Archive by Alexa

Hello everyone! Today has been a wonderful day, as it has marked the launch of Marks & Spencer's collaboration with Alexa Chung: Archive by Alexa. Alexa Chung has long been a style icon of mine; she incorporates 60s vibes into many of her outfits, and continually adopts a timeless chic and classy look, for which I admire. Following M&S's revelation of the launch event on Oxford Street, I was more than excited to see Alexa unveil the collection herself and hopefully manage to purchase that oh-so-famous Harry Blouse which has been catching everyone's eye from the moment she styled it in the first promo photo for the collection.




Archive by Alexa is a collection of thirty pieces that Alexa has re-discovered from the M&S archives. Initially taking inspiration from the history of the high-street store, she has added both a modern twist and her own personal touch to each piece of clothing. Upon entering M&S for the launch of the collection, I was welcomed by delicate and pretty displays promoting the event, though more importantly, the elegantly hung clothes that so many people have long been waiting to see for themselves.

Ranging from simple shirts to patterned dresses, the collection offers a vast amount of choices for shoppers, yet all pieces have the same aura about them: they are encrusted with Alexa's personality. The collection is perfect for the Spring/Summer seasons that are upon us, yet it doesn't try too hard to fit in with the typical expectations of clothing during holiday season. Yes, it does include some patterned pieces, most notably the Eliza paisley-print dress, but it mostly incorporates block colours and simple designs, which ensures it to remain fashionable for a long time.

The launch event was equally as popular as the collection. Alexa styled the Elsie Dress, looking extremely elegant and pixie-like as always. I was honoured to be able to meet her at the event, and discuss my love for the collection, as well as how helpful her Vogue: Future of Fashion series was for me, as it gave me the help and advice needed to secure a job in the Vogue House! I styled the stunning Harry Blouse to the event, to which Alexa remarked: 'wow, that looks so good on you!' It was certainly a massive compliment, due to the fact that it came from the most fashionable woman herself, so thank you, Alexa!! I had a wonderful day celebrating the launch of a wonderful collection. Does Archive by Alexa disappoint, you may ask? Most certainly not.

If you haven't watched it already, Alexa has also teamed up with British Vogue to create a youtube series offering advise on how to secure a job in any of the multiple aspects of the industry. 'Future of Fashion', or 'FOF', as us 'foffers' tend to re-phrase it, is a highly interesting and insightful collection of documentaries which I would strongly advise watching if you are interested in breaking into the fashion industry. Alexa certainly knows how to help us aspiring fashionistas; not only has she given us great advice in 'FOF', but she has now also produced a truly unique and stylish collection with M&S that will not just attract eyes, but majorly impress any of the leading fashion faces at Vogue. Thank you M&S, and Alexa!

Faye .x

Below are some photographs of the collection which I shot at the launch event today, as well as those of the woman herself: Alexa Chung.

Collection

Launch Event

- xxx -