I find it slightly bizarre that we’ve been conditioned to think only skinny people can be beautiful. It’s not like we’ve even had a choice. The only models we are ever shown are devoid of any fat at all, so who are we to know that other body types can also be beautiful? And most shops sell clothes up to a size 16, usually, but these are only ever photographed on models that are a slim size 8 – or smaller.

The public have applauded H&M’s brave use of a plus-size model in their advertising, but Runk is only modelling their H&M+ range. Click on the brand’s general swimwear pages, and you return to the familiar world of girls that are light enough to be carried on a male model’s shoulders. At a size 16, Runk is actually small enough to fit into H&M’s standard ranges. and H&M+ caters for sizes 18-28, meaning that Runk’s size doesn’t accurately reflect the collection she is modelling. What message is that giving to the target consumers if the model in the campaign is smaller than the lowest end of the size range?

Even worse, designer labels often don’t sell clothes larger than a size 12 or 14. Considering that the average woman in the UK is a size 16, are they confined to only shopping on the high street? Relegated to catwalk trends interpreted in polyester – and potentially manufactured in a sweatshop? Is it fair for women who don’t conform to standard sizing to be forced to choose from a limited selection? As a society, there’s no denying that we are getting bigger. Being overweight is by no means healthy, and perhaps this is something that should be considered when judging the image put forward by the fashion industry. With numbers of obese children at worrying levels, maybe it would be wrong to use overweight models in advertising campaigns.

I’m not sure there is a right or wrong answer to the problem of choosing sizing in clothing ranges or models. However, I think as a culture we really need to move on from judging people by how they look. As well as plus size being thought of as ugly, there is now a backlash against skinny people. Magazines attack women for being too fat, then criticise them when they lose weight. I fear for how this trend may develop in the future, and how it will affect teenage girls as they grow and develop. This hatred towards women and their bodies has got to stop.

Created by two sisters and inspired ‘by Victorian folls, fairy tales and myths,’ the brand’s pieces feature irreverent motifs and cutesy images with a twist – think vintage cat photos, skulls, leopard prints and all manner of fun fruity graphics. It’s fashion with a serious sense of humour. Check out more of the lovely stuff from Alice Takes a Trip online here.

Subtly glowing skin combined with a bright, candy pop lip makes this look perfect for now. Read more: Lisa Eldridge.

In pale sand-coloured leather with metallic accents, these two-tone numbers from Ancient Greek Sandals will become your best friends this summer – and they’re easily dressed up or down in an instant. On lazy weekends pottering about, pair chino-style shorts (these are from H&M) with Levi’s blue and white tie dye vest for a casual, no-fuss look. Accessorise with an oversized canvas tote and a stylish straw fedora, and you’re good to go.

The Modern Classics

A contemporary twist on a classic shape, these strappy sandals from Whistles are smart enough to wear to work or to a dinner with friends – and it’s a fairly ‘sensible’ chunky heel too. Choose bold colours to brighten up your working wardrobe and wear with this pleated cobalt skirt from Reiss, teamed with a simple washed silk shirt from Equipment. Finish with a sleek clutch and delicate jewellery – we love this ring and bracelet from Agnes de Verneuil. 

All White Now

Add a flash of colour to an all-white ensemble with Topshop’s chic emerald green accented sandals. Wear with Mango’s crystal embellished dress and add tonal accessories to keep things fresh – here a Christopher Kane clutch, H&M straw hat and Mango bangle.

The Statement Shoes

Zara’s printed shoes make enough of a style statement, so team with relaxed boyfriend fit jeans and a simple white tee. Add contrasting jewellery to dress things up a little – we like John and Pearl’s silver Lily necklace and these super cool crucifix earrings from ASOS. Finish the look with your favourite pair of sunglasses; if money were no object, we’d be picking up these Prada acetate shades.

Tribal Stamps

Bright orange soles and python patterned straps; these striking sandals from Aperlai bring an exotic flavour to summer days, and with just a hint of a heel, these are shoes for dancing in! Wear with your favourite LBD (add a belt to change things up) and throw on a smart jacket for cooler evenings. Go OTT with accessories – Didi Jewellery’s turquoise ring and earrings look wonderful with a golden glow – and who can resist Hipanema’s Biarritz bracelet?

3.1 Philip Lim’s safety pin-detailed mini dress is available to buy online here.

Simone Rocha metallic coated cotton-blend pencil skirt –buy online here.
ASOS metallic pointed heels –  buy online here.
Anniel lace-up shoes – buy online here.
Sophie Hulme leather and brass clutch – buy online here.
Chloe Abby cuff – buy online here.
Topshop Unique silver front trousers – buy online here.
Esteban Cortazar lamé and stretch crepe t-shirt – buy online here.
Zara metallic clutch bag – buy online here.
Marni metallic sandals –  buy online here.
Mango metallic leather clutch – buy online here.
Hotel Particulier metallic shift dress – buy online here.

Michael Kors sequin t-shirt – buy online here.
Faith Connexion cut-off denimn shorts – buy online here.
Next holographic clutch – buy online here.
Mango crystal embellished cuff – buy online here.
Aperlai metallic heels – buy online here.
ASOS metallic brogues – buy online here.

…. and who better than the Business of Fashion to zero in on the names to know?

Over the last few weeks, BoF spoke with several of these fast-rising young talents, poised to assume their rightful position among the global fashion industry’s top creatives of tomorrow. Dedicated, talented and hugely passionate about their respective crafts, say hello to ten of London’s top young fashion creatives. Read more: Business of Fashion.

Meet Ella Catliff, also known as La Petite Anglaise; the young London-based blogger, journalist and model uses her blog to document her forays into the wonderful world of fashion. It’s a fascinating whirl of events, parties, press days and encounters with the great and the good of the city’s most stylish industry – Ella’s been featured in Vogue and ELLE and worked with brands including Whistles and Jaeger. Alongside images of her consistently elegant outfits, Ella interviews designers and industry heavyweights such as Maria Grachvogel and Paula Reed, and features the best new labels and shopping picks….

When and why did you start blogging?

Funnily enough, my mother read an article about Tavi and Susie Bubble and suggested I start a blog. I completely ignored her at first (as you do when you’re 18), but then I managed to land an internship at a fashion brand in Paris so thought I might as well give it a shot. That was nearly three years ago now.

What’s your blog about?

It’s basically a diary of my personal style and experiences in the fashion industry that has grown to include interviews, commentary, international fashion week coverage and a bit of lifestyle and beauty here and there.

Who inspires you?

Strong, powerful, stylish businesswomen like Phoebe Philo, Stella McCartney, Jane Shepherdson and Donna Ida… And Clueless, obvs!

What’s your day job?

Fashion blogger, model and student at Central Saint Martins… Not necessarily in that order.

What do your family and friends think about your blog?

They’re all hugely supportive and have been since I started.

Do you read any other blogs?

Yes, as often as possible! I try to read those of my blogger friends’ and peers as well as major leaguers like Bryan Boy and Le Blog de Betty.

How do you use Twitter and has it changed how you blog?

I’m a total Twitter addict and one of those annoying people who tweets about everything from what they had for breakfast and the weather to what they’re wearing or watching on TV. Twitter hasn’t changed what I blog about or how I write, but I do share all my posts via that platform and it’s one of my highest ranking traffic sources.

What couldn’t you live without?

My iPhone – sad but true.

How do you stay motivated?

I’m very lucky in that I absolutely love what I do so find it very easy to stay motivated.

Typical blog wardrobe?

Mine? I’m a Peter Pan collar blouse, A-Line mini and loafers kinda girl.

Blog soundtrack?

I have terrible music taste. Like ABBA and Cher terrible.

Favourite European city and why?

London (it’s my home) closely followed by Paris for obvious reasons.

Dream purchase?

There are SO many! I’m currently coveting the Mulberry Willow tote, Valentino’s amazing studded heels and just about anything from Carven.

Desert island blog?

Derek Blasberg. He’s so frigging fabulous it should really be illegal.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Hopefully in possession of my dream purchases.

Can you run in heels?

I can – and do on a very regular basis.

Head to La Petite Anglaise to check out Ella’s blog. You can also follow on Twitter @Ella_LaPetite and become a fan on Facebook too.

This isn’t about filling a quota. It’s about getting global brands to recognise that when they send an all-white cast down the runway, they are promoting an ideal of beauty that does not include the majority of the world’s population.  Read more: Business of Fashion.

Tara Jarmon Bi-colour Coat.
Malaica Antonia Swing Coat.
Topshop Bright Floral Bouclé Coat.
Zara Combined Coat.

H&M Woven Coat.
Stella Jean Kaleidoscope Print Coat.
P.A.R.O.S.H Button-down Coat.
M Missoni Cotton Blend Coat.