Blue Farrier gives Issa a new London-girl look



1 Issa_Pre Fall 14

Wow, Issa, I hardly recognised you! The Issa pre-fall 2014 collection has landed and new creative director Blue Farrier has given it a polished, London-girl look. There are shades of Chloe in here with the poncho cuts and womanly romance (Farrier previously spent time at Chloe and Stella McCartney), plus great touches of whimsy like the Cecil Beaton-esque handwriting and a perfume bottle blouse print. (more…)



Haute joaillerie, Hermes at Harrods and a little Dior whimsy



Hermes-GALOP-bracelet

This week is all about couture but did you know that alongside the gowns, there’s also the haute joaillerie to be wowed by? Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Boucheron, Chanel and the rest all showcase their top-tier diamonds, pearls and rubies; quite frankly, the frocks are small fry compared to this finery. (more…)



Raf Simons X Sterling Ruby: An art-fashion clash made in heaven



Raf-Simons-Sterling-Ruby

I could write a thesis-length post on Raf Simons and Sterling Ruby’s epic joint AW14 collection, but I won’t. Instead I recommend you read all about in Tim Blanks’ Style.com report. Or just enjoy the pictures. Suffice to say, the conceptual art student is alive and kicking on the catwalk and if you love collage, Pollock-meets-Clash paint splatters, Lichtenstein primary colours and provocative wordplay, then it’s all here for ya, wrapped up in dun-coloured cashmere and nubby tweed. (more…)



Modern Africa hits the menswear runway



A-Sauvage-aw14

I’ve enjoyed the modernised African references that have come through so far on the AW14 menswear runways – notably at Agi & Sam, A Sauvage and Stella Jean. I’m hoping we’ll see more at the forthcoming women’s shows. As much as I like traditional kente cloth and wax-style prints, it’s good to see a more varied approach to ‘Africa’ that moves on from Masai beading and casually draped robes. (more…)