New Places I like.

I've was out and about a fair bit last week for Simone Rocha; working every day is definitely not something I'd want to do forever but being this busy has allowed me to learn and discover so many new things in a short space of time, this week was no exception.

When you're interning a main part of your responsibilities is to carry out errands for everyone who is higher than you. Unfortunately this is normally everybody. Errands can range from an emergency carton of Vita Coco to the fabric for next season and then, every now and again you get sent somewhere wonderful you have never been before but certainly will frequent again. Mine was Loop, a knitting shop in Angel. There's a bell that rings as you enter, comfy kitsch sofas and poofs upstairs and yarn in every colour imaginable from floor to ceiling. They also apparently do knitting classes, if anyone's check them out here http://www.loopknitting.com/

My second discovery was Inamo in Soho. After a long day at work, refueling is always necessary. So why not do it with good friends, ordering great oriental food from an interactive menu on the table?

 Another newbie for me was the Laduree tearooms in Covent Garden. Marie Antoinette eat your heart out. Seriously. Everyone needs to go at least once to sit in the tasselled, mint green love seats, sample the macarons and drink Caramel tea out of fine bone china. We then ended up at the Box- It was a unique choice of pre-drink and will most certainly be returning.
 http://www.laduree.com/fr_fr/

Lastly on no sleep I dragged myself to the Tate Late at the Tate Britain. Although the Tate is definitely not new to me I have never managed to get myself to one of their events until now. I felt that an appearance was necessary as a talented DJ friend of mine (https://www.facebook.com/alfmusicuk) had created the music which was playing in the '1840's GIF Party' room. Digital artists and members of the public alike where invited to submit GIFs or moving images of paintings from that room. Really great night. http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/film/late-tate-britain-february-2014

LC:M - Kokon To Zai

I'd dressed for KTZ once before at London Fashion Week and the atmosphere was alive, it was electric. Last Monday for the London menswear collections was no different. As I helped unpack I couldn't help but let out a little laugh and shake my head - they'd done it again, another great collection.
One of my favourite things ever is layering and KTZ hit the nail square on the head. Hard. Repeatedly. In fact I think I'd wear more of this menswear than the womenswear we saw in February. Maybe.

There was a definite overall theme of exploration and in keeping with the brand's name, a strong sense of East meets West. I think North Africa - places like Marrakech and maybe even Ethiopia had to be on the designers minds as influence can be seen in the traditional dress of this region.
Also the guyliner automatically threw in Egypt as well. I have to say it was an excellent choice for many reasons.

Created from prints of what seemed to be ancient maps of the world, explorer back packs morphed into cut away capes and back again, while almost urban jersey bottoms became eastern with the addition of (removable) tabards at the front and back. Were their accompanying tops cultured basketball jerseys? Or modern shrouds? Who knows, I didn't really care either way, I was busy appreciating their oversizedness - I think that oversizing may well be my second love after layering.
A cropped plastic rain mac was among the garments I really loved, along with the zips which enabled the arms of most all the jackets to be opened up. Really great feature, but practical? Maybe not.
Striped linens, hung in voluminous layers, creating an ominous feel - you were unsure where the models body was. This was furthered by the draped caps, and metal masks which obstructed the faces of some of the finale model's looks. Only the models piercing eyes peeped from behind various adornments, even their hands were gloved and fingers sparkled with a surfeit of chunky, imposing jewellery. Identities were concealed.

I have to mention how polite and helpful the models were, I do wonder why guys are so much easier to dress, they drank their coconut water quietly and were lovely to chat to.

In the last set, heavy black leather jackets were ferociously embellished with silver metal trinkets, as if they were scooped up, bartered off a Moroccan merchants stall.  Matching sandals jangled down the catwalk too, covered in so much heavy silver so commanding they could not be considered feminine.
Leather pouches were slung around necks, sometimes worn doubled up and there were man bags and purses galore. However it was somehow still remained manly when teamed with the rest of the outfit. It was controlled and authoritative, thats why I love these guys loads, they dare to dare. It was vibrant and alive; I really believe KTZ just proved they are strong contenders for the most forward thinking in menswear today.