Farewell Oliviero Toscani, a brilliant photographer and art director who changed the world through his audacious activism dressed as fashion advertising.
I became aware of him in the 1980s via his vibrant fashion shoots for Benetton using groups of racially diverse, often street cast models in simple studio settings, styled in layers upon layers by (my old boss) Caroline Baker. (more…)
I’ve enjoyed the mild September window we’ve had going on – while it lasted.
Bliss for me is going coatless for as long as I can, so a sweater and jeans combo is always a good idea. I’m very happy with my dark indigo Levi’s Column Jeans* but rotate them with the off-white Arkets from a few seasons ago. (Yes, I love a uniform!) Meanwhile, Alex Mill’s Bev Relaxed Jeans* look like a perfect vintage 501 dupe for when a lighter, retro wash is called for. I bet they look great with 80s-style tall boots*.
Rustic chunky knits are a perennial favourite of mine. Frame’s alpaca Fair Isle number* looks thick but it’s light as a cloud, while the grey V neck* is something I’ve been meaning to revisit – this one is perfectly proportioned. Jigsaw has excelled itself with its slouchy funnel neck Snowdon sweaters* to wear loose, or half-tucked in. (more…)
Christmas shopping: so many decisions, so little time! If you’re struggling with keuzestress (aka ‘choice stress’), stick to the William Morris mantra of only choosing things that are useful and beautiful. (more…)
Here’s ALISON FARRINGTON’S latest monthly retail round up celebrating newness and innovation on the high street. Benetton is getting a reboot with a 90s nostalgia branding fest; Topshop is also dialling up a reboot for its Boutique collection; H&M’s latest Conscious Exclusive collection drops with new closed-loop fabrications and Uniqlo celebrates its LifeWear design principle with a Paris exhibition and pop-up
TOPSHOP REJUVENATES BOUTIQUE
Topshop wants to put its premium Boutique line back on the shopping agenda for a new generation of customers that are probably more grown-up and discerning than the retail brand has been talking to in recent years. Boutique is now about a point of difference, global design director Anthony Cuthbertson told the Evening Standard: ‘We are creating perfect wardrobe staples for the contemporary woman,’ he says, adding that the brand will offer investment pieces that are built to last. (more…)
