Here’s the latest weekly DRG STYLE INDEX ranking, a round-up of the brands currently buzzing on my radar…
1) ALVARO GONZALEZ EXITS VALEXTRA
What next for Valextra? It’s a shame Design Director Alvaro Gonzalez has left the building, I thought things were going so well. It’s still one of my favourite artisanal luxury brands though – any guesses who’s in next? (more…)
Buying clothes online isn’t always straightforward. Accessories on the other hand? A different story. Monnier Frères, the accessory etailer has one of the best accessory edits on the web, including Celine sunnies, that Acne box clutch and leathergoods from one of my favourite quiet-luxe brands, Valextra.
When you buy from Monnier Frères you get worldwide delivery in 24 hours and guaranteed free returns within 30 days. If you’re still not sold, I have even better news. I’ve been given an exclusive code for my readers that allows you £80 off when you spend £250. Just enter disneyrollergirl80 in the discount code box when you check out. I very rarely do discounts or giveaways on here but Monnier Frères is a great site worth bending the rules for.
If you’re planning on selfgifting a handbag or accessory from the likes of Alexander Wang, Chloe, Valentino or any of those other usual lux suspects, you may as well take advantage of this deal. Here are a few suggestions to get you started…
MAIN PIC: Acne smiley clutch, £590
TOP ROW: Celine sunglasses, £186; TL-180 circular bag, £238; Eddie Borgo earrings £140
BOTTOM ROW: APC bag, £245; Kenzo iPad case, £114; Valentino clutch, £860
Valextra is about to get a whole lot more attention and I’m slightly torn. New design director Alvaro Gonzalez (previously at Jimmy Choo) has injected a glam fashion element to the Valextra SS14 offer with some shinier textures and softer shapes. Just look at the Trick Track in alligator below. I was always a fan of Valextra’s quiet modernist aesthetic so I’m hoping it won’t lose that, but I can’t deny that these bags are going to bring it more mainstream attention. (I have a hunch there will be more celebrity gifting too.)
Some of the designs showed up on Instagram. You can have a peek here…
There’s something charming, and humbling about a one-to-one session with a true craftsman, not least when it comes to haute horlogerie with one of my favourite watch brands: Jaeger-LeCoultre. I’m a big fan of the Reverso watch from the Swiss luxury watch-maker (have you seen its latest collab with Valextra? Oh my!), that just happens to be celebrating its 180th anniversary with a dedicated exhibition space at Harrods. (more…)
