An Inaugral Affair with October

Bittersweet. Disdain vs. delight.

Aversion. I make no disillusion over my sentiments for the month of October… or so I thought…

Having never been an aesthete of all things autumnal, my original intent had been to write this post about my disdain for blustery, sodden October with its omnipotent imposing sense of dark foreboding. However, when I actually sought to collect my thoughts, in the vaguest semblance of order, it took very little time indeed to realise that just maybe I had passed judgement a little too prematurely. It would seem the ancient adage of there being a fine line between love and hate certainly holds true to this effect. When faced with my incredibly pragmatic list (a first for those that know me) denoting simple likes and dislikes it became apparent that in fact; I have no disdain for October at all, if anything, I bloody LOVE October!

On more primitive levels; the gale force winds and eternal drizzle do make for bad hair, bad moods and ruined frocks but then you get to come inside… hair dries eventually (frizzy) but can be restyled. Mood dissipates with oversized mug of tea and toasted crumpets. Frock, okay possibly not renewable, easily replaced by new season unless vintage in which case bad mood returns, get hot and flustered, hair goes a little crazy once more. And so it spirals…

Yet some things transcend “that” moment to be haunting, striking albeit ephemeral to cause vital distraction. Sometimes these moments are captured. And these are mine. My aesthetic, emotive and distinctive distractions which represent my inaugral affair with October 2009…

TIM BURTON’S MAGICAL FASHION

In anticipation of his Retrospective at New York’s Museum of Modern Art acclaimed gothic filmmaker, Tim Burton, reimagines the season’s dark delights. View the full story.

Featured above, Row 1 & 2

Credits: Words by Harper’s Bazzar. Photographs by Tim Walker.

GARETH PUGH RTW SPRING 2010

PARIS FASHION WEEK

Theatrical threads befittingly echo the mood that sweeps the British nation each October as we adjust to the diminished daylight and encroaching cold. Sadly we must wait for Spring to indulge in the flesh of Gareth Pugh’s Techno-New Romantic-Goth delights. Read full report / view the collection.

Featured above, Row 3

Credits: Photographs via WWD.com

ALICE TEMPERLEY RTW SPRING 2010

LONDON FASHION WEEK

Alice Temperley created “Zoetrope” an installation inspired by the circus theme of her collection. Watch as a contortionist, ballet dancers and models show off the designs – Vogue TV exclusive… Watch the film.

Featured above, Row 4

Credits: Film by Vogue TV (UK). Words & Photographs via Vogue.com

NEO-GOTHIC BEAUTY

When neither the current meteorological nor economical climate permits you the pleasure of partaking in a little joie de vivre you can always rely on the beauty industry to bail you out. Hot trends in a dank, dark climate are officially good for the soul. Bare bones essentials include…

Morange by MAC Cosmetics; a matt, neon orange lipstick essential for giving a salubrious two-fingered salute to the weather and guaranteed to provide instat, delinquent gratification as a passing old dear passes some benign comment.

Butter London 3-Free Nail Lacquers; super hot colours for October are new-comer British Racing Green [TOP TRICK: Slick one coat of Nail Foundation over (yes really, O.V.E.R.) your lacquer for this season's "de rigueur" matt finish nails], Union Jack Black and (personal) longtime favourite Macbeth, an orangey coral that will make you want to do terrible things and won’t wash off your hands!

Still a non-converted October sceptic? Well, I have one final trick up my sleeve to ensue conversion to the Church of October…

HALLOWEEN

Whatever your secular belief, or non-belief, it is nigh on impossible to not delight (even slightly) at the dramatic, theatrical and creative celebration that is Halloween. Halloween makes October rule. I won’t go into this now, despite the numerous insinuations throughout this post, but what I will say is… The Neon Hive is working on a little treat, or maybe a trick, for ya’ll. Stay posted.

Please note: this post was originally penned on October 1st, 2009 at 11.30am fuelled by tea and hot, buttery toasted crumpets. I withheld on posting it for a few days just to be certain it was not a simple trick played by the early days of October and that the affair would not fizzle into smoke after a matter of days. Clearly it has not.