Bright Light PR SS13 Press Day

Bright Light PR showcased some of the best of the new SS13 from some of the most talented designers and they are all absolutely breath-taking.

Firstly, hosiery genius Jonathan Aston brought an outstanding collection of tights and bodices. This season, Aston has been inspired by sports styling, urban architecture and the British street style which are beautifully made to go with that little black dress you have. The Legacy and Printed! collections are powerful and colourful, with dip dye looks, text, ethnic symbols and patterns, motif prints, real fabric looks, tie dye, real imagery, landscapes and scenery; there is something for everyone with such a wide choice!

Summer Dreams is exactly what the name says: whimsical and charming tights inspired by fantasy worlds, oriental florals, utopian ideas, butterflies and lace; all are truly perfect for those chilly summer evenings and the girly girls out there.

Lastly, Aston has teamed up with knitting god Mark Fast and created the Fast collection. Fast and Aston worked with factories that understand the innovation of knitting, so creating stunning new looks for legs and bodies would be what they both aspired for: young, fashion-forward customers who know how to combine brand consciousness, couture and high street to great effect.

Next, Nat and Nin, the French leather handbag brand, brought out a simple, chic collection which will go with the elegant summer look that is going to be huge in 2013. There are vintage glamour and feminine designs in the form of shopping bags, traditional satchels, oversized bags, clutches and purses, and even key rings with attaching mini purses! The refreshing collection shows soft tones and pastels with contrasts of more intense and bold colours, giving the idea of nature and romance. Whatever bag you’re a fan of, Nat and Nin have created gorgeous, luxury leather in every form for every summer day.

Simone Perele’s Revelation collection is for the full busted ladies, created for a flawless fit, maximum support and, of course, to look sublime. A treasure of embroidered tulle, bows, guipure, rich colours and veiled fabrics, which are all made to last a long time. We know at The Upcoming how hard it is to come across gorgeous lingerie when you have a bigger bust, but Perele caters for C cups to H cups, so now we can dress ourselves beautifully while being fully supported and gloriously comfortable.

The next line we were wowed by was the Olsen SS13 collection. Bringing out five collections, Olsen has stayed true to their simple yet stylish image and has introduced some fresh and exciting looks for the summer.

Neo City is an array of clear shapes, layering, colour blocking and creates a modern mood in a well-dressed business look. Key colours are blacks with hot pinks, deep purples and soft white and princess pinks. With details of studs and zippers, it’s a modern and laid back look for a city chic.

Global Journey is full of asymmetry, with animal prints and sporty details with ethnic influence. Stunning browns, superb purples and eye-catching honey golds and striking black, the casual line is perfect for any day, dressed up or down and Olsen have used textured fabrics like suede for these wonderful pieces.

Blue Coast is a nautical dream. With this style hardly moving away from the catwalk, the navy blues, maritime looks and strips of all sizes in this collection are perfect for keeping in style all the time. Cross Africa is an ethnic design of nougats, sands and natural whites running through the collection – you can dress for a safari or shopping with your girlfriends. Pencil skirts with African prints, a butter soft leather jacket and metallic splashes give the collection an eye-catching, modern western twist.

The next three collections by Olsen are all to do with florals: Hawaii and the beautiful underwater world. Pastels, blues, ivory and light turquoise, The Hawaii Cruise, Blue Reef and Sunny Days are sure to be perfect for those scorching beach holidays and gloomy English summer days. From sea prints to delicate straw hats, Olsen caters to all summer needs, so stock up!

Now something for the boys. Staunton Moods had a rail of perfectly white, crisp shirts with incredible detailed and colourful cuffs, making them stylish and striking at the same time. This up-and-coming label has a mission to kit out English gentlemen with high quality and illustrative designs.

Brand Director, Dieter De Keijser, explains : “We’ve been working with talented illustrators in the UK to create our Moods. Going forward we really want to give young and up-and-coming new talent in the UK and worldwide the opportunity to unleash their creativity in designing artistic Moods for us.” With 19 different designs, from classic flower patterns to more quirky prints, they have something for whatever the occasion.

Damsel in Dress had a dazzling rail of whimsical and light, classy clothes that had summer all over them. Their Jacaranda collection takes romantic and feminine touches with vintage-inspired prints and flattering shapes to create a collection of pieces designed for real women. Smart tailoring, pastels and prints make perfect for sunny day wear or evening classic style.

Shoes! And absolutely stunning shoes too from the amazing label Aase Hopstock. Tropical delights in wedge, heel and flats, sparkle pinks, faux crocodile skin details, beige, blues and all in five different heel heights! All are stunning with matching clutches and cases. There really is a shoe for everyone in the Cuban-inspired line. Tropicana will brighten up any outfit.

Second Female have a simple yet elegant collection of whites, turquoise, blacks and greys, creating comfort and style together with floral prints, comfortable jumpers and attractive cardigans to warm you on those chilly nights. Making simplicity so stylish is genius and wearable for the office, nights out or just chilling on your sofa. It is going to be a huge hit.

Red Label have taken on board some cat walk favourites and designed a line of 60s-inspired two-piece suits, black and white check shirts and stripy trousers. The line is breath-taking with dresses made so well, and is a must-have for any wardrobe. They put a playful bit of turquoise and yellow in their dresses and blazers, and use textures to pattern fabulously. If you don’t go and get some of their clothes, you’ll be left behind!

Closet. Three words: Oh my god. The dresses and two-piece suits are so beautifully crafted and so wearable. For any occasion you can team so much with each other: striking whites, amazing tailored blazers, cropped printed trousers, and what we think is their best piece, their bodycon dresses. Instead of the panelled strips going across in normal bodycon dresses, Closet has got rid of that obvious look and traded it with clever coloured blocking on the dress to give us the desirable shape all women want. Affordable, so well made and so beautiful, The Upcoming cannot wait to kit themselves out in Closet.

Swim 365 had a rail of printed bikinis and lavish two-piece swimsuits. Some of their designs are from French Connection and blend beautifully with 365’s designs. Not only do Swim 365 have these dazzling suits, but they also help you find the perfect one for your individual size. Online, you can put your measurements in and it tells you exactly what suit will be best for your shape. Perfect!

Lastly, Crew Clothing for both men and women adore the nautical look and have presented it fabulously in their SS13 collection. Cape coats, beautiful printed dresses and men’s smart polo tops and shirts, there is something for everyone to put some maritime in your wardrobe. They have gorgeous beach bags, sandals and shoes, all in the navy blues, deep reds and white strips; everything you would expect. Our favourite bits come in the scarves and dresses, which go so well together!

Bright Light PR put on a stunning launch, and from all the marvellous collections they showcased, they obviously have great taste too. We have our shopping list all ready and waiting for SS13.

Holly Ashe

Photos: Martin Evans