Video Interviews at Vauxhall Fashion Scout: Anna Lee and Nicole Murray.

So, when these were shot, the whole video interview thing was new to us. Please excuse the shaky hand, often questionable focus and the awkward interview voice, which is indeed Harriet's. 

When attending Vauxhall Fashion Scout's exhibition, Harriet took the chance to talk to a few of the designers whose collections caught her eye the most. Videos allow us to really translate the collection to you all - catwalk shots are cool but sometimes don't capture what we're interested in, which is the methods, materials and thought processes designers go through. And what better way to deliver all of this than video interviews with them? We hope you enjoy these! 

Anna Lee is a young designer, who after graduating from De Monfort University went on to be awarded the Zandra Rhodes Catwalk Textiles Award at Graduate Fashion Week in 2010. I met Anna by chance at the National Portrait Gallery's All Walks event, and it was great to see her collection up close at Fashion Week, I really want some of the crazy leggings! Such beautiful, skillfull prints. 

Above I talked to Nicole Murray about her Autumn Winter collection, Evie and I loved Nicole's designs from the moment we saw them up close last year, her traditional techniques that are adapted to the modern woman create garments that are beautiful, feminine, and wearable. This collection introduced leather, which was a gorgeous chestnut colour and so soft!  

We're going to be entering the realms of film much more from now on, using our YouTube channel, so keep watching!

Harriet hits London Fashion Week Day 1

Today, was day one of London Fashion Week. Anyone who knows me, will know how indecisive I am, so as you can imagine, it took me a very long time to get my arms out of my wardrobe this morning, and eventually onto the train which took me to my favourite city. I felt a little out of place on my local bus in platform wedges, 70's wide leg trousers and Evie's vintage biker jacket, but upon arrival at Somerset House, that all changed. 

I picked up my press badge from reception, along with a  canvas Mulberry tote bag which was invaluable storage for the leaflets/look books/cards i seem to have built up quite a collection of today. From there, I made my way around sections of the exhibition which spans through most of the building.

Stand still for 5 minutes in the courtyard and you become a honeypot for street-style snappers. I awkwardly posed for Fashion156, Vogue Portugal, Elle, and several style bloggers, amongst them Aindrea (writer of This Is Rags) and Nathalie (writer of No No Coco) who became lovely company from then on after a good chat about forgetting to take out lens caps off cameras and spending all of our money on clothes (Aindrea managed to save up £150 once…and spent it in Topshop on the way to the bank). 

We made our way around the Elle Launchpad exhibition and found some gorgeous things. My inner magpie came to the surface, as you'll see from my photos that will be posted as soon as I have time, the jewellery on offer was simply divine. We also loved the angular and adventurous sunglasses and beautiful fur coats (though I wish they'd been faux, I love foxes…when they're alive). 

Once we parted ways, with Nathalie debating whether to go to the PPQ afterparty and Aindrea making her way to Felder Felder, I left Somerset House in search of Freemasons Hall, venue of Vauxhall Fashion Scout. A much needed Redbull was offered on my exit, and I couldn't resist another caffeine kick in Pret en route. After inevitable location troubles (due to my terrible map reading), I found the venue and explored the exhibition. Amongst the designers showing were Nicole Murray, whose collections Evie and I have adored for some time now, and Anna Lee, who I spent Friday evening with at the National Portrait Gallery All Walks Late Shift! It was lovely to catch up and see their collections, Nicole has been using gorgeous chestnut leather and rich mauves and burnt oranges, whilst Anna Lee's vivid orient-inspired printed jersey and leggings are definitely now on my wish list. I filmed video interviews with both designers, so you can see their collections and get to know them as well! 

At 7.30, Jasper Garvida's show was due to start, however we were still queuing in the bitter London chill at 8! Once everyone made it inside, the show soon kicked off. With classical versions of brilliant songs such as Nirvana Smells Like Teen Spirit guiding the models down the runway, the show was an interesting one. I have it all filmed and ready to post, and for this I risked my life by joining other brave camera users on a ledge, balancing precariously in my extremely high heels! 

I wish I could have stayed and partied, but I am definitely Nottingham bound on the train, platforms off, blueberry muffin out, looking forward to a well deserved cup of tea that my brother has promised to make me when I get in at 1. It's been a lovely start to Fashion Week, I'll be posting the films, photographs and reports after some much-needed sleep. I'm looking forward to whatever the rest of the week may  hold, remember to follow us on Twitter for regular updates on what we're up to!

We interview Fashion Designer Nicole Murray

We photographed the whole collection whilst interviewing Nicole, prepare to fall in love.

On our recent trip to London, we were invited to the home of up-and-coming fashion designer, Nicole Murray, to view her collections and ask lots of questions!

Despite only having created two collections so far, Nicole is making her mark on the fashion scene with her work, creating garments ranging from floor-sweeping red carpet elegance to classic camel trousers and blazers. She was awarded a place on the Masters Degree course at London College of Fashion after Harold Tillman, Chairman of the British Fashion Council was particularly impressed by her degree show from Nottingham Trent University. Since then, she has gone on to show at London Fashion Week's On/Off show, stock her first luxurious collection in London's prestigious Harrods, and is set to sell her creations alongside Louise Goldin and Eley Kishimoto at the coming-soon online designer boutique 'Watch That Label'.

By seeing Nicole's collection first-hand, we had the chance to admire and find out more about the materials and finishes, which Nicole puts a lot of thought in to. She told us that the Masters course emphasised finishes of garments, which is why each dress has a built in corset, giving the perfect silhouette and eliminating any underwear problems! Nicole has a great aptitude with silks, and emphasised her passion for using those that are of the highest quality from France and Italy. In the SS11 collection we also saw wool being used in innovative ways.

We asked Nicole about her inspirations, and she told us that she loves taking a technique and making it more personal. This is evident through the smocking, hand fraying and lace in her garments. She really turns these traditional methods into something unexpected and beautifully unique, even though they are sometimes so intricate it becomes rather time consuming- the hand frayed trims (shown below) on one dress took two days to make! We saw that whilst the clothes were fuss-free, Nicole included personal quirks, explaining that she particularly likes to play with high necklines and low backs, which we thought was definitely a combination that sets the tone for the understated elegance that runs through each of her collections.

Like ourselves, Nicole particularly admires the designs at Chloe, Celine and Burberry, and told us that she would love to design for Lanvin. Whilst we were looking through the rail she pointed out that the dress below was almost worn by Dannii Minogue on a recent X-Factor live show, however it was a little too sheer for the gleam of the studio lights!

We loved spending the evening with Nicole and her equally as creative other half, musician Tom Wardle. Her designs were modern yet classic, and beautifully feminine.We're very excited to have been invited to the launch of the Collection of Curiosities pop-up shop situated in Holborn London next Thursday. Nicole will be selling her exquisite lambskin gloves and particular one-off pieces from her AW10 collection alongside other designers. It'll be a great chance to find out more and talk to other fans of her work!

Take a look at Nicole's website for the inspiring photo shoots and a video of her catwalk show.

Birmingham Style Live trends

70s Charlie's Angel

The glossy influence of the 1970s creates our favourite look of the Birmingham Style Live trends.

High-waisted leg-lengthening trousers paired with silk blouses showed that you don't have to be a Charlie's Angel to kick ass.

Romantic Lace

Winter lace made a come back in blacks and creams, dresses remained at mini length to show legs eleven.

Heavy contrasting jewellery is a must for this trend.

Grunge Glamour

Floor sweeping evening gowns create a statement even when covered with the laid back cool of a slouchy knit.

This effortless glamour with an hard edge creates a look every woman wants to achieve.

Leopard Spots

Fashion's favourite animal print was seen against reds and black to give a flirtatious wild side.

Our favourite items were the variations of leopard coats: fur or mac style.

Liquorice All sorts

Blocks of bright colours were juxtaposed everywhere on the catwalk, creating a beautiful bold look. This trend is one of the easiest and makes a nice change to the dull weather of winter.

Dress up box

Sparkle, sparkle, sparkle. This trend exhibited showing off to the maximum, with luxurious furs, mega heels and sequins all round. Exquisite embroidery was paired with bold colours and big bows.

Boho Poets

Dusty hues and florals presented on paper-thin frocks. Old-fashioned romance  has been revived as long sleeve knits are layered over artist smocks. Dickie bows and knit jumpers were seen under suits on the men, whilst knee high socks were teamed with brogues for the ladies.

Ladylike/All woman

Evening dresses inspired by 1950s full skirts and beautiful floral patterns mixed with modern corset tops. The celebration of curves used emphasised nipped in tiny waists and full hips.

Lingerie

The crowds screamed as the men strutted their stuff in only boxers, all in the name of fashion, of course.