For years now both joe-public and fashionistas having been asking the question: “When will punk come back into fashion?”. Perhaps the answer is iminent as something called “POSH PUNK” is hitting the catwalks. Gucci are reputedly leading the way and their designer Frida Giannini’s big obsession this season is the sort of clothes fans of The Clash wore when they went to watch Joe Strummer sing “The Whiteman in the Hammersmith Palais.” So keep your eyes peeled for a whole new generation of Pistols, Buzzcocks, Stranglers, Banshees and The Clash but this time round they could be wearing top designer names!
Monthly Archives
September 2007
Samsung and Giorgio Armani unveiled the Armani phone (SGH-P520) at Armani’s 2008 fashion show in Milan, Italy. The two companies announced on Thursday a partnership to develop a mobile phone and LCD TV./Newsis. Samsung said on Thursday that it has partnered with Armani to develop fashion electronics, with Armani handling the design and Samsung the engineering. A Samsung official said the companies will debut the Samsung-Armani mobile phone in November, and an LCD TV in January next year.
“This powerful partnership will match great design with leading technology to ensure performance is as impressive as appearance,” said Yun Jong-yong, chief executive officer of Samsung.
Are D&G going green and turning from bling merchants to treehuggers? Perhaps a leading question which persumes you can’t be both… Anyway, D&G’s latest collection is being billed as “D&G go to Glastonbury” and includes a hippie mix of florals, fringes and patched-up jeans. D&G Jeans had wide legs which designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana describe as “elephant foot,” which were covered in patches good enough to dress Janis Joplin for Woodstock! Flat vegan sandals with rope-ties at the ankle completed the ethical look.
Aquascutum has an unrivalled ability to unite classic tradition with a contemporary twist that excites generations across the decades. The Aquascutum Autumn Winter Menswear Collection is no exception:
Aquascutum’s Autumn/Winter 2007 menswear collection is inspired by the connection of art and nature and the company origins in military outerwear, designed to protect soldiers from the inclement British weather.
Graeme Fidler, Aquascutum’s Head of Design for Menswear, took inspiration from the works of British artists Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth, who both constructed sculptures to sit sensitively within natural surroundings, reflecting and complementing nature. Fidler also researched Aquascutum’s archive from its very origins when its founder, John Emary, was commissioned to design outerwear for the soldiers in the trenches of the Crimean War. The trench coat which resulted has inspired Fidler to create a modern collection of trenches that include a pea coat style in an exclusive wool melton in a marled light slate grey; the ‘Bladon’ double- breasted trench, a new shape which has a detachable chevron quilted lining, with military details such as D-rings on the belt, storm guards and throat tabs; and the ‘Tomkin’, a single-breasted short mac’ offering a modern, youthful take on the classic ‘Aquamac’ packaway. The traditional ‘Derby’ coat is re-proportioned for today, with a velvet top collar in wool gabardine and a mink cashmere wool.
An innovative seam-sealed programme includes a company-developed mini dogtooth wool coat with applied waterproof breathable coating on the reverse of the cloth and seam-sealed, developed with Loro Piana ‘Storm System’ technology; and three double-cotton garments with waterproof breathable laminate and fully seam-sealed, providing a very traditional waterproof offering. Tailored separates are highlighted by a velvet peak lapel two-button jacket in a mink beige or black; two traditional tweed fabrics with a contemporary edge developed exclusively by Aquascutum in two and three-piece separates: and a Donegal simple tweed in lovat and classic black/white/grey or a mini dogtooth in shades of brown. The tailoring line includes a single-breasted two-buttoned notch in an array of fabric offerings from super 150s merino wool to exclusively-developed silk wools; a classic British Prince of Wales flannel and a chalk stripe flannel.
The designers have concentrated on modernizing the shirt block to deliver two fits: slim and standard. The shirt collection offers the complete spectrum from a very classic collar with standard fit and turn-back French cuffs and a classic Sea Island pure white crisp cotton shirt to a darted, fitted concealed placket, small-collared shirt which is suitably modern and youthful. Shirtings come in vibrant mini ginghams in a pale blue and a cerise. A luxury two-fold Super 140s shirt option completes the collection. The tie collection is once again taken from archive military influences and includes regimental stripes and miniature designs from the Aquascutum archive. The fabrics used place an emphasis on texture and concentrate on weaves, jacquards and structures of cloth.
Pop Star pain Prince had fashionistas marching to his purple beat at London Fashion Week when he staged a surprise performance at Matthew Williamson’s catwalk show. Prince, who is playing a series of concerts in London, first appeared to be only a front row guest at Williamson’s S/S 2008 collection. Prince, who’s no stranger to extreme fashion, was wearing a black suit and hat, and looking the inimitable star he is.
“He really wanted to do this, and you don’t say ‘No’ to Prince,” Williamson told Reuters TV after the show, his first in London since he left for New York five years ago.
This season sees Griffin continue to collaborate with like minded and free spirited individuals and brands. Griffin have teamed up with the Berlin based bag manufacturer BAGJACK. This beauty is made to order so you have the option to get the bottom in either bright orange, black or white Cordura® for maximum durability. The outershell is made of Cordura®, a high-performance fabric resistant to abrasions, tears, and scuffs. With embroided griffin hearts on the front and is made in Berlin.Â
Can CA clothing save Christian Audigier from the heat of Von Dutch and Ed Hardy? No disrespect to the marketing guru but he needs to find a few professional models to model his line. This is the official BS:
“CA is the premier collection from French native Christian Audigier, this line pays tribute to the Californian Culture with a French American impact. Christian Audigier has fused the best elements of hot rod, tattoo and Cholo culture, along with a nod to his French heritage, in this new line. C.A. is rock and roll with a soul.
The trademark of this new line is the reinterpretation of the graphic tee. The designs are regal, rock and roll. Since its inception, the C.A. line has been turning heads from Rodeo Drive to Rue du Faubourg St. Honoré. The line offers designs with distinctive touches and treatments, such as foil and flocking, that bring the pieces to life.
Christian Audigier is a line that celebrates being who you are. Lazy Sunday afternoons on Sunset, and wild nights out in New York are made better in C.A.”
The Mighty Griffin has announced that its A/W 2007 Collection will include artwork designed by Stanley Donwood. Stanley’s artwork ‘London Views” (which you may recognise from the album “The Eraser’ by Thom Yorke) will feature strongly in Griffin’s A/W 2007 Collection.
Stanley Donwood has worked with the one and only Radiohead for the past ten years, producing artwork and images for the albums “The Bends’, OK Computer’, Amnesiac’, ‘Kid A’ and ‘Hail to the Thief’.
The Griffin x Stanley Donwood Collection will be travelling from Paris to Tokyo. This is well worth a butchers!
Pine IV jeans is a line of denim out of Redmond, WA. Pine IV jeans are billed as sweet and sexy…yet tough. Painful marketing at best! That said, Pine IV’s main attribute is the brand’s ennvironmental credentials. For every pair of Pine IV jeans sold, the brand will plant a tree on the customer’s behalf through the American Forests program. Whether it’s a gimmick or not if they’re true to their word it can’t be bad!
Coming Soon is a new uber trendy and casual line offered by Yohji Yamamoto. The collection is licensed to Italian manuÂfacturer SINV SpA and is aimed at exposing Yamamoto to the mainstream high street punter. Most commentors were surprised Yamamotos name was not included in the name of the new brand but the backers believe the product will sell itself as Coming Soon. The initial Coming Soon collection, with some 350 pieces including jeans and knitwear, will be unveiled to the trade in January during men’s fashion week in Milan.
In an interview, Keizo Tamoto, Yamamoto’s executive vice president and ceo, said Coming Soon is targeted at young consumers looking to trade up from streetwear to “something with a little bit of elegance, a more simple way of dressing.” He added “if you buy a Yohji jacket, you need Yohji pants and maybe you need also a Yohji shirt and shoes. It’s a very dangerous line.” Conversely, Coming Soon is seen as a pick-and-mix collection of casual styles, from jackets to T-shirts and accessories.
Prices need to be confirmed, but Tamoto said most jeans would retail from 150 euros, or $207, to 230 euros, or $317, with knitwear averaging from 120 euros, or $165.60, to 200 euros, or $276. T-shirts will start at about 70 euros, or $96.60.
Denim is the essence of the G-Star brand. It expresses individuality and accentuates a state of mind. Whether it brings a raw edge to formal wear or gives that elegant touch to leisure wear, it is always an addition to ones personality. It gives you a pure and raw edge.
G-Star admire the retiring nature of denim and have made it their quest to continuously explore the many aspects and possibilities of what G-Star believes is the most beautiful raw material to work with. G-Star are into denim and that drives them to continuously experiment with it, developing innovative treatment techniques, unconventional designs and looking beyond the G-Star jeans collections for the use of denim in new ways.
With know how that G-Star acquired over the years and the craftsmanship that G-Star have developed, G-Star is trying to contribute to the development of denim. It is a journey that will continue through time, always respecting and honoring the product. With their collections G-Star present to you the results of that continuous journey.
Apparently the entire fashion world is talking about Gio-Goi? Vivienne Westwood cited the brand as an inspiration and it was voted best selling label by The Face magazine… Some major stars of fashion, music and media have been seen sporting the brand. Gio-Goi claim their current success is due to their rich history which is rooted in music and fashion. Apart from the well publicised collaboration with Pete Doherty and, to a lesser extent, The Babyshambles this summer, Gio-Gio has also been spotted on David Beckham, the raunchy Amy Winehouse, The Enemy, Liam Gallagher and a long list of other stars and wannabees. The brand claims it successful come-back will continue as it looks to develop star-studded style!
British jeanswear brand Lee Cooper has enlisted model Lou Doillon to give the brand some added sex-appeal. For the Spring/Summer collection 16 styles have been developed, which are all branded with a special designed Lou / Lee Cooper logo. For next season the range will expand into a 24-30 products collection of which Lou will create 12 pieces and the remaining mainline designs will come in Lou’s colours of the moment.
The Lee Cooper brand was founded in England in 1908 by Morris Cooper and bills itself as “The Fine English Denim Company Since 1908.” Nearly 100-years old, Lee Cooper, headquartered in London, has a worldwide presence with operations in over 70 countries.
Did you know? British Rock & Roll is part of the Lee Cooper DNA. Lee Cooper own a pub in London called Filthies which is a live music venue for new up and coming bands. Lee Cooper are partners with MTV France and own the Beatles license to produce apparel.
With the 2007 Rugby Union World Cup almost upon us, the French team is looking for any inspiration it can find to wrestle the trophy away from the English. Ergo, Colette and Ralph Lauren have created an exclusive RUGBY line which will be made available exclusively through Colette.
“Miss Sixty’s creative director Wichey Hasson cited Warhol’s 1966 film “Chelsea Girls as inspiration, specifically the dual structure of the film – it’s meant to be viewed on two screens. The claim was that like the film, Miss Sixty is iconoclastic yet glamorous, reflecting a duality in spirit just like the literal duality of the film.
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But there was little on display during the Italian brand’s Spring ’08 show in Bryant Park on September 6 that reflected innovation or glamour, save for the glamorous front row of Hollywood megastars: Demi Moore, Hilary Swank, Clive Owen, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Mischa Barton. What Demi Moore, whose love of sophisticated and chic French label Lanvin is no secret, was doing at Miss Sixty is anyone’s guess. But Mischa Barton, a far more age-appropriate guest, seemed to approve of the youthful looks.
“I thought it was great,” she said. “I loved those silver jeans.”
That Barton would single out the futuristic metallic trousers is telling, because overall it’s the pants, in particular their denim – that Miss Sixty is known for and does best.
Ankle-length stovepipes with zips and side buttons were a natural evolution of the last few seasons’ trend of long, scrunched-up skinny jeans.
But unstructured silk tops in supposedly modish Pop Art prints and brown lycra halter tops already looked dated, as though they’d been found on the cutting room floor at a Forever 21 factory in China.
A lot of effort was put into the accessories: Wide patent leather belts, patent peep toe “cage” sandals, leather cuffs, enamel neckpieces and metallic circle bib necklaces. Jodie Foster circa “Taxi Driver” sun hats in transparent colored vinyl were especially cute.
Miss Sixty is not about moving fashion forward, it’s merely a barometer: A commercial representation of existing trends.”
by Renata Espinosa
Twenty8Twelve, the nascent fashion brand started by British actress Sienna Miller with her sister Savannah, will be having a private launch party at the Londsdale pub in Westbourne Grove on Thursday, September 30th. The name Twenty8Twelve is based on the date of births of the two sisters. Twenty8Twelve is backed by Pepe Jeans owner Carlos Ortega. Twenty8Twelve will feature denim, knitwear, tailored jackets, dresses and outerware.
Top UK Hip Hop Artist, Dizzee Rascal is pictured here wearing Yoropiko Limited Edition jeans in Sweden at the opening of the uppsaala concert hall. Dizzee Racal has been Nominated for 4 Awards at this year’s MOBOs, including Best UK Male.
Cesare Paciotti 4US has a rapidly expanding customer base which is no surprise given the quality and innovation that goes into their footwear. Along with DiSanto and Prada, Paciotti produces some of the most exciting and innovative high-fashion footwear on the market today.
Anything Cesare Paciotti creates is a result and an expression of his emotion, mixed with the street and urban life necessity. he completely dresses his ideal character, he makes everyone feel in Cesare Paciotti’s mood. Not only Dizzy high heels with precious gems and accessories, but daily, casual and fashionable clothes, shoes, eyewear and jewellery, “an entire world 4us”, for everyone. Simply unique, unmistakable, immediatly being loved without prejudice by everyone who likes to be a part of the contemporary world
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Cesare Paciotti was founded in 1948 and started a production of men’s classic line, completely hand made and finished with peculiar care of all the details. In 1980 Cesare Paciotti inherit the the small company and realize the first man collection with the CESARE PACIOTTI trademark. A line that obtains enormous recognition thanks Cesare’s inspiration and creativity. In 1990 the company expands the lady collection. In the new millenium born the “4US” a sport and streetwear collection inspired by glamour and fashion trends. After a few years shoes, clothing, bags,jewellery and eyewear designed for every moment of the day became an icon for italian teenagers and for their parents.
Jimmy Choo Shoes, the brand started by the man of the same name in the backstreets of the East End of London, is continuing to evolve. To keep pace with the growing global demand for luxury goods, Jimmy Choo is increasing it’s global presense and widening its collection.
“We’re really on that trajectory from being a shoe brand to being a global luxury brand, and everything we’re doing reinforces that,” said Joshua Schulman previously of the Gucci Group. “There is a tremendous amount of opportunity.”
With Jimmy Choo bags, eyewear, belts and all types of accessories, the next question is when are we going to see Jimmy Choo Jeans?
Camouflage Exhibition – The Imperial War Museum.
“The Imperial War Museum has launched a major temporary exhibition on the subject of camouflage. It will examine the influence of art and artists, as well as nature, upon military camouflage from the nineteenth century to the present day and the assimilation of camouflage into fashion and popular culture.
Stone Island illustrates one of the earliest designs to experiment with camouflage concepts using high-tech materials in the 1987 Ice Mimetic Jacket designed by Massimo Osti which is part of the showcase. The exhibition will run for eight months until 18 November 2007.”
BUY Massimo Osti Clothing, Online
Source: Stone Island.
PETA raise the hyprocacy flag and attact their once staunchest fashion ally, Stella McCartney.
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Stella McCartney, reputedly used kangaroo leather to produce her Adidas shoe collection. The new collection is to be launched at London Fashion Week this month. Several animal right organisations are protesting against the collection and are trying to stop its Fashion Week presentation.
Stella McCartney is renowned for not using leather in the collection designed under her own name for the Gucci Group. She has a history of using solid synthetic alternatives similar to those used by NOHARM footwear.
YOROPIKO designer MARTIN YAT MING is launching a YOROPIKO x STAR WARS novelty jean for the Hong Kong and Chinese market only. The collection will be limited to 100 pieces. And once again the denim genius has pushed up the boundaries of the requirements in the art of the details and the quality.
Martin create his own selvedge with his own name in it, and he also put another inside special selvedge for the inner pant, a STORM TROOPER all-over for the inner pockets. As usual the carefullness in every details and his the traditionnal way of the denim conception.
All this kind of details and creative ingenuity is to protect the brand from criminal counterfeitors. What out for the Yoropiko flagship store coming to HK soon! Source: yoropiko.co.uk
Burberry continues to woo its growing customer base in the USA with a runway show in Chicago. Surprisingly, this is Burberry’s first ever runway show across the pond. The show featured the Burberry Prorsum fall collection and was an undeniable winner with the audience.
“We could have easily doubled the (audience) size,” said Sarah Manley, Burberry senior vice president for global public relations and communications.