Twiggy's Frock Exchange

A new programme on the BBC has opened people's eyes to the concept of swapping clothes. On Twiggy's Frock Exchange, the idea is that everyone invited brings at least one item of clothing they will never wear again and swaps it for somebody else's. The chances are you will go away with something that you might not have considered before when high street shopping. Some lucky attendees were also going away with amazing items, some brought in by celebrities (such as the gorgeous Marc Jacob mini dress brought in by Ferne Cotton). Twiggy keeps the momentum going with help from rock chick Lauren Laverne and Grazia's Style Director Paula Reed.

I was particularly interested in the section of the programme where a person's old garment was altered and remade into a new garment altogether. I looked into this concept in my uni project (in fact even looking at the same company who do it on this programme) last year and ended up doing a similar idea.

(You can also go onto the programme website and find out more about how to hold your own Frock exchange party).

The Emmys

So the fashion parade were out for the Emmys on Sunday night with some absolutely stunning gowns on show. My favourites had to be Heidi Klum's Armani Prive dress which has caused some debate amongst the press. Many don't like it but after the latest from 4 weeks of fashion in Milan, London, New York and Paris, I think Heidi got it spot on as usual.

Grey is to be huge for not only this Autumn Winter as it predictably always is, but also for Spring Summer 09. I did a work placement within the Holiday wear Buying team for a major High street retailer. Having come back from St Tropez the week previously, the designers and buyers reported back on how this tone of grey was seen all over swimwear in the French Riviera and was sure to appear in swimwear the following SS 09.

With this dress being a brave choice, Heidi keeps to a minimum of accessories with no clutch (shock!) but with the essential statement jewellery of the moment with one large ring.

Of course, one shoulder dresses were also all over the catwalks and although a slightly different assymmetric shape, the shape of this dress makes sure Heidi ticks all the boxes.

My other favourite was Brooke Shields' fuschia dress which is a complete knock-out but a very brave choice. I think Brooke can sometimes get it wrong but here she got it so right. Not a particular colour trend of the moment but it compliments her well and the ruffles continue to be a non-mover in the style stakes.

London Fashion Week

London Fashion Week had some lovely surprises in store as usual.

For Spring Summer '09 I thought there would be a real step away from the Modern Romance themes of SS '08. However, with the likes of the Luella show (welcome back) and Emma Cook's collection again showing fragility and subtleties in light, floaty fabrics such as chiffon and silks; fresh sorbet & neutral colour pallets (I particularly loved the rose colour presence, it looks like romance is a non-mover. Ruffles and lace are still present though not as obvious and it looks like bows are eventually being played down (though still present).

Luella

Emma Cook

Also holding a strong presence was the return of the 80s with power-dressing particularly present in Topshop Unique's collection. Jumpsuits (this time more dressed up and one shouldered) held strong AGAIN as well as head scarfs and fetish-style statement shoes. 

Can't wait!

Notably, Naomi Campbell also hosted her 3rd 'Fashion for Relief' with money raised going to the White Ribbon Alliance. The occasion drew more attention this year due to the appearances of celebs on the catwalk - notably Cheryl Cole who received the biggest applause of the event.

Visual Merchandising

I've found some more old pictures of some Topshop visual merchandising I have done in the past...

Vintage Gina shoes

I found these stunning vintage Gina London shoes in a charity shop recently for just £4! They are a size 4 and I am a 5 but I couldn't miss the opportunity of buying them as the are in mint condition. I figured I could try to exchange them in a vintage store for something else as they are definitely worth more than £4. I really wish I could squeeze my feet into them. 

This is my second bargain pair of Gina shoes. My first are a black suede 'Gina Paris' pair and are also in fab condition. I got them for 50p at a one-off 2nd hand clothes sale for charity where everything was 50p. Everything else was junk but I couldn't believe my luck. I wear them out when I want to feel particularly dressed up. 

Me outside Chanel, Soho, NY

This is a picture which was taken almost 2 years ago now of me climbing up a lamp post on Wooster Street, Soho. I saw a photograph of a model doing this in a magazine a couple of years previously and knew i would need to recreate it if I was ever in New York.

Visual Merchandising

In my job with Topshop I am involved in the Visual Merchandising of the shop floor, making sure the the Topshop trends are represented within my own store. This can sometimes be more challenging than people think with concern needing to be shown to what lines of clothing are new in (these are given priority spacing as are best selling lines); giving visual balance (e.g. make sure your colours or prints are represented evenly throughout the space); outfit building (making sure a top is not randomly displayed by itself. It should be partnered with e.g. trousers or skirts and a jacket) and of course considering what is commercial for your store and customer. 

I have some images of merchandising I have done in the past including mannequin styling. I will try to keep taking pictures of everything I do and post them as I do them.