Palais de Tokyo, Paris

Jay Briggs SS15: "Melusina"

At first glance, there is ultimately something very Black Swan about Jay Briggs' beautiful collection, a spectacle of feathers and lace. However, the inspiration for these extravagant pieces is not the twisted descent of a New York ballet dancer, but rather the fairytale tragedy of a water nymph named Melusina, who concealed her true identity - and the secret of her eternal youth - from her beloved prince and husband.

The Melusina collection is so exquisite and intricately assembled, you might be surprised to hear Jay designed each garment and headpiece by himself, alongside a full-time job, and catching little more than two hours' sleep a night. Evidently, designing a fashion collection isn't all champagne and roses, but Jay's efforts demonstrate that beautiful things come from talent and unbelievable patience.
 

Tazz, Somerset House

I don't think I could survive fashion month without Tazz. While far more knowledgeable about the fashion scene than I (she isn't a fashion editor for nothing!), she also has a knack of saving me from embarrassing accidents, normally a consequence of one too many complimentary drinks - "one too many" often meaning just the one.