Business of fashion

Is it too soon for beauty advent calendars?



Castelbajac X L'OCCITANE Classic Advent Calendar

This time every year we have this dilemma about whether it’s too early to discuss Christmas. But, hey, we need something to look forward to, right? The press got a first look at all the gifty launches a month or so ago (in a month-long junket known as ‘Christmas In July’) and so we’ve seen all there is to see of advent calendars, gift selection sets and the like already.

Beauty advent calendars still seems to have plenty of mileage in them (read my post on the business of advent calendars and beauty subscription boxes here) and brands and retailers are having to up their game in order to stand out. (more…)



These bags will be all over fashion week



Tommy Ton Celine bag

Like it or not, street style at Fashion Week is still a major barometer for the trends we’ll all be wearing in months to come. Yes it’s contrived, yes, most ‘influencers’ are wearing stuff that’s borrowed, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t carefully mapped out their outfits to the nth degree.

Here are the handbags I expect to see all over the street style round-ups. Some of them have had a lot of mileage already, but come in new colours, sizes or materials. (more…)



The DRG Retail Index: H&M Studio, John Lewis, & Other Stories, Sezane



& Other Stories Paris collection

Here’s ALISON FARRINGTON’S latest monthly retail round up, celebrating experimentalism and innovation on the high street. H&M Studio drops with strong retro looks, John Lewis is all about Instagram influencers for its own-label brands, Sezane opens in London’s Notting Hill and & Other Stories gives us luxury hair vibes.
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Buy it now: Cartier at Net-a-Porter



Cartier watch at Netaporter

Even though I didn’t buy it myself (it was a gift about 20 years ago), my Cartier Panthère watch has been one of my most faithful style companions. With its steel bracelet, curved corners and discreet sapphire winding crown, it really is a go-anywhere watch.

Net-a-Porter has just announced it will stock Cartier watches permanently on the site, following an initial test phase last year. It’s ramping up its offer of fine jewellery and watch brands and to accompany the news, it has released a new Cartier campaign. If anything can entice you to splash that cash, this is it. (more…)