A while ago I read a statistic that stayed in my head. It predicted that sales of man bags (in the US) would increase by 23% by 2013. Well here you go, with the launch of Mr Porter, the menswear market has stepped up a gear and as with womenswear, accessories are looking to account for rather a large portion of market share. (more…)
The papers report that Aquascutum is seeking buyers for its Regent Street flagship store. In the frame according to The Independent are Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, Superdry and Harvey Nichols’ new Beauty Bazaar. Who do we think should be the new occupant? I’m rooting for Harvey Nichols. Great Portland Estates is trying to rebrand Regent Street as a rival to Bond Street, so a luxury beauty retailer looks like the most appropriate fit. Plus there isn’t much in the way of high end beauty in this neck of the woods (nearest competitors are Liberty, Space NK in Broadwick Street and Boots in Piccadilly Circus). As far as I’m concerned, Abercrombie can stay where it is in Savile Row, while Hollister and Superdry *gag* are far more Oxford Street or Bluewater.
Alarmingly, the Independent also mentions that Hollister and Superdry have made unsolicited approaches for the National Geographic Store across from Aquascutum in Regent Street. How very dare they! I wish these pushy purveyors of overpriced, soulless streetwear would leave my beloved retail space well alone.
[Image: Aquascutum AW11/Style.com]
The McQ AW11 collection is being produced in-house for the first time since PPR took back control of the brand from the licencee. It looks like McQ is going to stick to a signature, punk-flavoured ‘London’ look, referencing key youth culture themes – tartan, denim, kilts, schoolgirl blazers. The quality is great and I was told that the price would be slightly more accesible than previous collections.
These jackets are special customised pieces ‘mainly for press’. I’m not entirely sure whether that means they won’t go into production or whether they’re to order only…
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JW Anderson’s fluffy mohairs and transformer skirts. The jumper round the waist is actually stitched to this skirt and there are paisley silk trousers with skirts on top that are detachable. Very versatile for mixing and matching
