Sorapol and creative director Daniel Lismore A/W 2012

London Fashion week ends and in true Daniel Lismore style as he creates his own fashion event gathering half of London.

As creative Director of Sorapol, Daniel is know for his extreme theatrical and avant gard production that he brings to the fashion brand.

Being hosted in the old arches below Waterloo station made for an incredible atmosphere, for those that remember SHUNT, cast your minds back for some idea of the vibe.

With a style heavily influenced by European military from the Crimean War and Baroque theatre, this show was far more than clothes down a catwalk. 

The show was around 15 minutes long with the models slowly walking to what was staged similar to corpses in a theatrical production. 

Strong elements of fantasy came along with the production conjuring up old Europe in a creepy but romantic style.

There were some incredible head pieces who we were told by Soropl himself, took up to six months to produce.

Along with the design and what we felt were some of the strongest elements in the show was the hair design with the intwined gas masks and skulls. Something we will definitely take influence from the creative direction of Lismore.

London fashion Week is unique with its hard edged creative explosion of ideas that is then taken to other fashion weeks and worked more commercially. 

The satellite shows around LFW are essential to the energy and independence created in London and with Daniel Lismore producing the Sorpol show it strengthens London's Art and Fashion identity for what we shold all be proud and thankful of.

For a full interview with Sorapol, Daniel Lismore, Boy George and Mark Moore go to 55factory.net and see 55tv

Author - Christopher SIms                       Images - Asia Werbel 

Baseball jackets

Having a small but growing collection of "Vintage" baseball jackets, I really don't need another one. But what's a collection about, collecting...
Well thats what I informed myself when wandering through Camden Market on an early Saturday morning heading towards 55factory for a day with 55employees.

As I darted through the vintage stalls and tye dye, it was there. The Jacket I had been searching for my entire life. The holy grail of Vintage Baseball Jackets.  Well since my old Vintage disappeared via an old flat mate, you know!! I have jsut been looking for a replacement.

Ok, Baseball Jackets from an expert.

1  They should always be old tatty and preferably vintage.
    New Baseballs just DON'T cut the mustard.

2  Girls or kids baseball jackets on guys are perfect especially if your the slimmer petite type.
    Mens baseball jackets on british guys generally don't work. Yanks are bigger than Brits - under nutritioned!
    Also there's nothing better than walking around in your Baseball with Wendy embroiled on the chest.

   
3  Never have a baseball thats too big. They look awful and make you look like you have a pin head.
    The shoulders on Baseballs can be a bit tricky, and although the Dynasty look will never go out, on a guys
    Baseball it never was in...

4 Get into always keeping ya eye out for a old baseball jacket. They turn up in the oddest places and you can get a real treasure for £5. In a different place you can pay over £75 for the very same jacket.








5 If you do happen to fall in love with one that's too big, no to worry. Pad it out with a denim jacket underneath and keep it as ya winter one. I have a few like this and a few that I should have bought but didn't.

6 Have at least 3 summer baseball jackets, but they have to fit you like a sassy slutty cheerleader and this is if you're a guy!!!

Well there's a few tips, dos and DON'TS on baseball jackets. Now go forward 55ers and hunt the ones that are destined for your backs!

Check out Vintage King Unit D04 Camden Horse Tunnel, Camden Market NW1 as they have a great range of vintage that we will be checking out. If you mention that your a
55er you may get a bit of a discount also!!!



By Christopher Sims

Allude A/W 2012 PFW

I'm not really a knitwear or Cashmere girl but after seeing Allude's show during Paris Fashion week, I am slowly starting to change my mind. With a rather classic collection that took inspiration from the 70's and 20's and modern day sparkle, there was definitely some key pieces for A/W 2012. As well as Leather accessories and big rings to toughen up a soft collection, the pieces came in a range of thin and chunky thicknesses and with a wide range of colours for the purpose of blocking Allude has it all.
Overall the pieces are very easy to wear and function perfectly for everyday but have that little trend twist to show that Allude are ahead in the game of Cashmere and tricks.



Words - Lois Waller
All images by Bunnipunch

Marios Schwab A/W 2012 LFW

New York Lady luck and evening gowns filled Marios Schwab's latest show for A/W 2012. With luxury embellishment, embroidery and texture, the key details of the collection were not lost on the designer's fans and the industry fashionista's that watched the show unfold.
What was interesting was the understated elegance of the pieces and the feminine look that in today's world would easily turn heads for their pure Chicness and effortlessly grace.
Old Movie stars of yesterday would have easily worn Marios' looks to the Oscars and I think the stars of tomorrow will be itching to wear his gowns for their premiers tomorrow too.

Author - Lois Waller

Images - Lois Waller

Mary Katrantzou A/W 2012

Colour and volume is always something that Mary Katrantzou is ideal at. With her new A/W 2012 collection, the florals have been replaced with hedge rows, Spoons and everyday inspirations that Mary seeked for her new pieces. With heavy embellishment from Swarovski to add that sparkle to tulips, frills and knitwear, Mary has again created a beautiful and lusty collection that many can not wait to explore.

Author - Lois Waller
Images - Lois Waller

David Koma A/W 2012 LFW

Sports Lux and evening wear have joined together for David Koma's A/W 2012 collection. With mental loop details, cut out bodies and glitter, David's new collection is original, dynamic and above all, feminine. With a slight 80's feel with kick frills, clashing colours and mesh sleeves, Mr Koma really has moved on from this perplex fun collection from S/S 2012 and I love it.
 

Author - Lois Waller
Images - Lois Waller

55Pages is a fan of men and menswear... here's what they will be wearing for AW12

Menswear day was its usual jumble of hipsters, smarties, b-boys and backstreet boys- in fact, there is something in AW for every species of the male!

Several designers out-did themselves by controversial styling/hairstyling (anyone going for the all over face-over?) but the majority of the collections were wearable, well made and easy on the eye; And if you know what you like, you will definitely be able to find it! And if experimentation is more your thang, I can point you in the direction for that too…

Here’s a round up of my fave collections…
Lou Dalton called his collection “This Charming Man” which was a retrospective of the romance of the war era. It could be loosely described as military but with a modern quilted twist. Structured, easy on the eye and low key, this is a safe bet for a boy who loves fashion.

James Long also opted for an aviator feel, but he concentrated on knitwear and collars. It looks like men will be wearing fur this winter, starting with the small details of the collar, and the defined waists are making fashion even more metrosexual. Coupled with PVC trousers in claret and plum, this will definitely be a grower when the nights start drawing in.

If you like old school, you should keep an eye out for Oliver Spencer, as he mashed a collection of varsity jackets with the traditional double breasted jacket. Extremely wearable and already with a big fan base of east-enders, Oliver could soon be expanding his empire if you ask me!

With one eye on the future, Martine Rose has nailed the bomber jacket to a T. Re-interpreted for AW12/13, the colour scheme is orange and olive. Coupled with skinny pants and the occasional neon flash, this collection is full of urban streetwear.

Another favourite would have to be Topman Design; Experimental yet wearable, there is always the safe option and the fly by the seat of your pants ‘I’m off out to a hot event tonight and need to buy some thing that doesn’t look high street’ version. With David Gandy and Alex Zane sitting frow, the boys came out beaming, as well as most of the girls! Black PVC, exposed zips, studded belts and danger showcased first followed by a more subdued and classy 1920s and thirties line in suiting. Altogether very hot!


JW Anderson took a risk to call the show Good taste Bad Taste, and as usual it did not disappoint; As a flashback to the 70s, there were optical prints, roll neck jumpers, too short flares and quilted jackets. Difficult to wear all at once, with the loud primary colours but the JW Anderson man will definitely be able to find comfort in the noise, and find a piece or two to complement the kilt combo.



And if that wasn’t enough excitement for the journos, the Agi and Sam collection was Bold with a capital B! The models, with extra rosy cheeks, beads, and white gloves, allowed the focus to be drawn to the outlandish even clownish partnerships. With matching suits, contrasting shirts, and lots of colours, everything was made from recycled plastic, so the homeless look indeed just exaggerated the quality and swagger of the product.



The Saville Row tailor E Tautz stayed close to its roots; Presenting a thoroughly British collection for the next generation, Patrick Grant has led the way in ready to wear for those who like the idea of made to measure. Classic basics were added to the flashes of red, which kept this collection traditionally quintessentially English.


And last but not least, McQ chose to end with a story. He too used military silhouettes with heavy overcoats and bomber jackets, but Sarah Burton kept it clean with classy leather gloves, shirts and ties.

So if you are a leather lover, a bit of a rock god or enjoy the geek chic look, you can definitely find an item or two to re-vamp your winter wardrobe. I know what my dream man will be wearing…

By Sara Darling

Simone Rocha A/W 2012

Simone Rocha has followed in the foot steps of her father and created another full and bubbly collection of textures and simple colours. With lace, plastic, wool, organza and leather, all natural and man-made materials have been mixed and jumbled together to create Simone's new A/W vision. With similar tastes and styles to her Dad, Simone has put her own spin on her collection by giving her pieces more of a commercial and trendy twist rather then following her father's roots which can be more classic and timeless.
Among all of the pieces, my favourites have to be the perspex coloured brogues, simply amazing!!

Author + images - Lois Waller