Fluorescent PR AW12 Press Day

Fluorescent PR’s AW12 Press Day got off to an immediate great start with the delicious aromas emanating from the Burt’s Bees products on display and the offer of a hand massage! 

Burt’s Bees has long been a cult brand in the US and is now quietly taking UK stores by storm. Stocked at Boots, House of Fraser and various other outlets, Burt’s Bees began life as a small range of hand-made beeswax lip balms. The brand has since come a long way and the full range of their all natural products now encompasses the entire spectrum of personal care products; lips (the new pink grapefruit lip balm smells like heaven) and face, to hair and body, a line for men and even for baby! The whole line is all natural, making it good for you, your conscience AND the environment. Burt’s Bees are currently collaborating with Richard Weston and have produced a limited edition scarf with proceeds to benefit the Beekeepers Association.

Also bucking the omnipresent ethical trend in fashion is Beyond Skin. Beyond Skin’s ethical shoe range is made of dynamica, a recycled suede which is also used in upholstering Mercedes Benz cars! The shoes are pricey, however, there is a lower priced range available. For those who believe passionately in ethical fashion, no doubt you will be willing to invest; shoes, boots, sandals and heels are conservative in design, giving them a broad appeal and summer wedges are fun and colourful.

Jarlo is a brand that is hard to fathom upon first glance. Once it has been explained that the “Jarlo girl” is five distinct characters in one, one begins to understand more the eclectic nature of the collection. Jarlo’s SS12 and AW12 collections were both on show and are a must for fans of vintage style. Jarlo seem to have drawn inspiration from every conceivable decade: throwback floor length sequined evening dresses that are very 1920s, alongside 90s maxi dresses, 80s jackets and 70s style animal prints. Standouts were a quirky star printed shirt, some very chic and on trend “country life” ponchos and a glamorous faux fur. Jarlo is stocked by ASOS, Topshop at Oxford Circus and over 300 boutiques up and down the UK. Well worth checking out if you are a purveyor of vintage clothing or have an eclectic style.

Emma Fielden was personally on hand to represent her millinery line. Fielden, who has designed for celebrities such as Christina Aguilera, Girls Aloud and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, creates some seriously dramatic head wear including in time for the Queen’s Jubilee an adorable crown piece, extravagant bow fascinators and party wear pieces to give your outfit some extra oomph. When asked if Isabella Blow was an influence, Fielden’s reply was “Of course. She’s a hero”. Enough said!

Pamela Love’s influence is evident in the work of jewellery brand A Weathered Penny. Think stag motifs, bird skulls and rams head rings. The collar tips will get you your cowgirl thing on and whether your style is hard or soft, this brand has something for you. How about a hard-core bullet necklace or an ultra-feminine mini perfume bottle pendant?

Fairy Tales & Hidden Treasures is a cute and quirky line of jewellery for the girly girl. Candy coloured heart and star pendant and necklace sets feature alongside whimsical pieces such as necklaces with mini harmonicas and egg-timers and delightful miniature teacup and saucer charms.

If you are looking for an alternative gift or a greetings card, check out Rosie Wonders who informed me that you can catch her in person on weekends at her market stall on Brick Lane’s Upmarket.  Check out her hand-made cards, patriotic printed totes and hand-made one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces, all made from vintage odds and ends that she has personally collected. The cards are also available from Liberty.

Last, but not least in Fluorescent’s portfolio comes TK Maxx. My own shopping secret, TK Maxx – I’m loathe to impart – is a treasure trove of designer clothing, shoes, accessories, gifts, homeware and pretty much everything you can think of, all at massively reduced prices. With much of TK Maxx’s stock being current season, why pay retail? Those with a shrewd eye will also hit pay dirt trawling the racks of a TK Maxx for past season items. Remember to just follow the golden rule: a classic is a classic and never goes out of style!

Many thanks to the team at Fluorescent for an enjoyable afternoon. Visit Fluorescent PR here.

Ian Michael Turner

Photos: Ian Michael Turner