Lulu Guinness x Joseph Steele

What a better way to fuse the world of art and fashion than by literally splatting some handbags with paint. For her latest project handbag designer Lulu Guinness collaborated with artist Joseph Steele to create a range of limited edition handbags, using her design expertise and his chaotic style. What's even better is Grazia invited me and my crazy friend Nicola along to enjoy the launch party. After a catch up over a glass of wine or two, myself and Nicola headed to the Old Sorting Office not quite sure what to expect. With unlimited vodka/redbull cocktails, live photo shoots and a very exclusive crowd I knew this was going to be a great night. Known for her luxury lip shaped clutch and handbags Lulu Guinness pushes the boundaries within her designs, perhaps one of the reasons she is so successful. I spotted three of my style crush's Jamella Jamil, Laura Whitmore and Angela Scanlon all under one roof. After leaving the party and a night cap or three, it's safe to say myself and Nicola weren't feeling too fresh the next day.

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LC:M Newgen S/S '14

London Collections: Men is just around the corner and with a lot of fashionista's already planning their outfits and getting excited about the event's busy schedule I think it's going to be even better than before. London Collections: Men is a 3 day event that celebrates everything great about menswear from catwalk collections to exhibition space and exclusive events hosted by the likes of Tom Ford. The highlights for me last season were definitely the Katie Eary show, which I had great seats for and also the controversial but mesmerising J.W.Anderson show. I cannot wait to see what they have to offer us next, something bigger and better I would assume.

Newgen is a sponsorship with Topshop/Topman that has supported London Fashion Week for over 10 years. When menswear was taken away from LFW and given it's own event LC:M Newgen followed and rightly so. Each season Newgen supports up-and-coming designers to give them that extra push needed to showcase their work and this season's designers have just been announced.

Agi & Sam

I love a design duo and Agi & Sam are one step above the rest when it comes to quality and creative flair. Their last collection stood out with it's bold prints and striking silhouettes, combining the right amount of heritage and modern together. 

Matthew Miller

After studying at the Royal College of Art Matthew set up his own label and has grown from strength to strength with each season. For A/W '13 his almost all black collection collection got great reviews as he took an anarchic take on classic tailoring. 'Born to Fail' was the slogan of the collection, although I don't think that is going to happen anytime soon. 

Astrid Anderson

Using hip-hop and masculinity as a crucial influence within design Astrid inserts a feminine touch with his choice of materials and colour ways. After only graduating in 2010 Astrid has acheived so much and won the Brioni Creativity and Innovation Award and the River Island MA Student Bursary Award. 

Lee Roach

After graduating from Central Saint Martins BA course in 2010, Lee's S/S 2011 collection featured in Selfridges 'Bright Young Things' initiative. Lee describes his signature as “Reduction and repetition.”

Nasir Mazhar

After working alongside with theatre costume designer, Mark Wheeler and training with Jane Smith, Nasir made the decision to go it alone and set up his own label. Not one to play it safe Nasir is definitely one to watch this season.  

Shaun Samson

With a MA from Central St Martin's it's no surprise with the success Shaun Samson has had in the fashion world. I went to his show last season and was transformed into a world of modern streetwear and I loved it!

Martine Rose

With a very retro feeling within her designs and influences Martine Rose has been allocated presentation and designer showroom sponsorship at S/S 2014 London Collections: Men. The only female out of the group, come on Martine, do it for the girls! 

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A.P.C X Nike

A.P.C & Nike have teamed up once again to bring you an update of the shoe of the moment 'Air Max 1'. If life was as simple as a game of monopoly, I would make sure all of my properties were mortgaged for a pair of these on my feet right now. Simple in design but with a beautiful and minimal finish, A.P.C and Nike have created a collection that will form the basis of many wardrobes this summer. Unlike other collaborations at a first glance A.P.C's involvement isn't obvious, but that's what brilliant about them. As well as the ever popular 'Air Max 1' the A.P.C x Nike collaboration also features The Dunk available in beige and black.

A.P.C x Nike 

Aqua PR Press Day

I have been so busy working full time that not only have I not been blogging very often but I haven't been able to attend many press days this season. With an invite to the Aqua PR press day at the Radisson Blu Hampshire in Leicester Square, I knew I had to attend. What is great about Aqua PR is the diversity of the brands they cater, with everything from beauty and fashion to home interiors. 

The team at Aqua believe in looking at the bigger picture when it comes to fashion PR and offer a great service for brands with that added extra touch. The location, choice of brands and of course the goody bag were all fantastic!  The Goody bag is the best part of press days and featuring Smooch Cosmetics, W7 Make Up and Sranron I was very impressed.

Smooch Cosmetics offer a great range of make-up from great shades of lipsticks to nail varnish. Their new collection is beautiful and if I must say some shades are very similar to mac (a cheaper alternative-you heard it here first!).

The Spring '13 Collection by Lisbeth Dahl will add that girly edge to your house this spring. With beautiful floral prints and pastel colours it gives you a perfect excuse to throw a tea party filled with cupcakes. Now all we need is this beautiful weather to stay with us a while longer.

I fell in love with this bag at the Aqua PR press day and I must say I am still thinking about it. The on trend tangerine shade and the simplicity in it's design makes it a summer essential. A girl can never have too many bags, shoes or clothes, no matter what your boyfriend may say!

As well as homeware Lisbeth Dahl also makes beautiful umbrellas, jewellery and bags. Although I'm hoping we won't need the use of our umbrellas too much until winter.

All pictures are via Instagram | katiehandybeith

Aqua PR

Takin' care of business

 

Even though I don't regularly practice as a photographer my degree in Fashion with Photography keeps me interested in the latest editorials, adverts and fashion films. There are a lot of talented photographers and stylists out there but often the concepts behind the editorials lack imagination and blend in amongst the rest. However, when I saw 'Takin' care of business' for Bon Magazine I loved it. 7 women are styled in their usual attire for work and an image of their work place is posted opposite. I'm not sure that my mechanic looks quite so stylish when I pop in for my yearly MOT but the juxtaposition of the contrasting images works brilliantly. The simplicity in the styling and the layout adds to the impact of the concept. Well done Bon Magazine- a great editorial.

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London Fashion Week A/W '13. Pringle of Scotland

When I found out I was covering Pringle of Scotland, Autumn/Winter 2013 show for Who's Jack Magazine I couldn't wait. It was a presentation and not a catwalk show, but this isn't always a bad thing. There may not be the same type of buzz that you get at catwalk shows, trying to snap your pictures quickly and get a glimpse of the FROW. Saying that presentations are obviously more resilient in our economic climate, and so much more informal. Arriving an hour after the presentation begun it was peak time as the gallery was very busy. The Autumn/Winter 2013 collection was beautiful, and the great thing about a presentation is you have the time to appreciate each garment and of course take some great pictures. I wanted to share with you some of my photos from the Pringle of Scotland collection  let me know what you think.

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Valentine's Giveaway with W7 Make Up

It's January everyone is a bit strapped for cash, what better than a giveaway? I have teamed up with W7 Make up to launch my first ever beauty giveaway just in time for Valentine's Day. It's simple all you have to do is follow the instructions below, and one lucky winner will be announced on the 13th of February. So if you don't have a date planned for Valentine's Day-don't worry you may have some lovely make up on it's way to you. The W7 Make Up Goody Bag includes:

-3 x nail varnishes

-2 x lipsticks

-1 x mascara

-1 x liquid eye liner

-1 x bronzer (not in picture)

Good Luck x

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