Martine Rose A/W 13

A rotating pedestal at the front of the Martine Rose presentation offered 360° views of the urban-inspired autumn/winter menswear. The collection was varied with influences from bikers, hikers and city folk, thus featuring an eclectic mix of blue denim, black leather, parka jackets, tracksuits, blazers, and brand embellishment.

Polka dots, burgundy & blue

Either side of my mini-vacation, I have been on a work placement at 'Nuts', the weekly men's magazine. It was the least likely place my friends expected me to be working, but as a journalist-in-training, it is beneficial that I establish a well-rounded view of where I want to go (or could go) after graduation.

TOPMAN SHOES / BEN SHERMAN CHINOS / TOPMAN JUMPER / ZARA TRENCH COAT

On the walk between London Waterloo and IPC Media HQ, I pass through a collective of picturesque streets with Victorian terraces and colourful front doors. It was a delight to find such a quaint neighbourhood hidden amongst the urban settings of Southwark, and I will have to visit again for future street style shoots.

Today, however, commuters from Waterloo may have spotted renowned presenter duo Ant and Dec, who were shooting the new opening title sequence for ITV's 'Saturday Night Takeaway'. Seeing them riding around on classic mopeds made my day, especially when Dec gave me a knowing smile as he passed.

Bieber Fever

Hysteria, idolisation, fanaticism. These three words perfectly encompass the collective of Justin Bieber fans at his concert in Miami. As a "non-Belieber", I was terrified as I was intrigued by the social phenomenon, which first revealed itself hours before the concert began. The thought on my mind is this: does Justin truly realise the power he has over his adolescent worshippers?

There was so much screaming - before, during and after the concert. Whilst queuing outside, girls were screaming at such a high pitch, it was almost inaudible to human ears. I was half-expecting a pack of dogs to come tearing towards the arena. And that was only a hundred girls spotting Justin Bieber's guitarist or stylist, let alone the main man himself. Nothing prepared me for the volume inside the arena.

The screams of 20,000 teenagers thundered in my eardrums whenever "Justin Bieber" was mentioned by somebody on the stage. Then Justin arrived himself, and the arena erupted. The air was rife with excitement and the raging hormones of adolescent girls, who all had a subconsciously primal urge to mount this nineteen year old boy, even if they were too young to understand the circle of life.

For these infatuated and impressionable young people, Justin Bieber represents an alpha male on a very instinctive level. They recognise qualities that would make Justin a prime leader, while girls specifically recognise qualities that would make Justin a good mate. This is what I speculate to be the essence of Bieber Fever. Add the facts that he is young, likeable, a musician, and constantly in the public eye - the end product is mass hysteria.

These Beliebers, as a collective, are such devout fans, they are at the mercy of Justin's influence, even if he is not aware of it himself. While there are hundreds of thousands of people who inherently despise him, millions adore him to a point where they worship his image in their bedrooms, follow his leadership on Twitter, and gather in mass at concerts worldwide. One could argue Justin Bieber has the effect of a god.

From personal experience, this fanaticism is terrifying. When the Adidas NEO team were handing us meet-and-greet wristbands, a swarm of Beliebers surrounded us, pleading and begging. Some even attempted to snatch the bands from us, while others refused to move away, hopeful that we might have a spare. It was a moment of insanity, and I saw the hunger and yearning desperation in these fans' eyes. Delinquent youths may have incited riots in London two summers ago, but I would be genuinely more scared of the teenagers at a Justin Bieber concert.

At the end of it all, Justin Bieber is simply a teenage boy with a successful singing career. As a non-Belieber, I find the scale of his fandom rather excessive, but I can accept why he is admired as a performer - an amazing voice, incredible dance moves, instrumental skill on the guitar and drums, and a charming charisma with the crowds.

That said, I do I have a couple of requests of him...

1) Your lyrics state that in order to be your out-of-town girl, "all you have to do is swag". Please, what does that even mean? 

2) When you eventually put your top back on at the end of the concert, pull your trousers up while you are at it. You look ridiculous.

Farewell, Miami

This past weekend has come and gone so quickly. From embarking on my first solo flight, to experiencing the hysteria of a Justin Bieber concert, my get-away to Miami was surreal to say the least. Nevertheless, I enjoyed every minute.

Perhaps the oddest observation was that only a week previously, I was stomping through a very cold and snowy England. To have gone from that to sunshine and 26°C has made this January very unique. Miami genuinely has the perfect winter weather, and that alone is enough to encourage my return.

There is so much I could talk about while the memories are fresh, but I won't ramble, else I may never finish writing this blog post. Tomorrow, I will publish my insight into the terrifying yet curious phenomenon that is Bieber Fever, along with a few photos from the concert. As a non-Belieber, I hope I can offer an exclusive perspective.

In the meantime, I desperately need a good night's sleep. Despite having slept through the entire return flight to London Heathrow, jet lag caught up with me big time today. I don't think I have ever wanted my bed more.

Jasmin, Miami Beach

Jasmin, fashion blogger at 'My Berlin Fashion', is my reporter partner for Adidas NEO's Miami competition. We spent this morning wandering the beach, taking photos, saving stranded jellyfish, and chasing seagulls. Jasmin wears Adidas NEO sneakers and jumper.

The Everglades

Everglades National Park is an expanse of nearly 1.5 million acres, famous for its population of American alligators, allegedly the smartest reptiles on the planet. Not smart enough, however, as "gator nuggets" were on today's lunch menu! It is true what people say about alligator meat - it does taste like chicken, if a little meatier.

Welcome to Miami

Hello from Miami! This weekend is looking to be an absolute blast, and I really cannot thank Adidas NEO Label enough for this overwhelming opportunity. You can follow my tweets and Instagram photos from Miami Beach, Everglades National Park, and Justin Bieber's 'Believe' concert. Do also follow my counterpart, Jasmin of 'My Berlin Fashion', for her reportage of this weekend's packed schedule.

Charlie Foxtrot Vintage

How do two charming actresses with a love for vintage and playing Scrabble set up a successful and entertaining pop-up vintage business? With plenty of enthusiasm and cups of tea, apparently. Charity and Frances may not have a permanent location, yet they easily attract locals and customers wherever they set up shop.

You can currently find their pop-up at 147 Evelina Road, Nunhead, until this Sunday (27th January). But until then, do have a read of their of their interview below. You will find there is a lot more to these ladies than vintage.

David Nyanzi, London Collections: Men

David Nyanzi is the street style photographer behind 'The Nyanzi Report'. When I first introduced myself to David, it was not at London Fashion Week, but on Argyll Street last summer, when I spotted him in action. He is one of a select few photographers who you will find shooting street style day-to-day as well as at major fashion events, and for that, I admire him. David wears Yves Saint Laurent aviator sunglasses, Dolce & Gabbana jacket with a vintage scarf, Hugo Boss shirt, vintage tartan tie, and H&M jumper.

Endell Street, Covent Garden

Colourful Johanna is social media manager for Finlay & Co, who design and manufacture wooden sunglasses. She wears H&M shoes (from the boys' department), socks, trousers and coat, Longchamp bag, vintage scarf and shirt, and Marks and Spencer gloves.

Winter at Oxshott Heath

Snow is a rare and bittersweet substance. When it blankets our country, it isolates us in our homes, and turns travel into treacherous journeys. Yet there is still a magical quality about snowfall, how it transforms our world into a beautiful and wintry scene. A walk yesterday through Oxshott Heath illustrated as much. 

ASOS DUFFEL COAT / TOPMAN SLIM JEANS / DR MARTENS LANGSTON BOOTS

Oxshott Heath has ever held a place in my childhood memories, when once upon a time it was referred to simply and exclusively as "the woods". Therefore to see this earthy forest metamorphosed into a winter wonderland was a remarkable sight, almost as if I were a Pevensie child stepping into Narnia for the first time.

However, while there is much beauty to be admired in a snowy paradise, it is difficult to ignore frozen fingers. Fellow blogger Stu Bradley mentioned yesterday the absurdity of some fashion bloggers, who compromise practicality for the sake of fashion in this snowy weather. Surely, common sense establishes that a woolly coat and hard-wearing boots are necessities? If good style is an importance, choose garments and accessories which cater for both aesthetic and purpose.

Cyclist on Long Acre, Covent Garden

Johan's style caught my eye as he cycled along Long Acre. But unlike famed street style photographer Scott Schuman, I did not have a bicycle myself to catch up with him. It therefore came as a surprise that he stopped on the opposite side of the road, and he kindly agreed to have his photo taken. Johan wears Clarks shoes, Cheap Monday jeans, Barbour coat, Adidas shirt, vintage hat, and Czech army bag. His bicycle is also vintage.

Hilary Rushford, Brooklyn beauty in London

Endell Street, Covent Garden

One thing I noticed about London Collections: Men was that people tended to be in a rush for the next fashion show. As such, I didn't have the time to enquire into the details of the above gentleman's outfit, or himself for that matter, as he was soon trotting away to another venue with his friends. Nevertheless, I didn't want to waste this cool look by tucking it away in my hard drive. I am especially fond of my mystery man's snazzy specs.

Alice Zielasko & Jonathan Daniel Pryce

On the final day of London Collections: Men, street style photographer Jonathan Daniel Pryce was introduced to his tartan twin, blogger Alice Zielasko. "Where have you been all my life?!" he said to her jokingly. The collective of photographers certainly thought the pairing made for cute photos. Alice wears Cos shoes, Zara suit, Topshop top, and Kurt Geiger bag. Details of Jonathan's tartan attire can be read in my previous post.

Stefán Orschel-Read, London Collections: Men

Stefán Orschel-Read is a Central Saint Martins graduate and menswear designer
behind 'Orschel-Read'. His outfit at London Collections is from his own collection.
You can read a write-up of his A/W 13 presentation in the next issue of Pebble Zine.

Museum Street, London

Amar Daved is a professional photographer. He wears Russell & Bromley suede boots,
UniQlo jeans, Acne jumper, Reiss roll-neck, Aqua by Aqua jacket, and Brixton hat.

New Oxford Street, London

Emma and Nick are reporters for Notion Magazine. I especially admire the colour co-ordination between their respective blue garments, although I never asked if it was intentional. Emma wears Hobbs boots, Cos jeans, Uniqlo roll-neck jumper, Zara blazer, and Chanel bag. Nick wears a vintage coat and shirt, Aldos shoes, and Topman jeans.

Hentsch Man A/W 13

A/W 13 by Alexia Hentsch offers two contrasting approaches - monochrome patterns and bright winterwear. The latter is a burst of hot colours that is striking against any wintry scene, teamed with a selection of woollen scarves and hats of a skiwear aesthetic. The former appears modernist in its simple palette and snazzy designs, complemented by the combination of smart tailoring.

The monochrome theme was particularly effective in the Hentsch Man store at Seven Dials, Covent Garden, where the walls were printed with black and white illustrations of "The World According To Hentsch". Live models were the focal point at the presentation, exhibiting examples of A/W 13 knitwear and double-breasted jackets.

Seven Dials Presents

35 Neal Street, London, is home to the Seven Dials Presents collaborative pop-up shop, showcasing the latest collections from promising menswear designers until Wednesday 16th January. The shop has also played host to A/W 13 presentations from Jae Wan Park and A La Disposition during London Collections: Men.

With a hearty selection of independent menswear labels, the shop is worth a visit for the fashion-conscious gentleman, even if just to explore the brands. Keen eyes will almost certainly spot the quirky or intimate details in these collections, that which is often forgotten in the mass-produced garments of high street chains.

Cute bow ties by Ticklers London, made with world-finest silks, wool and cotton.

Paisley print and subtle pocket detail by Newgen-sponsored Martine Rose.

Matthew Miller transforms the British duffle coat by swapping toggles for carabiners.

A contrasting half-collar by Empire's Union is simple yet ultimately contemporary.

On the scene, London Collections: Men

Photograph by Silviu Doroftei 

ZARA BLAZER / NEW LOOK SHIRT / NEXT TIE / TOPMAN BELT
ETRE GLOVES / NEXT CHINOS / ASOS SATCHEL / DR MARTENS BOOTS

The calm yet intimate atmosphere of London Collections: Men is much more my cup of tea than the hustle and bustle of London Fashion Week. There is a sense of exclusivity, but there is less pretentiousness and greater opportunity to talk with people, particularly during the presentations and at The Hospital Club.

Another key difference is in regards to street style. Unlike the ostentation of LFW outfits, most people's dress sense at LC:M comes across as natural or effortless, as if that is the very kind of fashion they wear throughout the year. Nothing too zany, just enviable style.

On the final day, the camera turned on me. The photo above was taken by Silviu Doroftei, fashion student and photographer, and one of the many people I had the chance to network with that day. My outfit represents a favourite style of mine, combining my two loves for smart attire and vibrant colours. Equally, my new Dr Martens once again proved their worth when trekking to and from venues, providing more comfort than the pointy shoes I would have normally chosen. Etre Fivepoint gloves were the final practical touch, keeping my fingers warm on a wintry London day.