Lusting Over: Navy

Those, like myself, who are accustomed to the absence of bright colours might find themselves penchant for my current obsession. Navy - a prominent trend amongst the catwalk this season, with Prada, Neill Barrett, Acne and Dior Homme sporting smart looks nostalgic of the French Riviera.
   With temps starting to peak above, those not daring of bright-coloured tailoring could opt for a navy ensemble with knee-length tailored shorts in sight of a formal occasion. Divergent of austere tailoring, the high-summer resort vibe can also be brought about in everyday sportswear for a more youthful look, with bomber jackets, backpacks and navy plush or leather loafers.
   It goes without saying, that the old wives tale of black and navy clashing is a thing of the past!

At Home with Darren Kennedy

Blogger, stylist and TV presenter Darren Kennedy is one of Ireland's top style influencers and stylish men, as nominated for a second year in a row at the VIP style awards. Having recently made his USA TV debut, hosting live segments on FOX, ABC and CW network, Darren now divides his time between Dublin and London, where he hosts a regular slot on ITV's "This Morning".  Since 2009, Darren has been writing his weekly fashion column in The Irish Independent's Weekend Style Magazine and is also a regular contributor to varies national publications such as GCN, The Irish Times and The Daily Mail. Ahead of a red-eye flight to London, Darren invited me to visit his very stylish home in Dublin to snap the man himself and chat about his hectic lifestyle

COS AW13

Ahead of their store launch later this year, COS debuted their new line to press last week in the stunning new Marker Hotel. The preview spanned three top rooms of the hotel, overlooking the heart of Dublin's docklands on what was a beautiful day in the city.
   Dramatic shape and volume are key this Autumn/Winter at COS. Construction of tailoring is at the forefront, offering precision silhouettes and cocooning shapes inspired by the drama of nature. Winter shades of pale sand and sea green are matched with mountain grey and midnight blue, comprising a collection that's both crisp and comforting for the upcoming season.  
   Refined tailoring is at its simplest for men, prioritising shape over detail with sleeveless hooded coats that emit a modern take on the traditional duffle. Whilst fitted wool blazers are stripped of their lapels for the cleanest possible lines.
   Functionality is key with accessories yet again this season. High-heeled pumps and leather brogues come in rich chocolate brown for women, accompanied by a folded leather clutch that also serves as a shopper. Meanwhile for men, a rounded toe Derby shoe emulates any look with white trim highlighting the sole, whilst navy wool and black leather gloves are matched with a classic city carry bag to complete any look.

www.cosstores.com

Model Spotlight: Sascha Weissenborn

Though no longer a new face, German native Sascha Weissenborn first set sights on the catwalk in 2011, making his debut at Givenchy.
   Signed worldwide, The Hamburg born beauty has since graced the cover of Grit and made the cut for Vogue Hommes Japan. First catching my eye on Fashion TV, Sascha's kind charisma and distinct features made an appealing impression.
   Having racked up yet another successful season, lets hope to see Sascha skyrocket as both his looks and modelling mature.

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David Koma AW13 Backstage

This season, London Fashion Week welcomed four young British designers to take part in their Fashion Forward initiative. A multi-season scheme set up by the The British Fashion Council and sponsored by eBay, providing support to selected British Designers who have already made a name for themselves on the Fashion Week schedule. As part of the partnership with eBay, David Koma (amongst others) was awarded the chance to show his collection as part of the programme this season. Whilst I was snapping at London Fashion Week, eBay gave me the opportunity to get behind the scenes at the David Koma show and suck up the atmosphere for a recent piece in The Gloss magazine.
   In nod to the 1960's "youthquake" movement, the collection itself embodied structural silhouettes in head-to-toe black and space-cadet teal, flowing into classic nude and bright red. Each look stayed true to the designer's distinctive style, offering futuristic numbers with vinyl-like geometric cuts and metallic detailing.
   Topping it off, Koma's collection was certainly a hit on the schedule for the week and a pleasure to have covered for eBay.

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A Visit to The Saatchi Gallery

After a hectic trip to London and a busy week to follow, I've finally got the time to post about what I've been getting up to!
   Ahead of the Fashion Week madness, I took a day to myself and revisited some of my favourite spots in London. Later, I headed to The Saatchi gallery following my friend Kaye's recommendation (A LFW veteran and no stranger to the press pits!).
   Brought about by Charles Saatchi in the mid-80's, the luminous gallery offers an array of contemporary installations and exhibitions from young and international artists. The building scopes most of London's Duke Of York square, situated just off Kings Road in the cities ritzy region of Chelsea and is occupied with over 16 pristine spaces.
   Having recently been home to Chanel's noteworthy "Little Black Jacket" exhibition late last year, The gallery now hosts work focused around artists from the Soviet Union. exhibits run throughout, capturing the raw, grimy aesthetic of Russian culture by works from the likes of Sergel Vasilliev and Boris Mikhailov. Each gallery offers a different approach on the contempary art culture in the Soviet Union and was without a doubt, one of the best art exhibitions I've ever been to (not counting many).

Definitely worth a visit!
 
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