caroline wall

There have been many shop closures recently due to the credit crunch, and we can all recall the recent closures of stores such as Woolworths closing their doors for the final time making national news. We'll have to find somewhere else to go for our pick n mix. However one shopfront in particular caught my eye. Stanley's on Charing Cross Road in London has not renewed their lease and therefore we see it has closed. Take a look at the photos of the now existing windows before they are too wiped away and replaced by a new shop keeper within.Trailing florals and foliage stencilled into the white washed windows have left a striking temporary solution to what would normally entail a sad-looking boarded up window. This image really reminds me of an all over print I have produced previously which you can see in the portfolio.

It's the end of London Fashion Week in London February 2009 and all the designers have shown their collections for AW09/10. So what are the main trends that have come through on all the shows to predict what we will be wearing and interpreting in our own way?

I was fortunate to see three shows this year amidst the excitement of fashion week.

The John Rocha show was absolutely beautiful with exquisite use of gold and black jacquard fabrics, luxurious chiffons and wonderful shoulder detailing which proved to be a common theme throughout the week. Based upon Elizabeth I there were kidney shaped purses and head bonnets. Historical references were brought up to date through bursts of eye-popping coral, geranium red or gold. "I just keep doing what I do but try to bring it forward a bit," said Rocha

The Betty Jackson show was also an absolute winner. Colours of teal, caramel and lilac all combined in a multi coloured combination of different coloured tights/shoes/skirts. This certainly wasn't a display of matching but more about mix and match colour combinations to gain a stunning result. Again fabrics playing an important role in displaying beautifully structured felts and woollens. Wood-grain prints and jacquards were on display alongside charcoal colored trailing florals with flashes of brights.

Now at this show I do remember seeing a woman being photographed at the cafe area eating a cake. My first thoughts were, yum that Danish pastry looks good. They only usually have a few sunflower seeds to eat at these fashion gigs so where's that come from? Then I realised it must be something to do with all the recent campaigning in regards to size zero models only due to the camera being there. It didn't quite add up to me as I didn't think this lady looked either size zero or overweight. Until today it all made sense. Thanks to my sister who today asked me if I saw Kate Faithfull at the Betty Jackson show, who had dressed in a zip up fat suit. Read the full story here.

Go to Vogue.com to view all collections 

Key Looks Tu is fast establishing itself as a smart fashion player. For spring, inspiration is drawn from DKNY and Diane von Furstenburg. It picks up on spring 08's folk and vintage trends, with floral print tea dresses key to the collection.  In tailoring, cinched waists are highlighted by high-waisted trousers, belted macs and short denim waistcoats.  The colour palette ranges from muted khaki tones to bright tangerines and yellows.

Right for the market?

Tu has consolidated its position as a fashion brand, rather than just a value player, as it looks to take customers from Next and Marks & Spencer. As well as great trend-led peices, Tu has a competent basics range for typical supermarket shoppers and prices remain competitive.

Caroline is truly a creative textile designer with a flare for florals. Having completed her MA Fashion Course in printed textiles at Central St Martins, London in 1996. Caroline went to work as a buyers clerk which proved almost too much for such a talented designer.

Within a short period of time Caroline opened her doors for business as a freelance designer opening accounts with Libertys under the Godfrey label. Soon after the prints were picked up and promoted by Marie Claire.

Not content with such success Caroline taught herself CAD design and the rest, as they say, is history. Caroline now designs prints for major high street retailers and bespoke private clients and independent labels. In addition Caroline has expanded into the realms of interior design and has also received commissions for socks!

Is there nothing such a talented designer can not turn her hand too. 

JENNY HOLLOWAY - Fashion Capital