Sometimes you need a breath of fresh air during fashion week- when all you’re doing is going to shows and presentations, it’s nice to be able to chat to some human beings once in a while. This is especially great when you get the chance to speak to some brands while viewing their collections.
The Avant-Premiere showroom was exactly that. I was met with such a friendly atmosphere as soon as I stepped in, and basically spent the whole day there! The space was huge and so I got stuck in to viewing the collections and having a good old natter to some of my lovely blogger pals :)
Lodovico Zordanazzo had the most beautiful shoe collection! The designs are handmade in Italy by master craftsmen with the use of sophisticated and exclusive materials. Each shoe almost had its own character from the flamboyant green flame heels to chic courts.
I have met the brand Cataleya at previous events and have always loved their bags! These are actually laptop cases, but I wouldn’t think twice about using it as a work ready briefcase for everyday! Their luxury leather bags are all adorned with the Cataleya motif, and each design is named after a flower. You also get a feeling of uniqueness in each, as the materials they source can sometimes be few and far between, meaning only a few bags are made with that material! Very limited edition ;) As well as their laptop cases, I adore their totes, round chain shoulder bags and clutches.
It was really cool learning all about Esscentric's perfume oils! Using 100% pure essential oils, they blend the most amazing fragrances to make unique scents that you can mix and match yourself. The jojoba oil in them keep the blends active on your skin for longer, so no need to reapply! Each blend is composed of at least 11 different oils sourced from around the world. Also the packaging is so sassy, don't you think? Almost like the Nasty Gal of the perfume world...
I just couldn't walk past these shell bags; the inner Ariel in me did a mini flip! I just couldn't get enough of them. One of the great things about Barel is that they make these fab high end bags and are vegan friendly, so for any animal lovers this bag company will be a sure fire hit with you! The fabrics and microfibers that they do use are eco-friendly and cruelty-free and made entirely in Italy.
Black Betty are a jewellery company based in Cape Town, South Africa, and who celebrate Mother Nature’s bounty and her essence, by incorporating hand cut precious and semi-precious stones held by treasured metals born from the earth. The handcrafted pieces have a timeless quality and each one, their own personality. As a ring girl I was really drawn to the rings from their Shapeshifters collection, and the skulls in their Black Ash collection.
Ambersouk had the most beautiful African inspired jewellery pieces! The pieces varied from cuffs and snake earrings, ebony rings to ruby studded elephants, and you can't forget that adorable buddha necklace!
I got the chance to meet Ronald Abdala, the creator of House of Ronald, who has emerged as an internationally recognized creative designer at an early stage in his promising career. As a British/Lebanese designer, Ronald’s multi-cultural identity is strongly evident in his stylistic and aesthetic elements. His creations represent a unique interplay of western fashion modes and craftsmanship with traditional Middle Eastern elements and embellishments. This balance of East and West is one of the hallmarks of his style and talent, and a key element of his line’s international appeal. I couldn't get enough of the net blazers and digital fish print dresses.
Van Der Borne are all about unisex accessories, but still keeping individuality. They have everything from camera straps to the coolest pizza bags that are produced in a southern region of The Netherlands and made with Buffalo leather from India.
Liselore Frowijn was showcasing her ready-to-wear SS16 collection. Her designs are for women with a curiosity for the world, they are explorers in heart and soul; ambitious, curious and independent. There was a lot of variety in her collection, but this two pieces coord really stood out for me! You can't beat a good roll neck.
Hellen van Rees is a dutch fashion and textiles designer whose collections are based on traditional feminine silhouettes. Her SS16 collection features handmade textiles with contrasting textures and proportions, and is inspired by suspended bridges. Just like a suspended bridge plays with gravity, looking both light and stiff at once, Rees uses the concept of gravity and suspension to exhibit the difference between the materials used. The classic silhouettes are also inspired by 1920's flapper dresses with layers of textured fabric, and are brought together with chunks of rubber to create edge. The colour palette goes from spring pastels and greys to dark blues and blacks. I really loved the amazing knottingfusing and knit work that creates an undone feel to the garments and the mesh tops with tiny knit edging.
You can't beat how gutsy Haifa Fahad's DARE collection is! Originally from Saudi Arabia, she uses her rebellious creativity to create garments with metallics and actual metal- I just couldn't take my eyes off the denim chain jacket!
Louise Körner is a contemporary womenswear label that focuses on creating garments that carry unique prints on innovative rich textures and materials. The prints are inspired by architectural perspectives of the built environment with the perfect mix of grunginess and simplicity that is associated with Scandi style. Funnily enough while talking to Louise, who is Swedish, she was telling me how in Sweden people find her style very Western, while here people find it very Scandi! It's funny how people see the same thing differently when they are from different parts of the world...
Louise's collection was definitely one of my favourites at the showroom. Her latest collection Cosmic Aquarium is Scandi in its cuts but not in its colours and prints! The pieces sported either swirling watercolour prints or digital fish scale prints, but the collection still flows together very well. You can style any of the pieces together and the finished outfit will look amazing!
Last but not least, Valley of the Dolls were a company after my own heart; all about the vintage vibes. Influenced by Central American style, the Indigo Blues collection combines the crafty homemade feel in dresses, distressed denims and folk prints. I mean, how cute are the sleeves on that denim dress?! This collection has festival written all over it, from floaty off the shoulder blouses (that also wouldn't go amiss on the beach) to flares with intricate prints. Also, that 70's vibe can't be ignored, with a colour palette consisting of oranges, terracotta's and indigo's along with fringing and suede to complete the boho vibe. They are also super affordable too, with prices starting at £24! What a steal ;)
Gx
Love all the behind the scenes bit!
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- Seyra
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