David Sims

Shop the post: A very English summer



Margaret Howell SS23 ANNEMARIEKE VAN DRIMMELEN

High summer season in London – not always a great look. The tube is rammed with tourists and locals and the default girl-about-town uniform of Summer ’23 seems to be strappy mini slip dress layered over a less-than-pristine white tee, mashed-up 90s trainers (Stan Smiths, Converse, Reeboks) plus equally lived-in trainer socks. It’s aiming for a sort of Kate-Moss-by-Corrine-Day grungy romanticism but widely missing the mark.

The truth is, we do summer dressing far better when it’s a little bit cooler, when the layers are more knitwear-leaning and yes, when there’s a hint of hailstorm in the air. More Iris Palmer bucolic realness by Tim Walker circa 1996 if you will. (more…)



Coming soon: Lucas Ossendrijver for Theory



Theory Project by Lucas Ossendrijver

I used to love Lucas Ossendrijver menswear for Lanvin. Finally, he’s back with a new collection – and it includes an offering for women.

Theory Project is a joint effort between Theory and Lucas Ossendrijver, launching on September 7th. It’s inspired by city living and people watching and includes ‘pragmatic’ contemporary classics – hooded parkas, striped shirting, chunky loafers – with a big focus on sustainable fabrics such as recycled wools and nylons. I’ve spotted the perfect boxy blazer and cotton twill pant and have my eye on the striped band collar shirt and velvet sneakers.

The photography by David Sims is a great intro to what we can expect but you can get a proper preview at Theory here. (more…)



Slacks! Blouses! Brooches!



David Sims for Vogue UK - model in vintage brooch

“I want slacks! I want blouses! I want brooches!”

My friend J tells me a hilarious story of his wranglings with ball-breaking Hollywood publicists in his days as a high flying entertainment editor. One shrieked the above styling order to him down her BlackBerry while organising a cover shoot for her mid-aughts A-lister.

That lady’s time has come again; the brooch is back. (more…)



Can elevated basics help fix the fast fashion problem?



Back to Basics - the rise of blank staples

What’s the appeal of blank staples?

H&M just launched Blank Staples, a line of sub American Apparel plain sweats and tees marketed in the millennial language of muted minimalism to capture the post-COVID, stay-home crowd. Meanwhile, COS (also owned by the H&M group) has launched its Core by COS* collection, which will feature seasonal wardrobe essentials for men and women.

The H&M product (below) actually looks really nice. I’m not a tracksuit kinda girl but I do have a fetish for superior quality heavyweight sweatshirts and hoodies. The Blank Staples line is a collaboration with the media brand Highsnobiety, so is targeting the maturing streetwear crowd who want quieter sporty staples. (more…)