London Fashion Week welcomes the legend, Manolo Blahnik

The most fashionable place in the world right now is of course London. A sentiment that clearly isn't lost on Manolo Blahnik as this morning the celebrated luxury footwear designer hosted a special presentation of his spring/ summer 2014 collection as part of London Fashion Week. It was the designer's first ever official spot on the Capital's fashion week schedule and the announcement, made back in August, was met with much excitement from London's fashionable elite.

A sight to behold: Manolo Blahnik spring/ summer 2014

Image courtesy www.vogue.co.uk

And boy were they were right to be excited. Held in the plush screening room at the Covent Garden Hotel the presentation was delivered via a short film shot by Micheal Roberts and starring Rupert Everett and Lucy Birley. But naturally it was the shoes that were really the stars of the show and all eyes were on the actors' feet as they danced tantalisingly before the audience's eyes.

The Royal Seal of Approval: The Duchess of Cambridge 

oozes class and power in her "Manolos"

Image courtesy of www.wwd.com 

Manolo Blahnik, born in Gran Canaria, is known (and indeed loved) for his signature style of delicate stiletto-heeled sandals and mules. Elegant, refined, though in no way simple or plain, the "Manolo" has been worn by everyone from Princess Lady Diana to our modern-day princess The Duchess of Cambridge. This royal connection was referenced in the designer's spring /summer collection by way of a pair of ornate gold slippers. There was also a regal scattering of fabric covered button fastenings, cushion tassels and jewel toned satin pulled together with impeccable stitching. In fact the notably highly-stylised designs set an altogether regal tone. Albeit, one that was infused with Blahnik's acute sense of fun and fantasy. It was a very British affair, if I may say.

Shoe fit for a Queen: Manolo Blahnik spring/ summer 2014

This season's take on the classic black "Manolo" stiletto sets a regal tone

Manolo Blahnik spring/ summer 2014

Images courtesy of www.vogue.co.uk

That in no way, however, insinuates that the the designer was shunning his Spanish roots. For there was plenty of suede fringing, not to mention vintage Spanish embroidery, adorning his classic court shoes. The vivacious mix of colours- pink, blue, red, olive green, yellow- also struck a playful flamenco note; these shoes were made for dancing all right. Personally, I would be dancing in the pink suede sandals with patchwork fringing. Or the ruby satin lace-up pumps. Gorgeous.

 

Sticking to his Spanish Roots: Manolo Blahnik spring/ summer 2014

Images courtesy of www.vogue.co.uk

Manolo Blahnik's latest shoe range is nothing if not an infectious clash of cultures: Spanish style and sensuality mixed up with the ironic, rebellious nature of British humour. What could be more alluring, more desirable? Plus it signifies the designer's personal affiliation with both communities, like the uniting of his two worlds; his Spanish roots and his present day life residing and working in the British countryside (the designer lives in Bath would you believe?!).

My very own dancing shoes: Manolo Blahnik spring/ summer 2014

Image courtesy of www.vogue.co.uk

Following the success and subsequent furore of today's presentation I'm hoping that Manolo, an honourary British resident since 1968, is here (at London Fashion Week) to stay!

Designers descend on Oxford Street for fashion festival

If you're planning to go anywhere in September, make sure you're headed to Oxford Street to take part in the first ever fashion festival to be held at London's infamous shopping destination. The Oxford Street Fashion Showcase kicks off on the 1st September and will run for a whole seventeen days- so you have no excuse not to make time to pop along!

Oxford Street is set to host its first fashion festival, The Oxford Street
Fashion Showcase, in September. Image courtesy of www.raincommunications.co.uk

In celebration of the ultimate British fashion event, London Fashion Week, and all of the wonderful home-grown talent we are harboring in this fine green land, five London-based fashion designers will have their autumn/winter 2013 designs splashed across the Capital on giant twelve foot flags. 75 flags will be raised above Oxford Street, a popular destination for many high-street flagship stores, throughout September. Such a large number of flags, featuring catwalk shots from Matthew Williamson, Alice Temperley, House of Holland, Giles Deacon and Topshop Unique promises to be a spectacular visual display showcasing the eclectic creative variety yet outstanding craftsmanship of British fashion. The festival is intended to remind us why London remains a celebrated fashion institution.

One of the seventy-five flags to be raised above Oxford Street

in London, showcasing the best of British fashion.

Image courtesy of fashion.telegraph.co.uk

In a bid to bridge the ever widening gap between high-end designer fashion and the high-street, the British Fashion Council has collaborated with the landmark shopping destination Oxford Street to bring a touch of luxury to high-street shoppers. With in-store events, such as designer make-overs, previews of the autumn/winter 2013 collections, fashion and beauty masterclasses and styling sessions taking place daily there's something for every fashionista to get involved in. And for any aspiring stylists, designers or fashion buyers out there there will also be opportunities to get career mentoring directly from the industry professionals themselves.

So make sure you clear a space in your diaries this September for Oxford Street's High Street Fashion Week. Head towards Selfridges, Topshop, Gap and River Island, to name a few, for champagne, canapes and very likely fashion mayhem...not that we need an excuse to hit our favorite high-street stores.