LFW 55Lowdown Pt. 1

So it was the first day of fashion week and we jumped Straight into the Action, catching a brilliant interview with the lavly hilary Alexander.

This was to be our second Fashion Week as 55factory and it was also a BIG occasion for the crew as we let loose 55pages into the ' eager to browse ' fashion week crowds!

After a MAJOR PROWL through the crowded halls of fine garments and beautiful faces we hit the mecca that was the Vauxhall Fashion Scout press room!

This Place became our home away from home during LFW, something which chris took a little to literally!

Philip Crangi meets @55 Fashion..............

On meeting Philip Crangi, the founder of Giles and Brother jewellery, I can see where the fascination comes from. A dapper and bearded gentleman with a soft Californian drawl, his tough tattoos belie his eclectic and often dainty designs.

With a background in fine jewellery, and an interest in all things fashion and design, he has collaborated on various high profile projects with Vera Wang, Shipley & Halmos, and Phillip Lim’s shows, plus a 2009 line for Jason Wu- which have widened his customer base and gained several celebrity fans.

His motto that jewellery should be worn and enjoyed and not saved til ‘best’ suggest that he has a strong woman in mind when he designs. One who will be happy to mix up leather, oxidised silver and Swarovski crystals, from breakfast meetings to dancing the night away.

He is in London town to promote the new Holiday range for women, which will be available in time for the festive season. This is inspired by snakes and armoury and incorporates leather and lacquer cuffs and matching collars, graphic punched metal necklaces and bold chain necklace with crystals. Most of the styles are available in three parts, with earrings, necklaces and cuffs, it is an ideal way to start building up the collection or tapping into several at once.

Bearing this is mind, he is very much aware of his customer and their needs, and each piece has a story and connection, as though it finding a piece of hidden treasure. In his classic collection, you can find everything from big statement pieces, inspired by places, culture and Charlotte Rampling, to bracelet combinations which feature his signature leather braiding and a sprinkling of sparkly things.

Above all, he designs jewellery for women and men that is comfortable… It’s more like art for the body and is meant to be natural; He claims it should never look really new and it doesn’t have to be chunky or flashy, but wear with confidence and the attitude says it all.
Check out the Holiday range, and the Classic collection on www.gilesandbrother.com

By Sara Darling

Last day of a long 6 months!!

55employees Sims and Thompson have come to the end of a very gruelling 6month work session locked in the basement by 55bosses. Just in time for the British Summer to kick in for the British Winter.

One project ends and another begins.

55exhibition on the 27th October featuring Sick boy, BERT, Karl Grady.

LFW withdrawal symptons

So after six days of non stop shows, champagne and goodie bags, its back to reality with a bang!
Not quite sure what to do with myself. Roll on Tuesday when the @55factory tv boys will be presenting the Boxfresh and M and P models competition. And then off course the @55Pages launch party next month. I guess I'll probably slip in a few shoots somewhere along the line too!