Wales Bonner

Trend report: what to wear for AW25



Wales Bonner aw25

Here’s my theory. The 2020s hasn’t actually started properly because the first five years were stalled due to Covid and its after effects. Fashion-wise, could we be at the turning point now, with all the big runway debuts ringing in major changes (we hope)? Let’s see. For now, I’m still in my classics era, so I’m spotlighting the people and brands doing that really well, including the labels to target for the best pieces at non-crazy prices. Plus, a 90s shoe revival, some beauty updates and what’s on my culture wish list… (more…)



In defence of muted majesty at the Met



Imaan Hammam Met Gala

Had to hard disagree with Bonnie Morrison (on Fashion People) who asserted that the less ‘colourful’ looks at last week’s Met Gala didn’t meet the brief.

Au contraire!

My favourite looks included Imaan Hammam’s zoot suit-esque realness (by Magda Butrym, above) (more…)



Trend report: what to wear for AW23



Johnny Dufort for T Magazine

AW23 is emphatically female-focussed, kicking off with supermodel mania – that Vogue cover, the Apple series and a Linda Evangelista book – and continuing with a slew of women-championing exhibitions. We’ve also got the big Phoebe Philo reveal to come, as well as a focus on revivalist classic fashion (aka gentlewoman style). For this you can easily shop your closet, or consider buying pre-loved – the quality may be better and so may the price. “The connection between instability in the economy and consumers’ desire for classic, quality pieces that retain value is certainly at play, as is the cultural zeitgeist,” Kelly McSweeney, senior merchandising manager at The RealReal, told WWD. (more…)



Can Ladbroke Hall turn Notting Hill into an art destination?



Michele Lamy and Loïc Le Gaillard at Ladbroke Hall by Tom Jamieson for FT

“We want to use the language of a foundation or a museum; moving away from the idea of being a gallery. I want everybody to feel they can come in and educate themselves about design. We want diversity, not only in the artists that we work with but the people that visit us, whether that’s a local school or someone from fashion, the arts or design. We’ve been very successful as a business and now want to give back. We’re seeding things here – we’re not sure what, but we know something beautiful will grow.”
Loïc Le Gaillard, Financial Times

News just in: Ladbroke Grove is getting a very zhuzhy arts hub for SS23. (more…)