Tag Archives: Alexander McQueen

Fashion: The Printed Tshirt

Leave a reply

One of the biggest trends to carry over season after season is printed tshirts. Printed tshirts make me go weak at the knees; I have quite the collection. Recently the printed tshirt has moved on from the trompe l’ oeil esque crisp images and has taken on a more Jackson Pollock agenda. It is less about patterns per se and more abstract or as ethereal as possible yet retaining structure or a clue to what the print developed from or was inspired by.

Printed tshirts by Lanvin, Maison Martin Margiela, Christopher Kane and McQ by Alexander McQueen

one: Lanvin – £250
two: Maison Martin Margiela – £180
three: Christopher Kane – £180
four: McQ by Alexander McQueen – £115

from Matches Fashion.

The Valentino tshirt is a nod to camouflage and is quite the tonal delight. When it comes to patterned tshirts colour is your friend and I am particularly fond of this Maison Martin Margiela one which is reminiscent of Claude Monet’s later paintings (particular his lily pond and garden pieces) and the impressionist pointillism movement. I am a big fan of Christopher Kane and this paint stroke tshirt is on my wish list right now; there is something about those brush strokes and mix of colours that really works. What I like about the McQ by Alexander McQueen tshirt is how you can see it is inspired by a dragon fly, moth, butterfly or some sort of bug yet it is not overtly obvious… that and a spot of nostalgia; it reminds me of when you used to finger paint as a child, fold it, open it up for a symmetrical picture.

Shopping: Alexander McQueen needlepoint slippers

8 Replies

This January I am taking the mantra ‘New Year, New Shoes‘ (any excuse really right?) very seriously and I find nothing puts a spring in my step quite like a new addition to my shoe family (collection just seems so impersonal). When it comes to shoes I find myself drawn more towards statement pieces – I like my shoes to be works of art in their own right and this pair from Alexander McQueen really does not let me down in that respect.

My Alexander McQueen needlepoint slippers in their box

Is there really anything more decadently delightful than a pair of needlepoint/tapestry slippers? These leather lined slippers (made in Italy) have an elegant touch to them with the grand needlepoint flower pattern which is apt both casually and formally making them a very versatile pair of shoes which would look just at home with turned up denim as with a dinner suit. These shoes speak for themselves, they can dress up any ensemble and give a look that little bit of an edge. Je suis dans l’amour.

Side view of my Alexander McQueen tapestry slippers

Bottom of my Alexander McQueen needlepoint slippers

I got my pair from Mr Porter (sale purchase); they are now out of stock there, however you can get them from Harvey Nichols for £655 (full price).

Alexander McQueen needlepoint slippers

…and here’s to hopefully many more new shoes in 2013!

Lorien loves McQ by Alexander McQueen

Leave a reply

Launched in 2006 McQ is a diffusion line by the British brand Alexander McQueen, which refines the imaginative visions of creative director Sarah Burton into more affordable every day pieces (in comparison to Alexander McQueen mainline) whilst still embodying perfectly the brand and without compromising on quality or style. McQ manifests the nonpareil union of rebellious Youth styling and an avant garde esque ambience which is both laid back and playful. The tailoring is modern and the line is very much on trend whilst a lot of it remaining timeless.

The Autumn/Winter 2012 collection is by far my favourite collection from McQ by Alexander McQueen; the line has come of age so to speak and is no longer wallowing in the shadow of success Alexander McQueen mainline – it is a success in its own right. The line is finally getting the attention it finally deserves and I really cannot wait to see how it expands further since it now has it own catwalk shows and its first stand alone store in London (which opened last month; Dover Street – naturally).

I am particularly relishing in the hummingbird motif which has featured quite heavily in the Autumn/Winter 2012 collection. So much so that I simply could not resist this shirt I bought whilst shopping in Harvey Nichols Birmingham, I debuted it at Style Birmingham Live over the weekend. There is something really quite macabre and beautiful about it. The shirt is very much a statement piece which speaks for itself; to me it comes across more as a piece of art than an item of clothing. It is expressive whilst being too much. The hummingbird traditionally symbolises affection and infinity this contrasted against stark barren branches (which in the Spring will hold leaves once again) to me is almost a reminder that life goes on.

Me wearing my McQ by Alexander McQueen hummingbird shirt

For those who find the shirt I went for perhaps a bit too elaborate or those who fancy something a little more casual here are some of the other humming bird pieces in the collection. I am particularly loving the tshirt version of my shirt with the clean grey sleeves and neckline – it is a lot more wearable and laid back. The patterned shirts are I suppose a not so intense version of my shirt and I am enthralled by the washed out blue one.

McQ by Alexander McQueen humming bird items

one – Harvey Nichols
two – Harvey Nichols
three – Matches Fashion

Givenchy Paradise

4 Replies

Lately I have had Givenchy on the brain; particularly the SS12 Paradise collection. Synonymous with Parisian panache Givenchy is quite possibly one of the most famous French fashion houses of all time. Founded in 1952 the nearly sixty years old brand is nothing less than iconic. Givenchy was set up by French aristocrat Hubert de Givenchy who is probably most famous for dressing Audrey Hepburn. Many great fashion designers have manned the helm of Givenchy since Hubert retired; John Galliano, Christian Dior, Alexander McQueen, and Julien Macdonald. The current creative director Riccardo Tisci bought his own almost phantasmagorical macabre touch to the brand, he is very progressional, and I really like the direction in which he takes the brand.

Givenchy Mens SS12 Paradise, photography by Filippo Fior, Style.com
Photography by Filippo Fior, Style.com

The Givenchy SS12 collection is quite avant garde. The bold print is created by mirroring a bird of paradise flower, the result is quite intriguing. There is something about the vivacious print that really draws in my attention; it certainly makes a fashion statement. I also love the excellent cut jungle green tailored pieces in the collection it adds a subtle contrast whilst complimenting the looks entirely.


Givenchy SS12 Mens Paradise

one: £375
two: £1545
three: £550
four: £435
five: £375

All of the above are available from Mr. Porter.

I am finding myself particularly smitten with ‘five’ – that shirt needs to swiftly find it’s way into my wardrobe. Givenchy is one of those brands people seem to adore, or detest – a lot of people attribute Givenchy as being a tad inertial, desultory almost and entirely over rated. However I personally disagree, and whether you like Givenchy, or not you have to admit it is a force to reckoned with. To say I am a little in love with the Spring Summer 2012 Paradise collection is an understatement; I want to be drenched in Givenchy (now that REALLY would be paradise). The only thing putting me off is the price tag that comes with Givenchy… but never say never ;-) .

Blue Velvet

1 Reply

So I came across a not so bad photograph of me at London Fashion Week Menswear Day finally. A lot of the photographs I have seen were horrendous, why street style bloggers decide to take a photograph of me mid sentence on the phone, or in the midsts of sipping a latte is beyond me! I am not very photogenic at the best of times – one day I vow to learn how to pose until then I just become rigid whenever a camera is present, or be caught in some natural odd unattractive pose.

I also really need to learn not to stay up late, and drink the night before Menswear Day – I keep thinking I will have an early alcohol free night, but each time I fall helpless to resist the allure of the bright lights, and sparkling bubbles. So pardon the bags below my eyes!


Me, Lorien Adey, at London Fashion Week

Me Kurt Geiger Velvet loafers

Photo credit: http://shapebox.blogspot.co.uk/

Blazer: Paul Smith London
Shirt: Ted Baker
Bow tie: Alexander McQueen
Jeans: Nudie Slim Jim
Shoes: Kurt Geiger London
Pins: Mulberry
Bag: Mulberry Elkington
Watch: D&G Medicine Man

A Weekend In The City

1 Reply

This afternoon whilst having a nostalgic listen through my iTunes I was reminded of one of my favourite albums; Bloc Party’s A Weekend In The City (ah 2007 how I miss you!). I decided to take the album name in a more literal sense, and decided to do an edit showing various looks I would wear for ‘a weekend in the city’. The ‘city’ to me is London of course, and Bloc Party being a British band it only makes sense.


A weekend in the city, look one, Reiss tshirt, 7 For All Mankind Slimmy jeans, Burberry Brit leather jacket, Paul Smith striped trainers, Gucci scarf

one: Reiss Bless-Basic crew neck tshirt – £20 at Reiss
two: 7 For All Mankind Slimmy jeans – £179 at Harrods
three: Burberry Brit leather jacket – £695 at My Wardrobe
four: Paul Smith striped cotton trainers – £100 at Matches
five: Gucci tassi scarf – £175 at Matches


A weekend in the city, look two, Ami polo top, Gucci jeans, Balenciaga leather messenger bag, Yves Saint Laurent trainers, Prada Aviator sunglasses

one: Ami knitted polo top – £180 at Matches
two: Gucci slim fitting jeans – £360 at Mr Porter
three: Balenciaga leather messenger bag – £585 at Mr Porter
four: Yves Saint Laurent leather tennis trainers – £300 at Matches
five: Prada Aviator sunglasses – £235 at Harrods


A weekend in the city, look three, Burberry Brit blazer, Maison Martin Margiela slim fit shirt, Nudie jeans, Alexander McQueen loafers, Reiss twin zip briefcase

one: Burberry Brit contrast check lining blazer – £295 at Matches
two: Maison Martin Margiela slim fit shirt – £199 at Harrods
three: Nudie coated Thin Finn jeans – £90 at Liberty London
four: Alexander McQueen leather loafers – £375 at Matches
five: Reiss twin zip briefcase – £195 at Reiss

So I leave you with a song off Bloc Party’s “A Weekend In The City”; Song For Clay (Disappear Here), which is inspired by the character Clay in Bret Easton Ellis’ Less Than Zero. Bret Easton Ellis is one of my favourite authors, and Less Than Zero is one of my favourite novellas:



Cable Knits

3 Replies

As I have mentioned before I am quite the knitwear fiend. My favourite part of the colder weather is actually getting around to wearing some of my knit jumpers. I am particularly fond of cable knits; there is something about the classic design that really does it for me. From classic crisp off white cable knits, to a splash of Autumn Winter 2011 colour, and a few twists in between there is a cable knit jumper for everyone.

I have chosen an edit of some different cable knits to show you what is currently on the market. Some inexpensive, and some err not so inexpensive. A cable knit jumper is a crucial part of my Autumn Winter 2011 wardrobe, providing they are looked after they are an investment piece that could last years (just watch out for those pesky moths!).

Cable knits

one – Levi’s Vintage Clothing £175 at http://www.my-wardrobe.com/
two – Reiss £95 at http://www.reissonline.com/
three – John Varvatos £385 at http://www.mrporter.com/
four – Gucci £420 at http://www.matchesfashion.com/

Cable Knits

five – Ralph Lauren Purple Label £945 at http://www.mrporter.com/
six – Burberry Prorsum £495 at http://www.matchesfashion.com/

Cable Knits

seven – Reiss £110 at http://www.reissonline.com/
eight – Polo Ralph Lauren £155 at http://www.coggles.com/
nine – D&G £280 at http://www.my-wardrobe.com/

Cable Knits

ten – Topman £40 at http://www.topman.com/
eleven – Topman £42 at http://www.topman.com/
twelve – Polo Ralph Lauren £155 at http://www.harrods.com/

Cable Knits

thirteen – Dolce & Gabbana £185 at http://www.matchesfashion.com/
fourteen – Dolce & Gabbana £117 (reduced) at http://www.matchesfashion.com/
fifteen – McQ by Alexander McQueen £434 at http://www.farfetch.com/
sixteen – Suit £60 at http://www.farfetch.com/

I love number fourteen; the Dolce & Gabbana – if it was not sold out in my size I would snap it right up, and what a bargain of a price! I own number twelve; the Polo Ralph Lauren one – it is one of my favourite jumpers 100% lambs wool, and a great piece of cable knit!

Are you a fan of cable knits? What’s your favourite part of your Autumn Winter wardrobe?

Harvey Nichols Birmingham Fashion Show

3 Replies

If you read my blog you will be aware that one of my all time favourite stores is Harvey Nichols, and I am particularly fond of my local branch (if you can call it local at nearly an hour away that is!); Birmingham.

Harvey Nichols Birmingham is a relatively small store nestled in the style hub of Birmingham; the Mailbox, however don’t let this fool you. The quality of the service you get there is unsurpassable. It is constantly expanding, and developing as a store, and the staff are very willing to order things in for you if they do not have them in stock.

I would not hesitate in saying that it is the best place to shop for designer ware in all of Birmingham, and most likely all of the West Midlands. It is one store I could not do without.

So last week naturally I attended Harvey Nichols Birmingham’s A/W 11 Fashion Show sponsored by Land Rover; promoting the new Range Rover Evoque. I received a beautiful invitation in the post some weeks prior:

Harvey Nichols Birmingham invite

I arrived fashionably late – I had a quick sushi dinner with a friend, and then an even quicker catch up over a Vesper martini with another friend at Malmaison (in view of the Range Rover Evoque on the Mailbox steps!), I walked in to be greeted with a glass of champagne (first of many). I even had the DJ fetch me a glass of champagne whilst I was seated for the show, good on him for that ;) .

Here is a sample of some of Harvey Nichol’s catwalk menswear choices:


Harvey Nichols Birmingham fashion show, photography by Grimmy West

Harvey Nichols Birmingham fashion show, photography by Grimmy West

Harvey Nichols Birmingham fashion show, photography by Grimmy West

Harvey Nichols Birmingham fashion show, photography by Grimmy West

Harvey Nichols Birmingham fashion show, photography by Grimmy West

Harvey Nichols Birmingham fashion show, photography by Grimmy West

Photography by http://www.grimmywest.co.uk/, and used with permission.

The menswear featured a lot of Alexander McQueen, and McQueen scarves. I now have an urge to dig out my Alexander McQueen skull scarf (purchased from Harvey Nichol’s Birmingham naturally), and try to come up with different ways of wearing it… There was also a gorgeous Paul Smith midnight blue velvet I have been dribbling over, which I am sorely tempted by.

My Alexander McQueen skull scarf

It was a good evening, and a nice opportunity to catch up with certain people, new, and old faces alike. Needless to say I felt a little delicate the next day (I did nearly polish off a bottle of wine out of my gift bag to myself afterwards at a friends! shh), but it was a great evening. Although now I’m finding myself craving wasabi peas, and canapés.

The Bow Tie

1 Reply

The past few years the bow tie has been making a massive come back, and not just for dapper dans, or black tie events. I bought myself a bow tie a while ago from Harvey Nichols Birmingham, I have not yet had chance to wear it (save for the photo for this entry!) – although I am excited imagining the possibilities. Whether you wear it à la Chuck Bass, or a tad more casual it’s a fun item of neckwear worth experimenting with.

TM Lewin bow tie

Hardy Amies bow tie

Throw in a splash of colour; this gorgeous red bow tie is from T.M. Lewin – £19.50 available at http://www.tmlewin.co.uk/, the delightfully blue one which I’ve featured in my blog before is by Hardy Amies and available at Matches: http://www.matchesfashion.com/.

Jaeger bow tie

Marks and Spencers bow tie

Or keep it simple, classic, and black; the first one is from from Jaeger – £35 available at http://www.jaeger.co.uk/, or the second one is £9.50 (bargain!) available at M&S: http://www.marksandspencer.com/.

Topman bow tie

Maybe even try something different with this bow tie! I like the chunky texture to it. This one is £10 and available at Topman: http://www.topman.com/

The bow tie I got myself is Alexander McQueen, typically it has the skull motif on it! However I think it is subtle enough, and combined with the polka dots I think it really over all works.

Alexander McQueen skull bow tie
Alexander McQueen bow tie

So what do you think? I love the colours, and the stripe texture to it as well as the way it combines polka dots, and skull motifs.

Me wearing my Alexander McQueen bow tie

Wool Week

3 Replies

September is such an engaging month; what with the fact we can dig into our Autumn/Winter wardrobes finally (bring on the knitwear!), London Fashion week, Vogue’s Fashion Night out, and a plethora of social calendar events… however I want to focus on something a little bit different.

Wool Week; a week which this year started today the 5th of September. An initiative by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales which he established in 2008 to aid the struggling wool industry by educating consumers about the magnitude of benefits to wool, and promoting wool products to a wider national audience. Being the knitwear fiend I am, I love a spot of wool, and I fully support the Campaign for Wool – it is a struggling industry which we should support. To find more about the Campaign for Wool, and Wool Week check out the official website: http://www.campaignforwool.org/.

Wool is a very important natural fibre, unlike a lot of synthetic fibres wool it is a renewable source as annually sheep produce new fleeces. So not only is it stylish it’s eco-friendly, who could ask for more?

In support of The Campaign For Wool amongst many other organised events Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge have a ‘wool’ installation, as part of this installation eight bespoke designer bags made of wool will be on display through out the month. After being on display these bags will then be auctioned off with all the proceeds going to the Prince’s Countryside Fund.

We are talking top names; Alexander McQueen, Anya Hindmarch, Burberry, Christian Louboutin, Quentin Mackay, Sang A, Smythson and Vivienne Westwood. Now who wouldn’t want a one of a kind bag by one of these incredible fashion houses?! My personal favourite is the Alexander McQueen wool clutch:

Alexander McQueen wool clutch for Wool Week

So what are you waiting for, you’d be baaaaaa-rking mad (yes awful, but had to be done) to miss out on a one of a kind wool bag by one of your favourite designers. To find out more about the auction, register interest, and see the other bag designs check out the dedicated eBay for it: http://www.ebay.co.uk/harveynicholswool/

Oh, and of course this entry would not be complete without a ridiculous photograph of a sheep so here goes:

Campaign for Wool