Aisling Cullen from Sherbet Stars Blogazine is feeling Summery this week after discovering a new brand called Sretsis.

At last!  The sun is finally shining and I’m beginning to think of my Summer wardrobe.  One brand that got me inspired is Sretsis (‘sisters’ spelt backwards) by Thai designer Pim Sukhahuta.  Pim’s sisters both work for the company – her sister Kly does the marketing and Matina collaborates on jewellery.

Sretsis is already lining the closets of Beyonce, Zooey Deschanel and Katy Perry.  And with these cute designs, it’s easy to tell why stars are clambering to wear the collection.

I adore the cute daisy Sretsis sunglasses – these are a collaboration with eye wear designer Thierry Lasry.   I can just imagine myself eating a 99 ice-cream cone by the beach on a windy day wearing these sunnies…

I also love the combination of baby blue with coral and white in Pim’s fashion collection.   And the designs are so whimsical and fun!   To see more of Sretsis, you can view their collection by clicking here.

Unfortunately Sretsis is not in Ireland yet, but you can get this cute collection at Maxmillia.com and Pitbull Mansion.com which both deliver Internationally.

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Aisling Cullen from Sherbet Stars blogazine reviews the trends hitting the runway at London Fashion Week for next Autumn/Winter.

Although I was lucky enough to see what was happening on and off the runway at New York Fashion Week, unfortunately my credentials didn’t extend to the London shows. I’ve been keeping a close eye on what has been happening on the runway from home and here is my breakdown of what to wear next season.

The must haves for next season…

The Big Coat

Coats next season are going to be huge – literally. At Burberry there was a collection of to-die-for aviator and military jackets but who could miss that HUGE brown furry coat that completely enveloped the model? It was a monster! Jaeger London sent out a big cocoon-shaped coat for its first look which echoed Donna Karen’s shapes in New York two weeks ago. At PPQ, giant oversized collars added volume to a belted evening coat.

Skirts with Volume

I saw a lot of mini kilt skirts at London Fashion Week which echoed what was happening at New York Fashion Week. Christoper Kane and Pringle both embraced this look and you can read more about the mini kilt by clicking here. Another look that was prevalent at LFW was a voluminous skirt on dresses as seen at Paul Smith and Mulberry. I love this trend, so flattering and girlie! Next season wear volume with an edge – it’s not a pretty prom dress style. Take note from the runway and try volume with texturised fabrics in a sombre shade like black or grey.

Capes

Capes were huge at LFW. Matthew Williamson, Christopher Kane and Issa all rocked this look to name but a few. For more on capes which were also featured at NYFW, click here.

Patchwork Prints

Print was layered on top of print in a geometric fashion at Basso and Brooke. There was nothing homely and cosy about the patchwork look that designers Bruno and Christopher produced – it was modern, complex and born from the exotic lands of the Far East. Peter Pilotto also gave a modern take on patchwork. Monochromatic garments were lifted by flashed of orange panels. The look was bold and sophisticated.

Abstract Graphics

Jonathan Saunders is a master at graphic prints but this year he decided to forgo vibrant colours in return for a softer palate. Personally I love his signature style and hope that he brings back vivid hues for next season. Erdem is known for its florals and I love the way that their fabrics are never too pretty and always left of centre. And at the House of Holland, designer Henry went back to the 90’s to create a fun and sporty collection with large graphic paisley prints.

Lace

Lace was toughened up with leather at Christopher Kane’s show where there was a strong focus on floral embroidery throughout the collection. At Erdem, lace evening wear dresses were ruffed at the neckline and lace cocktail dresses were more structured. At Burberry, lace featured widely throughout the whole collection. With all these collections, lace was never used in too pretty a way – it was kept edgy while maintaining a feeling of romance.

It’s heating up in Italy this week so check back next week for a review on Wow.ie of the shows at Milan Fashion Week. And for that extra fashion fix, Sherbet Stars will try to satisfy your style cravings too!

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Aisling Cullen of Sherbet Stars blogazine met with Agyness Deyn. Aggie pictured back stage at New York Fashion Week.

While backstage at Alexander Wang, I got the chance to talk to über model Agyness Deyn who has fast become the fiercest model in the industry. Agyness has appeared on the front covers of Vogue UK, US and Italia, and has been the face of Burberry’s fragrance, The Beat and Jean Paul Gautier’s Ma Dame fragrance, replacing Drew Barrymore.

Hi Agyness. How many shows are you working this season in New York?

I have no idea. I have to check in with my agent every day. I don’t keep track as it’s so hectic.

Which shows are you most looking forward to this Fashion Week?

Every day is an experience and I love every minute of it.

Have you any good parties lined up for this week?

It’s my birthday on Tuesday! I will probably go out with friends for some karaoke.

Which is your favourite Fashion Week and why?

I love New York because it’s home to me but London is great too as I get to see lots of friends.

What is the best way to kill time in between fashion shows? There is a lot of waiting around for shows to start…

Yeah, there is. I like to chat to new people and I know a lot of the photographers and journalists here so I catch up with them.

Where is your favourite place to hang out in New York?

I really like Freemans Restaurant. It’s in the Lower East Side. It’s a very chilled out place to go to.

Do you know what shows you are working at for London Fashion Week?

I have no idea yet but I am definitely flying out for the shows!

I was at the Fashion for Relief show last night and I saw you take a tumble… (Agyness fell twice)

(Laughs) Oh my god, so many people have asked me about that today! I really don’t know what happened, I just fell. The shoes were 7 inch heels by Burberry and I can’t explain it, I couldn’t keep my balance.

Well I thought you handled it with dignity and grace! Thanks Agyness!

For more interviews and backstage gossip at New York Fashion Week, check out www.sherbetstars.com

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Aisling Cullen from blogazine Sherbet Stars reports from backstage at New York Fashion Week. Pictured above Paulo and Natalia Vodianova.

There are so many people involved in making a fashion show happen at New York Fashion Week. Most people guess that there is hair, make-up, stylists and someone to produce the show but there is so much more involved than you can imagine. Typically a fashion show lasts about 7 minutes and costs upwards of $150,000 (usually more) for these few minutes so it’s important that it goes exactly to plan for it to be worth the money!

I have been talking to some other people involved in making shows happen, and backstage at Diane Von Furstenberg I met with Paulo, who is a Head Dresser at Fashion Week. Dresser’s organise what the models wear according to the stylist’s and designer’s notes, so everything has to be exactly precise. Some models wear more than one outfit in a show so it’s up to Paulo to oversee that his model, and all of his colleagues have their model in their complete looks, and everything timed to the exact second so the show runs smoothly.

Hi Paulo, how long have you been dressing models for New York Fashion Week?

This is my 24th season so I’ve been doing it for 12 years. Fashion Week is a big camera f&*k, everyone wants to be photographed. You get so sick of photographers by the end of the week.

Which designers have you worked for?

It would be easier to say who have I not worked with! I’ve worked with all the major designers – Marc Jacobs, Carolina Herrera, Calvin Klein… and I’ve put clothes on and taken clothes off more supermodels than you can imagine.

Have you any stories of disasters that have happened during Fashion Week?

When Adriana Lima started out I put a dress on her that was made of beads and sequins just before the show began. As soon as it was on her, the zipper fell apart and the dress feel to the ground, leaving her standing backstage naked while the show started. We were able to sew it back on her during the show and Adriana walked the runway like a pro.

How are the models to work with?

Honestly they are the nicest people that you could ever work with. I prefer to work with female models as they are much more professional and focused than the guys who tend to mess around.

Have you ever worked with a diva?

There have probably been about four bitches that I’ve worked with before. Once I was dressing Chanel Iman and started to help her take her shoes off. The shoes were actually meant to stay on for the next look but I didn’t know and she tried to kick me!

Are there often problems backstage with dressing?

Most of the time no, but if there ever is a problem it’s always with the shoes. Some of them are prototypes so heels can snap or the balance might not be right in them. Earlier today I was working on Calvin Klein and some of the shoes were ripping at the sides. Of course by the time they get to the stores they won’t be like that.

(At this point supermodel Natalia Vodianova arrives to join us)

Natalia, I know that you have worked with Paulo before. Is he a good dresser?

Oh he’s the best! He is so relaxed in the process. It’s so important that you trust the person who is dressing you as it has to be perfect for the show. It’s all about paying attention to the moment. There is a whole team that makes a fashion show work and we strive for perfection.

Thanks Natalia and thank you Paulo. Good luck to both of you in the show!

For more backstage gossip at New York Fashion Week, check out www.sherbetstars.com.

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When I said to some of my friends that I couldn’t wait to see the Olsen twins new collection, I started to get sideways glances and raised eyebrows at my taste in fashion. The Row (the name of the Olsen twins brand) consists of beautifully cut pieces that have a way of flattering every curve on your body and exude a simple chicness.

The show was held in an intimate venue in an art gallery on the west side of Manhattan. The collection consisted of mainly black clothing with two looks in white. The tailoring was superb and had a luxurious feel and echoed the style of Givenchy. Both Anna Wintour and Carine Roitfeld (French Vogue) turned up to support the twins and there were some heavy hitting fashion buyers in the front row.

Love them or hate them, the one thing about the Olsen twins is that they have style. I have been buying The Row for the past two years and their debut show confirmed that they have a great eye for fashion.  Image of the girls backstage, not sure which one is which!

Aisling is a fashion consultant and blogger for her own site, Sherbet Stars. Check out Sherbet Stars for more stories from backstage and on the runway at New York Fashion Week.

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London-based fashion blogger Aisling Cullen of Sherbet Stars has been tracking the trends out in New York for Fashion Week.

I feel all fashioned out after my trip to New York Fashion Week but it’s good to be back in London – another Fashion Week begins here! Unfortunately my ‘access all areas’ pass only extends to the shows in New York but I will be keeping an eye on the trends for London Fashion Week.

I know you guys are all thinking of the upcoming Spring/Summer trends, but if you can cast your minds six months from now you can start planning for next Autumn/Winter! Though with the weather we are having in London at the moment I think that it is harder to imagine light cotton tea dresses and shorts right now… So bring on the winter woolies!

The Must Have Item

The Mini Pleat Skirt…

The is a must-have item in your wardrobe for this season and next. It’s halfway between a kilt and a mini skirt except much more fashionable and modest. As seen in different variations at many shows including Tommy Hilfiger, Alexander Wang and DKNY.

Cape Crusaders…

This look popped up from time to time on the runway, oozing a feeling of luxe and sophistication especially at Marc Jacobs and Carolina Herrera (as pictured above).

Peek-a-Boo Clothing…

A flash of skin is what it will be all about come Autumn/Winter 2010. Preen used underwear as outerwear to emphasize a sexy sophistication, while Proenza Schouler took a more subtle approach with cut outs on the sides on their take of a baby doll style dress. The result? A look that is both bold and moody. I loved it! Pictured above Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang and Preen.

Next Season’s Colour

Yes it had to happen! Black is the new black. Many designers sent out nearly all-black shows including The Row, Donna Karan, Vera Wang and Alexander Wang. Expect to wear this colour in layers and don’t be afraid to mix textures. At Alexander Wang, his knit black pants were adorned with pearls, and there were peek-a-boo cut outs on garments to keep the look visually interesting and not too formatted. The Row (Olsen Twins label) on the other hand was all about a sleek silhouette using exquisite fabrics such as cashmere and satin. Pictured above The Row, Alexander Wang and Vera Wang.

Next Season’s Trends

Soft Classics…

Marc Jacobs is fed up with a lot of things this season. He is bored with celebrities so he kept his front row exclusive to the fashion pack, and he is bored with designing the next ‘new’ look. So he kept it old. Jacobs played with proportions and textures and kept the colour palate more neutral than a Farrow & Ball paint card. Michael Kors also kept to a palate of browns, greys and black and emphasised a luxe look much like Jacobs – as above.

Fun Florals…

If you are looking for more adventure in your clothing, designers such as Diane Von Furstenburg, Peter Som and Anna Sui (as above) have a more optimistic outlook in their designs. Speaking with Peter Som backstage at Fashion Week, he told me that he wanted to have a ‘joy and exuberance to my collection, echoing the times of Woodstock’. Anna Sui also kept to her signature formula of pattern upon pattern which is so whimsical and fun. Diane Von Furstenburg kept her look flirty yet sexy and added men’s style suit jackets to tailor the look more.

Graphics and Geometrics…

At Proenza Schouler, designers Lazaro and Jack created an eye-catching graphic print on high waisted skinny pants that looked straight out of an artists studio. The graphic look continued throughout the show with more thoughtful and structured graphics, but ultra-modern nonetheless. At DKNY the look was preppy and clean with a definite nod to 1960′s Bauhaus graphics. And at 3.1 Philip Lim, Lim played with geometric patterns as well as block colours.

If you want to hear more stories from backstage and on the runway at New York Fashion Week, you can check out my blog Sherbet Stars. At New York I got my hands dirty by jumping in the media scrum to get photos of celebrities sitting front row and interviewed gorgeous models Coco Rocha and Natalia Vodianova. Enjoy!

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