Graduate Fashion Week 09: Gala Award Highlights

Style Note: The Isabella Oliver Cape

Posted by London Darling

Yesterday was one of those cold and breezy days in London when you really need something warm and snug to wrap up in. And what better way to wrap up than in a cape. It's the perfect alternative to a winter coat. I received this beautiful one as a Christmas Gift from one of my favourite labels Isabella Oliver.

London Fashion Week Diary: BODYAMR

Posted by London Darling

The BODYAMR show was one that I was particularly looking forward to, and it was well worth the wait. The signature draping that I love still played a huge role in the collection as an abundance of luxe fabrics and beaded embellishment.

Giveaway: Win Tickets to the 2010 Vitality Show!

Posted by London Darling

The lovely team at Vitality are treating three lucky readers to a pair of free tickets! Running from 18th-21st March in London’s Earls Court 2, Vitality is the UK’s largest health, beauty, fitness and wellbeing event for women.

Beauty Buzz: Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare

Posted by London Darling

I recently changed my beauty regime to include the Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, the Instant Boost Skin Tonic and Skin Repair Moisturiser. It's been just six days, and already I've seen a noticeable difference in the clarity of my complexion and the texture of my skin.

Graduate Fashion Week 09: Gala Award Highlights

A big congratulations to Myrto Samou of UCA Rochester who won the fifth annual River Island Gold Award. Yesterday's Gala was a highly anticipated event with an array of fashion luminaries in attendance including models Claudia Schiffer, Erin O'Connor and designer Giles Deacon.

The Gold award, which is the most significant and prestigious prize for Graduate Fashion was greatly deserved by Mytro for her beautifully feminine, Grecian inspired, minimalist collection.

Praised for it's distinctive style, Richard Bradbury, CEO of River Island was brimming with enthusiasm for the winners' work, saying: “I thought it was a beautiful collection with a distinctive style. All the judges agreed that you would not be surprised to see this range on sale tomorrow. The quality, the attention to detail and the clarity of the focus of the collection made it hard to believe this was the work of a graduating student.”

Myrto Samou's Collection

The judges who included Lorraine Candy, editor of British Elle and fashion mogul Matthew Williamson all came the a unanimous decision that Mytro's designs were a cut above the rest embodying a certain quality parallel to that of an established designer. Mytro impressed the judges consistently enough to also walk away with the Womenswear award.

The Menswear award went to Mehmet Ali, who in describing the influences and direction of his collection won over the judges. Lorraine Candy described his design thesis as "very intelligent" and hailed him a great all rounder with a shining portfolio.

Mehmet Ali and the models with Richard Bradbury and Lorraine Candy

Other winners on the night included Charlotte Simpson who won the Zandra Rhodes Catwalk Textile Award and the Fashion Innovation Award went to Nicola Morgan both graduates from Northumbria University.

The celebrities in attendance were endorsing some key trends for the season; Claudia Schiffer looked fantastic in a boyfriend blazer and nude top, Erin O'Connor and Dasha Zhukova wore statement prints, whilst Amber le Bon achieved 'Olde English' sophistication with brocade shoe boots and a tailored jacket.