Kelly Hoppen's 'Design Masterclass' Book Launch

Last week I went to the Perrier-Jouët and chocolate macaroon filled launch of Kelly Hoppen’s latest interiors book, ‘Design Masterclass: How to Achieve the Home of Your Dreams,’ at  Belgraves Hotel.  As one of the world’s leading contemporary interior designers, a talent for which she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), Kelly Hoppen is world-renowned for her minimalist yet luxuriously elegant interiors. The latest member of BBC2’s ‘Dragon’s Den’ panel, Kelly is responsible for designing some of the world’s most lavish houses, apartments and yachts; she operates the celebrated Kelly Hoppen Design School; and she has created a successful range of furniture and home accessories.  ‘Design Masterclass’ is a professional guide to home decorating, beautifully peppered with inspiring images of some of her latest projects.  

Above (L-R): Kelly Hoppen with Sienna Miller (in Burberry), Victoria Beckham (in Celine).
Below (L-R):  Kelly Squared with Kelly Hoppen and with my old school pal Sienna Miller.

Below:  Wearing a Kate Spade New York Pink Cape, Leather-Look River Island Skinny Trousers (available HERE - RRP. £35.00), Rag & Bone Harrow Boots in Clay (RRP. £395.00) with a Soru Jewellery Double Green Opal Ring (available HERE - RRP. £120.00) and a Torula BagsBond Street Black Canvas and Leather Clutch (available HERE - RRP. £145.00).

Kelly Hoppen will be signing copies of her latest book and discussing her incredible career at Waterstones on the King’s Road this Thursday, 28th November 2013, from 7.00pm.
'Design Masterclass' is available at Waterstones HERE, RRP. £40.00 £30.10

LFW Burberry Prorsum SS'14

Burberry Prorsum welcomed their beautiful FROW (Alexa Chung, Sienna Miller, Poppy Delevigne, Suki Waterhouse, HARRY STYLES) and a host of lucky fashionistas to Kensington Gardens to enjoy their SS’14 pastel coloured collection.  Filled with heavily embellished and translucent lace pencil skirts, worn with delicate sheer shirts and delicious, oversized cashmere, it was clear to see that polka dots had replaced this season’s hearts. 

Striking white sunglasses and folded sheepskin clutches were the perfect accessories to the Ladurée coloured designs and the finale saw Cara Delevigne in a see-through trench (revealing her latest bicep tattoo honouring her mother Pandora) whilst rose petals fell onto the runway.  Burberry girls are so damn cool.  I wanna be in their gang. 

 Although the six new SS’14 shades will only be available to buy from January, you can purchase the entire set (featuring Rose Pink, Dusky Mauve, Pale Grape, Pale Yellow, Sage Green and Mink) for the next two weeks exclusively from Burberry.

LFW: Matthew Williamson SS'14

Just like his AW/13 collection, Matthew Williamson’s SS’14 collection showed his designs evolving steadily from the bohemian holiday wear he had long been associated with, to a more sleek, simple and mature aesthetic. “My girl is growing up, she is the same free spirit inside but, like the rest of us, maturing – and I have to respond to that,”  Matthew explained.  Hand-drawn and painted daisy and dragonfly prints were displayed on belted dresses, tailored silk trousers and feminine, yet sophisticated, dresses.  I particularly liked the yellow organza based shift dress with ornate white appliqué flowers.  

Sienna Miller and Tom Sturridge for Burberry

worst kept secret in the fashion industry is finally out… Actors Sienna Millerand Tom Sturridge are the (hot) new faces of theBurberry AW’13 campaign. After spending the last few months both pretty much exclusively adorned in theirBurberry best the new parents officially share a ‘Trench Kiss,’ shooting together for their first time.  

Sharing some romantic kisses for Mario Testino’s lens,Christopher Bailey reflected,“this was a shoot full of love and laughter.”  The flirty video campaign’s soundtrack (below) is provided by a specially created version of rising British star Tom Odell’s ‘Hold Me.’   Kissy Kissy. 

HAWT: Sienna Miller in Burberry

Hawt = A late 1940's and early 1950's acronym for "Having A Wonderful Time."
Now the word is used on the internet as slang for something reeeeally hot.

Actress Sienna Miller looked HAWT last week at the opening night of the new Broadway play ‘Orphans’ (starring her beau Tom Sturridge).  The yummy mummy wore a classic belted Burberry trench coat whilst wearing her heart on her sleeve with the Burberry Prorsum Heart Print Calfskin Drawcord Bag as she posed for photographers in NYC.  The outfit subsequently caused speculation that the gorgeous couple have been hired as the British brand’s A/W’13 faces… I would heart that. 

Trend: Spring Knits

Above: Day or night, no one rocks a sweater better than Alexa Chung.

Despite the sun STILL refusing to put his party hat on (yes, that is snow outside... IN APRIL!) I refuse to let my style suffer.  It may be all miserable and gloomy outside but underneath my heavy parka and umbrella I shall be wearing a series of gorgeous light and bright knits bound to put Spring in my step.  A knitted jumper is key this season so whether you choose to wear yours with a bejewelled statement necklace, layered with a shirt underneath (collar done up for the ultimate in geek chic), or, à la Brrrrr-ave Alexa Chung, with bare legs and a skirt, your Winter Blues will be banished. 

Above (L-R):  Jump(er)ing into Spring:  Sienna Miller, Poppy Delevigne & Laura Carmichael.

Golden Globes 2013

I have made no secret that I LOVE award shows.  I am thrilled that people from all areas within the film industry are annually rewarded for their often extreme and valiant attempts to entertain us… But mainly, I just freaking love seeing all the pretty frocks on the red carpet.  The fashion at last weekend’s 70th Golden Globes may have seemed a tad disappointing to some in comparison to last year’s more glamorous turn out, but I for one actually really appreciated the more fresh-faced actresses wearing simpler, cleaner silhouettes giving the typically bejeweled and fishtailed crowd a run for their money. 

My two favourite looks of the night were those of Thandie Newton (above, in Giles Deacon teamed with I'd-sell-my-granny-for-this-pair-of bubblegum pink heels) and Marion Cotilard (below, in custom-made Christian Dior by Raf Simons accessorised with a leopard print clutch).   Both actresses wore unconventionally shorter cut dresses than we are used to seeing at these Tinseltown ceremonies , and both looked beautifully modern, unfussy and surprisingly natural in a sea of Veronica Lake hair and embellished tulle.

Several red carpet trends (which in turn, usually indicate what will be 'coming soon to a cinema high street near you’) were very clear for us to see – alongside a bizarrely large amount of black dresses (luckily made more interesting with varying degrees of pretty gold embellishment, as seen below) I noticed the following styles having their moment; 

 1)  Peekaboo Cutaways

As seen in abundance on the SS’13 catwalks, cutaway styles and peekaboo detailing is a mehejour trend for this year, one that was shown in all it’s glory a the Golden Globes.  Below (L-R):  Peepo!  Emily Blunt sparkling in Michael Kors, Nicole Kidman and Kate Hudson looking utterly regal in Alexander McQueen and Kristen Wiig in Michael Kors.

2)  Fifty Shades of Red

From scarlet to ruby, from ox-blood to tomato, all the colours of the red rainbow were well represented on the matching carpet.  Below (L-R, Clockwise):  Ben Affleck's Argo-rgeous wife Jennifer Garner in Vivienne Westwood, Clare Danes in vibrant Versace, Zooey Deschanel was fairy-tale cute in Oscar de la Renta, girl-of-the-moment Jennifer Lawrence dramatic in Dior, Naomi Watts in Zac Posen and Marion Cotillard looking aDiorable.

3)  It's Just, A Little Blush 

The Red Carpet made many an actress blush last night, with a bevy of beauties choosing nude tones.  Below (L-R):  Kerry Washington Wow Wow’s in Miu Miu, Meghan Fox in Dolce & Gabbana, Anne Hathaway elegant in Chanel, Amada Seyfried ethereal in Givenchy.

4)  Backless

Rather than strapless, this year's red carpet was all about backless... Just perfect for that 'looking over my left shoulder' pose.  Below (L-R):  Naomi Watts posing in Zac Posen, Jessica Chastain in Calvin Klein and Julianna Margulies being Pucci Perfect. 

5)  Fishtailed Fancies

There was lots of swishing and wiggling with beautiful mermaid tails a'plenty at this year's Golden Globes.  Below (L-R):  Taylor Swift looked amazing in Donna Karan Atelier, Amy Adams in Marchesa and the always perfect Jessica Alba in Oscar de la Renta.

6)  Brits Abroad

Say what you want about their outfits, and a couple of these choices have indeed had some critics on the fence, but the Brits are all about non-traditional, fashion-forward style.  Rule Britannia, Britannia rules the… Carpet.  I salute you ladies.  (Below L-R):  Dotty for Rachel Weisz in Louis Vuitton, cream of the crop(tops) Sienna Miller in Erdem, Thandie Newton in Giles Deacon and a lady(Mary)like Michelle Dockery in Alexandre Vauthier.

7)  Jolie-ing

An odd trend but a trend nonetheless!   Angelina’s awkward right leg thrust at last year’s Oscars obviously had a resounding effect in Hollywood with several actresses at the Golden Globes also putting their best foot (far too) forward for the cameras.  Below (L-R):  Eva Longoria in Pucci, Lea Michele in Elie Saab , Halle Berry in Atelier Versace, Rosie Huntington-Whitely statuesque in Saint Laurent and Heidi Klum in Alexandre Vauthier.

When Bad Dresses Happen To Good People...

Unfortunately there are always some ladies who just… get it wrong.   This year, I think the worst dress was worn by Jessica Chastain (below).  Usually on all the 'Best Dressed' lists, the Golden Globe Award winning actress wore this saggy light blue dress by Calvin Klein. 

Jessica's style travesty was closely followed by Halle Berry (in Atelier Versace - very nineties J-Lo),  Lucy Lu (this Carolina Herrera dress is too big with too complicated a print for the red carpet) and Eva Longoria (just too chesty and too leggy in Pucci – pick just one). 

Happy 15th Anniversary Matthew Williamson

British designer Matthew Williamson’s two favourite blonde gal pals, actress Sienna Miller (above left) and model Poppy Delevigne (above right) recently got together, along with actress Andrea Riseborough and eight beautiful ballerinas from The Royal Ballet, to film ‘XV,’ a three minute short film celebrating Matthew Williamson’s 15 successful years in the fashion industry. Happy 15th Anniversary Matthew!    

My London Style: Savannah Miller

After earning a first class degree in Fashion and Knitwear at the prestigious Central St. Martins College and working for both Alexander McQueen and Matthew Williamson, Savannah Miller went on to become Co-Creative Director of the label Twenty8Twelve with her sister Sienna Miller. After twelve successful seasons the stylish sisters stepped down from their positions to pursue other projects, for Savannah this led to her starting her own label, Savannah. 

Launched last week (seen here) Savannah has once again created a very cool, easy-to-wear range of clothes, but this time at a far more accessible price, “This collection is for everyone!"  Savannah told me, "it's effortless, easy and affordable clothing to make you feel great without busting your bank account.”  

Despite being insanely busy with her new label (sold exclusively at nelly.com) and with being a dedicated mum to her three small (and perfect) children, Savannah found the time to share with The London Chatter some secrets about her enviable London style…

My Style In 3 Little Words – Classic, bohemian, easy.

This Season Every Gal Needs –  A great boyfriend coat. I have an ash grey woollen one in my collection called James which I will not be taking off this season.

My British Fashion Icon – Audrey Hepburn.  She was so delicate and chic.  Also Alexa Chung. Like Audrey before her, Alexa's style is so effortless, her clothes never wear her and she always looks like herself, even if she is wearing a Chanel gown. 

My Favourite Highstreet Store – Although not British, I love Zara. And Topshop. 

My Favourite Boutique – Liberty London. I know it's not strictly a boutique, but the buy there is as if it were.  It is the perfect edit of the best collections - and you know you are going to want all of it!  The same applies to Amie on Ledbury Road. They only stock APC, Isabel Marant and Vanessa Bruno... What more could anyone want?!  

My Favourite British Designer – To look at it would be Christopher Kane.  He is an artist and he never ceases to amaze me.  To wear, I would say Rag & Bone because they make the best knitwear around - it's cool and so comfortable - I live in it! 

At Gunpoint; Bags OR Shoes – Bags!

My First Fashionista Memory – Ushering for Alexander McQueen at one of his show which was in a glass box.  I was eighteen years old and that night totally changed my life.  

My Saturday Night Outfit – Errrm... My pyjamas!  I spend the weekends at home in the countryside with my family.

My Sunday Brunch Outfit – The same!

OMG I Can’t Believe I Wore – Such a short dress at mine and Sienna's first Twenty8Twelve show... When I lifted my arm to wave at the end I nearly flashed the entire audience. 

Forget My Last Meal, My Last Outfit Would Be – My wedding dress. It may sound a bit Miss Haversham of me but I must admit, it was gorgeous. 

My Style Tip – Iron or steam your clothes, it makes the most massive difference when you wear them.  Also, don't let your clothes wear you - only wear pieces that resonate with who you are otherwise you will feel and look uncomfortable. 

Above: Some of my favourite pieces from Savannah available from Nelly.com

www.savannahmiller.com

The Launch of Savannah by Savannah Miller

Last week I attended the intimate launch of designer Savannah Miller’s eponymous label ‘Savannah’ in London’s Fitzroy Square. The room was filled with crisp autumn leaves, sparkling champagne and a bevy of beautiful bright young things (including Irina Lazareanu and Clara Paget), all excited by Savannah’s first solo project since departing Twenty8Twelve, the label she co-created with her sister, Sienna.  The look book contains beyond gorgeous shots of the effortlessly cool Dree Hemmingway (above and below) wearing some of the 40-piece collection which is available exclusively here from Nelly.com.  The clothes are bohemian, edgy and surprisingly affordable – nothing is more expensive than £175 and I particularly like the Brinton Skirt, the Jerry Knit Jumper and I just adore the dark purple velvet Inamay Dress.  Make sure to check out all the heels and boots - they are reeeeeally rock'n'roll. 

Below:  Savannah’s sweet swallow logo was echoed in this giant bird installation, “Swallows only nest in a house of Love" explained Savannah, whilst wearing her favourite piece from the collection, the Michelle Dress, with Olivia Palermo and Matthew Williamson.

Below (Clockwise):  Kelly Eastwood with designer Savannah Miller, model Lady Mary Charteris, Savannah with actress Clara Paget and model Irina Lazareanu, bubbles with Savannah, on tip toes with model Irina Lazareanu, Savannah with Claire Eastwood.