LFW #2: Backstage at Jasper Garvida Autumn Winter 2011

Backstage at Jasper Garvida everything was so calm. It was incredible. I'd expected everyone to be in a complete flap. But instead, it was only my stomach that was left to flip with excitement.

As I wandered about the space with my camera, I spotted Jasper himself steaming one of the amazing dresses that would soon be walking down the catwalk:

Make-up and hair:

For the second season running Upper Street - the site that allows you to design your own shoes - have collaborated with Jasper Garvida to create a special collection of shoes to accompany his Autumn Winter 2011 collection:

Think a pair of these belongs in my wardrobe - they would go with everything:

The goodie bags:

The models:

The venue for the show was the Freemasons' Hall which is such a fabulous art deco building. I almost didn't notice my surroundings with everything else that was going on:

Another huge thank you to Jasper Garvida and the girls at Push PR for being so welcoming. Next season I really hope you'll let me come back and that I make the show this time!

For catwalk reports, check out Fashion Foie Gras and The Online Stylist.

A Day In The Life #2: LFW

London Fashion Week for me seemed to be over before it had really begun but my heart still skips a beat when I think that I was there! After the success of the last "A Day In The Life" post I did, I thought this might prove to be a more interesting day to document:

I took the train from Cardiff to London at lunchtime:

  

Had a little picnic on the way:

Once in London, I navigated my way across the city centre on the tube, embarking at Embankment before walking to Somerset House:

At Somerset House, I was given my Press Pass (I still wasn't sure I'd get it - even though I'd had an email to tell me I would):

I then headed to the BFC Show Space and met the lovely ladies, Amanda - aka The Online Stylist and seen in photo below - and Helen - of The It Guide:

They were about to head into the Aminaka Wilmont show. I was delighted to discover that not having a ticket didn't mean you couldn't attend a show - you just have to stand in a different line and then stand once in the show space. Fine by me, thank you. I found a buddy in the non-invite queue in the shape of the lovely Katie - of Katie Styles - and together we jostled our way until we were standing right by the entrance onto the catwalk and from there we waited for the models to appear:

I had to pinch myself a couple of times as I watched each model appear:

And then it was the final "walk" and the dream was over:

After saying goodbye to Helen, Amanda and I headed to The Freemasons' Hall - the location of Vauxhall Fashion Scout and Jasper Garvida:

Once in the backstage area, Emma (of Push PR) told us we could snap anything we wanted. So I did (many more to come in another post):

And then - just like that - the fairytale ended. Or sort of. A different sort of fun started after that! One involving old friends, glasses of wine and giant pancakes (topped with things like bacon, apple and maple syrup) at my old dutch:

All in all, a rather fabulous day. Thank you very much.

Again, thank you to Samsung and The Now Project for my Samsung Wave II - with which many of these photos were taken.

LFW #1: Backstage at Jasper Garvida

*Please be warned: this post is VERY photo heavy! Enjoy!

Last Friday I had the opportunity to go to London Fashion Week and for the first season in three, I was actually in London. With my press pass in one hand and my camera in the other, I tottered off to Somerset House. I wasn't able to stay for long as I was meeting friends but I was there for long enough to meet the lovely Amanda - aka The Online Stylist - and to sneak backstage with her (thank you so so much, Emma and Hannah of Push PR) at Jasper Garvida to get a peek at the collection before it hit the runway!

The minute we walked into the backstage area at Jasper Garvida - once I had gotten over the whole wide-eyed (and mouth!) excitement of actually being there - I was drawn to one dress:

Constructed from lace and tiny pieces of plastic, I was mesmerised by the shape and texture of the gown. When I saw that a model was being placed into said piece, I couldn't help but snap away!

A real Cinderella moment as the shoes were placed onto the models feet:

Then the designer himself (photo below, left) guided her through her "walk":

Exquisite, no? If only I could have seen it on the catwalk...

I am sure that Amanda, at The Online Stylist, will have taken some wonderful photos of the show from her front row position - so make sure to go and check them out. I have also found photographs from the show on Sarah's Scribbles.

Many more posts from London Fashion Week and the one show I did catch, to follow!