A/W '08 TREND ALERT: The peplum

Peplum: ''A short full flounce or an extension of a garment below the waist, covering the hips.''

http://www.dictionary.com/

The new shape this season is without a doubt a very flattering one. The peplum shape showcased especially by Miu Miu, is an extra layer of material that kicks out just below the waist of a jacket, skirt, dress, blouse or a pair of trousers. When described, you may not think it would do the average woman's figure any justice, however the volume of the shape works like that of a waist belt, emphasising the small part of the waist giving the perfect hour glass illusion and instantly making your waist look smaller.

Yves Saint Laurent, Burberry, Prada, Etro and Chanel (just to name a few) have all said yes to this curve-enhancing design, and luckily for us high street stores such as River Island and Topshop have jumped on the bandwagon and begun to re-create the look in the form of dresses and jackets.

<<Topshop £55 - autumn must have!

A/W '08 TREND ALERT: Lace

Vintage belle or sexy chic? Whichever look you decide to go for this fall, look to the catwalks for your inspiration. Far from your grandmother's heirlooms, lace is back and can be styled in a number of different ways.


Both Prada and Luella told the story of a gothic fairy tale with lashings of black lace appearing on their runways. Luella mixed cute skirts and hats to create a spell binding look. Team with paisley prints to achieve the true vintage look, ruffles and victoriana styles look great as proved by Alexander McQueen, or add a subtle twist if you are feeling less brave. Mario Schwab and Prada opted for chic lace conservatively cut dresses, with little to nothing underneath giving a sexy vamp appeal.

A/W '08 TREND ALERT: Check it out

This fall showcases the revival of the checks; Dolce & Gabbana, Balmain and Cavalli sent their models down the runway in a variety of checkered styles, ranging from beatnik black and white to tartan prints, highlighting the unexpected versatility of this trend.

Checks have developed over the years; birth place being the 60's in which it took form as beatnik, moving onto the 70's, checks were more laid back and indulged the bohemian vibe of the era, 80's saw punk styles inspired by Vivienne Westwood, and the 90's took a preppy form.

Autumn/Winter '08 runways embraced a collaboration of the era's which has already hit the high streets, with flashes of tartan creeping onto shop floors and the ever more popular lumberjack shirts appearing in most high street stores, this look has never been so easy to embrace. Create a look to suit you, opt for punky tartan prints mixed with studded belts and wet look garments as seen on Balmain. If that's not for you, follow in Cavalli's footsteps teaming flares and denim with checkered shirts, and maybe even a pair of fringed boots for the full on folk look.

Politics made fashionable

This week everyone has gone Carla crazy as the new first lady of France charms London with her presence. Just four weeks into Miss Bruni’s marriage with French president Nicolas Sarkozy, and she has already become the most photographed first lady since Jackie O. Leading British magazines and television shows all over Europe have already flooded requests for interviews with Miss Bruni, it seems that she is determined to perfect the role of president’s wife, whilst France are simply hoping that Mr Sarkozy can perfect the role of president.

With a modelling career for the likes of Christan Dior, Christian Lacroix, Karl Lagerfeld, John Galliano, Yves Saint-Laurent, Chanel and Versace behind her, it is no surprise that this lady is working up a storm in the fashion world. There is no reason to doubt that fashion houses will be on their knees begging her to go back to the catwalk, and with her debut album to be released next month and helping to promote the White Ribbon Alliance, Miss Bruni is proving to be unstoppable.

Rumours of her husbands so called ‘bling bling’ lifestyle have appeared to calm down since the pairs marriage, however Miss Bruni herself has shown a rebellious side, just last week she told Israeli president Shimon Peres that she says ‘sex’ instead of ‘cheese’ before having a photograph taken, perhaps that’s why Gordon Brown welcomed photographs with her with much accord. Dazzling the crowds in her glamorous tailored suits, silk gowns and bustiers, this first lady is certainly working to help President Nicolas Sarkozy regain public favour.

Floral Frills

Copy the catwalk with floaty floral pieces; push the trend by mixing key items with alternate prints and layers to add an eclectic twist.

Floral was in full bloom on the spring/ summer runways. Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu and Prada are collections worth noting, and with versions of the hottest key pieces now available on the high streets, the trend has never been easier to recreate. Be it washed out colours, hand-painted buds or tiny calico prints, this season is as girly as it gets.

Mix and match pieces to get the right look for you, a mixture of ditsy and delicate or bold and bright will transform even the worst of the wilting weeds. Rebels can team pretty pastel skirts, dresses and blouses with leather jackets and biker boots. Whilst others can opt for the full on romantic look, mixing lavish florals with ruffles, frills and lace. Play around with your favourite pieces to show everyone how it’s done.

Above image: Balenciaga

The art of looking good

Spring/ Summer '08 is all about revivals; The hippie-chic 70's look is currently taking the high street by storm, with floral print maxi-dresses, over-sized wooden beads, flared trousers, denim and boho style skirts. Great for those with a more laid back style, however if you're like me and opt for the more experimental fashion, the 1960's inspired art school look caters for you perfectly.

Think of Andy Warhol's pop art, mix it with the flawless beauty of Twiggy, throw in some bold colours and shapes from Biba, and a dash of modern twist; here we have the recipe of the art school look.

Collections from Prada, Chloe and Dolce and Gabanna hit the catwalks during fashion week, and now luckily for most of us with slightly tighter purse strings, the high street have started to dish out some amazing recreations. Topshop and Zara have some excellent garments that you can work with to suit your own personal taste, and in true DIY spirit, why not customize some things yourself to get a truly fashionable look with a unique twist.


For an assignment at university, my friend Sarah-Jane Ashby and I styled and photographed a photo shoot with the art school theme, we also did hair, make-up and created our very own imitation of a Dolce and Gabanna dress: