Gareth Pugh - Extreme Fashion

Gareth Pugh is a British designer, who trained at City of Sunderland College and Central St Martins before interning with Rick Owens in Paris. His final collection at St Martins won him the attention of Senior Fashion Editor at Dazed and Confused and he was invited to participate in a Fashion East show in 2005. His clothes are well known for their drama and whilst he has always drawn a mixture of criticism and praise, his designs are difficult to ignore.

Gareth's work is becoming more internationally recognised as stars like Kylie Minogue, Lady Gaga and Beyonce have been pictured in his clothes. But until recently his work and designs were viewed as more experimental than wearable. In March 2007, he claimed that he had never sold a single dress. Some have likened his work to the likes of Alexander McQueen, John Galliano and Vivienne Westwood in being a mixture of fashion and performance art. His clothes are like wearable sculptures and draw inspiration from Britain's extreme club scene including inflated PVC shapes, masks and leggings.

Gareth Pugh has recently shown a move towards commercially viable designs that are more wearable but still have an element of the experimentation that has contributed to his success. Here are just a few of the outfits created on Shmotter using pieces by Gareth Pugh.

Yeah Baby by Inna

1881 by Wally

Batgirl by Laedanla

Style Guru or Completely Gaga?

Lady Gaga's style is a bit like Marmite. You either love it or you hate it. Some would consider her an innovator, trend setter and style guru whilst others just consider her completely bonkers. I guessing there is probably a bit of both, but as so many great style icons and personalities of the past, she doesn't follow trends, she does her own thing, perhaps shaping new trends. As Coco Chanel once said, "in order to irreplaceable, one must always be different" and Lady Gaga is certainly different (but any similarities to Coco Chanel end there).

To describe Lady Gaga's style is quite difficult. It is eye catching and aims to gather as much attention as possible. It is also constantly evolving and but always with the same sense of drama. Lady Gaga is however a performer and her clothes are as much a part of her act as an actor in a theatres costume. She also show cases the work of so many designers and giving them credibility and exposure in the same sort of way that the couture fashion shows draw attention to a designer, although most of us would never wear the actual couture clothes.

Perhaps the rest of us could not get away with such outfits but, we can take inspiration from her outfits and adapt to suit ourselves. I particularly love the way she uses dramatic accessories and head dresses and would love to try creating an outfit using a hat or head dress as the feature. Shoulders have also been a key feature in her most recent outfits, another interesting feature for creating an outfit.

How does Lady Gaga influence your style and outfits?


Performing at the at the Open A.I.R. Summer Concert Series in New York in May 2008.

At the Interscope, Geffen, and A&M Records American Music Awards After-Party on November 23, 2008 in Hollywood.

At her party after theMTV Video Music September 13, 2009 in New York City.

At the MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall on September 13, 2009 in New York City.

pictures from www.baltimoresun.com

The Wedge Shoe or Boot

Wedge shoes have gone in and out of fashion over the years but they have always proved to be one of the easiest ways to wear a heel. The wedge not only looks gorgeous but also allows us to gain height and lengthen our legs without breaking our necks or mastering the art of walking in stilettos. The wedge also has a great aesthetic, providing an elegant but solid looking shoe to finish off any outfit. The triangular shape of the heel is a feature in its own right and makes the wedge shoe a versatile option for wearing with both skirts and trousers without the fragility and formal look that many high heeled shoes have.

This season, the good news is that the wedges are back in fashion. Shoes, boots and even trainers you can find a wedge to go with almost any outfit. How will you wear yours?

Untitled by Elena

A tan colour sandal with a cork wedge can play clever trick on the eye. The neutral shades blend with the skin colour for the legs making them appear longer. Is there any girl out there that wouldn't love to have longer legs? a great option for holiday outfits or those living in hotter climates to wear with shorts or short skirts.

Alain Qulici rocks my world by clothes_pony

The ankle boot is another big trend this season, combined with the wedge it gives a really on trend look for daytime or evening. This is definitely one of this seaons wardrobe staples.

Untitled by Inna

For a really casual take on the wedge shoe, the wedge sneaker is perfect. Great for those that like to dress casually but want or need a bit of extra height. This very desirable pair by Chloe would be perfect for every day wear. As with the tan wedge sandals, they elongate the legs so look great with shorts.

Night Out by Jillianfarber

For a classic outfit wedge court shoes are a great update on the traditional court shoe. This suede pair by Charlotte Olympia also combine a platform sole for even more height.

A true classic - the Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress

Whilst some styles of clothing are merely passing trends, there are some styles that are classic, they stand the test of time and they never really go out of fashion. The wrap dress is definitely one of these trends. First designed by Diane Von Furstenberg in the 1973, it has become a staple in some many women's wardrobes, many have tried to copy it, but none live up to those created at Diane Von Furstenberg. The dress was a signature piece for Diane and was designed (as were her other pieces) to celebrate women's strength and confidence but was loved by its devoted followers for its ability to flatter.


Each season Diane Von Furstenberg produces new and updated versions of the wrap dress. I remember a few years back a very desirable fuschia pink cashmere one. This Ariana dress is a recent version in luxurious silk and the flattering and sophisticated alternative to black - navy. It is brought right up to date with a large bow an detailed neckline.

This dress looks great when accessorised with chunky but simple gold or silver and navy blue accessories. How would you wear yours?

Formal But Funky by pru_robson

The sky of Sahara by Maryamin

Have a sparkly Christmas

The spy who came in from the cold by Maryamin

....purple by zeky18

Perfect for New Years by Bridgetac112

If ever, there was a time to get dressed up in some sparkle it was Christmas. After we decorate out Christmas trees and houses with as much sparkly tinsel as we can, why not decorate ourselves. This Christmas, sparkle lovers are particularly lucky that sequins are such a big trend. The perfect opportunity to go completely overboard with the sparkles. In the past a bit of sparkle was enough for anyone but this season , you can get away with all over sparkle in any colour that you choose from black to metallic silvers and gold to purples.

If you are going to a party sequins are a great choice, they will really catch the light as you dance. The a sequin mini dress or tunic with trousers is a great alternative to the predictable little black dress. For those who are really adventurous, you don't need to save it until the evening, you can sparkle all day long in this seasons sequin trousers or 'trackies' or add some sequined accessories to your usual daytime outfit.