Random recs: a Phoebe store, the Versace exhibition, Conde Nast-algia and my summer Supergas
A few snippets of digital ephemera and IRL recommendations I’ve enjoyed lately…
1/ PHOEBE PHILO (above) is returning to Mayfair. I confess I’ve found it harder to engage with Phoebe’s brand without the traditional catwalk show, look book images, or physical retail. So having an IRL store in London is welcome news.
2/ The FASHION PEOPLE interview with Michael M Grynbaum, author of Empire of the Elite: Inside Condé Nast, the Media Dynasty That Reshaped America, is a great little history lesson on Condé Nast and the Newhouse family. Grynbaum’s anecdote of the importance of Vogue having a huge number of ad pages compared to fewer pages from more spendy advertisers (in order to beat rival Harper’s Bazaar) was a funny one as I remember what headline news it was every September that Vogue had a whopping 700! 800! 900! pages that year. Due to Newhouse’s imposter syndrome, brand perception was more important to him than profit. (I also love when a podcaster lets their guest speak!)
3/ KEDS vs SUPERGAS. Muji fucked with my casual go-to shoe (they changed the stitching!) so I’ve defected to Superga* (on sale now). I like the clean, cream vulcanised sole with the black canvas upper. Don’t listen to Casey Lewis, Superga is far superior to Keds.
4/ Should you see the VERSACE exhibition? There’s a splashy new Gianni Versace Retrospective exhibition at Arches London Bridge (below). I enjoyed the private view, but on discovering the entry price is £29 I’m not sure if it’s worth it. I guess for a Versace die-hard, or those obsessed with fashion it might be just about justifiable, but otherwise I’d think twice. I was never into the Versace aesthetic but what helps is all the contextual material alongside the clothing exhibits. It also serves as a window into 80s-90s pop culture – the supermodels, the magazines, the celebs – it’s a nostalgia trip if you were there, and an education if you weren’t. More info here.
WORDS: Disneyrollergirl / Navaz Batliwalla
IMAGES: Phoebe Philo; Gianni Versace Retrospective/ Navaz Batliwalla
NOTE: Most images are digitally enhanced. Some posts use affiliate links* and PR samples. Please read my privacy and cookies policy here
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1 August, 2025 @ 4:30 pm
Speaking of Ked’s vs Supergas – highly recommend the Danish brand Kawasaki. They’ve been around since the 1970’s and remain loyal to the style of the era – canvas with nice details. Very comfy as well.
1 August, 2025 @ 11:53 pm
Great tip – thank you Jenny!