World Land Trust and Liberty Scarves

International conservation charity the World Land Trust have collaborated with Liberty to create a collection of exclusive scarves. The five prints were created by Textile Design students at Winchester School of Art, and represent conservation projects around the world that are in urgent need of awareness and funds. 15% of all sales will be donated to the World Land Trust.

Winchester School of Art Competition

Over 40 final year students were asked to design five prints each for the project, with each scarf representing one of the World Land Trust project areas – Borneo, India, Paraguay, Atlantic Rainforest and the Keepers of the Wild programme. We took a behind-the-scenes peek at the finalist entries, which were displayed in the Heritage Suite at Liberty. These were narrowed down to a final five by an expert panel including Tammy Tinker – Fashion Assistant at Vogue, Liberty Accessories Buyer Alexandra Stylianidis, Shoe Designer Michael Lewis, Wildlife Artist Bruce Pearson and Jewellery Designer Dominic Jones. The winning students are Evelyn Males Echeverria for Paraguay, Freya Perrett for Rangers, Lollie Dunbar for Borneo and India, and Phoebe Farrell for Atlantic Rainforest in Argentina.

World Land Trust

With Sir David Attenborough as its patron, the World Land Trust has helped to save over 500,000 acres of threatened habitat since it was established in 1989. The Trust always work in collaboration with local partners and non-governmental organisations, and stand by their policy to never own any of the land they help to purchase outright.

Shop World Land Trust Scarves

To this day very little is known of the studio that was located in St. Honore, Paris, and even less about Lizzie Derriey herself. Nearly 70 years worth of design classics remain unaccounted for.

Recently, part of the collection was rediscovered in the south of France. Following the thrill of the discovery, the current owners have chosen to bring this small number of highly collectable and unique works into the public domain.

This beautiful and extremely rare collection of work is currently available to view or purchase on the fourth floor at Liberty. We caught up with the current team behind Lizzie Derriey, and dug a little deeper into the mystery surrounding these incredible works of art…

Which fashion designers did the Design Studio work with?

Ralph Lauren, Oscar de la Renta, Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent, Prisunic, Galeries Lafayette, Abraham, Bianchini Ferier, Bucol, Jermi, Jean Patou…

Where do you think all the artwork ended up?

Perhaps in some of these designers’ dusty archives, or otherwise auctioned off in the same way the ones we acquired were; or even with some of the artists who created them.

Why is Lizzie Derriey such a mystery?

Whilst the studio created these beautiful works, it was the fashion houses that were known for them; the studios themselves paled into background – this might have added to the mystery.

Also, there is more mystery because none of the artists are named on their pieces – they simply use their studio code - and there’s no way of tracking them down now that the studio is no longer running.

The Lizzie Derriey studio is like a forgotten historical gem; discovering the pieces was like finding buried treasure.

Why did you choose to sell the collection at Liberty?

Where else is there to exclusively launch such a collection than a store founded on the beauty of textile patterns, creativity and the avant-garde, at a time when we’re seeing such a big renaissance in vintage patterns?

What makes the Lizzie Derriey designs to special?

The works span the 20′s to the 90′s, and the collection is incredibly diverse, meaning it will appeal to a variety of creative tastes. What makes them special is their history, their quality, their mystery, their rarity, and, ultimately, the fact that they are each of them are unique – each is hand-made and original, not a print.

Owning a Lizzie Derriey artwork is about owning a piece of creative Parisian history – one that unites expertly blended elements of art, design and fashion.

View our Facebook album of the Lizzie Derriey artwork

Live footage from the April 2011 Design Open Call

Find out what the designers and the panel made of this month’s event.

Meet Team Liberty

We interview five influential members of our Head Office team.

2010′s Success Stories

Meet Richard Weston, Thomas Hopkins-Gibson and Charlotte Sale, whose designs are all now sold in store.

Sign up now for the next Open Call on 20th August 2011.

Sign up to the newsletter

Follow us on Twitter

Like us on Facebook

So whether you’re loved up or free and single, here’s our guide to what’s on in store to get you in the mood for love…

Monday 7th February

Alex Monroe’s New Collection Arrives In Store
Exclusive to Liberty, we adore Alex Monroe’s new Daisy Bell jewellery collection, inspired by a countryside picnic. With Spring just around the corner, Alex’s jewellery is the perfect way to say ‘Be my Valentine’.

Annoushka Jewellery Special Offer
Monday 7th – Monday 14th February
Surprise your loved one with a piece of Annoushka jewellery, and receive an extra special Valentine’s treat. Make a purchase from Annoushka in store, and you’ll receive a complimentary Rococo Heart Box worth £40, including a best-of selection of indulgent ganache truffles*
*Offer available in store only

Wednesday 9th February

Chocolate tastings from Rococo
12.00pm-3.00pm
Chocolate Shop, Ground Floor
Not sure which chocolates to choose for your other half? Artisan chocolatiers Rococo will be on hand to help, offering tastings of their range of quirky but sumptuous chocolates.

Thursday 10th Feb

Chocolate tastings from Lick the Spoon Chocolate
11:30am – 3.00pm
Chocolate Shop, Ground Floor
Award-winning chocolate makers (and husband and wife team) Lick the Spoon will be in store to offer tastings of their fresh chocolates.

Murdock’s Gift Event
5.30pm – 8.30pm
Murdock’s, Lower Ground
Get expert advice in gifting the man in your life, from male grooming gurus Murdock’s. Join the Murdock’s team for an evening of champagne and tips to help you find the perfect present for your special someone.
Find out more

Friday 11th Feb

Elena Deshmukh Valentine’s Day Card Calligraphy
11.30am – 3.00pm
Stationery Room, Ground Floor
Want to show your devotion with a love token? Renowned card designer Elena Deshmukh will be in store to hand write a personal message for your loved one or secret crush in rose scented ink.
See Elena’s card selection

Alex Monroe in Store
5.00pm-7.00pm
Alex Monroe will be store to help customers choose the perfect Valentine’s gift

Chocolate tastings from Prestat
12.00pm -3.00pm
The creators of the chocolate truffle, and the chocolatiers to the Queen, Prestat are renowned for making packaging as delectable as their luxury, handmade chocolates. Come in store and taste a selection of their mouthwatering treats.

Monday 14th February

Chocolate tastings from Prestat
12.00pm -3.00pm
More tasting to help you choose the perfect chocolates…or just scoff them yourself!

Need some more inspiration for the big day?
Visit our Valentine’s Day Shop

Shop the Sale Now

Geannine used to work at Liberty herself as a sales assistant, but now has her own collection stocked on the second floor,

 ”I used to work in the Lingerie department. I started making these dresses because I ran out of black clothes to wear as uniform. Every time I was wearing one someone would approach me – other girls from the shop or customers, and they all wanted one too. I made a small collection of these black dresses, based around cut and silhouette, and took them to the Best of British Design Open Call.” 

Vanessa Dade of Genuine Article successfully pitched her reclaimed vintage leather jackets,

“It was a very intense and surreal experience. It was hugely gratifying to have my creative vision endorsed by Liberty’s buying team.”

Harriet and Polly, the designers behind London brand Draw in Light, told us about applying for Best of British during a visit to their studio. You can watch the film our YouTube page.

See more Best of British designs

Apply for the next Open Call – April 2nd 2011

We’ve got must have pieces from the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Acne, cosy knitwear from Sonia by Sonia Rykiel and A.P.C., plus the ultimate New Year’s Eve party dresses from Peter Pilotto, Erdem and Etro.

1. Acne Manico Black Dress

Was £145, now £58

2. Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Coat

Was £735, now £294

3. Sessun Black Pearls Dress

Was £110, now £77

4. Etro Floral Dress

Was £825, now £577.50

Shop the Sale Preview

Recipients of the illustrious NEWGEN sponsorship have been announced for London Fashion Week AW11, and include Liberty’s very own Michael van der Ham, Christopher Raeburn, J. W. Anderson, Jordan Askill and Felicity Brown.

Michael van der Ham was spotted after his Fashion East debut by Liberty’s buying consultant Yasmin Sewell, who secured an exclusive deal with the designer. Christopher Raeburn was also spotted by the Liberty buying team, this time at the Best of British Design Open Call. If you’re a future fashion star, you can register online now for April 2011, when you’ll have the chance to have your own designs stocked in Liberty’s famous mock Tudor halls.

Jones has brought one of Manolo Blahnik’s sketches to life, creating a one off incredible hat. The iconic design is reminiscent of Elsa Schiaparelli’s famous surrealist shoe hat, brought into the 21st century in the shape of an elegant Manolo pump, signature Stephen Jones top hat brim and Manolo Blahnik for Liberty Print lining. This felt hat has been designed to fit all head sizes.

Despite being friends for thirty years, this is the first time the two have worked together and with great success. Stephen’s artistic wit and penchant for elegant design pays tribute to one of the best known and loved shoe designers of our time.  

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to own this wearable work of art – bidding closes at 1pm on Sunday 12th December.  

What is your job title and role?

My job title is Head of Press. In a nutshell it’s my job to let people know all the amazing things that happen at Liberty on a daily, monthly and yearly basis.

What’s in store for you today?

Today we are holding a press day to showcase the Spring Summer 2011 mens, womens and accessories collections. The visual merchandising team have created a summer’s day in the country with the products hanging from a trellis, stacked on bales of hay and piled onto parasols suspended from the ceiling. There is even a sail boat made entirely out of cardboard residing in the menswear area.  

What’s your morning routine?

Getting out of bed is a near death experience for me….I never manage to spring out no matter how excited I am about what is happening that day sadly. My dog Buster is my alarm clock, he jumps on me at 7 am without fail and doesn’t let up until he has been fed and we are at the local park for a morning walk.

What are you wearing today?

On press day I always like to wear something I feel comfortable in and that will last all day and not crease but that’s fun and glamorous too. Today I have chosen a navy Vivienne Westwood dress and paired it with navy patent high heeled brogues by Christian Louboutin that were from the Richard Nicoll fashion show last season. Annina Vogel, a jeweller we stock at Liberty who creates beautiful items from reworked antique charms, has very kindly lent me an antique Victorian dragon enamel ring with diamond pave to go with my outfit.

8.30 am: I arrive at Liberty at and put the ring straight on… I then fantasise briefly about living an existence where I only wear fine jewellery and sky high heels. It’s good to have a dream!

9.30 am: The unconquerable Liberty press team are putting the last minute touches to the press day so we all gather together to look at the room, it looks incredible!

10am: Once we have had a run through with the buyers I race downstairs to the Shu Uemura counter to have my make up done – I opt for subtle false lashes and pink lips.

10.30 am: The press start arriving and we have a very busy morning. Each journalist that comes gets shown through the collections by the press team and we make a note of which items are their particular favourite and what they would like to call in for the stories they are working on. 

Midday: Lunch doesn’t happen at a press day – we grab quick bites between appointments. Cocomaya have done the catering for today and it’s sublime. I have a semi religious experience with the cheese straws, they are irresistible.

2pm: More press turn up, they are all very complimentary about what we are showing which is great. My team are so incredible, I really don’t know where they get their energy from as mine starts to flag!

4pm: Before I know it it’s late afternoon and Donna Wallace from Elle turns up. Donna is running scarf styling classes for us in the new scarf hall and after a quick whip round press day she makes her way downstairs to adopt her post.

5pm: Donna’s feeling nervous so I go down to check she’s ok and find her in her element creating beautiful turbans, necklaces and tops for awaiting customers all out of scarves. Wonderful!

6pm: Back up to the press day and before I know it the last two people turn up, we’ve had 180 press attend through out the day!

8pm: Feeling very exhausted but exhilarated I sit down at my desk and go through all the emails I haven’t been able to answer yet and start compiling feedback on the collections to send to the buyers.

11pm: I finally give up when I realise that I’ve typed the same word three times. I get a cab home as my feet hurt too much to even contemplate walking to the bus stop and fall into bed.

How did you get into your role at Liberty?

I have always loved fashion and realised very early on that a job in retail was the perfect way to earn money and get discounts on lovely things. I studied Cultural Studies and then went to NY to work for an art-house publication called Visionaire. I loved living in NY but didn’t like the ultra ‘Devil Wear’s Prada’ environment at the magazine so I decided to segue into PR. I moved back to London and got a great job at a boutique size PR agency and worked my way up from there.

What do you love about working for Liberty?

I love how much Liberty is bursting with character and history but also feels really modern too. The building itself is so beautiful it never ceases to inspire me when I walk in every morning. I also love how unexpected life at Liberty is… you never know what’s going to happen next week and I love the sense of dynamism that brings.

Tell us about something exciting you have planned…

We are working with an amazing sportswear brand for spring next year…. Sadly I can’t divulge full details yet but it’s going to be immense. Liberty print is taking over the world. I absolutely love it!

Images: Kate pictured with Richard Nicoll, alongside stills from the SS11 Press Day.

Just in time for your Christmas shopping, Liberty are offering our Loyalty Card members a special treat this week – with 15% off in store and online until Saturday 4th, plus 10% off beauty & fragrance. 

Don’t have a Loyalty Card? Sign up free in store or online by clicking here

For online purchases visit liberty.co.uk and enter your loyalty card number as well as the following codes:

To receive 15% off throughout the website enter ‘Christmas15‘ at checkout

To receive 10% off Beauty and Fragrance enter ‘Christmasbeauty‘ at checkout

Click here for full details plus our terms and conditions

15% off Neom for Card Members
Tonight, Thursday 2nd December
12pm to 8pm
Heritage Suite, Third Floor

Join the Neom team tonight for complimentary bespoke scent prescriptions to help you find out which scent will make you feel your personal best. Attendees will receive a complimentary Organic Travel Candle* with every NEOM spend of £20 or more on the day.

Book your place at Customer Services by calling 020 7734 1234, Limited places available

*Available while stocks last

Whether a gorgeous gift for your technology prone loved one or a special treat for your own laptop or mp3 player, this delightful collection is already in high demand. There’s striking printed canvas with digitally altered designs from the Liberty archive, or the finest quality leather embossed in the iconic Ianthe print.

What’s more, Liberty Online have a cheeky head start – get yours at liberty.co.uk a full day before the collection hits our Regent Street Store!

Shop the Apple Collection Now

*Free UK standard delivery on orders from the Liberty London Apple collection placed before 31st December 2010.

Addicted to your Apple Mac? Can’t take your eyes off your iPhone? Then get ready to give your gadgets a Liberty print makeover, with our exclusive new range of products made exclusively for Apple.

Here’s a sneak peek at just some of the collection of MacBook Pro, MacBook and iPhone covers, iPad folios, Business and Messenger bags, in vibrant printed canvas and embossed leather.

If you’re after punchy prints, then go for the canvas collection, featuring classic Liberty florals and geometric prints from our extensive archive, digitally reworked into exclusive designs.

For a more sophisticated take on the look, the sleek leather collection comes in the finest Italian calf leather, in red, black, brown and navy, and is embossed with Liberty London’s iconic Art Nouveau Ianthe print.

And if you can’t find a design you like, a further range of exclusive products will be launched in February 2011.

Can’t wait to make your laptop pretty in print? Liberty London for Apple is available online from the 30^th November and in store from the 1^st December.

See the Liberty London for Apple collection

The collection is available now in store at Liberty, but with only 10 pieces available in each style you’ll have to be quick!

Browse the online jewellery selection

First launched in Japan, the Liberty Hello Kitty collaboration is now set to roll out worldwide, with a whole range of luxury cosmetics featuring the charming new prints.

The grand launch is penciled in for September next year - we’re positively purring in anticipation.

*UPDATE* Read our new blog for a sneak preview of the collection, available exclusively at Liberty for two weeks from Monday 26th September 2011

Are you a budding young entrepreneur with talent and drive? Are you the next Charles Eames, Karl Lagerfeld or Philip Treacy? From fashion to furniture, hats to handbags, craft to cushions and ceramics to silverware Liberty is on the hunt for innovative new design.

Sign up today, and you will have the chance to go before an expert panel on Saturday 2nd April 2010, comprised of Liberty Managing Director Ed Burstell alongside the Liberty buying team and industry experts. Their favourite designs will be sold in Liberty’s world renowned London store, and the chosen few will also receive support and direction from the Liberty team.

Past successes include Weston Scarves, Draw in Light and Thomas Hopkins Gibson. View more Best of British designers.

Enter the Best of British Open Call

Each piece is completely unique and we’re selling out fast so you’ve got to be quick!

How did the brand begin?

“It really happened by chance. Last winter, I embraced the wintery mornings by making a pair of earmuffs. I had such a good reaction to them that I made a small range in a selection of faux furs, and from there went on to create an entire range of elegant faux fur accessories. ” 

What do you love about Liberty?

“You can’t compare Liberty to any other department store, it’s totally unique. It oozes class, elegance and sophistication and somehow manages to balance its old heritage with the freshness of current fashion and design. I love the fact that it flies the flag for British fashion, and supports up and coming brands too.”

What are your top tips for winter survival?

“Just embrace the cold! The English countryside is so beautiful and winter really showcases that I think. Just arm yourself with a pair of earmuffs, a big scarf and a pixie muff if you’re feeling extra glamorous and go out and enjoy it. Winter also means you can indulge guilt free, so you can have that extra roast potato or listen to Frank Sinatra on full blare without worrying about it.”

Where are the pieces made?

“My first collection has been produced in England, which i think adds to the charm of the collection.”

You use fake fur – do you think this can completely replace the real deal?

“Faux fur is produced all over the world now, there are thousands of beautiful fabrics available. The quality of some of the fabrics is outstanding. I don’t think there is a need for a company like mine to use real fur.”

What are your plans for the future of the brand and future collections?

“I plan to build on the current collection next year and add extra fur classics to the portfolio as well as introducing new lines. I am in the process of sourcing a completely fresh and exciting range of faux furs in stunning colours.”

How did the name of the brand come about?

“I’d been brainstorming ideas for a while and one weekend last winter when I was out walking the family dog, Blanche, the name ‘Blanche in the Brambles’ came to mind. I thought it would represent the products really well – romantic, elegant and quintessentially British, so I went with it.”

What will you be doing this fireworks night?

“I’ll go to my local country pub and order my first glass of mulled wine. Their garden really isn’t big enough for fireworks and a bonfire, but they go ahead every year anyway. I’m hoping it will be the start of a very merry festive season.”

If you’d like a little inspiration in tying your scarf, head to our YouTube page for our fabulous scarf tying videos. Plus until the 11th November, as part of our fortnight of scarves, any scarf purchases of £150 and over will be entered into an exlusive competition to win £5000 worth of designer scarves from these fantastic brands:

Liberty of London            Givenchy           Stella McCartney           Hermes           Etro           Alexander McQueen           Weston

Scarves           Michael Birch           Grayson Perry           Simeon Farrar           Anthena Procopiou           Laura Berens Baker

Lin Beeser Project           Bindya           Meg Mathews           Swash           Dries Van Noten           Shepherd England

Dianora Salviati           Me and Kashmiere           Blanche in the Brambles           Johnstons

Don’t miss out! Visit our scarf hall today for your chance to win.

P.S.  Until the 9th November we’re offering free delivery on all Vivienne Westwood womenswear and accessories, there’s never been a better excuse to invest in fashion’s great dame.

Chocoholics, there’s a new place to indulge your sweet tooth on Carnaby Street. This week, Cocomaya, London’s hippest chocolatier, has opened a pop-up chocolate shop in Liberty’s Carnaby Room – a Chocolate Christmas Wonderland fit for an English eccentric.

Cocomaya create gourmet, handmade treats with a touch of the macabre – think ghoulish chocolate skulls, and truffles in gaudy jewel tones. And their nostalgic Chocolate Shop is rammed to the rafters with an exclusive range of sweets and chocolates, at stocking-filler prices.

What will you find in this winter wonderland? An Aladdin’s cave of Christmas sweets, decorated with vintage knick knacks and festive party favours. Antique cabinets groan with cellophane-wrapped goodies - like a cheeky Chocolate teapot and sweetie filled Toby Jugs - and the pine tables are laden with bags of novelty candies.

This pop up is great for gift buying (our Mums will LOVE the gin and tonic petit fours). But we’ll be stuffing our own stockings with the gold pirate skull lollipops and adorable pink chocolate pigs – it is the season of giving after all!

The Cocomaya Chocolate Wonderland is open now, on the ground floor of Liberty at our Carnaby Street Entrance.

See more pictures from the Chocolate Wonderland on Facebook. Can’t make it to the Chocolate shop? Buy Cocomaya online.

From Rosa Bardwell: A question for Meg Matthews. I have been given a long wide silk scarf and would like to know how to wear it for the best look.

Meg: Hi Rosa, scarves are a very versatile accessory – I love wearing them looped through the straps of my handbag, or even as a belt – but whatever you do, be sure to wear it with attitude!

From Anne Bishop: Question for Meg – what is the inspiration behind the collection?

Meg: Hi Anne, I was thinking about the kind of scarves I wanted to and walked into my daughter Anais’ bedroom. She had a little Russian doll toy with unusually bright colours. I immediately knew that I wanted to use this for the print. There’s also a twist – if you turn the scarf upside down it appears instead as a skull!

From Andy Jackson: Question for meg- do you have any scarf styling tips for us lads? I’ve just dug out the winter scarf and like many lads have no idea how to wear it properly. Help me!!

Meg: Hi Andy, for guys it’s got to be the cravat – loop it over itself in a double knot, it’s a classic look that will never go out of style.

From Jill Glaister: Question for Meg…. what other scarf designers do you like?

Meg: Hi Jill, I’m a great admirer of Alexander McQueen – he gave me some of his skull scarves which I absolutely love.

From Milly Lilly: I’ve got a question for Meg Matthews! I often wear a scarf during the day, but can you suggest a glamorous evening scarf look?

Meg: Hi Milly, I’d suggest a silk scarf worn as a bandana or vintage style head wrap. I’ve used bright neon colours in the collection which are perfect for night time looks.

And finally, from Team Liberty: What do you love about Liberty London?

Meg: I love the scarf hall, but the whole store has such a personal, luxurious feel – plus it’s one of a kind. I’m honoured to have my collection there – I held out for Liberty, it’s the only place I wanted my scarves to be sold.

Watch our exclusive interview with the designers behind London label Draw In Light now on the Liberty YouTube channel.

The Draw in Light SS11 collection is now live, and we’re offering you the chance to win their stunning Laddered Rain Maxi Dress complete with a signed tag and look book. To Enter complete the sentence ‘I’d wear the Draw In Light dress to…’ and post your answer on our Facebook wall. The winner will be announced at 9.30pm tonight.

liberty.co.uk/iboughtalibertyscarf

To celebrate the launch of our revamped Scarf Hall Liberty are also playing host to a fortnight of exciting scarf activity including designer appearances from the likes of Christopher Kane and Jonathan Saunders, complimentary monogramming, photo booth scarf styling, competitions and the ultimate gift with purchase!

A Season of Scarves

Scarf purchases of £150 and over in store or at liberty.co.uk will come with a stunning collection of limited edition Liberty Knot Cards showing you how to perfectly fashion your scarf. On top of this you’ll also be entered into a fabulous prize draw to win a collection of this season’s most coveted scarves worth £5000.*

Visit the Scarf Hall

Be in a Michael Birch Scarf

Michael Birch is offering scarf lovers a once in a life time opportunity. Purchase any scarf from the Michael Birch collection between 28^th October and 11^th November to be in with a chance to feature on one of his SS11 scarves to be sold at Liberty.

The Michael Birch AW10 Collection

The Scarf fortnight will run from 28th October – 11th November

Find out more about our in store events

Terms and Conditions

*Win a season of scarves when you spend £150 or more on scarves. Winner drawn after 11/11/10.

** One winner will be announced at 10pm on Vogue Fashion’s Night In on the 1^st November, and one to mark the end of the scarf fortnight, on the 11^th November.

Genuine Article is an innovative fashion label who use a patchwork of reclaimed vintage leathers to create their unique garments. Team Liberty caught up with the designer behind the label, Vanessa Dade, who told us about being discovered at Liberty’s Best of British open call.

What is Genuine Article?

“A restorative, forward-thinking fashion label providing an antidote to unsustainable, generic mass-production.”

How did you find the best of british experience?

“It was a very intense and surreal experience. It was hugely gratifying to have my creative vision endorsed by Liberty’s buying team.”
How are the jackets made?

“The jackets are crafted from lots of different vintage leather patinas. I like the variegated qualities of the different antique washes that the leather panels create. I often add decorative quilting, embossing or gilding to achieve the full character of the jacket, each one is unique.”

How did you get into fashion design?

“I never made a conscious decision to get into fashion design. It happened organically from my craft degree background, which I applied to fashion design. I began experimenting with draping and deconstructing vintage fabrics and garments. What really turned things around for me was my mentor, Hidey, a Japanese retired tailor. She taught me the basic skills I needed to create patterns and construct garments.”

What are your plans for next season?

“Genuine Article: Part articles. Garments with the same vintage leather theme, but part garment part accessory. More pockets, less clothing. I’m trying to liberate women from having to carry bags this Spring/Summer. I have also designed vintage leather hand-printed bolero jackets with stretch lace panels.”

What do you love about liberty?

“To me Liberty is the home of the English Eccentric. It’s characterful not just for it’s iconic prints, but also that a Tudor panelled department store exists with a haberdashers and a florist. It is preserving its Arts and Crafts heritage through British Design and collaborations. Liberty is traditional with a twist - housing some of the most cutting edge high end designs all under one unique roof. My favourite has always been The Scarf room.”

View the Genuine Article Collection

Manolo was a true gentleman – posing for pictures with his many admirers and signing just about everything – from his iconic shoes  to tote bags and scarves. If you were sadly unable to attend last night don’t panic – as part of Vogue Fashion’s Night In, Liberty will be offering a limited signed edition of ‘Manolo’s New Shoes’ while stocks last. Visit the Fashion Night In section on 1st November to get your hands on one.

The first one is their skinny fit Vienna jeans which have been laser faded with the Dakota feather print, designed by Liberty in 1960. The result is a retro, folky print that contrasts nicely with the modern skinny leg.

The second pair is the Marrakech flared style made in a rich Liberty purple velvet for a luxurious take on boho.

Both designs have been tried and tested by the ever glamorous and achingly fashionable blogger Susie Bubble. Read the Style Bubble post on the MiH collaboration for some great styling tips.

Manolo’s was joined by his muse, the beautiful Yasmin Le Bon, who was dressed in a stunning floor skimming corn flower blue Richard Nicoll gown. Hundreds of customers queued in the dreary evening weather waiting to meet the shoe guru – snapping up a few pairs of shoes on their way!

In the newly opened Scarf Room, Voguette Emma Elwick-Bates was joined by Gallic beauty [and girlfriend of Mark Ronson] Josephine de la Baume where the pair showed customers new and innovative ways to wear the scarf – see all the photos from last night on Facebook page -  www.facebook.com/libertylondon

Up in womenswear, London Fashion Week designer Richard Nicoll was launching his exclusive J Brand jeans, styling customers in his AW collection and giving out free tickets to the Frieze Art Fair. DJ Sloanie turned the international fashion room on its head with his selection of dancehall and trashy pop and announced the winner of the ‘Win A Window’ competition to a very excited crowd. Psychic Susie read people’s fortunes whilst the Circus bar treated shoppers to Manolo Mojitos and entertained with their troupe of performers!

A truly great Fashion Night Out!

We caught up with Liberty Press Officer Sophie Pate in the brand new scarf hall today. She’d tied this fox fur and skull print silk scarf by Alexander McQueen around her maxi dress for a statement scarf belt.

Which scarf are you wearing?

“Alexander McQueen. I love this scarf as it combines his signature skulls with animal print which is going to be seen everywhere this season. It is also a great, more affordable way to include McQueen in your everyday outfit.”

What do you love about working at Liberty?

“I love all the exclusive designers that Liberty are able to showcase. We have such beautiful products and I love how you can really get lost amongst everything.”

Your favourite thing in store right now?

“My favourite thing in store at the moment is the Richard Nicoll Linder Sterling Face dress. I am loving his whole collection this season, I can not wait for his new J Brand jeans to come in.”

 What’s your favourite trend for Autumn Winter?

“My favourite trend is the Shearling Jacket. I am wearing an Acne one I bought last season, but luckily they have brought out a new collection for AW10, I am currently saving for their aviator!”