LIFE & STYLE

The catwalk collections for Spring/Summer 2012 saw many established international designers sending an army of intricate designs down the runway – Miuccia Prada, John Galliano and Karl Lagerfeld showed some typically beautiful collections in lace, leather and more. However, Fashion Week also saw a host of undiscovered talent sending equally stunning looks down the runway. Sure you know Lanvin and Dolce & Gabbana, but what about Alexandre Vauthier, Fam Irvoll and Junya Watanabe? Behold the five best designers you’ve never heard of!

Fam Irvoll

QuirkyNorwegian designer Fam Irvoll was on hand to provide an antidote to the traditional patterns and muted colour palettes, which seemed to be the staple of most designers, showing a collection full of cartoon prints and exaggerated silhouettes. Sending models down the runway with multicoloured hair and brightly coloured creepers, the Norwegian’s collection was a breathe of fresh air. Pompoms on trousers and stuffed pigheads sewn onto pink ballerina dresses grabbed the crowd’s attention, making Fam one of the most unusual and crowd-pleasing shows of the week.

ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER

Amy Wakeham Editor

5 DESIGNERS YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF By

Krystof Stroznya

Jake Hall

Alexandre Vauthier is the French couturier whose designs are already making a splash in the celebrity world – Beyoncé herself chose to wear one of Vauthier’s unique creations in the photoshoot for her new album. One look at Vauthier’s Spring/ Summer ’12 collection shows us why: the French designer showed a collection with a metallic and pastel-based colour palette, taking traditional evening dresses and adding pastel purple fur stoles and cut-out details to create a look which

JUNYA WATANBE

Europe wasn’t the only continent showcasing its talent – Junya Watanabe (protégé of Rei Kawakubo, infamous founder of Comme Des Garçons) put on an amazing spectacle, sending models parading down the runway with elaborate headwear made entirely of peacock feathers and clunky monochrome brogues. Junya’s patchworking of paisley prints and traditional Japanese prints brought Eastern style firmly into the 21stCentury.

Another European designer making waves at London Fashion Week was Krystof Strozyna, a Russian-born designer with a keen eye for detail has already has seen his clothes featured in Vogue magazine. Krystof’s Spring/Summer ‘12 collection contrasted sharp masculine tailoring with a candy colour palette and ultra-feminine silk miniskirts to provide a relaxed, colourful alternative to traditional office clothing.

Yiqing Yin

Finally, proving that Japanese designers can do couture, Yiqing Yin debuted as guest designer at Paris Fashion Week, showing a collection which will no doubt make a lasting impression on fashion editors. Her use of exaggerated silhouettes in a monochrome palette created a beautiful, yet classic collection. Using fur, leather and velvet, Yiqing managed to create an ethereal, almost spaceage aesthetic which was both figure-flattering and extremely edgy, whilst remaining classic enough to appeal to most audiences.

VALENTINE’S IN VERONA- HOW TO AVOID THE TOURISTS AND HAVE A PERFECT DAY!

By Alice Primmer

Verona first springs to mind as the city of Romeo and Juliet, attracting thousands of tourists every year to the assumed site of this famous love story. Juliet’s balcony stands in the very centre of Verona, and is always the centre for the tourist mob. However balcony aside (it was actually constructed in the 1990s), Verona is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy in which to spend Valentine’s Day.

Start the day in the Caffetteria Borsari, right in the centre of town. This tiny Cafe is like an Aladdin’s Cave, packed full from floor to ceiling with china tea cups giving it a wonderful atmosphere. Arrive early to get one of the only 3 tables, and browse the extensive menu of coffees and teas- there have never been so many ways to serve a coffee! Next head to Piazza delle Erbe- the centre of the city. Spend the rest of the morning in the Valentine’s Day market which takes place in the adjoining square, Piazza dei Signori. Here many local Venetian specialities are on display, such as the famous wine from Bardolino. Catch some of the music on the stage in the Piazza before heading out of the centre and towards the Duomo for lunch.

Cappa Cafe is the perfect place to head, serving soup or sandwiches at reasonable prices. Being located right next to the Adige River, means that the view from the terrace (if you can brave the cold winter weather in February) up toward Castel San Pietro is beautiful.

Spend the afternoon wandering round the backstreets by the Duomo (my own favourite area of the city) and then head up the steps by Castel San Pietro to the top of the hill and look over Verona for the sunset. If you’re lucky you may even glimpse some of the snowy mountains that form the backdrop to the city!

An evening spritz at Osteria del Bugiardo is essential, the massive wine glasses are good value for money and there is always the option for some aperitivo snacks too. Pizzeria Redentore, built inside an old church, again looking over the Adige River, is a great place to eat out in the evening. The 10% student discount on the food bill and the extensive choice on the menu make it the ideal preference for pizza lovers!

Conclude the evening in a lively local bar like Osteria ai Preti or Malacarne surrounded by local Italians and away from the hordes of tourists in the centre of the city.

TheperfectendtoValentine’sDayinthecityofstar-cross’dlovers.