Passion for Fashion

Last week the Financial Times, How To Spend It magazine published an incredible photoshoot, styled by Damien Foxe and photographed by Andrew Yee, highlighting some of this autumns trends.   As the wind picks up and the evenings become a little bit darker we thought we would give you some inspiration from Alfies vintage dealers to help welcome in winter with elegance, grace and a few amazing statement vintage pieces.

WINTER WHITES

How To Spend It - Winter White by Mugler

Vintage white dress and coat from Velvet Atelier at Alfies.

ANIMAL PRINTS

How to Spend It - Animal Prints by Wunderkind, Jimmy Choo, and Louis Vuitton

Vintage leopard print cape, £60 from Persiflage at Alfies.

VELVET

How To Spend It - Velvet by Gucci, Botega Veneta and Jimmy Choo

1960s velvet dress with feather trim, £75 from Persiflage at Alfies.

BAROQUE

How to Spend It - Baroque by Dolce & Gabbana.

Victorian/Edwardian natural pearl necklace and two pendants from Pari's Jewellery at Alfies.

1940s yellow gold and diamond cocktail ring from Pari's Jewellery at Alfies

See the full article from How To Spend It by clicking here.

Autumn Colours

Clockwise from top left: 1930s Tobacco brown felt hat, from June Victor, Erik Höglund glass decanter 1960s, from Lorna Lee Leslie, ostrich green leather chair, from Thirteen Upholstery Workshop, yellow Murano handblown cendesse vase, from Peter O'Rourke, 1950s green brocade dress, from Persiflage, gold & citrine brooch c1841, from Pars Jewellers, Victorian silk jacket, from Melinda Colthurst.       Centre: 1930s Carnelian, silver & diamond cufflinks, from Kieron Rielly

Return of the Cloche

Over the last few seasons it's been clear fashion designers have been feeling a little nostalgic with many collections showing a distinct influence from styles and cuts from previous decades.  Louis Vuitton's Autumn Winter 2012 collection includes oversized garments, giant cloche hats, heavily embellished coats and garments in deep shades with pops of colours such as yellow, purple and red.  LV's ad campaign and catwalk show earlier this year featured a custom made steamtrain and models each with their own porters carrying Louis Vuitton luggage.  At Alfies the golden age of travel and the glittering glamour of the 1920s and 30s is always a favourite.  Here are our top picks for recreating this striking Autumnal look:

Louis Vuitton Autumn/Winter 2012 Ad Campaign

 

Louis Vuitton Catwalk Show, Paris 2012.

Image from The Sartorialist

1920s Flapper Dress with Silver Detailing. From Tin Tin Collectables.

1940s Beaded Box Bag. From Tin Tin Collectables.

Vintage Louis Vuitton Suitcase c1920s. From Travers Antiques.

1920s Geometric Print Kimono. From Velvet Atelier.

Lemon Yellow Mohair Coat. From June Victor.

Beaded Evening Bag c1920s. From Tony Durante.

1940s Crocodile Handbag. From Tony Durante.

Let there be light...

There are some great events taking place this month but our favorite is definitely The London Design Festival. Hundreds of events across London will take place showcasing the city's pivotal role in global design. Here at Alfies we're spoilt for choice when it comes to vintage designer pieces. Whether you are into Scandinavian glass, European mid-century design or English ceramics, we've got it all. For this blog post we've decided to focus on vintage lighting. Because the right lighting can make or break a room...

Elegant Italian Stilnovo chandelier, 1950s.

Stunning Brass Pendant Lamp, designed by Kazuo Motozawa for Staff Leuchten.

Pair of two rare 1970s table lamps by Raak, the Netherlands.

 Pair of hanging Italian Poliarte lighting.

Lighting designed by Tapio Wirkkala, Finland. Hand blown glass produced by Ittala, 1957-1965.

All these lights can be found in Lorna Lee Leslie's shop in the Quad on the ground floor of Alfies. Here you can find more lighting and other stunning pieces of European mid-century art and design.

www.alfiesantiques.com