What to buy from the Grenson summer pop-up



Grenson loafers - Epsom style in yellow

Summer is officially here and with it, loafer and sandal season. My summer uniform is a rotation of dark Levi’s, slim khaki chinos and pleat-front linen trousers – all ankle-cropped and loafer-friendly. For me, loafers have to show some bare ankle or sock; I don’t rate loafers worn with super-long trousers (however trendy they are atm). But loafers with dresses and skirts, with or without socks are a firm yes.

Grenson has a summer pop-up in its east London store and the two-tone Epsom penny loafers are a major highlight. The women’s yellow* (above) and pink two-tone loafers (below) are made from Italian softie calf leather, which is more flexible and less formal then other leathers. These fondant colourways are such a delight and a change from the usual black.

Grenson loafers - pink Epsom in calf leather

The colour option for men is cognac and white*, equally holiday-ready, with a touch of The Talented Mr Ripley. It’s giving pleat linen trousers, Bode bowling shirt, a pastel sock and aviators. (This colourway is also available for women online here*.)

The nice thing about the Grenson Epsom loafer is its almond-shaped toe, a more elegant French silhouette compared to my usual American loafers*. The cognac two-tone and black versions (I have the black, here*) are made from a more formal, full-grained calf leather which takes a bit of breaking in. I love the matte finish and solid feel though.

The other style to check out at the pop-up is Grenson’s Queenie fisherman sandal* (below). Again, pretty versatile, with or without ankle socks. Like loafers, I always prefer a fisherman sandal with a hint of ankle on show, so cropped white jeans, Bermuda shorts or any length of skirt are ideal. The Queenie comes in a flat leather sole (my preference), or a chunky lightweight rubber one* for city break pavement-pounding.

Grenson Queenie sandals

While we’re on the subject, a few summer grooming tips to share. I swear by Margaret Dabbs’ fantastic foot file*; use it every week or two to keep soles and heels feeling more burrata than parmesan. Follow up with foot cream. Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Cream* feels like a greasy ointment but does the job. Or Frederic Malle Musc Ravageur Body Butter* is the luxury choice if you’re feeling fancy. For a DIY pedi, Chanel has reformulated its polishes. I like Incendiare* and the cult Rouge Noir* with their upgraded wider brushes, deeper pigments and high-shine formula. And finally, if you’re looking for sock inspo, you’re in the right place. Revisit my recs here.

The Grenson Summer pop-up* is open until the end of June at Grenson East, 18 Hanbury Street, E1 6QR

NOW CLICK BELOW TO SHOP THE POST (I MAY EARN A COMMISSION ON THE BASKET VALUE OF ITEMS BOUGHT*)…

WORDS: Disneyrollergirl / Navaz Batliwalla
IMAGES: Grenson loafers and fisherman sandals
NOTE: Most images are digitally enhanced. Some posts use affiliate links* and PR samples. Please read my privacy and cookies policy here

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Coming soon: Sofia Coppola Archive



Sofia Coppola Archive book

Is it too early for holiday gift planning? Sofia Coppola’s first coffee table book is available for pre-order, landing in September.

Archive, published by MACK is a kind of time capsule of film storyboards, scripts, photos and ephemera, charting the creative life of the one-time designer, 90s It girl, influential director and all-round style icon.

Signed (or unsigned) copies can be ordered here.

UPDATED: This Vogue article is a great read.

Sofia Coppola by Andrew Durham via MACK Books
Sofia Coppola Archive book

WORDS: Disneyrollergirl / Navaz Batliwalla
IMAGES: Sofia Coppola, (second one by Andrew Durham)
NOTE: Most images are digitally enhanced. Some posts use affiliate links and PR samples. Please read my privacy and cookies policy here

CLICK HERE to get Disneyrollergirl blog posts straight to your inbox once a week
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CLICK HERE to buy my beauty book, Face Values: The New Beauty Rituals and Skincare



Loud luxury: Saint Laurent fine jewellery



Yves Saint Laurent fine jewellery

Quiet luxury‘ is all the rage. Except when it’s a shouty, brassy, bike-chain-thick gold bracelet (or two) from Saint Laurent. Yes, Saint Laurent fine jewellery just launched and they want you to know about it.

None of these discreet Alhambra flowers or dainty charms for Anthony Vaccarello. It’s full pelt statement pieces in 18k yellow gold, white gold and diamonds, with a suitably high voltage campaign shot by Juergen Teller.

I’m fantasy shopping the claw ring*, gold chain necklace* and deco twist cuff* (worn over a sleeve, of course)…

Yves Saint Laurent fine jewellery
Yves Saint Laurent fine jewellery

NOW CLICK BELOW TO SHOP THE POST (I MAY EARN A COMMISSION ON THE BASKET VALUE OF ITEMS BOUGHT*)…

WORDS: Disneyrollergirl / Navaz Batliwalla
IMAGES: Saint Laurent fine jewellery
NOTE: Most images are digitally enhanced. Some posts use affiliate links and PR samples. Please read my privacy and cookies policy here

CLICK HERE to get Disneyrollergirl blog posts straight to your inbox once a week
CLICK HERE to buy my book, The New Garconne: How to be a Modern Gentlewoman
CLICK HERE to buy my beauty book, Face Values: The New Beauty Rituals and Skincare



The culture of fashion: Swatch x Jean-Michel Basquiat



Swatch x Jean-Michel Basquiat watch

I very nearly missed this memo.

Swatch just dropped three Basquiat collaboration watches as part of its Art Journey line. The turquoise ‘Ishtar’ one is very clever with its number placement, while the yellow ‘Hollywood Africans’ is also very cool, and the crown design has a certain IYKYK appeal.

Part of me thinks, what the fuck took you so long Swatch? Ever since its Keith Haring collab in ’86 and subsequent collaborations with the likes of Kenny Scharf, it felt to me like it was snoozing on some mega opportunities to bring contemporary art to the masses. Instead of owning this huge ‘accessible art’ category, it seemed to have an eternal half-arsed approach.

Is this collaboration too late to matter now that every other brand under the sun has a Basquiat collab? Or is it in fact, perfect timing (pardon the pun), since Basquiat is now relevant to a whole new generation of art lovers, collectors and hype beasts thanks to recent exhibitions and that Tiffany ad?

If you’re of the latter opinion, you can still get your hands on a Jean-Michel Basquiat x Swatch watch. They’re selling from £90, available from Swatch.

Swatch x Jean-Michel Basquiat watch
Swatch x Jean-Michel Basquiat collaboration watch
Swatch x Jean-Michel Basquiat collaboration watch

WORDS: Disneyrollergirl / Navaz Batliwalla
IMAGES: Swatch x Jean-Michel Basquiat
NOTE: Most images are digitally enhanced. Some posts use affiliate links and PR samples. Please read my privacy and cookies policy here

CLICK HERE to get Disneyrollergirl blog posts straight to your inbox once a week
CLICK HERE to buy my book, The New Garconne: How to be a Modern Gentlewoman
CLICK HERE to buy my beauty book, Face Values: The New Beauty Rituals and Skincare