Did someone mention Ladybirds??

One to watch is recent graduate Sorapol Chawaphatnakul. Born in Thailand in 1988, he moved to London to expand his horizons, and explore his childhood fascination of women’s clothes and make up. Gaining a BA degree in fashion design from London College of Fashion, he recently showed his collection for the first time since graduating, in a truly spectacular setting of St George’s church in Mayfair. Partially inspired by his own childhood, he has created sophisticated, elaborate dresses, fit for a princess, or the red carpet.

The collection entitled True Colours, it is inspired by the story of Coccinelle (meaning ladybird) a dramatic woman who lived a life of luxury in Monaco in the 1940’s, but after a tragic plane crash, woke up as the only survivor in the jungle, surrounded by hundreds of insects..

Each piece is elaborately crafted and hand beaded with contrasting colours and organic shapes, edgy and full of drama; Corsets nestle next to antennae headpieces, which are styled along side webbed face masks, and each piece is more intricate than the last.

Having only been in London a few years, Sorapol has already found a niche in the underground scene by collaborating with London visionary Daniel Lismore, who has supported him with creative direction and millinery.

Other notable collaborations included the footwear by Bryan Oknyansky, show stopping jewellery by Skir Lin and eyewear by Linda Farrow, which all complemented the luxury and couture.

Sorapol’s first collection is full of fun, flamboyance and elegance, and no doubt will continue to push the boundaries next season. I look forward with anticipation.

By Sara Darling

no excuse not to scrub up well in jan...

With more than 30 years in the business, Peter Werth is still a recognizable force in the fashion game. Originally a specialist knitwear label, the brand soon expanded and became synonymous with innovative and quality design in the smart causal market, with the latest addition being the super slick tailoring range.

Footwear and accessories soon followed and 2011 saw the launch of the website www.peterwerth.co.uk which provides and interactive platform to see the campaign and buy from the comfort of your own home.

With London roots, the brand stays faithful to the traditional, but you can now wear PW everyday and choose from the Collection, Element, shoes and tailoring collections, which all retain the original unique, urban handwriting. It is the place to go for technically crafted, quality fashion.

So, to welcome in the new year, and the relaunch of the website, simply login to enter a not-to-be sniffed at competition, with prizes including an entire Peter Werth wardrobe, an iPad2, Murdock Grooming luxury treatment, a 2 night stay in a 4* London hotel and a personal consultation session with a top London stylist.

Running for two months across the site it is worth checking in, to check out the clothes and be in with a chance of winning a total lifestyle experience.. What are you waiting for? www.peterwerth.co.uk

By Sara Darling