Browns fakes it

I was slightly confused when London fashion store Browns began to stack cotton totes with the imprints of Chanel, Hermes and Louis Vuitton bags - surely these things can't be real ? Turners out the designs are as genuine as modern realty TV show, they are in fact a project of Oonah O'Hagan for Browns Focus. And for some reason there's been quite a bit of this in fashion lately - for instance Jessica Kagans 'My other bag is Chanel' slogan clad tote. Humorous, quirky and slightly ironical gestures like this seem to be popping up everywhere which for me sparks healthy curiosity. Does all of it have a deeper meaning ? And what inspired O'Hagens jab at it ?

Jason Wu's Collette

The french superstore Collette has become synonymous with all things wonderful in luxury retail. With past collaborations that include the likes of Karl Lagerfeld and Carine Roitfelt its safe to say that they only roll with the best. Their most recent venture sees newly crowned prince of new york fashion Jason Wu create a collection garment for dolls. "Sarah (Lerfel) came came in to put an order, and saw a doll on my desk, and it just went from there," explains Wu. The dolls come clad in a variety of Wu's latest most glamorous creation and are set to sell like sell like hot cakes. Unleashed in August to bless Collette's 10th anniversary something tell me Jason's next order with may be for a tinier glamazon.

GooGoo GaGa Gonzales

Every so often you see a painting that invokes your inner child, making you feel all tingly inside. A series if painting and watercolors by Mark Gonzales do exactly that, curated by Emma Reeves they will be showing at New York's Half gallery until August the 4th.

Coming to America -

Alexa newly settled in her Williamsberg, Brooklyn apartment

Ever since she was thrust in to the spotlight as part of the London social scene Alexa Chung has been nothing but style to the up most. She names Jane Birking and Marian faithful as some of her most admirable influences and is often to be seen in rather boyish 60s inspired looks much like her icons. Recently her image in the British tabloids has become inescapable although her daily activities do not seem quite as outrages as some of her piers. What i found personally unusual about her sense of style is that whilst she was often given clothes by Charles Anatase and Sophia Kokosalaki Alexa doesn't hesitate to wear the looks with a piece from the high street. There is a 'to hell with it' attitude in her appearance which also represents her strong sense of self. This Cambridge educated journalist is now taking on the big apple for a new MTV show - Its on with Alexa Chung

There's No Place Like Erin's Home

I rarely get excited about interior design because frankly, thanks to affordable retail phenomenons like IKEA everybody seems to have a rather trendy home - or should that be 'pads' given the circumstance. None the less I was fascinated when I stumbled upon photos of supermodel Erin Wasson's home, like the Alexander Wang muse her New York apartment is full of life, uniqueness and that intangible coolness that she has naturally become known for. It's the raw certainly lived in manner complete with retro 60s furniture and lamps, nostalgic in pea-green, oatmeal and tan. The beautifully bohemian trinkets are dotted all over the place - from the sketches of superheroes and fictional characters framed on the wall to the tiny wooden symbols and fossils. There's also an exciting collection of art often unassumingly placed next to Erin's favourite poster or personal photo. As far as 'pads' go this one defines California girl cool - and that's not because some clever decorator thought the vision up but because one actually lives there. In other words you couldn't buy this vision you'd have to have lived the life to build it.

No Love Like the Cosmic Kind

Glasgto is looming so why not wet your musical apatite with a festival shoe-in. 'Cosmic Love' by new comers Florence and the Machine is bound to get you feeling exited with it's dreamy melody and fairytale-like strings. With debut album 'Lungs' set to be released on the 6th of July I guarantee lead singer Florence's soulful performances will be the story of their scheduled events, that include Glastonbury, Oxygen and T in the park to name a few.
http://www.myspace.com/florenceandthemachinemusic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tpW-OqIxWo

Proenza's Edge

I'm elated to document the Proenza Shouler boys latest venture that was an art filled fashion experience. The experimental pair not only showed there latest collection in Florence but along with them brought there three favourite artist - Kalup Linzy, Haim Steinbach and Kembra Pfahler to present there works. The tripod of dynamic artist displayed completely different ideas and perspectives, however all of which featured some sort of ode to Proenza Shouler."Especially since it's inherently a more commercial collection, there's room to balance that with something more showy." Hernandez told WWD

Amids industry insiders marveling over Proenza's collection was a white rug complete with Proenza accessories, plastic onions and a metal bed frame - could the items be anymore random? this particular instalment was created by Haim Steinsbach who has forever been exploring the open theme of shelves - http://www.haimsteinbach.net/. And then there was Pfahler who was surrounded by go-go dancers (all of which were wearing proenza of course). Danced furiously as Hernandez laughed uncontrollably from the side-lines - www.myspace.com/vhokb

But the most interesting of all came from Kalup Linzy who created two videos starring himself, Chloe Sevingy and Lyia Kebedevered. Both were short dramas that Linzy has become known for and featured his melodramatic characters soap-style plots, audio dubbing and the ever strange soundtrack of Linzy's brilliantly awful soul vocals - http://www.style.com/video/?bcpid=4765160001&bctid=26412679001

CFDA's family affair

The Rodarte sisters received the most prestigious honours winning the Womanwear Designer of the Year award and choosing Kirstin Dunst to join them on there triumphant evening. Along with her grey marbled mini dress from Rodarte's Autumn/Winter 09 collection the actress totted about in a pair of high sandals by british shoe desiger Nicolas Kirkwood. Other well-dressed attendees included Julia Roitfeld in a tiny Balmain number and the always chic Diane Kruger in designer of the moment and Michelle Obama's vote Jason Wu. Less stylish was the usually ravishing Ashley Olsen who took a risk in a shoulder padded-tangerine frock with crystal embellishments. Jack and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Shouler took home the Accessories Designer of the Year award with Daphne Guinness sporting a design from the duo's most recent show. Among New York's most talented siblings was International Designer of the Year award winner Marc Jacobs, US Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and CDFA official Diane Von Furstenburg. The nights trends included 'Metallic' as worn by supermodels Agyness Deyn and Heidi Klum (in Michael Kors) and 'Flourecent' modeled by the vintage clad Ashley Olsen and Gossip Girl's Blake Lively.

Read - Fashion's sharpest operator by Jess Cartner-Morley of the Guardian

With her winning formula of style, sex and controversy, Carine Roitfeld is the woman everyone in fashion looks up to. But is the editor of French Vogue ready to take on America? ... http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/may/20/carine-roitfeld-french-vogue-fashion-interview

Season Of The Witch

Artist Danny Sangra's new exhibition 'Season Of The Witches' has just opened at Cuba PR, London. The exhibition includes all of the artists latest works including the peace shown above which is merely scribbles drawn over a 60s pornographic image. There's something immediately arresting about the image and the way sketchbook style touches make it seem so modern.

What The Kids Are Listening To

Micachu and the Shapes
I Blame Coco

Boy Crisis

Living Things

Cock'n'Bull Kid

My picks for the best new bands

MICACHU AND THE SHAPES -

Check out ubber trendy east London band's alternative sound. Lead singer Micachu has an interesting voice and the band seems quit experimental - www.myspace.com/micayomusic

COCO SUMNER -

She may be daughter of legendary rock star Sting but she ain't no Peaches Geldof. 'My name is a stain' reads one of her top tunes giving the listener the feeling that she almost resents her instantly recognisable name. To hear some reggae-pop from this rebel without a cause visit - www.myspace.com/iblamecoco

BOY CRISIS -

Brooklyn chaps Boy Crisis are an exciting new indie-band who's only objectives are to have fun. There new tracks are crammed with enthusiasm and electronic zest - www.myspace.com/boycisis

LIVING THINGS -

When your bands member is rumored to have been canoodling with Kate Moss exciting things are said to follow. Living Things are a sheer rock band from Germany who's single 'Oxygen' will have you moving all summer long - www.myspace.com/livingthings

COCK N BULL KID -

This eccentric Ghanaian is bound to hit super stardom over the coming months. Her body of work is a mixed bag of house-dance-electro and r'n'b tracks with the common thread of Anita's melodic notes. Her debut single 'I'm not sorry' is set to fill dance floors from London to west Africa - www.myspace.com/thecocknbullkid

Oh Stella How I Love The

Photos - style.com

It's no secret that when you take away Stella's fitted black blazers and patents black ankle boots she's really a dreamy romantic. Asides from her love for all things girly there was also a slight DIY approach to her most recent collection with hand sown sequins, floral sketch prints and necklaces made of studs et bits and bobs. Lace jumpsuits and mini dresses were obviously chic whilst over sized hoody dresses proved Stella's love forcomfort and wearability. All looks modeled by ideal Stella-girl Anouck Lepere. Overall the collection was a bit of everything with something for everyone.

When Pheobe Rises ..

photos - style.com

Here are some of the strongest looks pulled from Phoebe Philo's debut resort collection for Celine. After a string of industry murmurs and rumors of a creative clash within the Celine camp the much loved designer produced a great collection that was true to her aesthetic and point of view. Her spirit as a designer has definitely grown since her days at Chloe, garments now prove to be filled with sophistication for a savvy and sleek women. My personal favorite was a razor sharp, black and white cocktail dress that is undoubtedly a staple from the new collection.

Style Icon - Jen Brill

As far as style goes the city of New York is shining just a little brighter than London as of now. The reason? a heap of fresh new bands such as The Virgins and Lissy Truillie, the opening of Topshop on Broadway and I suppose a beautiful coquette never hurts either! Photographers assistant Jen Brill is the coolest, dare I say it 'social' claiming the New York spotlight at the minute. She first caught my eye at the REX party were she opted for a Proenza Shouler pilgrim dress, grey Nina Richi shoes and an amazing fir coat. Her style archive boasts lends from London designers such as blog favorite Christopher Kane and internationally known houses such as Chanel. And Her usual outfit comprises of a body con dress, YSL tribute pumps and oversized costume jewelry, very chic !

The Browns nine -

1 - Acne's new shoe collection is affordable and beats off most of Browns' shoe opulence at a fraction of the price. If purchased these beauties will last you long past the current gladiator sandal hype.

2. Azzadine Alaia's ideas are just exceptional. Every piece, all though an investment will always sit as a sartorial gem whether in the back of your closet or on your feet.

3. Gone are the faddy days of the it-bag - However a Balenciaga bag is not just a bag, there masterpieces so buy with no remorse and carry with conviction.

4. I'm excited about new London based designer Emilio De la Morena and by the looks of it so are Browns. Black, navy and absolutely beautiful this dress is a great example of Morena's promising execution and edge.

5. Opening Ceremony has quite fiercely swam it's way over from the trendy streets of Soho. Yet another affordable piece by the brand that only radiates the coolest customers.

6. Balenciaga's biker jackets are really the only ones worth having at this price point. Made with 100 percent lambskin, 1770 has never looked so cool.

7. Ann Demeulemeester is bound to spark a love for linen with this piece. For some reason the avant-guard designer really steals the show at Browns menswear

8. I usually hate the amount high-end designers charge for t-shirts. But Lanvin's menswear design is great, the beading is exquisite. And Alber's ways of incorporating embellishments with out making the effect to 'feminine' amaze me.

9 . Another Demeulemeester design is monochrome and absolutely time less. It's one of the most subtle uses of the monochrome trend this season and the coolest may i add !

Crazy about Brandon Reierson

I recently stumbled upon some cool illustrations by Brandon Reierson, here's one inspired by model Iekeliene Strange. Check out his blog for more ! - http://www.lactoseintolerart.blogspot.com

When Gareth met Ken !

Gareth Pugh's recent collaboration with Barbie is perhaps of the strangest. The avant-guard designer took time out of his busy scheduled that includes designing both menswear and Ready-to-wear collections to create the limited edition doll. His Ken doll doesn't stray far away from his usual gothic and fetishistic visions that we see charging down the catwalk. I for one love the doll, I mean .. only Gareth could put the iconic Ken figurine in a PVC striped coat, sporting a Jethro Cave haircut !

Chistopher's explosive debut

London designer Christopher Kane is defiantly no ordinary designer. For seasons he's dazzled by mixing unexpected fabrics, introducing fresh ideas and most importantly selling clothes that are both commercial and contemporary. He is one of those designers that couldn't be more talked about, more loved or more exposed, and it just keeps on coming. For his first pre-fall collection he was inspired by images of nuclear explosions from the 50s and 70s, the result - chemical and slightly rusted coloured clouds printed onto adorable cut out baby Doll and Georgette frocks. Christopher's floaty dresses were hardened with black piping and soft leather jackets but i must say almost give a de-ja vu effect. Remember Christopher Kane's aw 07 collection and spring 08 chiffon that included Swarovski crystals, distressed denim and shrapnel chiffon all of which were present in the pre-fall10 collection. It's almost as if his ideas are recycled and then reworked into another collection. Overall pre fall was a fashion directors inspiration and a buyers cash cow. whilst everyone else this resort season opted for floral Christopher mind set was elsewhere proving that you don't need to show in Paris to wow like Balenciaga.