Joseph and the Technicolour Wardrobe

If there's any aspect of fashion that people would associate with me, I reckon it would be colour co-ordination. I've always loved colours ever since I was a young boy, when I produced supposedly beautiful drawings with my collection of crayons and pencils. Nowadays, my love for colour can be found in my collection of clothes.

Although I have lapsed slightly since coming to university, for a long time I've been co-ordinating what I wear according to colour. Jumpers, ties, shirts, socks... Even underwear. Colour is a vital deciding factor when constructing an outfit for the next day.

White shirt, New Look; v-neck jumper, Republic; tie, Next

Today, for example, I opted for green. My v-neck jumper and slim tie are almost the exact same shade, and stand out strongly against my white shirt. It's an arrangement I've worn before whilst in Sixth Form and - although at the time received plenty of criticism from my 'colour-phobic' peers - an outfit I do enjoy wearing. It's vibrant, it's vivid, and it's smart.

Another colour co-ordinated example is the combination of a purple check shirt and a purple skinny tie. If I really wanted to go crazy, I could also include a purple jumper or cardigan and purple trousers, but I'd rather not overdo it. Thankfully, a pair of purple socks is as further as I will go.

Check shirt and tie, both Topman

And that, my lovely bunch of coconuts, is all I will speak of today. So go a little mad with some colour yourselves, and watch out for more personal style posts in the near future.

Ben Carey, The Roundhouse

This has to be the true rockstar look, no? American-style printed t-shirt, slim jeans,
jewellery, wavy shoulder-length hair, a touch of stubble and - of course - that which
anchors the entire piece, the ever-assertive electric guitar. Way more than just
"cool", Ben Carey's style screams awesomeness.

London Fashion Week A/W 11 - KTZ

Yes, London Fashion Week is over, but after the video footage and catwalk photos for this collection became available this afternoon, I decided I had to show it to you. So here's my question: If you had the money at your disposal, would you spend hundreds of pounds on one of these eccentric outfits?

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

Click play to watch the show highlights.

(To visit the KTZ website, click here)

London Fashion Week A/W 11 - Topman Design

Due to a stupid server error, I was unable to view the live stream for the Topman Design catwalk show this morning. Nonetheless, a broken feed doesn't stop their Autumn/Winter collection from being super chic. You can definitely see a lot more quality in these clothes than regular Topman attire. The neckerchiefs are a lovely piece of detail too.

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

Click play to watch the show's highlights

(To shop the Topman Design Spring/Summer collection, visit the Topman website)

London Fashion Week A/W 11 - Mary Katrantzou

One of many successful graduates from Central Saint Martins, this young Greek designer is famous for the bold graphics in her collections. Although my personal preferences veer away from her style, I do believe her collection is still a spectacle to be seen.

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

Click play to view her catwalk show highlights.

(Mary Katrantzou's website will be launching soon)

'G' is for Georgian, Bournemouth

No, Georgian attire isn't coming back into style, but you can't deny it has an

exceptional amount of flair. When I watch a typical costume drama, I can't help

admiring the fashion of that period. It's just so classy and that little bit romantic.

Waiting for the bus, Bournemouth University

An unusual combination of items, but they come together quite well. The khaki
fur-lined coat looks so snug, and the red specs and white earphones add the
finishing touches to this quirky style.

London Fashion Week A/W 11 - Paul Smith

It's a trend that's already growing in popularity, but after Paul Smith unveiled his new collection today at London Fashion Week, the smart look for ladies is sure to rocket forward.

Scott Schuman recently posted a photo after the Ralph Lauren show in New York of a woman dressed in a very chic suit and tie combination. I commented that more women ought to be wearing ties, and indeed, the smart look can be flattering. A fitted jacket or waistcoat will pinch in the waist, and a vast selection of ties means you can liven up your outfit with even the smallest splash of colour.

If all goes well, we'll be seeing more women wearing the trend Paul Smith has showcased today. You'll agree it's a superb collection.

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

To watch the highlights of his catwalk show, click play.

(To visit the Paul Smith website, click here)

London Fashion Week A/W 11 - Burberry Prorsum

Burberry has been the designer brand I've been dying to see showcased during London Fashion Week, so thank goodness the catwalk show was available on live stream! A flurry of snow to begin and to finish, and - of course - yet another beautiful collection. 

Trench coats with a military flair and sculptural coats adorned with fur commanded the catwalk; matching bags held nonchalantly at the models' sides. If you saw the show, you'll agree that the exquisite selection was indeed stunning. I doubt I'm the only person who'd love to get their hands on one of those Burberry masterpieces.

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

 


Click play to watch the highlights from Burberry's splendid show.

(To view the entire Autumn/Winter collection, visit the Burberry website)

London Fashion Week A/W 11 - David Koma

Instead of listening a little more intently during my online journalism seminar this morning, I was distracted by the collection from David Koma via the live stream. The spotted patterns I adore, however I'll admit I'm not so keen on the huge pom poms. As bold and colourfully co-ordinated as they are, they just seem slightly out of place - although I'll also admit that without them, these styles would not be so eye-catching. The faces on the dresses are a tad scary too, though they do add a contemporary feel to the outfits. An interesting collection nonetheless.

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

Click play to watch the show's highlights.

(To visit the David Koma website, click here)

London Fashion Week A/W 11 - Mulberry

I may have said that one should wear more colour during the colder months, but that doesn't mean you can't wear browns and greys too. Mulberry's new collection is just gorgeous and certainly looks the part for Autumn and Winter.

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

Click play to watch the catwalk show highlights.

(To visit the Mulberry website, click here)

London Fashion Week A/W 11 - Central Saint Martins

Last night, MA Fashion graduates from Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, University of the Arts London, showcased their collections to the audience of London Fashion Week, including those viewing the live stream at home, such as myself.

The catwalk show was, to say the least, an interesting viewing, although if I am to be perfectly honest, it was the weirdest thing I've ever sat down to watch in my life. Though all of the 21 collections featured were intriguing and may influence future fashions, only a select few styles seemed fit to be worn in public.

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

Okay, I know I'm no fashion student, so I apologise if I haven't quite grasped the point in showcasing - or even producing, for that matter - such bizarre collections. However, what I do know is if anyone were to wear most of the featured outfits in public, they would look ridiculous. Never before had anything made me want to laugh and cry at the same time.

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

So feel free to tell me I lack an appreciation for art or the creative genius, but seriously, where and when would you honestly adorn the majority of these styles? Certainly not in broad daylight.

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

I won't deny the MA graudates have talent and a tremendous amount of creativity, but for many of them to have used it in this manner is beyond my understanding. I know they wanted to prove themselves, but was it really necessary to create - as inspiring as they might be - some genuine monstrosities?

I wish these graduates go on to have a successful future in the fashion industry like so many before them, but hopefully producing styles which people will actually wear.

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

If you can bear to watch, check out the highlights from last night's show.

(To visit the Central Saint Martins College website, click here)

London Fashion Week A/W 11 - Jonathan Saunders

Another collection from yesterday's shows with plenty of colour and nifty prints. I may not be a fashion expert, but in my mind, Jonathan Saunders definitely has the right idea.

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

Click play to watch the highlights of his London Fashion Week showcase.

(To visit the Jonathan Saunders website, click here)

London Fashion Week A/W 11 - House of Holland

From yesterday, Henry Holland's Autumn/Winter collection - a delightful variety of colours, though I especially love the stripey socks and snazzy prints. It just shows that collections for the cooler seasons ought to be just as full of life as their Spring/Summer counterparts.

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

(Source: londonfashionweek.co.uk)

Click play to view the highlights of yesterday's catwalk show.

(To see the entire House of Holland range, visit the website)