Business of fashion

On Hermes, Apple Watch, and ‘what if’



Hermes Apple Watch

It’s been months since Apple Watch launched and I still don’t know anyone in my regular circles who has one. Definitely not one that they paid for with their own money, that they use regularly. My current evaluation of Apple Watch and other similar wearables is that it doesn’t add up to a long term, meaningful investment. Like other electronic devices – phones, tablets, phablets – there’s a feeling that it will implode in the space of a couple of years, as per the inbuilt obsolescence of most Apple devices. (more…)



THE DRG STYLE INDEX: GLOSSIER, ERDEM, HERMES, PAUL SMITH, FINERY



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

1. GLOSSIER GOES GLOBAL
Glossier

Did Christmas just come early? Yes, if you’re one of the gazillions feeling the #FOMO of Glossier’s much-coveted beauty products. Glossier’s Balm Dotcom all-purpose salve just arrived at Net-a-Porter, so you can order a 3-pack and get it shipped to anywhere that NAP ships to. Buy it here….


2. ERDEM’S HOME-TAIL STORE

Erdem

Shall we all just move to Mayfair and be done with it? The latest British luxury designer to set up shop in or around Mount Street is Erdem, whose first store has just debuted at 70 South Audley Street, W1. As is the current retail vogue, it has a ‘home-tail’ feel, with perfectly placed lamps, plants, furniture and of course, an expertly-selected edit of books to complement the romantic floral frocks and brocade coats. Style Bubble has the low-down


3. HERMES UNVEILS ITS MENSWEAR MANIFESTE SITE

Hermes Manifeste

For what’s considered the most storied and traditional of luxury brands, Hermès has certainly been killing it on the digital front lately. While the Hermès X Apple Watch hoo-ha hogged the news this week, Hermès also launched a new men’s editorial and e-com site. Called ‘MANifeste’, it’s witty, interactive and beautifully executed.


4. PAUL SMITH REINVENTED?

Paul smith aw15
Are we in for a big Paul Smith-shaped surprise when we see the SS16 womenswear collection at LFW next Sunday? This article in i-D hints that things on the womenswear design front are being stepped up a notch…


5 OTHER SHOP X FINERY

Finery X OTHER Shop

If you like physical shopping as much as (or more than) shopping online, you might like to know that OTHER Shop is now stocking an edit of Finery in its Kingly Street store. The highlights for me are this structured pleat skirt (above), the brilliant leather skirt and the high neck tees. The prices are crazy good, especially if you like your office-wear with a bit of a twist… Read more at OTHER Shop or shop here.

WORDS: Navaz Batliwalla/Disneyrollergirl



THE DRG STYLE INDEX: NET-A-PORTER, CHARVET, THE OUTNET, BIRCHBOX, UNIQLO



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

1. ALL CHANGE AT NET-A-PORTER
natalie massenet
Ugh, so much change in e-commerce lately! The Chapmans are stepping aside at MatchesFashion, ditto Nick Robertson at Asos, and bombshell of the week was Natalie Massenet resigning from Net-a-Porter. (more…)



THE DRG STYLE INDEX: BELLA FREUD, CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN, UNIQLO, J CREW, BURBERRY, L’OREAL



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

1. BELLA FREUD – THE SHOP
Bella Freud launches cashmere and is opening a Bella Freud store
Bella Freud is opening a shop! And has launched cashmere! And has great advice for new designers in this interview from Fashionista(more…)