NEW LOVE: Minna Parikka

The other day I was made aware of Finnish shoe designer Minna Parikka, and I am very glad she has come into my world. Having shot to fame when Lady Gaga wore her collaboration shoes with Jani Leinonen, Minna is really worth all the hype.

Minna Parikka and one of her designs

Her collections offer a range of shoe styles, so there is something for everyone; whether you are looking for a statement comfortable flat, or that attention grabbing pair of court shoes to strut your stuff in. The designer likes to play with texture and colour in each pair of shoes, balancing out odd details in classic fabrics, or adding that extra kick with a cut-out drip detail and platform.

As the A/W 12 season is upon us, I thought i'd bring you my top 3 picks from the collection!

The Perfect statement ankle boot, this will instantly add the finishing touch to the plainest of outfits. It comes in a variety of colours that are sure to make your feet look beautiful on any Winter day, whether it is raining, snowing, or maybe even if you get a rare glimpse of sun? To be on trend pick up these in stunning cobalt blue and pair with neutrals for that pop of colour on a dreary day.

One of the many incarnations of the Pfeiffer court shoe, this is my MUST HAVE shoe. It hits so many A/W trends; animal print, ponyskin, mid-heel, funky heel shape. Oh, and I forgot to mention that it has bunny ears!?! Wear them with everything and anything, wherever you can. BUY A PAIR NOW! Case closed.

Every year designers bring out the new black boot. Whether it be over the knee, riding boot style, flatform, thigh high, they all end up being exactly the same. So Minna Parikka brings a breath of fresh air with this beautiful long boot. Adding a platform to the front ensures easy heel walking, and divine leather gives it that all important rain resistance. But, the real finishing touch comes in the suede drip detail at the top of the boot, that puts the designers signature on it. I definitely wouldn't mind a pair of these to run my errands in. Yes, they are that perfect for everyday wear in my opinion.

Hop on over to the designer's website to pick up a pair of her lustful creations and to check for London stockists!

Finale

It has been 18 days since I last posted on here, and how they days have flown by! After 3 months of hard work this term, the past 2 weeks went by so fast that I didn't seem to breathe. Monday marked the end of my marketing project working Larissa Hadjio, and yesterday marked the end of my graphics module.

Working with Larissa was a great experience and I learned so much about running a marketing consultancy, but it was also very draining, stressful and time-consuming haha. So, here is the final film for Larissa's S/S 12 collection that we collected, and there are also a few promotional stills that we used.

Enjoy!

LFW - Corrie Nielsen S/S 12

Corrie Nielsen S/S 12

Christopher Beales (http://www.christopherbeales.co.uk)

As I mentioned in my previous post, today I was assisting at Corrie Nielsen's S/S 12 show with Forward PR. The 4:30AM start was hard and luckily there was a Starbucks open when I reached Tottenham Court Road Station. After I had finished my grande extra shot hazelnut skinny wet latte to go, I was able to function...almost. The venue was hosted by a company called My Beautiful City and it was on old post sorting office in London, that I really did take a liking too, regardless of how rundown and unpleasant it looked.

Although the venue was very cold, once we got down to work we soon warmed up. After packing boxes full of Starbucks treats and bags full of hair products, we were able to set up the seats and let people in at about 9:30AM. The show commenced under a ceiling full of bare bulbs and oriental inspired music, that really set the mood.

The garments were all absolutely stunning, made form carefully pleated chiffon and silk and elegant structures. The photos speak better than I can for the clothing on display. My favourite piece was a chiffon structure dress that looked so delicate that I wanted to put it in a glass case and just stare at it.

45 minutes of showtime was quickly over and it was time to guide people out and clear up the mess of paper, empty boxes and bags. Backstage was a riot of press, models and staff memebers; you could of easily been killed in the huge mob of people. By the time we left the venue it was about midday, and it was quite warm in busy London, which meant wearing all black was not so comfortable. Home was an hour journey home, and I have never been so greatful for a seat.

Assisting at the show was a fantastic experience that allowed me to see how a PR company works, experience the rush of a catwalk show and mingle with industry people all at once. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to go into fashion, and I will be repeating this process again on Monday for Jasper Garvida's S/S 12 show; although this time I have lectures first thing in the morning and the show is at 5pm.

Who's collection are you most looking forward to seeing at LFW?