Ziad Ghanem - The Show for the Rest of Us

I was really excited about Ziad Ghanem's show after the amazing spectacle's he has put on in previous seasons. With the lineup being several blocks long last season, I was sure to get there early and stake my place in my favourite spot. I looked around as the room filled. What I love most about Ziad shows, is that they are for everyone. He celebrates all measures of real life beauty in all of it's freakish glory.


I could feel the show was about to begin. At shows like this the lights almost feel hotter and a sort of pressure builds and you can feel something bubbling under the surface...


CRASH! AHHHHH!!! HELP!!!! BANG!!! SMASH!!!


I would have thought it was part of the show but the lights hadn't yet been dimmed. My eyes tore to the photographers pit in which all photographers were in a free fall domino like tumble off the meter high platform! Tripods and camera's crashing to the ground. It always looks and feels like such a delicate balance of bodies and equipment - precariously perched on a needlepoint. My over sized bottom once almost caused a similar catastrophe so once I saw that everyone was ok (but for a few bruises) I thanked bejeezus that it wasn't me who did it. "Girl from Pandora's Thoughts Big Ass Knocks Over 50 Camera Crew While Bending to Pick up Her Pen - 10 Hospitalised.  Bring Back Size Zero!"


I immediately called Mel who's response was "Oh my god what equipment was damaged?? Please don't say any Canon 5d Mach II's...." Typical of her to ask after the camera's before the people! 


The lights dimmed - I chucked my phone and got ready...

First to come out were my favourite married art duo the Battenberg-Cartwright's. I adore their story and their work and their love for each other. So many people marry for what they feel are traditional reasons and do it in a traditional way and it ends up a loveless disaster. These two have something else.... Maybe this couple who got married for art should start giving some lessons! Anyway, they looked amazing with red eye makeup and large bushells of flowers in their hair. He in a cropped white tailored jacket and draped bottom half and her in a gorgeous pink gown.


I love a man skirt, but this was the best I have ever seen. Fold upon fold upon fold of layered white cotton tied with a pink sash. It was unbelievably masculine despite the feminine influence. My favourite piece was a long sheer dress with vertical ruffles which perfectly followed and accentuated the curves of the female form. I would normally insert some sort of self deprecating remark that it wouldn't look as good on me as it did on the model but Ziad designs for all shapes and sizes so I have hope that it would!

          

A stunning girl in a long white dressed veiled in a piece of black netting, it was so innocent and delicate to watch. 

Streets full of lace, a corseted jesus, a haunting mime like white faced figure who tiptoed down the catwalk arms outstretched. A caped figure who poured paint down themselves from somewhere hidden. A delightful beauty in PVC and a voluminous baby doll dress made from miles of fabric skipped along, opened her umbrella to a shower of rose petals! It was unbelievable.... 

                           

Ghanem's young niece stole the show in true diva style. Chin in the air, she was the most confident of a VERY confident bunch! You go girl! You too Ziad. Another amazing season... Thanks so much for having me...

Carlotta Gherzi for SADO - By Taja Bobek

Words and Photographs by the lovely Taja Bobek for Pandora's Thoughts.

Now that summer is undoubtedly over and winter is slowly approaching without compromise, spring / summer collections are a welcome consolation. 

Fresh and sexy as it was with Carlotta Gherzi and her latest collection for SADO, comprised of all fashionable pieces perfectly suited for high temperatures. Seducing swimwear; always one-piece with cut-outs and double (even triple!) straps. 

Extremely light and fluid dresses – be it mini or maxi – in layers of silk. 

Floral patterns added a hint of sophisticated charm, and were accessorised with a string of pearls (around the wrist, it’s the new way of wearing your grandmothers pearls!).

Draped tops paired with semi-transparent cigarette trousers, and a long tank dress with lace embellishment. 

In contrast to the latter – sporty jackets and hoodies, still all glossy and sexy. The collection united a wide variety of colours, cuts and styles... 

The ultimate message of this collection: Get ready for next summer!

Carlotta Gherzi.... Has Baby on Catwalk!

JUST KIDDING!!!....but the day after, quite possibly!

Carlotta Gherzi's show actually marked my first time back at the Freemason's catwalk hall this season, which got me filled with excitement, as being in that room will always remind me of our very first LFW show (Jasper Garvida A/W 2010) when I maybe took one good photo and wore heels that almost made my feet fall off.

With that excitement spurring me on, I ran off (sorry J!) to grab my favourite photospot in the house, to await the dimming of the lights.

Carlotta Gherzi hardcore as she is, put on a catwalk show when as mentioned, and unknown to us, she could pretty much have had her baby the next day! We give her total props for that, and to have been designing and organising throughout her pregnancy AND still come out for her applause with a huge smile on her face, it is inspiring!

Gherzi's clothes show quite the range of life, in that she has something for every occasion. Her designs have a very feminine edge and I feel as though she is a person designing for herself and what she would like to see women around her wearing.

Several of her pieces included an interesting pattern which mixed greys, oranges and green shades to create an almost kaleidescope pattern or painting. This pattern was cut with black figure hugging dresses to draw attention to certain aspects of the garment and make the pattern sand out.

Pastel colours played a big role in Carlotta's collection, one in particular that caught my eye was a low back pastel pink dress which pulled in at the waist.

The night ended as fairytale evenings should, with a flattering ball gown sparkling like the stars and a goodnight to the hall full of our dreams.

And what's next on the agenda for Carlotta Gherzi.... I'm betting motherhood is top of the list!