KELLY LOVE

WWB Magazine - Ruffle my Feathers Trousers

2012-02-13T02:16:00.000-08:00

Western Mail - Dance of the Peacock Blouse

2012-02-10T04:04:00.001-08:00

En Vie Magazine - Japan

2012-01-27T09:10:00.000-08:00

The Guide Magazine

2012-01-23T01:08:00.000-08:00

AW12 The Story So Far...........

2012-01-21T16:35:00.000-08:00

After the journey of creating a new collection, the day that it all comes together has to be my favourite part! A sneaky peek so far of AW12/13 INTO THE WOODS

The collection

Exotic wildflower prints, washed tensel/cotton, boiled wool, sandwashed silk, corded lace & beaded silk georgette

Blood red beaded silk georgette

Stylin'

Red velvet roses from The Flower Shop in Blackheath Village

The hair and make-up wizard Michelle at http://www.michelledacillo.com/ shot by the very talented Claire at http://www.clairepepper.co.uk/

The perfectly gorgeous Isabelle from Models 1 at http://www.models1.co.uk/

The Darker Side of Flowers

2012-01-13T01:55:00.000-08:00

In the world of fashion, everything seems to move at the speed of glittery light! As another season begins in the eye's of the public, in the background a new collection is just about to start its own journey.

The shoot for this brand new collection is fast approaching so although SS12/13 is starting to make it's mark on the outside world, behind the scenes I am in a world of AW12/13!

I can't reveal too many details at the moment but all will be revealed soon enough........

That's So New York

2012-01-13T00:43:00.000-08:00

Introducing SS2012 - Pocket Full O' Posies

2011-12-16T10:27:00.000-08:00

SS12 - Pocket Full O' Posies

2011-12-03T01:34:00.000-08:00

SPRING/SUMMER 2012 sees KELLY LOVE travel back to the days of childhood bliss. Whimsical games by the light of the fireflies, bunches of posies picked fresh from the garden and fairytales read over and over.

Inspired by outdoor games from a child’s imagination, nursery rhymes and picnics in the meadow, along with the contrast of old fashioned femininity, vintage lingerie and 1930’s cocktail parties.

Grown up fantasy exists in layered dresses with exclusive prints, crochet collars, pleated jersey in dusty rose, French antique lace and olive jacquard spotted silk.

Edgy dreaminess is the essence of POCKET FULL O’ POSIES

Final Selection day - Vauxhall Fashion Scount AW2012/13

2011-12-02T07:47:00.000-08:00

944 Magazine - Over the Cockoo's Nest Jumpsuit

2011-12-02T07:39:00.001-08:00

Metro - Let the Caged Bird Fly Tee

2011-12-01T13:34:00.001-08:00

Faces Magazine - Serene Flamingo Dress

2011-11-27T08:43:00.000-08:00

Western Mail - Sound of the Birdcry Skirt

2011-11-14T01:48:00.001-08:00

WWB Magazine - Nightingale Tears Dress

2011-10-28T06:22:00.000-07:00

APN Magazine - Over the Cuckoo's Nest jumpsuit

2011-10-11T13:02:00.000-07:00

Elle Belgium - Songbird Trousers & Serene Flamingo Dress

2011-10-07T02:40:00.001-07:00

Follow'>http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/2663171/kelly-love?claim=yb3c5ejqfz9">Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Interview on 'That's So New York' Blog

2011-09-30T04:52:00.000-07:00

My heart belongs to Anna Sui SS12

2011-09-24T08:47:00.000-07:00

Although the crème de a crème of the SS12 Fashion shows are still to come in Paris next week, the show that has stolen my heart thus far has to be Anna Sui.

Inspired by the 1940’s it is everything that I adore. Feminine styling, grown up Lolita like details, strong beautiful prints and exquisite lace cutwork. All of this is accessorised to perfection with turbans, red lips and socks and sandals.

The star of collection for me was a show stopping cream lace dress fit for a wedding gown. Anna Sui, I am in love.......

Frankie Magazine - Dance of the Peacock Dress & Blouse

2011-09-04T04:25:00.000-07:00

http://frankie.com.au/fashion/1859-we-love-kelly

About a Girl - Interview with Shannon Kirsten

2011-09-03T06:43:00.000-07:00

http://shannonkirsten.blogspot.com/2011/08/about-girl-interview-with-kelly-love.html

Not Just A Label

2011-08-31T14:56:00.000-07:00

http://www.notjustalabel.com/kellylove

London Metro - My Top 5 Places in Paris

2011-08-12T03:18:00.000-07:00

Veture Candy - The Final 3

2011-07-21T14:14:00.000-07:00

KELLY LOVE the label has beat thousands to become one of the final 3 in the Venture Candy competition. Venture Candy supports enterprise and innovation, transforming budding businesses into big brands!! All very exciting at this stage of the label!

The winner is chosen by the public vote so log in now to http://www.venturecandy.co.uk/shortlist_fashion_details.php?application_ID=192 to vote!

SS2011 On Sale at Independent Boutique

2011-06-17T07:09:00.000-07:00

http://www.independentboutique.com/designers/kelly-love

Phoenix Magazine - Dance with Me Dolly Girl Dress

2011-06-16T16:36:00.001-07:00

AW2011 On Sale at ASOS.COM

2011-05-24T11:55:00.000-07:00

Roll up, roll up and read all about it.....AW2011 Song of the Rainbird just went on sale at ASOS Marketplace.......

https://marketplace.asos.com/boutique/kelly-love

LUCA

2011-05-18T04:14:00.000-07:00

As London's grey skies subside and make way for spring, the desire to find the perfect swimsuit for the summer holidays becomes every girl's priority. Whether you need something for a romantic European minibreak, sailing around the Greek Islands or sun baking in your local park, Australian swimwear label LUCA has something for everyone.

Good friends and business partners Clare Robertson and Kate Thomson set up LUCA when the hope of finding the perfect swimsuit fell flat. With Robertson from a design background and Thomson's skills in Marketing, they launched the label in 2010. The name LUCA originated from Robertson meeting an inspiring, effortlessly cool and easy-on-the-eye Italian man -someone who possessed the three traits that they wanted the label to represent.

LUCA was designed with the iconic eras of the 60's and 70's in mind with a modern twist so as to appeal to a wider audience. The current collection has a warm colour palette differing from the usual bright colours and prints of most Australia swimwear labels.

LUCA is stocked in Cheap Monday in Bondi and more info can be found online at http://lucaonline.com.au/

The release of the Rainbird

2011-05-07T09:10:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago I posted about a collaboration with the very talented band NOVA'S BASEMENT on the song "Rainbird".

The song was originally written as a poem to inspire myself for the collection AW2011 Song of the Rainbird. Although this is how I start every collection, as this particular collection was hugely inspired by music, I thought it would be a lovely idea to have music written to go along with the words.

Nova's Basement then wrote the most beautiful music, took a hop & a skip to the recording studio and the rest as they say is history....

Rainbird is now available to buy on i-tunes at http://bit.ly/lGCIT and even better - if you would like to see the song performed live go to http://www.novasbasement.com/ for details of the tour! Happy listening.......

This is Africa........

2011-04-28T09:27:00.000-07:00

Although my blog is usually about fashion, I was recently flicking through photos I had taken on a trip to Kenya and Tanzania last year and thought I would upload the pics for all to see. Afterall this blog is all about inspiration, and if Africa isn't inspiring, I don't know what is.......

AW11 - London Fashion Week

2011-04-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

This season’s shows provided me with a certain escapism from my own collection. By seeing the results of some of the most creative imaginations, I am assured that I was one of many getting very little sleep over the past few months. Between attending the shows and the live feed that is a god send, London Fashion Week swept in once again and took over the fashion world for five exceptional days and nights!

Although keys trends dominated the catwalks, there was a certain variety & individualism that made the week new and refreshing. Clean silhouettes, quirky prints exclusive to the designer, luxe fabrics and tough detailing appeared throughout the shows however the designer’s interpretations of these key trends differed greatly across each show.

Holly Fulton kept her distinctive handwriting with bold colours, intricate urban prints and texture while giving a fresh approach and a somewhat more romantic feel than previous seasons. Jonathan Saunders, Preen and Peter Pilotti made an amazing impression, all showcasing wearable and timeless collections but as always, Charles Anastase was the one who stole my heart. The collection displayed grown up naivety with simple lines and bold placement prints complete with subtle detailing. The quality of the fabric and workmanship could be seen from afar and everything was styled just so to look as effortless and as Parisian as the man himself.

So as London Fashion Week comes to a close and the fashion world totters over to Milan and Paris, every designer in London breathes a sigh of relief before starting to think about next season…….

Introducing AW11 - Song of the Rainbird

2011-02-17T11:41:00.000-08:00

The Rockstar and the Muse.......

2011-01-25T12:25:00.000-08:00

It started with a song. A collaboration with up and coming band Nova’s Basement followed which then morphed into the AW2011 collection;

Song of the Rainbird

A collection of 60's inspired garments with reference to the correlation between muses of fallen rock stars and beautiful birds in cages. A journey of angst and glamour as the muse copes with the impending loss of her beautiful yet unfortunate life.

The collection embodies sex appeal with timeless elegance combining beautifully cut pieces with clean lines, precise workmanship and hints of femininity and quirkiness. Exclusive prints are featured on heavily sand washed silk, painted fur and mohair give texture while wool and suede add a lux appeal to this collection.

The colour palette sees French navy, contrasting black against white and dusky grey punctuated by pops of dark fuchsia and olive.

Contact: Kelly Love http://www.kellylove.com/

Sales: Daniella Alves @ SNOW PR daniella@snowpr.com

When It All Comes Together.......

2010-11-26T08:11:00.000-08:00

AW2011 Song of the Rainbird is a collection of 60's inspired garments with reference to the correlation between mistresses of fallen rock stars and beautiful birds in cages.

A textured array of Sand washed Silks, Painted Fur, Velvety Suede, Chunky Cable Knits and Silk Jersey will be formed into fashion forward midis, curved hem lines, high waisted trousers and ruffled collars.

Take a sneak peek as it all comes together......

The Power of the Press - SNOW PR SS11

2010-11-11T13:04:00.000-08:00

“Kelly Love is perfect for our readers- I will be calling in lots of samples”
Laura Martin, Company Magazine

“The vintage, girly feel to the collection is great. The silk pieces are really strong!”
Roberta Massy-Birch, Instyle Magazine

“The mix of prints and textures are great for shoots.”
Polly Banks, Freelance

“Personally, I would wear all of this collection!”
Charlotte Adsett, Celebs on Sunday

“I like the colour burst of the orange. All very quirky and fun!”
Kim Howells, Freelance & Dazed Digital

Nova's Basement Collaboration

2010-11-05T13:59:00.000-07:00

One of the loveliest ways of getting your creative voice heard is through collaboration. The beauty of art is that it exists in so many different forms, most of which can be intertwined seamlessly. And as the struggling artist persona is more often than not true, it is also an incredibly humbling way of helping each other out.

In the past I have been lucky enough to collaborate with illustrator Jolene Nettleinghame, photographers Amberly Valentine & Phat Ngo and models including Alex Skilbeck and Daisy Wilkins. I now also have the opportunity to collaborate with the up and coming UK band Nova's Basement as their stylist for gigs and events.

Log onto Nova's Basement facebook page or website to read the news or find out about up and coming gigs http://www.novasbasement.com/

AW11 - Song of the Rainbird

2010-10-15T03:53:00.000-07:00

Spread your, wasted wings
Escape the, gilded cage
We’ve fallen down and out
With the wrong kind of life

Leave a note, in the mist One last look then leave them be
Their ode to our beauty is an ode to their pain
Your romance today is our torment tomorrow

Rainbird, know your place, in the world
We are carved perfection, it’s lonely, it’s lonely

The words were, written for us

We were the last one to know

We’re not so pretty inside

There are cobwebs in our mind

Flamingo, Peacock, Hummingbird, Rainbird

Can you save the last flight for us?

Or abandon yourself and lose everything for them

We’ve suffered quite enough

In a world worthy of few

And when we’re finished dressing up

We might remember who we are

They feel our absence before we’re even out the door

No more melodies from the heart

They fall apart

Introducing SS2011 Origami Dolls

2010-09-21T05:15:00.000-07:00

Paris Showroom 29 September - 5 October

2010-09-21T05:08:00.000-07:00

As the catwalk shows unveil the latest designers at London Fashion Week I too will present SS11 on the humble blog......See the collection presented in Paris by Snow PR

http://www.snowpr.com/

The Like

2010-09-21T02:30:00.000-07:00

I think I could have found my muse….or 3 muses to be exact…..

One’s to Watch

2010-09-21T02:09:00.000-07:00

Vauxhall Fashion scout “One’s to Watch” line-up has long been a breeding ground for the newest designers to emerge. As part of this seasons line up two of my favourite new designers took their talents to the stage and showed everyone exactly why their names were on the list.

Lilee and Charlotte Taylor are both extremely talented, have an incredible eye for detail and have something unique in the copy-cat world of fashion. The similarities however stop there.

Lilees avant garde creations show the romanticism of fashion with intricate tailoring, subtle detailing and whispers of floating chiffon next to Taylor’s fresh approach to bold colours, clean lines and her own personalized prints.

This was a show to remember for all the right reasons and they can rest assured that their fan base just grew tenfold.

Amberly Valentine

2010-07-24T02:27:00.000-07:00

One of the most startling discoveries I have made since I began my journey as a fashion designer is just how many people are willing to give up their time and help, purely to see something lovely evolve.

Earlier in the year this was very apparent when I went in search of a photographer to shoot my lookbooks for AW10 Your Heart On My Sleeve and SS11 Origami Dolls. Weaving my way through endless websites and magazines I came across a website called Model Mayhem that links creative sorts together to collaborate on various projects. In this creative melting pot I came across some photos that were more charming than anything I had seen before by a photographer named Amberly Valentine.

What struck me about this artist was just how similar her aesthetic was to my way of working. There were also quite a few photos in Amberly’s portfolio that I wished involved my clothes and so it was a very easy decision of who to approach. Luckily for me Amberly was not only talented but also very humble and professional, offering to help me with the shoot. And the rest is history!

Since launching my label with this lookbook, I have secured a sales agent Daniella Alves @ Snow PR who will be selling the collection from her showroom from 8th August 2010 in Great Portland Street, London. I have 2 major stockists in the form of Rous Island Showroom and Catwalk Genius and I have been awarded a grant to exhibit my collection in Paris during fashion week. A feat that couldn’t have been done without Amberly.

The fantasy world of Amberly’s uninhibited imagination along with her technical ability will ensure she goes a long way. The photoshoots she works on lapse between edgy dreaminess to erotic vulnerability and always have a point of difference that makes them truly breathtaking. The photos from our shoot can be seen below in AW2010 Your Heart On My Sleeve however I have also included some of my most loved editorial shots from Amberly’s portfolio. Enjoy!

For more info go to http://www.amberlyvalentine.com/

Hivennn

2010-06-27T12:23:00.000-07:00

Early one morning before the sun had reached its brightest point I came across an email from the founder of the blog Hivennn, Jazzy Elizabeth. Her site is predominately fashion based with her love of vintage shining through in the whimsical form of grainy old school photos, beautiful clothes and an eclectic mix of topics.

Jazzy Elizabeth had contacted me in regards to her official blog giveaway which came about after her blog received over 2000 hits. I have donated a t-shirt from my SS11 collection Origami Dolls. The competition ends on the 30th June so quickly skip to the website http://hivennn.blogspot.com and apply to win a wonderful array of gifts

Introducing AW2010 Your Heart on My Sleeve

2010-06-09T06:22:00.000-07:00

The AW2010 capsule collection Your Heart On My Sleeve is made up of ten beautifully crafted pieces in lambswool, French lace, velvet and textured silk. These pieces give an introduction to my SS11 collection Origami Dolls available soon.

Stockists include Rous Island Showroom @ 45 Clarges Street Mayfair W1J 7EP & Catwalk Genius @ http://www.catwalkgenius.com/ . To see the full collection, go to http://www.kellylove.com/

The Magic that is Africa

2010-06-09T06:13:00.000-07:00

It would be easy to believe if you travel to Mozambique you would discover a place that is so full of intrigue, beauty and famine that it would take your breath away. You would be right.

Spend a few days in Maputo and you will see a handful of contradictions. From the wide avenues, tropical trees, shiny new cars and fancy seafood restaurants on Costa Del Sol to the to narrow dusty backstreets holding vibrant markets, energetic salesmen with an underlying desperation and the local chapa vans bursting at the seams with locals trying to get home.

Travelling through some of these communities, you will see many a child walking with their smaller siblings wrapped tightly into little bundles on their back made from traditional kanga fabrics. The children have a special companionship with each other, the woman treat you like old friends and the men are proud and hard working.

The way the Mozambique people dress mediates the merging of the counties contradictions, reflects the vastly differing cultures that are injected into the city and depends on the individual's economic status. In the cities, women wear Western-style dresses made from fabric with brightly colored African patterns. Women in rural areas, however, generally have kept their traditional garb of long strips of fabric that are wrapped around the body, under the arms, and over one shoulder. They have also retained the traditional head scarf or turban.

The rise of clothing and accessory collections inspired by the bright kanga fabrics and relaxed dressing of these regions has increased over the past couple of seasons. Brands including Choolips, MADE, SOKO and ASOS.COM are all getting in on the action and with sustainable fashion becoming trendier by the day, it shows no sign of slowing down. With these labels supporting communities in Ghana, Mozambique and Tanzania this is a positive trend that will only continue to grow.

Take the warmth that radiates from the people, the vibrant colours of their traditional dress and the colourful noisy surroundings and you have the very magical place that is Africa.

Stay tuned for more African tales......

SS11 Origami Dolls Lookbook Shoot

2010-03-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

A rare day of sunshine in London sets the scene for the shoot of my SS11 collection Origami Dolls. Ideas float around my mind like soft feathers of how to shoot a simple lookbook with an editorial twist.

My stylist Ellie Ward pulls out crochet oatmeal socks, suede sandles and piles of straw hats to squeals of delight (mine), while my talented photographer, Amberly Valentine gets the lighting just so. Down the hallway in the eerily quiet building, Tano fixes the hair into outrageous styles resembling beautifully crafted bird nests while Melodie applies fairytale inspired make-up.

Alex Skilbeck and Daisy Wilkins step into their first outfits and with their sweetly made up faces and broken poses they look like perfect dolls. I take a moment and feel myself exhale at the thought that the first step is coming to an end.

Everything runs smoothly without so much as a shaky start. The shots are darkly romantic showing the clothes beautifully and creating the story that was once just sketches on a page.

The lookbook is complete and the next chapter begins......

Amberly @ http://www.amberlyvalentine.com/
Tano @ http://www.modelmayhem.com/
Melodie Briere @ http://www.modelmayhem.com/
Alex Skilbeck @ http://www.modelmanagementuk.co.uk/
Daisy Wilkins @ http://www.modelmayhem.com/

2010 - A Blank Canvas

2009-12-21T14:20:00.000-08:00

And so it is - a blank canvas waiting to be interpreted. The New Year is upon us. Before we can see in the New Year with a kiss from our sweetheart and a thousand broken resolutions we need to find the perfect dress. Whether the setting is a balmy evening or a winter wonderland, it is always a magical time when the slate is wiped clean and we can look forward to the unknown.

Embrace the new opulence that this season is becoming best known for. Exquisitely feminine fabrics, siren heels that compliment boyish cuts, strong quirky detailing and luxe accessories are the essence of this year. If all else fails though there is always the little black dress. These are my faves that I have seen lately. Revel in their loveliness and remember that the countdown is on.

So forget what you could have done this year, embrace the innocence of the young night and step into a smouldering after dark hue that will see you though until the morning light.

NYC - Melting Pot of Street Fashion

2009-10-22T15:41:00.000-07:00

New York, I love you – you will never bring me down. Out of all the cities we will visit in a lifetime, some stain the memory indelibly. New York is one of these cities. There is no other place that makes one feel as inspired or alive as the city that never sleeps. In a place where art is the essence of life, fashion is central to this art. From the designer stores and elegant cafes of the Upper West Side to the rambling markets, second hand book stores and vintage boutiques of the Lower East Side, there is something for everyone. If there is a line to be crossed in the stakes of fashion, the line has been well and truly crossed in a land where anything goes.

It is difficult to pinpoint the current trends as everyone looks unique and interprets style in their own way. New York is addictive and I would do anything to be able to bottle the style of the devastatingly cool people who walk the streets. Jumpsuits are worn with crafty accessories, fringed dresses are offset by the highest heels and men’s preppy shirts are worn with little else. The reason that you never see two people wearing the same thing is the fact that there are SO many places to shop. A great little discovery was “The market NYC” which is a young designers market brimming with creative talent that is yet to be discovered.

The back streets of the lower east side are full of stores that seem like you wouldn’t know they were there unless someone in the know showed you. The best thing to do is to simply let yourself get lost. A couple of gems are the “Pixie Markets” which sells designer wares at a discounted price and “Flying A” stocking vintage pieces alongside quirky American labels.

For such a huge city, you can feel as if you are part of a quaint village wandering around aimlessly happy. The people can seem nonchalant however when you have the pleasure of speaking with them, they are passionate and animated. On top of this, they are very well aware that they are lucky enough to live, in my opinion, in the coolest city in the world.

Keeping in Tune with the Trends

2009-10-22T13:06:00.000-07:00

Rock concerts have long been a breeding ground for the newest looks to emerge. Whether it be 80’s throw back, preppy or hippie chic – concerts are the perfect opportunity for the darlings of fashion to try out their fashion forward looks. This can be seen from the moment I walk into the grungy run down interior of the Electric ballroom. Packed to the brim with people channeling every look of the season, the air is rife with anticipation for what’s to come. The link between fashion and music can’t be defined as the on trend crowd sway patiently through the support acts, waiting for Paulo Nutini to make his entrance.

When Nutini strolls onto stage and begins to sing in his raw, earthy voice, punctuated by his acoustic guitar, it is truly spellbinding. The crowd erupts in excitement throwing their wildly accessorized hands in the air. With the songs mostly fresh and new, the performance exudes vitality and energy on Nutini’s part which is quickly passed onto the audience.

Nutini and his band in graphic printed shirts and washed out 90’s denim are precisely on trend – I get the impression however that they couldn’t care less. This is until I remember that Nutini is the man who wrote a song about how great it feels to wear a new pair of shoes. It is then that I release he has the coolest look of all – the one that looks as if you haven’t tried even if you have spent hours looking just so.

While the audience stands transfixed through Nutini’s quieter and perfectly composed rockier ballads, I take a moment to people watch. There is a mish mash of on trend styles in the room. High waisted shorts worn with school girl cute socks and sky high heels. Fringed waistcoats worn over tiny corseted tops that hide a multitude of sins and playsuits in every length and colour. Outfits are completed with exuberantly colored scarves, trilby hats and retro shades.

Nutini commands your attention in the way in which he performs. He is completely relaxed on stage to the point where you almost feel as if he is performing just for himself. This too can be seen in someone who is completely at ease with their fashion choices. It’s about throwing together different eras, trends and influences to create something altogether unique.

Whether it be the young fan dancing in the crowd or the musician allowing them to do so, music and fashion creates a collaboration that allows us all to perform on our very own centre stage.

The Wonderland of Winter Fashion

2009-10-22T07:01:00.000-07:00

As the night air chills and the morning remains ethereal I am reminded that winter is quietly approaching. For some this means never ending darkness, frost covered windows, jumping up and down at the bus stop to try and stay warm and drizzle that even the prettiest umbrella won’t keep at bay. For me it means winter clothes. Beautiful, woolly and snuggly – UK designers have it sussed when it comes to looking cool yet remaining warm.

This season there is something for everyone. A nod to the 80’s with the shoulder pad theme and embellished knits, hundreds and thousands of sequins and beads, jumpers laced with angora to give that lovely fluffy effect and sumptuous velvet. Look out for new collections from Future Classics, Sonia Rykeil and French Connection. As far as accessories go ethical label NV London Calcutta shows classic bags in the softest leather and silk scarves in prints that will brighten up any winter day.

As far as shoes go, this season will be all about the over the knee boot – a perfect combination of sex appeal with timeless elegance. Spilling over from last season, the shoe boot isn’t going anywhere. Updated to look a little tougher, wear these with your prettiest lace frock for an on trend contrast.

Cast your eyes over my wish list, place your leather encased fingers firmly on the pulse and let me remind you why winter is anything but dull.

Origami Dolls - Peek into the collection

2009-08-26T05:08:00.000-07:00

So it begins. A small step heading up the winding staircase of the London fashion industry. If a picture tells a thousand words then a collection tells a precise story – one that will hopefully captivate the listener and intrigue the glittering fashion world.

A selection of inspirational treasures in your mind start the timely and intricate process. Dolls, circles painted perfectly on already rosy cheeks, impossibly long eyelashes, origami, paper planes, whimsical geisha girls, fragments of hand painted silk and velvet, the sound of butterfly wing, perfectly formed bows, foreign films shot in impending darkness, love letters, antique jewels, tea cups.

An inspiration becomes an idea – a sketch on thick textured paper. Crumbled and thrown away, start again, colours bleed into one another, charcoal smudges and the final idea is here. Old fashioned pattern cutting, printing, fabric is draped and folded into itself, pockets form, meticulous hand stitching leaves invisible traces of blood from a million pricked fingers.

A china doll leans against a dirty wall in a derelict Victorian house. Studded kitten heels and leather accessories adorn her and compliment her delicate outfit. The room is silent bar the click of a camera and the rain outside.

AW2010 London will see the arrival of the new Kelly Love collection – Origami Dolls.

Artwork by Jolene Nettleinghame at http://www.brokendoll.org.uk/

Venice - Fashion’s Labyrinth

2009-06-29T14:06:00.000-07:00

This June saw me in the winding alleyways and canals of Venice. If you’ve ever been there, you will know that the city is a maze of labyrinth style streets, men in striped shirts offering you a trip down the canals in their quaint gondolas, amazing food and of course in true Italian form, fashion to die for. The streets are ablaze with the latest styles. The shop windows are inspiring alone which creates a new love affair around every corner, be it with leather gloves, exquisite tailoring or the latest ‘it’ bag.

Like most cities, Venice is one of contradictions. In parts of the city where tourists flock it is an invasive assault on the eardrums, however when you walk a little further and go beyond the centre, the silence is deafening. The buildings of Venice seem so beautifully fragile yet almost every wall is flawed with graffiti. And the latest trends are a mix of bright hues encased in stark white, sharp tailoring against whimsical creations and pretty dresses with rock n roll accessories. French navy, burnt orange and rich purple sit along side nude and mink to complete the palette of the season.

All of that said, I cannot write of fashion in Italy without mentioning menswear. With iconic designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Versace and Giorgio Armani, men have been allowed to express a form of elegance in their dress not seen in any place in the world. This can be seen in their accessories alone; Cashmere scarves, detailed leather shoes and stunning leather holdalls which grace the arms of perfectly groomed gentlemen. Now, if this isn’t a reason for Italian women to spread their fashion wings and look the part of ladies, then I don’t know what is. One thing’s for sure, Italy is definitely one step ahead of the fashion pack… but most of us already knew that…

What’s this all about then?

2009-06-11T00:50:00.000-07:00

The romanticism of fashion and life will be captured many times over on this journey. From a self named fashion label, to capturing the tunes of style around the world, to working for ASOS.COM in London.

It’s more than just telling you about me, it’s about maintaining a presence that will help you to remember that there is beauty in everything – you just have to know how to look.

What’s it all about then? Wouldn’t you like to know? ;)

Australian Fashion Week AW2009/2010 - Aurelio Costarella

2009-06-09T03:11:00.000-07:00

The lights are dimmed. Voices fade until there is no sound bar the click of cameras and stilettos. The warehouse has been left empty with only carefully placed gold circles on the concrete floor. A faint shadow of willowy limbs stands straight and confident at the end of the runway. Deep beats cascade into the room a little too heavy on the bass before the music becomes slightly softer and an exquisite creature comes into view. She is quietly seductive in a way that makes you almost forget about the clothes until you realise that this is the intention of Aurelio Costarella. The woman should be noticed first and foremost, no matter how beautiful the gown.

The thinking behind these extremely feminine clothes was light-hearted. The way in which these garments were constructed was not. The carefully hand moulded silhouettes wrap around the body so artistically and the ruffles are placed so elegantly that a few of the dresses actually take my breath away.

The collection is a mixture of earthy tones, bright bangles and metallic beading with immaculately stitched embroidery. There is a selection of teeny cocktails dresses not for the faint hearted and floor length gowns that billow softly with every step.
An interesting contrast between the femininity of the embellished fabrics and the little quirks of the clothing is apparent throughout the show. The low cut corsets are enough to make one blush which twists the glamour around on its heels and make the whole show feel a little more provocative and a little less sweet.

As I leave other shows, the striking impression left by this collection becomes more apparent. There was a certain charm about the interaction between the audience, the construction of the garments and by Costarella himself as he mingled with people who had come to marvel in his works of art. Although achieving simplicity in fashion is one of the toughest things to do, achieving the striking beauty and originality of Costaerella’s collection is just as tough and somehow a little more rewarding for both the designer and the very fortunate one who will eventually own one of the pieces of the season.

Catwalk Genuis

2009-06-09T02:59:00.000-07:00

Catwalk Genius is a UK based website that stocks new up and coming designers as well much loved established designers including Laura Lee’s, Tatty Divine and Nicola De Main.

My collection “Beautiful Side of Everything” was captured by their amazing stylists and photographers to create this image which I love!

Beautiful Side of Everything

2009-06-08T12:18:00.000-07:00

Kelly Love is my self named fashion label. It all started when I packed my bags and moved independently to Japan. It was here in a tiny photography studio that the idea of a clothing line originated whilst helping a Japanese Fashion Designer, Sin Nakamayal, to launch his own label.

After travelling around Asia, studying at KVB Institute of Technology in Sydney and completing work experience with Akira Isogawa, Charlie Brown, Fleur Wood and Hussy I landed a job working for the prestigious boutique label “Baccini and Hill.”

It was during this time that I launched my first collection “Beautiful Side of Everything" at Australian Fashion Week, New Generation Show. A collection of light and feminine styles were created, including floaty dresses, silk camisoles and French knickers using a palette of cream, antique peach, willow green and Black.