THE DRG STYLE INDEX: MARQUES’ALMEIDA, KAREN WALKER, LN-CC, RONNIE NORTHAMPTON
Here’s the latest weekly DRG STYLE INDEX ranking, a round-up of the brands currently buzzing on my radar…
1. MARQUES’ALMEIDA WINS THE LVMH FASHION PRIZE
Exciting news of the week was the announcement of Marques’Almeida as the winner of the LVMH prize. I love what these guys have done, consistently refining their raw-edged aesthetic and building their business at a steady pace. They’re already moving on a little from their denim-centric vision, so I’m wondering if we’ll see more of the luxury element of their so-called ‘undone luxury’ in the near future.
2. KAREN WALKER, THE FRAGRANCE
Another brand with an authentic, youthful aesthetic, Karen Walker has slowly added to her product categories in a strategic way. The sunglasses have become a cult classic of sorts, and this month she has launched her first fragrance trio, exclusively at Harvey Nichols. The packaging is suitably light and poppy, while the fragrances (called ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’) follow suit, A is a verdant fruity floral, B is sweet and peachy and C is the sensual, woody one. Buy the Karen Walker eau de parfum online at Harvey Nichols or at the special pop-up in the London store.
3. LN-CC’S CONSCIOUS DRIVE
Since its buyout by The Level Group, LN-CC has been working to reestablish itself as an important player in luxury retail and ecommerce. Starting from AW15, we’ll see a new focus on consciously produced fashion, which includes a re-think on its fur policy. For the new season, the only exotic skins and furs will be animal by-products, a noble stance from the influential retailer (especially at a time when furs and skins are more popular than ever). I’m rather keen on the patchwork woven pieces from The Autonomous Collection…
4. RONNIE NORTHAMPTON’S BOYFRIEND SHOES
I’m very excited by this new footwear discovery, Ronnie Northampton. Recent graduate Kirsty Ronnie is passionate about preserving Northampton’s shoemaking skills, designing menswear styles for women, made with traditional techniques. My favourite style is the four tasseled loafer with its elegant, gentlemanly silhouette but quirky detailing. All styles are made to order, so will take a few weeks to arrive and are sold via the Ronnie Northampton website.
WORDS: Navaz Batliwalla/Disneyrollergirl
10 June, 2015 @ 12:51 am
Did you know Karen Walker does a diffusion range for Myer in Australia (think sort of Debenhams). It’s always well thought through and wearable.
10 June, 2015 @ 1:00 am
@Nancyblackett well no I didn’t – so thank you for the heads up!