I came across Laurence Airline at the MAN trade show in Paris (not to be confused with the MAN shows in London). Designer Laurence Chauvin Buthaud’s African textile pieces, made by locals from the Ivory Coast, caught my eye for their vibrancy and unisex appeal. The spring-summer 2013 collection will be sold at UK store, Agnes & Lola… (more…)
My main takeaway from Paul Smith ss13? The world needs more pink suits. (And red, and yellow, and peach.) I love these proportions – short ‘DB8’ jacket (i.e. double-breasted, eight buttons), slim, above-the-ankle trousers, plus note the slightly higher heel too, to ‘create an upright posture’ apparently… (more…)
“The thing that drove my personal business outlook was my first visit to Japan in the very early 80’s. The Japanese culture seemed to be everything that American culture was not. Measured, humble, long term vision combined with decision for longevity; all these things made an everlasting imprint on my business style. Take your time, do not take the first money coming your way without consideration of the consequences, build one strong cornerstone for your foundation.”
Shawn Stussy, Hypebeast magazine
Here’s what he’s doing now…
Possibly my favourite Paris show, following a brief display of parkour gymnastics (above), Kenzo heralded a return to its Jungle Jap roots, showing a sporty but tailored collection mixing influences of the urban jungles of Paris and New York with those of Asian jungles. The layers of camo and abstract animal prints are what made this collection sing for me, as well as the huge variety of accessories. Designers Carol Lim and Humberto Leon have brought their retailers’ eye to Kenzo so have got the balance of creativity and commerce spot on. (more…)
