Lipsy Pixie Lott Collection Autumn/ Winter 2011

Pixie Lott launched her new Autumn/Winter Lipsy collection with a bit of a bash in London last week. To celebrate her brand spanking new collection, Pixie shimmied about town in a few of her favourite pieces, including this cute Lipsy Pixie Lott Sequin Elastic Bodycon Dress in Black, which is available from UK Kolours.



Pixie said that it had been a "dream come true" to design her own fashion range and thanked all of those at Lipsy who had helped make it happen. However, having been involved in the creative process from drawing board to finished collection, it's us that should be thanking Pixie, and so she was presented with an award to recognise the success of her previous best-selling Spring/ Summer 2011 range.

The full Lipsy Pixie Lott Collection is available from UK Kolours here:
And remember, our prices are always better than RRP!

Taking design direction from the likes of Chanel, D&G and Burberry Prorsum, Pixie's fantasy fur jacket is bang on trend and a real statement piece and following the success of her best-selling debut fashion ranges earlier this year, Pixie is back with her A/W collection, exclusive to Lipsy! "I'm having such great fun turning my style ideas into an actual fashion range, so I am really excited to be launching another collection," Pixie says. “This time I've taken style inspiration from some of my favourite style icons like Briget Bardot and Edie Sedgwick and what I love to wear out with my friends."

The 20-piece collection is again made up of two distinct ranges, this time 'Pixie Rocks' and 'Pixie Party'. And judging by the success of her S/S 11 party dresses, you'll be pleased to know that there are loads more night-out pieces to choose from! In-keeping with this season's top catwalk styles, Pixie has kept the colour palette in her collection simple, with intricate detailing adding interest.

Pixie and Lipsy's celeb friends filled up the trendy Public nightclub in Chelsea last week to help our favourite pop star celebrate the launch of her A/W collection. Having changed out of the pretty lace top smock dress she'd worn for her daytime interviews and PAs, Pixie was party-perfect in her fierce Lipsy Pixie Lott Pleat Detail Bandeau Dress. Among the other celebrities partying in the VIP area were Mollie King, Jade Ewen, Konnie Huq, Dionne Bromfield, Chipmunk, Tinchy Stryder, Jayne Dunn, Ali Bastian, David Gandy and boy band, The Wanted, all looking even more gorgeous in the flesh - this was one pretty party!

The full Lipsy Pixie Lott Collection is available from UK Kolours here:

Rainboots With A Colourful Twist...

Havaianas have launched a gorgeous new collection of rain boot wellies. Initially, exclusively at Selfridges earlier this year and now they have arrived at UK Kolours. They definitely give boring rain boots a colourful twist and these are perfect for taking to festivals to survive the rain and muddy fields and for the wet winter months.



We all know and love Havaianas for their cult flip-flops which are cool, comfy and functional. But since they entered our feet’s lives they’ve launched trainers, pumps and espadrilles and now they’ve stepped even further into the world of footwear practicality with a new wellies range. Recognising the huge market for summer festival fashion in Britain’s unpredictable climes, they’ve made the humble welly boot fun with their signature lively designs - from bold block coloured styles to colourful patterns. They’re soaring high on the fashion forecast so snap them up now and bring on the festivals!



Havaianas, the Brazilian flip flop brand are now popular worldwide. In 1962, the São Paulo Alpargatas company began to produce a sandal based on the design of the Japanese flip flop, called the zori. However, instead of using straw to make them, they used rubber, which made a very comfortable and durable sandal. In the 1960s, Havaianas were sold at small, neighbourhood stores for a low price, and were purchased exclusively by the lower classes. For this reason, Havaianas were known as “chinelos de pobre” (poor man’s flip flops) during this period. Nevertheless, Havaianas were very successful at the time, selling a thousand pairs a day. Due to their popularity, many imitator brands arose, and in 1970 Havaianas came out with a new campaign called “Havaianas: As Legítimas” (Havaianas: the Legitimate Ones) to try to beat the competition.



It wasn’t until 1994 that Havaianas became a success with the middle and upper classes in Brazil. By 1996; Havaianas had truly become a national brand, reaching new consumers all over the country. By 2000, the brand became a hit with celebrities and models, and the following year Havaianas began exporting their flip flops. Now wildly popular from the US to Australia, Havaianas have been featured in important retail stores, high end fashion shows, and even the Oscars.

First, they designed the flip flop, the perfect accessory for the summer months. Next, came the Soul Collection a mix of trainers, high-tops and espadrilles; a shoe fit for everyday wear and the chilly-spells! And now to complete the all year round ‘Always Summer’ spirit Havaianas are launching the Rain boots range!! These vibrant styles launch in 8 vibrant colours and prints, which are available for both men and women. Made of rubber, it compiles all Havaianas iconic elements: The Greek pattern of the strap, the rice pattern sole and the flash colours. The Rain Boots collection is composed of 8 colours (2 unisex and 6 feminine): Green, Black/Yellow, Pink/Light Blue, Purple/Pink, Grey/Pink, Turquoise/White - All available at UK Kolours.

Vogue Fashion's Night Out 2010

The fashion frenzy is coming to an end in London after a fantastic London Fashion Week and the build up to it at Vogue Fashion's Night Out. Having had such a great time last year Michelle and I were very excited for this year's event.

We started the evening a little earlier than usual by having dinner at our favourite place for yummy dim sum before moving on to our first stop at the French inspired Nicole Farhi. The store turned into a French creperie for the evening with music from Bluey Robinson. It was a glamorous evening - we were surrounded by the fashionably fabulous including Nicole Farhi herself and superstar boxer David Haye.

After a scrumptious dessert of crepes we moved on to the funky sounds at French Connection, followed by Topshop, Mango, Zara, Reiss and ending up for after party drinks 'til late into the night.

We had a fantastic time and even managed to grab ourselves some bargains!

Looking forward to next year!
Karen x



Enjoying some bubbly at French Connection wearing the Winter Sun Wool Coat!



At Topshop



Photobooth fun at Reiss!

Fash Fest!

It's that time of year again and our own Michelle and I are getting mucho excited about the up-coming fash fest that is the Vogue Fashion's Night Out!

Last year was the first and we're glad to see it's back again this year, bigger and even more fashionable! More designers, department stores and high street chains have signed up for 2010 with even more exclusive discounts, guest appearances and prizes on offer.

Among the many glamorous highlights is a very special appearance from Giorgio Armani who will co-host a cocktail party with Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman at his New Bond Street store.

I expect our invites are in the post Giorgio?!

The official T-shirt for the London 2010 event features a print by illustrator and print maker Sanna Annukka. I don't like to say I told you so but I have been a champion of Annukka's for some time (if you're on my Christmas card list you may recognise the last two years' cards as Annukka designs)!

Follow me on Twitter for updates throughout the night and keep and eye out for our post-event report and pics!

Vogue FNO - 8th September - http://fashions-night-out.vogue.co.uk/

Karen x

http://twitter.com/ukk_karen

We are well into the buying season for Spring/ Summer 2011 and I headed into London yesterday to visit some of our brands and check out what's new for next year. My first stop was Guy who represents Havaianas. He is also the man for several other brands including Ugg, Blowfish and a new addition to his portfolio, Native footwear. The new additions to the Havainas 2011 collection look great and there are some nice new colours in the core styles as well as some excellent new additions. Havaianas have also introduced a snazzy new Espadrille this season and will definitely be a feature of the UK Kolours summer collection for 2011. Watch this space.



I'm also pleased to report that we will be adding Native footwear to our brand offering very shortly. New to the UK, these funky and far cooler alternatives to Croc's are the new must have's for the festival season and will soon be taking the UK by storm. I personally love the Fitzsimmon (the hiking boot style) but the Jefferson (which looks similar to the Converse All Star Low) will be very popular.





After popping my head into Numph/ Sugarhill Boutique who are located close to the Havaianas showroom, I quickly headed down the road to see Brett at French Connection. I was just about on time but I shouldn't have worried as Brett was already running behind with his previous appointment and so he parked me at the cafe next door with a cup of coffee and I caught up on emails for 5 mins. Outside the FCUK offices there was a small commotion a bit further up the street so we headed up to take a look at what was happening; it turned out that the X-Factor duo Jedward were sitting atop of a van doing a promotional event for a magazine. I took a quick snap on my phone. I think its fair to say that Brett was much more exited than me at the presence of the pop two-some.. sorry Brett, just kidding.



After the excitement (?) we headed into the showroom to check out the new mens SS 2011 collection; there was some very nice pieces and in particular I was a fan of the new mens chino's (which are/ will be everywhere soon) and the new selection of Harry and Wills polo shirts (as Brett aptly described them). There was also a very nice selection of signature FC knits and coats that will be making an appearance on UK Kolours in 2011.

After saying goodbye to Brett, I headed back into the centre of town. Now this meeting was a little hush-hush and so I can't really say too much but hopefully I will have some exiting news very soon! Watch this UK Kolours space..

Anyway, until next time.
J

My work experience at UK Kolours

I was excited to start my first day of work experience at UK Kolours. I am in year 10 at St Albans Girls School and I am taking my GCSE’s this summer. I was interested in working at UK Kolours as I love clothing, especially Hollister, Aeropostale and Jack Wills and I wanted to know more about how an internet company actually works. I thought it was going to be a relatively easy job preparing clothes to be despatched to customers, but there is much more to the business as I was soon to realise.

I was working in the main office with James and Steve and there was a calm but fun atmosphere which made me feel relaxed and comfortable. On the first day I had to take in a lot of information about how the whole process is managed and I worked hard to get my varied tasks finished. I worked on the back end of the companies websites, organising and sorting the various clothing lines that are listed and also allocating product recommendations for the customers. Its fair to say I was very tired by the end of my first day.

Tuesday came around pretty quickly. I was looking forward to my second day and wondering if it was going to be as eventful as my first. The orders were flying in from all over Europe and so I helped Steve and the team prepare them so that they could be shipped out straight away. Before bagging up the clothing you need to make sure that each item is in perfect condition and thoroughly checked. It was impressed on me that the company always want customers to be delighted with their purchase and that every order should be handled and packed to a standard that you personally would like to receive it in.

Wednesday was more of a relaxed day. I would be working with James shooting the first of the Indah Womenswear video podcasts. I helped James set up the equipment in the photo studio next door to the UK Kolours offices. After lunch, Michelle, who would be presenting the video, joined us. James thought that it would be a good idea if I assisted Michelle on the video and so Michelle and I got changed into two stunning dresses from the brand ‘Not the same’. It was great fun. It really showed me how difficult the job of presenting was and although several of the takes ended up in hysterical laughter Michelle did a great job! We spent some of our time on Thursday editing the video for upload and you can view the Indah video podcast here:




Doing my work experience at UK Kolours has given me a much greater idea of what goes into all aspects of running an online clothing business. I would happily come back for work experience again, and would consider maybe doing something similar with my future. UK Kolours is a great clothing website and they are a great and hard working team. Many thanks for taking me on for a weeks work. It’s been an amazing experience!

Charlotte B x

Hollister + Ugg = Hugg

Ever since the invention of the term teenager in the 1950’s there have been several clothing styles that have defined each period for this age group. The first that springs to mind is the James Dean ‘Rebel without a cause’ look of 1950’s America. This featured the leather jacket, plain white t-shirt, denim jeans and classic black boots. Many would say that this iconic look defined the era.

In the UK during the 1960’s the mods and the rockers were at opposite styling ends of the time. The mods and rockers were two conflicting British youth subcultures and sparked moral panic in 1964 when images of the gangs fighting in Brighton were beamed into the nations homes. The rockers adopted a macho biker gang image sporting their black leather jackets. The mods adopted a pose of scooter-driving sophistication, wearing suits and other clean-cut outfits. By late 1966, the two subcultures had faded from public view and media attention turned to two new emerging youth subcultures — the hippies and the skinheads.

By the late 1980’s, the advent of acid house and the style of baggy oversized jeans, brightly coloured hooded tops and trainers of ‘the casuals’ was in stark contrast to the other prevalent sub-group, the Goths; who wore dark clothing and sported black makeup, numerous silver piercings and Doc Martin boots.

So what is the defining look of 2010 Britain I hear you ask? Well, ladies and gentlemen I give you ‘HUGGS’!

In short: Hollister + Ugg = Hugg

The Hugg is the uniform of choice for the female teenagers of 2010. The styling consists of the obligatory Hollister* hooded top which is normally accompanied by either leggings, sweat pants or on occasion a denim skirt. Then finally to complete the look the essential Ugg Boots. Normally the classic short in Chestnut Suede or perhaps the Classic Long with the tops folded over to reveal the sheepskin lining. A common addition to this ensemble is the Jack Wills Gillet. This is normally navy blue although this is not a total must for our budding Hugg.

*Please feel free to substitute the Hollister hoodie with either Abercrombie & Fitch or Jack Wills.

I have no doubt that should you be walking down your nearest high street you will see swarms of Huggs flitting about between well-known high street stores. They normally move in small groups and are often seen texting or IM’ing friends on current events from their iPhones. I have long noted the existence of this teenage uniform but have recently felt the need to put a name to this group of brand conscious bettys.

I could muse further on the need for fitting in or fulfilling a sense of belonging that is surely at the physiological heart of these youth uniforms or perhaps explore the massive influence and proliferation of big multinational brands but… I shall save that for another time.

NB I did initially consider using Jack Wills as an alternative to Hollister but the outcome (I believe the term is portmanteau) of JUGGs wasn’t nearly as user friendly.

Until next time.

James

http://twitter.com/ukk_james