Hello There: Malaika Firth

I was thrilled to see model Malaika Firth starring in the SS’14 Burberry Campaign (above) alongside a bevy of other pastel adorned Bright Young (British) Things.  

Yes, I admit, am biased in my support of this 19 year old upcoming model (I was raised on the Kenyan coast, near when Malika’s mother and her family are from) but mark my words, this model is set for BIIIG things. 

Malaika burst onto the fashion scene last July when she bagged a Prada Campaign (left) making her the first black model to represent the brand since Naomi Campbell in 1994 (the year Malaika was born!)  Since then, the Kenyan and Essex raised model has graced the cover of a Vogue supplement (above) walked a gazillion fashion week shows and even strutted down the Victoria Secret catwalk (below right, a role she was clearly destined for given that her name is Swahili for ‘Angel!’)

I first noticed Malaika when I was reviewing the Valentino SS’14 show.  I was utterly struck by her ethereal poise in what was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and exotic looks from the entire SS’14 Fashion Month (above left).

Trust me people, watch this space face.

H&M Rock'n'Roll Mansion Collection

When highstreet giant H&M decided to launch a Rock’n’Roll inspired collection, model Georgia May Jagger, the striking daughter of the Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, was a natural choice to front the campaign.  Behind the scene images of 20-year-old Georgia, famed for her bee-stung lips and gap-teeth, were released this month showing the model styled as a 1960s siren and being photographed by Terry Richardson on set in an English mansion.  Georgia has said of the range, “I think music influences fashion and has done so for generations. Music creates a certain mood and then people dress accordingly. I think it’s all quite closely intertwined."

The H&M Rock 'n' Roll Mansion spring/summer 2013 collection launches in H&M stores this month.

PFW - Chanel SS'13

‘Fashion Month’ always ends on a high in Paris with the iconic French fashion houses in competition to put on the most memorable of shows.  Chanel was never going to disappoint. Karl Lagerfeld had models parade his SS’13 Chanel collection along a wind turbine and solar panel lined runway in the cavernous hall of the Grand Palais.  Playing with this concept of wind and energy, the collection was, as Lagerfeld explained, “all about volume and lightness, because usually volume and lightness don’t go together.” 

Left:  Karl Lagerfeld in THAT shirt and THAT tie. A huge difference to usual monochromatic style.

Below:  The towering wind turbines. “Energy is the most important thing in life,”  Karl Lagerfeld told reporters backstage after the show.

The collection reflected the traditional heritage of the label and the elegance of Coco Chanel, particularly reflected in the tweed and pearl embellishment but with a distinctly modern aesthetic.  I really enjoyed seeing the cocoon cuts and bell sleeves which provided a relaxed feel amongst the summery, neutral colour palate that was chosen. 
 
Below and Left:  Before this model had even left the catwalk this hoola-hoop style handbag had caused a veritable storm on the Twittersphere.  I can't imagine this being the easiest of bags to manipulate whilst shopping, dancing or on the tube?!  I cannot wait to see who is seen out and about next summer with this particular piece of arm/shoulder candy! 

Above and Below:  Oversized pearls embellished a huge proportion of the Chanel SS'13 collection, with many of the models also wearing pearl chokers around their necks and pearl clusters around their wrists, and they all wore a single pearl in their ponytails. 

Below:  My favourite piece from the collection - the movement in this dress was gorgeous.

Below:  The beautiful Chanel-clad FROW (L-R)  Stylist (and fashion favourite of mine) Caroline Sieber, model Laura Bailey, DJ Leigh Lezark and model Poppy Delevigne.