Winners Winners Winners - Fashion Forward '12

LFW is creeping up on us and as the excitement builds we're given a little insight with the help of 'Fashion Forward 2012

The scheme headed by the British Fashion Council is great. It ensures the sustainability of fresh talent, which is great for us, the industry and the world really. By supporting and promoting emerging businesses both financially and logistically through the supply of industry knowledge, this initiative has boosted the careers of: Peter Pilotto, Christopher Kane, Marios Schwab and now House of Holland, Louise Gray, Mary Katrantzou and James Long. 

I went to a lecture headed by Louise Gray, which I might say was very insightful. She's an emerging designer, she was very bold, funny and completely honest about her fashion experiences. Bold is the defining characteristic of her work. Fearless through design she mixes a little embroidery in with some print and calls it a fashionable cocktail. Energy resonates through her work as colour and pattern fight yet coexist in a wearable manner.  I think that's what I admire about her the most - the fact that she's found this happy middle, a big inter-disciplinary cacophony of fashion and textiles that's become her aesthetic. Not just anyone can rock her clothes. You have to be willing to make a statement and take a lot of heavy stares but you'll be looking damn hot. 

When asked, "How would you describe the Louise Gray woman?"

She replied, "Ultimately, someone who is fun".

There is fun to be had in 2012 why not dress for the occassion.

Great to see her supporting friend Henry Holland. 

Check out the 'House Of Holland' fuzzy earrings. 

Holland's Fuzzies SS11

(Sources: LFW.com, youtube)

Kanye + Sam at Pitti Uomo

We all know by now that Kanye West is no stranger to fashion. He's one of the few men out there that I look up to as a style icon and who I would hope to dress like in future. Even though his womenswear collection may have missed the mark a bit when it debuted at Paris Fashion Week late last year I can't knock his perseverance. He's always on the money when it comes to dressing, I think my favourite style moment from Kanye was when he wore that Celine blouse by Phoebe Philo at Coachella last year.

It's good to see him flying the flag and looking positively elated at this year's Pitti Uomo.

Mark McNairy 'New Amsterdam' FW12 - Behind the scenes

I know y'all cannot be sick of the barrage of McNairy I've been pelting you with, right? Now we have a behind the scenes look at the shoot for his Fall/Winter 'New Amsterdam' collection. It includes his collaborations with Timbaland and New Era, expanding upon the footwear we saw to include ties and headwear. Also on show was part of the womenswear collection featuring Mark McNairy's daughter, Daisy, who donned a bright yellow vest and a great cropped trouser suit adorned with yellow daisies. It's great to see someone take inspiration from their own lives and incorporate it into their designs. Classic detailing comes in the form of a fur trimmed camel camo coat and witty tag lines on the headwear.

I can't stress enough how much I love this man's work both from his namesake and his work with Woolrich Woolen Mills. To be honest no one right now is doing what he's doing - making one of a kind, fun, expressive clothes that whilst quite off the wall are extremely wearable and classic.

I have my eye on that 'hard head' hat he's done with New Era.

Watch the video We Are The Market posted and check out the screen grabs below

The gorgeous Daisy McNairy showing her modelling chops

Hooman Majd in my hat

Love this coat. The fur lining will assuredly keep you warm next Fall

The inspiration wearing the inspired. Great smart grey suit with cropped trousers, embroidered with pink daisies

God, I hope there's a men's variant to this shirt. That floral print is right up my alley.

Grab your cards - Mr Porter Sale

I'm sat here in my university library getting some imagery put together for some posts coming and I happened upon the Mr Porter sale section. I'm having to catch my breath, my debit card is not far from my hand and I'm seriously tempted to abuse it. There are some great deals to be had on some choice labels you might want to get your hands on - and right now is the perfect time. 

I had my eye on the GANT Rugger jacket, I had my card to hand, but alas knowing my luck they didn't have my size. Also on offer include garms from: b Store, Brooks Brothers, Aspesi, Incotex, Woolrich Woolen Mills and more. What I've chosen has been split into outerwear, shirting, trousers, accessories and footwear and are based on what I consider good value i.e. the amount of reduction in accordance to the brand and usual price.

Check out these mad deals!

Oliver Spencer SS12

Oliver Spencer always delivers and his latest collection for Spring/Summer is no different. In this collection  choice pieces are refreshed and of course, there are new additions as well. The Travel Jacket is updated with a midweight cotton twill, with the Moss Henley joining the party, as well as a waffle knit crew neck, and the Polzeath Jacket, a version of the fisherman’s parka inspired by British outerwear. The collection looks set to take on a muted colour pallet consisting mainly of olive greens, midnight blues and cool grays.

I can't wait to see the rest.

[all images via endclothing.co.uk]