London Designers

London is one of the world's great fashion Meccas, and it is marked by it's creativity and eccentric flares. I am not much of a fashionista myself, but I do like to look at the new styles once in a while and see how far behind the time I really am.

All of these London Designers are fun and interesting and most are far beyond my meager means to afford. That doesn't mean that a bit of window shopping would not be worth while when in London, and who knows, maybe I could buy some tiny little thing and get a nice designer label shopping bag.

Burberry

The famous Burberry check may have become a chav favourite, but the high-end Prorsum range has retained its exclusivity. Christopher Bailey has won British Designer of the Year for his work on the label.

Cath Kidston

Cath Kidston Ltd was founded in 1993 when designer Cath Kidston opened a tiny shop in London’s Holland Park. She began by selling the vintage fabrics, wallpapers and brightly-painted junk furniture she remembered fondly from her childhood. Her clever, witty re-working of traditional English country house style meant that her shop soon became a cult success.

Jasper Conran

A bit of an institution these days, Jasper Conran offers beautifully classic garments as well as homewares, jewellery, scents and a more affordable range of designs for Debenhams. This label provides fantastic smart casual wear.

Joseph

Joseph's signature look is smart, tailored and modern. Shop here for beautifully made classic items that you just can't do without. The Fulham Road flagship store carries ranges of other top European designers as well.

Paul Smith

The king of British men's fashion is Sir Paul Smith and his label celebrates classic British tailoring injected with a twist. The trademark bright patterned shirts and loud cufflinks, wallets and accessories are instantly recognisable. Pop into Paul's for fun shopping and great men's gifts.

Pringle of Scotland

This traditional clothing label has worked hard in recent years to become one of Britain's hottest fashion brands. The Scottish company has shaken off its old golfers' image and Pringle now offers colourful and creative ranges of knitwear and cashmere.

Stella McCartney

Since leaving French fashion house Chloé, Stella McCartney has gone from strength to strength. She is now Britain's hottest celebrity designer and owner of one of the UK's most envied labels. Her high street range made exclusively for Hennes sold out across the country within hours of hitting shop rails. However for classic Stella chic and a more relaxed browsing experience, visit the Bruton Street flagship store.

Vivienne Westwood

Vivienne Westwood has been revolutionising the British fashion industry since the label's early days in the 1970s. She continues to lead the market with her bold designs today. Peruse the rails of her flagship store to take in her Red, Gold, Man and Anglomania labels.

Links of London

Links of London always captures that spirit of fun and excitement with a range of jewellery and gift items to celebrate any occasion. Whether you are looking to add some festive cheer to your home or find the ideal gift for someone special, Links of London has the perfect piece.

Friendship Bracelets

Christmas is a time for giving and reaching out to others in need. Featuring a Links of London Purple & Pink Friendship Bracelet, the hand woven bracelets have been created in the new season colours of deep green with forest green and burgundy with plum.

Charms

To remind us of the magic of Christmas, Links of London has created an exquisite array of festive charms. Links of London has all kinds of cute and amusing Charms. Add one to your Links of London charm bracelet or create an entire bracelet full of new charms.

Sweeties

Links of London has taken the item of a candy bracelet and made it into real jewellry. Links of London Sweeties are fun and beautiful. Following its launch in 2002 the Sweetie bracelet has become a Links of London Icon. It is slinky, tactile and versatile and a great alternative to the traditional charm bracelet.

There are a lot of Links of London stores in London. Links of London has a good Store Locator to help you find them. Though you may have to zone around a bit to find the bit of the world you want to see.

London Fashion Week

This... 'stuff'? Oh... ok. I see, you think this has nothing to do with you. You go to your closet and you select out, oh I don't know, that lumpy blue sweater, for instance, because you're trying to tell the world that you take yourself too seriously to care about what you put on your back. But what you don't know is that that sweater is not just blue, it's not turquoise, it's not lapis, it's actually cerulean. You're also blithely unaware of the fact that in 2002, Oscar De La Renta did a collection of cerulean gowns. And then I think it was Yves St Laurent, wasn't it, who showed cerulean military jackets? I think we need a jacket here. And then cerulean quickly showed up in the collections of 8 different designers. Then it filtered down through the department stores and then trickled on down into some tragic casual corner where you, no doubt, fished it out of some clearance bin. However, that blue represents millions of dollars and countless jobs and so it's sort of comical how you think that you've made a choice that exempts you from the fashion industry when, in fact, you're wearing the sweater that was selected for you by the people in this room. From a pile of stuff.-The Devil Wears Prada

Fashion has always been a spectator's sport. From the outside it all seems silly and over the top and no one would ever really do that would they? And then in no time at all everyone is doing it. Well, everyone that care anyway. My own fashion sense leans more toward Hawaiian Shirts and khaki pants with a lot of pockets. But that doesn't mean I don't like looking are people dressed in really interesting clothes.

London Fashion Week was in the news because they were thinking of banning size zero models. They did ban models under sixteen years of age. But those were just the usual side issues, the brave new world of fashion, as always, was center stage.

My favorite bit is Fashion Forward, that spot where clothing meets science fiction and the future is on view for all to see. Christopher Kane, Erdem and Marios Schwab are all being awarded Fashion Forward sponsorship for the first-time. Roksanda Ilincic is a recipient for the second time.

In 2006, Christopher Kane launched his own label with his sister Tammy (collaborator and
business partner) and has gone on to build his label into a major player in the high-fashion
world. The label is a key contributor to trends, demonstrating a contemporary and progressive
vision.

On receiving the sponsorship, Christopher said "I am thrilled to have been awarded Fashion
Forward sponsorship by the British Fashion Council, this is my fifth catwalk show at London
Fashion Week and I am grateful to have their continued support."

The London Fashion Week website has all kinds of interesting info and lots of great images.

London Loves Leather - Alkara Designer Handbags

I am not an expert on Designer Handbags, in fact, Prada handbags are about the only designer handbag that springs to my mind. But I do like to keep an eye out for interesting things with a London tie in, so Alkara handbags from London fit my bill.

Alkara's exclusive collection of both day and evening bags exude style, elegance and panache. Alkara is committed to creating handbags for the discerning lady who loves and cherishes her handbags - Alkara's collections allow its clients to enrich their wardrobes with some truly luxurious and exquisite pieces.

Alkara's latest Collection in keeping with today's ever-changing styles, colours and trends, incorporates contemporary designs in vibrant colours - Reds, Purples, Greens, Oranges, Pinks and Blacks (always with bright linings - making it easier to see the contents of the bag). Pewter Rings and Chic leather and semi precious stone tassles add glamour and style.

Alkara's handbags & accessories are designed in London by Camilla Daubeney and are made from the finest luxurious Napa Leather, sumptuous Suede, pure Silk, Ostrich Skin, Eel skin and Cotton. Each piece is individually made by our talented craftsmen, meticulous attention being paid to every detail during all stages of production to ensure superior quality.

With names like Pluto Alkara's designer handbags do have a bit of style. They may not be Gucci or Francesco Biasia yet, but I think they have a shot. All they need is for Paris Hilton or Oprah to be seen carrying one next time they are in London and Alrara designer handbags will be on their way.