KUKA-ME

KUKA-ME combines the Zulu and Northern Sotho 'Kuka' - meaning lift up or uplift, with the English word 'me'.

The name was inspired by a comment from a customer: that she always feels confident and gorgeous in the jewellery.

The collection is about gorgeousness, easy-to-wear sterling and 18ct gold jewellery, particularly created for independent women with an individual sense of style. 

Design is dynamic and for the woman who wears Kuka-me jewellery makes her shine as well as her personality becoming integral to the piece.

Kuka-me was launched in 2009 by Reema Pachachi. Reema creates the original designs in her Notting Hill workshop, drawing inspiration from nature, architecture and textiles.

You can view more of the Kuka-me collection on www.kuka-me.com

GO!

 

.: AUSTIN REED / RICHARD JAMES AUTUMN / WINTER 2011

.: AUSTIN REED / RICHARD JAMES AUTUMN / WINTER 2011

AUSTIN REED / RICHARD JAMES AUTUMN / WINTER 2011

Autumn/Winter 2011 sees the fifth 'Cut' collection from Austin Reed.

In collaboration with Savile Row's inimitable Richard James, the classic styling expected from this combination of talents is sharpened with an urban edge.

Herringbones and winter flannels are key to this capsule collection, with sharp shapes and, of course, the classic dark grey velvet blazer lending distinction and unmistakable style to the look.

Underlie the jacket with one of the crisp white or fine-stripe shirts, cool and refined but not afraid of bright colours. You can create a look that is formal yet contemporary, such as a tonal blue navy flannel window pane check suit, matched with Oxford shirt and navy tie.

'Cut' also offers a luxurious classic navy overcoat to keep you warm and stylish.

Design and detailing, essential to the Richard James and Austin Reed concept, include rainbow stab stitch, bold coloured linings and perfect finish.

Expertise, heritage and originality make this collection an ideal basis for your autumn/winter wardrobe.

.: KNOMO LONDN AUTUMN 2011

.: KNOMO LONDN AUTUMN 2011

KNOMO LONDN AUTUMN 2011

At my Fashion Press Day I came across KNOMO the company that makes stylish and functional accessories to protect and keep your tech items.

The Knomo collection offers must use 'techcessories' in hard-working fabrics and timeless leathers, for all sizes and style of laptop, ipad or ipod.

Knomo funtionality  comes as standard across the range, with shockproof protection for your tech items and dedicated pockets for everything else. And with the  function taken care of, the only decision left is what style choose.

The ones that I chose were the Laptop cases in 


.. Pony skin.


.. python print, 


.. black patent 


.. patent silver. 

They are very sleek to carry and  by far the coolest case to have. 

I know it is a laptop case but it still has a mult-function. The laptop case can serve as chic  Man's clutch for whatever occasion, be it for work at the office or your everyday use. 

Men Clutch is another  accessory trend that has made a come on the fashion scene. It is what I would carry to avoid loading my pocket with essentials. This is the type of case carry to boost up and complete your look.

You can view their collection range on www.knomo.com and also make a purchase online.

I have got my laptop case now and it is a pleasure.

Go!  

.: MARCCAIN AUTUMN/WINTER 2011

.: MARCCAIN AUTUMN/WINTER 2011

MARCCAIN AUTUMN/WINTER 2011

MARCCAIN, the luxurious German based fashion brand for women, showcased a preview of their Autumn/ Winter 2011 collection at Fashion Press Week (FWD) in London.


Their market range is big in Germany and other european countries. 
Marccain is currently stocked here in london in Harvey Nichols where their collection has had  a very good response. 


The Marccain women, is one who knows how to wear clothes and feel very comfortable in them.

The A/W11 Marccain collection is very endearing colour palette  and has some very intricate designs. The whole collection is very 1960 inspired. As you well know the 60s trend has made a come back.

Pieces like the above the knee slim line leather sleeveless dress and the marching fur/leather coat is very eminent of the 60s glamour with a modern twist to it. This outfit is certainly going to be very big with buyers.

Other truly outstanding pieces are the knitwear dresses with front zip pocket detailing,sweater with hand stitched embellishment, leather trousers with good detailing,Leather jacket with sheep skin lining to name but a few...


In their A/W2011 footwear range are following...

>> the ankle leather boots - this is going be another season must have. Details like the zip on the side gives it a casual/smart feel to it. The outsole which is rubber makes it sturdy to for the A/W season.

>> The Kitten heels is another 60s inspired. It is chic, elegant and ultra style. It is comfortable black pump love - heeled footwear that every woman will love to add to their shoe collection.
A shoe like that can be worn to the office, casual day out or even  for festive occasion.

>> laced-up heel ankle boots.


>> military boots. 


>> leather boot with fur lining.


>> above the knee boots etc


The bag on the accessory side is uniquely designed and has an excellent craftsmanship to it.

What can be said of the A/W 11 Marccain bags is that, they are beautiful,fashionable and of good quality. 


It was a pleasure meeting the Marccain team - Elisabeth Beck and Adeline Lashari who are the PR Specialist. Good work done.


You can view more the collection on www.marccain.com

Go!

.: Dr. Martens

.: Dr. Martens

Dr. Martens

Once upon a time, there was Dr.Martens, the footwear brand that has always been different.

It started off with the working class, moved on to the skinheads in the 1960s, then came the punks, the goths, oh yes the industrialist and so on... 

 Now wearing Dr. Martens is a one man's trend compared to when it was associated to being a cult or a tribe.

It is the only footwear you can wear season after season. Even-though its a brand like any other fashion brand that turn have their must-have pieces for a particular, it is rather the opposite with the Dr. Martens for me.

It doesn't dictate it's season must-have. If anything they have evolved and reinvented themselves but still maintaining their quality and heritage.

Dr. Martens boots makes you feel like a rebel. I do not mean the type that goes around destroying and smashing public properties or getting drunk and screaming your head off...

The type of rebel I am talking about here is the creative and innovative one. The type that has his/her on identity. 

Fashion clones are a big put off for me and must be avoided at all cost. Believe it or not, there is a rebel in everyone.

We are in a era where we can use our own sense of style to liberate ourselves and not to be tied down and be told what's in and what's out.

Let's have a good instinct and flow with it.

Walk the walk and let the Dr. Martens boots do the talking.

Nothing wrong with being in your own world if it's a better one.

Dr. Martens is the past, present and definitely the future.

The footwear that does not conform. Dr. Martens!

.: LANDS' END AUTUMN/WINTER 2011 PRESS DAY

.: LANDS' END AUTUMN/WINTER 2011 PRESS DAY

LANDS' END AUTUMN/WINTER 2011 PRESS DAY

11TH MAY 20011

Land's End a/w 11 clothing is fueled with passion for colour and each and every piece is designed to be individual as well as having it's own originality.


Therefore you can pick a single individual piece and make it your own to suit your style.

The men's collection have a range of new improved original mesh polo with thick necks. These come in different colours.  

Checks shirt also feature in the a/w 11 collection and they are made to last longer. The fabric is thick, pure cotton and fits perfectly. This can be best teamed up with a pair of Land's End A/W chinos, a blazer and pair of brogues. And you are set to go.

Men's Check Shirts

Your Autumn/winter wardrobe will not be complete if you didn't have your wax jacket or trench coat. These are very classic pieces for the British weather. 

Four Pockets Wax Jacket

The wax jacket from the Land's End is modern and elegant. The tailored style cut is accentuated by the use of front button and double upper pocket.
The finish is bloom and trimmed to fit.


The Land's End trench coat collection for men stand out as young, modern and innovative. The collection offers a diverse way you can wear it be for your business outfit or the casual and smart casual look. 
It is a perfect fit and the highest comfort wearing.

For the A/W 2011 womenswear there are knitwear 

range which is upper soft and super chic. From the sensational women's jumper and warm capes to classic cardigans and knitted dresses in new winter share and styles. These soft and yet thick separates will be ideal addition for every woman's wardrobe.

A Belted Knitwear

Camel coat in the women's collection is military inspired. The military style coat keeps feautring every A/W but what makes the Land's End differ is it pure elegance that maintains a feminine fit.

Military Inspired Camel Coat.

Military Inspired
Land's End women's range is all about layering which is going be a big trend next A/W11. Layering with luxurious soft and really warm knitwear and teaming it up with a trench coat which offers unsurpassed warmth and softness.

The Trench Coat.
As well as the wax jacket for the men, there is also the women's version. It has a front four pockets, a corduroy lining and a tartan lining. 

Women's Wax Jacket A/W11 

   

Desert Boot With Wedges

There is also the kids autumn/winter 2011 range which is fun and full of colour. The Land's End Child is one who enjoys life and takes delight in what they wear.


Kids need fun and adventure with their clothing and as well as to keep them warm in the fall season.


The collection for the kids includes the trench coat, tartan shirts with wool lining, tie and dye T shirt, parka jacket, chinos etc. Attention to details 

The Land's End a/w11 press day was a success. And my thanks goes to the team for inviting me to view the collection and write my views on it.

To summarize, I would say, Land's End a/w 11 is ...

>> fun and refreshing in terms of colour cords.

>> trendy in terms of cut and style.

>> very cosmopolitan for city wear.

>> investment piece in terms of quality.

View the Land's End Website on www.landsend.co.uk. There are a whole lot more to see and buy.

GO!

.: PHASE-EIGHT PRESS DAY A/W 2011

.: PHASE-EIGHT PRESS DAY A/W 2011

PHASE-EIGHT PRESS DAY A/W 2011

Back in Royal Tunbridge Wells, 2009 was the first time I set my eyes on the brand PHASE-EIGHT (www.phase-eight.co.uk) who specialized in women's wear. Which they still do. Back then, it was all about their Knitwear and cardigan in  wool and cashmere.

Times are changing so is Phase-Eight. They have revamped their line and definitely moving with the time as far as fashion is concerned. And for their design house to come up with this highly desirable and effortless style, I say well done.

At the Phase-Eight 2011 press day at the St. Martins Hotel, I was really blown away with the designs of their Autumn / Winter 2011 collection.

And for me this is a very good step in the right direction. The collection looked modern, ultra-chic, youngish,  super lush and sexy.

There were some very stunning pieces combining autumn's biggest trend with super luxe fabrics and impeccable attention to detail.

The autumn / winter collection has an easy-to wear of palette of black, blue, creams, floral, ruby blacks, grey/blacks. Some of the collection are textured layered; lace on mesh embroidered dress.

Jane Cardigan Leaf and Moscow Print Skirt

Moscow Print Skirt - St Petersburg 

Wool Shift Dress

Different ocacasions call for different style of hand bag to suit the event as well compliment your outfit. So it either make or break when when comes down to making the right decision.


This collection brings together beautiful satin purses, black patent, smooth and  croc leather hand held bags, embellished creations and elegant chain bags plus evening grab bags.


Find the right accessories complete a special occasion outfit.   

Nicole Buckle Handbag

.: PHASE-EIGHT PRESS DAY A/W 2011

.: PHASE-EIGHT PRESS DAY A/W 2011