Father's Day Gift Guide 2015

Father's Day is THIS weekend and if you haven’t managed to already find a pressie for the father in your life (or your child’s father) and the kitchen cupboard is already heaving with novelty ‘No.1 Dad’ mugs (best present ever, SURELY?!) then here are just a few ideas… We love you Dads! You rock.

Click on the picture of the items you like for their direct web links...

Below:  Frustrated by the lack of dedicated boxer shorts for men, Liverpool artist David Huglin set about creating something that combined his artistic vision with a commitment to comfort. Burtonwode’s boxers and PJ’s are all made in the UK and are 100% cotton.  I have a pair of lemon PJ bottoms (from £60.00) myself, and if that is not enough affirmation, Eddie Redmayne OBE is said to have been married wearing a pair of Burtonwode boxers (from £17.50) beneath his tails! 

Below:  Unique and colourful, and perfectly suited from beach to bar, Frangipani’s designs (RRP. £75.00 each) are made of 100% power-loom cotton and influenced by travels around the world.  Matthew Williamson loves them and Poppy Delevingne steals them from her husband.

Below:  Ampfly is the brand new iPhone case that makes your music three times louder, all without batteries. Yup. THREE TIMES LOUDER PEOPLE.  A summer fun essential. (RRP. £19.99)

Below:  Collar Club makes the finest quality Egyptian cotton shirts without the unnecessary mark-ups.  Designed in Britain and made in Italy, the ready to wear shirts, available in five fabrics and two styles cost £59.00, and the made to order service allows you to choose from slim and tailored first and a variety of collar and cuff styles for £69.00.  Collar Club's revolutionary concierge service is also worth considering for any London-based Don Draper Daddy's; for the price of a yearly subscription, eleven made-to-measure, Jermyn Street-quality shirts, are made for you, and collected, washed and ironed for you once a week.

This kills me...

Cannes 2015

I always look forward to the glamour and sparkle on the endless red carpets at the Cannes Film Festival. Below are some of the most breathtaking looks that caught my eye from the week long film and fashion fest.  Seriously, I just cannes handle how gorgeous some of these dresses were from the varying photocalls, premieres and afterparties… Big Red Carpet High Fives Ladies.

Above:  Emily Blunt wearing Peter Pilotto A/W’15 at the ‘Sicario’ photocall.

Above:  Diane Kruger wearing Prada with Harry Winston jewellery at the ‘Maryland’ premiere.

Above:  Sienna Miller wearing Valentino Couture S/S’15 at ‘The Sea of Trees’ premiere.

Above:  Cate Blanchett wearing Alexander McQueen A/W’15 at the ‘Carol’ photocall.

Above:  Poppy Delevingne wearing Burberry with Chopard jewels at the ‘Carol’ premiere.

NYFW SS'15: Cara Delevingne's Mulberry Party

Always fun, always quirky and always so awfully British, Mulberry parties are always THE parties you want to get invited to during Fashion Month.  

I was thrilled therefore, to be invited see Cara Delevingne unveil her second collection for Mulberry during NYFW, at their gorgeous Spring Street flagship store.  

Fashion’s belle du jour, dressed top-to-toe in Mulberry, mingled (and pulled several of her signature funny faces) amongst hundreds of gold balloons with her sister Poppy Delevingne (above, also in Mulberry), DJ Atlanta de Cadenet Taylor (below) and Georgia May Jagger.

Vodka cocktails were served by exceptionally dreamy waiters in superbly tight ‘CARA’ t’shirts, making refusing their wares increasingly impossible (another one?!  Oh go on then…!!) and the miniature English canapés, including cute ‘ickle mini Sunday Roasts and ‘eeny weeny mini Fish’n’Chips, were delicious. 

The latest collection of handbags, which can be worn as backpacks, also includes a limited edition creation that has gold lion studs, inspired by the famous lion tattoo that Cara has tattooed on her finger.  

Similarily, each bag has a lion rivet and a heart shaped patch based on another of Cara’s tattoos, which she explained “I want there to be hidden gems inside, based on the things that are personal to me, which my tattoos definitely are.”

Above (Clockwise) L-R:  Leandra Medine (a.k.a The Man Repeller), InStyle's Amy Bannerman, Glamour Magazine's Natalie Hartley, Marie Claire's Tanya Philipson, TLC with Mulberry's small Willow tote in wheat, DJ's Henrietta Tiefenthaler and Izzy Lawrence, Irina Lazareanu

 

SHOP TLC'S LOOK:

Above:  With Poppy Delevingne (and her perfect Disney Princess hair!)

 

TLC LOVES... THE MULBERRY DELEVINGNE COLLECTION:

NYFW SS'15: Zoë Jordan

British designer Zoë Jordan presented an edit of nine RTW looks this New York Fashion Week, and I was so glad to be in town so as not to miss it.  I have always been a big fan of Zoë’s urban, tomboy-chic designs and this collection certainly did not disappoint. 

Inspired by cracked granite and atomised metal, this clean collection, with its relaxing blue marble hues and silver strobes, neat dresses and must-have stylish city shorts, was shown at the über cool Milk Studios alongside a fantastic sound mix by DJ Miss G.     

Above Left:  My favourite look from the collection.  I just LOVE these silver leather shorts paired with Zoë's signature Dias Jumper in cream and silver. Already firmly on my wish list. 

Above:  A smooch from model Poppy Delevingne, and The London Chatter with designer Zoë Jordan

Above (Clockwise) L-R: Tank Magazine's executive fashion director Caroline Issa with Beatrice Savoretti, Motilo.com's founder Sofia Barattieri (hover over the below picture to see details of Sofia's amazing look), Poppy Delevingne and Susie Bubble. 

Astley Clarke Jewellery Lunch at Marcus

I was recently invited, alongside a bevy of London beauties, to an exclusive VIP jewellery lunch to toast Astley Clarke’s new Fine Jewellery collection.   Hosted by Bec Astely Clarke (above with Poppy Delevingne) and chef Marcus Wareing (above with Bec) we dined in The Salon Private Dining Room at the sparkly new ‘Marcus’ restaurant at The Berkeley.  

Above Clockwise (R-L):  Bec Astley Clarke hosting Chloe Delevingne, Zoe Jordan, PoppyDelevingne and Tori Cook,  Jemma Powell and Beatrice Savoretti, Tori Cook and Poppy Delevingne, Marissa Montgomery.  Below:  Smooches with my school pal Sienna Miller.

Not only were we spoiled with lots of bubbles and a delicious lunch (quail with a raddichio and pine nut salad, followed by salmon with buttermilk and faaaar too many chocolate truffles!) we were sent home with Marcus’ cook book and a beautiful rose gold Astley Clarke locket which had been personally engraved for all us girlies whilst we dined.

Above Right:  I decided (after much anxious deliberation!) to get the title of DG and my favourite song ('Just One Look' by Doris Troy) engraved on the back of my locket (cheesy?!) and I love it so much I haven’t taken it off since!  Thank you Bec and Marcus for such a wonderfully gorgeous afternoon!  Astley Clarke lockets available HERE.

Above:  With my great friend Jemma Powell.  I accessorised my Topshop shirt and bold print Zara trousers with Wilbur and Gussie's Orange Bee Edith Clutch (RRP. £180.00).

Above:  Featuring in Grazia magazine alongside Poppy Delevingne, Chloe Delevingne,Sienna Miller and Jemma Powell. #TheChainGang

'Alice in her Palace' at Fortnum and Mason

Last week, society sweetheart Alice Naylor-Leyland launched her lifestyle and fashion blog, Alice in her Palace (named after the song her ‘hubbie’ wrote for her when she was just 18!) Fortnum and Mason’s elegant Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon was jam-packed with the blonde and the beautiful of London, including Poppy Delevingne, Princess Beatrice,Laura Bailey and artist Sophia Rogge.  The exquisite cakes and pastel macaroons were just as pretty as Alice’s guests, who amongst the sweet smelling Nikki Tibbles' Wild At Heart roses and anemones, topped up on pink bubbles and Flamingo Sours to an old school DJ set spun by Lady Mary Charteris.  Poppy teamed a J Brand leather jacket with a floral skirt and Bella Freud jumper, and Alice, well known for her ‘high street buys with runway style,’looked divine in a white lace dress. Truuuuuly scrumptious. 

Above:  With designer Kalita Swaidi wearing a Topshop floral jumpsuit and clutch, with Zara heels. I'm LOVING Kalita's Meli Melo initialed Bon Bon Bag (RRP. £390.00).

Hello There: Bags by M

Maria Marigliano Caracciolo's Bags By M Book Clutches are inspired by her native Italy’s heritage and traditions.  Using the finest of leathers, silks and gold leaf, the customised book clutches are bound by Neapolitian craftsmen near Maria’s home in Palazzo Marigliano, using techniques passed down over the generations in a century-long tradition.

Every detail of your Book Clutch is personalized according to your preferences;  the colour, the material, the decoration, and of course, the title.  Both traditional styles (RRP. £240.00) and luxury designs (RRP. £350.00) are available and your name can be printed on the back of the clutch under the Latin phrase ‘Ex Libris (‘Library Of’), alongside your date of birth or dedication, making this a totally individualised and one-of-a-kind accessory. 

After speaking with Maria over a coffee at Megans one morning, I decided I would choose Karen Blixen’s ‘Out of Africa,’ as my title as I too “once had a house at the foot of the Ngong Hills,” having being raised in Kenya on the author’s former coffee plantation just outside Nairobi.  We chose the colours we thought suited the title and my style best, and then the perfect illustrations.  This is a truly bespoke and special gift, a lifelong treasure and I am totally in love with it!!  Thank you SO much Maria!! xxx

I have had SO many compliments this week over my Bags By M. Book Clutch, and I’m more than happy to spread the word of it’s origins... Something I won’t need to do for long as Poppy and Cara Delevingne (right) have  both ordered their personalised Book Clutches for Christmas (above and below) so this brand will be on the tip of every fashionista’s tongues by 2014! 

Order HERE today for delivery before Christmas and mention 'THE LONDON CHATTER' to receive a 10% discount on traditional clutches and 15% on luxury designs! 

British Fashion Awards 2013

Celebrating their quarter century, a whole bevy of British beauties descended upon theLondon Colliseum on Monday night for the much-anticipated 2013 British Fashion Awards.  What I love about the British fash pack, is that they never arrive at awards show looking too over done.  This year (with the exception of Rita Ora and Rosie Hunting-Whitely who perhaps tried a bit harder) the fashionistas arrived ready to let their dishevelled bed head hair down (rose-gold ombre hair in Sienna Miller’s case!) and wearing couture and designer gowns with the perfect nonchalance. These are some cool cats. 

Above: (Clockwise) L-R:  Kate Moss (in Alexander McQueen) and Rita Ora (in Vivienne Westwood), Alexa Chung in Stella McCartney, Laura Bailey (in Roksanda Ilincic) and Rosie Huntington-Whitely (in Antonio Beradi).

Above:  My favourite look of the night was 21 year old Suki Waterhouse who wore a plunging lilac lace Burberry dress, accessorized with a Smythson clutch and a Noor Fares dangling necklace.  The model wore her ash blonde hair in a scruffy up-do.

Amusingly, having scooped the last three British Style Awards herself, Alexa Chung passed the style baton on to none other than Harry Styles!  I wasn't entirely aware that it was fashion that ol'Harry was known best for... Perhaps that's what the kids are calling it these days.  In any event, the award obviously must now be retitled the British Styles Award?!  

Above (Clockwise L-R): Lily Donaldson (in Marc Jacobs), Harry Styles (in Saint Laurent byHedi Slimane), Sienna Miller (in Burberry), Model of the Year Edie Campbell (in Louis Vuitton) and Poppy Delevingne (in Emilia Wickstead).

Above: Kate Moss, synonymous with British style, received a special recognition award celebrating her success in the fashion industry.  Discovered at 14 years old and turning 40 next month, this does beg the question,  why did this take so long?!  Congrats KM!  

FULL LIST OF WINNERS

        Womenswear Designer of the Year - Christopher Kane
        Menswear Designer of the Year - Burberry
        International Designer of the Year - Miuccia Prada for Prada
        Designer Brand of the Year - Burberry
        Accessory Designer of the Year - Nicholas Kirkwood
        Emerging Womenswear Designer - Simone Rocha
        Emerging Menswear Designer - Agi & Sam
        New Establishment Designer - JW Anderson
        Model of the Year - Edie Campbell
        Red Carpet Award - Erdem
        Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator - Lady Amanda Harlech
        British Style Award brought to you by Vodafone (voted by the public) - Harry Styles
        Special Recognition Award - Kate Moss
        Special Recognition Award - Suzy Menkes
        Outstanding Achievement in Fashion - Terry and Tricia Jones, founders of i-D

Above (R-L):  Agi Mdumulla and Sam Cotton, Suzy Menkes OBE, Lady Amanda Harlech,J.W. Anderson with model & Arizona Muse, Simone Rocha and Tim Walker.

PFW: Chanel SS'14

Karl Lagerfeld’s transformed the stark, white-walled Grand Palais into an art gallery setting for his SS’14 Chanel collection during Paris Fashion Week.  As well as exhibiting several installations and sculptures, such as an awesome Chanel No 5 robot, artists including Kandinsky, Pollock, Oldenberg and Duchamp also heavily influenced the ninety-odd designs that still managed to remain identifiably Chanel.  

The headphone’esq pearl bauble necklaces really caught my attention, as did the model’s themed, artistic eye make up.  The  monochrome socked patent court shoes(below) were almost certainly chic on the day, but the practicality of this footwear is clearly questionable!  Right... I'm off to buy a peroxide wig. 

Below (L-R) Clockwise:  I do sooo love a Chanel FROW!!  Lou Dillon, Vanessa Paradis, Poppy Delevigne, Leigh Lezark, Laura Bailey and Caroline Sieber. 

LFW Burberry Prorsum SS'14

Burberry Prorsum welcomed their beautiful FROW (Alexa Chung, Sienna Miller, Poppy Delevigne, Suki Waterhouse, HARRY STYLES) and a host of lucky fashionistas to Kensington Gardens to enjoy their SS’14 pastel coloured collection.  Filled with heavily embellished and translucent lace pencil skirts, worn with delicate sheer shirts and delicious, oversized cashmere, it was clear to see that polka dots had replaced this season’s hearts. 

Striking white sunglasses and folded sheepskin clutches were the perfect accessories to the Ladurée coloured designs and the finale saw Cara Delevigne in a see-through trench (revealing her latest bicep tattoo honouring her mother Pandora) whilst rose petals fell onto the runway.  Burberry girls are so damn cool.  I wanna be in their gang. 

 Although the six new SS’14 shades will only be available to buy from January, you can purchase the entire set (featuring Rose Pink, Dusky Mauve, Pale Grape, Pale Yellow, Sage Green and Mink) for the next two weeks exclusively from Burberry.