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BagTrends.com hit London Fashion Week to find
bag-a-licious designers making waves across the pond.
The tent was pulsating with the techno remix of Guns and Roses’ Sweet
Child of Mine as Issa’s Spring 2007 collection of feminine-sexy
frocks hit the runway.
Brazilian-born Daniella Helayel launched
Issa in 2001 with the hopes of creating a quintessential go-to
dress. And he must be doing something right, as Issa is now sold at
London hot-shops like Harvey Nichol’s and Selfridges, and worn by A-listers
like Scarlett Johansson and Madonna.
For Spring 2007, Issa stays true to Helayel’s original quest for the it
dress. Silk jersey dresses in animal print provided a refreshing take on
Diane von Furstenberg’s classic wrap. And, Grecian-inspired,
floor-length gowns, as well as sparkling flirty cocktail dresses, aim to
make their way from the beach, to the office, to the after-party.
The color palette was a mix of bold blue, yellow and a combination of
black.
The embodiment of effortless modern chic, the collection is not only
completely wearable, but interchangeable as well (so mix and match all
you like ladies)!
SPOTTED: Alex Wek walking the runway! (PS Check out her
handbag line)...
-- Kathryn Ermilio
It’s only a matter of time before up-and-coming talent Janet Collin’s
trademark crest becomes as recognized on handbags as Burberry’s plaid is
on the lining of raincoats.
Collin began a love affair with design ten years ago while still in
school, and after a solid career in product design, took a leap of faith
launching her own line of handbags.
Now in its third season, Janet Collin handbags are largely influenced by
the Middle Ages, while her current collection is inspired by the
pinnacle of all romantic tales,
Tristan and
Isolde. Collin’s inspiration arose from the secret affair between
the two lovers, echoed by hidden compartments and pockets tucked away in
each of her bags.
While she may draw inspiration from the Middle Ages, Janet Collin’s line
is certainly not stuck in the past. Her embossed leathers come in a
range of rich colors and must-have metallics and the custom designed
hardware made the line even more unique and bag-a-licious.
Strangely enough, while Janet’s bags are stirring up quite a buzz in the
UK, Japan and Australia, they are still not available in the U.S. But,
who knows, if the BagTrends Bag Guru is impressed enough, you might see
Janet Collin handbags in the
BagTrends.com SHOP soon!
-- Kathryn Ermilio
If you’re looking for something a little less showy and a lot more
somber, Hamish Morrow is your man. The
South African
designer, who is returning from a mini hiatus from London Fashion
Week, showed a modern, utilitarian, ready-to-wear collection for Spring
2007, combining the looks of high-tech sportswear and exquisite drapery.
He showed many asymmetrical coats and softly pleated dresses. The
consistent sleek and streamlined looks were suddenly interrupted by
misplaced lavender lace concoctions that made show-goers raise their
perfectly polished eyebrows.
After a few floor-grazing, curtain-resembling dresses came down the
runway, Morrow decided to shock the audience again with chandelier
headdresses that rival those of an empress. He also juxtaposed sparkly
cardigans with regurgitated Fall 2006 staples such as leggings and
headbands. In fact, one has to wonder if Morrow got the memo that it was
spring/summer fashion week because I sure couldn’t tell with the muted
color palette of blacks, khakis, and olives. Overall, the collection can
be dubbed random avant-garde with a scientific twist.
Fun Fact: Morrow treated the fabric in his collection with a form
of
nanotechnology which makes wine stain impossible – the liquor just
glides right off!!
-- Paula Lee
Julien Macdonald ended London Fashion Week with a bang – literally. The
glittery show resembled a New Year’s Eve party when confetti exploded as
MacDonald took his walk down the runway.
The British powerhouse designer teamed up with American powerhouse
stylist Rachel Zoe to show his luxe Spring 2007 collection of slinky
silk metallic dresses, sweeping floral gowns, and crisp white suits. In
between, he threw in fun halter dresses and hot swimsuits topped off
with cute cropped jackets. Jewel tones such as cobalt blue and vibrant
pink sapphire complemented the curve-hugging silhouettes. The collection
was glamorous and sexy to the max, but it was just a little too
reminiscent of Gucci à la Fall/Winter 2005. Is Macdonald the new Tom
Ford perhaps…? Whatever the verdict, no one can deny the glamorous sex
appeal Macdonald’s dreamy creations oozes.
FRONT ROW SCOOP: The front row was packed with British tabloid
favorites such as Cheryl Tweedy-Cole and Calum Best. Paris Hilton, who
famously strutted down the catwalk last season, was missing, along with
Zoe’s famous clients.
-- Paula Lee
Lulu Guinness is a British handbag icon who has built an empire on
whimsical small goods with a twist of 1950s flair. With distinctive
style and elegant lines, her bags have been spotted on the arms of
glamorous jet setters from all corners of the globe.
For her Spring/Summer 2007 collection, which hits stores this January,
Guinness opts to make a statement with suitcases, as well as luggage
inspired handbags. In shades ranging from bold black and white, to Kelly
green, and even a few with a passport motif, Lulu Guinness’s most recent
line of bags epitomize chi travel.
Continuing with her artistic collaborations, for Spring/Summer 2007,
Guinness also incorporates the creative styling of fellow British
artist, Carol Lake. Guinness enhances her already beautiful bags with
Lake’s vibrant signature print concocted especially for the 2007
collection. A finely woven canvas of hummingbirds and passionflowers,
Lake’s design graces an array of bag styles ranging from clutches to
totes. Functioning as an exterior pattern, as well as lining, the
gorgeous floral motif of pinks, greens, and violets are reminiscent of
an exquisitely manicured English garden.
- Katie Ermilio
Tucked away in the aisles of the Accessories Exhibition inside the
London Fashion Week tent is the sister-sister team that makes up luxury
British handbag line Angel Jackson. Launched in January 2005, the brand
is currently in its fourth season. The Spring 2007 collection is a
reflection of the “detail of stitching on a vintage dress,” said Milly,
one-half of Angel Jackson.
The inspiration for Spring 2007 is the sultriness of tropical Bali with
an infusion of vintage notes. The exoticness is evident in the
scrumptious leather clutches and lush colors (such as cool lime and
sun-baked bronze), while the dainty gold and silver mesh evening bags
are the epitome of vintage Hollywood glamour. The combination of the
rich textures, sexy python trimming, and girly gold chains is sure to
land Angel Jackson any serious bagista’s bag-a-licious wish list!
The collection includes must-have clutches, handbags, luggage, wallets,
and even belts ranging from about $200-$600. Currently, Angel Jackson is
available in select stores in the U.S., including the Cornelia Spa
Boutique in New York. You might even see these London imports in the
BagTrends SHOP soon!!
If you still can’t get enough, click your way over to
www.angeljackson.com.
-- Paula A Lee, Contributing Writer
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