*Hoopers AW10 Fashion Show*

I have rejoined Hoopers again as a visual merchandiser, and during my first week back we were preparing for the fashion show (which took place last week). It took place in the basement area, which had artifical trees covered in twinkling fairy lights and scattered leaf motifs on the floor. It was a beautiful setting for the show. I was working backstage, which in the days before the show involved an awful lot of pressing and ironing!! - As well as taping shoes, altering and fitting clothes to the models and organising all the jewellery and accessories.

The models had matching hair styles - a sleek, quiffed pony tail, all looked fabulous, and it was nice seeing real sized women compared to the un-natural appearance of the models at LFW. Alongside our models were also three adorable pooches! - wearing mulberry coats!

Well all the hard work put in paid off, the show both nights was a success - the roof after party was also a fantastic finish to an exhuasting week. Take a look at some of the photos I took from night one of the show: (My favourite look was the Miss Halloway scene, the glamourous glasses completed the outfits!)

Tunbridge Wells Shop Watch

Here is the latest visual merchandising update from Tunbridge Wells, Kent: Cath Kidston keeps it quintessential English country home look, with fabric armchairs layered in quilts and cushions, books, an overflowing writing desk, board games and playing cards, as well as boxes bursting with sewing equipment. Joules also countrifies their window with images of farm animals, wellies, playful pastel hues - and a gandfather clock? Hoopers on the other hand has embraced the autumn season, using berries hues and graphics of windsewpt leaves in their main store. Whilst the mens store has a sleek luxurious feel with grey and silver as the main hues and the use of ultra modern interior pieces. For Next camel combined with black is their main colour story, the backdrop of their window is a beautiful pavillion with tree silhouettes. River Island keeps things muted with neutral shades and a play on layering and texture, whilst French Connection keeps it simple with photos hanging down on rope. New Look's window was not so impressive, but the main trends appear to be check, the aviator jacket and lace-up boots. Topshop proves black is still a fashion favourite, playing it up with camel and grey shades. Where as White Stuff brings back the country feel, with hay, crates, various tea pots and tea cosies, check print and vintage suitcases - very colourful and playful - loving the 70s inspired wallpaper as well! See photos below:

Julien Macdonald Show SS11: Backstage

So I have previously showed you pictures of the Julien Macdonald show as the audience saw it - flawless models cascading down the runway; but not as I did - for I was backstage the whole time. I got to witness the hair and make-up being done, the outfits hanging on rails, snappy happy press and I dressed models. See it as I did below:

Julien Macdonald Show SS11

Sunday (19th) was show day at London Fashion Week!!! I had an incredible time working backstage at the show - I got to see the hair and make-up being done, explore the whole venue (the very grand Banqueting House in Westminster) and got to dress my own model! - She was wearing the citric acid petal print gown with gorgeous dark grey heels - I so want a pair! If you havent already see some pictures from the show below, my favourite dress? - Had to be the closing dress, the twilight petal print gown - the piercing blue flowers against the black makes it a show stopper.















We have had some great reviews as I was reading yesterday, the new mature image the brand is trying to achieve is being recognised, and judging by the number of celebrities that attended the show - there was some real excitement to see what Julien would produce on the day. Celebrity appearances included: Elle Macphearson and all the other regular BNTM judges, Rachael Stevens, Cat Deeley, Olivia Palmero, Alan Carr and Katy Perry and Janice Dickenson mades appearances. Expect to see many celebrities wearing these dresses on the red carpet next season!