DECORATE

After browsing the LN-CC I came across these beaded skulls, a creation of Our Exquisite Corpse and the Mexico's Huichol people. The beads on these skulls feature prominant patters and symbols from the Huichol religion; with a long history of creating beaded art the Huichol people live in Sierra Madre Mountains of Western Mexico and believe in the power of the Sun God, ancestor spirits and four principle deities; Deer, Corn, Peyote (cactus) and the Eagle. Fascinating! 

Totally weird, a conversation starter and perfect for your mantle.

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

CELEBRATING WITH CHOPARD

Last week I was invited to the launch of Chopard's Happy Mickey collection, held at the Electric Cinema on Portobello Road. Children were invited to the event along with their fashionable parents (Jemma Kidd strolled in with a twin on each hip looking incredible). It was so much fun; we watched Mickey Mouse cartoons from the 1930's, drank milkshake and nibbled popcorn before heading upstairs to celebrate with champagne and a giant Mickey Mouse cake. The collection itself is insanely beautiful, I have so much Disney nostalgia, I can't help but love everything.

 Thank you so much Gaelle for inviting me and sending such a lovely letter and photo today! I will treasure it always.

FEATURE

"Charlie May is one of the new breed of fashion all-rounders. She is a designer/blogger hailing from Devon who does photography on the side. At just 23 years old, Charlie has achieved what many young fashion commentators aspire to- writing a successful blog, being photographed by fashion press for her personal style and launching her first collection. In the aftermath of London Fashion Week, 1883 caught up with her to chat designing, blogging and all things fashion."

My first interview since launching my S/S 12 collection went live on 1883 Magazine yesterday. So exciting! 

Read the full article here

A TRIBUTE TO THE MEN

Wearing: Persol opticals, Ann Demeulemeester jacket, Alexander Wang shirt, Issey Miyake trouser/skirt, Dr Martens oil spill shoes, American Apparel clutch

The final outfit I will post from LFW I promise! To celebrate menswear on the final day of London fashion week I went for a more comfortable tailored look. Rediscovering this pleats please trouser/skirt hybrid hiding at the back of my wardrobe has been a life saver for transitional summer to autumn dress. Veering away from my outfit and more towards current news, can you believe Milan are going ahead and scheduling their shows completely on top of LFW next season? As fashion weeks go Milan and London couldn't be more different but it's just another thing keeping editors from seeing all the young talent London has to offer. I'm so outraged. What do you guys think about this decision? 

STUD

So, the shop and the website are taking a little longer than I thought so I'm putting these up on here for now.

Black pony skin headband is £50, dusky pink goat skin headband £65; both with gold studs. 

Email me at info(at)charlie-may.co.uk if you are interested in these babies. 

I accept paypal, bank transfer, cheque or cash in hand

Thank you to Reem, Kit and Jai'me for letting me pinch these photos from the show!

BROKEN NAIL

A few days into fashion week I was walking back from the Giles show when my heel literally fell off... mid step it just fell out! I didn't step on any uneven surfaces, I just heard the sound of a nail drop on the floor and guess what? It was my heel. So devastated, I'm going to take them into ACNE later on this week and see if there's anything they can do. Boo-hoo!

SATIN STREAMER

Me, in this today please.

COLOUR BLOCKING

Wearing: Limi Feu jacket, Charlie May dress, Jil Sander trousers, Atalanta Weller shoes, Versace sunnies

Sorry to everyone who was hoping for a colourful look, the title was just for fun! Outfit worn on day 4 (I think) of London Fashion Week. I realised there were actually six days at LFW not five... confused. Anyway thank you to Refinery29 for the full body shot and to Jennine for the close up.

JAMES LONG SS12

I've seen James Long every season for the last 3 years and every time there is a real evolution of ideas; season by season he refines his ideas into spectacular key pieces that you would kill to own. This year it was quite obvious at LFW that designers were having to rethink their ideas and shift their full attention to selling. I think James got this spot on, and we were left with a S/S 12 collection that had all the excitement of earlier collections but with refinement and total wearability. My eyes were firmly on a plush brown leather jacket in snakeskin print with matching shorts, metallic unravelling knits, a leather foil patchwork jacket and metallic snake print jumpers. Insanely good.