CHARLIE MAY AW12 LOOKBOOK

Photographer: Saga Sig

Stylist: Alexxsia Elizabeth

Make Up: Thom Ticklemouse

Hair: Alex James Fairbairn

Model: Tatjana Saric @ Profile

Shoes by Miista

So, finally here it is, I'm super proud of this one! It was so much fun getting to finally work with Saga, one of my favourite fashion photographers, as well as the rest of the team which are fast becoming the Charlie May family. I'm usually not a fan of overly posey lookbooks but I think Tatjana made the clothes look incredible! We were all joking that we were going to bust out some of her moves waiting for the bus, or in line at the supermarket! 

See more of the lookbook on my website: Charlie May

REVISITING THE ABANDONED HOSPITAL

 You may remember my trip to the abandoned hospital 6 months ago, probably my favourite blog post to date. I was lucky enough to sneak in again - model, photographer and collection in tow, to shoot my S/S12 lookbook. It feels strange unearthing this, like a magician revealing their trick. I find behind the scenes so exciting but when it's behind my scenes it feels odd indeed. The pictures above were taken on my phone when we did the reccy around the hospital and then leading up to the shoot. Rain was running down the walls inside the room when we started shooting, as you can see throughout the lookbook, the wall gets dryer and dryer (love those details). I think it was the perfect setting for the lookbook, not just because it's one of my favourite places in London but also because some of the clothes have a medical feel about them, for example the white shirt with buckle and tie sides. It was a lot of fun shooting, I hope you all like the pictures!

All garments are Charlie May SS12

Shoes: Atalanta Weller

Photographer: Daniel Nadel

Stylist: Alexxsia Elizabeth

Hair & Make up: Sophie Higginson

Model: Kimberley Ann at Select

IDOU

Japanese for 'to change', IDOU is transformable minimalism. The looks are simple draped forms made in beautiful fabric, you are able to style the looks yourself (think complex geometries) and layer up the pieces. I love the final look here most of all, and the pictures might just be the most beautiful lookbook I've ever seen. So raw and natural. 

The garments are very modestly priced with pieces costing between £50 - £250, I've already put my order in for a couple of the pieces.

You can find IDOU on etsy.

CROSSIN' AND STRAPPIN'

This latest collection from Dimepiece is a perfect example of all the bits and pieces you want in your wardrobe. Major lusting for me is the cross collar and strapped bustier.

You can buy straight from their website and the pieces are pretty reasonably priced too!

CHLOE MEMISEVIC

On Tuesday we shot Thomas Tait's lookbook with the insanely gorgeous Chloe Memisevic.

Chloe was supposed to open the show for us in London but got held up in New York by the tornado, so glad we got to work with her in the end!

We shot all the looks in the studio and then on to the park for some mood shots as the sun was going down.

TOPSHOP A/W 2010

Seriously going crazy over Topshop's new A/W lookbook, I can't wait to get some of my hands on these pieces! The shearling coats and sheer skirts are a must.

The shoes have taken on a much more ACNE vibe too (rub hands together with glee!) Although i'll have to think fast as they never ever seem to half my elephant foot size 8's in stock.

The A/W 2010 has three separate running themes with 'The outsiders', 'Art nouveau' and 'Out of the wild'.

OUT OF THE WILD

The ‘Out of the Wild’ warrior girl invites you to take a trip into a post-apocalyptic world, where fashion survivors battle the elements in fur, bondage-style strapping, disheveled fabrics and patchwork. Ragged chamois-style leathers have unfinished hems, crochet pieces are tattered and cobwebby, and fake furs appear pelted and pulled apart. Textured knitwear and mixed MATERIALS are central to this trend, with pieces that appear knotted, laddered, or adorned with feathers and fur.

Not only was my platforming on trend but it appears fashion is now getting the apocalyptic vibe too!

DARK NOUVEAU
Topshop invites you to return to the dark ages, mixing inspiration from the sinister fairytales of the Art Nouveau movement with Beardsley’s illustrations for Oscar Wilde and the Banshees created by Neville Page for Avatar. There is a tough medieval feel through-out, appearing in fierce studded corsets and cage-like skirts with harness detailing. Leather is a key fabric, and is often decorated with hand-crafted, heavily-encrusted studwork. Footwear has strapping and harnessing touches.

Sounds AWESOME.