The Eyes Would Have No Tears

Photographed By:Isabel Nilsson
Make-up: Karin Rydström
Model: Pauline

All Eyes On London

Photographed By Fohnjang Ghebdinga

It’s that time again when press, buyers, fashionistas and just plain ol' wannabes flock to Somerset House to catch a glimpse of the latest trends shimmying down the runway. Of course we got into vogue mode and headed down to the temporary fashion house, to get in on some of the action, too.

First out, Caroline Charles, who showcased an appealing collection which epitomized elegance, with a nice off-beat bridal finish.

Next, was Corrie Nielson's show. This designer is heavly influenced by the Elizabethan period as well as 1940s-50s French Haute Couture era. The inspiration was visible in the showcasing of her latest collection, as, "ice queens" strutted their stuff down the catwalk in navy blue, shaped and fitted, duchess-inspired pieces.

And saving the best for last; that would be Aminaka Wilmont’s “Totem” collection; the mystique of models draped in bold, edgy clothing.

All in all, it was a pleasant day out, without any controversy or outlandish behaviour to spread through the grapevine. Just fashion. And there's more where that came from.

Busnel

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

They had me at the scarf.

La Grande Abbuffata

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

The decadence all-you-can-eat dessert buffet at Berns Asian.

Rachilde ("Monsieur Venus: A Materialist Novel"): No, no, don't let my vulnerable heart share in this sacrifice to lust! Let it disgust me before pleasing me! Let it be what others have been, an instrument that I can break before becoming the echoes of its vibration.

Ellinor: Oooohkaaay?

Guess Who's Coming To Dinner

Tattoos/Illustrations By Andreas Johansson

"What hath Hellraiser to do with fashion?" - you ask. Well, I'll explain in a minute.

My childhood BFF, Alexandra, Alex or Sandra (née Johansson) Rådegård ("True Blod" fans out there, notice how closely her name resembles Alexander Skarsgård's), recently opened a furnishing store. I'd planned to surprise visit her during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Stockholm, two weeks ago. I however miscalculated the time it would take for me to get to her shop, and didn't make it. There will be a next time, and soon.

Growing up, Sandra and I lived, less than five away from each other, at the West Side of Lund (whoop whoop to the West Side!). And I still have the memory of her wanting to paint the walls of her room black, when she was like 11-years-old. It wasn't allowed by their co-op condo association - or something. I still don't see how it was any of their business. Bizarre. But, I'm curious to see what the interior of her store would look like, seeing it's for kids.

Sandra's senior brother, Andreas, was friends with my senior brother. And they would hang out all the time. They were also friends, with this guy.

The fact that we all lived within close proximity, meant that we literally saw or spoke to each other every minute of the day, leading to a lot of sibling drama.

My Brother: Who are you talking to, you've been on the phone for 2 hrs?!
Me: Sandra.
My Brother: Why don't you just go over there, she just lives 2 minutes away? I need to use the phone.
Me: Who are you calling?
My Brother: Andreas
Me: Well, how about you just walk over there, he just lives 2 minutes away?!
My Brother: Man, I wish I had a normal sister!
Me: What did Babyface (our junior sister) ever do to you - because I know you're not talking about me?!!!
The Paternal Intervention: Ellie, are you going to spend your whole life talking on the phone? Gert, stop arguing with your sister and do something constructive with your time!

I don't mean to funny, but during that awkward period of adolescence, talking on the phone is about as constructive as life gets.

I'ts been years since we all moved out of our old neighbourhood. I did however run into another one of our mutal friends at a club, a while back. And we did the usual run-down of catching up - what's going on with so and so, which included the question; "where's that Johnny Depp looking guy, Sandra's brother?"

Anyway, back to the Hellraiser thing. Andreas, among other things, owns a tattoo parlour. And the two sketches you see above there, are prototypes of tattoos he's made. There's one of Hannibal Lecter, too. I couldn't find the illustration. But, if you run into a person with Lecter's face tattooed acrossed their chest. Don't tell them, I said "hi".

This is the address to Sandra's store, if you're ever in Stockholm:
Lilla Barninredningsaffären
Troxhammar Butiksby
17975 SKÅ
(Ekerö// Färingsö opposite the Troxhammar golf club)

Glamour Me

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

I'm guessing Victoria Silvstedt has first dibs on the entire Lexington Company collection.

On Lexington Avenue

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

Okay, I don't know under what rock I've been living, this past decade. But prior to attending the Lexington fashion show, I mostly associated the brand with bed and bathroom stuff. Cleary, somebody needs to keep themselves more updated.

But, how rad is their AW 2011 collection? I like the mixture of genres, the idea that there's something in store for every soul. Cool stuff.

By Berns

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

This is my view, from where I was seated, having dinner at Berns Salonger, on one of the days, in between the fashion shows. Of course I forgot to snap a photo of my meal - shame on me. But, it was a plate of salmon in some Teriyaki-sauce-tasting-thingy, paired with rice. Delicious. I love seafood. So, if you're a fish reading this; given the opportunity I'll eat you, and yes, your family too.

Back to fashion. The shows that I attended during Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week in Stockholm, were held both inside Berns Salonger, and in a tent at a park near by. It was kinda tedious walking back 'n' forth. Yes, to some of us, especially when wearing heels, 5-minute walks are tedious. But I enjoyed the fact that the place was busy.

The scene brought on throwback-images of dancers racing to make it to their audition, from some of my favourite flicks of the 80's. One girl, who grabbed my attention - while running to her next gig, had some Alek Wek thing going on. She looked so cool in her skinny jeans and faux fur by Lanvin for H&M. "A Model In Flight" - I wish I'd caught it on film.

On The Page It Looked Simple

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

At the presention of Altewai.Saome's collection for the next autumn and winter, all I did was stare at the details and the accessories.

Some Birds Aren't Meant To Be Caged

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

One of the highlights of my recent trip to Stockholm, was attending a press event hosted by designer and illustrator Lovisa Burfitt, in lieu of her latest collaboration with pottery and ceramics company, Rörstrand.

The bone china tableware set, with fashion illustrations by Burfitt, comes in five parts. And the sketches on the porslin, are based on the eccentric life of the fictional character, Mademoiselle Oiseau (Miss Bird), which is fittingly also the name of the collection.

The pastries you see in the photos, are from the bakery, Petite France. And as the true artist that I am, I pretended to create a culinary moodboard for the perfect photo shoot, when in fact, I was just looking for a way to pile a large quantity of macarons, on my dishware, unnoticed. "I need one of each colour for the perfect colour palette...I'm sure these are two different shades of pink, right?". Okay, let's make-believe that they are, and stop looking at my plate."

Anyway, I love the fact that Burfitt created a stage set for where Mademoiselle Oiseau, to act out her high drama. Although La Miss herself, was nowhere to be found. Believe me, I looked and looked. Then again, why should she be confined to such a small space, when her feathers shine so bright?

L'Ultimo Imperatore

Photographed By Ellinor

I finally watched the movie. My dramatic Valentino, you make me smile with my heart. I also recommend, "L' Amour Fou" - if you haven't seen it already. It's an introspective and intimate documentary about the love and life of Yves Saint Laurent. Melancholic, yet sweet. I intend to watch it again. This time on mute: So that I can enjoy all of the displayed artwork, in silence.

The Fashion Assistant

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

Martina Almquist, after the Noir et Blanc fashion show, in Stockholm, about a week ago. She just stod there, wearing a green coat and black hat.

How Do You Solve Your Acne Problem...

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

When I could spot them a mile away?

Ménage À Trois

Photographed By Alexandre Diallo

Stéphane - Alexandre - Stéphane - Alexandre, Je t'aime!!! Ah, mais non, I'm not really involved in a love triangle. But in a real case scenario: How would you pick your lover between the person, Stéphane Rolland, who designed the above collection; and Alexandre Diallo, who snapped the perfect images?

Rolland, as one of the potentials, "is rumoured to be the next best thing in (haute) couture". Well, I don't have time for rumours. And this particular one, has persisted for a few years now. So let's put it to rest, and conclude, that he is.

And where to be begin with his latest collection? There are so many iconic shapes. From the Alexis Carrington "shoulder pads" on garments one, four, five, 11 and 15. To the Roman Empirical cut of outfit seven. There's also the presence of architectural gravitas in all of the pieces. I find it hard to pick a favourite.

But, I think I've decided now. A selection has finally been made. And no, I'm no longer talking about the clothes.