While in Jacket Required I stopped by Levi’s XX (the Vintage and Made & Crafted part of Levi Strauss). There I had a brief chat with Carlos, who I used to see often back in the day when I worked for Levi’s, and had a chance to get a quick interview from him (scroll down to read it!). It was really nice to see the brand is going strong, laying firm roots in 60′s 70′s American nostalgia and quality-lead clothing over fickle trend waves.

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P.S. Check out Nana’s oversized grey marl sweater, love the detail on the back!

Carlos (UK Sales Manager) is wearing head to toe Levi’s Made & Crafted and vintage boots from LA
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Nana (Marketing Manager, Europe) is wearing Levi’s Made & Crafted jeans and oversized sweater, Zara boots, Cos socks
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What is the inspiration behind your AW13 collection?

Carlos: The LVC FW13 collection is based on two themes . “Boomtown” based on the 1960’s Detroit where Motown Records was introduced to young Americans and also the home of the American car industry. The other theme is the relaunch of our “Orange Tab” collection which is made in the USA for the first time. This was a line Levi’s produces in the late 60’s early 70’s , a less expensive apparel to appeal to the youth of that era.

What are the key trends you see for AW13? Are these represented in your collection (Levi’s vintage and Levi’s Made&Crafted)? If so, please can you pinpoint the pieces and their respective trends?

C: We see a strong trend for our “Orange Tab” collection as the silhouettes are slim, such our mens 605’s jeans, and instant hit with buyers.

Who would you say is Mr Levi’s Vintage? And where would we find him on a Friday night?

C: Mr Levis’ would be someone who is an avid fan of great well made product and does not follow fashion but invest in a true heritage brand.

Where do you shop? And why?

C: Cinch, Newburgh street. Because it has timeless products.

What would be your dream shopping experience/trip if you have unlimited budget and a jet that could take you anywhere in the world?

C: Japan!!

Trade shows are the best for finding new brands and seeing what the giants have in store for next season. Sometimes though they may feel like one big show, a show-off competition of who’s who in the market. Jacket Required however was something else, something new and exciting, gritty in its setting (the showspace was underground, across two basement floors in the Victoria House in the heart of central London) and homely in its attitude, it felt more like a gallery-slash-quirky coffee shop than a commercial arena. Shame there isn’t a womenswear version of the show…

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Having fun while working and choosing next season’s buy

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Native Youth selling props

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Native Youth hawaiian trend

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James, store manager for Edwin wearing Edwin and DrMartens

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Chris, sales agent for Carhartt wearing Carhartt and New Balance trainers

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Gourmet Footwear, refined Italian flair mixed with casual American cool

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Jack Purcell, Converse sneakers

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Swims Footwear: get your galosh on!

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Brooks, since 1866

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I am very proud to share with you my first printed feature: Thank you Elle Bulgaria!

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And here is a little bit about each of the girls chosen for my page:

Linda, she is half of the Lifestyle Hunters: fashionable duo from the Netherlands whose creative take on fashion and style is truly inspirational and a breath of fresh air.

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Snapped entering Somerset House on Day 2 of London Fashion Week
Linda is wearing: Sportmax dress, Alexander Mcqueen coat, Phillip Lim bag, Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses, Karen Millen shoes

Angela Scanlon, a stylist, presenter and fashion writer from Dublin with envious style, gorgeous smile and cracking personality. The moment you meet her you are won over by her Irish charm and upbeat attitude to fashion. British Vogue counts her as a one to watch in 2013, the new Alexa Chung and dare I say much better!

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Snapped outside Topshop Unique AW13 show on Day 3 of London Fashion Week
Angela is wearing: Topshop Unique coat and pants, Vintage Chanel bag

Andreea, a fashion blogger and stylist who loves Chanel and dreams about everything fashion. Lovely girl who likes to play with her style and doesn’t take herself too seriously. Check out her blog Dreaming of Chanel here.

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Snapped in Somerset House on Day 1 of London Fashion Week
Andreea is wearing: Cos dress, Zara coat, River Island sunglasses, Anna Dello Russo for H&M clutch, Forever 21 boots

Anouk is the owner and creative power of Creators of Desire (COFD). Dutch and stunning with polished yet individual style that draws you in, and she is super sweet too!

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Snapped outside Topshop Unique AW13 show on Day 3 of London Fashion Week
Anouk is wearing: Filippa K coat and pants, Acne sweater, Sophie Hulme bag, Elizabeth & James sunglasses, Valentino shoes

Soraya is a fashion blogger and freelance writer, Swiss-born and a London College of Fashion graduate, it was lovely chatting to her and one thing was sure: I wish I had her wardrobe! You can find out more about her here.

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Snapped outside Topshop Unique AW13 show on Day 3 of London Fashion Week
Soraya is wearing: Maje coat, J Crew pants, Celine holographic bag, Balenciaga rings, Ray Ban sunglasses, Zara boots

Julia is a fashion student and blogger from Romania, a charming and shy girl who loves all that is fashion.

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Snapped in Somerset House on Day 3 of London Fashion Week
Julia is wearing: Rehab shirt, River Island pants, vintage sunglasses

Bree is a model represented by Sapphires Model agency, a natural beauty with warm personality and cool accessories.

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Snapped in Somerset House on Day 1 of London Fashion Week
Bree is wearing: Negarin head to toe, Nokia wireless headphones and phone

Whose style do you like the most? I am coveting Linda’s coat, Angela’s bag, Andreea’s clutch, Anouk’s sweater, Soraya’s jewelry, Julia’s shirt and Bree’s headphones.

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… And here are some of the models I chatted to briefly outside The Arts Club after Whistles AW13 London Fashion Week show.

Meet Lucy (left) and Farah (right). In her own words Lucy’s boots were the only interesting part of the outfit and they truly were really cool: with golden chains instead of laces, elegant armory nailed. Farah on the other hand was wearing a few branded pieces: Opening Ceremony shoes, Nicole Farhi coat (albeit vintage as it was her paisley-print skirt) and a Whistles knitted top.

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Here are Stephanie (left) and Chloe (right), dressed in a mix of vintage and designer brands: Stephanie’s jumper is from Maje, her brogues from Steve Madden and the scarf from Whistles, whereas Chloe was almost head-to-toe in vintage, except for her Marilyn Manson t-shirt.

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And this is Svea, wearing Alexander McQueen blazer and rings, Acne jeans, Sendra boots and American Apparel crop top.

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On a bright, sunny Sunday morning (12 o’clock that is) in Paris I met Elodie and Raphael. They were the lovely sales advisors who tempted me into trying (and subsequently buying) another gorgeous shirt from one of my newly favorite brands The Kooples. Raphael’s sister has a blog, so he felt at ease in front of my camera. With him smiling and joking around, Elodie’s innate shyness made way for her quirky style and beautiful features to shine through. Whether a couple or just friends, the chemistry between Elodie and Raphael was captivating and charming. If you happen to be in Paris I’d definitely recommend you stop by their store and enjoy a little banter.

Elodie & Raphael

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Raphael closeup

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the Kooples12

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Elodie is wearing: COS top + Kooples jeans + F-Troupe boots

Raphael is wearing: Wood Wood sweater + Kooples  shirt + April 77 jeans + Nike trainers

This was the highlight of my day 2 during London Fashion Week. For the first time I found myself Backstage and to a show that is still so vivid in my mind I can hardly believe it. At one moment I thought the photographers in the room outnumbered the models. The hair and makeup crews were like fairies working their magic on the models, who in turn were the most patient, serene like beautifulcreatures I have ever seen.

David Koma backstage 2

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David Koma backstage

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Oh, and stay tuned for my next post if you want to see the show!

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On my way back to London and thinking how quickly time passes when you are having fun in the city of lights Paris. From freezing cold Tuileries to sunny brunch in Cafe Charlot, flavoured with Laduree macaroons, cheeky cocktails and delicious croissants the last four days feel more like one. Oh and it was Paris Fashion Week, my first and hope of many to come (getting started on the accreditation red tape asap! The French sure don’t mess about with two months in advance applications…by post!). For now all I can say is: Paris I Love You xxx

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This is Whistles, a British brand I discovered a couple of seasons ago, which constitutes half of my wardrobe (I wish it was more!). So you can understand me when I say that seeing their AW13 London Fashion Week show (btw: it was their first ever!) was simply unforgettable. Here is the collection through my camera lenses.

Whistles look 1

Look 1
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Look 2

Look 2
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Look 3
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Look 4
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The collection is beautiful and as the models said it, it is also wearable for work and play. I will be keeping my eyes open and credit card at the ready for the chunky knits and leather skirts. What about you? Do you have a favorite look you wish to adopt for AW13?

You can view the full show here.

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Day 3 was one beautifully crazy day: it started off in the magnificent building of the Arts Club in the West End and finished off with a mad dash from the mighty Tate Modern on the South Bank to Somerset House, the home of London Fashion Week.

The Arts Club on Dover Street was the location Whistles chose for their first ever London Fashion Week show: this is a brand that holds at least half of my wardrobe and a street that is eponymous with urban style and is home to brands like ACNE and Comme de Garçon. The collection was needless to say amazing and my wardrobe will be happy come AW13.

Tate Modern on the other hand, is a more artistic, rustic and I dare to say dramatic place to hold a catwalk show. Topshop Unique’s AW13 collection was showcased inside its giant bricks walls and trust me when I say a frenzy of photographers, journalists, bloggers and famous faces transformed the museum entrance into a movie scene (the Devil Wears Prada anyone?).

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Bright, Bold, Beautiful…that was my Day 2 at London Fashion Week. Bright colours popped like candy whenever I heard a camera click, bold style statements were evident at every step and beauty was translucent wherever I looked. The culmination of my day was however David Koma’s AW13 show, for which I had a backstage pass. I am still finding it hard to believe it actually happened, all thanks to my lovely friend Geri. All I can say really is: stay tuned.

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Day 2

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London Fashion Week has arrived and day one did not disappoint, not at all. Style on and off the catwalk was sky-high and the buzz around Somerset House was tangible, contagious. Check out for yourself the amazing collections from Zoe JordanFelder Felder and Bora Aksu (which one is your favorite?).

Tomorrow, day two, holds big hopes and excitement for me and I am sure for many others: designers frantically doing final fittings, bloggers uploading pictures, recharging cameras, planning new outfits, journalist and editors revising their hectic schedules, models and make-up artists setting up their alarm clocks for early start… All wishing for another day like today.

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Day 1

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Olivia

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Meet the lovely Olivia, a fashion blogger from London whose style and choice of accessories caught my eye during London Collections Men. Who wouldn’t look twice at the Mulberry bag, burgundy fedora hat and leopard print booties? J’adore head to toe!

Olivia is wearing:

TOPSHOP fedora hat

RIVER ISLAND blazer

H&M coat

DOROTHY PERKINS shoes

MULBERRY Alexa satchel 

And I urge you to check out Olivia’s blog: ‘What Olivia Did…

Enjoy.

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Matthew

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Hermes

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asos boots

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Meet Matthew Burt, editor in chief of The Intern Magazine, a digital lifestyle magazine for every man who takes pride in what he wears.
Here Matthew is taking a quick break before heading off to the next London Collections show.
Matthew is wearing:
ETRO blazer
ZARA roll neck jumper + jeans
DOLCE & GABBANA shirt
HERMES bag
ASOS boots
Check out the latest issue of the Intern here and read Matthew’s interview with Oliver Proudlock (the brains and engine behind one of my favorite brands Serge DeNimes)
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david nyanzi

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This is David, a street style photographer with his own take on a smart, tailored look and attention to detail in all the right places (you wouldn’t see a gentleman without a pocket square and an artist without a quirky accessory, right?).

David is wearing:

YSL glasses

Dolce & Gabbana blazer

Hugo Boss shirt

Vintage tie

H&M sweater & jeans

Russell & Bromley chukka boots

David

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Check out David’s work here.
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models

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Meet Michael (Lange), Dimitrij (Vysokolyan) and Ole (Jacobs), three German models taking a quick break before heading off to their next London Collections show.

Dimitrij & Michael

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Michael is wearing:

JACK & JONES jacket

DRYKORN chinos

MARLBORO ORIGINALS boots

Dimitrij is wearing:

ARMANI jacket

knitted sweater, present from his girlfriend (lovely gesture, right?)

PRIMARK jeans

RIVER ISLAND shoes

ADIDAS watch

Ole

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Ole is wearing:

POPCPH trench coat

CHEAP MONDAY jeans

HONEY BAND t-shirt

DR. MARTENS boots

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Shane

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Shane is a Buying Assistant who in his own words was not wearing his best outfit. Well, I haven’t seen the other outfits but his vintage coat and accessories really caught my eye. Teaming up vintage with high street finds like this chunky knitted scarf from Cos and Zara bag make for a great outfit. I am also loving Shane’s hairstyle nod to the 50′s, what do you think?

Shane is wearing:

COS scarf + shoes

REISS jacket (underneath coat)

UNIQLO jeans

ZARA bag

Vintage coat

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Ra

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Sure, London Collections was all about Men’s style but a good look on a guy is always better when seen next to an equally quirky and unique girl.  Well, this is Ra (Ryan’s friend, you remember Ryan, right?). Her choice in clothes and accessories gives out an artist’s vision and understated East London vibe, both emblematic for London street style.

Ra is wearing:

CUTLER AND GROSS specs

COS coat + shirt

LEE COOPER Vintage sweater

GRENSON double buckle monk shoes

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I think you will agree Ryan has unique style: mixing Missoni sneakers with handmade one-of-a-kind bomber jacket from Japan (that’s a shopping trip I’d like to do!) is by no means easy to pull off. But, hey, when you work at Mr Porter, live in London and are English, quirky street style becomes second nature.

Ryan is also wearing:

JIL SANDER shirt

NN07 Selvedge jeans

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Tucked away down the steep staircase of Wolf & Badger gallery in Mayfair, Serge DeNimes presented their own take on street wear: graphic tees made with true artist passion. Beautiful array of colorful fabrics filled up jars and vintage suitcases, old books laid around reminding me that the brand is about more than just clothes, it’s about finding inspiration in everyday life and translating what you love in what you do. S.D.N is a brand with true essence and vision, check them out for yourself here.

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Graffiti by Rising Giant

Graffiti by Rising Giant

 

Even though I’ve been an Elle devotee for years I have always kept an eye out for new fashion magazines. A few months ago, while browsing through the shelves of a local book shop, my eyes caught the gorgeous cover of Suitcase Magazine’s 1st issue. I turned the first pages and the moment I saw there was only 1 advert, plenty of articles and amazing artwork, I sensed I have uncovered something unique, new and with a fresh take on fashion and travel, a magazine which not only turns my coffee table into a beautiful sanctuary on a Saturday morning, but is also full of interesting articles written by people who are not afraid to offer a different approach to fashion, one that would inspire and bring a touch of brightness to our day. And what a better way to experience the New 3rd issue than to go inside and meet the lovely team that packs it all for us. Enjoy ♥

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The pop-up shop window

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Suitcase Magazine takes to the USA in their new issue

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Who wouldn’t want a suitcase like this?

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Lomography ruling the wall

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a glimpse of the beautiful merchandise Suitcase Magazine had chosen

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Cute Lomo 1

Cute Lomo 2

The Editor, the lovely Charlotte Summers

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Scandinavia seems to be the coolest place to be right now, especially when it comes to fashion. One of the most recognizable brands now synonymous to Scandinavian cool is ACNE. What started off in 1996 as a creative consultancy (ACNE=Ambition to Create Novel Expressions) is now an established fashion brand with statement pieces that every wardrobe needs. In the words of Jonny Johansson (the brains behind ACNE’s design power): ‘I just think we do something that’s a bit different and that’s why people like it’. And different it is, from statement knitwear in bright colors to biker jackets and it-boots that when worn make you feel strong and feminine. The clash, or rather ‘collage’, of luxe fabrics in simple clean cuts with asymmetric lines and shapes adorn in color popping hues create a futuristic-yet-classic look.

During fashion week ACNE prevailed as a brand of choice on the streets and front rows. The signature camouflage print in particular caught my eye:

For those of you curious to see what the brand has in store for SS13, here is a link to a short video from their London Fashion Week show.

http://shop.acnestudios.com/collections.html 

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I’d like to share with you something that has caught my eye and is definitely turning to be one major AW12 trend: mixing textures. Black and leather (mixed with wool, denim or fur) are the key players here and either on a jacket, bag or pair of boots, they will instantly update your outfit.

Here is my favourite item representing this trend:

the ‘Keaton’ jacket from AllSaints

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My second day of London Fashion Week saw me rushing across London from Preen at the Natural History Museum (South Kensington) to Great Portland Street (5min off Oxford Circus) for Nicol Farhi. When I got to RIBA’s head quarters, I realized I was late, took a few minutes to calm down from the adrenaline rush and patiently prepared for what I knew was going to be another head-turning, breathtakingly beautiful 10 minutes, in which I would immerse myself and simply forget about everything. else.

… and here is what happened inside:

Nicole Farhi SS13 Shoe video

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Looking as cool as ever Leigh Lezark brought New York style to the streets of London. Here, she was happy to pose and smile at the start of a hectic London Fashion Week day.

All black, a splash of color and over-the-shoulders wool jacket = AW12 ❤

To finish off the look Leigh had Cole Haan’s Chelsea Lace-up booties in burgundy from the brand’s latest collaboration range with Jen Brill and Olivia Kim (Opening Ceremony).

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The black door was shut, the lights were in position and the neon strip called for the show to begin… it was a: Clean. Cut. Bright. Sharp. SS13 at Richard Nicoll.

Pushing away the dark shadows of AW12 it seemed SS13 had come to wash away and brighten up our wardrobe.

If you like the SS13 look you will fall in love with the Resort collection.

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17th September, Monday: day job done, off to Richard Nicoll. Cool people quickly made their way to the big black doors. Models, editors, bloggers, buyers and two adorable kids captured my eye and here is the result…

…and this is the lovely Gergana Penova who was my lucky charm on that day and thanks to whom my next post will be from inside Richard Nicoll’s SS13 catwalk show.

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Waking up at 7am on a Sunday is not something anyone would like to do. But that was my second day of LFW and Preen’s SS13 show at the Natural History Museum was surely not to be missed. Only a handful of photographers/ bloggers were standing outside, the location of the show was a bit of a mystery (thanks Twitter!) and so it all kicked off and finished in a matter of minutes: dazzling beauty, effortless cool and lovely people happy to stop for a snap or two.

Cool and quirky at the same time is not easy to put together but models own that look and show us the knowhow: biker jacket + skinny jeans + oversized bag + printed button-up shirt, and a pair of well-worn boots to finish off this look

Making a statement with a varsity jacket and killer heels combo, it’s hard to stand out from the crowd and this is how to do it right.

Unexpected sight at the Natural History Museum: models rushing out and causing fashion frenzy on that early Sunday morning.

Print on print, clashing yes, but they make for a perfect match when textile and color compliment each other. Wearing geeky specs and bright accessory: an individual twist I ♥

Cara was the busiest model at LFW, she.was.everywhere (be it for mere minutes only). Her signature effortless cool, English rose-meet-Americana style offered a fresh take on the model-off-duty look and made everyone rush to buy a colorful beanie or two.

Which look is your favorite?

Mine is Cara’s (currently searching for the right varsity jacket, and that beanie)

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Rag & Bone turned out to be one of the most exciting shows at LFW, seeing the models crossing over to the store to the sound of cameras clicking away was definitely a moment I would never forget. I hope the images translate the sheer beauty and style creed London brought out that day and if you want to see more check out Rag & Bone’s official blog here.

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issue

Art Fashion Stories Styling People

JAK & JIL

street style & fashion

Style Scrapbook

street style & fashion

Natalie Off Duty

street style & fashion

The Sartorialist

street style & fashion

Frassy

street style & fashion

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