Thursday 8th December 2011, 10.16
Good morning! Polly here, one half of designer duo Draw In Light, discovered at the Liberty Best of British Open Call.
We’re so pleased to be Guest Editing Liberty.co.uk for the day, taking a break from working on PreAW12. It will be our first unisex collection which is very exciting. We are also working on our AW12 mainline collection; there are some very beautiful illustrations and some interesting photographic techniques going on. Harry’s been inspired by The Science Museum and Hackney Lido, whereas I’m loving The Hunterian Museum, The John Soane museum, Lee Miller and Liliane Lijn.
Today I’m wearing vintage – I like the fit better. Harry’s wearing one of our own designs, it looks amazing with her Japanese style. In general she’s a big fan of Maison Martin Margiela, Calvin Klein and Yoji Yamamoto. At the moment I’m paying attention to Haider Ackermann, J.W Anderson, Margaret Howell, Lavin and YSL. The last thing I bought was a pair of Dries Van Noten boots with snakeskin capped toes and perspex heels. And Harry’s been showing off her new black wool and leather Teddy boy coat.
We Love the diversity of London and the different vibes you can tap into. We live and work in the East so love cycling around at the weekends and visiting markets, pubs, boot sales, galleries…on a Friday night you will find us at the “Lucky Chip” – it’s a burger van at the top of Broadway Market. They make the most delicious burgers, beetroot onion rings and hand cut chips with Wasabi Mayo.
Liberty is a trail blazing English institution. We both find the beauty and defiance of the building inspiring. And the fact that it’s a big bazaar and houses labels you can’t find anywhere else. We’ve made a wishlist of our must-have items from around the store, fingers crossed we’ll find some of them under the Christmas tree! It’s going to be an international one – we’ll be closing the studio doors next week on the 15th and jetting off to warmer climbs. Harry is off to South America and I’m off to St Lucia. Merry Christmas everyone!
Shop Draw In Light
Shop their Wishlist
Win a Draw In Light Dress!
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Wednesday 7th December 2011, 9.28
Hello Liberty fans! I’m Vicki Murdoch of Silken Favours Scarves. My designs were spotted by the Liberty buyers at their Best of British Open Day and they’ve been stocked in store ever since. I love Liberty for their wide range of gorgeous gifts and, of course, the Scarf Hall is my favourite place to hang out.
The first time I stepped inside Liberty was a few years back, when I was doing a fashion show wearing a glamorous floor-length dress and dripping with jewels! I had a personal bodyguard to accompany me in case I ran off with the shiny goods but I was so overwhelmed by the interior of the building, especially that beautiful staircase, I was more interested in my surroundings than the scarily uncomfortable gee-gaws round my neck. Besides, after hours of trying to glide gracefully up and downstairs, I was too exhausted to be overawed about anything!
But now my favourite memory of the store would have to be seeing my scarves for the first time in the Scarf Hall. A lovely member of staff approached me and started to tell me all about my designs. I felt it might have sounded big-headed to say they were mine, so instead I listened intently, thanked her, and escaped via the staircase.
At the moment I’m working on some bespoke Silken Favours scarves for some interesting individuals, the album cover artwork for my friends’ band ‘Deep Sea Arcade’: a print collaboration with a new exciting brand called ‘Paper’. I’ve also just put the final finishing touches to my SS12 collection and started the design work for AW12… Phew!
Today I’m wearing my favourite leather mini-skirt, paired with thick tights. Layered jumpers over a shirt complete the outfit. Yes, it’s cold out there today. I’m a fan of vintage clothes – probably part of being interested in textiles and print design. I love charity shops and vintage fairs, seeking out bargains and rummaging through piles of stuff. I’m a bit of a collector and quite often it’ll be something I find out there that gives me inspiration. For accessories I’m in love with Rosita Bonita’s Aztec jewellery.
London is a great base for me. I love that so many of my friends are here; that there is always something going on. My secret location this year would be ‘Circus’ at the Tramshed in Shoreditch. It’s on from the 14-18th of December and has a multitude of amazing up-and-coming designers displayed in a wonderfully theatrical setting. I’m very excited about it and I plan on doing all my Christmas shopping there! You simply can’t get bored in London ; although sometimes you do need a break though from all the chaos.
For Christmas I’m going travelling with my sister and our boyfriends on a round-trip from Sydney, via Byron Bay. We expect to be eating oysters in the sunshine on Christmas Day. For so many reasons, I feel a very lucky lady!
Shop Silken Favours
Shop Vicki Murdoch’s Christmas Wishlist
Plus WIN the Silken Favours Precious Pussies Scarf in the picture above…
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Tuesday 6th December 2011, 10.23
Glaswegian fashion designer and master of print Jonathan Saunders has become a firm fashion editor’s favourite, and certainly impressed our own womenswear buyer Stephanie Jones who named his SS12 show her favourite in London. Jonathan is our Vogue.co.uk’s Online Fashion Week guest editor of the day, picking out his Christmas wishlist from our website alongside managing director and best friend Yvie Hutton. Jonathan’s scarves are available online now, and his exquisite resort pieces have just arrived in store! Read on to find out whats rocking his wonderful world right now…
> What are you working on at the moment?
My prefall 2012 and menswear collections.
> What are your plans for Christmas?
I’m going to India – Kerola for Christmas
> Do you have a secret place in London you’d recommend?
There is a great bookshop that I like located just behind Tate Modern. I also like going to Lots road auctions, which is great for old furniture to a reasonable price.
> What are you wearing at the moment?
My own menswear is coming in handy, and I wear a lot of my own knitwear at the moment.
> Are there other designers that you admire?
From my contemporaries: Christopher Kane and Roksandra Ilincic. I also admire Miuccia Prada and Rei Kawakubo, for her skills in balancing creativity and business.
> What was the last thing you bought?
I bought a book about kimonos from the V&A.
> What is inspiring you at the moment?
Textures and 3 dimensional fabrics.
> What do you love about Liberty?
I love that going to Liberty is more of an experience then just shopping, the building itself is so atmospheric and I like going to the print department with all its beautiful fabrics.
> What will you be doing for New Years Eve?
Partying on the beach in Goa
> What would be your worst ever Christmas Present?
UGG boots
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Monday 5th December 2011, 10.39
Good morning!
I’m delighted to be launching Vogue.com’s Online Fashion Week for Liberty.co.uk today. I’m taking some time from working on the FW12 collections for my line and Versus simultanously, so pretty busy and February will be here before we know it!
For my day as Guest Editor I’m wearing My Christopher Kane for J Brand jeans and my own Mens CK tartan t-shirt layered with my navy cashmere jumper from my AW11 collection. For my feet I can always rely on a good chelsea boot.
I just love Liberty; I love the history and the whole experience, its a one stop shop. I can always remember visiting during my student days looking through the international designers and thinking how I could never afford much, now its so lovely to be able to really shop. I have a ritual with shopping at Liberty’s, I always always start at the top and walk down. I love those old staircases, it’s a really unique and special retail experience.
London itself is such a vibrant city and it’s the place I have called home for 11 years now. I would say Dalston has got pretty special over past 2 yrs, lots of new shops, cafes popping up, its defo worth a visit day or night. I am never out of Dalston Superstore for lunch and drinks after work. I get so much inspiration from street style in Dalston, usually from mad old ladies on the 236 bus.
This Christmas I’ll be getting out of the city though: we are all going to Mexico together to switch off and enjoy the sun. I’m looking forward to clearing my head, and recharging for the Autumn Winter season. For New Years I will be spending Hogmanay on the beach, eating and drinking cocktails the entire day. We have a lot of friends meeting in Mexico so it should be a special one. No matter what though I always ensure I call home in Scotland for the bells.
I’ve never had a bad Christmas present as I always specify what I want beforehand, it sounds awful but ever since I was a child I used to write list after list of suggestions. Recently I have been buying a lot of books, the latest being “BALS” by Nicholas Foulkes, detailing the legendary costume balls of the 20th century. Seriously though, I really love to give rather than receive, and it has only been recently that I’ve been able to treat my family properly, it’s such a lovely feeling.
Christopher has compiled his ultimate Christmas wishlist to share with you, take a look now!
Shop Christopher Kane
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Sunday 4th December 2011, 17.37
Last week we were treated to a particularly indulgent night away at Bovey Castle. This unique hotel is situated in the breathtaking setting of Dartmoor National Park, so we made haste to Paddington station and boarded our train to Exeter St Davids. Upon arrival we were greeted by our lovely Land Rover driver, appropriately clad in tweed breeches and a flat cap. Then began a journey down the winding country roads, taking us away from the hustle and bustle of the city and into the soothing heart of Dartmoor.
Once inside the hotel we were whisked into the Oak Bar for a glass of bubbly beside a roaring fire, then on to dinner in the Edwardian Grill. The scallops were absolutely mouthwatering, washed down with one of the many fine wines on offer. We went for the Australian Pinot Noir, apparently a younger wine without all the tannin of the traditional bottles, and it tasted delicious. For the main course we sampled the venison wellington and lamb with fondant potatoes, followed by sticky toffee pudding and dark chocolate tart. Post supper it was back to our spot by the fire for an expertly crafted espresso martini, which failed to stave off heavy eyelids for too long and we were shown upstairs to our rooms. Spacious and extremely comfortable, they didn’t disappoint; plus each had an incredible panoramic view of the grounds.
By morning we were thoroughly relaxed and at home, with London feeling like a million miles away. For breakfast we chose the smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, washed down with a piping hot pot of coffee. Keen not to miss the falconry display at 10am, we took a quick tour of the Manor House, a maze of wooden panelled hallways, grand carved fireplaces and sitting rooms, perfect for whiling the day away with a good book by the raging hearth. We also took a look at the lodges which can be hired separately for a more private experience, and the picturesque golf course. Outside we were joined by the other guests to meet falconer Martin Whitley, and the hotel eagle Artemis. His display introduced us to his collection of extraordinary birds of prey, including a particularly lovable owl.
Feeling suitable chilled by the fresh Exeter air, we returned inside to don our bath robes and slippers for a trip to the spa. After an hour in the pool, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna we are well and truly relaxed and refreshed, and thoroughly saddened at the thought of returning home. Bovey Castle is a truly special place, and despite being away for only one night we felt as if we’d reaped the benefits of a short holiday.
To celebrate Online Fashion Week we’re offering you the chance to win a weekend 5* at Bovey Castle in one of their grand state rooms. The package includes dinner and breakfast for two over two nights, champagne afternoon tea on arrival, and two Sundari Holistic Rituals in the spa. Enter now!
Visit the Bovey Castle Website
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