Hello There: Florian London

With visions of my summery straw clutches dissolving in the onslaught of rain fast approaching, my eyes have been on the lookout for a sturdier handbag to accompany me into Autumn. It is however, becoming harder and harder these days to find an affordable, yet elegant, British-made handbag label.  Enter: Florian London, the latest arm-candy I’ve recently discovered. 

Launching in 2011, and by British architecture, the brand recently celebrated international recognition, winning two design prizes at the prestigious Independent Handbag Awards ceremony in New York, and is now set to be stocked in Bloomingdales. 

SO… with handbags to fit both my lifestyle and wardrobe, ranging from roomy doctor’s bags, to brightly coloured totes and sleek clutches, picking just one to swing about town was a toughy!  I was however, particularly drawn to the Florian London City Shopper in sky grey (how apt!)  The structured leather shopper has gold hardware (always my preference), plenty of practical compartments (including one which fits my always on-the-move laptop!) and has THE most ridiculously sweet ‘Alice in Wonderland’ printed cotton interior (below).  The gorrrgeous people at Florian London even monogrammed my new bag for me... And we all know just HOW much I LOVE a monogram!  ​We’re now the best of pals and together, all set for what the heavens have to offer us in the coming months! 
Florian London City Shopper in Sky Grey RRP. £295.00

Maison Lejaby's 130th Anniversary Show at The Lido, Paris

Last week I woke up at the crack of sparrows and jumped on the Eurostar headed for The Lido in Paris to celebrate French lingerie leader Maison Lejaby’s 130th anniversary.  

The decadence of The Lido at the heart of the Champs Elysees was the perfect setting for the dazzling one-off, hour-long show the lucky audience was spoiled with.  Over seventy of the Lido’s infamous resident dancers, alongside several prima ballerinas, burlesque dancers and opera singers, took their guests throught the decades of the brand’s history, performing various enchanting routines whilst showcasing some spectacular Maison Lejaby couture, ultra-feminine RTW lingerie sets and striking swimwear.  

The highlights for me were the stunning Swarovski encrusted, boned ballet tutu (above, which took over 150 hours to create!) worn to open the show and an ethereal and mesmeric white silk gown worn during a solo performance to close (below).  

I thought the extensive Art Deco and Art Nouveau (below) collections were particularly elegant, and the flowing silk gowns and full-length chiffon robes extremely glamorous.  

Below:  A little (albeit quite fuzzy!) sneak peak of the show I made on my phone...

Maison Lejaby’s CEO Alain Prost, appointed in 2012, spearheaded the event and was emotional about the brand’s return to the French couture spirit.  Whilst on stage, Alain explained, “this event marks a new chapter for Maison Lejaby and gives us more strength and even more energy for our project Esprit Couture à la Française. This day will remain an unforgettable moment for our company and for the whole team for years to come.” 

BELOW:  Afterwards I went for the most delicious lunch off the Champs Elysees (wearing a skirt from H&M, heels from Zara, a vintage shirt from Budapest and a Mulberry Bryn handbag) where I had the most incredible fresh cream macaroons… Ooh La La all round!

Maison Lejaby now has a salon on the Rue Royale in Paris and offers the most beautifulHaute Couture, which of course represents the very essence of French luxury.  Lucky Londoners can head over to Rigby and Peller for an underwear makeover and buy their pretty Maison Lejaby sets (which come in an impressively wide variety of sizes) HERE. 

Hello There: Kirsten Goss

Since launching her first jewellery collection in London in 2002, South African designer and gemologist Kirsten Goss’ unique designs continue to go from strength to strength.  Despite being an internationally enjoyed brand, with celebrity fans including Sarah Jessica Parker and Rosamund Pike, and a shop in Kensington, Kirsten likes to keep her brand South African at heart with all her designs being created in in her design studio in Durban, saying “I love that we’re on the international stage but keep what we do South African.”

Kirsten Goss’ most recent collection is entitled ‘Arcade,’ (below) and was inspired by the flamboyance of 'The Great Gatsby’ and the opulence of the art deco era. This beautiful range includes elegant earrings, striking cuffs and cut-out necklaces made with semi-precious stones with delicate silver and gold vermeil.

 Below (Clockwise) L-R:  Dandy Earrings - RRP. £335.00, Wilde Earrings - RRP. £135.00, Queenie Bracelet - RRP. £325.00, Sweetpea Ring - RRP. £295.00

Above:  I was very sweetly given an early birthday present by Kirsten Goss;  a Lifesaver Necklace with my gold initial and green agate pendant (below at the Chelsea Farmer's Market).  I adore it and have barely taken this beauty off since I received it.  Versatile and fun, I am excited to add more of the affordable and interchangeable semi-precious pendants to my collection, allowing me to alternate its look depending on my outfit.

The 'Arcade' collection and Lifesaver Necklace are available online (www.kirstengoss.com) and from Kirsten Goss' London shop (29 Holland Street, W8 4NA).