New York Fashion Week SS 2013...Backstage at Tory Burch

Backstage at Tory Burch Spring/Summer 2013, NYC, Tuesday 11th September 2012.

On a sunny Autumn morning in NYC, Tory Burch presented her SS2013 collection....and it was breathtakingly beautiful. Anyone who has read my blog for awhile will know I love photographing girls with a slight hippie/boho vibe....give me undone hair, a stack of ethnic jewellery collected on far-flung travels, colours which would make a courting bowerbird happy, pretty make-up and I am in photographic heaven. So when I saw the new collection and wonderful hair (thick, messy fishtail braids by the genius Eugene Souleiman) and barely-there make-up ("brows filled in and brushed; Runway Rose {pinkish cream from MAC palette} across eyelid and inner corners of eye; curl lashes; must have brown {greyish cream from MAC palette) through crease and brushed under lower lashes.blend; tiny bit of talking tan on lips if needed, lip balm otherwise" ) I was so happy that the lovely Tory Burch team had invited me to photograph backstage again. Wheat-prints, high, block-heeled tasselled loafers, a turquoise, coral and gold embellished blouse, a tasselled-hooded kaftan (lazy beach days anyone?), tie-dye shorts, skirt and dress, stacks of rings on each of the model's hands (handmade by women in Ghana), an ombre jacket, stripes paired with prints, evening dresses worn with easy-to-wear Moroccan slippers.... I loved it all.

New York Fashion Week SS 2013....Ajak

Sudanese/Aussie model Ajak Deng (IMG) after A Show, NYC, September 2012.

Impossibly long legs and a gazillion-watt smile = Ajak :)

You can follow Ajak on twitter @AJAK_DENG

New York Fashion Week SS 2013...Leandra

Leandra Medine aka The Man Repeller, after A Show, NYC, September 2012.

Love this t-shirt on Leandra - I think she said it was from American Apparel!

London Fashion Week AW 2012/13...Before Vivienne Westwood Red Label

Before Vivienne Westwood Red Label, London, February 2012.

Recreate her look (kind of):

Leather biker jacket: Rag & Bone Elgin leather jacket, Surface to Air Fecto leather jacket, ASOS leather biker jacket or Topshop leather jacket

Rag &Bone Datia knit panel skirt, Tory Burch Cornelia tweed skirt, ASOS pencil skirt in dogstooth print, or Topshop navy tweed skirt

Chaser Jimi Hendrix Are you Experienced boxy tee, Chaser Pink Floyd tee, Vivienne Westwood Anglomania For Lee t-shirt, or Bambam bodysuit in Imperial print

London Fashion Week SS 2013...Poppy

Poppy Delevigne, before Sass & Bide, London, September 2012.

Recreate Poppy's look (kind of):

Break up a monochrome look with a skirt which shows a glimpse of toned leg: Kore by Sophia Kokosalaki ruched zip wrap skirt, Helmut Kinetic side slit maxi skirt, Gucci velvet maxi skirt (the split is at the back on this one), or ASOS maxi skirt

Sweater: Halston Heritage V back sweater, Vince boat neck sweater, The Row Corby chunky-knit sweater, Joseph leather-elbow patch sweater or Nasty Gal Cambridge knit sweater

Studded clutch: Burberry Prorsum studded leather clutch, Marc by Marc Jacobs Thunderdome studded clutch, or River Island studded leather clutch

Alexander McQueen lace-up leather boots, ASOS Anthem leather ankle boots, or Burberry Prorsum lace-up ankle boots

London Fashion Week AW 2012/13...Wang

Chinese model Wang Xiao (Wilhelmina), after Simone Rocha, London, February 2012.

Love Wang's off-duty style: she has such a sense of fun topped off with an incredible hairstyle! 

I just purchased the new edition of Lula magazine yesterday - Wang has a beautiful editorial shot by Damon Heath and styled by Leith Clark in the issue.

Follow Wang on twitter @wangxiao730

Recreate Wang's look (kind of):

Striped sweater: American Apparel fisherman's sweater, Carven colour-block sweater, J.W.Anderson striped sweater, Aubin &Wills Fermore striped sweater, Sea striped sweater or Chinti and Parker mixed stripe cashmere sweater

Velvet pants: J Brand mid rise velvet skinny pants, True Royal slim fit velvet pants, Alexander McQueen velvet high-rise pants, ASOS velvet tux pants, or Piamita velvet pants

Coat: Joseph New Soho coat, Ralph Lauren Black Label wool coat, ASOS longline military coat, or Burberry coat

Red shoes: Thakoon loafers, Alexander Wang Ruby Monk strap oxfords, Tod's No Code lace-ups or J.W.Anderson for Topshop red loafers

London Fashion Week SS 2013...Camille

Camille Charriere from Camille Over the Rainbow blog, Somerset House, London, September 2012.

One of the nice things about travelling for the fashion weeks is coming home to a stack of magazine subscriptions (the new issues always seem to arrive when I am away): I love nothing better than curling up in a comfy chair with a cup of coffee and reading through each magazine, page by page. For me, nothing will ever replace holding a print magazine in my hand (feeling the weight of the pages, the smell of new fragrances on the little test strips, the colours of the editorials as they should be - not dependant on whether your computer is calibrated correctly or not....).

One of the articles that caught my eye in the November issue of British Vogue was a piece on the white stiletto written by Fashion Features Editor Sarah Harris (she of the wonderful silver-grey hair) and I remembered that I had photographed Camille wearing a pair of white stilettos during London Fashion Week. I am not sure that there is any other colour shoe, particularly in the stiletto shape, which causes such angst/consternation/association (weddings/1980's anyone?)/love hate reaction. But for this autumn/winter, they are a must. Sarah writes (page 67) "It doesn't happen often, but occasionally - very occasionally - I have faltered on sartorial choices and allowed one or two to pass me by. The last time it happened was circa July 2011, and the product in question was a pair of white stilettos by Celine. The naive shape of them - hard lines and stiff leather, gently lifted up on a slender heel - and the way they fitted my feet reminded me of Barbie shoes. Ok, hers were plastic, but these had that look and, oddly, I rather liked that about them. But still, the voice in my head asked: Really? Really? In hindsight, I should have yelled "Yes, really!" But I must have been caught on a (rare) day of reason and restraint: not buying those shoes was a moment of madness". Sarah goes on to explain: "White stilettos are not for summer. Most people think they are, because they're white, but the chicest way to approach them is post-August, against a backdrop of winter wools and darks, and with suntanned feet: white leather set against bronzed feet - I'm not sure a better combination has ever existed".  And et voilà we have Camille doing just that: teaming tanned, long limbs with white pumps and two other must-have pieces for this winter, an oversized wool boyfriend coat and leather dress.

Recreate Camille's look (kind of):

Leather dress: Rebecca Minkoff leather shift dress, Diane von Furstenberg Yvanna leather dress, Jenni Kayne Cut Edge leather dress, Michael Kors leather and knit dress, Michael Kors leather shift dress, or See U Soon leather dress

Oversized coat: Etoile Isabel Marant Diego boucle wool coat, Boy.by Band of Outsiders oversized camel coat, Topshop boyfriend coat in double-breasted or single-breasted, Vince men's-style coat, Helene Burman charcoal wool coat, or Boy. by Band of Outsiders coat

White heels: Nicholas Carrie Snake d'Orsay pumps, Nicholas Amore cap toe pumps, 3.1 Phillip Lim Ava leather pumps, ASOS white court shoes, or Tibi Abbie booties

Round sunglasses: ASOS metal top keyhole sunglasses, Stella McCartney round sunglasses, Lanvin round sunglasses

London Fashion Week SS 2013...Agne

Hair inspiration via Lithuanian model Agne Konciute (IMG London), after Christopher Kane, London, September 2012.

London Fashion Week AW 2012/13...Before Peter Pilotto

Before Peter Pilotto, London, February 2012.

Love the colour of this coat especially with her hair colour and skin tone.

Recreate her look with a cosy, tie-waist coat:

Joseph Lisa wrap coat, Tory Burch Katie coat, Peter Som felted wool jacket with faux fur collar, Cheap Monday oversized coat with tie waist, Carven tie-waist cocoon coat, Mara Hoffman classic shawl coat or Diane von Furstenberg Sabrina coat

London Fashion Week SS 2013...Jade

Jade Williams aka Sunday Girl, after Burberry, London, September 2012.

Double the print = double the fun. Break up the print with a simple t-shirt like Jade or a button-down shirt.

Recreate Jade's look (kind of):

Sessun baby cord blazer in Liberty floral print + matching pants, Boutique by Jaeger Kitty rosebud blazer + matching pants, Rag &Bone Tapestry 42nd Street blazer, Miu Miu printed jacket + matching pants, Miu Miu Margerita brocade coat + matching pants, NW3 by Hobbs checked blazer + matching pants or Topshop China Medallion pyjama jacket + matching pants 

Elizabeth and James Gavin fringed flats, Chloe fringed patent loafers, Chloe heeled fringed loafers

New York Fashion Week SS 2013...Martha

The gorgeous Martha Hunt (IMG), after Tory Burch, NYC, September 2012.

Martha is such a lovely girl (and incredibly beautiful of course!) who many of you will have seen in the Free People campaigns.  She did wonderfully well in Milan and Paris this season as well as in NYC - so, so happy for her!

And her plaits/braids? LOVED the undone hair and make-up at Tory Burch. Backstage photos coming soon.

You can follow Martha on twitter @iammarthahunt

London Fashion Week SS 2013...Joanna

Harper's Bazaar (US) Senior Fashion Market Editor, Joanna Hillman, after Vivienne Westwood Red Label, London, September 2012.

Three things I discovered from photographing Joanna in this outfit:

1. It is possible to descend stairs in an elegant manner in very high heels if you practice enough. For those still in the L-plate stage of high-heel wearing, hold onto the railing tightly or at the very least, the arm of an obliging boy or friend. A leg cast (and there is always at least one around during fashion week) is never desirable.

2. I really, really like the longer back hem detail on Joanna's Stella McCartney dress. I think it adds interest to a simple shift dress (Tamu also wore a Stella McCartney dress in Paris with a shirttail hem and looked beautiful).

3. Churchill War Rooms is located just behind those steps. I have been meaning to visit ever since I have lived in London. Now I know where it is, I intend to go!

Recreate Joanna's look (kind of):

Stella McCartney Duke dress, Stella McCartney monogram print shift dress, Rag &Bone Maharaja Graphic dress, Tibi cotton shirtdress or LNA black Blair long sleeved jersey dress

Michael Kors leather sandals or Alexander Wang sandals

New York Fashion Week SS 2013...Miroslava

Miroslava Duma, after Derek Lam, NYC, September 2012.

Miroslava's dress reminds me of a liquorice allsort! So fun.

Paris Fashion Week AW 2012/13...Alana

Canadian model Alana Zimmer (Women), after Rick Owens, Paris, February 2012.

Recreate Alana's look (kind of):

Patterned sweater: Tory Burch Carey sweater, Marni geometric sweater, Edun zebra stripe sweater, Paul by Paul Smith wavy sweater, or Etoile Isabel Marant Gladys sweater

MiH Marrakesh kick flare jeans, Mother The Runaway flare jeans, Michael Michael Kors flared jeans, Denham kicker bootcut jeans, or NW3 high waist flare jeans

New York Fashion Week SS 2013...Ruby

Miss Ruby Aldridge (Next) after Vera Wang, NYC, September 2012.

Love this photo of Ruby - she looks so happy! And that balloon is gold ;)

London Fashion Week SS 2013...Sarah

Dutch new face Sarah van den Brink (Union) after Meadham Kirchhoff, London, September 2012.

If you have curly hair (or even if you don't but are handy with a curling iron and/or rollers), this is a cute way to wear your hair. Add bows or a sparkly headband for night like in the show. And the tiny little diamantes on Sarah's face? Perfect for a special party or perhaps New Years Eve.

Sarah's twitter is @Sarahmiepie

London Fashion Week SS 2013...Olivia

Olivia Palermo, after Antonio Berardi, London, September 2012.

Even though Olivia is a celebrity, I think this look is wearable "in real life" (not sure how else to put it!): a leather skirt (choose a shape that flatters your body shape), simple sweater, white ankle-strap pumps (maybe leave off the ankle strap if your ankles are more cankle than ankle), a neat clutch and finished off with a belt folded over to look like a bow.

Recreate Olivia's look (kind of):

Reiss Barrett Olive midi leather skirt (I think this is the same one Olivia has on), Burberry London pleated leather skirt, Yves Saint Laurent caramel A-line skirt, Yigal Azrouel Lamb leather skirt, 3.1 Phillip Lim textured leather skirt or ASOS oxblood red pencil skirt

Nicholas Amore white cap toe pumps, ASOS Perry pointed heels with toe caps, or 3.1 Phillip Lim Ava d'Orsay pumps (if you are a bit wary of an all-white pump, these are a great alternative. The cut and two-tone makes them a little less confronting for the white shoe novice ;)

Reiss Andrea blush v-neck sweater, Chloe angora sweater,  Joie Claudire cashmere sweater, or Banjo & Matilda Ulitmate Vee cashmere sweater

New York Fashion Week SS 2013...Susie

Miss Susie Lau in da' house yo!

Love this grown-up hip hop look on Susie: Chanel denim shorts and Balenciaga heels early on a Sunday morning before Victoria Beckham? dat how she roll yo :)

Recreate Susie's look (kind of):

Long denim shorts: Stella McCartney wide-leg denim shorts, Topshop shorts, Cut25 denim shorts or MiH Jeans manila culottes

House of Holland houndstooth cap

Balenciaga glove sandal

Clare Vivier blue pebble clutch

New York Fashion Week SS 2013...Liao

Chinese model Liao Shiya (DNA), after Kimberly Ovitz, NYC, September 2012.

Not just for surfers, scuba divers or winter swimmers, neoprene comes to the street via Mr Alexander Wang.

Recreate Liao's sporty look in T by Alexander neoprene racer-back dress: kale green (like Liao's), ink blue or rust red

New York Fashion Week SS 2013...Elena and Leaf

Elena Perminova and Elle China's Senior Fashion Editor Leaf Greener (and Fortitude the NYPL lion!), after Victoria Beckham, NYC, September 2012.

Recreate their look (kind of) with prints, prints, prints!:

Rochas dotted pants + dotted blouse (this is the print Leaf is wearing), Miu Miu brocade pants + brocade jacket, J.Crew Rummy metallic brocade pants, J.Crew Cafe printed capri pants, Marni printed pants, J.Crew floral print pants, or Aqua Armour digital print pants

Gold and black shoes: Marni gold-trimmed suede pumps

New York Fashion Week AW 2012/13...Preetma

The beautiful Preetma Singh, Associate Market Editor Marie Claire (US), before A Show, NYC, February 2012.

I absolutely ♥  Preetma's personal style - she pulls together pieces that are unexpected, a little quirky even, and makes them work cohesively together. Take last season for example: she paired her Princeton university sweater with a Marc Jacobs croc print skirt and knee high boots. This season? A pair of striped men's board shorts with a classic white button-up shirt and heels. She looked fabulous (photos coming soon :). 

And this look? Plaid + stripes + checked shirt + cute lamb sweater (Meadham Kirchhoff?) = so many different prints but Preetma somehow makes it work.

Recreate Preetma's look (kind of):

'Tis the season for a little plaid print: April May Winni checked wool coat, Burberry Prorsum plaid cropped wool coat, Dolce Vita plaid dress, Marni checked vest, Free People checked slouchy pants, Smythe plaid pea coat, ASOS check midi skirt or  J.W. Anderson plaid top

Alice + Olivia check and stripe gloves

Fun sweater: Aubin &Wills Aireshire Trooping the Colour sweatshirt, One by Sunny Girl bulldog sweater, or Aubin &Wills Redferne peacock sweatshirt

Lace up boots: Proenza Schouler lace up platform boots, Burberry Prorsum lace up boots, or Kors Michael Kors Meridian lace-up boots

New York Fashion Week SS 2013...Xiao and Steffi

Braid inspiration via Xiao Wen Ju and Steffi Soede, after Honor, NYC, September 2013.

New York Fashion Week SS 2013...Liu

Chinese model Liu Xu (Trump) after Nicholas K, NYC, September 2012.

New York Fashion Week SS 2013...Bruna

Brazilian model Bruna Tenório (Women), after Cushnie et Ochs, NYC, September 2012.

You can find Bruna's lovely blog here and her twitter account is @brutenorio_real 

Love the way Bruna has cinched her waist with the wide belt creating almost a peplum effect with the blouse which balances the slight flare of her trousers.

Recreate Bruna's look (kind of):

Although Bruna has belted her blouse, I think a peplum top might be easier to pull off for all of us with non-model bodies: Rebecca Taylor tweed peplum top, Topshop formal peplum blouse, ASOS top with structured peplum, Burberry London pleated ruched top (perfect for those who prefer a long sleeve and very subtle peplum) or Topshop lace peplum top

Red pants: Peter Som red trousers, Reiss Daria wide leg trousers, Marni red pants, or Alice + Olivia silk wide-leg pants

New York Fashion Week AW 2012/13...Emily

Into the Gloss's Emily Weiss, after Rodarte, NYC, February 2012.

A lesson in how to wear white/neutrals (and bare legs!) in the depths of winter....layering (note Emily's heavy sweater under her coat) + leather skirt +  heated taxi or car within easy reach ;)

Recreate Emily's look (kind of):

Oscar de la Renta coat, Miu Miu mohair coat, Ellery coat, Reed Krakoff A-line coat, or ASOS WHITE belted coat

Vince leather pencil skirt, Diane von Furstenberg Clover leather pencil skirt, Theyskens' Theory Skolla leather skirt, ASOS Urban Code leather pencil skirt or Milly Edith leather pencil skirt

Joseph waffle knit sweater, Theory Sutton Athos sweater, Karl Geometric intarsia sweater

Christian Louboutin Zigouwi sandals

Reed Krakoff Uniform white leather tote

Paris Fashion Week AW 2012/13....Natalie

Natalie Hartley, Senior Fashion Editor InStyle magazine (UK), after Chanel, Paris, March 2012.

Love the pop of colour in Natalie's outfit - the fuchsia lace skirt is a beautiful contrast against her black sweater, tights and heavy combat boots.

Recreate Natalie's look (kind of):

Don't be tempted to wear all black when the weather turns cold and rainy - add a splosh of colour with a bright skirt:

Jil Sander pleated fuchsia skirt, ASOS hot pink lace midi skirt (you could shorten this skirt to make it knee length like Natalie's), Milly Racquelle flared skirt or Halston Heritage Bell skirt with pockets

Thakoon leather trim sweater, Joseph leather elbow-patch sweater or ASOS pocket sweater (in black)

Alexander Wang Daria high combat boots, Tory Burch Toby combat boots, Burberry boots or River Island Surley military boots