What's Portabello with no Tanique?

It was a bright Saturday morning, and I had no clue what to do or where to go. Since Fiona is arriving here shortly, I thought I'd leave all the festive stuff til she's here. I decided to head to Portabello road.

I've never been there on a Saturday..
Let's take a stroll through what was going on in my head..

Well holy god (as Fiona would put it)...I've never seen so many tourists clustered in one little road. Cameras were snapping at anything and everything. I'm speaking here as if I'm a local.. I should shut up.
I feel a bit claustrophobic walking through the market. When is this road ending!!? Where are my lovely market finds?!
Ooh, hummingbird bakery! Will I get a red velvet cupcake? Em, no, the line is too effing long.
At last, I see clothes and accessories. I finally belong.

And then, I saw this stall from a far.. Massive ruffles, fringed trims, asymmetrical sleeves on boyfriend jackets, more denim and leather ruffles, jersey strings a la necklush style.

My heart skipped a beat and I hopped my way over to the lovely Tanique Coburn, an independant self taught fashion designer/stylist originally from Jamaica. Here are some snaps at some of her work.

All of her pieces are one of a kind, as she recycles old fabrics and material to create her garments. I fell in love with two pieces in particular, the navy ruffles jacket with black fringed trim, and the grey boyfriend blazer with an asymmetrical ruched sleeve. I still can't believe that she is self taught, and she's oh-so-lovely. Here are more photos of Tanique and I modelling some of her pieces..

For more information, email Tanique at tanique_coburn@hotmail.co.uk . As for me, I will love and cherish my grey Tanique boyfriend blazer forever. Thanks Tanique!

xx-LJ