THE DRG STYLE INDEX: SIMONE ROCHA, PATEK PHILIPPE, PALLAS, INES DE LA FRESSANGE
Here’s the latest weekly DRG STYLE INDEX ranking, a round-up of the brands currently buzzing on my radar…
1. SIMONE ROCHA TO MOUNT STREET
I’m gobsmacked at all the independent British designers opening stores on Mount Street and nearby. I can’t help asking myself where all the funds are coming from? Simone Rocha is the latest, due to open her first store during London Fashion Week. The store, which joins Christopher Kane, Roksanda and Nicholas Kirkwood on one of the grandest shopping streets in London, will have a personal, creative look to reflect the romantic Rocha sensibility.
2. PATEK PHILIPPE’S WORLD OF WATCHES
There are so many fashion and luxury exhibitions going on at the moment, we’re soon going to find a shortage of venues for them all. The latest is Patek Philippe at the Saatchi Gallery; its Watch Art: Grand Exhibition opened last Wednesday and ends on 7th June. The set-up is stunning and showcases the art of watchmaking in 15 elaborate themed rooms. Exhibits include Queen Victoria’s pocket watch, bought during the Great Exhibition of 1851. Today is the can’t-miss education day, in which the experiential exhibition format comes into its own, bringing the brand closer to the consumer in an unforgettable way. A must for anyone with the slightest interest in horology or design.
3. NAME TO KNOW: PALLAS
Business of Fashion just published an interesting story about Pallas, the sample production company that has branched out into ready to wear. The Pallas line is gorgeous, focusing on the kind of precise, tailored pieces the Parisians do so well. But what’s also interesting is that the tailors and seamstresses are aged between 50-70, highlighting the skills gap with younger workers. It’s great that these older artisans are so in demand, but I wonder if it means that younger people don’t aspire to these ‘back of house’ roles?
4. INES DE LA FRESSANGE RETURNS TO RETAIL
She’s back! With her mega Insta following, best selling book, and (very good) line for Uniqlo, it’s no surprise to hear that Ines de la Fressange has reopened her namesake brand. The new Ines de la Fressange Paris store will sell her own products alongside vintage finds and other curated items.
WORDS: Navaz Batliwalla/Disneyrollergirl
Simone Rocha image: Style.com; Ines de la Fressange image: Vogue.fr
