Access Runway - Ben de Lisi

Owning pieces from the largest and most luxury design houses in the world is now a real option for the 'Ordinary but extra' folks of the world like you and me! In this series of Blogs Access Runway, I want to share with you how you can build your own designer closet, with huge names straight out of Design houses like Chanel, Givenchy, Dior and Alexander Mcqueen for no more cash money than you spend on your regular outfits!

In each blog I'm going to share with you my favorite wearable looks, their inspiration, and the background and history of each designer so you can talk the talk when someone compliments your killer outfit!

In this blog we are going to talk about all things Ben de Lisi!!! Ben grew up with his grandmother in New York. Apparently when he was studying at college his grandmother taught him to make his first pair of pants, as times were hard and cash was strapped. From there his love of fashion grew. He subsequently started is own fashion line for men in 1979, moved to London to further his career in the fashion industry, and its fair to say hasn't looked back since. De Lisi made his debut at London Fashion Week back in 1994, which sky rocketed his talent and saw him dressing the likes of A-listers Kate Winslet, Helena Bonham Carter and many more.

Known for his meticulous attention to detail, feminine silhouette and love of understated elegance Ben became the darling of evening wear and formal attire. Perhaps because of his up bringing and remembering those days with his grandmother De Lisi made a conscious effort to make glamour affordable and accessible to everyone with his BDL line. As you can image the BDL exploded in popularity allowing women worldwide to own a piece of his magic. Then came his most successful move yet, joining forces with retail giant Principles to launch Ben del Lisi Day! This collection is stunning and has all the signature touches you would expect from Del Lisi. Every piece modern, contemporary, understated reliable and extremely well. Ben's vision for this line of up-market pure elegance. With a Madison Avenue, South Hampton, Long Island Chic aesthetic. (As a nod to his grandmother and humble beginnings)

One of the things i love the most about Ben de Lisi, is the passion he has for every women and body shape. It is extremely important to him that he includes a petite range, allowing women with somewhat mainstream ignored measurements to feel fabulous in ready to wear without after purchase alterations. Did I mention that he also includes women up to a size 22 in his Principle Collection? I know right? Hero!

As with all of the designers I am featuring in this series of blogs paying less for a garment in a ready to wear line does not mean that you should expect less from these designers. Ben de Lisi has made no secret of the fact that his process for designing clothes for his couture collections and his ready to wear retail lines is exactly the same, and there is no compromise on detail or finish. He's not just stamping his name on garments he has seen once and was not involved with. Every garment is birthed form him and his own hand.

I wanted to highlight garments (although its so hard to pick) that are super versatile and could easily slip into your current closet. First pick from me is this beautiful Cream pearl embellished jumper Item No. 0380201619

This elevates your daytime lineups and true to form effortlessly chic. I am in love with this transitional day/night piece with a pearl embellished finish and feminine flared sleeves. under $25!!! Thank you Ben!

Season after season Ben designs a collection that is punctuated by high color on a universal pallet. These Dark red suit tapered trousers Item No. 0380201808 are the ultimate staple and add a little more dimension than a safe black. (you'll find these in petite as well!!) Showcasing a tapered fit, they are complete with a zip fly fastening and super flattering! Can you believe that with $20 these designer trousers are yours?! Craziness!

I know!!! Sequins! What is not to love about this Black sequin knee length shift dress Adding a glamorous touch to after-dark outfits with this shift dress! This effortlessly chic statement piece has a sheer yoke and will team perfectly with a pair of killer heels. Technically you can tell your envious friends that you are wearing a sequined cocktail dress by Ben de Lisi! "You know they guy that dressed Kate Winslet for the Oscars ?" Just don't mention it was under $40 in the sale at Debenhams.com

Now lets get down with the jewelry and accessories - My favorite bit!!

multi shape statement drop earrings

I can't think of an outfit these fabulous earrings wouldn't work with! A bold metallic around the face is super flattering and acts as a highlighter for your skin tone! Perfect for the office, date night and casual alike.

Baby! have you seen the heels on these ? Khaki suedette 'Brooke' high heel ankle boots. Item No. 0670101504

A universal addition to smart-casual footwear collection. In a suedette finish, they feature a pointed toe and are resting on a contemporary pointed heel. This versatile pair are perfect for desk-to-dinner styling.

Be sure to check out the complete Ben de Lisi collection right here! and share with me in the comments you picks and how you look in your new designer closet!