10 day workshop, with the aim of creating a joint collection to promote sustainable textiles, sponsored by DEFRA and Monsoon. The belt displays traditional Zardozi embroidery- where fine metal coils and metallic threads are used to create a relief pattern. ? The designs came from a series of line drawing Feddon created in India. The embroidery was completed by Sajid (top sample embroiderer) from TARA PROJECTS-( HYPERLINK “http://www.taraprojects.com/aboutus.htm” \t “_blank” http://www.taraprojects.com/aboutus.htm) a fair trade organisation.?Where to find it: Those belts are one-off pieces, to commission to Feddon. Price on request. Email- HYPERLINK “mailto:eleanorfeddon@hotmail.co.uk” \t “_blank” eleanorfeddon@hotmail.co.uk
6. Minna Necklace
The Necklace: Made from hand dyed remnants silks and vintage lace. Ideal to add a romantic note to your daytime look.
The Label: Created by a Finnish designer, Minna designs high-end tops in Scottish laces, and accessories with finds from local antique markets.
Where to find it: Minna e-store HYPERLINK “http://www.minna.co.uk/store/” http://www.minna.co.uk/store/ and selected retailers in the UK. Retails for £100.
7. Pachacuti Panama Hat
The Hat: A classic Panama hat, perfect for evening strolls along the beach or to protect you from the city heat.
The label; All Pachacuti hats are certified Fair Trade.
Where to find it: Buy it from HYPERLINK “http://www.panamas.co.uk” \t “_blank” www.panamas.co.uk or HYPERLINK “http://www.pachacuti.co.uk” \t “_blank” www.pachacuti.co.uk. Retails from £52
8. Bourgeois Bohème Terra shoes
The Shoes: Those grey lace shoes in microfibre faux leather will give an edge to your floral tea dress. Part of the Spring Goddess range.
The Label: All Bourgeois Bohème material is sources ethically. No animal is ever harmed in the production process. The Spring Goddess range is produced in collaboration with WHERE. The range is inspired by the interaction with communities of artisans in India and their traditional skills.
Where to buy it: From the Bourgeois Bohème website HYPERLINK “http://www.bboheme.com/” http://www.bboheme.com/ or one of their worldwide stockists.
9. Beyond Skin Saphire Navy Gold Print shoes
The Shoes: A sexy spin on the traditional black pump, those shoes will jazz up your workwear and are the ideal footwear to turn this LBD into a party outfit.
The Label: All Beyond Skin shoes are vegan and handmade in India. They have fairly traded latex soles covered in organic cotton.
Where to buy: From any Beyond Skin retailers and on their e-store, HYPERLINK “http://www.beyondskin.co.uk/” http://www.beyondskin.co.uk/. Retails for £187.
10. Nina Dolcetti Bootie Split
The Shoes: In eye catching green and white, those boots will look amazing on tanned bare legs with a denim mini or with a white dress for a summer barbecue.
The Label: Nina Dolcetti designer Elisalex Grunfeld de Castro reuses off-cuts and pre-consumer waste to create her shoes. All her creations are handmade in a family run factory in East London.
Where to buy it: One of Nina Dolcetti European retailers: HYPERLINK “http://www.ninadolcetti.com/stockists.html” http://www.ninadolcetti.com/stockists.html. Retail price around £220.
Greenmystyle.com at London Fashion Week is sponsored by Starbucks, the world’s largest purchaser of Fairtrade Certified coffee.
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It’s never too early to start planning your next season wardrobe. At Estethica, ethically conscious designers showed how to be stylishly environment-aware. From a hat contributing to the fight against poverty and vegan shoes, to budget-conscious scarves and splurge-worthy pumps, here is Greenmystyle’s selection of the accessories you’ll want to be seen in next Spring. Lucie Goulet writes.
Top 10 Estethica clothes
September 21, 2009 by Maria Kaski · Leave a Comment
From debut collections by emerging designers to new seasonal offerings by established brands, this year’s Estethica is proof that ethical fashion has upped the style stakes. LFW editor, Maria Kaski, picks the top 10 clothing pieces from Estethica’s SS10 stands.
Get 20% off at Minna’s online boutique and see her top 5 designs
April 13, 2009 by Maria Kaski · Leave a Comment
Florals and lace are a big, big deal this season and Minna is the one designer whose name is synonymous with these flirty fabrics.
Exclusive interview with Minna
April 7, 2009 by Maria Kaski · Leave a Comment
Minna’s dresses and tops in lace and flowery prints are the very embodiment of sugar and spice and all things nice. Having been wowed by her designs in London Fashion Week, we finally catch up with the designer who is making heads turn with her flirty and feminine dresses.
Love vintage, visit QueensOfVintage.com
