Fashion, the majority of the time, is aimed at the young. The general assumption is that with current micro trends and throwaway fashion, there aren’t many that can pull it off over a certain age. Yet that can’t be further from the truth. Pioneers such as Vivienne Westwood and Grace Coddington are forever pushing fashion boundaries, and they aren’t fazed at all by the younger generation desperately trying to take their fashion crowns. One such icon for the older generation, and in fact, for everyone in the industry is ninety year old Iris Apfel. 

With such a unique twist on modern fashion, her bohemian vibe and penchant for red lipstick and geek chic glasses Apfel is such a creative inspiration. Once an interior designer at the White House, Apfel has recently launched a jewellery collection with YOOX.com.

There are three different collections, two created by Apfel herself and one featuring pieces from her personal collection- which is absolutely amazing!

Her contemporary ready to wear line is made with eco friendly materials including wood and resin and encompasses many modern jewellery trends.

From her personal collection she has selected one of a kind pieces that she has worn and loved over the years.

On Yoox, there is also a tribute to Iris, with images videos and messages from friends and fans alike. 

To view her collection and the touching tribute visit yoox.com

All images are from yoox.com

Twenty four year old Canadian Michael Eardley is an unique yet unlikely fashion designer, but he has major talent, there’s no doubt about that. Originally an athlete, Eardley went on to study Fashion, majoring in Womenswear at the International Fashion School at Laselle College. His line Live.Now. By Michael Eardley has launched at www.michaeleardley.com and will be available online in the New Year. He's already planning on worldwide domination! Planning a worldwide expansion, Eardley gave us an exclusive interview about his life journey, inspirations and his favourite things about fashion.

How long have you wanted to get into the business you’re in?

‘I have a bit of a unique story, as fashion was not my big dream growing up. I was a hockey player growing up, and in 2007 I had to give it up due to head injuries that would keep me from getting back to playing.  I had gone to take a tour of Lasalle College and it was then that I really wanted to get into fashion.  I had done some t shirt design previously, but nothing to the extent that I learnt when I was in school. A hockey player turned fashion designer is something I have never heard of before, and something most people have never heard of.

Did you have to overcome any challenges when friends and family found out

your chosen career path? 

My family was very supportive of me, however there was definitely an element of shock when I came home one night and told them my plans. It is still a shock to people that I knew in the past to learn that I’m a fashion designer. The challenges in the early going was to prove to people that I was serious about this and not just a hockey player wanting to be around models and fashion, which I’m sure some of my friends thought. In the end everyone has been extremely supportive of me and I could not of done this without them.

What’s your proudest moment to date?

When my website launched, which launched my line to the world just about a month ago now. This was definitely one of my proudest moments. It made all the long hours and late nights of fashion school and the 16 months after fashion school worth while.

What do you think is the biggest trend for this Autumn? 

Coats are such a big part of fall and winter fashion, especially in a colder climate. I believe the bright bold color coats are going to be a major trend for this year as a way of brightening up what is typically a very neutral season for outerwear.

What do you think is the biggest trend for Spring?

Aqua and bold blues. High saturated versions of deep blues and aquas will be huge for this up coming summer and will be seen on everything from tops, dresses and skirts and even on shorts and loose pants.

Who or what is your inspiration?

I have two big inspirations; architecture and music.  I love seeing interesting architecture, whether new or old, and being immediately inspired. It can inspire an entire collection, or just one element of a garment.  Hemlines and necklines for me are taken directly from architecture. My biggest inspiration however is music. I have a unique ability to hear a track and see a garment in my head, but I do not just see a flat garment I see it on the girl who will wear it and where she will wear it.  Sometimes putting my music on and closing my eyes is the best way for me to become inspired.

What are your favourite fabrics, silhouette, styles and colours to work with?  

Bold colors. I love to work with bright and bold colors that stand out and make the person wearing them stand out for all the good reasons. I also love to work with black and use black as a way to make the bold colors stand out more.  Structured and dramatic silhouettes are my favorite, from very fitted bodices to full and dramatic skirts. I love to work with fabrics that allow me to structure on the body and dupioni silk is one of my favorite fabrics to work with. I also love working with light knits and draping on the body and finding new ways to naturally use the fabric to create updated looks for traditional fabrics.

What’s your favourite thing about fashion?  

There are never two days that are the same. Every day is a new challenge and everyday I learn something new.

We predict that Michael will be huge, so look out for him in 2012 and in the meantime you can visit his website or follow him on Twitter at @michaeleardley.

Dr Martens have been, are, and always will be, cool. Just cool. In theory, they should be the ugliest footwear; thick clumpy soles and not exactly the narrowest of shoes around. But for some reason, they’re always around. Naturally, it may be to do with people’s inner rebellious side, or, for a certain generation, it can bring back nostalgic memories of times gone by. With the eighties trend always popping up here and there, combined with luxe grunge rearing it’s messy little head now and again, Dr Martens are never out of fashion.

            Not content with just the signature style black eyelet boots, Dr Martens have branched out into all sorts of footwear, including sexy heeled brogues and a whole array of patterns and fabrics. My personal favourite are the standard 1460 boot but in a delightfully dotty Dalmatian spot print! Very on trend this season. So, if you think that Dr Martens are just for surly skin-heads and Taylor Momsen wannabes, then think again! There will most definitely be a style, colour and heel height for all. Not only that but Dr Martens are combining their legendary footwear with some legendary bars for their A/W campaign.

            Do you remember your first gig? Your first festival? Of course you do, because firsts stay with you always. Dr Martens wants to celebrate your ‘firsts’ with their campaign for their A/W11 collection by having their first series of free in-store gigs for the First and Forever Festival which will visit Cardiff, Leeds and London Dr Martens shops and culminate in a three night ticketed festival at the Barfly in Camden.

To win tickets to the festival, visit the following link

http://www.firstandforever.drmartens.co.uk/competitions

Leeds - Monday 3rd October - Hawk Eyes

Cardiff - Tuesday 4th October - Attack!Attack!

London - Thursday 5th October - Wild Mercury Sound

Camden Barfly:

Thursday 20th October - Rolo Tomassi

Friday 21st October - British Sea Power

Saturday 22nd October - The Blackout

Converse remind me of being fifteen. In one whole summer I’d gone from a slightly awkward, slightly chavvy girl to a full blown ‘indie queen’. Admittedly, I thought I pulled the look off well, it helped my friends were in a band, and I genuinely loved some of my outfit choices, still do. I truly believe I founded ‘my style’ when I embraced that adolescent phase. Of course I’ve refined that look, and am less try hard now, but the roots were firmly fixed. To this day, I still look at converse with fondness, even though I haven’t wore a pair for a good few years- I’m more of a cute pair of pumps/boots/heels kind of girl nowadays, trainers never come into the mix. So when I received an email that Converse were teaming up with a few of the UK’s finest creative talents to design some exclusive bags and accessories, I was overjoyed- could it be that I get to wear Converse again?

These experts, who are the in people on style within fashion, music and culture were let loose on a canvas duffle bag, a pencil case and a notebook were given the freedom to express their personal style in their own way. A few of the fashion savvy line up include…

• The amazing stylist and pretty much queen of all fashion trades Alexis Knox.
• Britta Burger, acting Editor at Cooler magazine.
• Hope Von Joel, niece of Jean Shrimpton and amazing accessories designer.
• Chantelle Fiddy, journalist and television & radio presenter.

Converse have also recently teamed up with RWD Magazine and JD Sports in an exclusive offer to get a chance to get backstage on the set of the magazine’s January 2012 cover star shoot. Not only will the winner get to spend the day with the RWD team on a shoot with a prolific urban star, they will get to pick out their own Converse bags and accessories. RWD have featured the likes of Jessie J, Tinie Tempah and Ed Sheeran to name but a few, so who knows who you might meet if you win. Added to that some fab freebies from Converse, this makes for an excellent competiton!

To enter, visit the link the below, login and answer the question. This competition is live now and closes on 30th November 2011. http://tinyurl.com/6x48bdt

The new line of Converse Bags & Accessories is available now at stockists including Schuh, JD Sports and  www.blackleaf.com.   Prices range from £19 – £54.95

Call Alcoholics Anonymous, I think I’m addicted to wine... in fashion that is, anyway. This season deliciously dark wine reds are all the rage and I’m eager to get my hands on a fair few items that fit the bill. So far, I have seen claret red maxi skirts, bordeaux-burgundy chinos and a lovely rose pink pussy bow shirt. I’m not sure what it is about the colour red that makes me happy in the freezing cold.

Perhaps it’s because it’s the colour of love, or because it can lift a look like no other in the bleakness of winter, or maybe it’s to do with a certain jolly old soul’s outfit choice for Christmas. Actually, screw that, I think it’s just because it makes me feel, well, good. It’s warm and sexy, a bit like how you feel after drinking one (two) bottle of wine!

So here’s my pick of the best so far. They’re all high street so totally affordable. If you want to add to the trend and carry on the alcohol induced fashion stupor, why not add in a little champagne darling?

This little beauty is like a gorgeously frothy glass, full bodied and oh so delicious! It’s £120 by Rare Opulence at Topshop and would look spectacular at any winter party.

The perfect trouser cut and the perfect colour. These are super flattering due to the high waist and will look gorgeous teamed with a sheer shirt and nude accessories. At £42 from Topshop, you should see them as an investment for the winter, they’ll definitely see you through. 

(Images above, courtesy of topshop.com)

Slipper shoes are high on every fashionistas wish list this season, and surprise surprise, they come in a lovely burgundy wine! These babies are from Topshop at £50.

This sexy seventies style jumpsuit will look luscious paired with some skyscraper heels and your best wiggle walk! At £45 from River Island, it’s an absolute steal, leaving you a little extra money for a real glass of wine!

(Images courtesy of riverisland.com)

Blazers are always a staple item in anyone’s wardrobe. Steer clear of blacks, greys and navies this season and choose a tailored claret red, like this blazer from River Island, £45, for a pop of contemporary colour. Sophistication at it’s highest.

(Courtesy of asos.com)

 Feminine and sexy, this oxblood-red pussybow blouse from ASOS is reduced at £24, so snap it up quickly. It will go down a treat at dinner with the girls, much like that glass of Zinfandel in your hand.