Forever Fashion: Enjoy the Journey: Pachacuti

The weather is starting to warm-up, getting closer and closer to the balmy summer months (depending where you live). Even if your climate doesn't reach hot, tropical temperatures, it is important to protect your face from sun damage wherever you are.

Pachacuti's Panama hats have a timeless, chic style that men and women can both enjoy. Pachacuti not only offers a wide array of colors and designs to everyone's unique style needs, each hat and product from their company is made sustainably and is certified as Fair Trade. 

Visit the Pachacuti website to view all of their products HERE.

Tyler January

Forever Fashion: The Abundance of Spring

The Spring/Summer 2010 collection from Outsider is inspired by the sundrenched hues of long summer days.  Sustainable fibres are key with Bamboo denim offering a youthful and relaxed look.  Tailored shirts and dresses in a Natural Colour Cotton stripe inject an air of sophistication to the collection.

Outsider has enlisted London based designer Karen Grout to work on the theme of “The Abundance of Life” and she has created a hand drawn bold design of flowers, spots and hidden insects printed on organic cotton and presented in various incarnations through the collection, from an elegant maxi dress to the easy oversized shirt and scarf ideal for giving any outfit a quirky twist.

With classic and gentle tailoring, signature dress styles and pretty details the Outsider SS10 collection is comprised of garments that can be worn and loved season after season.  Designer Noorin Khamisani believes, good clothes do not go out of fashion, because true style is timeless, not transient and throwaway.  Outsider’s versatile day-to-evening pieces are designed to last and be loved. Buy online now.

Chuck

Forever Fashion: Make Do and Mend with Mind

Fashion students from the University for the Creatives Arts have collaborated with the mental health charity, Mind, to create a collection of recycled garments designed using redundant clothes and household items from Mind charity shops.   

“Mind is celebrating the end of throwaway fashion and the return of 'make do and mend'. We're proud to be making new clothes out of unwanted items, raising money to support people with experience of mental distress whilst saving the planet too.”

The collection is being exhibited at the Ideal Home Show, and will be auctioned off on the final day of the show (Monday 5^th April) to raise money for the charity.

Highlights include a tea cup head piece, a corset made from recycled newspaper and a jacket made from clothes pegs!

Carly Gordon

Art & Culture: Creatives in Residence at The Hospital Club

Nestled in the heart of London, amidst the bustling Covent Garden, stands The Hospital Club. Comprising five floors, complete with stunning bar, elegant restaurant and spacious screening room, here is the ideal surrounding to get the creative juices flowing. At the beginning of this month the club hosted its The Creatives in Residence programme which announced their shortlist of newcomers, as well as welcoming artists from all corners of the artistic spectrum.

This particular evening made use of two full floors which enabled each contender to demonstrate their talent within their own unique space. Now in its second year, The Creatives in Residence offers the opportunity of guidance for young, upcoming artists to get a name for themselves and a chance to showcase their work. Amongst those involved are film makers, musicians and singers, visual artists, performers and some stunning fashion designers.

Amongst the nights shortlisted that stood out was fashion designer Dean Quinn, whose futuristic dresses won the judges approval. The small selection on show to the public featured three carefully executed form fitting, body-con dresses embellished with bejewelled shoulders. Already having achieved the prestigious Woman’s Wear Designer of the Year Award and having also been featured in the V&A Fashion in Motion exhibition, he is definitely one to keep an eye on.

Another fellow designer in the running was Ada Zanditon who makes use of organic and sustainably sourced fabrics . Ada also runs her company to a strict eco friendly aesthetic, from the relationships she builds up with workers and suppliers down to the light bulbs that she uses. Using environmentally friendly, non-carcinogenic dyes she creates bright and youthful looks for a fashion forward market.

A comprehensive list of all of this years residents as well as more information on those shortlisted can be found on The Hospital Club website.

Poppy Sakulku

Forever Fashion: Jean-Pierre Braganza at London Fashion Week

Just 8 days after the death of Lee McQueen, London Fashion Week is upon us. La Luminata were lucky enough to attend the opening night show of Jean-Pierre Braganza, who has designed dresses for the likes of Cheryl Cole.

Fashion designers, models and celebs were out in force to catch a glimpse of Jean-Pierre’s ‘Cylonatron’ collection inspired by geometric symmetry, the utilitarian lines of Bauhaus and the curves of a woman’s body. Keen to preview the looks for A/W 10-11 were the stunning supermodel Erin O’Connor and socialites Pixie Geldof and Jaime Winstone.

In a unique collaboration with Rives Paper Collection, Jean-Pierre has challenged the use of materials with his new collection by using FSC certified paper to create sculpted corsets and cuff styled bracelets accessorising his architectural pieces.  “I have always pushed the boundaries and explored ways of working with alternative materials, and the new Rives Collection presented an interesting challenge in sculpting fashion pieces from paper which complement elements of my new collection.”

The show opened with Jean-Pierre’s signature look; the futuristic black dress. A mix of contrasting materials and cut-outs create sharp linear silhouettes. Punches of rich burgundy then appeared in the form of strong power dresses with accentuated shoulders (a trend that seems to be here to stay) and oversized knitted cardigans. The rock chick look made a brief appearance before morphing into a series of psychedelic dresses inspired by science fiction. Molten metal and cybernetic organic patterns fused with a mix of greys, ink blues, purples and dashes of orange. Accessorised with the engineered paper corsets and cuffs, sculpted hair and killer heels.

Jean-Pierre’s bold use of colour, intelligent use of contrasting materials and immaculate attention to detail has resulted in an inspiring, strong and yet wearable collection. I admire Jean-Pierre’s ambition to push the boundaries of material while creating a collection that would flatter the figures of everyday women.

Let’s hope we see more of Jean-Pierre’s work in the future!

Carly Gordon

Photographs from Everynight Images and londonfashionweek.co.uk

Forever Fashion: The Little Black Dress

Throughout time the notion of ‘the little black dress’ has been celebrated as that one beautiful outfit that can be worn time after time and never let you down. Since Chanel launched her simple shift dress in the 1920s, which not only looked great but was also both versatile and durable, every woman has endeavoured to find one of their own.
Whilst every high street shop and high end fashion house has created their own versions, one website offers an array of strong contenders all in one place. The Little Black Dress consists of a compilation of stunning, timeless designs. From Hepburn-esque shifts to diaphanous dresses there really is something for every shape and style. Two particular designers incorporate an eco friendly ethic whilst producing chic products that can be worn time and time again.

Kate Tailyour’s silk creations are made using sweatshop-free production methods and work on a limited edition basis, making them all the more special. She uses 100% cotton and silk and makes her dresses with a view to them lasting. La Luminata has already taken the opportunity to collaborate with her in a photoshoot by Natalie Dybisz, of Miss Aniela, as demonstrated by our lovely model dressed in yellow above.

Another ethical contributor to this website is Lu Flux who aims to 'represent an antithesis to the modern trend of expendable fashion'. By refashioning old materials into new designs they aim to transform waste into something beautiful. Lu Flux’s adorable pinafore dress, complete with an embroidered bear, will add a smile to any outfit. A perfect blend of whimsical charm and practicality, it is made of a mix of organic cotton and vintage reclaimed fabrics.

Each little black dress is made to order so there’s no wasted stock and sizes stated in inches helps you find the perfect fit.

In the words of the websites founders, they strive to create a feeling that ‘every day is an event - and every woman is an icon’

Poppy Sakulku

Forever Fashion: Stay Fancy with Giant Dwarf

One of my favorite ways to dress up any outfit is with accessories. Sometimes all you need to go from 'mundane' to 'fancy' is a single headband. Don't believe me? Check out Giant Dwarf's Esty Shop for proof.  Giant Dwarf's hand-made, retro-inspired, large floral headbands make a statement that is both delicate and unique. Select from a variety of colours to match your mood or the occasion. All products are made from recycled and sustainable materials. These headbands are sure to add a feminine, classic look to any daytime or date night outfit. Check out Giant Dwarf's Blog for more info.

Tyler January