Austerity vs Luxury

Hi everyone I just wanted to let you know that I got invited by The Trend Boutique to speak to students from various universities at the French Institute in London.
I was amongst other speakers including
Sally Denton: The Trend Boutique
Debbie Laurent:from Front Foot Marketing
Eli Ankutse: co founder of Apetogentleman/ Nivan & Joshua
Lucy Norris: Creative Director Pret-a-Rever.

It was a great opportunity to talk to students about the issue of Austerity v Luxury in today's society. I was able to share my experience as a textile designer, designing for various markets including the Supermarket chains- ie Asda/ Geroge, Tesco and Sainsburys.
And how these chains are quickly catching up with the high street stores. The fact we all look at same catwalks and go 'Inspirationl' shopping at the same places- basically the design process is the same.

I hope I was able to inspire the students too to work hard- this industry is very competitive and you need to not only just have talent but network skills too.
It was a great seminar and I hope to do future talks to students......cause they are the future!!!!

Watch out for my Trend talk at The Design Forum on 1st March. Talking trend for Spring Summer 13 with W4D

DOLLY MIX VINTAGE SHOP......

I don't know about you but I LOVE vintage clothing. And a couple of weeks ago I was told about Dolly Mix Vintage shop by my lovely Caroline. So today I wanted to talk about the Dolly Mix Vintage shop in Leicester a Vintage Heaven tucked away on Cank Street.http://www.dollymixvintage.com/#

When I went in I was literally in Vintage Heaven. This shop has two floors filled with vintage clothing and Accessories from top to bottom. The shop is owned by Jackie Patrick and her daughter Catherine Howell who runs the sister shop called Pink Pigeon. Another great find and for a future blog.

What amazed me was not only the clothing but all things that sat with them IE old teacups and saucers.My favourite was the old type writer in the menswear department. The Bogart framed poster and old radios......there is a lot of history in this store. I am always drawn to the shirts and jackets and resisted buying the amazing vintage bags as I had purchased one the week before- but hey one can never have enough bags-its not just the ladies who like their accessories! Men there is so much in this shop.

The store is defiantly worth visiting you will not want to come out. They even have their own vintage stylist Claire who looked amazing. She is there to advise you on what to wear and any other questions regarding how to wear vintage!
The shop is setting up a vintage wedding room/ boutique for those that are looking for something special and not on the high street. These girls will certainly dress you up and make you feel wonderful.

Anyway if you are in Leicester pop by and I know you will not leave with out purchasing a bargain and a one off piece that certainly will give you pleasure.
Please note I have so many more pics to show but these are for another time. I will certainly be writing up on these guys again for more fab pics.....

Its Friday!!

Ok it's Friday- and I really did not want to travel today. Well despite having an early start the only thing to wear was my Faux Fur Hat, Zara Coat and Brick Red Corduroy.
But my favourite item is my leather Vintage bag from Pop Boutique in Liverpool. It's great as I carry my laptop in it and other essential items for a designer.
My shawl is from India and always makes me appreciate colour in fact Victoria the product designer almost swatched it for her trend board.
It is a beautiful blue colour and my thoughts of india come to mind everytime I wear it.
Anyway I'm looking forward to getting home so over and out. Embrace the cold you can still look great!!

DRIES VAN NOTEN SPRING SUMMER 2012 COLLECTION

Ok its the new year and I love January, not necessarily because of making new year resolutions but because the Fashion Magazines are full of the New Spring/ Summer Collections. Although I have seen these already back in September on http://www.style.com/ I am always full of joy to see the Collections again especially after the Christmas season.
One of my favourite designers is Dries Van Noten who never fails to deliver an amazing show. And this season is no exception. The models wore beautiful couture inspired shape outfits. These were printed with Palm prints and outdoor scenes. My favourite prints is his collaboration with english photographer living in france, James Reeves http://www.jamesreeve.com/ depicting night time scenes from Las Vegas. I am assuming these are digitally printed to keep the essence of James's photographs.

I also love the botanical florals patch worked into beautiful statement pieces. DVN always shows a strong collection each season and for me this is simply beautiful........can't wait for his next collection.

Photography: Yannis Vlamos

ON THE BBC ASIAN NETWORK

Hi Guys

I was invited again on the BBC Asian Network on the Sonia Deol show,which aired last Tuesday. I was talking all things Fashion for the christmas season. I discussed Colour/ Body shapes/Fabrics etc whats in and what not to wear- so listen in. It will put a smile on your smile.

Go to the BCC Asian Network:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00jhgf4  and scroll down on the left hand side.

Click on Bottom Left hand side and  Fashion expert Davinder Madaher talks Xmas party fashion. When the box comes up go forward to about 1:16 hours into the show.

But do it quick as there is only two days left!!

ENJOY!!!
Davinder

Davinder

NEW BLOSSOM PRINT

Hi everyone I love the Oriental Trend for bedding. I thought you might like to check the new Blossom print that I worked on as part of the design team at Littlewoods. The print is not only on bedding but is also on rugs/ cushions and curtains.

NEW JOULES PRINTS

You may think I am going Joules Clothing crazy as im writing another post on this great british brand. I was on their website today and there to my surprise was the Lemar Print that we worked on as part of the Joules Design team recoloured in lovely blues / pinks and yellow called Arielle for girlswear.  I love the skirt. It looks great for this season!! I can imagine my Naomi wearing the dress with fun stockings and boots. In fact its no surprise that the print was put on their wellies. So if you are looking for a fab outfit for your little girl this is a must have.

Images from courtesy of Joules Clothing.