In time for festival season, H&M is launching the third season of their Fashion Against AIDS 2010 Collection. The collection covers the whole festival experience with it’s tents, sleeping bags, accessories and some solid clothing pieces for both boys and girls. The Fashion Against AIDS Collection 2010, which is the very first H&M festival collection, will be launched on May 20th 2010 in Divided youth departments and is aimed to help raising awareness for safer sex. 25% of the sales will be donated to HIV/AIDS awareness projects for youths.

I love the mix of bohemian and rock with a touch of glamour in their clothes. There’s a great variety of fabrics like denim, animal prints, sequin and leather. One of my favorites is the maxi dress and the big accessories like the bangles. The collection really puts you in the mood for festival!

Image source: styleblog.ca

Fashion designer Hillary Taymour launched the handbag label Collina Strada in Los Angeles in 2008. The label focuses on creating unique and inspirational pieces for curious and fun loving fashionistas. The fabrics are influenced by a combination of vintage prints and modern but also ethnic patterns, which makes the handbags perfect accessories for the fashion loving women.

The Collina Strada Spring 2010 collection has a simple and natural look, and with the environment in mind Hillary Taymour has been able to create some stylish as well as eco-friendly pieces. The leather and canvas versions of the bags are made from 100% organic canvas and vegetable dyed leather. In the new collection there’s a great mix of shoulder bags, clutches as well as a cool and trendy version of the backpack. Her unique style has definitely brought success to the brand. It’s been picked up by several stores and eco-boutiques all over the world such as Fred Segal, Nordstoms Trend, Coclico, American Rag Japan and more.

FashionZest got a chance to interview Hillary Taymour to learn more about her label.

Jenny: What led you into fashion design?
Hillary: Since I was little, I have been known to be wearing something a little out of the ordinary and I always had my own distinct style. I guess the passion for it was always there. An older friend of mine had gone to fashion school at FIDM and she guided me down that path.

The British fashion designer Alexander McQueen who tragically past away in February earlier this year had created his very last collection which was recently showcased at Paris Fashion Week. Sarah Burton, who was his right hand, told Style.com: “He wanted to get back to the handcraft he loved, and the things that are being lost in the making of fashion. He was looking at the art of the Dark Ages, but finding light and beauty in it. He was coming in every day, draping and cutting pieces on the stand.” The 16 outfits that were shown were 80 percent finished when he past away.

The collection had inspiration from the medival times and by the Old Masters of painting, and it had a lot of texture and colors. It felt like the pieces were taken from a Queen Elizabeth movie. The signature of McQueen was definitely evident in the collection, with his theatrical and traditional cutting techniques. Undoubtedly McQueen’s last collection was a success, and it let him come to life one last time.

This collection was the last ever do be done by Lee Alexander McQueen, but it will not be the last collection to be made in his name. Polet announced a week after McQueen’s death that the label will continue on, but there’s no announcement of who will be replacing the fashion designer. At the moment the fashion industry is talking about if Sarah Burton, who worked closely together with McQueen for the past 16 years, will be taking over as the new designer.

Only time will tell… but I think we all are going to miss the extravagant outfits and outrageous fashion shows that McQueen was so famous for.

Image source: huffingtonpost.com

The two sisters Leona and Hasna ,who are the creators of the handbag line Lena Erziak, have launched a beautiful Spring 2010 collection. The designers who grew up in a multi-cultural Belgian-Moroccan family always dreamed of starting their own handbag line. So after experiences with traveling around the world, decorating Riads in Marrakech and styling French celebrities they finally started realize their dream. The Spring 2010 collection truly represent the sister’s creativity and unique style.

The Lena Erziak Spring 2010 handbag collection, which are handmade in Italy in the finest quality of python, suede, leather and ostrich have an elegance and timeless sophistication with a trendy twist. The fifteen different styles come in various of colors and designs but they all have a common signature tassel. This collection is focused towards confident and discerning women who are looking for something different, yet chic. This is definitely not the last time we will be seeing Leona and Hasna’s creative performance.

I absolutely love this collection, with it’s classic and simple, yet playful style. The strong colors as well as the palette gives a feeling of Spring and is truly an inspiration. What I love the most about the collection is the fact that the styles of the handbags are so versatile that it will fit almost any kind of style. They could easily be the number one accessory of your outfit!

Lena Erziak handbags will be sold in boutiques and stores worldwide this Spring. For more information please visit: www.lenaerziak.com

See more photos…

H&M is finally out with some inspirational pieces for spring that lightens up the dark winter time. The H&M Garden Collection  for Spring 2010 is modeled by Natasha Poly. What makes this collection really stand out is that all the pieces from the collection are designed using organic materials such as textile waste and recycled PET bottles. Hopefully this collection will not only inspire people’s fashion sense but also inspire people to recycle more.

This collection really gives a feminine and fresh summary feeling with flowery light fabrics and sweet summer dresses. Definitely an inspiration for the coming season! Have a look and judge for yourselves.

Image source: clutchmagonline.com, fabsugar.com

A new year has come and soon we are heading for spring, so why not check out what will be showing up soon in our Topshop stores. The Topshop spring 2010 collection has a great variety of styles, from flowery and romantic, sweet and french, to futuristic and tough. The collections are called Parisienne, Meadow, Downtown and Saloon. If feels like they manage to catch the trends from the catwalk this year and translate it into wearable pieces. Have a look, and judge for yourselves!

Parisienne
It gives a French look with the stripes and polka dots. It has washed denim ans playful and fun jackets. A sweet collection which gives a feeling of spring.

Meadow
Flowered dresses, nude colored blouses, studded waist coats and leather accessories. A sweet collection with a touch of boho look.

Downtown
This collection includes darker colors  and sporty outfits with a touch of tough leather jackets and boots. Great pieces for an everyday outfit.

Saloon
Saloon inspired pieces, ripped jeans, fringe dresses and cozy cardigans. A great collection for the relaxed weekend as well as a night out on the town.

Image source: nitrolicious.com

It’s getting closer to the big day when H&M will launch their latest collaboration with fashion designer Sonia Rykiel. Just in time for Christmas, on the 5th of December the collection of lingerie will hit selected H&M stores world wide as well as 8 major Sonia Rykiel boutiques. This is the first time a guest designer for H&M has created a whole collection of luxury lingerie for women.

The luxurious pieces are made in silk, velvet and satin with a feminine design. There’s everything from bras, suspender belts to kimonos and night dresses. There are accessories like brooches, hairbands, slippers and pillows.

The collection gives a feel of classic femininty and luxury but also comfort. I love the floaty and soft fabrics which could make anyone feel like a million dollars. What’s great about this collection is that many women can actually afford to wear a luxury piece of lingerie and it’s the perfect gift for Christmas.

Image source: fabsugar.com, hm.com

Even though the Winter time just started, some of us might already start thinking of what to wear for next Spring. We finally got a sneak peek of the H&M Spring 2010 Collection. The collection includes everything from micro flowered outfits, floaty dresses and cool suits as well as jumpsuits. The colors are light pastels which seems to be the upcoming trend for next Spring/Summer and you will also see the bold statement jewelry. It gives a feel of the 70’s with the high pleated pants, natural tones and the flower covered fabrics. Cannot wait to see more of the H&M Spring/Summer 2010 collection.

What do you think of this collection?

Image source: juicy.mashkulture.net

Victoria Beckham is continuing to conquer the fashion industry. Earlier this year she designed dresses for her Fall 2009 collection which she showcased during the New York Fashion Week this Fall. And already celebrities like Eva Longoria, Blake Lively and Drew Barrymore have seen wearing them.

Now Victoria is working her new denim range. The label used to be called dVb but the new collection will have the name, Victoria Beckham Denim. The new collection will be even sleeker than the old version. It will be focused on the sexy cigarette pants with a classic wash and contrasting inserts. There will also be some nice and worn denim jackets as well as leggings and not to forget the boyfriend jeans. The price range will start from $230.

I guess it wont be long until we will see Victoria Beckham wearing her new jeans.

Image source: elleuk.com

After seeing fashion designer Alexander Wang’s new collection of accessories for spring 2010 I thought I’d share it with you. His spring 2010 collection includes everything from ankleboots, animal printed heels, sandals and a football shaped clutch. What I really like about this collection is that every piece is unique and doesn’t look anything like the other. The collection feels very playful and creative and I cannot wait to see these on the streets. Alexander definitely did it again, he pulled off another original collection that feels very urban street stylish with a bit of sexyness and an athletic kick. Feels a lot like Wang.

What do you think of this collection?

Image source: nitrolicious.com

Today there were long queues outside every H&M shop worldwide from early morning. Everyone queuing for the hot items that Jimmy Choo collaborated with H&M and which we have been following in eager for the last few months. Young men and women who could normally never afford Jimmy Choo pieces, now thanks this collection with H&M they made it possible. The stores have geared up with security to make sure everything will run smoothly, as I can imagine things can get pretty aggressive in times like these. Together with the launch of the collection, Tamara Mellon who is the President of Jimmy Choo, was on the cover of ES Magazine wearing a black leather dress and zebra printed clutch from the new collection. Most probably this limited collection won’t stay in stores for long with those gorgeous shoes and party dresses!

Image source: jeanettd.blogspot.com, fashion-train.blogspot.com

Yesterday Kate Moss 2009 Christmas Collection was launched in stores, in good time for our Christmas shopping. Her collection shows a versitile choice of pieces from sequin dresses to oriental inspired looks. And the oriental style seems to become a hit this year. The silk oriental kimono has already been sold out. But don’t worry, there are still a lot of beautiful items from the collection. I love the nightwear pieces this year, very feminine  with a vintage style but also very comfy. Perfect for winter! Which is your favorite piece from this collection?

Topshop Christmas collection nightwear.

Oriental inspired kimono top.

Image source: myfashionlife.com, nymag.com

The Balmain Women Collection for Spring 2010 was shown at the Paris Fashion Week in September this year. I have to say this collection was very impressive! It’s as if the pieces were costumes taken straight from a movie like Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome from the 1980’s, but added with a touch of glamour. The clothes gives me a feel post-apocalyptic rockstar women. Obviously Balmain kept on building on their trend from the 2009 Spring collection, with the military look and prominent shoulders, but this time it seems that they went one step further. There are still the military jackets and shimmery details but less of the colorful and sequined covered pieces. The military jackets this time felt like they were shrunken and used, which gave them a more realistic look. This time we could see more of the bronze, gold and khaki green colors. The boots are done in military style with the lace in the front.

I love this collection! It gives a feel of women power with the strong and masculine outfits of the military jackets and boots, yet very sexy and female at the same time. I guess it won’t be long before we start seeing similar pieces in the high-street fashion stores. What do you think of this collection?

Silver skinny trousers with black military jacket.

Black leather dress with prominent shoulders and studded details around the waist.

Black leaher shorts, bronze plunging v-neck top and green military jacket. Absolutely amazing look!

Black one shoulder leather dress with lace details around the neck.

Ripped grey skinny jeans, ripped green tee and goldish blazer with prominent shoulders.

Bronze and brown halter neck dress with black leather waist. Love this dress!

Black leather dress with multi straps.

Ripped black shorts, gold plunging v-neck top and a black blazer with prominent shoulders.

Image source: factorydarling.blogspot.com, telegraph.co.uk

Kate Moss has created another holiday collection together with Topshop which hits stores in the first week of November. We finally got a sneak peak at the collection. Kate Moss, as many times before, brings a lot of minidresses to the collection. Some of them have longer sleeves, which gives a nice look to them. The line also includes a pair of silk pajamas, cute lingerie, studded shoes and sequin accessories. Topshop’s 2009 holiday collection by Kate Moss really feels like it captures the trends of the fall and it has a great variety of styles.

Black flame satin dress with long sleeves.

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Blue suede-and-snake dress with three quarters sleeves. This dress feels like something Kate Moss would wear. A great outfit for the evening.
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Grey floaty sleeve blouse. Love this piece and it would go great with a pair of skinny jeans or leggings.
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Cute triangle bra with butterfly pattern.
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Grey silk pajama. This is a great piece that is a must have for the winter wardrobe.
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Black strapless half petal skirt dress. This is a perfect party dress for a Friday night!
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Brown slim fitted skirt with chain insert.
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Black jubilee dress with long sleeves and gold embroidered details.
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Pleated kimono dress with flower pattern.
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Luxe groupie black and brushed metal embellished dress. This is my top favorite out of the whole collection!
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Beautiful Manhattan black suede studded lattice shoe.
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Image source: nymag.com, harpersbazaar.com

It seems to be a wave of celebrities this year trying to become successful in the fashion industry. The Hollywood actress Lindsay Lohan showed off her very first collection for Ungaro at the Paris Fashion Week on Sunday which she designed together with fashion designer Estrella Archs to bring some more attention to the upcoming collections of the fashion house. Estrella used to design for Nina Ricci in the past. “I feel like it’s pretty much a fairytale, I couldn’t be happier. Seeing everything pulled together, is simply amazing. The last five days have just been so crazy, chaotic. And this is just so amazing after working all night, this week in the office together until 1 a.m. and 3 p.m., seeing everything pull together. I feel so honored. I can’t wait to be involved again, to be more involved on the next collections, to continue to please people, add more to the designs, to shock people…” Lindsay told People Magazine.

Their collection consists of a lot of plunging necklines, short dresses and an obsession of pink. They definitely didn’t hold back on the colors on this collection. The collection has received mixed reviews some saying that it was painful to watch and that they expected to get more of the essence from Lohan’s style but that it came rather tacky and uninspired. I can’t say this collection was very impressive with the overdone colorscheme and the very very short dresses. Collections should be inspiring and creative but this just didn’t inspire me at all. What did you think of this collection?

Image source: instyle.com, brisbanetimes.com.au