The Art of Fashion
January 19, 2013 § Leave a comment
About a year ago here, I wrote about a new trend for backpacks that was taking over the fashion world – not just any backpacks you take hiking with you, but luxury ones with hefty price tags. In my selection of trending items I included Nile backpack by The Row, label owned by Olsen Twins, which was priced at over £2500. At the time paying as much for a rucksack seemed rather steep – I was not even sure if the trend was going to last long enough to be bothered to purchase one, let alone to commit to anything like The Row. Yet time has passed and Nile became one of the most sough after handbag of 2012, especially when the sisters brought out an even more luxurious version made out of crocodile skin (FYI at mere £22,000). Now that we are in 2013 I can safely say that The Row rucksack domination is nowhere near the end, thanks to one of the most exciting fashion-art collaborations of the decade. 
And here they are – three of the twelve Nile pieces designed by Damien Hirst himself (hence the multicoloured circles and pills, of course). The trio was brought together by Just One Eye online store that specialises in artistic partnerships. I adore the idea for it’s multipurposeness: that is creativity-inspiring, profit-making, charity donating and of course press-generating. Not that Olsen twins, The Row or Damien Hirst required any more buzz around them. These pieces of art are yours for £35,000, by the way.
Believe It Or Not: Trendy Backpacks
March 17, 2012 § 18 Comments
Backpacks. They have been off the fashion radar for a while but due to their functionality have remained an essential item for many despite lack of trendiness. Indeed if you have a lot on your shoulders (pardon the pun) backpacks allow you to spread the weight – hence they are perfect for things like hiking (I am not going to expand on the topic, hiking/camping and other outside activities have never been my thing). And despite some people’s aversion towards this type of bag, even a few celebrities known for their style choices have been spotted with backpacks repeatedly. For example Rihanna who changes hair colour every other week (I’m not judging, I wish I could pull off just as many shades) has surprisingly remained true to backpacks as you could see on the pictures below. 
But we all know – fashion trends rarely engage themselves with notions of utility. This season though is an exception. Backpacks suddenly became the hottest way to carry your essentials and have been spotted on catwalks of major designers ever since Spring Summer 12 shows. And fashion’s sudden love of backpacks might be slowly making my heart melt towards them- and to prove it I found a selection of backpacks I would not mind having. To tell you the truth even though I do consider some designer backpacks quite cool (I am not completely turned) I would not pay for its hefty price tag even if money was not an option (The Row, £2635 for example) because at the end of the day – it is still a backpack (all horrible images of what camping must be like flood my head).
Nevertheless here is the selection of backpacks for any budget – and if I like them, chances are you would absolutely love one or two!
- Asos Leather & Print Backpack, £70
- Paul Smith Floral Printed Backpack, £280
- Diane Von Furstenberg Printed Canvas and Leather Backpack, £225
- Asos Ice Cream Backpack, £35
- Topshop Frost Plastic Backpack, £25
- Essl Austrian Backpack, £58 at farfetch.com
- Topshop Unique Leather Rucksack, £180
- Barbour Caramel Canvas Beacon Backpack, £159
- The Row Leather Backpack, £2635
- Zara Vintage Backpack, £119
- River Island Navy Pocket Rucksack, £28
- Fleet Ilya Linked Strap Rucksack, £1019 at farfetch.com
Dressing Up Denim Shorts
March 15, 2012 § Leave a comment
I wish it was warmer outside. I am already feeling the spring vibe and can’t wait to wear my favourite warm season piece of clothing – denim shorts. Last summer when I was exploring West Coast of US denim shorts in all shapes and colours were the only ‘bottoms’ option in my suitcase, the fact I did not once regret. And now even thinking of wearing all those garments mentally transports me back to my American adventure. So for emotional boost of getting through the not-so-warm-or-sunny London days I compiled a few outfits with my beloved denim short. 
The one above is urban spring chic with metallic accessories (courtesy of Topshop). It is essentially summery but the colour palette suggest I remember it is still London in mid-March:
Oversized Lightweight Parka, £68
Metallic Vintage Rucksack, £38
Pilot Sporty Curved Wedges, £85
Spike Stretch Hair Band, £10
All Over Skull Bralet, £12
Moto High Wasted Kristen Hotpants, £32
Total: £ 245 of Topshop goodies
This second outfit on the other hand shows that denim shorts don’t have to be just for casual weather – with right accessories they become very lady-like! Vertical stripes are slimming, shirts with collar tips are currently very trendy and these pointy studded courts are to die for. All items are from one of my high street favourites River Island:
White Diamante Trimmed Shirt, £28
Silver Tone Twisted Diamante Hairband, £8
Light Pink Bow Hinge Skinny Belt, £15
Blue Striped High Waster Shorts, £25
Pink Colourblock Bowler Bag, £40
Light Pink Stud and Spike Point Court, £55
Total: £171 for this feminine denim ensemble
So if you are not feeling the weather and need something to lift you up, why not compile an outfit for yourself? Fashion satisfaction is guaranteed and you won’t spend a penny!
MY FASHION WISH LIST 