Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

"We should try that place sometime" is something I'm sure everyone has said at least once, however, with Melange, I genuinely meant it. The fact that I've lived across the road from the restaurant since March 2015, it's a bit ridiculous that I only got around to trying it on Monday.

However, patience is a virtue and good things come to those who wait, because my afternoon experience was far from disappointing.

The Italian/French restaurant's contemporary Crouch End exterior matches it's industrial - vintage stylish interior. Old wooden wine boxes, rustic looking olive oil containers and a projector screen playing classic Charlie Chaplin set the tone. At this stage, I already had my phone out and have begun taking pictures. If I was this excited by some cushions and table wear, you can probably imagine what I was like to check out the grub.

The simplified and hearty lunch menu featured fish, meat and vegetarian options, which all ran for a reasonable 2 or 3 courses for £12.95 or £14.95 whilst all the cocktails were Prosecco based at 6.95. These cocktails are of sizeable proportion - It's worth mentioning that my raspberry Bellini lasted me the whole meal.

As I waited for the food to arrive, I took a look at the other customers. The restaurant had a mixture of guests. A lady sat in the corner with a coffee and a newspaper, whilst a group of women laughed over a bottle of wine. It's easy to see why the website calls it "a relaxed neighbourhood vibe"

Whilst my other half tucked into a juicy looking steak and crispy thin fries, I opted for the creamy truffle, mortadella, Grana Padana and ricotta cheese filled pastas in a white wine sauce. I should probably tell you that I was so excited by the food being put on my table, I dug straight in and forgot to get a picture to share. I also done the exact same thing when we shared the lemon tart and chocolate mousse. I suppose you'll just have to go check it out for yourself ...

I've passed by the restaurant many times in the evening, and the atmosphere inside has always looked pleasant. Dimmed lighting, fragrant smells, and a packed out restaurant seems to me it might be worth checking out for the dinner service.

I don't really have an excuse since I live across the road. Probably won't leave it another year and a half again though.

Popping Off

Whilst traditionally a seasonal fad, or a way for a starter business to get their brand known, why is it that well know shops like Liberty are temporarily taking to the high street? The answer is consumers are bored, and are looking for new immersive shopping experiences.

Pop-ups are officially an "in" thing.

Whilst I don't own a product based brand, the concept is still interesting.

On Tuesday evening, in an Autumn Hampstead Village, guests gathered together to discuss what queries they had on pop-ups. The idea of this Q&A was for the panel involved to share everything they had learned on their own respective journeys.

The "How To Open A Pop Up Shop" event was hosted by A Luxe Story, a new lifestyle pop-up supports independent designers, and in association with Let's Talk Fashion Business. Whilst pop-ups are a good way to regenerate the high street following the recession, A Luxe Story believes in the root idea of pop-ups. The London market may be dominated by pop-up rental space giants Appear Here, but tonight it was all about looking out for the little guy, networking and helping small business to evolve.

Designers Monika Karasinska-Obloj, Deola Charles, Sonia Padam and London Fashion Agency Director Rosie gave top tips and critical do's and don'ts of how to run a successful pop-up.

The speakers gave extensive information on landlords and rental, budgets, branding, marketing, social media, knowing your customer, negotiating and getting things for free. Further advice and knowledge was also given on using local press to the best of your advantage and working alongside other brands that fit your style, ethos and values. Everyone left with satisfiable answers to their queries.

Chapter 1 of A Luxe Story runs on Rosslyn Hill until October 9th.

Follow them on Instagram for Chapter 2 ...

I MUST BE THE REASON FOR YOUR ERECTION

David Ferreira showcased his Spring/Summer 17 collection at the Freemasons' Hall on Tuesday evening.

Wrapping up Fashion Week the Portuguese born designer's show captured a huge audience. Made in Chelsea stars, previous XFactor celebs, Instagram famous bloggers and fashion curious crowds, gathered in Covent Garden at one of the finest art deco buildings in Britain, to see what was in store from the award winning University of Westminster alumni.

Hosted by Fashion Scout, the "I MUST BE THE REASON FOR YOUR ERECTION" collection was inspired by a journey about sexual desires and urges, with the designer believing that the defining tone of it being drawn from Eric Berkowitz's, Sex & Punishment 4000 Years of Judging Desire.

Ferreira told Kabult Magazine, "It's about the idea of breaking free from stereotypes and the norms that are forced upon us in many aspects of our lives."

The garments featured techniques and fabrics of organza, chiffon, leather, satin, sequins, feathers, ruffles, corsetry, lace and mesh, which culminated in a fusion of traditional and modern structure. Ferreira's experimentation with colour was divided into three categories - White, brights and black. These colour stories were used as a theme. The white's included a relaxed design hosting a innocent exterior of hidden desire. The bright's which displayed pinks, blues, golds and orange were used to expressed a woman's desire to embrace all her urges. Finally, the edgy black garments which gave prominence to a woman wanting to fit in.

The entire show consisted of strong silhouettes, accented by their hair. Provided by Toni & Guy, the inspiration came from women in parliament with a futuristic finish which makes for a powerful collection.

Tuesday LFW // Brewer Street Car Park

It was my first time in a British Fashion Council Space, and for that matter, at a Fashion Week.

Admittedly, it was everything I expected. From the free prosecco and canapés, to the mass crowds of people posing for pictures. The venue, which is set and shared with a £13-per-hour car park, is amid the bustling streets of Soho. This creative space, curated by the Vinyl Factory, is one of Central London's iconic buildings and hosts many visual shows and art installations throughout the year. Fashion Week moved from Somerset House in February 2015 to Brewer Street Car Park. This September see's LFW celebrating it's 62nd year. Over 100 designers exhibited their collections over two floors of fashions new home.

Hoards of photographers are congregated outside to ask bloggers, models, and industry powers for their picture. I was there to take photo's for Let's Talk Fashion Business, and for myself. Speaking personally, I'm not comfortable with having my picture taken. A million things pass through my head, like where do my hands go? Which way do I point my feet? How do I relax my shoulders? However, Simply Be asked for my photo and here's my proper cringe London Fashion Week papp moment. Unashamedly, I'm jealous of how natural and confident people are as they get their pictures taken for various publications and social media outlets. I'll get around to mastering the skill eventually, but for now, I'm happy to hide behind the camera.

Upon entry, I was notified that taking pictures inside was not actually acceptable, as the press pay a lot of money to take official snaps, but I did anyway. The showroom was littered with little white pods hosted by the designers themselves or the represented PR offices. The colours, textures and patterns that catch your eye as you pass through the show space are hypnotic. The wish list was of considerable length by the time of departure.

Luckily, we were there for the Molly Goddard Pop-Up Showroom NEWGEN event running alongside acclaimed Vogue Sarah Mower's event celebrating NEWGEN too. Having a ticket to see the David Ferreira show, we couldn't hang about for more then one glass of bubbles.

It's easy to see what the Designer Showrooms is such a massive part of LFW.