Label Watch: Eyola

Introducing a new British luxury womenswear designer that you definitely need to watch out for - Aloye is new to the scene having recently completed an internship with none other than Alexandaer McQeueen and her new fashion line ‘Eyola’ presents a fresh take on cutting-edge fashion. Taking influence from the likes of Parisian fashion designers Charles Worth and Paul Poiret, the first collection features elements of Victorian fashion, a splash of couture, finished with modern twist. I simply had to showcase her work because it is so inspiring.

There's already a growing celebrity following for Eyola, Songstress VV Brown has been spotted wearing the brand and word has it that her designs will grace the new Florence and the Machines album cover. You can catch the latest Eyola designs at Africa Fashion Week in Johannesburg this June and see Aloye at the New Designers show held in London where she'll be exhibiting in July.

See more of her amazing pieces online at: www.eyola.com

Nautical Style: Smart-Casual Cruise

There's one classic spring/summer trend that always manifests itself on the catwalk and the high street in some shape or form - I'm talking about the nautical look. The classic colours of red, white and navy is constantly being recycled and reproduced.

Last year's take on the nautical theme was to incorporate plenty of navy and red patterning, mostly stripes and polka dots. This year, it's all about glossy blocks of colour and bold statement accessories accented with traditionally delicate, classic stripes. Personally, the way I like to wear nautical is smart-casual, dressed up with luxe accessories for a look I like to call 'smart casual cruise'.

Today, I've been putting together must-have investments for this season and I came across Viviene Westwood hi-gloss navy pumps and the Miu Miu white bow bag. These are just the kind of accessories that pull the look together. So here's my wish list for this season; the following pieces are versatile enough to work perfectly as part of any nautical ensemble and they're right on-trend.

Credits:

1. Red Dorothy Shift Dress, Yarnie by Shin Choi - £166.00
Available at my-wardrobe.com
2. Navy and Red Stripey Scarf, McQ Alexander McQueen - £58.00
Available at my-wardrobe.com
3. New Petite jacket, Vivienne Westwood Anglomania - £322.98
Available at net-a-porter.com
4. White Leather Strap watch, French Connection - £93.00
Available at asos.com
5. Bow detail tote, Miu Miu - £617
Available at net-a-porter.com
6. Navy Ultra Girl Pump, Vivienne Westwood Accessories - £59
Available at my-wardrobe.com
7. Red Wide Stripe Elastic Belt, Wallis - Was £12.00 - Now £7.00
Available at wallis-fashion.com

Watch: Gucci SS/09 Campaign - Behind the scenes

When it comes to the big names like Prada, Louis Vuitton and Versace, I'm so used to seeing their spreads in the glossy mags and I tend to day dream about what went into creating those key shots, wishing I were there to see the magic happen!

Thanks to the genius of YouTube, we can now get a sneak peak behind fashion campaigns. I love this Gucci video showing showing the models of the latest campaign doing what they do best - look effortlessly fabulous...not that I'm jealous or anything!

Fashion Illustrated: David Zuker

I've been browsing fashion art and illustrations today, taking inspiration for my own work (comin soon!). I came across the work of David Zuker, his style is really eye catching and strong.

Zuker has been a professional illustrator since 1996 and his technique consists mostly of mixing vectors with digital airbrush. There's something quite 1980s pop meets modern-day Andy Warhol about his work don't you think?

Here are my favourite illustrations from his website:

View more of his illustrations at: www.davidzuker.es

Lady Gaga - Retro Futuristic Glam

Everyone seems to be going completely gaga for this Lady - the singing sensation, style icon, and officially every glossy magazine's new crush. Where hasn't she been featured? Yes, the leather clad, oversized bow wearing, architecturally tailored pop diva is representing what I like to call 'retro futuristic glamour' and she certainly holds her own in the style stakes.

Fashion Flirt term for today: Retro Futuristic Glamour - Exaggerated artistic, architectural fashion styles carried off with a classiness that only Gaga seems to know how.

No doubt many will try to match it but will end up looking ridiculous. But for us sensible folk, we won't try to emulate her look, instead we'll simply flirt with it, adding a little GaGa inspired fashion into our wardrobes.

1. Lipsy Futuristic Prom Dress - £60.00
2. Black Nappa fingerless gloves - £59.00
3. Striped Edge Sunglasses - € 125.00
4. Eamz Pump Red Patent Leather - £135.00

Tribal Trend: Actually I do like it...

In my last post I expressed my pretty humdrum attitude towards the s/s09 Tribal/African theme I saw at the London Fashion Weekend last month. And my main concern is that the whole tribal thing can often get a bit cliché and OTT - that's something I just don't do. However since exploring the idea further, I've been won over by the tribal inspired pieces from the likes of Marni, Monsoon, Miu Miu and ETRO. They're working the 'African Queen' theme like a dream and I am literally having to eat my own words.

Check out the inspired looks below and you'll soon see why!

Credits:
1. Marni Stone embellished metal necklace - £260
2. ETRO Tribal print silk kaftan - £595
3. Miu Miu Ruched shoulder bag - £755
4. Marni double platform peep-toe sandals - £357

Credits:
1. Philippe Audibert Spiked gold bracelet -£370
2. ASOS Large Stone Cocktail Ring - £10.00
3. Marks and Spencer Aztec dress - £39.50
4. Tamaris Saffron Antic Nappa Sandals - £34.99
5. Monsoon Adana Top - £45