I welcome all those who seek to express themselves via the medium of cloth to my first run-riot style blog. This monthly delectation aims to bring to you the most tantalising style and design events and happenings in and around the capital. Did you know that ‘bandwagon’ is a synonym for ‘fashion’? It is true; the Thesaurus told me. Reader, rest assured: this won’t be another prophetic blog telling you what you should wear, or posting pictures of every scenester in Hoxton, but will instead concentrate on delivering the low down on people, places, and events that you should check out to get your own groove on.

Who doesn’t like bobbing around in a jaunty hat? I have an old 40’s one which makes me look like Mrs Mop. Hats are omnipresent in every fashion tribe, so whether it’s a stetson or a sombrero that is your headgear of choice, check out Hats: An Anthology, by Stephen Jones at the V&A (currently on till the 31st May). I’m excited; exhibited are hats belonging to the late but fabulous Isabella Blow - and I defy anyone to find a greater champion of avant-garde millinery. Other highlights include an Egyptian Anubis Mask Dating from 600BC, top hats for the boys, and a kiddie’s plastic tiara for any residue emo types.

Think you can do better? French Connection Friday Late: Mad Hatters (27th March 2009: 18.30 – 21.45. Also at the V&A. Free) will be continuing the millinery magic with a chance to customise old hats at the ‘Refashion a Hat’ workshop, or pimp a baseball cap with artist Kate Tilley. John Boyd and James Locke’s Victorian style photo booth will provide you with a nice pic for the mantle piece. Go on, crack out that fez.

I’ve been toying with the idea of making an origami dress ever since my friend floated a giant paper swan down the Regent’s canal, so I might try and tap Hussein Chalayan on the shoulder for some quick tips when he joins the London Debate at Shoreditch Town Hall (11th March, 7.15pm, £15) organised by the Design Museum in collaboration with East 2009. Chalayan will discuss how our vast metropolis influences his designs and why he has chosen the east end as the hub of his international fashion empire (cheap rent anyone?). He will also be joined by other key design creative types and London dwellers on the panel to debate and discuss what the capital does to squeeze out those creative juices.



Calling costume lovers, corset collectors and vintage fashionistas outside of the big smoke. In celebration of the release of the highly anticipated The Young Victoria, Blenheim Palace and Belvoir Castle are hosting Boning and lace – Victoriana on show!, an official exhibitions featuring costumes and props used in the movie, as worn by Emily Blunt. This is a chance not only to view some of the pieces featured in the film, but also to admire the stunning backdrop venues. Sandy Powell, acclaimed Costume Designer, who has won Academy Awards for her designs in Shakespeare in Love 1999 and The Aviator 2005, designed all the costumes used in The Young Victoria. It’s only an hour and a half outside of London by train so pack a picnic and get out of London for a day. It’s not that scary.

The official exhibitions are hosted at Blenheim Palace (14 February to 31 March), and Belvoir Castle (27 February to 8 March).

Drool here:

Gemma Slack recently premiered her AW09 collection at her first London
Fashion Week show. Her dresses adorn Roisin Murphy, she was Gareth Pugh’s
assistant AND is a recent grad of the London College of Fashion
She is seriously fresh talent and a pioneer of deeply sexy Nosferatu chic.

Read here:

Unpretentious, bang on trend and oozing Parisian charm, check out her musing on style, inspiration & vintage fashion.

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Show off here:

Dust off your tea dresses and run for shelter!

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Next month: more stirring events plus 'make do and mend', and secret shopping.


Naomi