Finding Neverland

The Peter Pan collar has hit the high street again after celebrities such as Natalie Portman, Emma Watson, Nicole Richie and Agyness Deyn have worn the trend recently. The collar has rounded edges that meet or overlap and tend to be small.

Named after the Peter Pan story, this collar is proof that we never really want to grow up!



1. Black Daisy Print Peter Pan Collar Shell Top, £32.00 @ Topshop
2. Cream Peter Pan collar top, £29.50 @ Dorothy Perkins
3. Love Label Peter Pan collar lace dress, £38.00 @ Very
4. Peterpan Collar Jersey Dress, £25.00 @ ASOS
5. Spotty Dress, £28.99 @ New Look
6. Leopard Print Peter Pan collar top, £26.99 @ River Island

Post written by @lizdean1989, Liz Dean

Zahair Murad: Prince of Couture

From London to Paris: Sitting on the third row in the Salon Vendôme at the Hôtel Ritz, Paris, the lights go down and Zuhair Murad’s Couture Runway show for S/S 2011 commences. Unlike his minimalist and modern colour palette of white, cream, beige, nude, gold and red, and shorter length gowns seen in his previous couture collections “Romantic Intimacy” A/W 2010 and “Officer’s Muse” S/S 2010, Murad took couture back to the 70s (such as the S/S 2011 Prêt-à-porter lines did with the neon colour palette), with a multicoloured palette and XL floor length gowns. At the same time, Murad took us back much further than the 70s, several centuries in fact, with his elaborate incarnations of Athena, Hera and Theia: Greek Goddesses. I found this to be the theme for his S/S 2011 Couture line entitled “L’Hymne au désert’ which saw jewellery as armour for the body and the dresses themselves, including gold arm bracelets, XL gold wrist cuffs, and jewelled waist belts. Of course, the runway finished with Murad’s signature bridal couture…feel like getting married tomorrow? I do not blame you! If Haute Couture had a royal family, Zuhair Murad would certainly be a prince!

Voilà, I present to you my ‘Coups de Coeur’ from this collection:

Post written by Miriam Kildare

Student writers wanted for MFN

Manchester Fashion Network are looking for student writers to join their Editorial Team. The Manchester Fashion Network is the one-stop portal for the fashion business in the North West, a business-to-business network that spans the region and every corner of the industry. The Editorial Team are responsible for the promotion of the fashion industry within the North West and the interests of the valued MFN members and partner brands. As a member of the Editorial Team you will have exclusive access to some of the region’s top events, meet some of the industry’s most important business leaders and have invaluable experience writing for a respected online news portal.


If you’re interested in finding out more please email the Editor at:

jordan@manchesterfashion.com

MFN is a fantastic website for anyone interested in fashion and especially those who are looking to have a career in the fashion industry. So have a browse!!

http://www.manchesterfashion.com/

HAIL SARAH WAYNE

Despite its muted colour palette, the clothes from Sarah Wayne’s collection still manage to scream “va va voom” whether you are visiting the Eiffel Tower, Millennium Wheel, Rockefeller centre or even whilst reluctantly walking to your 9am lecture! So what exactly is it about this collection, created by the up and coming designer Sarah Ohana, which makes it appealing in an age where it is difficult for newcomers to distinguish themselves?

Well firstly the philosophy behind this designer’s collection is resonant of the modern day woman: « Sarah Wayne est une mode qui ne s’inspire pas d’hier et qui ne pense pas à demain, c’est une mode immédiate, qui accompagne le désir des Femmes de se renouveler tous les jours. »

My translation: « Sarah Wayne’s style is one which does not look to yesterday nor to tomorrow, it is the fashion of today, and aims to aid the female’s everyday desire to try out new things. »

With such a ‘here and now’ perspective on fashion, no wonder this collection transcends the rigged borders on the atlas, permitting it to be a collection for students, interns and young professionals alike in several cities around the globe.

As well as the philosophy behind the collection, there are the clothes themselves!
The first look in the picture above: denim shirt with badge, classic black mini, neat black blazer and ribbed tights is an optimal look to denote 'school girl all grown up'. The second look: Checked shirt, ripped silver tee and fitted black trousers is très urban chic. Last but not least, the third look: Lace top with padded shoulders and black trousers defines the style of Sarah Wayne’s collection, a style I like to call “Relaxed Luxury”. Why? Because for each look there is a combination of classic pieces put together with a casual modern twist.

So, how can we accessorise this collection with the words “relaxed luxury” hanging admirably over our heads? For a bag, a satchel à la Maje (below).

However, on a student or young professional’s budget, a satchel chez Topshop or chez H&M works just as well! And for shoes? These wedge ankle boots from Blowfish keep that ‘relaxed luxury’ look going to your feet.

1. Leather Look Satchel £14.99 H&M
2. Washed Leather Satchel £50 Topshop
3. Blowfish Heigal Boots £64.99 Schuh

For all the Wayneuses (and everyone else): www.sarahwayne.com

Post written by Miriam Kildare.

The Spring Fashion Show

Hi all! I recently received an email from a group of organisers about a fashion show which I thought would interest you! So here is the info they sent me!

It's an annual show for charity in Manchester with 2011's show on 11th Feb at Bar 38 on Deansgate. You can see the website here with a variety of photos and info about the show http://www.springfashionshow.co.uk

They have previously had a extremely successful Spring Fashion Show in Manchester in 2010 and it's sister show in Leeds, The End of Summer Fashion Show in 2009 & 2010 http://www.endofsummerfashionshow.co.uk

Their previous shows have been a great success gaining attention from a number of editorials and websites, as well as giving the designers and models etc involved in the show experience in the industry and a chance to make those valuable contacts. They have had some great success stories from people who've volunteered in the shows.

The charity they have chosen to support is Unicef, a recognised charity giving support to children all over the world.

The venue of the event will be at Bar 38 in Manchester and not only will there be a show, but there'll be a fashion market open from 5pm with a variety of goodies for sale, ranging from jewelery to clothing to cakes!

Have a look at the Facebook event if you are interested.

This is the video of last years Spring Fashion Show:

Spring Fashion Show - Manchester 2010 Part1 - The Video from victoria rosso on Vimeo.

Body Armour

If, like me, you’re obsessed with armour jewellery at the moment then you need to know about American-born Armor. New York-based designer, Sandee Shin, has created an inspiring range of jewellery that flits between simple minimalism and dramatic, cutting edge fashion. So whatever mood you’re in and whatever look you’re modelling, you are sure to find something for every occasion.



Each creation is handmade to order in New York and shipping is available to the UK. Prices range from around £80 to the slightly pricier, but many of the pieces are multi-functional and can be worn in multiple ways so if you’re strapped for cash, invest in one item and get creative!

Alternatively, Topshop and ASOS have produced some great, cheaper options so there’s no excuse not to don your armour and join the chain gang. Clad your hands in magnificent metal for the perfect way to toughen up your LBD, and add instant edge to your jeans-and-tee combo with detailed shoulder chains.


1. Topshop Armour Ring: £16.00
2. Topshop Armour Ring: £14.00
3. Silver Armour Ring: $65.00
4. ASOS Statement Articulated Metal Ring: £15.00
5. Vivienne Westwood Armour Ring: £150.00
6. Silver Pointy Ring: $50.00


Post written by Jacqui Kearney.