Boudoir Chic Featuring Georgia Hardinge

Georgia Hardinge is a London based designer making waves in the fashion industry. Her designs are ultra sophisticated and chic. I personally adore her Fall 2010 collection which features beautiful structured garments along with boudoir chic inspired dresses and blouses. To view the entire collection click here.

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Interview With Matthew Williamson

GT: What was the initial inspiration for the new Autumn Winter Collection?
MW: This season I wanted to continue the two key themes of shape and texture from my Pre Fall 09 collection. The silhouette is fairly extreme, with the oversized outerwear and knitwear balancing out with nipped tulip skirted dresses and long lean trouser shapes. The waistline in particular is defined by strong tailored lines, wide heavily beaded belts or simply by the considered placement of the prints. The ‘power’ shoulder has also returned for Winter, particularly in seen in the zig zag wool weave, where the chevron curved seams emphasis the strong lines.

Again, with the theme of texture, I have played on extremes to create an eclectic yet luxurious look. Much of the outerwear has a deeply tactile nature, with natural furs, heavy tweed and mohair giving a glamourous volume. This is balanced and complimented by the high shine metallic brocades, silk shirts and fluid like all over sequin dresses at the close of the show.

GT: You are known for your love of colour, can you describe your choice of palette this season?
MW: Much of the collection is made of high quality natural wools, furs and cottons and I wanted to echo this ‘organic’ sentiment with the colours I choose. Winter creams, ash, and pebble are all present along with the deeper hues of bitter chocolate, Bordeaux reds and rich purples. In a way this is a much more defined colour palette than I am use to designing with, but the shots of watermelon and kingfisher blue brightens the collection and brings the signature Matthew Williamson in!

GT: I would say that there is definitely a moving Prints, Beads and Colour are synonymous with your label. Will you preserve this direction?
MW: My design philosophy is similar today as when I started in 1997 and that’s really about me creating collections for women to wear that are very uplifting and celebratory and give the wearer a sense of escapism. I like clothes that are full of texture, pattern and colour. The prevailing trends when I began were for dull, minimalist, utilitarian clothing. I believe what made my label and designs stand out was this colourfulness and striking contrast to that current trend. I have always kept true to this design aesthetic as I believe it is important to have integrity as a designer for people to understand your brand.

GT: What will you most look forward to about your return to London Fashion Week this September?
MW: The British Fashion Council asked if we would return to London this season for their 25th anniversary celebrations. We were very happy to do so alongside such international power labels such as Burberry and are excited about all the celebrations that will be taking place around fashion week. The move to the more central venue of Somerset House is also fantastic news, an elegant setting in which to show the collections. I am most looking forward to having my family and friends being able to attend the show to support me.

GT: How has the recession influenced your natural style?
MW: As a brand, we are fortunate to have a loyal and growing customer base. I have always remained true to my fundamental aesthetic principals; each season showing an unabashed love of colour and print. The extrovert quality in my designs could be seen as overly decadent in times such as these but I see it as a celebration and a reminder to people of the more joyful aspects of life.

Gabrielle Teare is the Leading London Personal Stylist and Personal Shopper based in the heart of Shopping in Chelsea, London. International Fashion Writer and Stylist Gabrielle has been style/editorial consultant for 2 Disney films in June 09. July 09 saw Gabrielle featured Internationally in Elle, Marie Claire. http://www.gabrielleteare.com/

FASHION STYLIST LAUNCHES FANTASTIC NEW COUTURE LINE PARIS 09

Hinks Taylor merges a strong feminine demeanor with a fiendish undercurrent. Designed for independent and imaginative women who want to be 'Sexy' in an intelligent and suggestive manner. Waists are slimmed and legs lengthened to create and incredibly flattering and feminine collection that leaves a provocative and arresting impression.

Hinks Taylor said: "This collection is for women who want to set a trend. The designs are striking and instantly recognizable . We want women to feel a freshness of style that is expressive, full of personality and secrets. We want to create a ‘look’, which says; independent, confident and sexy-traits, which encompass the modern woman.

Full collection Paris March 09. Personal Stylists and Fashionistas watch this space this is a name to remember.-Gabrielle Teare

Editors Picks: My Top 5 Gifts For Sisters

Christmas in London is as busy as ever, Selfridges and Harrods are brimming with festive spirit, presents galore. I'm in the middle of doing my Christmas shopping for my sister and I've come up with my top five gifts for sisters. A CD Bee handbag Christian Dior's luxury CD Bee handbags are to die for, and i know the Strawberry one would be a perfect gift for Christmas. Burst the bank and splash out on this statement piece for your sister, she'll never forget it! LUSH Christmas Candy Set A bargain for less than £20/$40 this gorgeous bath set is divine for a girly indulgent night in, perfect for a diva of a sister. Share the love with this beautiful box for Christmas.
Accessorize Beaded necklace
This statement necklace screams sexy and chic, I love the beading detail and I know this is a must-have piece this season!
Quilted Tuck Lock wallet

Not only is this wallet useful for all your little bits and bobs, its incredibly good value for a real leather wallet. Perfect for your evening or day bag, it-wallet of the year? I think so. -Vanessa Lee, London Correspondent

Off To London For Xmas Shopping By Gabrielle Teare

Today sees the opening of the biggest shopping mall in Europe, The Westfield. Located in West London it has all the high street shops plus an area called The Village with top designer brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior and Mulberry. Costing £1.6Billion $1.06Billion, it is huge,a large airy space with unusual brands like the Italian must-have shirt company Nara Camiche.

The plunging pound means that London is now the bargain capital of Europe for designer clothes. Catwalk clothes and accessories are 30% cheaper than in Milan or Paris. For example D&G Lily bag is £695 equivalent to E958 in London compared to E1,190 in Continental Europe and $465. Burberry high-waisted flares are £350 , E550 compared to $233.

The dramatic weakening of the pound against the dollar means that London hotels are reporting a large increase in American visitors booking for Xmas shopping. The pound is at its lowest rate for the last 5 years. Online retailers report that in October orders from Americans have doubled. As a Stylist my diary is now being booked for Personal Shopping by Americans for Xmas and January Sales as affluent shoppers are prepared to travel to get a great price for their luxury goods.

The department store Selfridges reported a 20% increase in European visitors last month alone. Summer produced an 83% increase in shoppers from United Arab Emirates. All summer I had clients from here and also Dubai.

Kate Moss has this week launched a range for Top Shop which is a high street marque. This is a vintage inspired Christmas Collection ranging from £65, or $43 for a rock-chic triangle rock dress to £400, or $266 for a navy long evening dress. This is seriously cheap and seriously chic.
The European trend of recent years of visiting New York to snap up clothes, shoes and designer bags at half price is set to be reversed as London becomes the new Bargain Designer Capital.

Tantalizing Temperley

A favorite among women with disposable incomes and London It-girls, this autumn is all about Alice Temperley. Purchasing a Temperley piece is not a splurge but an investment. It's instant luxury. Loaded with ruffles, military jackets, and satin, the fall 2008 collection carries an unexpected sexier edge. Inspired by the infamous Mata Hari, Temperley encourages women to embrace their inner femme fatale.

Sex and The City Style From River Island

www.RiverIsland.com