Diana Bell-Heather, Author at A&E Magazine

Milan Fashion Week: Emporio Armani FW18

Retro prints, youthful tailoring and plenty of embellishment makes Emporio Armani FW18 collection one of the top picks for party dressing next season.

Armani worked electric green and blue hues into his neutral palette of black and grey and focused on texture. Models showcased fluffy coats and fur trimmed jackets, separates that had shimmering thread running through them and beaded tops that were styled with mini leather or silver skirts.

Glittering dresses were given a youthful spin when paired with cowboy boots while crystal encrusted cylinder bags dangled from the models necks. The tailoring was, as always, on point but unlike the grown up Giorgio Armani cut, the skirts were shorter, the colours were brighter and the jackets had a more casual silhouette. The logomania found it’s way into Emporio Armani with textured mini skirts, wide belts and jackets carrying the large EA lettering.

Taking in all the glitter and glam, the collection carried a fun and elegant spirit and we can guarantee that the over knee patent leather cowboy boots will be the first to sell out.

Everyone’s Wearing Statement Jackets at MFW

This season might be one of the boldest and most colourful showcases of street style Milan has seen in a long time.

Clashes of prints, loud hues and key accessories decorated the pavements of the fashion capital and we couldn’t help but notice that everyone seems to have fallen in love with statement jackets. And who could blame them? Outwear decorated in embroidery, trimmed with fluffy accents or classically cut but in a wild shade of fuchsia pink is all you need to stand out.

Some let their jackets do the talking by simply styling them with neutral tones or jeans, but the fearless majority went all out with matching trousers, skirts and sometimes bags.

Click through the gallery above to see how you can inject some Milanese style into you wardrobe.

Milan Fashion Week: Marni FW18

Entering the Marni FW18 show space is like walking into a Marni storage facility with stacks of newspapers, vacuum packs of clothes, piles of car tires, rolled up rugs and bags of soil. The atmosphere spoke of reinvention as we look at mass of items that can be easily discarded, but instead they have been recycled into seating for the showgoers. Deconstruction in aid of creating something new.

Francesco Risso, Marni’s creative director, has become more confident over the last few seasons following a somewhat deflated reaction to his first line for the house. His design flair in mastering a sense of unease and wonder is something that draws in audiences, wanting to discover his inspiration and story. The peculiar mix of opulence and geometry creates drama but the over all feeling was of brightness and optimism.

The Fall story begins with a patent blue coat styled with a neat roll neck, platform heels and a chunky nude belt that had a rope thread hanging down from it. The undone compositions continued with patchwork of fabrics constructed into dresses with feminine silhouettes, boxy jackets with frayed threading and a bold mix of colour blocking seen in tunics layered over wide sleeve tops and loose cut trousers.

Some pieces felt as though they were quickly stitched together with the leftover fabrics like the leather coat that was half matte black and half green snakeskin, or the sequin gowns that could’ve been patched together from unworn glittering dresses forgotten in the back of the wardrobe.

The wild artistic mash up is something that cool girls adore from Marni and this collection may have been one of Risso’s strongest to date.

Prada Heads To New York For Cruise 2019

Prada FW18 collection.

Prada will showcase Cruise 2019 collection in New York on May 4.

This will be the second resort collection from the house following the first one presented at the Fondazione Prada Osservatorio, Milan, last year.

According to WWD, the exact venue has not been announced but could the date associated with Star Wars Day (May the 4^th Be With You) be an indication of a somewhat futuristic showcase?

May is already proving to be a busy month for cruise collections with Gucci set to travel to Arles and Nicolas Ghesquière will be presenting in the French Riviera, though we are still waiting to learn of the chosen location.

Milan Fashion Week: Giorgio Armani FW18

Glamour, multi-culture and sophisticated simplicity are just some of the words that can define Giorgio Armani FW18 collection. This season he imagined a rich collection inspired by many cultures which were unified in a clean and elegant design keeping the pieces familiar, yet adventurous.

We were treated to long overcoats, compact jackets, cropped trousers, asymmetric skirts swarming in pictorial motifs and dresses that flowed freely with every step, yet remained poised. The palette circled around black and neutral tones such as stone grey, but there were flashes of red, pink, blue and metallic. The multi-printed jacquard jackets were styled with embellished wide leg trousers while some wool coats carried large botanical floral treatment. Soft oversized headgear took center stage with models sporting pastel fur hats or bright beret’s while the lace up over-knee boots added an edge to an otherwise chic ensembles.

In authentic Armani fashion there was plenty of exquisitely feminine silhouettes with a dash of chic eccentricity. You can always rely on him to deliver exceptional tailoring, perfectly balanced mix of prints and dazzling eveningwear like the two piece suit decorated in crystals or the navy velvet and satin gown. It is a classy, modern and inclusive collection that will appeal to an Armani woman across all cultures.

Milan Fashion Week: Salvatore Ferragamo FW18

This was not only Paul Andrew’s first collection for Salvatore Ferragamo, but also his first full clothing line. He has been one of fashions favourite shoe designers but in Milan he showed exactly what he can do with womenswear.

He stripped Ferragamo back and went back to the archives. He also decided to combine women’s and men’s shows and worked closely with the menswear director Guillaume Meilland to achieve a consistent look that ensured a singular voice, which in a current noisy market has become key for many leading houses.

The codes of the brand such as leather and silk prints were present but he also experimented with a rich symphony of colours like green, yellow and red – most worn head to toe including makeup. Tonal dressing felt modern with contrast of shapes and texture. Stars were the oversized coats with a loose fit and printed silk lining, knitted roll neck jumpers that almost touched the floor and of course the shoes – particularly those with gold geometric heels.

It was a very wearable collection with fluid silhouettes, while the tailoring remained strong with sharp lines. This is a fresh take on a classic Ferragamo and Andrew’s should feel proud of injecting new life into this iconic brand.

Makeup Brushes At The Ready For Dubai’s New Beauty Festival

Jen Atkin.

Beauty fans get ready for a major event taking place Dubai this April that will bring together leading experts such as celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin and Dubai’s very own Huda Beauty.

Model, Olivia Culpo announced the star-studded lineup for the regions biggest beauty bash, Beauty Pop. Mark April 19 in your diary and head to Dubai Design District for a three-day event which will feature the latest beauty and lifestyle products. You’ll have a chance to meet the celebrities, attend masterclasses and listen in on empowering panel discussions with experts in the industry.

The lineup includes celebrity skin expert Nurse Jamie, celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin and hair colorist Tracey Cunningham, Dubai’s very own Huda Beauty, celebrity makeup artist Bassam Fattouh and beauty bloggers Camila Coelho, Desi Perkins and Marianna Hewitt.

Head to Beautypopdxb.com to register for tickets.

Diptyque Releases Two Anniversary Fragrances

Tempo.

One of the most iconic fragrance houses Diptyque are celebrating 50 years of scent with two new creations.

Tempo and Fleur de Peau are the latest works that are not only new and completely modern, but also reverent nods to their big sister, L’Eau. Each scent has a personality and for those looking for those strong notes of patchouli will appreciate how perfumer Olivier Pescheux managed to balance those punchy floral accents with violet leaves and maté absolute to create Tempo.

Fleur de Peau is the softer, gentler of the two opening with Italian notes of mandarin orange and bergamot, and a dash of pink peppercorns that hover between petals and seeds. A refreshing result that can be worn all day long.

Fleur de Peau.

Diptyque’s history is rich in travel and discovery, the founders painter Desmond Knox-Leet, interior architect Christiane Gautrot and theatre designer Yves Coueslant were known for bringing unique treasures to their store in Paris before creating the first candle, and that freedom of the 60’s is not only translated into the latest fragrances but is also seen in the design of the bottles.

Time to make room on your bathroom shelf.

Milan Fashion Week: Emilio Pucci FW18

Faithful to the brand image, Emilio Pucci FW18 collection featured all the favourites including pops of vibrant colours, contrast of prints and styles to fit any occasion.

Starting with the familiar, floor length slinky gowns were trimmed with the Pucci signature swirls at the neckline or the cuffs. The brands print decorated dresses, bags, coats and belts. Fifties silhouettes got a modern update with statement separates where quilted bralette’s were matched with embellished A-line skirts or sheer shirts belted at the waistline.

But it’s the sportier, almost streetwear pieces that were the main focus of the collection. The puffer jackets were either oversized or cropped with either patchwork or fur detailing. The brand also presented their glamorous version of beanie hats which were quilted and designed with delicate satin fabric. The standout look was the hooded pastel pink sweatshirt styled with a boxy jacket and asymmetric A-line skirt that had EMILIO PUCCI logo printed at the hem and worn with patent red boots – streetwear glamour.

It was a very Pucci affair with edgier touches bringing together a collection that will appeal to fans of house and the new millennial shopper.

EXCLUSIVE: Watch Emilio Pucci Show

Expect a vibrant signature Mediterranean colour palette and fresh geometric patterns from Emilio Pucci’s latest collection, live from Milan Fashion Week.

Tune in on Thursday February 22 18.00 Dubai time.

Milan Fashion Week: Max Mara FW18

Max Mara FW18 woman is on a mission and demands success on her own terms and dresses accordingly. She is not just boardroom exec, she has an edge that’s part punk and part screen siren.

The collection was rooted in the idea of breaking of boundaries, a platform where culture and counterculture meet thus we were treated to something new and fresh from the brand that’s associated with minimal luxury. Creative director Ian Griffiths presented a rebellious Max Mara, where the staple coats and knitwear were trimmed with fringing and tailoring had a more relaxed fit.

The first part of lady-like ensembles gave way to a punk queens who love tough leather as well as clashing leopard print with plaid. They wear logo tank tops and sweatshirts, maxi leather pencil skirts, over the elbow gloves with leather suspenders hanging from their waistbands.

The final looks saw decadent eveningwear with floor length satin dresses that moved sensually and some styled with oversized coats that you’d loosely throw over your shoulders after a glamorous evening. Hair was braided or messily gathered, some pinned with a large sparkling M while the makeup was dramatic with accent on the eyes and pop of neon pink on the lips.

The collection stayed true to what a Max Mara woman needs, a sophisticated and functional wardrobe, but there was plenty to entice a new kind of of audience with pieces that are made to have fun with.

Exhibition Celebrating Italian Fashion Opens In Milan

Diorama room.

Take a break from Milan Fashion Week and head to Italiana: Italy Through the Lens of Fashion exhibition at the Palazzo Reale that celebrates Italian style during the most influential period from brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi and Prada.

The curators, Stefano Tonchi, director of W magazine, and Maria Luisa Frisa, an Italian fashion scholar, wanted to tell a story of Italian fashion between 1971-2001, focusing on the gradual definition and assertion of the system in the grand season of the Made in Italy style. It was a period of cultural creativity that consolidated relationships and exchanges among the exponents of that Italian generation of artists, architects, designers, and intellectuals that paved the way for international culture.

Identita room.

“We have been feeling the need to work on the history and culture of Italian fashion to understand its present and what its strengths and problems are. If we see this in a historical perspective, we understand what has defined the trajectory of contemporary fashion” Frisa told WWD.

The exhibition will be centered on a constellation of themes—Identity, Democracy, Logomania, Diorama, Project Room, Bazaar, Post-Production, Glocal, The Italy of Objects – and be showcased with 120 fashion looks and objects from fashion, art, design, photography and publishing.

Postproduzione room.

Opening today, during Milan Fashion Week, the exhibition will run until May 6.

Style Hits: Brit Awards 2018

Last night’s Brit Awards 2018 saw one of the biggest celebrations of British music with artists making headlines on stage and on the red carpet.

One of the biggest winners of the night was Dua Lipa and to match the occasion she also wore the biggest gown – a pink flowing creation from Giambattista Valli Haute Couture. No one else could rival the layers of powder pink tulle, long train and a delicate black bow and despite the overwhelming design, Dua Lipa made it look fresh and modern.

Ralph and Russo proved to be a popular choice as well as Rodarte. Texture was key with majority of attendees choosing dresses with embellishment, feathers or ruffles.

Click through the gallery above for our edit of the best dressed at the Brits.

Milan Fashion Week: Moncler FW18

Following the announcement that Moncler has recruited eight leading designers to create their own collections for the house, last night the brand kicked off Milan Fashion Week with the launch of this innovative concept.

Split into eight separate areas, each designer including Valentino’s Pierpaolo Piccioli and Simone Rocha, offered their take on the the brands image which has been long associated with luxe sportswear. Piccioli’s creations were the first the audience got to see and will be the introductory collection. The quilted fabrics were re-imagined into long silhouettes and block colours that gave an almost avant-garde effect.

Simone Rocha’s collection reflected the edgy femininity that the designer is known for with use of voluminous shapes, soft pink and floral print. Craig Green’s take was also familiar of his style and felt the heaviest of all with full hooded coats and geometric shapes. Moncler 2 1952 will be the most familiar to fans of the brand with the classics redone in bright shades and enlarged logo.

Noir’s Kei Ninomiya all black line-up showcased his impressive use of stitching and mix of fabric, while on the opposite side of the spectrum we have a very bright Grenoble collection that has a mass consumer appeal. Palm Angels had a lot of fans who love the paired down use of red and black with plenty of branding and logo’s. Fragment’s Hiroshi Fujiwara took the outdoor hiking concept and blended it with streetwear that saw models posing in delicate angora sweaters and royal blue jackets.

Click through the gallery above to see a snippet of what to expect from Moncler over the next few months.

Shop Now: Asymmetric Skirts

The key to layering is to play with proportions and asymmetric skirts are a perfect addition to your new season wardrobe.

The cut adds an interesting shape to an otherwise classic skirt and top combination, especially when styled with with boots or open sandals. Angular hemline requires fitted tops and cropped jackets to balance proportions and for extra style points, look for ruffles and bold prints.

Click through the gallery above for our pick of the prettiest asymmetric skirts to buy now.

A&E Guide To Milan Fashion Week FW18

Roberto Cavalli SS18.

Milan is where fashion gets serious. Home to iconic houses like Fendi, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana, read our guide to the top shows, new locations and emerging names.

Gucci would usually be the first big show of the week, but this time round Moncler will present the new Genius concept that brings together eight leading designers to create individual collections for the house.

Last season saw designers dip into their archives to reinvent their greatest hits and we expect to see a similar flow of thought at Fendi and Prada, with Miuccia’s runway being staged at the new Fondazione Prada. Donatella Versace has also packed up her showcase and relocated to the grand Palazzo Reale.

Fendi Pre-Fall 18

Tommy Hilfiger is taking his show to Milan following last seasons presentation in London and we all now that Tommy knows how to put on a fashion extravaganza. New names on the schedule to look out for are Arthur Arbesser and Linda Calugi and we also look forward to seeing Paul Surridge’s second collection from Roberto Cavalli.

Stay up to date with all our show coverage from Milan Fashion Week on Instagram.

Top Accessories Spotted At LFW AW18

London Fashion Week has proven to be the best for design innovation and unique must-have accessories so far.

From carry bags to lace up boxing boots, we saw; fluffy texture, geometric shapes, bold colours and maximum detailing. Furry footwear was spotted at Preen By Thornton Bregazzi and Simone Rocha while everyone was snapping the vintage inspired boxy handbags at Rejina Pyo and circular heels at Mulberry.

There was plenty of embellishment and mix of fabric at Halpern, Delpozo and Mary Katrantzou while J.W Anderson kept it uber cool with new take on the Pierce bag and introduction of a heavy duty belt bag with not one, not two but three compartments.

It’s been a long time since we’ve been this excited for new accessories to hit the stores next season.

10 New Beauty Ideas From LFW FW18

London Fashion Week may have just had the best season yet with exciting new designers, daring creations and most importantly the Queen of England herself sitting front row.

It’s all about the clothes and accessories on the runway, but backstage are eyes were solely focused on the beauty looks being realised by leading makeup artists. Charlotte Tilbury was seen at Temperley London creating a retro red lip while at Erdem we had a first glance at the designer’s beauty collaboration with NARS.

There is a new smokey eye which brings together shades of deep burgundy and lilac while the hair was swept away from the face and either twisted up or decorated with bold accessories.

Scroll through our edit to see some of the best beauty looks at LFW FW18.

Inside Kate Middleton’s Fashion Reception At Buckingham Palace

Kate Middleton and Sophie, Countess of Wessex.

Kate Middleton and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, hosted a Commonwealth Fashion Exchange at Buckingham Palace with Naomi Campbell and Stella McCartney in attendance.

The guests got to admire 52 garments on show which were created with sustainability in mind and are all part of the scheme to bring together designers and artisans from Commonwealth countries, which included Burberry and Stella McCartney from the UK. A select few will be available to buy on matchesfashion.com in September.

Adwoa Aboah Caroline Rush and Sophie Countess of Wessex

Naomi Cambell.

The Duchess of Cambridge, who is seven months pregnant, wore an embroidered Erdem dress as she mingled with guests such as Adwoa Aboah, Princess Beatrice, Caroline Rush and Anna Wintour.

The free exhibit will be open to the public through March 6.

Saudi Arabia Will Host First Ever Arab Fashion Week

The Arab Fashion Council, the world’s largest non-profit platform representing 22 Arabic countries members of the Arab League, have struck a multi-year partnership with The British Fashion Council.

This move will help regional brands grow internationally while also allowing British designers to find a new audience in the GCC. As part of the partnership, AFC are planning Arab Fashion Week in Riyadh next month. Caroline Rush, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council, said:

“We are looking forward to developing a strategy for brands and businesses looking to expand into the Arabic countries through this collaboration with AFC, who are experts in this field. The British Fashion Council’s role in this partnership is to share their expertise in setting up infrastructure to nurture and discover Arabic design talent of the future”

Arab Fashion Week is scheduled for March 26 for six days and will further showcase AFC’s vision featuring luxury labels and events to appeal to a millennial generation. Jacob Abrian, Founder & Chief Executive of The Arab Fashion Council, added:

“This important partnership, will support the Arab Fashion Council in achieving its ambition to unite a sustainable fashion system for the Arab World. With the counsel and expertise of the British Fashion Council, the AFC will nurture and promote the talent resource from the region and strategically reinforce the GCC as an important economic hub for the International fashion industry”.

Javier Bardem And Dev Patel Star In Ermenegildo Zegna Defining Moments Campaign

Actors Javier Bardem and Dev Patel are the newest faces for Ermenegildo Zegna ongoing Defining Moments campaign.

Shot in Los Angeles by photographer Craig McDean, the two award-winning actors are seen having a laugh with Patel attempting to strike a rugby ball with a golf club in one of the shots. This lighthearted approach aims to bring across a genuine relationship between two people in a laid back setting and to capture the idea that when you wear Ermenegildo Zegna you feel at ease and happy.

The global multichannel initiative that was first introduced with testimonial from Robert De Niro during the SS17 season. The evolution of the Defining Moments concept moves the focus from past to present, highlighting the everyday moments that occur in our lives and make us smile.

Why We Love Halpern x Christian Louboutin Collaboration

Fashion’s latest obsession, Halpern, has for the second time collaborated with Christian Louboutin on a sparkling collection for AW18 show.

Michael Halpern’s pieces are admired for their unapologetic use of shimmering sequins making us consider wearing full on glitter during the day. The rock and roll edge of last season was given an even grittier dress code for AW18 with Nan Kemper being the main inspiration. The collection was a burst if colour wrapped around dazzling flares, sparkling miniskirts paired with embellished T-shirts with a healthy dose of animal print.

Louboutin’s equally daring designs are a perfect match and thigh high boots, playful mules with contrasting colour blocking, multi-coloured sequins and zebra print ankle boots perfectly compliment Halpern’s latest line.

Trust Halpern and Louboutin to make us break all the fashion rules and start party dressing in daylight.

Chanel Strike A Digital Partnership With Farfetch

chanel farfetch Jose Neves Bruno Pavlovsky

Jose Neves and Bruno Pavlovsky.
By Olivier Saillant.

Chanel have unveiled an innovative partnership with online destination Farfetch to deliver shoppers new experiences both offline and online, in-store and out-of-store.

The partnership is the first of its kind in the luxury retail industry and will include a branded app to help create a personalised in-store experience, which no doubt will entice a millennial customer and appeal to the high spenders. But it looks like this move is not a sign that Chanel will be selling their core products online any time soon.

“To be clear, Chanel will not be selling on Farfetch, nor are we launching ecommerce,” Bruno Pavlovsky, president of fashion at Chanel, told the Financial Times. “This deal is about accelerating and enriching the experience of the client before and after their visit to the boutique.”

The proposed app aims to make shopping worldwide easier by allowing you to store your preferences and size and give you an option to book fittings. And if you ever feel like you just want to browse without anyone approaching you, there is a ‘do not disturb’ function.

The first steps of the partnership will be unveiled at one of Chanel’s boutiques in France later this year.

Seven Reasons To Wear Sorbet Shades This Season

First signs of spring is our cue to swap the black and grey for something a little prettier – sorbet shades to be precise.

Look like Londoners are already ahead of the curve with a number of street style stars being snapped in delicate lavenders, lemony yellows and powder pinks. These girly tones work well with feminine silhouettes but also add a softness to boxier jackets and oversized trousers.

Pastel accessories are given a grown up feel with metallic accents while the shoes look best as masculine brogues or over the knee boots.

Click through our edit to see how you can start wearing sorbet shades now.

London Fashion Week: Delpozo FW18

A post shared by Delpozo (@delpozo) on Feb 18, 2018 at 9:26am PST

The Delpozo FW18 show delivered sparkle and structural shapes to London Fashion Week.

It was the first time the brand showed during LFW after moving from their usual New York schedule and Londoners have a lot to be grateful for. Josep Font’s architectural background is reflected in his designs that can be described as wearable couture. He played with neutral shades of camel and navy but then added splashes of pop pink and sunshine yellow to lift the whole outfit.

A post shared by Delpozo (@delpozo) on Feb 18, 2018 at 12:09pm PST

A lot of the collection took inspiration from nature seen in floral print gowns that looked like they were painted onto the model. A French artist Ines Longevial was also an influence and that artistic approach to fashion was reflected in oversized lotus shaped belts, 3D embellishment on skirts, asymmetric tunics and jackets and our favourite structured trousers.

Delpozo manages to retain the femininity yet every piece feels powerful and individual.

Style Hits: Blackout At The BAFTA’s

Celebrities hit the red carpet in all black for the annual BAFTA in solidarity for Time’s Up movement.

From flowing couture gowns to slick pantsuits, it was a blackout at the awards celebrating the best of British cinematography, with many choosing Christian Dior. It was the Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, who stood out for wearing an emerald green Jenny Packham gown for royal protocol reasons. Many suggest that black is usually reserved for funerals and memorial services, while others believe it’s due to the fact that royal rules dictate members of the royal family are discouraged from making political statements of any kind.

As for the rest of the attendees, the black dress code is something that we have seen and will continue to see throughout the award season. Click through the gallery above for our edit of the best dressed.

NARS x Erdem Collaboration Is As Beautiful As You’d Expect

NARS have collaborated with British designer Erdem on a 13-piece makeup collection which guarantees to make your beauty shelf look extra pretty.

First used backstage for the brands AW18 show at London Fashion Week, the Strange Flowers Collection has been in the works for two years and brings together unique use of texture to bring out facial features.

Lip Powder Poison Rose Palette.

Our top pick from this romantic range is the Lip Powder Poison Rose Palette that give lips a delicate matt finish. You also have a choice of six lipsticks – all named after wild flowers like Moon Orchid, multi-use highlighting pencil which works well on the inner corner of the eyes, two eyeshadow palettes, blusher and decadent blotting paper which is perfect to wipe away excess oils throughout the day.

The Strange Flowers Collection will launch globally on May 1.

Listen Up: Chanel Release Playlist On Apple Music

Chanel invites you to relive some of their iconic fashion shows through curated playlists available on Apple Music.

Once you finished going through Burberry’s 200-track playlist that brings together music heavy hitters like Adele, Pet Shop Boys, Elton John and Tom Odell, tune into Chanel’s show soundtracks that include ‘best-of’ from the latest runways curated by sound designer Michel Gaubert.

Alongside exclusive playlists, there will be additional tracks from friends of the house including Pharrell Williams, Caroline de Maigret, musician Sébastien Tellier and the band Ibeyi.

Is this becoming a new medium for brands to connect with their fans? We are yet to find out, but our ears are grateful.

London Fashion Week: Temperley London FW18

A post shared by Temperley London (@temperleylondon) on Feb 18, 2018 at 3:35am PST

Reach for skies with Temperley London FW18 collection which saw retro flying suites, military accents and party-ready sequins

Tough girl glamour can summarise the mood at Alice Temperley’s show this morning as models, dubbed #TemperleyTrailblazers, showcased the latest FW18 collection with utility accents and glittering gowns. We also saw familiar chiffon, beading, soft pastels and decorative prints which were given an army treatment with boxing boots and khaki tones.

A post shared by MATCHESFASHION.COM Woman (@matchesfashion) on Feb 18, 2018 at 5:05am PST

Jackets with badges and gold buckle belts were the hero pieces, but a Temperley woman will be reaching for the sparkling dresses, silk evening pyjamas styled with elongated sweeping coats as well as flowing satin gowns and skirts that moved with every step.

As a troop of models marched down for the finale, editors and other attendees were mentally clearing out their wardrobes to fit in every single of these wearable pieces.

A&E Interviews: Value Retail’s Desirée Bollier

DISCOVERING HOW VALUE RETAIL’S CHAIR AND CHIEF MERCHANT, DESIRÉE BOLLIER, HAS BEEN REDEFINING THE CONCEPT OF DISCOUNT OUTLETS.

Pioneer of new retail experience, Value Retail, has redefined outlet shopping for leading designer brands and savvy shoppers who understand the meaning of luxury. The aim was to create an escape and a place to enjoy all day, alongside discovering amazing deals.

Founded in 1992, Value Retail now has 11 villages worldwide, including La Vallée near Paris, two latest destinations in China, and further plans to expand in Europe as well as the USA. But the crowning glory, or mothership as Desirée Bollier likes to refer to it, is Bicester Village in Oxfordshire, England that has recently added an extra 25,000 square-foot of space, with labels like Roksanda, Dunhill, and Charlotte Tilbury, to be enjoyed by around 6.4 million visitors each year.

We caught up with Bollier to find out what makes Value Retail unique, and how it has elevated its villages into luxury shopping experiences.

Tell us a little bit about your background?

Originally Lebanese, I grew up in Paris, went to law school, and then worked in the States which included a position at Ralph Lauren for 14 years. I’m slightly OCD, very detail oriented, passionate for the arts, and fashion for me is very personal. I don’t view my work as work, and I don’t view my personal life as personal life, it’s an ecosystem. I love travel and am an extremely curious, adventurous person.

What has been your vision for Value Retail?

We never thought of ourselves as an outlet, and always wanted to convey that we are a destination. Emotionally, the guests are investing time to come to us, and we are not a bargain basement. That dictated a lot of the decisions we made, for example it being a village in the form of an outdoor avenue with specific architecture, and then we started to add all the layers to make it magical. We chose table food restaurants, keeping in mind the authenticity. We wanted a stress escapism. We have gorgeous landscapes, great pop-ups, and improved food offers. Hospitality is the ultimate indulgence, so we added valet parking, personal shopping, and styling, and opened the apartment for VIP clients to look through private sales or trunk shows.

Which features would specifically appeal to a Middle Eastern shopper?

Our goal is to make sure that a Middle Eastern customer feels as welcome and comfortable as though they would be shopping in their home country. When we opened our own train station, we made sure that the announcements were very inclusive, and it is the only one in the UK that does that. We also have Arabic fluent hostesses, and all the services that we’ve added are with the most demanding customer in mind. I come from the Middle East, so I know the level expected. The Middle Eastern customer drove us to expand lifestyle, especially with unique candle brands.

How have you embraced the digital age?

We embrace digital, it is a means to engage with a customer. If you’re selling the experience and the memories, it is not possible to achieve that online, but you are going to get the convenience. Its knowing how to use digital to ease your journey, and make it part of the journey.

How do you cater to a millennial shopper?

The millennial Middle Eastern shoppers are smart, fashion aware, and are curious to discover new designers. I don’t think they have a pattern and that’s what I love. It’s about. ‘is this going to be something that belongs to my tribe,’ and if it does, then its adopted and adapted.

How has Value Retail supported the fashion industry?

The crisis in 2008 forced us into thinking differently. How do you support talent when they are crushed? So, we created a platform and partnered with the British Fashion Council to support that, and it worked. The money could be given back to them, so they could finance their next collection. We did that across all the other villages, each one is in a location that breeds talent, be it in fashion, art, or food, and our duty is to support. Our goal is for designers to trust that we are an environment that is safe for their brand, that we’re not going to dilute their creation by being cheap.

What has been key to the success of villages like Bicester?

We have two customers, the brand, and our guests. Both must be happy. Balance and harmony must co-exist.

What’s your secret weapon?

Listening to my instinct.

Who do you turn to for advice?

This is not a silver bullet answer. Depending on the advice I am seeking I will turn to a handful of trusted friends, colleagues, and family members, relying on each to be my sounding board depending on the situation that I need advice on.

Where is your favourite city?

Right now, it is Shanghai and the energy it is exuding, the speed it is evolving, and the hunger for newness, making it a high voltage city.

Which women inspire you?

Women who in the face of adversity never lose sight of their priorities and values. Women who view their role to support the development and success of other women. My grandmother was someone who I admired greatly for her generosity and empathy, yet with a real firm handle on running her family.

What is your life motto?

I love life, embrace it, engage with it. Having a passion and vision, and being able to communicate and motivate my teams to see it this way. I love curious minds and that’s what keeps you young. The day you stop being curious, you die.

Tell us your resolutions for the year ahead?

My children have come up with the most insane and generous gift for my 60th which consists of a surprise every 4th day of each month, somewhere on this planet. My resolution is to enjoy every minute of such marvelous experiences yet to come. I have experienced 3 so far with 9 to go, and if they are as high voltage as the last, survival will be one of the resolutions.