Dedicated Follower of Fashion

Dedicated Scene: BCBGMaxAzria/Hervé Leger Spring 2013 Preview

In the spirit of actually trying to keep on top of things (despite the fact I'm still tardy on #DixieTrip, NYFW and LAFW posts... they're coming, promise) I'm posting the day of an event. Let's imagine this is what happens everyday and that I'm a proper journo eh?

Today I had the privilege of visiting Max and Lubov Azria's Bel Air home for brunch to preview the Spring 2013 collections from BCBG Runway, Ready to Wear and Atelier, as well as Hervé Leger (as well as eat.. because us fashion girls do eat - as if my ever increasing girth wasn't a giveaway)

I'd sadly missed the runway in NYC due to a conflict (Band of Outsiders - which will be getting a post soon!) so it was a wonderful chance to get to see the collection in a really intimate and special setting alongside my fellow West Coast bloggers and editors.

The models and setting were stunning, allowing for some great photo opps - I was extremely trigger happy. Since there are a whopping 54 pics in this post (if a picture is worth a 1000 words, here's 54,000 of them..) - I've started with a few of my faves from each collection, and the rest are after the jump!

Enjoy - I have quite a few must haves in the bunch, Spring 2013 could be dangerous :)

For more pics (yep there's more!) Click through!

Dedicated Reportage: Maison Martin Margiela for H&M

Skirt: $99, Shirt: $79.95, Glove Purse: $49.95


Dress: $199, Boots: $399

Dress: $199, Boots: $399

I don't normally do this kind of post, or at least I haven't for a really long time, but when I recieved the press pictures of the new Maison Martin Margiela for H&M collection, I started to swoon.

In the past few collabs there's only been a limited amount of things I actually wanted, and I've never been moved to get up early and line up for anything. Till now.

And I'm actually surprised at myself. Whilst I've always admired the work of Maison Martin Margiela, it's creative, interesting, art driven, I've never thought if myself as the kind of girl that would actually wear it. But now I'm seeing it. I literally want everything.

The pics above are of my favourite pieces. The glove purses are phenomenal and reminiscent of the amazing Elsa Schiaparelli and the candy wrapper oversize clutch will be mine if I have to fight for it. Budget wise I'm going to have to pick just one of the dresses though. If I actually get that lucky.

Fortunately I have a couple of weeks to decide and plan my shopping strategy. The collection is released November 15th.

All photos courtesy of H&M.

Kelsi x

Dedicated Reportage: Los Angeles Fashion Council Advisory Board and More

Today was a super fun day of announcements for the Los Angeles Fashion Council, an organization of which I am Director.

We are so proud to announce our initial Advisory Board. Our advisory board is made up of passionate individuals from all walks of the fashion industry, and each will serve as a mentor to our designers and advise our executive team on key issues facing the industry in their individual fields. I'm seriously so honoured that these fantastic people believe in our project and humbled that I get to work alongside them.

Joining us from the British Fashion Council is Richard Johnson, former buying head at Harvey Nichols, who has just relocated to the US to become the Chief Operating Officer at Horiyoshi The Third, a Tokyo & LA based luxury fashion label. Richard will use his expertise and experience on the British Fashion Council to mentor our designers in the commercial and retail space.

Joining him are some of the most powerful women in fashion media on the West Coast; Marlien Rentmeester, West Coast Editor of Lucky Magazine, Jen Weinberg, West Coast Editor of Glamour magazine, N. Jayne Seward, Fashion Editor at California Apparel News, Brenna Egan, West Coast Editor of mega-site Refinery 29 and Erin Weinger, Founder and Editor of local site, Style Section L.A.
 
Additional advisors joining our board are Elaine Pow, best known for her visual merchandising work with Apple, currently the PR and Marketing Director at Seychelles and BC Shoes , Megyn Bell of Merchant Factors who will act as a Business Finance mentor and Sarah Pollack of Simply Stylist.

You can have a looksee at their full bios on our website here.

We're also able to announce our plans for October Presentations. Whilst we originally planned to avoid L.A Fashion Week in our first few years we realized that not only do L.A designers want to show in L.A but that L.A industry folk want a forum in which they can celebrate their work. Whatever we decided to had to make sense to our ideals and initiatives.

So, this October we will host a two day show case of the best in Los Angeles fashion design. Our show case will include runway shows, a show room and presentations from both apparel and accessory designer members of the Los Angeles Fashion Council.

Our presentation aims to be a low cost and high return opportunity for local designers who will show based on merit rather than available funds. Show case packages will cost no more than $1,000 and will include all production and marketing costs.

Designers wishing to be considered for the Council and our two day show case may apply through our website.

Sponsors, patrons and press interested in learning more about the Los Angeles Fashion Council and our upcoming initiatives may contact me directly with questions or to request our full deck:

Kelsi Smith: [email protected]

Thanks so much for all your support and I can't wait to keep sharing our plans, goals and successes with you!

Kelsi xx

Dedicated Reportage: Keds Spring/Summer Collection

About a month ago - yep this event is practically from the archives - I had the pleasure of visiting with the Keds team, at Eveleigh on Sunset, for a garden party of sorts, cocktails, astroturf and oysters (for those who can get past their appearance - not me) and a preview of the new Keds collection.

I'm a long time Keds wearer, and I'm not just saying that. Between them, Keds and Converse have kept my skinny feet clothed in their preppy goodness for, my near, thirty years on earth - and my Mum before that (she still loves the white Champion classics)

My love for Keds grew ten fold upon meeting their team and experiencing their new collection, alongside their next collaboration with Opening Ceremony - which is equally adorable with a slightly less affordable price point. Anyhoo, read on for my favourites.

Definitely the coolest Keds ever. Pointed and Chambray - and modeled after an original 60's Keds design. Must have.

There literally wasn't an item of clothing I wouldn't wear in the Keds X Opening Ceremony collection - but the subtely polka-dotted sweated and plaid dress were perfection.

Extemely cute perforated sneakers in a variety of vibrant colours and crisp white!

I'm a sucker for seersucker...and in shoes...I LOVE!

The Keds commitment to the fashion prepsters is evident - and my brand loyalty still strong... I'll take them all!

You can purchase the Keds Spring/Summer collection featured above right here.

The Keds X Opening Ceremony collection is available for purchase here.

Kelsi x

 

Dedicated Reportage: British Fashion Council London Show Rooms Fall 2012

A Model in Louise Gray

Despite missing the majority of the shows in London this past season, I was still granted the privelege of seeing them up, close and personal, when the British Fashion Council came to town for their now seasonal London Show Rooms.

Whilst nothing really escapes the thrill of see garments sashay down the runway, being able to reach out and touch them, and chat with the designers themselves, is it's own kind of thrill.

Mary Katrantzou

I don't think I'd be exaggerating in saying that Mary Katrantzou is the worlds hottest designer right now. Her work is really phenomenal.

When I was in London I came dangerously close to purchasing the bell dress from her Topshop collection - but despite it only being a fraction of the cost of a "real one" I couldn't part with the $500. So for now I'll just drool over her amazing prints and voluminous silhouettes.

The now infamous "Pencil Dress" - featured above, was insanely detailed and insanely heavy - I literally could not lift it - how they managed to get a model into it - let alone walk in it is astounding. But for the art, totally worth it.

A few of the dresses were simpler and more commercial (probably a good move for Katrantzou - whilst I'm obsessed with the more conceptual designs, simplifying them will make more sales) but still retained her skill and signature - I loved the almost - monochromatic hanger patterned dress with the ever so subtle kaleidoscope/prism detail (also pictured above)

Holly Fulton

I'm completely obsessed with Holly Fulton. She's as cute as a button (see above) and her A/W collection is simply so colourful and whimsical that I smile everytime I see it.

Filled with saturated brights (I love colour year round, but especially for Winter) and featuring Art Nouveau inspired prints and strong graphic lines that still scream with wit and whimsy the collection most definitely swoon worthy. The acrylic jewelry echoed the colour and lines of the collection and, well, I really want all of it!

Nicholas Kirkwood

Ah Nicholas Kirkwood. I'm not sure which I love more, the man, or the shoes, both are adorable. The silhouettes are often classic and always feminine (even the menswear styles) but they're always cheerful and full of character. The attention to detail is fantastic and the man's signature subtle wit is always present.

Love.

Click through for my other faves!