2011 round up #02: Harvey Nichols S/S Fashion Show.

Best of 2011 blogs #02: Harvey Nichols never disappoint at their fashion shows & SS last year was no exception....

When: Thursday 10th February 6pm.

Where: Manchester Art Gallery

What we drank and ate: Champagne, no food.

Last year Harvey Nichols hosted their annual S/S show in the Urbis, but since some silly person decided they wanted to turn that into a football museum, they’ve re-located to Manchester Art Gallery and what a wise move it was….

On arrival the gallery was lit up by purple strobe lights and outside the pavement was occupied by Manchester paps, who were all on stalks waiting for the next celebrity to arrive. As Michael (latest member of the TFN team) and I approached the paps turned on their heels, looked at us slightly bemused in an ‘is she, isn’t she way’, soon realised I wasn’t and carried on with their idol chit chat – always slightly deflating to realise you’re a nobody.

Walking up the grand steps of the gallery this already felt a little special, as the eyes of aristocrats mounted on the walls followed you up the stairs and straight to the 20ft tables which were laced with champagne. The layout was slightly odd due to the gallery space spidering off, but it made for an engaging reception as we walked around the rooms admiring oil painting, sculptures, drawing and prints.

The space was complimented with a string quartet entertaining the room, but it wasn’t really the music which was our talking point, but the glam ladies, pristine in head to toe Marc Jacobs and Loubutions- like they had taken all day to get ready. This got Michael and I thinking about how possibly underdressed we were, as we gave each other the once over. At these events no matter how much of an effort you feel you’ve made when model Sophie Anderton and WAG Carley Sucker glide by you can’t help but feel a tiny bit un worthy, but before we had a chance to feel too bad about ourselves we were whisked off into a side room for the show to begin.

Harvey Nichols had white washed the grand hall and lit a backdrop with the fresh spring colours of purple, pink, and orange. Sat in the press area directly opposite the stage, Michael, and I took pen to paper as the show opened and was split into key looks such as…..

Hall Of Punk….

This look continues to influence as it re-emerges in the SS11 collections. Featuring biker jackets and sheer maxi dresses, the look has been toned down for summer. Combining with other trends creates a catwalk look, punk-rock with a feminine edge was a highlight on the Balmain runway.

Nadia wears –

    * Pinko race dress (£546)

    * Christian Louboutin black bag (£675)

    * Christian Louboutin shoes(£385)

    * Glyneth B necklace (£495)

    * DVF clutch (£310)

NATURE’S WAY

A trend that captures the vibrant spirit of Spring Summer 2011 with an explosion of print, geometrical accents, Indian flowers and exotic influences. Tropical silk safari dresses and pyjama-style pants with butterfly brooch detail were all showcased by Lanvin.

Nadia wears-

    * Alia Leopard dress (£2325)

    * Camilla Skovgaard shoes (£355)

    * Quentin Mackay bag (£1435)

SWIM CLUB

Relax in the cabana with a Mojito and the soothing sounds of Balearic beats. Heidi Klein is the designer of choice. Polka dot prints sit alongside coral floor length styles…perfect to take you from beach, to pool, to dinner.

    * Camilla wears-

    * Caffe Bikini (£250)

    * Nicole Fahri bag (£295)

    * YSL Tribute (£540)

MAD MEN

Capturing the essence of the ‘Mad Men’ revolution, this style is one of archetypal 50’s glamour. With double breasted jackets, tailored silhouettes and sartorial elegance – this is the definitive look of every budding lothario.

    * Pal Zileri jacket (£599)

    * Nicole Farhi trousers (£119)

    * Pal Zileri shirt (£149)

    * Pal Zileri tie (£79)

    * Grenson shoes (£145)

SPORT LUXE

Reinventing a sporting look with a disco vibe. Mixing Umbro with Marcus Lupfer creates a new fashion direction oOlympic proportions

Jamie wears-

    * Moncler track pants (£130)

    * Markus Lupfer jumper (£235)

    * Gucci sleeveless sweat top(£400)

    * Balenciaga bag (£725)

    * Balenciaga sunglasses (£205)

Stephen wears –

    * D&G shorts (£125)

    * Umbro jacket (£120)

    * Umbro t-shirt (£40)

    * Paul Smith bag (£120)

    * Alexander McQueen trainers (£145)

    * Casio watch (£110)

(Find out more about the Peter Saville range from Umbro by reading: Peter Saville designs range for Umbro)

DOLCE & GABBANA

A tribute to the classic beauty of Sicilian men in all of its reincarnations, this collection epitomises the essence of
Italian style with sharp silhouettes and timeless elegance.

Jamie wears –

    * Jacket (£1375)
    * trousers (£390),
    * shirt (£250)
    * shoes (£225)
    * belt (£240)
    * sunglasses (£188)


The event promptly finished and guest were greeted by big red buses which escorted everyone back to the store, were guest could shop the collection, sip on champagne and enjoy beauty treatments courtesy of Harvey Nichols.

Ends/

Thanks to Jessica Lowe and the Harvey Nichols team for a great evening and the best goodie bag in a long time, which included: Full Dermologica set, Elmis cleansing Milk, Trish McEvoy, ESPA moisturiser, Koress sun care kit and NARS lipstick.

All the shows key spring summer make-up was created by NARS whilst the chic buns were created Urban Retreat.