Bora Aksu Autumn Winter 12 was a show to which I was particularly excited to be invited. As the first models emerged I knew this was a collection that I would love. The first thing that struck were the delicate lace head pieces worn by many of the models.

Inspired by the stories and images of the Vivian girls by Henry Darger in his epic ‘The Realms of the Unreal’, the collection was filled with vintage looks.

Scarf-like hats wrapped around the models heads and pinned at the chin were reminiscent of traditional Eastern European folk dress:

Taking reference from his inspiration, some of the silhouettes lended an haunting child-like quality:

Pale pinks and oranges are the perfect anitdote to Winter’s usual palette of browns and greys and blacks and blues.

The finale, as all of the models returned to the catwalk to almost stampede together, was a fashion feast for the eyes:

What do you make of the Turkish designer’s Autumn Winter collection?

Exactly a week ago I was in line for the Autumn Winter 2012 Jasper Conran show at the BFC tent at Somerset House. Patiently waiting to be allowed in to take our seats.

Last season I managed to gate-crash Japser Conran’s show - when I say gate-crash, I mean that I politely asked the doormen if there was any chance they could let me sneak in at the back – to which they graciously agreed. From the minute the models appeared on the catwalk I was mesmerised and fell completely for the entire collection. So this season I wanted to be in on the action again – legitimately, if possible. Well, with huge thanks to Jasper Conran’s PR team, I received my invitation on the day I was leaving to go to London for Fashion Week – and was overjoyed. Of course with such anticipation it was bound to be a disappointment? Not one bit!!

For Autumn Winter 2012 Jasper Conran has created the sort of tailored and polished collection for which he has become well-known. However there’s a softer feel to the collection too and a fun side to it – with sequined lined coats that sparkled unexpectedly as the models sashayed down the catwalk.

“Cashmere, tweed, flannel and faille give texture, a softened line and subtle sheen. Tones of tan, cocoa, stormy grey and uncompromising black injected with shots of molten metal. Half belts, tabs, bows and buttons set the standard.

“Silks in muted pinks and silvered greys reveal a glimpse of feathers, fringing and glittering gems for cut-to-the-knee finery.”*

A matt black jersey floor-length dress with awide gaping neckline created a dramatic finale to an iconic collection.

What do you think of Jasper Conran Autumn Winter 2012 collection?

*Taken from the show press release.

Last Friday morning Antoni Burakowski and Alison Roberts opened London Fashion Week with their Autumn Winter 2012 show which they entitled ‘Models walking up and down in dresses’. If I’m honest, I had little idea what to expect from the collection, despite having done a fair amount of background research before the show*.

A 9am start is difficult to drum up the whole fashion crows – particularly after a number of opening parties on the Thursday night. But when I arrived at Somerset House – with just minutes to spare – there was already quite a crowd waiting to be let into the BFC tent. As we were ushered in there was a kind of calm about the tired but still stylish people taking their seats. We were soon rudely awoken with the very loud voice-over introducing the show, followed by the equally loud soundtrack – no-one was going to be allowed to snooze during this show!

Marking 25 years of working together, since the couple met at Central St Martin’s College of Art & Design, the collection, they said was one which they had always wanted to make, but only now had technology allowed it to become a reality:

Antoni & Alison, on the Designer’s Page for LFW, say “We have always aspired to make ‘zip up and go’ pieces.” The pieces they showed for AW12 are certainly that. Despite the intricate looks of the pieces, they are in fact 2D designs on what are essentially silk t-shirt dresses. Wearable? Yes. Desireable? Certainly. Innovative? Most definitely.

Tweed, over-sized buttons, ribbons, sequins, glitter and splashes of colour created the idea of texture. Skirt-and-top looks were created with the mix of fabrics or colours.

The shimmering tuxedo dress was the pièce de résistance of this stunning and unexpected collection:

What do you think of the collection? And the use of mix mediums transformed into these 2D wearable silk dresses?

*Yes, that’s right – I’m a geek!!

When I first spotted this make-up look from the Clements Riberio Autumn Winter 2012 show over on Beauty and the Dirt, I couldn’t take my eyes off the hot pink lips and couldn’t help but think that it would be a pretty easy look to recreate at home:

On the Clements Ribeiro site, they say of the look:

For the A/W hair and make up look, think fierce beauty: a dewey natural face very clear, very clean. Eyes are clean too, lashes barely outlined, a dollop of natural clear gloss for luminosity. 

The face is all about the lips: bright, saturated shocking pink, almost like pure pigment, intense but matte. 

Beautifully put together by Cassie Lomas, at Bourjois.

The hair is is anchored on a wide black jersey band, that sharply frames the face; from it a textured swoop, artfully natural arches backwards on a weird chignon. Elegant? Perhaps, but definitely a bit sinister, a bit undone. 

To recreate the look yourself at home, follow these five easy steps:

1. Use Boots No7′s Airbrush Away Primer to create an even base which will hold;
2. Choose Boots 17′s Miracle Matt Foundation;
3. For the hot pink lips, choose Boots No7′s Vital Brights Lipstick in Blossoming Pink;
4. Keep eyes clear with a slick of Boots 17 Clear Definition Mascara;
5. And finally, finish the entire look with some Boots 17 Shine Control Pressed Powder over your face and lips to give a slightly more matt finish to the pink lipstick.

What do you think of the look from Clements Ribeiro? Check out the collection here.

*Bargain tip: get the look for less as Boots 17 is currently on offer for 3-4-2!!