Paris Menswear and two looks dominated: hats were everywhere from Borsalino's at D&G, Lanvin and Prada (find these beautiful Italian-made originals from the amazing Hat Gallery M/V in London's Conduit Street - or travel to the Galleries in Amsterdam and Dusseldorf for much of the same!) to furry black caps at Burberry. The second look which seems to have caught the zeitgeist, is the reliable old duffle coat, this time in stronger bolder colours with added twists such as toggles made from interesting alternatives to horn. Check out two British menswear designers whose outerwear follows the same route: the wonderful Christopher Raeburn who re-uses old military blankets and coats (some with the dates still stamped on them) and magically transforms them into beautifully tailored duffles; and, once again, Matthew Miller who has updated his 2009/10 duffles with tongue-in-chic fastenings in beautiful soft greys and stunning brights. Menswear appears to lead the field yet again!
If anyone in the fashion world goes to prove that less is more, it's our style icon Ines de la Fressange. Looking more beautiful than ever (can you believe her daughter is modelling in Ines' new style book to be published in April?) Ines outshines all the stars and models in their show stopping designer outfits at the Jean Paul Gaultier couture show this month. We love you Ines!
We thought we'd draw your attention to Fashion 156, both the website and the blog. Hailed by Dazed & Confused as one to watch and loved by the 'in crowd' at London Fashion Week, 156.com is a conduit for young design talent. With little funding but masses of enthusiasm, the people behind the site and blog work tirelessly to support talented young fashion designers who rely on Fashion156 to get their names out there and their collections noticed. Check out the site and the blog and let us know what you think! You too will be helping young talent
Check out Nowness, one of the most stylish websites around, for fashion film clips and more. Latest is a clip from Jean Luc Goddards 50 year old Breathless, inspiration for Rodarte's Bretons on sale in Dover Street Market. Get similar from Cos, Gap, Zara and plenty more - for less! Jean Paul Belmondo at his most beautiful and the tragic Jean Seberg. The film is being re-issued in the States so hopefully in the YUK soon too.
One of our very favourite young menswear designers, the talented Mr.Matthew Miller, is amongst 25 Bright Young Things to be featured in Selfridges windows (see the cut out of him which is in the window now!). Matthew's collection is not in the window yet - but his photograph is! However, we are lucky enough to be travelling to Paris on Friday and will have a sneak preview of his AW11 collection at the BFC showing there before it appears in the Oxford Street window, or shown to the UK press at London Fashion Week on Man's Day 23rd February. Amongst his recent accolades, RCA Menswear design student Matthew was nominated as one of the three McArthurGlen Spirit of Fashion Award recipients in 2010/11. We also understand he has plans to work with one of the British Olympic teams. Watch this space for more news .....
Welcome to 2011 and VAT at 20% making everything 2.5% more expensive for everyone! Looking on the bright side, it's the start of the New Year and a fresh start. To kick off 2011 I'm simply uploading one of my favourite images of the truly iconic and sexy Steve McQueen bathing with his wife of 16 years (and lover afterwards), Neile Adams. This is how love and life should be ....
