…Or maybe that’s just me. I certainly love Raf Simons’ passionate and considered approach to everything he does. Example: his latest collaboration with Fred Perry. Launching on 22nd Feb in all Fred Perry Laurel Wreath collection stores and online, it’s an ode to collage, juxtaposing “very different materials, prints and colours, therefore giving the wearer a possibility to combine the garments in different ways,” says Simons. (more…)
As you know, I’m a massive fan of self gifting. It doesn’t take a special occasion but hey, it’s Valentine’s week so that’s a good enough excuse. Of this little lot, my favourite piece is the Sarah Chloe bangle, which can be engraved to personalise (although I think it’s fair to say this wouldn’t be ready by the 14th). At £100 it’s a fairly affordable gift for someone super-special. The Fornasetti candle is divine and has the added bonus of doubling as a beautiful storage vessel after the wax has burnt down. And I’ve always wanted an apple bag. Impractical as hell but what a joy to behold!
ABOVE LEFT TO RIGHT:
TOP: Each X Other jacket (available at Selfridges); Fornasetti candle; Lena Erziak apple bag
MIDDLE: Chanel blush; Chloe clutch bag; Marni print blouse
BOTTOM: Super Chic book; Hermes key holder; Sarah Chloe engraved bangle
Leather dungarees: yay or nay? These are from Whistles, I’ve seen them in the flesh and they look really, really good. The cut is superb, the leather is ultra-soft (that’s the key) and the detailing is minimal. I think the crucial bit is the length of the rise and the slightly loose fit around the bum and thigh. I can’t say I’m looking forward to the cheaper quality imitations but if you manage to get these and look as effortless as this in them, kudos to you!
Pre-tail site, M’oda ‘Operandi has been going for quite a while now and even though I’m still a novice online shopper when it comes to fashion (honestly, I can count my total clothing purchases on two hands), I do think it’s a clever concept.
For me it works as a research tool. It bridges the gap between seeing things on the runway (styled to the hilt as per the designer’s vision) and seeing them on a rail in store. We get to see clothes ahead of season styled in a more wearable way, including those by some of the lesser known designers. This week’s ‘trunk shows’ (the M’O name for its limited-time pre-order sales) includes Bouchra Jarrar’s winter couture collection (a designer I love, who was shortlisted for the Balenciaga gig and M’oda ‘Operandi’s first ‘couture’ designer) and J.W. Anderson pre-fall.
But like a lot of start-ups, it seems the plan is to develop the concept beyond its original, well, moda operandi. Since December, the site has also offered conventional, in-season etail in its ‘Boutique’, giving the M’O consumer the option to buy their favorite pieces and wear them the next day. As CEO Aslaug Magnusdottir says, “We want to better serve our current customers and reach a new customer base. We’ve been able to establish a name in various pockets of the world and we want to take advantage of our positioning and build our market share quickly.”
You can pre-order Bouchra Jarrar’s winter couture collection until 5th Feb and J.W. Anderson Pre-Fall 2013 until 4th Feb. Happy shopping!
Bouchra Jarrar
J.W. Anderson
