my very first London Fashion Week {in NYC}.

last week i got an invite from a member of the British Fashion Council to check out the London Fashion Week designer showroom in the lofts at the Soho Grand Hotel {me = PSYCHED!! ^.^}.
this was my first-ever fashion showroom event of this caliper, and my, was i enamored and inspired by the intriguing fashions on display by the UK's finest in fashion!

tragically, my trusty Canon 5D {aka: my baby} could not make the journey with me ::smacks self on hand:: but thankfully, I had my new Blackberry in tow to share the showroom with you, at the very least.
it was suuuch a pleasure to meet and chat with all the designers, while soaking in their talent {drooling over every rack of clothing+accessories!}.

Maria Frencesca Pepe = creations so hott, you'll wanna sink your teeth into 'em {and then go out dancing}.
you'll have a set to spare with this necklace. :P
she also has a variety of buckles, tops and jewelry with similarly funky chompers.


rings that equal as a weapon >> BONUS!!


one of my favs of her clothing ... she also has leather overalls that stop at the thigh, aaand a metal chain jumper! ~.^


Holly Fulton. A glamorous/retro whimsy awaits you. :)
i looove the way she blends a retro vibe with modern shapes.
her sketches and purses are simply adorable!


want it all! how presh are those phone hoop earrings on the right?!



Craig Lawrence = sexy fringe 'n' formal wear.
This fellow can make a full-length gown, made from fine pieces of fine gold knit material in about a day! now, that's talent.
Lady GaGa wore one of these little beauties ... I covet his thigh highs!


Fannie Schiavoni and her lovely armor like pieces. So feminine, yet powerful {they almost make me wanna hop on a steed and go jousting}.

the adorable Swedish designer, herself. :)


my personal FAV. if i had this, i believe i would wear it daily. ;)


Atalanta Weller
faaab pumps. j'adore the party in the back. ;)


yes, those tall space age structures on the far right corner are in fact another of her heels. whew, mama!


Michael Lewis's shoes make me go ga-ga {not Lady}. so glam 'n' creative!


the fur is actually a cuff that fits over the shoe -- LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!


chess, anyone? heh.


Todd Lynn does the most beautiful, unique work with fur + knits. i want to drape myself in it allll {particularly this piece}. ;D


some other incredibly rad-tastic designers i met {that i, sadly, was unable to photograph} were the darling, daring Hannah Marshall {amazing sculptured, sexy, futuristic creations}; aaand, Christopher Raeburn, who utilizes vintage fabrics to reconstruct stylish, functional outerwear.

be sure to check out these talented, stylish Brits -- and let me know your favorite!

can't wait to sneak into the next showroom ... ;)

xoLa

Stylish Little Birdies.

Little birds flutter.
Little birds hop.
LITTLEbirds craft and sew; didn't you know?

They certainly do, and I got to experience and partake in the LITTLEbird DIY crafting extravaganza this past Sunday. The event, held at a rustic, trendy little jeans store called Earnest Sewn in Meatpacking, was quite the hit; especially for trendy little gals around the town.

Around 15 or so fashionistas ranging from age 14 thru late twenties played with sequins, bows, needle, fringe, and thread for hours; making their own haute custom t-shirts and hair accessories. The gals of LITTLEbird, Zooey and Ruthie, hosted the event in order to teach their colossally cool crafting ways to other aspiring, crafty fashion lovers. LITTLEbird provided the crafting materials and the participants were set free to create to their hearts content. And, boy, did these little ladies craft it up! The girls worked intensely on their glam frocks, almost like a mini Project Runway, but more giggly. As the chickees passed around glue guns and i snapped away, we all munched on some delicious mini sandwiches {mMmmm, smoked salmon!} with tea and scones. A sweet little crafting tea party, it was! I even attempted my very own headband and shirt {which I will have to finish on my own time, er}, althrough sewing is probably the least of my talents. :P

By the end of the afternoon, each of the girls had made some impressive tops; one was even Lady Gaga inspired. We insisted each girl do a mini runway show for us, modeling their piece {i'd say you could market any of them!}. Quite the talented group had turned out that day!

LITTLEbird will continue to soar and sew all around the city, so keep your eyes pealed. ;)
Now, to get crackin' on finishing my makeshift couture tee ...

xoLa


The ladies of LITTLEbird sell these darling wittle "Make Its," full of various materials to get aspiring crafters started on their creative ventures.



A twirl and a flutter! Work it, little bird.


Honestly, the talent is bursting out them seams!


LITTLEbird extraordinaires, Ruthie 'n' Zooey. So fab.


the "Lady Gaga" tee is to the right {see above}.





a loverly finished product.


Busy, busy LITTLE beees. SO talented, and so young! They must teach me their ways ...



Zooey with her cute Chanel patch = craftastic. :)

Stunning Sistas.

It was Jenna {eldest sis} and Taylor's {youngest sis} very first trip to Fountain Square on the day we got together for our shoot. So, as i am in that area quite often, it was my distinct pleasure to show them around a bit!

None of us had met in person before, but the look and vibe of that quaint, gritty place really worked well with the girls! {yay!}
The sisters not only had sweet personalities, but had faaaabuloussss style {3 outfit changes, woo!}, sooo suffice it to say, they were a photog's dream {now, don't let that get to your heads, ladies - ha :) }.
Each time they came out {of their mama's Jeep - aka: the changing room} i'd have a whole new string of compliments on their choice of attire and accessories. Although, my personal favorite stylish item was Taylor's vintage spoon necklace - who couldn't love such a quirky, dainty thing?!

I am SO glad Jenna discovered me and that I had the opportunity to meet and snap these cute chicks!

And THANKS to the girls for putting up with all my ideas and the hot, hot heat of the day!
Enjoy our little shoot in zee Square. :)

xoxo






These two black and whites are some of my top favies from the day. :)




their mom and grandmother - who tagged along - semi-jokingly asked for some photos where "they look like they love each other." heh. :p


silly - checking each other's teeth - between shots.



For more of these hott little mamas, check out my Facebook album soon-to-come on my Lauren Ashley Photography + Design page with more from this shoot!