I ♥ Preen...

During my regular net-a-porter 'new in' browsing session I came across the most beautiful dress I have ever seen in my entire life.

The beaded chiffon and crepe dress is the epitome of ladylike glamour.  The belted waist pulls in the waist creating the perfect hourglass silhouette while the skirt of the dress billows over the hips and finishes at the perfect classic midi length.  The beading on the cream bodice of the dress gives the dress texture and romance . 

Karl Lagerfeld does Diet Coke...

What's pink, white and black and will have everyone scrambling to their nearest Selfridge's to get their hands on them?  A Karl Lagerfeld designed Diet Coke bottle.  I have an Ugly Betty Diet Coke bottle on my bedroom dressing table that would appreciate some company off one of these.

The limited edition bottles will hit shelves in June and follow on from a number of diet coke and celeb collaborations from Patricia Field, Roberto Cavalli and Daft Punk, but Lagerfeld's is sure to be one of the most popular.  Speaking of the collaboration, Karl Lagerfeld himself admitted that it was an exciting thing for him because Diet Coke is 'his' drink.  Also admitting that back in 2001 he lost 7 stone (45 kg) from drinking only Diet Coke and eating only stewed vegetables.

The bottles are sure to be a hit, anything Karl Lagerfeld touches turns to gold...

HauteNYC...

My new article on HauteNYC is all about London fashion week.  Follow the link and read here;

Jenni Fleet HauteNYC London Fashion Week

Paris Fashion Week...

My ultimate favourite fashion week (yes, I have actually just admitted it).  Paris means one thing, classic designs from classic designers.  From Chanel to Chacharel, and Balenciaga, Paris Fashion Week is home to some of the leading names in the fashion industry.

Balenciaga set the tone for Thursday in Paris with a collection that had a very Miu Miu SS11 feel to it.  Looser shapes, oversized jackets and a somewhat sports luxe feel met with eclectic prints and colours and an array of textures.  Leather was used for draped skirts, knee pads on skinny trousers and trims at the bottom of skirts which made for a fantastic display of craftsmanship. Not necessarily a collection I'd wear, but a cleverly produced collection nonetheless.

From Balenciaga to Princess of Pretty, Nina Ricci. A beautiful collection in the most delicate of fabrics, sweet colours and intricate designs.  Moving from a beautiful embroidered black lace dress into chiffon draped dresses and a silk burgundy blouse worn with a sequin embellished jacket and tiered black skirt.  A 'dressing gown' esque coat in a fabulously thick cream knitted material worn with a peach high frilled neck blouse.  Iced blue suits, gathered chiffon and frilled necks moved into embellished chiffon blouses toughened up with a leather jacket and loose trousers and a beautiful tailored skirt suit with a magnificent fur hat.  It was grown up innocence created by the delicate material, shapes and ivory tights that moved into grown up glamour with the right bits nipped in at the right places.  Nina Ricci...I am truly in love.

Burberry Prorsum...

Through the true art of showmanship the Burberry Prorsum Fall 2011 collection made it's debut.  With an seemingly endless runway the show fell under the watchful eyes of Rachel Bilson, Alexa Chung, Anna Wintour, Kate Bosworth and Mario Testino (all Burberry clad of course). The collection started with a pop of colour with  a tangerine sculpted coat and moved towards a mouthwatering watermelon coloured bell bottomed coat with exposed pockets.  Chunky coats and heavy knit jumpers with toggle detailing were teamed with tremendously skinny trousers, which created an unlikely beautiful silhouette.

The primary coloured Burberry rainbow fizzled out through checked tweed coats into the Burberry trench in natures favourites; tan, brown, khaki and beige then onto an angelic closing of the collection populated by sleek shapes and a mostly monochrome palette.  Fur met with patent leather on short bomber jackets and trimmed longer 'bubble' coats.  Delicate bows clinched ivory drenched waists on the most beautiful coats I have ever seen in my life.  Fur became the shoulder pads and bled down the arms to the cuffs then there were the 'mac coats'.  In the shape of a classic Burberry mac, yet with the texture of a winter coat - patterned ivory wool was finished with a bow around the waist and a fur hat.  The collection came to a close through black and white checked tweet with the looser coats...then came the finale. A magical winter wonderland exploded as Christopher Bailey's creations took one more walk down the runway, ensuring the Burberry Prorsum Fall 2011 won't be one we'll be forgetting any time soon...

Oscar de la Renta...

A collection full of the designer's signature dramatic, luxurious touch. A collection fit for any Uptown heiress full to the brim with magnificent textures, patterns, colours and shapes.  Velvet and fur populated the majority of the collection, from fur stoles to fur hats, fur trimmed coats and velvet dresses.  With hints of velvet and silk the fur coats gave way to the dresses.  Oscar de la Renta is renown for his romantic gowns and this collection proved he is still the king of the evening gown.  From fur trims to delicate embroidery, panels of sheer chiffon and a touch of a Moroccan print, the collection was a full display of the man's ever growing talents.  Typically 'Oscar' dresses and a typically Oscar collection. I am besotted...

Proenza Schouler Fall 2011...

So I may be mixing my cities - I've reported on a couple of shows from London and now I'm hopping back to NYFW.  The reason being I really couldn't miss out Proenza Schouler.  One of my favourite designers ever expertly delivered their Fall 2011 at New York Fashion Week.  With low slung ponytails and aztec prints, the collection had a strong tribal feel to it.  Strong colours such as yellow, orange and royal blue met with the duller tones of khaki, mustard, black and white to create a fantastic mix of patterns.  Touches of silk, leather and velvet gave pieces texture, while belted waists and jackets gave pieces structure.  A strong collection that will appeal to the downtown in crowd and the Upper East Siders...

Mulberry Fall 2011...

With a fairytale Fantastic Mr. Fox theme the Mulberry show took place in the ballroom at Claridges in London.  Decorated with woodland scenery; giant toadstools, stuffed birds and drenches of foliage, the show began - minus Alexa Chung sat front row.  The majority of the collection was very earthy, with muted colours; beige, aubergine, khaki, grey and hints of tan.  Then  in-between was the classic pops of colour in a deep plum, and lilac. Styles were classic mixed with contemporary with quilted trench coats worn over dresses with a flouncy hem.  Jodpur style trousers with knee boots, box pleated a line minis and culottes.  My favourite piece from the collection was the box pleat Mulberry purple print mini skirt worn with a simple lilac roll neck, classic yet young and playful.  The blogs are alive with the sound of Mulberry....