Francesco Cominelli
In her ninth season, teenager Karlie Kloss – who is also a brilliant commercial model – walked a total of 34 shows (THIRTY FOUR!), including big guns like Jean Paul Gaultier, Lanvin, Jason Wu, Michael Kors, and Elie Saab.
Jasper Garvida Spring/Summer 2012
Jasper Garvida is a Philipino-born fashion designer who graduated from Central St Martins in 2004 with rave reviews over a beautiful first collection. The talented man then went on to win Project Catwalk in 2008, after which he created a label which has showcased in Vogue, Grazia, and has earned him a chic celebrity following including the likes of Liz Hurley and Cheryl Cole. Before debuting his latest collection at the Bloomsbury Hotel during London Fashion Week, we had a little backstage chat!
– So Jasper, talk to me about your newest collection you’re showing today! Your favourite piece, the feel of the show, your inspirations for Spring/Summer 2012. All that jazz!
– My inspirations for this show are of a woman called Diana Vreeland [LL note: the noted fashion editor!], old photos from the 1940s to 1960s, and Frantisek Kupka’s painting, ‘Autour d’un Point’. The feel of the show is sort of the new black and white. It symbolises beginnings and ends because it’s a new chapter in my life.
In my flat in Paris I actually painted the walls black and my furniture white so to live the idea and immerse myself into it completely. The concept symbolises purity and starting afresh. It’s a new feminine silhouette and I suppose ‘the new Jasper’. My favourite piece is the first one of the show, from the Bridal collection!
– OK, I’ll keep a look out for that one! How are you coping with London Fashion Week and being in the limelight?
– I feel privileged. It’s stressful because I’m a perfectionist so I’m never truly happy…just 100% content. I do strive to push myself, not only for me but for my team, too.
I do love London, I moved here at the age of 19, which was scary, but I knew I would regret it if I never tried. London embraced, accepted and recognised me. Being part of this industry has taught me to be strong. Doing interviews would have terrified me before, but talking to people is like free therapy! I used to find it hard to open up but talking is like exhaling now. If I hadn’t done this I would still be the shy retiring type like I was 6 years ago.
– Have you always wanted to go into fashion?
– Secretly, yes! I couldn’t live without it. When I was younger I wanted to be a doctor. I’m from a large Filipino family, I have 6 siblings, 3 of each [sex], all of which now have professional jobs and I’m the youngest.
My parents really emphasised education when we were growing up…they shaped me. They weren’t too sure about fashion at first because it’s not a steady career, but since I graduated they’ve seen my newspaper clippings and are beginning to understand my success.
– What are your plans after this show and this collection?
– Well I’ve got an exhibition in Paris, next. Well, before that, it’s the Managing Director of the line’s wedding this Sunday and I need to finish her dress! There is a menswear line in the pipeline and a few collaborations are being discussed…but I don’t want to jinx it so that’s all I’m saying!
– And finally, seperate from your line, how would you describe your personal style?
– As I get older it gets more minimal, less cluttered. I don’t have time for clothes. They’re a necessity for me so something comfortable. In the last 10 years my style probably hasn’t changed at all! Simplicity and function are the main points.
Thank you, Jasper! Your collection was absolutely beautiful.
Rachel McAdams
Today was the last official day of the Cannes International Film Festival. You know what that means, don’t you? A red carpet report, of course! With over a week of the most well-dressed and stunningly beautiful women of the world congregating in the South of France, I present you with the 12 of the most excellent ensembles.
Our personal favourite has to go to Rachel McAdams at the 2011 “Midnight In Paris” premiere, wearing a red silk organza and tulle Marchesa Fall/Winter 2011 gown. Tres unique romanticism. See the rest of the best below.
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Cheryl Cole trotted along to the first round of auditions for “The X Factor” yesterday at the Galen Center in LA wearing this…ensemble. The majority of critics hate it.
My stance? When you wear an Oscar de la Renta ruffled silk top and Diane von Furstenberg Simca stretch-cotton pants together, you have a perfect presentation for entrance into the US market. On top of that, wearing such bold colour-blocking puts her Yankee Fashion Icon image aspirations in full gear. With the addition of the patent leather belt from Burberry Prorsum, it all felt very right, very Charlie’s Angels 2011.
That said, the electric shock hair turns it into a costume. What a poor styling choice for such a career-defining moment. This ‘look’ will be seen by millions, this will be her first impression. Looking like an extra in The Lion King. Fire your stylist, gorgeous woman. Your X Factor UK style is flawless.