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]
Major news on the beauty circuit: YSL’s Touche Eclat is now available in seven shades. Having only been available in shades 1, 2 and 3 until now, the additional four shades will be available exclusively at Selfridges from May 19th. You can read more about this wondrous development on Musings of a Makeup Artist and British Beauty Blogger but suffice to say, this is pretty exciting news.
Coincidentally, I’m down to my last click of Touche Eclat (shade no 3) – my only criticism of this product is you never know it’s going to run out – but I can’t eke out what’s on the brush for another 4 weeks. Good job then that Ellis Faas has been in touch this week to offer a trial of their concealer. Like Touche Eclat, it comes in a brush/pen applicator and is available in eight shades. Mine should be here any day so I’ll report back on my findings…
What do you think of Touche Eclat? Do you find the existing three shades limiting or have you found an equally good product from another (cheaper?) brand?
Buy Touche Eclat
Buy Ellis Faas
[Image: Musings of a Makeup Artist]
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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