THE DRG STYLE INDEX: BURBERRY, RAF SIMONS, MCM, CHANEL, LYST

Here’s the latest weekly DRG STYLE INDEX ranking, a round-up of the brands currently buzzing on my radar…

1. BURBERRY WINS THE #ALSICEBUCKETCHALLENGE

As with all pop culture phenomena, there’s a bit of a debate raging around the #alsicebucketchallenge. Sure, it’s a great vehicle for self promotion, but if it raises awareness and cashola then who cares? One of my favourites was Saks Fifth Avenue’s Marigay McKee (AKA the goddess of grooming) who then nominated retail rivals Bergdorf’s, Barneys and Bloomingdale’s. Naturally, Burberry utilised its iconic trench (clever Burberry), and here’s the Topshop team taking on the challenge having been nominated by ASOS. (LOLZ aside, if you want to understand what this whole meme is in aid of, here’s the one to watch…)


2. THAT RAF SIMONS/STERLING RUBY COAT JUST LANDED

Raf-Simons-Sterling-Ruby-handpainted-coat

It’s here! The one and only Raf Simons/Sterling Ruby hand-painted parka has arrived at Matchesfashion.com. It’s £18,000 and there are no takers yet…


3. WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH MCM?

MCM-backpack-airport-fashion

I’m fascinated by MCM. The once-forgotten German heritage brand has been revived by its current Korean owners and is now a cult craze throughout Asia. The Guardian wrote a great piece on its appeal for millennial ‘global nomads’ here.


4. CHANEL SETS UP SHOP IN BURLINGTON ARCADE

Chanel-moves-into-Burlington-arcade

This year has seen some well-loved brands pushed move out of Burlington Arcade, the chi-chi covered shopping lane off Piccadilly. Now we know why. In place of Globe-Trotter (relocated to Dover Street) and Berk Cashmere, we’re going to get a clutch of Chanel-owned boutiques later this year. Barrie, I’ve written about before. The Hawick-based cashmere company was acquired by Chanel and has been repositioned as a luxury brand with a new designer and standalone stores. Added to the offer will be premises for Chanel accessories, Eres underwear, Maison Michel millinery, plus an outpost for watchmakers Bell & Ross (all owned by Chanel). So Burlington Arcade is being pegged as a luxury destination to attract the Bond Street overspill. But I hope it keeps a few of the family-owned leather and jewellery shops that give it its unique London charm.


5. LYST UPS ITS CONTENT GAME

Lyst-Barneys

Despite increased competition (*cough* Spring), shopping platform Lyst continues to thrive. Last week saw the unveiling of its new logo and site redesign, with a firm focus on personalisation and relevant-to-you content. Working with brands and retailers, Lyst delivers shoppable product into your personalised stream and so far, it’s the best aggregator of its type (Lyst knows my taste better than I do). Better still, whatever you like, you can buy instantly and seamlessly without leaving Lyst, thanks to its universal shopping cart.

[Burlington Arcade photo/Instagram]