We only had one show today and that was Avsh Alom Gur. In a few words....I hated it. I hate kaftans and this was full of them, in hideous prints too. Kaftans for me are just dull, dull, dull. The collection could quite possibly have been better had it been on the runway but as designers are struggling with finances this wasn't a possibility. I did, however like that the majority of the pieces were see through. This trend seems to be popping up everywhere in the UK. Probably has something to do with little miss Lady Ga Ga. Having your panties and bra on show is just plain hot. I had to play barmaid for the event. Fashion TV are doing a promotion alongside Sourz. We have been giving out drinks before the shows all week. A fair few of the beverages have been consumed by the On Off team that's for sure. Apple Sourz rocks my world! You can see me workin' it behind the bar on the left in one of the pictures.
I had a quick look at our exhibition today which is in conjunction with the British Fashion Council's exhibition. Two designers that really stood out for me were Richard Sorger and Rachel Friere. Sorger graduated from Middlesex University in 1991 (I studied fashion at Middlesex 2 years ago, bit proud). His clients include Bjork, Kirsten Dunst, Courtney Love, Jennifer Lopez, Cindy Crawford, Kate Beckinsale and Heidi Klum. He is currently the final year design tutor on the BA (Hons) Fashion Design course at Middlesex Uni. The innovation and attention to detail in his garments is astonishing, and I don't even want to think of the cost. For now, I shall simply stare in awe at the wonder of such embellishment. My absolute favourite is this bandeau dress below (with a close-up in the first image). As if a sheer layer of chiffon with heavy embroidery on isn't enough, he has put a nude coloured shift dress underneath, which then has strings of beading hanging from it in a random formation, creating a web effect. It's these subtle details in high-end garments which make my heart skip a beat, and the fact he is not afraid to hide such expensive beading work, allowing it to shine through only on closer inspection.
Friere's work has, since she debuted her collection with us last year, made a huge impression on me. Her work is fantastic. Check out her website to see the amazingness rachelfreire.com. The silhouttes are amazing and I love her use of hair and metal.
To my absolute joy and surprise my boss, Lee caught me just as I was leaving the venue tonight and asked what I was up to. I simply replied 'nothing but sleep'. He grabbed my arm and said 'don't be so boring, you're coming with me'. It turns out as a thankyou for coming all the way from Australia he decided to take me and Chris (my other boss, the project manager) to the British Fashion Council party at the Mayfair hotel. And to also put the cherry on the top, we went in Lotus sports cars! We have been sponsored by Lotus all week and have had 2 cars outside the venue to take celebrities from our venue to the BFC tents which are about 2 seconds away. Lee, the director of the company of course got us in to the cars and when we arrived, I swear to God it was like we were celebrities. Before the paps realised we weren't celebs they congrigated around the cars expecting to get a fab photo. Oh the disapointment on their faces when we got out! We slid straight through security as Lee basically knows everyone and anyone and had himself and Chris on the door. The evening was incredible. Highlights include the UNBELIEVABLE cocktails and canapes, the 3d show of U2 in the Mayfair cinema with drinks brought to you whilst you sit on your butt eating popcorn and of course, the celebrity spotting. Also met the very handsome Richard Emden (famous handbag maker) who is VERY charming. Definitley keeping his business card!
Here's the daily round up.
On|Off TV DAY FOUR from LowFatFilms on Vimeo.
ps. I saw Susie Bubble today! Was getting a sandwich in Pret A Manger and she was just chilling eating her grub. I made my way over to her to tell her how much I love the blog etc. but some cow swooped in ahead of me and casually started up a conversation. Decided I wasn't going to stand around Pret like a muppet waiting to speak to her. In front of the fashion crowd that was in Pret, well that would just be fashion status suicide!
ash x
Ashlee Hill- London Correspondant