Get Ahead of the Game: ODF

There is no better feeling than finding something before everyone else. Being the first to have a style of coat or bag then watching everybody else follow suit or to know of a brand that everybody begins to adore has a weirdly satisfying feeling. Well this is more than satisfying... and I am certain it wont be long before everybody will be jumping on the bandwagon!

If its time to revamp your wardrobe with something other than that top from Topshop that everybody has, then listen up! ODF (One Diverse Fashion) is a fashion brand that launched in 2007, so in the fashion world is still only a baby. The creator and designer for ODF Nicholas Amfro graduated from University with the determination to succeed as a designer bringing us unique clothing that is up to date with the trends and lifestyles that are ever changing around us. He has already received nominations for GUBA and Spirit of London Awards showing that his work is recognised by the industry, and rightly so. His take on fashion and what the industry needs is refreshing and ODF as a brand reflects that.

As individuality is slowly being smothered by popular culture and the rush of fashion seasons it seems that everybody is expected to want the same 'look' and follow the same trends. ODF takes a new approach and takes pride in bringing collections that allow every person to wear the clothes in their own way. Nicholas Amfro is inspired by music, fashion and lifestyle which really shows in his work and ODF aims to create clothes that many different people, of many different styles can wear in a way to suit their own lifestyle.

The brand features both male and female clothing that merges the preppy 1980's style with a contemporary urban edge. Whether you want a casual polo top, smart blazer or cool glasses ODF is where you need to go.

I am a huge fan of this brand as I feel like the items are so diverse that most people can find a garment they love but rock it in their own way. I am all for individuality and any brand that honestly promotes that gets a gold star from me!

Visit the ODF website where you can watch trailers and keep up to date http://odfclothing.com/

 

Yours Fashionably
Sarah Victoria

LCM: Thats a Wrap

My first post of 2014 is a little delayed I must admit but there is very good reason I promise. What an incredible start to the year for me it has been as I was selected by Noctis Magazine to cover show reports for London Collection: Mens. I had already got a ticket to see the Topman Design show as a freelance writer but to get the chance to go to so many others was amazing.

I attended:
John Smedley
Orlebar Brown
Alex Mattsson
Hunter Gather
Common
Baartmans and Siegel


There were mixtures of presentations and shows but all of them showed such great collections and although there was many reoccurring trends, all brands showed their own take on the trends making each show a completely different experience.

I also got to work with some incredible people, many other photographers and writers who are very talented. It has been so great to see my show reports go up online with Noctis Magazine and as you can see I have copied some to my blog for you to see. There are many more on the Noctis blog so go and have a look to see the others.

LCM... It has been a pleasure!

Yours Fashionably
Sarah Victoria

LCM AW14: Alex Mattsson

A completely different twist to the other AW14 collections I have seen so far. European menswear designer Alex Mattsson has really pushed his imagination to the limits with this collection. The AW14 collection is based on Space and the art that depicts it. Showing basically all black with occasional white graphics this collection is definitely on the darker side. Featuring some cropped tailored trousers and jackets with attached chains it boasts a convict style so this look is not for the faint hearted. Alex Mattsson admits his signature item is his graphic t-shirts and in this collection he has definitely played to his strengths with T-shirts taking on an androgynous look but also including a quirky edge of 3D like graphics that seems to be becoming a reoccurring trend. With graphic T-shirts coming back even bigger than in the 80s, this collection is definitely up to speed with the future styles that we all need to look out for. These designs are particularly suited for someone who wants to step outside the box and be completely unique, even the models take on an extremely urban look with nose piercings and shaved heads. Just as Mattsson says himself, if you wear it well, you’re his ideal client!


 

WORDS: Sarah Stoneley @Sarahhsx
IMAGES: Sophie Kahlenberg

To see my other LCM posts visit Noctismag.com

LCM AW14: Topman Design

After watching this show, Topman is barely recognisable as the brand that went coloured chino crazy. This dark collection definitely shows a unique style and shape of the clothing. With sharp lines and structure this collection is looking very minimal in the style of Helmut Lang and Balenciaga with thick fabrics. Unlike many of the other LCM brands that have shown this week there is no bright, graphic prints splashed across the garments, it is completely stripped back to basics with dinner jackets and cigarette, straight cut trousers. There is some fabric blocking in this collection including a block of PVC or leather material on a cotton t-shirt or oversized coat. Focussing on a ‘wet look’ style (shown with the models hair also) there is a lot of leather and PVC shown but with a twist, Topman have styled these pieces with chunky knits to keep     wintery and not going too hard on the rock style. Although black is clearly an ongoing trend, vibrant colours mustn’t be disregarded as there are also outfits that are a complete autumn orange colour. It seems that wearing an outfit that is made up completely of one colour is coming in as long as the colours don’t clash. This collection proves that although wearing all black can be dark and gothic, if you mix up the fabrics and shapes within the outfit it can look super cool and in style. Topman have done well here, going against the reoccurring 3D style patterns yet looking extremely on trend. Lots of styles to focus on and take some inspiration from this collection.

 

 

To see more of my LCM posts go to Noctismag.com

WORDS: Sarah Stoneley @Sarahhsx
IMAGES: LCM Topman Design

    

LCM AW14: Common

Once again, minimalism proves popular. Common showed the AW14 collection names Tech – Noir. The brand describe the collection as ‘a fusion of London-edge, Paris-chic and Scandinavian minimalism’ and they have hit the nail on the head. The collection was quite obviously based on science fiction mixed with film noir as the clothes expressed the genre perfectly. The colour palette focusses particularly on the darker colours including cold blues and blacks matched with contrasting stark white for extra effect. Then, to add the science fiction part an insertion of laser red and bottle green in a design that shows detailed graphics that looks a little like a science experiment. Similarly to other AW14 collections the collection oozes a casual style with straight cut trousers and square shapes around the shoulder. Including large, fluffy coats in a range of colours and long white shirts draping downwards the film noir is also apparent. A reoccurring trend seen for the season is most definitely the turtle neck as seen again in the Common collection however by adding ‘CMMN’ in letter around the front of the neck they have stepped just outside of the box and left a memorable stamp in my mind. If a laid back, urban style is your thing then Common AW14 is definitely for you.

To View my other LCM Posts go to Noctismag.com



WORDS: Sarah Stoneley @Sarahhsx
IMAGES: Sarah Stoneley @Sarahhsx