In a special tribute to RICHARD NICOLL, London Fashion Week February 2017 salutes his talent with a colour dedicated to him, NICOLL BLUE. Chosen by a group of close friends, the blue is said, by Laurie Pressman of the Pantone Color Institute who developed the colour, to embody “the elegance and sensitive spirit of this much beloved designer whose innate kindness, loving soul and good natured sense of humour held a special allure to all that entered into his orbit.“

The Arundel St and main entrance to The Store Studios, 180 Strand; the central hub of LFW, have been painted in Nicoll Blue to honour the designer after his sudden passing in October, 2016. The 39-year old died from a heart attack in his home town Sydney.

ABOUT RICHARD NICOLL

Born in London and brought up in Australia, Richard Nicoll graduated from Central Saint Martins MA in 2002. His entire graduate collection was famously purchased by Dolce & Gabbana right after. He launched his eponymous label in 2005 and quickly found fans in the likes of Kylie Minogue, Kate Bosworth, and Julianne Moore. He emerged as a member of the new wave of London talent, whose original take on modern sportswear fused with relaxed tailoring won him NEWGEN sponsorship in 2006 and three Association Nationale pour le Développement des Arts de la Mode (ANDAM) awards. His experience beyond his eponymous label included freelance design for Marc Jacobs at Louis Vuitton, the creative direction of Cerruti 1881, Fred Perry and later of youth label Jack Wills. In June 2012 he launched his debut menswear line at London Collections Men (now London Fashion Week Men’s). In 2015, he shuttered his namesake company and moved from London to Sydney.

Before his death, he had been preparing to start a new job as creative director at adidas in January 2017.

Richard Nicoll loved blue, here a look from his F/W 2014 collection.

To honour Richard, a minute’s silence will be observed just before the Central Saint Martins MA show on Friday 17th February. Plans are underway for a multifaceted, retrospective exhibition of the designer’s work to launch later in the year.

YOU CAN SHOP SOME OF THE LAST PIECES OF RICHARD NICOLL AT THE OUTNET BY CLICKING HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Richard Nicoll (courtesy of Jack Wills),  Yannis Vlamos / Indigitalimages.com

Here they are: the most important trends for the S/S 2017 season. Scroll through my forecast to see which styles will be on everyone’s shopping list next season. From dresses in brilliant shades of fuchsia, strawberry, rose, and bubble gum to buzzy words on slogan tees. Don’t expect the high-volume sleeve to disappear anytime soon, the choice is yours – enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

S/S 2017 TREND 1: THINK PINK
Hermès – Valentino – Céline

S/S 2017 TREND 2: HIGH-VOLUME SLEEVES
Dolce & Gabbana – Marc Jacobs – Kenzo

S/S 2017 TREND 3: 80’s LAMÉ
Saint Laurent – Isabel Marant – Gucci

S/S 2017 TREND 4: OP ART
Akris – Mary Katrantzou – Louis Vuitton

S/S 2017 TREND 6: 70’s FLOWER POWER
Prada – Chloé – Christopher Kane

S/S 2017 TREND 7: SQUARE-SHOULDERED
Jil Sander – Balenciaga – Jacquemus

S/S 2017 TREND 8: SWIM ADDICT
Max Mara – Fendi – Miu Miu

S/S 2017 TREND 9: SLOGAN TOPS
Dior – Paco Rabanne – Stella McCartney

S/S 2017 TREND 10: BRALETTES
Victoria Beckham – Alexander McQueen – Alexander Wang

S/S 2017 TREND 11: SPORT SPIRIT
Moschino – Courrèges – DKNY

S/S 2017 TREND 12: DEEP SEA METALLICS
Maison Margiela – Chanel – Balmain

S/S 2017 TREND 13: GRAPHIC STRIPES
Mulberry – Lanvin – Tory Burch

S/S 2017 TREND 14: MODERN RUFFLES
Givenchy – Erdem – Loewe

S/S 2017 TREND 15: TRANSPARENT
Alberta Ferretti – Giambattista Valli – Emilio Pucci

 Photos: via Vogue.com

Dive into blue! Just in time for spring, many designers looked to the water and sky for inspiration. Especially royal blue with its refined elegance translates easy into the new season. I am in love with jumpsuits that are absolutely trending at the moment. Head to toe in this sophisticated shade is truly an eye-catcher.

Get the look: Carrie cape-effect silk-chiffon and stretch-crepe jumpsuit by Haney, Vivi embellished lizard-effect leather shoulder bag by Sophia Webster, Wild Thing fringed suede sandals by Aquazzura and pompom-embellished woven straw sunhat by Yosuzi.

Below you can find some more inspirations of the S/S 2016 runways …
… enjoy the rest of your week! Kisses from NYC!

LoL, Sandra

Lanvin S/S 2016

Hermès S/S 2016

Stella McCartney S/S 2016

Akris S/S 2016

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

It was an Underwater World at many of the S/S 2012 shows. Many of the designers took inspiration from the deep blue and created one of the most important fashion trends for the summer season.

I have outlined the most anticipated collections and pieces for you below, enjoy!

Karl Lagerfeld took the underwater trend to a complete new level with his S/S 2012 collection for Chanel. The scenery of his runway show looked like a stage setting for Ariel’s World. Some of the fabrics shimmered like fish scales.

As usual at Chanel, the accessories played a big role, such as beautiful shell clutches (unfortunately extremely expensive) and wonderfully designed coral-shape heels plus sea world inspired fashion jewlery.

Mary Katrantzou showcased a stellar take on the trend from under the sea with her scene-stealing prints, as seen on the Fishtank dress. Swarming with tropical fish and colorful coral reefs, this punchy piece is a fabulous way to play out your fashion fantasies.

The Versace S/S 2012 collection was all about starfish and seashell embellishments and studded seahorse shapes. The look was a mixture of sweet pastels, ladylike elegance  and studded biker pieces. Those glittering sea goddess gowns will surely be seen on the red carpet.

A great low-budget way to get started on the look is this fun statement starfish gold-tone ring by Versace.

Gigantic shark tooth necklaces were seen on the Givenchy S/S 2012 runway as well as many jellyfish inspired jackets and dresses. One of my favourite collections of the summer season.

You can shop a large selection of Givenchy at Matches and Farfetch.

There are many wonderfully designed blue coloured pieces in stores now that really represent the fairytale world of the deep blue. Stella McCartney drew inspiration from the sea waves for her S/S 2012 collection.

Here are some of best pieces to buy for the upcoming summer (from top left to bottom right):

Candy printed acrylic clutch by Jimmy Choo
Printed scuba-style top by McQ Alexander McQueen
Joan silk crepe-de-chine and lace dress by Stella McCartney
Printed silk kimono maxi dress by Issa
Paillette-embellished silk-georgette dress by Roberto Cavalli
Fish-charm corseted strappy sandals by Tabitha Simmons

LoL, Sandra

The last days that I spent with the Gucci crowd were amazing. I have so much to show you and I am still far behind with my New York adventures…

This was my outfit that I wore to the Gucci F/W 2012 show. It was quite difficult to pick something as we had to go straight after to the train station leaving for Florence. I am completely in love with the colour combination of emerald, blue and red. Isn’t it so chic?!

Midnight blue long military-style coat, red belted dress, emerald fur stole and shoes, all by Gucci, ring Diorette by Dior Haute Joiallerie and blue Boston python bag by Céline.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Snappylifestyle
All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht