Retail concepts

An olfactory tribute to Colette



Lola James Harper Colette concept store candle and room scent

Colette may be no more, but I like this olfactory tribute to the OG Paris concept store. Fragrance and lifestyle brand, Lola James Harper has reproduced the classic figgy Colette candle, ‘L’Air de Colette‘ in a newly reconfigured candle and room spray (from £35). It’s the old scent with a new name, ‘213 Rue Saint-Honoré Air‘, so if you’re mourning the demise of one of the best retail destinations of our time, here’s the perfect olfactory memento.

I remember discovering Lola James Harper’s candles in Colette. (more…)



Wired Retail 2017: 5 future trends for digital shopping



burberry augmented reality app illustrated by Danny Sangra

Here’s the latest ‘Ask Alison’ post from DRG retail editor, ALISON FARRINGTON, as she unpacks five key takeaways from this year’s Wired Retail conference, and how they will change your future digital shopping habits.

I’ll take the world of visual-culture and discovery-commerce over voice-activated replenishment shopping – thank you. The former feels like a fun Instagram Stories fuelled shopping spree, while the latter sounds like a boring, but necessary automated shopping list. Both have a place in the current online marketplace (more…)



At Sophie Hulme’s new pop-up, it’s personal



Sophie Hulme - Leather Letters Personalisation

I’ve witnessed some really bad examples of monogrammed fashion items lately; it’s actually quite a skill knowing how to add a name or initials to a garment or accessory. I like the way Sophie Hulme is doing it, with her new personalisation service. These appliqued leather letter placements (above) are part of her signature service that’s been unveiled at the equally new Burlington Arcade boutique. Made from stacked and compacted saddle leather, the raised letters sit on the surface of the bag making a visual statement. (more…)



Festive beauty for for minimalists



Chanel numeros rouges limited edition lipsticks
I struggle with festive style. I cannot abide a novelty ‘Christmas jumper’, anything too sequinny makes me think ‘Julien Macdonald for Debenhams’, and sparkly eyeshadow makes my eyelids look like they’re disintegrating.

Instead, I resort to my default option of silk shirt (my black Levi’s one with navy stars is as jazzy as I go) and tailored trousers with a cocktail ring or two and one of my Judith Leiber vintage minaudieres.

Chanel’s Numéros Rouges limited edition Christmas collection is rather jewel-like too, with newly red-encased lipsticks replacing the classic black packaging. (more…)