Shopping

If you go down to Harrods today…



1 Valentino-Rockstud-harrods main

Need a good reason to go to Harrods? Of course you do. Well here’s one: Valentino has created it’s very own pop-up shop to celebrate the unstoppable cult of the Rockstud. In situ until the end of the month, the Rockstud Rouge pop-up sells bags and shoes adorned with the famous pyramid studs, amid a selection of Valentino AW13 RTW in the expected shade of crimson. (Can I point out that the walls are studded as well…)

It bags may come and go but the Rockstud is in another league altogether. According to Harrods chief merchant Marigay McKee, “it has dominated the accessories market, growing in demand since its launch.” (more…)



It’s here: MAC X Antonio Lopez



Antonio-Lopez

Today’s the day! MAC’s Antonio Lopez palettes are out and aren’t they stunning – inside and out.

The lids are decorated with Lopez’ famous illustrations and the palettes contain lip, eye and face colours. Also in the collection are make-up bags, a powder/blush brush and a mirror. They go on counter and online today.

MAC X Antonio Lopez lip palettes
MAC-Antonio-Lopez-lip-palette-£25-00 (more…)



Charlotte Tilbury make-up: despatches from the shop floor



Charlotte-Tilbury-Selfridges6

“Walk away now! Or you’ll have no money left!” These words were uttered only half jokingly by a customer stocking up with goodies at the brand new Charlotte Tilbury counter at Selfridges. Only hours old, the counter (there are two actually) was heaving with the curious and the product-hungry on a Monday afternoon.

This isn’t the first high profile make-up artist line launch but it is a biggie for the UK market. And this is how things are done these days. It’s not enough to be a ‘celebrity make-up artist’ now (what make-up artist doesn’t do celebs?), you need to be a high profile personality in your own right. So Youtube tutorials, magazine-quality blog, highly engaged social media following are all a given. And this is something Tilbury does really really well. (more…)



Buy it now: Mr DRG’s autumn picks



Saint-Laurent-plaid jacket Gucci-snaffle loafersMP di Massimo Piombo
Bunney-Card-CaseMolton-Brown jpgNike Air pegasus

Oh look, Mr DRG’s been fantasy shopping again! Here’s a look at his autumn picks…

TOP ROW
Plaid jacket, £845, Saint Laurent
Pure Brando in ‘On The Waterfront’, this is a great take on that classic look, but with a slightly longer body and sharper lines. Just the thing to keep out the chill on November 5th.

Leather snaffle loafers, £385, Gucci
Having worn Gucci loafers on and off for the last 20+ years, I coudn’t resist a pair of these recently (and that’s despite the distasterous purchase of a raffia pair back in the summer, which didn’t wear at all well). Pleasingly, Gucci has reverted to the classic 1953 shape, having wandered from this in various ways over the years, and as with most things in life, the original is the best. The only question I have is when and why did they decide to rename the snaffle a horse-bit?

Navy baby alpaca-blend coat £1,440, MP di Massimo Piombo
A beautiful double-breasted overcoat that’s clearly heavily inspired by the late 50s and early 60s. This is the sort of thing that I imagine the smartest original mods may have worn while frequenting Soho’s smokey jazz clubs.

SECOND ROW
Hammered silver card case, £900, Bunney
An elegant, if extravagant, card holder from the very talented Mr Bunney. Clearly a luxe item, it manages to be decidedly un-bling and played down due to the hammer-tone finish. Andrew, if you’re reading this, a Zippo case in the same would be rather nice…

Black Pepper shaving oil, £18, Molton Brown
A recent discovery, and one that I can highly recommend. Having used Kiehl’s products for years, the company inexplicably decided to cease manufacturing its Close Shavers shaving oil. Initially peeved, I was forced to research alternatives, and this led me to the Molton Brown oil, which I’m actually finding to be a far better option for me. Brands take note – you risk losing loyal consumers when you stop a popular product line without immediately offering a replacement!

Trainers, £75, Nike Air Pegasus
I’m not often seen in a running shoe these days, but the Nike Pegasus has a special place in my heart. Back in ’85 I was the proud owner of a pair of graphite and silver Pegasus GX, and these – together with the Internatlionalist – were the shoes to have, or at least they were in my part of the world. I love the wide-weave mesh on this update, and the new colourway feels both authentic and modern. Top marks to the Nike heritage dept.