SheBreathes™ | Fashion + Culture

The Accessorizer | Coliac by Martina Grasselli

Italian accessories designer, Martin Garsselli's line, Coliac,was discovered a few months back in London. Coliac features an alluring mix of gold cuffs in geometric shapes, soft-leather fringed-topped wallets, leather belts adorned with animal motifs, bold chunky necklaces, and butter-soft leather gloves — all of which I want to own. The quirky-cool vintage-like energy each piece excudes, is what makes them so special.

Explore the pieces above and below from the "Africans SS12" collection and be sure to visit Coliac to discover the entire collection and where to buy.

Fotos © SheBreathes.com

Discover | Holly Fulton's S/S 2012

London-based designer, Holly Fulton's S/S '12 collection is probably one of my favourite collections of the season. It's filled with art-deco inspired looks and a bevy of prints mixed with wild patterns and textures that make great separates. From the fun accessories in punchy colours, bikinis in funky patterns, to Holly's signature patterns paired with zebra prints — this is over-the-top goodness that you can get miles from. It's all about mixing and matching the separates to make looks wholly your own. It's a tongue-and-cheek collection that doesn't take fashion to seriously, but that doesn't mean that every piece isn't perfectly made, because it is. I know because I own 3 pieces from this collection, and trust me when I tell you there is never a shortage of questions about who made them.

The SS '12 collection is currently on sale, so visit, click around, and order-up something that you won't regret.

Fotos © SheBreathes.com

It's Like That by Cleo B

Cleo B knows how to keep it fresh. Whether it's the colour palette of watermelon, turquoise, orange, purple, coral, or gold cassette shoe clips. She always brings an element of cool and the S/S '12 collection is no different. It's Like That, named after RUN DMC's classic debut single, brought back the 80s in a big way with shoes like the custom-made Sucker M.C.'s — the cassette heel in glimmering gold. But, Cleo didn't stop there with the 80's hip-hop influence. She gave the shoes names like: Sugarhill, Tricky, and Homeboy, and who doesn't love a collection that can step back while keeping it modern and unique? Add the cheeky metallic snakeskin BOOM sandals and the Orange Crush espadrille wedge with mottled silk, which was hand-painted by Cleo, and you have a collection we can't get enough of.

Fotos © SheBreathes.com

Be sure to visit Cleo B to explore and shop the entire collection.

Step Pretty with Liam Fahy

London-based, Zimbabwean shoe designer, Liam Fahy's take on the classically shaped shoe has me coveting his S/S '12 collection. It's filled with a style for every occasion. From the ribbon-tie-up satin pumps in dusty rose and violet, creme suede mirrored heels, suede burgundy booties, to the strappy deep brown Mary Janes — I can't get enough.

I can only imagine slipping your feet into one of his beauties would be like experiencing a bit of heaven, because Fahy offers-up a perfect balance between sexy and practical. Above and below is a glimpse into what you can expect in stores in a few short months! Do visit to explore all his collections.

Fotos © SheBreathes

The Futurist | Victoria Spruce

It's Friday and I couldn't think of a better collection to leave you with, than that of emerging London-based shoe designer, Victoria Spruce. Lately, Ms. Spruce has has been on the lips of plenty in the fashion world. So, when I was invited to see the LFW Graduate Collections up close. I couldn't resist seeing hers.

While, some are screaming that platforms are out, that towering shoes with architectural leanings are "monstrous". This doesn't seem to faze Ms. Spruce and her design process — she believes that the upper and heel should be one — (designer quote to NJAL). And, while I've been a critic of said designs. I've never been a critic of innovation. I know it's hard to come-up with new shoe designs — especially those that don't borrow heavily from Muicca Prada or Pierre Hardy . It's one of the last places in fashion that sees any real progression. But, Ms. Spruce offers her take on what the future of footwear can be.

The Royal College of Art MA graduate's slickly designed shoes — with their smooth surface and sculptural shapes are fantastical and should be celebrated. They look like nothing out there and that is no small feat.

I will be keeping a close eye on Ms. Spruce, because her vision of what we should be rocking is something I can get behind. Above and below is a glimpse of what was on display, do visit her space to see the same styles unencumbered.

The designer, Victoria Spruce, in front of her graduate collection.

Fotos © SheBreathes.

Bohemian Glam by Fiona Paxton

We're back and we come baring goodies!

One of our favourite jewelry collections during London Fashion Week was from London-based jewelry designer, Fiona Paxton. Her aztec inspired and royal gold pretties for your arms, neck, fingers, and ears, had us wanting to scream her name around the showroom tents. From the geometric shapes on the gold pieces, to the over abundance of beads topped off with gold chains, and the leather studded cuffs — we just couldn't get enough of her creations. Everything in this collection is eye-catching and sure to have tongues wagging.

Some of our favourites are the cascading beaded necklaces, the chain and beaded earrings, and the gold rings fit for an aztec queen. Above and below is a glimpse into what we fell in love with. Click to enlarge and do tell us if you're diggin' Ms. Paxton's designs.

Fotos © SheBreathes.com.

Making Statements with Elena Canter

I'm all about making bold statements with jewelry. The more complicated, the better. I like this because to be very honest with you, sometimes I want the clothes to whisper, and my accessories to shout, but usually not all at the same time.

During London Fashion Week at Somerset House, we got a full view of the beauty that is Madrid-based jewelry designer, Elena Canter {Cancer} creations. Her industrial design background comes-out in the the intricacies involed in making each piece. There was loads of knotting, plaiting, and spirals that form into geomtric shapes, that was finished in antiqued-like metals on display. Her work can be overwhelming, but in a good way. All you'll need is a little black dress, and one of her pieces, because they're bold, beautiful, and will garner their own attention. Above and below is a glimpse into what we saw. Do visit Ms. Canter's space to see and learn more about her jewelry and sculptures.

Fotos © SheBreathes.

PS: Have a great weekend, and thank you for all the lovely emails on Baby Selah's sixth anniversary. Beijos e amor.

Discover | Masha Ma

LONDON — Shanghai/London-based emerging designer, Masha Ma presented her second collection during London Fashion Week, at Vauxhall, and it was easily one of my favourites. The graduate of Central Saint Martins is fast becoming one to watch in London. And, it's easy to see why, as her A/W 2011 collection was filled with covet-worthy coats, slick leather skirts, and pants that were all begging to be worn.

The collection featured plenty of double cashmere jackets with folded collars, and zippered details in the front — all of which were hand finished. The designer says the A/W 2011 collection was inspired by architect, Frank Gehry's de-constructivist work, and the reconstructing of femininity after post gender-politics. Ms. Ma explored the space between deconstruction and reconstruction — all of which can be seen throughout the collection. Some of my favourite pieces were the structural white blouses and victorian-like turtle necks, where some were paired with form fitting skirts that had front zipper details, paired with knee-high red patent boots. But, what I love most about this collection and Masha Ma, is her ability to make clothes that women can actually wear, and still push past the expected.

Above and below are some looks we snapped during the show, mixed in with and some single shot looks that I adore. Do keep Masha Ma's name near, because this won't be the last you hear of her. I have a feeling she'll be dressing the world soon enough.

Runway Fotos © SheBreathes. Single Looks Courtesy of Masha Ma.

Discover | Teatum Jones

LONDON — Teatum Jones is an emerging brand by Catherine Teatum and Rob Jones, graduates of Ravensbourne College of Design and Central Saint Martins respectively. During London Fashion Week, I got a closer look at some of the pieces in their A/W 2011/12 collection. From the juxtaposition of masculine structures such as box pleats, cuts of mens yoke shirts, exaggerated dropped shoulders. To the feminity of sheer panels, silk georgette and waist cinching that cling to strong feminine silohuettes — there's something about Teatum Jones that goes deeper than your one-hit wonder label.

Whilst drafting a collection, Catherine writes a film score, whilst Rob composes a film score from music of the time and soundtracks. For their A/W 2011 collection entitled Elsie and Mairi 1914, inspiration was drawn from those women fighting and surviving the First World War. And, by looking at photos of the war taken by famed British photographer Ernest Brooks, the two made the disintegration print. I have to admit when I first saw the print I thought it was of blossoms, but the strong violet tones intrigued me, and added an ambiance of anguish. It was actually photos of ash clouds from dropped warheads printed onto the pieces.

The vein of "utilitarian elegance", and masculinity mixed with femininity, is furthered through the lovely colour palette of bilberry-ink, midnight navy, stone, and winter greys. And, with all the ticks in the right boxes, the vivid conceptuality behind this collection, and the authenticity in each piece — due to their extensive research and passion behind their pieces, proves they're ready for a global audience, and should be added to your list of one's to watch. 

Some images from my visit with the designers below.

LookBook Fotos Courtesy of Teatum Jones. Showroom Fotos © SheBreathes.

Foot Candy | Michael Lewis A/W 2011

LONDON — Shoe designer Michael Lewis is no stranger on here, as he's been featured before. The London-based cobbler has created another stunning collection for A/W 2011 that include metal-thin cut-out heels that are stacked with goodness in suede, silk, and leather, with some trimmed in fur. Couple this with his mood setting lookbook, and you have beautiful swoon-worthy shoes that are begging to be worn. Above and below is only a peek. I will be adding some detail shoots very soon.

Fotos © SheBreathes.

Treasure Hunting | Little Glass Clementine

LONDON — Mixing unexpected elements is what Little Glass Clementine is all about. The London-based jewelry label is by Clementine James, who mixes discarded items, found objects, and precious gems to create desirable goodies. Her latest collection was on display at the exhibitions during London Fashion Week, which left many in awe of what she creates. The pieces must be seen up close, because It was all about rocking something she made. All about the electic mixing she had on display, with the mask pieces being the cherry toppers. Above and below is just a little of what was on view, but do visit her space to explore her entire collection.

Fotos © SheBreathes and model Fotos Courtesy of Little Glass Clementine.

The Showrooms at LFW | Camilla Skovgaard A/W 2011

NEW YORK to LONDON — I know I haven't properly released our New York Fashion Week content, but it will be mixed-in with the London stuff. The last two weeks has been trying to say the least. But, there is no rest for the busy and no time for complaining. I just need to get better at churning things out for my first love, which is this website — which by the way, is FIVE! I can't believe it! Can you? Five long years of sharing designers and being immersed in the world of fashion and culture. Here's hoping for five more! A longer post on the anniversary is coming.

Now, onto some lovely foot candy from London-based, Denmark-born shoe designer Camilla Skovgaard. Her vertiginous and exaggerated sawtooth-like rubber sole heels were on display at the Showrooms at London Fashion Week. Skovgaard's shoes have always exuded a sexy paired with comfort quality, which I dig. And, of course I couldn't pass-up the chance of sharing the ones I liked on here. Above and below is a snippet of what you should be rocking this fall.

Fotos © SheBreathes.