Ralph Lauren opened his most recent runway show with the theme song from Downton Abbey.

While the Downton music was easy to recognize, not all runway music is so easy to pick out. (And if you’re going to tweet about it right away, you’d better be sure.) Just as I was about to tweet that Whitney Houston’s version of “I’m Every Woman” closed the Donna Karan show, I had second thoughts. “This is Whitney, right?” I asked Pam, a reporter at People magazine and my seatmate at the show. “I think it could be Chaka Khan…” she wondered. “But let’s check.” Pam whipped out her Blackberry and Shazamed it. In less than 10 seconds, the app analyzed a sample of the music playing and spit out the name of the song and the artist singing. In this case, it confirmed it was indeed Whitney’s version of the song. Thank you Pam!

Here are a few more of my runway music highlights from New York Fashion Week:

Hip-hop star Theophilus London performed “I Stand Alone” live at the Rebecca Minkoff show. It was an edgy choice that paired nicely with Minkoff’s yellow python short shorts and brocade biker jackets.

Marc Jacobs selected “Who Will Buy?” from the musical Oliver! to accompany his mad hatter-pilgrim-Victorian concoctions. (Yes, we’d certainly like to buy some of his pieces…but not the complete runway looks!)

Models clad in Tommy Hilfiger’s preppy-military-equestrian-inspired collection marched to Lana del Ray’s “National Anthem.” Whether you love or hate Lana, the song sure helped the show stand out in my memory.

Zac Posen chose an orchestral cover of Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain” for his return show in New York. The violins swept me away—and so did several of his Asian-architectural gowns.

THE GIRL: Peony is a freelance brand adviser, stylist and blogger at www.peonylim.blogspot.com

SPOTTED: Burberry show at the Albert Lodge in Hyde Park.

HER STYLE: Adoringly regal.

WHY WE LOVE IT!   The embellished statement dress by Patricia Chang and Alaia coat have a regal vibe, which is gets an added pop with Topshop hot pink coloured tights and a Louis Vuitton  handbag. Bonus: the stately fur topper!

FASHION WEEK FAVORITE ADDRESSES:  “Harvey Nichols has a daily fresh made sandwich bar on the top floor which I love. One of my favorite shop in London is Joseph for its mix of designer labels. Lets not forget Dover Street Market: such a fun shop where one can find emerging designers.”

More London streetstyle? Click here.

THE GIRL: Queeny is a freelance writer for Grazia Russia and a blogger. 

SPOTTED: The show space at Somerset House.

HER STYLE: Modern 1930′s flapper girl.

WHY WE LOVE IT!  She’s taken a classic 1930′s society lady-style with the hat and fur coat but made it modern with a structured Balenciaga skirt, Jil Sander sweater, Tata-Naka embellished collar blouse, Givenchy strappy sandals and Phillip Lim handbag.

FASHION WEEK FAVORITE ADDRESSES: “I love to shop vintage at Portobello market and for more modern pieces I head to Joseph.”

THE GIRL: Tess is a freelance fashion stylist.

SPOTTED: Brook Street in Mayfair before the Mulberry show.

HER STYLE: Techno graphic mod.

WHY WE LOVE IT! The high drama Kaykow scarlet red coat  is the show piece of this season’s graphic print outfit accessorized with punk style Balenciaga booties and Topshop graphic leggings. Bonus: the sparking Miu Miu hangbag!

FASHION WEEK FAVORITE ADDRESSES:  ” OXO restaurant and bar on top of the Tower London has a magnificent view of the city.”

Nicole Comeau is ELLE Canada’s exclusive fashion week street photographer, check out more of her work at TheIonFashion.com.

Check Nicole’s New York streetstyle coverage for Day 1,  Day 2 , Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6,  Day 7.

Check Nicole’s other London Week coverage. Day 1, Day 2. 

THE GIRL: Hedvig is a freelance editor, photographer and blogger at www.Northernlights.com

SPOTTED: The show space at Somerset House.

HER STYLE:  Urban sportif.

WHY WE LOVE IT!  This winter, the parka was the coat du jour. Hedvig cleverly paired her Burberry Parka with a Lanvin T-shirt, J Brand jeans and Acne shoes. She completed her chic sportif look with an Alexander Wang mini handbag and a clear orange Balenciaga bangle. In case of extreme cold, she came prepared with a pair of socks in her handbag!

FASHION WEEK FAVORITE ADDRESSES: “Dover Street Market is one of my favorite spaces when it come to designer fashion. When I want great Chinese food, I head for Yashin in Soho for some delicious dim sum.”

Want to see more London looks? Click here.

THE GIRL: Emma is a fashion assistant at the Evening Standard newspaper.

SPOTTED: Goldsmiths’ Hall heading to the House of Harlow show.

HER STYLE:  Minimalist with pops of colour.

WHY WE LOVE IT!  Emma loves to shop the high street stores like Gap, Zara and Topshop because she’s a fashionista on a budget. Emma’s look was all Zara and Topshop with a neon yellow Gap bag, which received plenty of photog attention that morning.

FASHION WEEK FAVORITE ADDRESSES: “My favorite haunt is The Grapes pub where I can be found most days.”

THE GIRL: Camille is a student blogger at www.camilleovertherainblow.com

SPOTTED: The show space at Somerset House.

HER STYLE: Girly boho.

WHY WE LOVE IT! The sheer, wide Zara trousers and Maje fur jacket turned this girly look into a feminine cocktail-hour ensemble. The look is nicely accessorized with a Topshop bright yellow sweater, Prada handbag, YSL ring and House of Harlow jewelry.

FASHION WEEK FAVORITE ADDRESSES: “I am French so I am picky about my food and I highly recommend the gastro pub around the corner here called The Anchor and Hope. It’s not too expensive either.”

THE GIRL: Kioko is the UK corespondent for Vogue Japan.

SPOTTED: Brook Street in Mayfair pre Mulberry show.

HER STYLE: Notting Hill working girl chic.

WHY WE LOVE IT!  Kioko kept her look minimalist and low key with her Jil Sandercoat, Marc Jacobs handbag and Kurt Geiger boots.

FASHION WEEK FAVORITE ADDRESSES: “I would recommend a shop in Notting Hill called The Village Bicycle. I just did a report on it and really liked the shop and the owner.”

Nicole Comeau is ELLE Canada’s exclusive fashion week street photographer, check out more of her work at TheIonFashion.com.

Check Nicole’s New York streetstyle coverage for Day 1,  Day 2 , Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6,  Day 7.

Check Nicole’s other London Week coverage. Day 1

Downton Abbey photography by Nick Briggs/ITV for MASTERPIECE.

I have a confession to make, I’m obsessed. No, not with the artfully crafted plot of the period drama Downton Abbey (even though that’s right on point), but with the romantic English elegance of the North Yorkshire women. The clothes, hair and backdrop are utterly desirable. The art of daily dressing in the Edwardian era took far longer than it does today, that’s why I’ve set out to find the perfect pieces to  make this look work in the 21st century.

Clothing: In the early 1900s women’s fashion progressed from tight rigid corsets with thick dress overlays to less-constricted tea dresses and drop-waist cocktail attire with lace and beaded embellishments. Daytime dressing was light and airy with soft fabrics in pastel hues. Whether you’re dressing for day or night, or prefer midi to shorter hemlines, getting the Downton Abbey look couldn’t be easier these days as so many designers have drawn inspiration from this era. A floral dress like this Chloé number is perfect for a day out in the warm spring weather.

Chloé Floral-print silk-mousseline gown ($3,095), at net-a-porter.com.

For evening, a short intricately beaded dress makes for an instantly glamorous look. This vintage inspired cocktail dress is a great option.

Biba sleeveless beaded dress ($285), at houseoffraser.co.uk.

For those rainy and cool days, a classic trench coat, low heeled shoes and a cloche hat (see below) are a sure way to look chic.

H&M coat ($34.95), at hm.com; Salvatore Ferragamo Vara shoes ($425), at davidsfootwear.com.

Accessories: Hats were considered de rigueur for women in the WW1 era. Commonly adorned with flowers and bows, the cloche toppers were a staple of the time. From Ralph Lauren’s Fall/Winter 2012-13 collection to mass-market stores like Topshop, everyone seems to be carrying their own version of the cloche hat. Try one in a vibrant hue for a more modern and feminine take on the old world trend.

Topshop Bow Front Cloche hat ($50), at topshop.com.

Women also wore faceted jewels. You can check out some retro-inspired jewellery here.

Want to get the Downton Abbey beauty look?

Fragrance: The fragrant and floral violet was a widely used scent in the Edwardian era. Try Tom Ford’s feminine and glamorous scent, Violet Blonde that has notes of violet and rose.

Tom Ford Violet Blonde Eau de Parfum spray (50mL for $100), at sephora.com.

Makeup: In the Edwardian era, women rarely wore much makeup, if any at all. Women with fair and almost translucent complexions were seen as most desired amongst the nobles. A more modern approach for women of all skin tones, is to apply as little makeup as possible. Keep your beauty regiment simple, let the hair and clothes do the talking.

Clinique High Lengths Mascara ($18) at Clinique counters; Eminence Organic Skin Care Tinted Moisturizer SPF 25 in Caramel Latte ($48), at eminenceorganics.com; Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact in Rose Gold ($49) at Holt Renfrew and Murale; Yves Rocher Gloss in Pearly Copper ($5), at yvesrocher.ca.

To get a milky peach complexion, much like the Crawleys, we recommend using a matte foundation as a base for a more natural look. Lightly dust some illuminating powder on your cheeks and temples for skin that appears to glow. For the eyes, choose a neutral eyeshadow and apply one coat of mascara – simple, right? Swipe on a sheer slick of peach lip gloss and you’re ready to slip on your velvet cloche hat.

Hair: It was believed that noble women wore their hair pinned up as if ready to be presented at any moment. There really aren’t any rules to what you can and can’t do with your updo. But to keep flyaways at bay, use a smoothing conditioner like Orofluido’s Beauty Mask ($19 at orofluido.com), before blow drying and using a curling iron to coil your strands. Pin into place at the nape of your neck for a sleek and classic look.

Orofluido Beauty Mask ($19), at orofluido.com

Want to be inspired? Downton Abbey Season 2 has been out on DVD since Feb 7th. Get your hands on a copy for bonus features and interviews with Susannah Buxton, the costume designer for the show, and other cast members.

Florals at Christopher Kane. Image courtesy of ImaxTree.com

Sometimes, Anna Wintour smiles. It doesn’t happen often in public, but today I witnessed this rare event at Christopher Kane’s fall/winter presentation. The fashion wunderkind presented an exceptional collection that fused elements of goth with punk in the most glamorous ways possible. Leather detailing, sheer florals, pinstriped fur and embroidered dresses were powerful but sophisticated. After the finale, I witnessed Anna (and entourage) heading backstage, looking positively giddy. Also spotted in the front row? Central Saint Martins teacher, Louise Wilson, who is terrifying in person. (Not familiar? You can read up on her in the April issue of ELLE Canada. Hint: star pupil Thomas Tait told us: “She’ll rip you a new asshole.” He meant it as a compliment! Honest!)

Erdem's floral, water colour looks. Image courtesy of ImaxTree.com.

Post Kane, I headed to see Canadian designers Erdem and Mark Fast. Neither disappointed: Erdem’s ladies-who-lunch silhouettes, mixed with watercolour prints, embroidered florals and unexpected pops of tweed were praised by the fashion set like Derek Blasberg, who tweeted “Erdem’s show was prim, perfect elegance. So chic it made me want better posture, more manners and a sex change.” While there were rumours that Kate Middleton would be appearing, that didn’t pan out. But I finally got my star power moment at Mark Fast, where Kanye West was chilling front row. And I mean chilling. The usually vicious London paps paid very little attention to the rapper, proving once again that the star system across the pond is bizarro world.

Knit minis at Mark Fast. Image courtesy of ImaxTree.com.

Mark Fast’s grungy ’90s-inspired show was the polar opposite of Erdem, but it was great. The knit-master showed body con cut out mini’s, chunky cardi’s and beaded crochet numbers. After the show, I headed backstage where Kanye was congratulating Fast. Fast admitted that he recently lost weight—to the tune of 50 pounds. Kanye, on the other hand, has filled out a bit lately, leading some to speculate that he’s stress eating before presenting his collection in Paris.

A ladylike look from Burberry's fall 2012 collection. Image courtesy of ImaxTree.com

The next show on the roster was Burberry Prorsum at Hyde Park, and what a spectacle. The stacked front row included Rosie Huntington Whiteley (who is so good-looking it’s unfair) My Week with Marilyn’s Eddie Redmayne, Alexa Chung and Kate Bosworth. Christopher Bailey opened the show with a cover of Joni Mitchell’s song River as top models, including ELLE Canada cover girl Herieth Paul, walked in tweed, velvet, quilted and tartan trenches. Then, there was a roar of thunder through the  show space. Suddenly, it started raining down the windows (but nowhere else in London) leading the audience to gasp and applaud. Finally, the song To Build a Home by the Cinematic Orchestra started to play, and as ticker tape rain fell, models came out under umbrellas. It was a wonder to see, and made all the hair on the back of my neck stand up. I suddenly felt surprisingly weepy—but that’s the thing about great art. It has a way of evoking emotion when you least expect it.

A show-stopping moment at McQ. Image courtesy of ImaxTree.com.

I thought nothing could top the Burberry experience, but I was wrong. Sarah Burton presented the first McQ show in London to a very intimate audience. The runway was covered in gold leaves and the models, who were wearing Tartan and velvet military coats and tulle dresses with velvet overlay in leaf motifs, walked the catwalk to ethereal music. Then, a model clad all in white, stopped dramatically in the middle of the runway until she was certain she had the full attention of everyone in the room. There was a spotlight on her as leaves began raining down from the ceiling. She turned slowly and dug through the leaves until she found a string. She started pulling the string, and walked towards the back of the house. Suddenly, a forest was revealed at the end of the runway with a cabin nestled between the (real!) trees. It was so beautiful and theatrical and so McQueen. The awestruck audience rewarded Sarah Burton’s bow with wild applause, and we were all asked to leave through the forest. As we walked out, I heard one editor say, “That was intense!” and others added “Wasn’t that amazing?” Truthfully, it was the closest to high fashion that I had seen at London Fashion Week.

One last fashion week blind item before I pack my suitcase:

What famous street style couple was caught having a lovers tiff in the lobby of the May Fair Hotel?

You know that line in Crazy, Stupid, Love where Emma Stone says to Ryan Gosling, “What are you, photoshopped?” That’s the first thing that came to mind today when I met Tom Ford at his ultra-posh showroom in downtown London.

The Tom Ford studio is exactly what you would imagine. It’s impeccable and perfect—from the opulent arrangements of white patchoulis to the male models in tailored Tom Ford suits who greet you at the door.

Last season, Ford had a bit of a misfire: reviews of his show were mixed, at best. So this time, instead of a runway show, he opted to do by-appointment only viewings of the line for media.

I assumed that his PR team would take us through the collection. I didn’t actually think he would be there. So when I caught my first glimpse of Mr. Ford in the hallway, I thought I was going to have a heart attack. Of course, he looked perfect,in spite of having been awake until 3:30 a.m. finalizing details for today’s viewings.

Oh yeah, I should probably mention that it wasn’t just me and Tom. I was joined by a few other notable media names: The International Herald Tribune’s Suzy Menkes, famed fashion writer Colin McDowell and Marie Claire’s Zanna Roberts Rossi.

We had been assembled in the reception area and were chatting with one another when Tom entered the room to greet us. Even though I was there as a journalist I must admit that I got swept away in the moment. He gave everyone, including yours truly, a kiss on each cheek and a warm hello.

What happened next with Tom? Read on.

That’s right, Tom Ford kissed me on the cheeks. And instead of doing what I felt like doing (fainting) I pretended that that sort of thing happens to me all the time. What, a kiss from the most influential fashion designer on the planet? Meh. No big deal. Is it weird to mention that he smells better than anybody I’ve ever met? Vaguely sweet but still masculine. Ford was buttoned up in a suit for the occasion, but of course still had that perfectly manicured two-day facial growth.

Ford proceeded to present his collection to us, piece by piece. And it was fabulous. Of course, I wasn’t allowed to take photos—he is notoriously private about his collections, and used to ask invited guests to sign confidentiality agreements (although I wasn’t asked to). “My label is about celebrating individual women, and making clothes that they love,” Ford tells us. While there were still glimpses of the strong, sexy Gucci girl that he created—in the pencil skirts, gold metal hardware belts, and zippered dresses specifically—this season, he seemed to be more in touch with the desires of the modern woman with skinny tailoring and a menswear-for-womenswear vibe.

“This time I’ve edited the collection very tightly,” Ford told us, as models came out three by three. “I like very strong colours and a lot of leather.” There was an alpaca fur coat in shades of fire-engine red and taxi cab yellow that was impossible to miss. Another standout look? A glamorous body-hugging, gold, knee-length dress that shined in the light. “This piece is something we developed in India,” Ford explained. “It’s made from crocodile scales that have been cut out individually and sewn onto jersey.”

Ford also said that he’s moving away from platform shoes. “I really like a slimmer heel and a pointy toe. I also like a wider pant silhouette, in a stretch fabric.” Cashmere suit jackets and anaconda snake skin boots epitomized Ford’s bold take on luxury. “This jacket is leather, lined in shearling, trimmed in beaver,” he told us while he pointed out yet another incredible outerwear garment.

After the half-hour presentation, we were invited to look at the collection closely, to feel the fabrics and examine the details. As I took in one seductive cashmere cream pencil skirt, Ford walked by and stopped briefly. “Feel free to shop!” he joked cheerfully.

Right. Tom Ford’s prices are astronomical. The rumour is that one of his autumn-winter 2012 dresses will set you back a cool $18,000. I left the showroom thrilled and completely dazed. In fact, I had to go lie down for a bit, because all the excitement had caused a system overload in my brain.

From a beauty POV, House of Holland always are a stand out show at London Fashion Week. The hair and makeup is either outrageous, inventive or just plain wacko, and definitely a welcome place for an OTT nail. I’m of the school of thought that nail art has quite firmly jumped the shark, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate – or even covet – creative, fun and innovative designs.

Image by Nicole Cormeau (theionfashion.com) exclusively for ELLE Canada.

I love the giant houndstooth print nails featured at the HoH show this weekend. Models sported short, rounded nails (the shape you should be wearing right now, btw) painted in either pink or blue with a patterned overlay placed on top.

I know we’re only midway through London Fashion Week, but these Sophy Robson creations sum up everything wonderful about England’s capital: quirky, eccentric, a little bit in your face and routed in tradition.

A look from Temperley London's fall 2012 collection. Image courtesy of ImaxTree.com

The 2012 autumn-winter Temperley London collection took its cues from 18^th century artwork and Slavic folklore. “I was inspired by the sumptuous colours and decadent subjects of religious paintings,” Alice Temperley wrote in her show notes. “In this fast transient world, a little decadence is like a tonic, a romantic escapism.”  I particularly loved how the recycled fur toppers, gold-stitched panelled lace on French silk and “blingy” pearl-and-sequin embroidery conjured images of Russian royalty.

Issa London's fall 2012 collection featured vibrant hues. Image courtesy of ImaxTree.com

Russia is apparently on the mind of designer Daniella Helayel as well. Her Issa London collection, which was titled “Trans-Siberian express, featured military-inspired wool coats with ornate gold button detailing. The vibrant ’60s-style paisley prints in hues of fluro orange and navy were reportedly referencing Fabergé eggs and Russian dolls.

Another standout show today was Aquascutum at the tony Savoy hotel. Maybe I’m a bit biased because they bumped me up to the front row (thanks, Aquascutum!) but I was also partial to the androgynous shifts, oversized jackets and tailored cut-out tunics. Although not everyone agreed with me: “The dolphin grey pieces were frumpy,” sniffed one fellow fashion editor post-show.

The celeb sightings at #LFW have improved slightly. I spotted Poppy Delevigne, Leigh Lezark and Peaches Geldof out and about, but sadly, the Middleton sisters proved a no-show at Issa London and Temperley London. I know it’s still early, but is it too much to ask for a bit of royal star power?

Finally, here are a couple of behind-the-scenes snippets overheard, or witnessed, in the London Week Fashion tents.

There’s one blogger  who travels with an entourage of photogs who go snap-crazy when the blogger enters/exists tents. Street photographers are like lemmings—if one takes a photo, the rest will follow. This clever little tactic has ensured that this blogger is a mainstay on the street style scene. Any guess who this might be?

What high profile New York-based editor was overheard sniping about seating charts? “Recently, I saw [Neiman Marcus' fashion director] Ken Downing sitting behind a blogger at a fashion show,” the editor fumed. “At that exact moment, I thought ‘This PR company does not know what it’s doing!’”

What has been your favourite show at London Fashion Week so far? 

THE GIRL: Stella Katterman is a student and fashion blogger at www.stellawardrobe.blogspot.com

SPOTTED: The show space at Somerset House.

HER STYLE:  Mod Annie Hall.

WHY WE LOVE IT!  Stella has perfectly blended bright pops of colour and sparkles with her Jonathan Saunders top and Topshop sequin skirt and shoes. Her colour-coordinated eye make-up brings a sweet whimsy to her look.

FASHION WEEK FAVORITE ADDRESSES: “Ohhh….I love eating out at Spuntino in Soho and Topshop is my go to shopping destination. They know me well there!”

What other looks are the stylish women of London sporting? Check out these looks.

THE GIRL: Olivia is a freelance photographer for Suitcase Magazine.

SPOTTED: Foster Lane in London on her way to the House of Holland show.

HER STYLE: Boho biker chic.

WHY WE LOVE IT!  Olivia worked her look around this season’s Topshop pajama pants and Zara denim shirt. She added a rocker-chic Kurt Geiger leather jacket and Hogan boots. Her vintage glasses, which she found in New York, add a Buddy Holly twist.

FASHION WEEK FAVORITE ADDRESSES: “I love to dine at Nobu because that’s a place where you’ll find most of the stylistas during fashion week. I also recommend Bellissima in South Kensington for hair!”

THE GIRL: Henrietta Krug is a buyer at Urban Outfitters Europe.

SPOTTED: Goldsmiths’ Hall going to the House of Holland show

HER STYLE: Animal-print inspired grunge.

WHY WE LOVE IT! Henrietta mixed cool textures and animal prints with her Balenciaga coat, Isabel Marant necklace, Miu Miu shoes, Alexander McQueen leggings, Urban Outfitters sweatshirt and punk-style finger rings. The finishing touch? Her black and silver-flaked manicure.

FASHION WEEK FAVORITE ADDRESSES: “I would strongly recommend Urban Outfitters of course! On the weekend, I prefer to stay at home and order some great take out Chinese food.”

Nicole Comeau is ELLE Canada’s exclusive fashion week street photographer, check out more of her work at TheIonFashion.com.

Check Nicole’s New York Fashion streetstyle coverage for Day 1,  Day 2 , Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6,  Day 7.

I thought that the photogs at New York Fashion Week were aggressive, but it turns out they’re nothing compared to the paps in London. I watched them accost some poor young British starlet after she jumped out of a cab. She moved fast, but the photographers kept pace and I didn’t see the hoard coming until they had surrounded me. (Admittedly, I’m still a little foggy after that overnight flight from Toronto).

Actually, I’ve been inadvertently photo-bombing people for two seasons. You may remember the infamous Kardashian incident of NYFW spring/summer 2012. Yup, that’s me looking homicidal. And today, again, I sat directly behind three Brit stars (no clue who they were) and probably ended up making goofy faces that will end up in the British tabloids.

A yellow flapper-esque dress at Felder Felder. Image courtesy of ImaxTree.com.

But not to worry, it hasn’t all been near-death experiences and drive-by photo shoots. In the short time I’ve been in London, I’ve seen some fantastic fashion. An early highlight was Felder Felder‘s yellow beaded flapper dress that would suit Downton Abbey’s Lady Mary.

A look from Jean Pierre Braganza. Image courtesy of ImaxTree.com.

At Jean Pierre Braganza‘s “Chandelerium” show the collection, which was inspired by a Victorian woman gone mad, was all purple-and-gold metallic jacquard, embellished embroidery and purple tweed fabrics. “I couldn’t stop thinking about the sensuality of being covered,” Braganza wrote in his show notes. “The idea that Victorian women were so strictly concealed, moulded and tailored to within an inch of their lives that they would go mad from the repression. My regal women are consorting with darkness in order to cope and find ways of subverting the tradition to remain sane.” I have a feeling that the finale music, M.I.A.’s “Bad Girls,” won’t be the last time I hear the infectious refrain “Live fast, die young, bad girls do it well” this week.

Layers and ombre chiffon at PPQ. Image courtesy of ImaxTree.com.

I ended Day 1 at PPQ.  The show notes said the collection was dedicated to the “apocalyptic romance of winter.” The draping layers, 50′s style glam tailoring and ombre chiffon, left front-row heavy weight, Hilary Alexander, smiling and bobbing her head. 

What was your favourite show from Day 1 of London Fashion Week?

After a week in Paris, the apex of French beauty, I share the key to creating the inimitable je ne sais quoi.

My hair is falling out of my bun, I haven’t had my morning coffee and I am completely makeup-free. “You look very French,” says Lavigna my esthetician at the Lancôme Paris Institute. It’s early in the morning and I’ve just come out of a 90-minute facial and am paralyzed by the prospect of walking in public, you know, bare-faced. “Is there any makeup I can use for a touch up?” I ask sheepishly while simultaneously rummaging in my purse for sunglasses. “You just need a touch of red.” Lavigne says gesturing towards a table of lipsticks. Surely she’s joking I think but moments later (with my lips properly rouged with Lancôme’s new Rouge in Love lipstick) I’ve serendipitously been transformed and feel as effortlessly elegant as Clémence Poésy. The beauty take-away: French je ne sais quoi begins and ends with skin care. Here are my top travel tips for maintaining a fresh face:

Seat selection: If you’ve ever wondered why first class is located at the front of the cabin of an airplane (no, it’s not just for deplaning speed and convenience) it’s because there is a very subtle, but crucial, difference in oxygen concentration between the front and back of a moving airplane. The oxygen-rich air at the front of the cabin minimizes the dehydrating effect that occurs on long flights. And you thought the hot towels and pod seats were enough justification for a first-class upgrade.

Moisture barrier: Dehydrated skin (which is inevitable after a trans-Atlantic flight) can make your complexion look sallow and emphasize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Use a hydrating face cream that contains vitamins, antioxidants and essential oils to help seal in moisture and protect against free radicals. I opted for Fragonard Soines Essentiels, a collection made in the south of France that uses natural Royal Jelly to replenish and revitalize your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Added bonus: as one of France’s oldest perfumeries, the subtly scented creams are almost as luxurious as a plush hotel robe.

For more French beauty secrets…

Slow motion: The European’s tendency to take their sweet time can be frustrating (anyone who’s endured the service at a café when you’re in a rush knows what I’m talking about). However when it comes to your skin care routine, taking a few extra minutes to massage your skin properly can make a world of difference.  Massage improves microcirculation and allows your products to penetrate more easily. Begin in the centre of your chin and rub upwards and outwards to create a subtle lifting effect and add warmth to your face.

Lip service: Chapped lips are never sexy and adding a red lipstick will only emphasize the appearance of cracked or rough lips. Use a lip scrub (or a damp washcloth) to slough away dry skin and leave your lips smooth before applying a conditioning lip balm. Take a page from Lancôme’s beauty playbook and opt for a bright red with subtle blue undertones to help enhance the white appearance of teeth.

For more on how to get the perfect red lip click here.

Jessica Alba, Michael Kors, Paula Patton and Amber Heard. Image courtesy of Getty Images for Michael Kors.

From the moment I entered the Theatre at Lincoln Center where the Michael Kors show was staged, I could tell something was different. The runway was so clogged with camera crews—even more so than usual—that I could hardly move. Side-stepping my way slowly forward, I was making gradual progress until a tall, raven-haired lady darted in front of me. She wasn’t mean about it, she was just on a very determined mission. “Hello, darling! How ARE you?” she cooed. “So good to see you…” another woman replied as she smiled and reached her hand out. Wait. That’s not just any hand. It’s Anna Wintour’s hand…and she’s seated beside Grace Coddington (love those fiery red locks!)…and the raven-haired woman is Anjelica Huston! And I am in the middle of their conversation. Move. MOVE! Side-step. Side-step! (And yes, Anna Wintour does smile.)

It was even more difficult to leave the theatre post-show as Jessica Alba and Debra Messing (surrounded by ample security) made their way backstage to check out the collection’s fluffy furs and sparkly red-carpet-ready gowns in crimson, black and silver. Meanwhile, Stacy Keibler happily did TV interviews. Katie Couric, Paula Patton, Amber Heard, Patti Hansen and Alexandra Richards were just a few more of the bold-faced names on the scene. Just another day at the office for Michael Kors…

Later in the day, Anthony had a celeb moment of his own at Reed Krackoff—following a noticeable lack of one at Marchesa. Here’s Anthony’s take:

“As I arrived at the Plaza Hotel for the Marchesa show, all I could see were shiny black sedans, a paparazzi mob and a bright red carpet snaking up the stairs. Is this going to by MY red carpet moment, I wondered? Unfortunately, there were no celebs around as I made my entrance—meaning no roar of clicking shutters or blinding lights. (I’m sure I heard three or four clicks…) Still, it was a lot of fun to actually walk a red carpet. Inside, the clothes were a dreamy mix of hand- embroidered threadwork and gilded accents combined with beaded tulles, lace, taffetas and laser-cut leathers. No wonder there was a red carpet out front.”

“Before the Reed Krackoff show started (his runway featured a sleek assortment of the week’s top trends—statement coats, collaged chiffons and top-to-toe monochromatic dressing) I finally racked up a few more camera clicks. Julianne Moore was having her picture taken in front of my seat when our eyes met. ‘Honey, you are standing in my light,’ I casually joked. Not missing a beat, she gave me a wink and a smile and continued posing for the cameras.”

Which celebrity would you love to bump into at fashion week?

THE GIRL: Kelly Choy is a host on NYC TV and Bravo.

SPOTTED: Lincoln Center on her way to the Alberta Ferretti show.

HER STYLE: Modern 1920′s flapper style.

WHY WE LOVE IT!  Kelly’s Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti look was all pretty in pink—one of the season’s go-to hues.

FASHION WEEK FAVORITE ADDRESSES: “My favorite spa is in Chinatown is called Relax Foot Spa. It’s great because you can get a one-hour foot massage. I particularly love it during fashion week!”

Check out the ’70s and ’60s streetstyle fashions.

THE GIRL: Kelly is a freelance stylist and the editor at www.Gamourai.com

SPOTTED: Lincoln Center on her way to the Michael Kors show.

HER STYLE: She’s mastered the ’70s chic, working girl allure

WHY WE LOVE IT! Kelly looks effortlessly elegant in her Cotton Candy coat, Rebecca Minkoff pants and Cynthia Vincent top.

FASHION WEEK FAVORITE ADDRESSES: “I am so looking forward to hitting the Great Jones Spa in the NoHo district after fashion week!”

THE GIRL: Mariam is an editor at Harper’s Bazaar.

SPOTTED: Lincoln Center

HER STYLE: ‘60s graphic houndstooth-hipster.

WHY WE LOVE IT! A combination of vintage pieces mixed together with modern accessories gives this ’60s classic look a fresh look.

FASHION WEEK FAVORITE ADDRESSES: “I love vintage boutiques and my favorite one is on the Upper East Side. It’s called  Encore.”

Check Nicole’s Day 1,  Day 2 , Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6  and streetstyle shots.

Nicole Comeau is ELLE Canada’s exclusive fashion week street photographer, check out more of her work at TheIonFashion.com.

It doesn’t matter where you live–or how “well” you live—it’s a universal truth that women take pleasure in simple beauty rituals. That became especially clear to me earlier this year after I spent two weeks in the Colombian town of Leticia participating in a volunteer eye mission. I was in the heart of the Amazon—500 miles from the nearest road. The only way into this frontier town is by airplane or by boat. At the makeshift clinic, which we set up in a local school, we were able to treat 5,828 patients in 10 days. Just under 200 people required eye surgery, while the majority received donated prescription glasses.

It’s a rare experience to visit a foreign place and have the privilege of connecting with people in a personal and meaningful way. I’ve been on these volunteer trips before to Colombia and Bolivia and each time I am humbled by my encounters—in part because they make me take stock of my life.

That said, it is a mistake to think that caring for one’s appearance, or wanting to indulge in a little beauty therapy, is only a first-world flight of fancy. After just a few hours on the first day, I began to notice that the women—who came from the nearby Brazilian town of Tabatinga or other Peruvian and Colombian villages several “river-boat days” away—were mad for nail art.

 Read more about my Amazon eye adventure.

Before launching into my typical opening line: “¿Ha tenido gafas de antes?” (“Have you had glasses before?”) I would point to their nails and say: “Me gusta tu esmalte de uñas.” Once they understood what I was trying to say—my Spanish is less than eloquent so it required a little pantomime on occasion—they smiled and any awkward formality between us was broken.

Suddenly I wasn’t some stranger from a cold, foreign country. I was just a woman, like them, who wanted to share a personal moment and pass along a compliment. It’s the kind of intimate dialogue women fall into easily and soon we were chatting about their children, their lives and in some cases their personal struggles.

While the point of the exchange was to help them see—and thankfully we were able to achieve that in most cases—it also shed light on the importance of noticing the simple and beautiful pleasures in life and in taking the time to share a few kind words.

Here are a few of the women who allowed me to photograph their nail art.

Have you had “beautiful moments” either volunteering or in other unexpected places and circumstances? Please share!

THE GIRL: Brooke is a freelance fashion editor.

SPOTTED: Lincoln Center

HER STYLE: Urban mariner.

WHY WE LOVE IT!  A creative mix of different designer labels, textures and style in a J.Crew shirt, Marni pants, Zara feather vest, Reece Hudson handbag and slipper shoes.

FASHION WEEK FAVORITE ADDRESSES: “My favorite store is Barneys and Opening Ceremony. They showcase some of the best designers!”

Check Nicole’s Day 1,  Day 2 , Day 3, Day 4 and streetstyle shots.

Nicole Comeau is ELLE Canada’s exclusive fashion week street photographer, check out more of her work at TheIonFashion.com.

Full disclosure: This is a staged photo. Also, when did I accumulate so much coloured denim?

I’m not exactly certain how this happened, but I’m leaving for London Fashion Week tomorrow. Sure, I’ve been prepping for roughly six months—researching designers, requesting tickets to shows, figuring out airfare and accommodation–    yet somehow, the thought that this trip is happening tomorrow (and that I still need to pack!) shocks and alarms me on an hourly basis.

You know that feeling when you have an important event you want to look nice for, and then you check out your closet and realize you have absolutely nothing to wear? Multiply that by five days, then picture being in the same small room with people like the Anna’s (that’s Wintour and Dello Russo, respectively). It’s enough to make you break out in hives. In fact, today I realized that packing for fashion week is like experiencing the seven stages of grief: Allow me to explain.

1)    Shock.

What, it’s fashion week already?

2)    Denial

It can’t be…the last one just ended…

3) Guilt

Shoot, I should start packing soon…

4)    Anger

I don’t have anything to wear!

5)    Bargaining

Maybe if I raise my credit limit, I can afford that really cute Jil Sander skirt…If I split it between my debit card and my credit card, it’s practically free! Right? Right?

6)    Depression

I can’t actually wear sky-high heels for another whole week, can I? I’m only just getting the feeling back in my toes after last season.

7)    Acceptance

I’m just going to throw everything I own into the biggest bag that I can find and figure it out in London.

What must-haves would you bring to London Fashion Week?

One of the last looks from Zac Posen's Fall/Winter 2012-13 collection.

Before we could check out all the Canadian models at the Zac Posen show—Coco Rocha opened and closed, with appearances from Anais Pouliot, Lisa Winkler, Herieth Paul, Alana Zimmer and Heather Marks—Anthony had a close encounter of the Dita (and Anna) kind. “You won’t believe what just happened!” Anthony gushed almost breathlessly to me before the start of the show. While coming down the steps of the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Centre, he literally bumped into Dita Von Teese as she attempted to climb the stairs in a very fitted dress (Zac Posen, of course). Thankfully, no one took a tumble. “She could hardly move, but she looked great. Her makeup was impeccable,” he said. “Then, just as I was coming back to my seat, I suddenly felt like I was being surrounded by men in suits talking into their wrists. Then Anna Wintour appeared in front of me! I felt so disoriented. I don’t know if I can take all the drama!” he said with a laugh. We settled in for an Oriental-architectural themed show full of glamorous hourglass gowns thankful that most (see below) of the celebs were seated a safe distance away.

The previous day at Altazzura, we sat precariously close to the Courtin-Clarins girls (that’s sisters Claire and Prisca and cousins Jenna and Prisca). (I say precariously because of all the flashbulbs. Boy, those girls can pose!) Anthony jokingly dared me to ask one of them for a Clarins sample. I laughed, and for a split second, even considered taking him up on it—as I sized up their clutches (way too tiny to contain any good samples!). The following evening, we were all seat-section buddies once again at Tommy Hilfiger and Zac Posen. But I still didn’t ask for a sample.

Diane Von Furstenberg's Fall/Winter 2012-13 collection. Image courtesy of ImaxTree.com

The most star-studded show so far, by far, has been Diane Von Furstenberg. We dutifully endured flashbulbs intended for Oscar de la Renta, Barbara Walters and Anderson Cooper, but it was pretty cool to take in the row of even more media heavy-weights sitting across from us: Tina Brown, Diane Sawyer, Graydon Carter, Fran Leibovitz etc. And just to cap things off, as we exited the show, Solange Knowles almost tripped over Anthony. He really is a celeb magnet!

Look, it's Orlando Pita backstage at DVF! That's my hand, bottom left, still in glove (when Orlando calls, you run. He is not someone to leave waiting.)

Important note: Get your interviews and reporting done first. Even if the food station has a dessert tray like the one at Phillip Lim. No one wants to be the one shoveling organic curried couscous in their mouth when the call to speak with Orlando Pita comes.

Courtesy of Getty Images

The category: Wacked out fashion
Nicki Minaj vs Lady Gaga
What is the red carpet world coming to when a pope escort is eye-rollingly predictable?
Have we gotten to the point where shock value completely outweighs style? I’m not going to bother debating the sartorial merits of Minaj’s religious-muumuu (Sure, it was custom Versace, but Nicki, I miss your leopard print! I miss your sparkle! I even miss your crazy-lady leggings!) Instead, let’s collectively gasp at the fact that Lady Gaga looked downright demure with a fishnet-face accentuated with golden staff (custom Versace, as well). The way I see it she has two moves: show up at the next red carpet escorted by Jesus riding a Buddha or rebel in the other direction by rocking mom jeans, a Northern Reflections sweatshirt and Crocs. Now that’s subversive!

Winner: Donatella Versace, based on commission alone.

Courtesy of Getty Images

The category: Retro Fashion
Jennifer Hudson vs Adele
Can one televised event have too many bouncy bobs, fluttering lashes and banging curves? The obvious answer is clearly no. Both bombshells had career highs on the Grammy stage, and while their underwhelming black (and I’m saying it: slightly ill-fitting) frocks might not have hit the perfect note, their beauty looks were flawless. Adele’s fresh flaxen bob was a fresh surprise, and her scarlet red lips were totally covetable. Jennifer’s soft curls framed her heavy lashes, and added the perfect touch to the already dramatic night.

Winner: Unlike Sunday night, Adele loses this one by a hair.

Courtesy of Getty Images

The category: Blinged out Fashion
Taylor Swift vs Carrie Underwood
These two sweet-as-peaches-and-cream ladies did exactly what they do best: look fresh, appealing and oh-so-shiny. Taylor, still beaming from her re-imagined look on the cover of Vogue, looked radiant in a shimmering Zuhair Murad gown. Also, the girl was finally smiling! Carrie, similarly, was frosty in a white sequin Gomez-Gracia grown. As per usual though, something about Carrie’s overall look was a little pinched. An undeniably young and vibrant girl, her red carpet fashion always seem overly mature. (I think it’s the hair?)

Winner: Taylor takes it. But, she was probably just happy Kanye wasn’t at the show.

Who rocked your favourite Grammy red carpet look?

Check Nicole’s Day 1,  Day 2 , Day 3, Day 4 streetstyle shots.

Nicole Comeau is ELLE Canada’s exclusive fashion week street photographer, check out more of her work at TheIonFashion.com.

So far, the look has emerged at Prabal Gurung, where Paul Hanlon (working for TIGI) added extensions to create his piecey, slick look (seriously, look at this hair!), Victoria Beckham, where Guido Palau (for Redken) created a glossy, “uptown, rich girl” style, and at one of my favourite shows — Alexander Wang — Palau (again, using Redken products) added hair extensions to the models so that hair could have a clean line cut straight across the bottom. It looked like classic Wang to me — modern and minimal with an edge.

At the opposite end of the scale, hair has also been getting the backcombing treatment too. I heard several editors backstage murmur sighs of approval at Derek Lam, where Orlando Pita (working for Phyto and T3) teased models’ hair into sophisticated but accessible coiffs. Yesterday at Thakoon, I was blown away by the incredible feat of craftsmanship shown by Odile Gilbert (for Kerastase), who worked from a brief of “a modern Audrey Hepburn” and made updos that included faux bangs created from the crown of the head and a thick, voluminous French roll in the back. The look at both shows was stunning, but spare a thought for the poor models’ hair. My keratin was cringing on their behalf watching the frenzied teasing and back combing going on backstage. Worth it? You tell me.

Nicole Comeau is ELLE Canada’s exclusive fashion week street and backstage photographer, check out more of her work at TheIonFashion.com

The show opened with a zip-back jacket and skinny pants in bleach-print velvet, which reflected the starting point for the collection: tailored jackets and textures. “I frequently will start my design process with dresses but you can kind of get bored with the way you work, so it’s nice to try a different approach to see what happens,” Laing told me. This season, he made a conscious decision to opt for “something with a more tactile sensitivity” rather than the digital prints, for which he is well-known. “Bleach printing is a reactive process that removes dye and ink from the fibre, so it’s harder to control. But that’s the beauty of it, you get variety, which is cool.”

The technique gave the velvets a mysterious wild-animal vibe, while the Black Lily bleach-printed wool has subtler, more refined ombre shading. “This time, I wanted the contrast to be less about colour and more about the texture,” Laing said. “So even if the look was all black, there was leather, velvet, satin, a brushed wool, a suede jersey, so it all adds up to a richness, but in a low contrast way.”

Interesting note: I actually caught up with Laing not at his own show, but waiting in line at the Juma show, just 90 minutes after his own show wrapped. “I’ve known them [sister and brother design team Alia and Jamil Juma] for a long time, so it’s nice to support each other, and see what they are up to,” Laing said. (How sweet!)

This season, the Juma duo took inspiration from travels to China and Thailand, then mixed in a bit of imagined space travel. “We fused Asian mod tailoring with techie space-inspired digital prints,” Alia told me as she pointed to her own psychedelic orange-and-green printed tunic and leggings. “The fabric patterns are all from our own photos or illustrations that have been altered and manipulated,” said Jamil. The prints looked especially fetching on oversized canvas-printed totes and clutches with black leather side panels and trim.

Montreal-born Antonio Azzuolo, who has done stints at Ralph Lauren Purple and Black Label, Hermes and Kenzo and was a 2011 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Finalist showed his men’s fall/winter collection, and ELLE Canada’s Anthony Mitropoulos was there.

Here’s Anthony’s take: “Ladies, it’s time to think about the boys! Azzuolo stated that his direction for fall represents a new way of dressing a man by merging streetwear influences with traditional tailoring. While his tailoring remains strict and chic, he’s loosened up the silhouette (to be more relaxed and slightly boxy) by introducing kimono shirt styles, dropping the shoulder in jackets and coats, adding volume to the sleeve and styling with asymmetrical wrap trousers or shorts.”

What do you think of Jeremy Laing’s use of texture and prints? Fill us in below!

Here are some that caught eye:

For more streetstyle hot, haute hats, click here. 

Check Nicole’s Day 1 ,  Day 2  and Day 3 streetstyle shots.

Nicole Comeau is ELLE Canada’s exclusive fashion week street photographer, check out more of her work at TheIonFashion.com.

Lacoste’s inspiration came from the French national men’s ski team circa 1966.

Finally, my first full day of shows … and it did not disappoint. I woke up to snowflakes outside—and inside—at Lacoste, my first show of the morning. The center of the runway showcased giant rectangular snow-globe boxes filled with flurries. The soundtrack? Sleigh bell music. The look from Lacoste artistic director Felipe Oliveira Baptista was “rugby dress meets ski suit” inspired by pics of the French national men’s ski team circa 1966 (outfitted by Lacoste, of course) and a mountain motoring expedition from the 1930s. The oversized “egg-shaped” parkas with morphing hoods and multiple zippers were standouts. And the ski sweaters with alligator patterns were a nice touch.

Later in the day I met up with ELLE Canada’s Anthony Mitropoulos for the Herve Leger show where equestrian corset-harnesses added a layer of complexity to Leger’s famous bandeau dresses. Plenty of pleats, fringe details, and models sporting true PONY tails, swished and swayed down the runway.

Anthony’s take: “Leger had Gladiator women emerging from the Colosseum ready to fight for fashion in knee-high, stappy stiletto boots!”

It was worth the hour delay to see Miguel Androver’s return to the runway and his new take on deconstructed-reconstructed-collage creations. “I have been thinking about a plane flying over the Amazon, carrying luggage that drops down. And I think about the Yanomami of the Amazon finding the luggage but not knowing how to use it,” Androver writes in the show notes. “I also envisioned someone from another world visiting Earth for the first time, trying to make sense out of the fashion they encounter, and then putting it all together without any knowledge of what time period, what social class it was from or represented.” The show opened with a dress made from four of Androver’s own shirts, followed by tops made out of burkas, skirts made from sport jackets, a dress made from a ribbed tank and an Alexander McQueen leather coat, and an outfit made from Androver’s great-grandmother’s clothes and a sweater crawling with cats. And, of course, you couldn’t miss the gloved shoes, which gave the middle finger. The final statement piece? An upside-down Gap windbreaker that was transformed into a hat-dress. The silhouettes were beautiful and unusual—certainly fit for any exotic visitor from this world or beyond.

THE GIRL: Toronto-born Christine is a fashion stylist and an editor at Mudd magazine.

SPOTTED: Lincoln Center: New York Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week central hub.

HER STYLE: Sherlock Holmes-inspired daywear for fashion sleuths.

WHY WE LOVE IT!  Hits of gold—from the leather-applique detailing on her Brian Atwood shoes, to her Hermes scarf, were the perfect fashion antidote to a grey, snowy day. Bonus: The canary yellow leather gloves popped against the Aldo clutch.

FASHION WEEK MISSION: “I love visiting New York seasonally for the shows and I am looking forward to Jeremy Lang on Sunday as it’s always a real Canadian highlight.”

For more street style shots from Day 3 of New York Fashion Week, click here. Read the rest of this entry

THE GIRL: Lauren is a fashion student at Parsons, The New School for Design.

SPOTTED: Lincoln Center

HER STYLE: Urban, Indiana Jones adventure gear for gals on the go.

WHY WE LOVE IT!  Soft neutral camel and grey tones play up the strategically distressed jeans and suede boots. Lauren’s hot pink lip colour hits the beauty bullseye.

FASHION WEEK MISSION: “Kimberly Ovitz was my favorite show so far! I love the atmosphere during this week; it’s so inspiring for me!”

THE GIRL: Sarah is a fashion editor for The New York Times Style section.

SPOTTED: Lincoln Center

HER STYLE: Minimalist whimsy aka: modern Annie Hall.

WHY WE LOVE IT!  This Balenciaga parka makes anyone pine for winter (almost). The weathered Cole Haan boots and The Row handbag complete Sarah’s minimalist look.

FASHION WEEK MISSION: “My favorite shows will be The Row and Rodarte this week.”

Check Nicole’s Day 1 and Day 2 streetstyle shots.

Nicole Comeau is ELLE Canada’s exclusive fashion week street photographer, check out more of her work at TheIonFashion.com.