22 September, 2023

40 years of Joseph and their famous handknit sweaters

Joseph handknit sweater and 1980s ad campaign

1983 was a monumental year for fashion. Why? So many reasons but in particular, it was the launch of Joseph*. A key influence on 80s and 90s fashion, Joseph Ettedgui was a knitwear and retail innovator whose fabulous contemporary stores, buying nous and ad campaigns were both timeless and of the moment.

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Joseph will launch a capsule collection re-imagining the Joseph Tricot Originals from the 80s. The cashmere-wool knitted six-piece limited edition capsule (below) includes three jumpers, a trouser, bag and scarf.

The Joseph handknits of the 80s (top and below) were a major ‘garconne style’ influence on me – massive playful sweaters that would be teamed with black tights or leggings and a short boyish crop (think Inès de la Fressange or Jeny Howorth), plus plenty of attitude. They really summed up the cool spirit of the 80s that was not about Dynasty-style shoulder pads or page-three-girl blonde bouffants. No surprise that the original knits are now still highly wearable and highly collectible.
Joseph handknit sweater and 1980s ad campaign

The Joseph capsule collection launches in October alongside a brand new Joseph Regent Street store. Stay tuned…

UPDATE: I’m living for the memories in the comments. keep ’em coming!

WORDS: Disneyrollergirl / Navaz Batliwalla
IMAGES: Joseph
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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Disneyrollergirl 10 Comments Ad campaigns, Brands, Design, Designers, News, Retail concepts, Trends AW23, Ines De La Fressange, Jeny Howorth, Joseph, retail concepts, retail news

21 September, 2023

Positive fashion: Curated reseller Marrkt just launched womenswear

Marrkt womenswear

Not sure if this is good or bad news. If you’re a selective shopper like me, then good news, I hope! Marrkt (I pronounce it ‘market’, Mr DRG insists on ‘marked’), the curated reseller platform that – until now – specialises in heritage-y menswear brands, has now added womenswear.

Its email blurb promises the likes of pre-loved APC, Comme des Garçons, Margaret Howell and Trickers, or as they put it, “classic, quirky, design- and quality-driven – less about the logo, more about the product.”

I know a lot of guys who use Marrkt to buy and sell their old Levi’s, Ralph Lauren etc, so I may have a lurk for re-ups of Levi’s Made & Crafted jeans, deadstock 90s Jack Purcells (hopeful much?) and the fantasy cord blazer I’m still hunting for.

Check it out here.

WORDS: Disneyrollergirl / Navaz Batliwalla
IMAGE: Slowboy for Marrkt
NOTE: Most images are digitally enhanced. Some posts use affiliate links and PR samples. Please read my privacy and cookies policy here

Disneyrollergirl 0 Comments Brands, Business of fashion, Designers, News, Online shopping, Retail concepts brands, Comme des Garcons, designers, heritage, Margaret Howell, Marrkt, menswear, positive fashion, retail concepts, retail news, vintage

13 August, 2023

Quote of the day: Tiina Laakkonen on retail for the post-aspirational class

Tiina The Store by Christopher Sturman

“The aspirational retail world has been taken over by big luxury brands. That’s what they’ve done in East Hampton. But my customer is no longer aspirational. They don’t want logos or any of that stuff. They’re done.”
Tiina Laakkonen, New York Times

Tiina the Store is closing its doors and Tiina Laakkonen spoke to the NYT about the retailer’s eye, billionaire style and her next move. Spoiler: she’s taking a break to “fine tune what the next thing will be”, hinting it could be something much smaller or “something on a department-store level”.

Before ‘quiet luxury’ was a thing, Tiina the Store was a near-mythical destination for logo-free clothes and homewares with a tactile, slightly bohemian quality, akin to the top floor edit of Dover Street Market. Even though I never went there in person, it had a reassuring presence in my in-box with its drops of Arts & Science dresses and Zanini outerwear. Hopefully her hiatus won’t last too long.

Read more here (no pay wall) and shop the Tiina the Store sale here.

WORDS: Disneyrollergirl / Navaz Batliwalla
IMAGE: Tiina the Store by Christopher Sturman for New York Times
NOTE: Most images are digitally enhanced. Some posts use affiliate links and PR samples. Please read my privacy and cookies policy here

Disneyrollergirl 0 Comments Brands, Business of fashion, Design, Designers, News, Retail concepts, Trends Arts & Science, gentlewoman style, quote of the day, retail concepts, Tiina Laakkonen, Tiina The Store, Zanini

24 May, 2023

What to buy from the Grenson summer pop-up

Summer is officially here and with it, loafer and sandal season. My summer uniform is a rotation of dark Levi’s, slim khaki chinos and pleat-front linen trousers – all ankle-cropped and loafer-friendly. For me, loafers have to show some bare ankle or sock; I don’t rate loafers worn with super-long trousers (however trendy they are atm). But loafers with dresses and skirts, with or without socks are a firm yes.

Grenson has a summer pop-up in its east London store and the two-tone Epsom penny loafers are a major highlight. (more…)