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Showing 12 posts tagged ss12
Persol // Sunnies // Wants
My gorgeous RayBans were recently liberated from my possession by a here to yet unknown felon. If I were the forgiving kind I’d wish them well. In this instance I most certainly am not as I really loved those sunnies, so I hope the blaggard is cursed with some pox, or at best being ridiculously unphotogenic everytime they were my glasses.
In the meantime the hunt for something new goes on, these Persols fit the bill very nicely. I may just have to persuade the hubby to avoid wearing his plain black ones when we’re out together.
(via whereisthecoool)
La Bella Estate // Dolce & Gabbana // Party
Having loved the show in the afternoon, I headed out into Milano for a bit of a wander. If I can say so myself due to the taxi strike I was becoming a bit of afficionado when it comes to the Milanese transport system (by the way a sign for an ATM is not what you think, it is in fact a ticket office). So with that in mind and knowing I had a few hours to kill before the party I checked out the very gorgeous cathedral.
Subtle isn’t she? Obviously I love it. But what I love even more are the covered shopping galleries just out of shot to the left. The architecture of Milan is beautiful. From Centrale station (STUNNING & HUGE!!) to the more modern buildings near Garibaldi station and much more in between.
It’s all quiet expensive here, the teeny hot chocolate I had on the Sunday cost €7 but was totally worth it. A bit more wandering and a delicious plate of pasta later and I headed back to the hotel (this time by tram) to get ready for the party.
Decked out in a vintage dress jacket, dress shirt and my trusty Nudie jeans I helped myself to the as per norm overpriced mini bar for you know some dutch courage. The lovely lady beside is Marta from Maire Claire in Milan (apparently after several glasses of vino I can network!). Ready to go I braved the cold and somehow managed to grab a cab, arriving at the party moments after Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana themselves, and Anna Dello Russo. Slowly making my way upstairs I enjoyed took in the beautiful surroundings of the store, check out the chandelier above.
The party was to celebrate not just the afternoons show (again bravo!) but the beautiful work of Mariano Vivanco who shot the summer campaign. La Bella Estate of course means the beautiful summer and check out the images. If that isnt a beautiful summer I dont know what is.
I just love this whole campaign, it’s the essence of Italian family, and used the wonderful cast of Terra Firma a wonderful film. Having the shots blown up and all around the party was a great touch. Seeing everyone interract with them and discuss them was great. My favourite shot is beyond a doubt this one:
As the evening began to get going I chatted with Jeremy Langmead and the rest of the always delightful Mr Porter crew, before heading downstairs to watch the Swide produced making of film that accompanies the campaign.
Even the best things come to an end, and we a few of us were lucky enough to jump into a taxi to Gold. Here more cocktails were consumed, nibbles nibbled & Celebs spotted (Mr Gandy, Tinie Tempah), before we, (being the stylish and witty Leroy, Camille & Lisa fellow Londoners), once again jumped in a cab. I had such a great time with these three that we will no doubt be raising the roof in London sometime soon.
This time we were off to Plastic. Basically the most random and phenomenal club I have been to in a long time. My love may be slightly enhanced by the fact we were with Dolce & Gabbana and as such ushered straight through the fifty strong crowd baying to get in. It really does help when Mr Gabbana is with you.
A couple more drinks were had, there was some dancing to interesting Italian tunes I had never heard before. It was beyond busy, so much so that Stefano even decided to give a quick hand serving behind the bar.
But all good things come to an end and about 4am it was time to call it a night. The taxi strike now over we all made our way to our beds to get ready for another day on the run around Milan. A truly great night so thank you very much Dolce & Gabbana! Not to mention an invitation to return in June. I’ll be there without a shadow of a doubt. Oh and London Fashion Week, the gauntlet has been laid down…can you top this?
Oliver Spencer // London Fashion Week // Spring Summer 2012
With all the will in the world unless you are in possession of a TARDIS it is impossible to see every show you want to, or are invited to. Oliver Spencer was this season one of the victims of space and time colluding to keep us a part. It’s a shame they did as I like this collection. It’s been said that leaving Somerset House you left the edge behind you and entered a much lad driven atmosphere when you arrived at the Oliver Spencer. These were the guys who would normally be found propping up a bar and actually discussing football with genuine interest.
After the Milan and Paris shows this summer it became clear that short shorts would be around for at least another summer. So with that in mind best get to the gym and running again to maintain what I got busted a gut getting last winter during marathon prep. These salmon and pale pink shorts are brilliant and could easily be dressed up or down. The suits shown were much more relaxed than we’ve seen elsewhere and in recent seasons. Having kept everything nipped in, cropped and tight for so long I think it will take a while for these looks to filter through. But if there is a time for a more relaxed trouser, or even the oxford bag we saw at Paul Costelloe, it will start next summer. The rolled yet loose trouser here is a great move on.
All in all, whilst not earth shattering in its edge, this collection stands out as brilliantly wearable and accessible. Menswear desperately needs high quality ranges of both to really start competing or drawing near womenswear. Oliver Spencer definitely delivers and am hoping my TARDIS is delivered in time for next season so I don’t miss out again.
A Child of Jago // London Fashion Week // Spring Summer 2012
A week is a long time in fashion, one day your in the next your out, well thats what Frau Klum says. But whether you’re in or your out the six days of London Fashion Week are long. I genuinely don’t know how the editors and buyers manage a whole month. Once the fatigue sets it, it’s nearly impossible to shake no matter how amazing the time is you are praying for it to end. There is only so much Prosecco you can take. It is beyond doubt a hard life indeed. So when we got to 4pm on Menswear day my bed was calling. But I had two more shows to see and a party to go to. Seriously it’s a hard hard life. So I, several Japanese buyers, a handful of celebs I didn’t really know, and the good lady herself Vivienne Westwood trekked out to Wiltons Music Hall in East London to see the A Child of Jago show.
Having seen previous collections and having spoken to the show producer I knew this was going to be worth it. I could make lazy comments about how the talent apple rarely falls far from the tree, but let’s be honest there are countless celeb offspring that prove it can regularly be flung to a different county. Though more importantly to do so does Joe Corré a grave injustice. He and co-designer Sam (Barnzley) Armitage ooze talent of their own. Their tailoring skills are fantastic and the desire to entertain during the show and through the collection made this probably my favourite show of the season.
For the aspirant Dick Whittington the streets of London were said to be paved with gold, and this was to be his story. Arriving in London, admiring all that lay before becoming a bon viveur living the high life. I could not have been more excited. Then the wait began. And continued. Then we waited a little more. A little more. I mean I’m used to waiting at fashion week. Nothing starts on time. Ever! The term fashionably late exists for a reason. If a show starts 15 minutes late it’s almost early. But having been brought to our seats just after the run through and ahead of many other guests, after over an hour of waiting even my patience was wearing thin. Not thin enough to leave though, I’m not a madman. The show eventually started right as my hopes of making Asger Juel Larsen evaporated. But that’s another story and frankly you’d need to borrow the skills of Dr Who to make every show you wanted to.
A mixture of sharp tailoring, interesting details, brilliant use of stripes and new shapes was sent down the gold sparkling catwalk. But more than this the models were alive. Full of attitude and life. They laughed, they swaggered, they owned the clothes and the room. These may have been strongly tailored guys but they were still rude boys made you both hope and fear running into in dark alley.
The girls of the show were classy London harlots if such a thing exists.
It’s shows like this that make Fashion Show worth it all. Inspiring dynamic and fun. For all the beauty and splendour of it all, it’s this raw edge that London is famous for. Long may it last!
Sibling // London Fashion Week // Spring Summer 2012
Sibling is a brand growing season on season, and their witty take on knitwear is so fresh that it frankly blows most others out of the water. Those that know of them fast become die hard fans and to be honest revel in knowing something others don’t. We can be greedy like that us fashion people not willing to share our favourite toys.
Much to my shame it appears I was one of those greedy people. I was sure I blogged about their beautiful winter collection here, but apparently not when I searched the archive. Please forgive me!
It was with trepidation I saw the menswear collection if I’m honest. When I saw the womenswear on the NEWGEN terrace I wasn’t particularly enamoured. Looking back at other people’s photos I see I was too harsh. I foolishly judged the collection on the location. It was basically a corridor and no one could properly see the collection. So in the possible event you see anything nasty being said about Sister by Sibling remember the location did it no favours. However, I need not have worried Sibling were at their playful and naughty best.
Leaving last seasons East End pub crawl behind this time we were invited to scream if we wanted to go faster and ultimately fool around behind the waltzers with the bit off rough carnival guy. Who was I to say no?
Stand out pieces were the LOVE and HATE tshirts, I am definitely getting one, just not sure which yet. The Gypsy red cardigan and this seasons cutest logo I heart Hot Dogs! The Elvis star jumper showed their knitwear skills off, and mean I’m now looking forward to Autumn 12 to see what they’ll produce next. The mix of both embroidered jersey and printed jersey should hopefully open up some new price points for them as well ensuring this East End brand continues on its upward trajectory.
Jasper Conran // Womenswear // London Fashion Week Spring Summer 2012
So I dont normally write about womenswear but when a good friend seats you behind Alexandra Shulman & Harold Tilman it’s prob the least you can do to jot down a few words. The Great British Summer or at least our childhood memories of it that actually had sunshine seem to be a recurring trend this season. There were definite elements of this at Jasper but only after having reimagined by a modernist architect.
Strong and immaculate lines graced the catwalk in a brilliant white punctuated occasionally with fuchsia, red and black. Thigh high splits were the order of the day and the back was without a doubt the erogenous zone of choice. It’s a tough look to pull of if you aren’t a model but given that items will only be available to order and Jasper runs a semi-couture house maybe you could get them tweaked.
Stand out pieces were the colour blocked red on white shift dress, and two stunning white dresses one with an angular powerful glazed tulle cape, looking both diaphanous and powerful, the other with slits up the side front and opposing side back looked breathtaking. Once again the problem with simplicity and looking effortless is a single stitch out of place destroys a piece. The showroom was apparently beavering away until 8 am to finish the collection and this dedication really paid off. Last season I loved the panelled dresses that were cunningly only stitch on the corners. This season the wonderfully finished open seams were back but in a more subtle way giving us the smallest hint of skin when we least expected it. Backs were either bare or with crossing straps like the most exquisite apron, and this is meant as a compliment, or with razor sharp racer backs.
To top this off the accessories complimented the idea of invisible strength and beauty with clear or blood red perspex clutches and handbags.
ps I soo need to get a new camera!
J. Crew // New York // Spring Summer 12
It’s not J. Crew’s fault it really isnt. This is a solid well put together collection with some really nice pieces. It’s just well…after a week of wall to wall Hamptons lite I’m a bit bored of it. But I need to put that aside. Prep is here to stay, it’s a great look and frankly men getting a little smarter is never ever a bad thing.
The tailoring here is clearly well cut and I love the more relaxed pieces.I also really like the last look, a simple shirt like lightweight jacket is an easy win for Spring Summer. Not to mention the pops of colour here (and most other catwalks) are refreshing. It means I will definitely be shopping and if I make it stateside this summer I will definitely be heading to J. Crew.
Perry Ellis // New York // Spring Summer 2012
Another New York collection and yet more prep, this isn’t an admonition of New York designers though. It is the quintessential home to the prep look. I really liked the pastel shades in this collection that were punctuated with aquamarines and turquoise, not forgetting glazed silvers and brilliant whites. You will most definitely need a tan to pull these looks off as others they run the risk of being insipid and drawing. With a tan though they look great. The tailoring was to my mind a little boxy and they could have made more of the opening jumper which was fab, here’s hoping more colourways of this make it into production.
Photo credit: Style.com
Loden Dager // New York // Spring Summer 2012
Despite the general lack of formalwear in this collection I quite liked it. The whole retro americana fifties surfing look has long appealed to me.We’ll just gloss over the styling in certain areas, rolling up just one trouser leg is not a catwalk look that needs to translate into the general public. It’s bad end of!
Instead let’s focus on the retro graphic print shirts, the great knee length shorts and the lightweight preppy knits. Simple and sorted. The ever growing trend of formal jackets and shorts continued here and I’m glad I really like this look when it works.
Michael Bastian // New York // Spring Summer 2012
If you’re looking for the epitomy of cool American Prep these days you look no further than Michael Bastian. I absolutely love this collection! From the suiting to the short swim shorts, placement stripe shirts, the whole thing. Keep an eye on this and then in just under a year when I posting photos about next summers Pitti just see how many of the menswear movers and shakers are wearing parts of it.
Photo credit: Style.com
Buckler // New York // Spring Summer 12
Who doesnt love a trip to the meatpacking district of NYC? And when it’s to see clothes like these from Buckler you definintely wont find me complaining. Actually yes, yes you will because frankly I wasn’t there and had to peruse the looks on style.com
I love the loose yet tailored shorts, and the starkly cutaway jacket. Not to mention the slouchy yet fitted hoody and the patterned shirts. I would also have been very tempted to liberate a pair of the Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka sunnies too, even though I know they’d do nothing for my face.
photo credit: style.com
Bespoken // New York Fashion Week // Spring Summer 12
While this collection may not be groundbreaking, I’ve seen most of these elements before. It still feels fresh, I particularly like the varsity jacket, and the glazed linen suit above. Perfect for summer.
I’m not entirely certain of the Trainspotting turniquet styling. Though I say this now knowing with all likelihood by Summer my head will be turned and I’ll think it’s great.
photo credit: style.com
