Ah, how I love an entertaining retail concept! Supermarket Sarah is a clever and quirky idea from Sarah Bagner who has set up shop in her front room. She merchandises her finds against a wall in her flat and puts the result online so shoppers can click and buy. The shop is also open by appointment accompanied by tea and cake and a cosy chat. As an exclusive for London Fashion Week, she has enlisted the eye of Fred Butler to guest-curate. The shop goes live during LFW but you can have a preview here:
For more information on Supermarket Sarah, check out this interview on Amelia’s blog.
Garance Doré‘s concept shop for Gap has arrived! I popped in to snap her inspiration wall…
The shop (Unit G7, Kingly Court, Off Carnaby Street, W1) is in place for 19 days until 3rd October and will sell specially-printed Garance for Gap T-shirts (but hurry, they won’t hang around for long).
So much lovely eye candy on the newly launched COS website. Aside from the AW09 collection and a behind-the-scenes campaign video, you can also see the magazine (featuring Grace Coddington and Christina Kruse) and a kind of minimalist blog of things they like. Hope it’s updated regularly…
Today has been a complete whirlwind so I’m speed-blogging to get it all down.
Breakfast with Tiffany
9am Brekkie at Automat with a very blog-savvy PR. Lots to discuss including the importance of brands to have a two-way conversation with consumers online.
First look at APC
1030am Love that familiar signature candle scent on first entering the new Dover Street store and I immediately eyeballed all the shirts, wedges and belts. Welcome back to London APC!
Murdock opens store no 3
1045am Just a stone’s throw from APC in Dover Street was the latest Murdock luxury barbers (5B Stafford Street, W1). These guys have cornered the market in high end (but not poncy) male grooming. Alongside the trad barbers service, they offer a lovely retail experience, especially if you’re a girl gift-buying for a fussy discerning guy. When I asked to have a nose round, I was invited to have a look upstairs, even though ‘it’s not finished yet’ and my host also revealed that Scott Schuman had recently enjoyed the Murdock experience. Didn’t surprise me one bit, this place is a must-visit for all sartorialists.
Falling back in love with LK Bennett
1130am: As I was in Bond Street, I decided to give Fenwick the once over including a mini- tour of LK Bennett. Wow, it’s suddenly totally right for now. I liked the high-on-the-instep Mary Janes (Selina, £155), roundtoe courts in an array of heel heights (Sabira, £130, Shilo, £140) and red low-heel pumps (Samedi £125) to go with crop skinny jeans and ankle socks. Nice work LKB.
Short Cuts
12pm This Uniqlo window caught my eye – same-day instore alterations. Me likey.
Daily Candy and arm candy
3pm After more meetings and lunch I headed to Fashion Business Club to take in an interview with DailyCandy.com‘s London editor Malika Dalamal. Daily Candy is looking into encouraging feedback from its readers via comments which I think is a very good thing indeed as it harnesses the community spirit and keeps the punters coming back. Post-interview I caught up with a number of fashion people including accessory designer, Quentin MacKay. I first met MacKay years ago when he had designed some very simple black leather wristbands and I had bought one (I think it was when Browns Focus had just opened). I still have it today and was pleased to discover that following successful stints at Tanner Krolle and Samsonite Black, MacKay has now launched a luxury accessory line under his own name – it’s the real deal, have a look here.
