It makes up the bulk of my wardrobe, so I’m happy to see so much excitement going on around denim at the moment. From Selfridges’ impressive new denim studio and summer takeover, to the bespoke offer from 3X1, to MIH monogrammed jeans, to Marques’Almeida’s scissored deconstruction, there’s no end of clever things to do with denim.
And then there’s the Faustine Steinmetz approach. Taking the standard trucker jacket shape and 501 jean, this newbie designer has done something that looks like it could be denim but definitely isn’t.
Oh happy days! Gap’s fortunes are on the upswing and to celebrate, the new collections are getting ready to drop. The latest in-store and marketing campaign Back To Blue has already arrived, celebrating true blue denim in all its forms. (I have another post cooking about that but for now all you need to know is the sexy boyfriend jeans are an out and out winner if you’re truly over skinnies.) (more…)
I have a version of this Cos coat from two winters ago with thick black and navy stripes and (actually fake*) slit pockets. It’s the one thing I own that gets commented on every time I wear it. (*Ok the pockets aren’t fake, thank you to my lovely commenter for pointing that out.)
The cut is faultless and the quality is great – it frequently gets mistaken for Prada/Marni/Jil Sander. So if you’re a fan of a bracelet-sleeved cocoon coat, then get in quick cos (lol) these aren’t going to stick around long. (more…)
The best thing about the new M&S ad campaign (shot by Annie Leibowitz – what a coup!) is surely Grace Coddington in her mannish alabaster coat.
The all-star cast also includes Tracey Emin, Karen Elson and Olympic gold medal boxer Nicola Adams. A dramatic, last-ditched attempt at salvaging the brand? That’s what some people are saying and it’s true, times have been tricky lately, especially on the fashion front. This is certainly a bold move from Marks & Spencer to reclaim its place as one of our best loved retailers. Style director Belinda Earl has been busily rethinking the collections, pinning her hopes of success on M&S Collection. This is the rebrand of M&S Women, a considered collection that focuses on contemporary staples – with just fashionable enough proportions and colours to appeal to a fashion-literate customer without chasing trends. Let’s face it, M&S is in need of a clear identity and I think we’re all agreed that you can get your fix of neoprene sweatshirts from Zara and New Look; much better for Earl to up the ante in style and quality (and hopefully price) instead.
So the next few weeks will be pretty crucial for Earl and co, as the new collections drop and customers decide whether to buy…or not. Of course, next to tackle is the shop floor experience, but hey, baby steps, yeah? And should you want to get the Grace Coddington look (or Karen Elson’s, my second fave), all the campaign items are available to buy in Marks and Spencer stores and online at www.marksandspencer.com from next month.
In this picture, Coddington is wearing M&S Collection coat, £99; M&S Collection cardigan, £29.50; M&S Collection shirt, £25; M&S Collection treggings, £35; Autograph shoes £45. Here’s a closer look…
