Chi Chi London Review
'Like a flame to a sword she rose, out of the depths of despair she conquered all,
Towering over men like a snake to a moth, trudging through the sludge of treachery,
A warrior in a pretty girls dress she smiled and simpered, deceiving all with her faked innocence, Inside her heart was beating fast for this war would be won at lost, Laughed at for wearing a dress, those who laughed are now dead, She stood and pondered one last time, never judge a book by its cover for that cover is a rhyme'
25 years ago a revolution began and women began absconding the traditional limitations of 'female dress code'. No longer were we told what we could and couldn't wear and in 1989 the promise of the 90's was near. Disco fever had been left behind and the scent of gender limitations lingered in the past. The cusp between the parting of the 80's and the beginning of the 90's created Chi Chi London, a one of a kind cocktail, prom and 'female power' brand who championed the growth of womenswear in an industry predominantly run by men. Enough was enough, Chi Chi saw a gap in the market for unique, all encompassing 'female only' fashion that delivered a clever mix of formal, casual luxe and occasion wear. It was magical and with the introduction of modern internet in 1978 the cogs were in motion to help Chi Chi succeed.
The growth of modern technology and the 'halfway house' era that Chi Chi grew up in meant that its team of young designers were able to evaluate trends for 'youth culture' in a way that most other modern designers were unable to pinpoint. Despite its youth Chi Chi has amassed a cult following among bloggers, consumers and critics with many praising its 'affordability' quality in ratio to price and its irrefutable connection with youth culture. Without a question of a doubt it is Chi Chi's ability to translate 'era' trends and adapt it for modern tastes that makes Chi Chi London ahead of its game.
Celebrating womanhood and championing who I am as a female has always been a huge part of my agenda and part of that ethos stems from following blogs at the age of 15. I was at that precocious age where I was neither adult nor fully teen and through blogs I discovered Chi Chi London. Suddenly the evolution of my personal style made perfect sense;There was the bodycon dress of the mid 2000's that was inspired by Victoria Beckham as Posh Spice which I fell in love with, the gauzy midi dresses inspired by 50's Hollywood starlets and of course my favourite trend of all- The Floral Print.
The floral trend is one of the most ubiquitous motifs in fashion and is synonymous with the iconography of 'true Chi Chi' style. No other trend has remained so 'classic', 'timeless' and 'wearable' as the faithful floral print and Chi Chi understands that the floral print is here to stay. Being an avid lover of a good floral print there was a time where I owned nothing else but florals; dresses, skirts, tops and even bags were emblazoned with the iconic print and I loved how I could create different 'styles' by using one print.
The Chi Chi Trudy dress is what I like to call a 'fairy-tale' concoction; it rises out of the princes castle like a crate of candyfloss and enters Princess Ana's castle where it fights all 1,000 books - I like to think I am Belle- for a place in the spotlight. But there is no need to fight for the dress makes enough of a impression by itself. With its sweetheart neckline and fitted bodice even the most flat chested of women can have an ample cleavage although if you are like me and embrace your small chest you can be braless as there is enough support. The padded bust not only works to plump up the volume but it also cushions your breasts for maximum comfort and style. It is refreshing to note that there is finally brand that looks out for us smaller chested ladies because we need support too!
Featuring a drop waist to give an illusion of a fuller figure but with the delicacy that Chi Chi is renowned for Trudy is the epitome of classic 50's elegance. From the ravishing sweetheart neckline to the ash grey digitized bloom print against a ceramic pink canvas Trudy is there to pull out all the stops and she is not afraid to break any hearts while she is there. For looks are deceiving, when it comes to interpreting personal style I was always typecast as 'the girly girl' who wore florals and feminine colours but I am the complete opposite. To me personal style has no limitations and we were born to break the rules. Want to wear a dress with trainers? Then go for it? Or if layering is more your thing then slip a turtleneck underneath and add a slick skinny scarf to combat the uncertain outcome of British weather. Fashion has no rules because if there was a rule book I would have broken all the rules in my 22 years since I was held in my mothers lap.
And this is why I loved 'Trudy', she challenges expectations and is surprisingly wearable for any occasion. Take me as a point of reference for example; what normal blogger would use street art outside a chicken shop to photograph her dress? But why do I need to use a plain background to showcase my dress when street art is more representative of who I am as a person? More importantly I might not fit the classic image of a 'true' Chi Chi girl but rules were meant to be broken...
Would You Buy From Chi Chi London Or Do You Own A Chi Chi London Dress?
Dress- Chi Chi London
Heels- Zara
Bag- House of Fraser
Doughnut- Boots
Biker Jacket- H&M