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wenn5356916.jpgSo, the calendar's four main fashion weeks are wrapped up for another season.

Autumn Winter 2010 has been an exciting run of collections, and while we've been watching intently to spot our favourite upcoming trends, we've got to admit our attention hasn't always been on the designers. At times we've had half an eye on the catwalk, and half an eye on that all-important hot seat of style, the front row.

Yes, sometimes the outfits in the audience can be just as compelling as the clothes on the runway (and a darn sight more wearable too). The star quality of their front row has become an unofficial measure of a designer's up-and-comingness, with magazines playing Spot the Celeb and numerous show late to start because one key attendee is yet to arrive - Grace Coddington reportedly walked in so late at Valentino that she was greeted by a chorus of boos from waiting photographers. Tsk tsk.

There's also plenty of gossip potential to be had in the seating arrangements, as movie stars and aristocrats bump knees with artists, editors, politicians and trustfund tweenies. We see the pictures and like to imagine the conversations - do Samantha Cameron and Pixie Geldof swap recipes over their Vitamin Waters? When did Beth Ditto and Bella Freud become mates? Just what were Jennifer Saunders and Melanie Blatt discussing at Betty Jackson? An All Saints/Ab Fab team-up? Oh, the intrigue. Oh, the possibilities.

wenn2747535.jpgAnd oh, oh, the clothes. Front rowers are an endless source of outfit inspiration, particularly useful when they act as translation guides for some of the looks coming down the catwalk. We'd still be lost as to how to work double denim if it wasn't for Alexa Chung's tireless tuition (mix stonewash with indigo, and voluminous shirts with skintight jeggings to avoid looking too much like a Van Halen tribute band on a dress down Friday). Meanwhile, Christopher Kane's floral leather dresses just make so much more sense when you can scan from the models to the benches and picture the whole look on Emma Watson.

Crucially, those front row photos are also important for demonstrating the cultural variations in the season's dressing. Or, to speak in snappy alliteration: Who Wore What, Where? Because while the same faces might pop up in every capital (that means you, Ms Chung), each city has its own defining look.

Here's our ShinyStyle lesson in fashion geography - pay attention, you may be tested on this next season:

London - "Anarchy in the UK"

The look: We're known for our scruffy breed of dressed-down glam, and this year the Brit pack didn't disappoint. Think visible roots in tousled hair, hulking statement shoes, lots of black, metallics, and a typically eclectic mix of leather, denim, lycra and lace.

The key outfit: Biker jacket, minidress, lame leggings and platforms, accessorised with a scarlet scowl.

The front-row faces: Alexa Chung, Pixie Geldof, Daisy Lowe, Mischa Barton, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

The secret weapon: Baptiste dry shampoo, for hair that says, "I haven't been home" (buy it here).


Paris - "Chirpy shirty chic chic"

The look: Gorgeous Gaelic nonchalance as only the French can do it (though the rest of us can try). Lots of crisp white tailoring and utility styles, with statement coats and long, glossy manes.

The key outfit: Cropped, slim-fit cargo pants, the perfect white t-shirt, fitted boyfriend blazer and classic stilettos, with a little furry something to keep out le chill.

The front-row faces: Vanessa Paradis, Lou Doillon Leigh Lezark, Julia Restoin-Roitfeld.

The secret weapon: Vanish stain remover, to keep those shirts whiter-than-white (spillages are très Anglaise).


Milan - "La Dolce Vita, baby"

The look: Va-va-voom Italian insouciance, with animal prints, metallics, shots of vibrant colour and big, big hair. Belissima.

The key outfit: A cocktail dress in a sumptuous colour, leopard print coat, spindly heels, killer clutch and sunglasses.

The front row faces: Margherita Missoni, Lindsay Lohan, Zoe Saldana, Rachel Zoe.

The secret weapon: Lipstick. The bolder the better, preferably in a coral hue as a nod to the summer's beachy palette - check out these.


New York - "XOXO, Front Row..."

The look: Gossip Girl grows up. Impossibly glossy and impeccably groomed, with all emphasis on mixing textures and fabrics, with understated shapes and statement accessories.

The key outfit:
Tulip skirt in a scrunch fabric, teamed with suede ankle boots, a silk blouse, a cropped jacket and a blowdry.

The front row faces: Olivia Palermo, Taylor Momsen, Whitney Port, the Olsen twins.

The secret weapon: Nail varnish in a fudgey colour, for on-trend Upper East Side talons. Find your perfect shade here.

Which fashion capital do YOU think had the style edge? Leave us your comments below.

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Naomi Campbell will be making a special appearance at Westfield London tomorrow where she will host a pop up shop in aid for her Fashion For Relief cause.

The supermodel will be lending a hand in selling the official Fashion for Relief T-shirt designed by Vivienne Westwood, which were unveiled last week at her LFW charity show and worn on the catwalk by a host of celebrities including Dame Shirley Bassey and Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh from Girls Aloud.

Funds raised from the sales of the T-shirt, which retails at £40, will go to The White Ribbon Alliance to support the health needs and rights of women and girls around the world, with particular focus on its partners in Haiti , who at this time are helping to rebuild the healthcare system for mothers and babies.

Naomi has personally signed 10 T-Shirts, which will be available for £70, at the pop-up shop, which runs until Sunday 28th February.

The supermodel said: "I am delighted that Westfield London has partnered with myself and the White Ribbon Alliance to support this years Fashion for Relief in London . I am very grateful to Vivienne Westwood and her team for their dedication to this project whilst they themselves were in the midst of preparing for their own fashion week show. The Fashion for Relief Pop Up Shop at Westfield London has been such a huge success and I'm looking forward to my visit to Westfield tomorrow to personally help out.

"Purchasing a limited edition Westwood Fashion for Relief T-shirt is a great way for everyone to get involved in raising funds to help mothers and babies in Haiti who are most vulnerable after the recent disaster."

However if you can't make it down to the shopping centre you can still get your hands on one of these must have t-shirts by logging on to www.naomicampbell.com.

ShinyStyle watch: Burberry at LFW

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Yesterday we bought you coverage and a round-up of Burberry's much awaited London catwalk show, where the brand wowed us with aviation style jackets, furs and flimsy dresses.
However, we know that reading about it isn't quite the same as seeing it for yourself so we've managed to get hold of a video of the show, which was streamed live yesterday.

Have a peak and let us know what you think about the styles by leaving your comments in the box below.

ShinyStyle at LFW: Burberry Autumn/Winter 2010

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We've been eagerly awaiting Burberry's offering at London Fashion Week, and have been counting down to the beginning of the show.

After all the British Brand's recent collections thanks to the amazing directorship of creative director Christopher Bailey, and high profile ad campaigns have done more than enough to boost this company onto our fashion radars. And of course who can forget the celebrities that always come out in force for this show.

And we're pleased to say we weren't disappointed.

Celebrities including Kate Hudson and Twiggy turned out for the show, labelled by Mr Bailey as the "the Burberry Cadet girls" collection.

It included a range of big aviation and military pea coats, parkers, trench coats, heavily embellished with leather, buckles and zips,which contrasted with the flimsy dresses worn underneath with thigh high boots.

Hues included olive green, brown and black. There were even a few fuscia pink numbers, as well as one or two lace blouses whose ruffles and colours gave a nod to the late 80s.
And of course, fabric du jour fur also made a huge appearance on collarless and aviation style jackets as well as calf length buckled boots.

Mr Bailey said before the show, the collection "takes aviation as a pivotal focus but then gets much more decorative. It's a very detailed collection."

We couldn't agree more Mr Bailey, except to say the collection was beautiful.

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ShinyStyle at LFW: Jaeger London

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Jaeger London Runway - LFW Autumn/Winter 2010

Classic knitted and jersey dresses over leggings were some of the designs Jaeger London pulled out of the fashion bag for its Autumn/Winter 2010 catwalk show yesterday afternoon.

Skirts and tailored trousers were paired with jackets, some of which gave hints to the preppy riding theme, and colours were typically reflective of the season offering up hues of black, grey, brown and beige (with the exception of a purple jersey dress and some traditional checks).

Jaeger London Runway - LFW Autumn/Winter 2010

Hidden amongst the classic designs were also high neck jumpers, a velour kimono style wrap dress and satin blouses, all of which really gave an idea of what we classic girls can expect to wear next season. It's just a shame we can't get our hands on them now with the weather playing up so much.


Mark Fast Runway - LFW Autumn/Winter 2010

Mark Fast hasn't been out of the plus size model spotlight since he decided to use them in his SS2010 catwalk show last September, and he carried this trend on with his Autumn/Winter 2010 show at LFW on Saturday night.

Mark Fast Runway - LFW Autumn/Winter 2010

The designer sent down sized 14-16 models including gorgeous Crystal Renn in his Crystal Renn, who looked stunning in one of Mark's signature red knitted bodycon dresses.

Mark Fast Runway - LFW Autumn/Winter 2010

Other designs included black fine knitted dresses, short satin frocks and some of the designers well known cobweb designs.

You can watch the show with the video below.

ShinyStyle at LFW: Vivienne Westwood Red Label

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Vivienne Westwood Red Label Runway - LFW Autumn/Winter 2010

Modern styles with a traditional tartan twist were the order of the day for Vivienne Westwood's Red Label show.

Vivienne Westwood Red Label Runway - LFW Autumn/Winter 2010

The much loved designer, whose shows are always a must see at LFW, sent models down the catwalk last night in stiff puffball style dresses and skirts in pink tartan as well as blue and orange. And these fabrics carried on into leggings and wide legged trousers.

Vivienne Westwood Red Label Runway - LFW Autumn/Winter 2010

However it wasn't just Westwood's favourite fabric that made this show spectacular with other models rocking the runway in classic Westwood eclectic punk style t-shirts and dresses combined with bright tights and thigh high boots.

Vivienne Westwood Red Label Runway - LFW Autumn/Winter 2010

But our favourite outfit of the night has got to be the white feather jacket and skirt, which because of the stripped elastic cuffs also has an almost tennis feel about it, although we don't think we'd be able to get away with it on a court.

Vivienne Westwood Red Label Runway - LFW Autumn/Winter 2010
Vivienne Westwood Red Label Runway - LFW Autumn/Winter 2010

LFW: Matthew Williamson

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Celebrity Front Row Day 3 - LFW Autumn/Winter 2010

Celebrities turned out in their droves today to watch Matthew Williamson's offerings for autumn/winter 2010.

Yasmin Le Bon and Sienna Miller, looking gorgeous, took the front seat alongside friend Twiggy to watch the designers show, which consisted of fur, silks, leather, beads and wool.

Structured wool dresses made an appearance on the runway as well as fun bright skirts
cape-style tops and gilets.

And the designers smarter collections such as tapered trousers, bolero jackets and just over the knee and evening dresses also made an impact consisting of sparkling and glittery fabrics topped with beading.

But the show wasn't all glitz and glam with Mr Williamson reintroducing his graphic prints as well as mixing colours we wouldn't have even thought about including salmon pink.

We'll be bringing you pictures as we get them.

ShinyStyle at LFW: Charles Anastase

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Charles Anastase Runway - LFW Autumn/Winter 2010

70s chic and outrageous 80s were the order of the runway at Charles Anastase, with the usually controversial designer bringing wide legged trousers and super high platform boots (we don't envy those models) onto the runway.

Charles Anastase Runway - LFW Autumn/Winter 2010

However, what really stood out the most was the designers use of weird and wonderful colour combinations, which was a huge nod to the 80s. We were presented with an aqua blue dress teamed with red tights (suddenly our green dress and purple tights doesn't seem too outrageous) as well as a salmon tailored 80s style collarless jacket with a maroon pencil skirt.

These were followed by 70s hippy style blanket coats as well as what looked like lovely and warm knitted skirts, which would have been perfect to be wearing once we were out again on the cold London streets.

Charles Anastase Runway - LFW Autumn/Winter 2010

ShinyStyle at LFW: Fashion East

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Fashion East Runway - LFW Autumn/Winter 2010

Although we like to see ready to wear fashions at LFW, we also love the eccentricity of some of the designs, and that's exactly what Fashion East's show bought us.

The show, which was based on cyber punk was set amidst a techno soundtrack. Bright punk hair with outrageous make-up (some models had extra eyes painted underneath their own to depict Japanese Manga style comics) was teamed up with almost fetish PVC style corsets, bandeau tops and knickers, fishnet tops and leather hot pants.

Fashion East Runway - LFW Autumn/Winter 2010

Like Sass and Bide, the designers also paid homage to the 80s with punk style slashed tops as well as brightly coloured leggings and stockings underneath thigh high boots.

Although you won't see many highstreet stores offering these designs as they were on the catwalk we can expect the PVC and leather influences to be making a huge arrival on hangers this autumn.

Fashion East Runway - LFW Autumn/Winter 2010

ShinyStyle at LFW: Sass and Bide

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Sass & Bide Runway - LFW Autumn/Winter 2010

We were really excited about Sass and Bides LFW show and we're pleased to say, that despite a few mishaps in previous years, the designer really impressed this season.

The Australian designers pulled out all the fashion stops last night bringing us a range of clothing with an ethnic aztec twist.

Sass & Bide Runway - LFW Autumn/Winter 2010

Tailored little black (and white) dresses were given beaded detail around the waist, while loose fitting trouser suits and tunics made of chiffon were given a zebra print theme and adorned with beading, giving them a tribal look.

Sass & Bide Runway - LFW Autumn/Winter 2010

However the designer also gave a nod to the 80s (yes it seems that look is set to stay into Autumn) with slashes across some of their creations sleeves and also with a range of bodycon dresses.

The range was accessorise with fur and feathers.

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Although we've been enjoying the delights of London Fashion Week today, supermodels were working the catwalk from last night.

Just a few days after putting together her Fashion For Relief catwalk show in the US, Naomi Campbell teamed up with Prime Minister's wife Sarah Brown to do the same in the UK and continue to raise funds for Haiti's earthquake victims.

However it wasn't the weird and wacky runway walkers, such as Ronnie Corbett and Piers Morgan, or the huge range of celebs including Kimberley Walsh and Alexandra Burke that caused the biggest splash last night, instead it was Kate Moss.

The supermodel who has not graced the catwalk for a good few years chose last night to take to the runway in a SS2010 Alexander McQueen frock, as a tribute to the late designer. It was later auctioned off for £100,000, which was bid by Kate's close friend Sir Philip Green.

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London Fashion Week is well underway and to mark the occasion must have denim label Current/Elliott has teamed up with Harvey Nichols to create an exclusive capsule collection of distressed vintage denim.

The range, which will only be available in the Knightsbridge store, will be available to fashion hungry ladies from tomorrow afternoon.

It will include paint splattered shirts, skinny fit jeans and slouchy Boyfriend jeans.

We'll see you in the queue.

ShinyStyle at LFW: Paul Costelloe show

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Paul Costelloe Runway - LFW Autumn/Winter 2010

Paul Costelloe once again opened London Fashion Week today with a stunning collection.

The Dublin born designer, kicked off what will be a sombre, yet exciting week with puffball and Victorian style Crinoline skirts (although the length was a much shorter, updated version of the ones you would have found in that era) in tweed, satin and jacquard fabrics.

Paul Costelloe Runway - LFW Autumn/Winter 2010

Costelloe also kept the Victorian theme going with brocade fabrics and corset style tops in checked fabrics as well as integrating leg-o mutton sleeves in with dresses and blouses.

Coats gave a nod to the military theme, but were softened with the use of jacquard fabrics and tweed.

However one thing we love about this designers creations is, that apart from a few out there designs such as structured high necks and of course the crinoline skirts, the collection is pretty much wearable.

Paul Costelloe Runway - LFW Autumn/Winter 2010

Leather, PVC and satin trousers were a few of the designs to hit the catwalk as well as puffed sleeves, wasistcoats and sequins (we're pleased to see that these trends will be staying well into Autumn considering our wardrobes are full of these).

And this is definitely something that makes Paul Costelloe really stand out from the LFW crowd.

Paul Costelloe Runway - LFW Autumn/Winter 2010

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We were lucky enough to be invited to the opening of London Fashion Week this morning, where British Fashion Council chairman Harold Tillman asked for a minutes silence as a tribute to the late Alexander McQueen.

Mr Tillman said of the designer:"His impact was extraordinary and he will be sorely missed."

The event was then officially opened by Prime Minister Gordon Brown's wife Sarah Brown who commended the young designers who were shaping the future of UK fashion: "I am uplifted by their passion and fearless determination," she said.

"Fashion has taken its place as one of the most dynamic parts of the creative economy." she said.

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