+J Collection Launch - Jil Sander for Uniqlo
Thursday saw the much hyped launch of +J, the collaboration between minimalist style maestro Jil Sander and Japanese store UNIQLO. Following a five year hiatus from fashion, the designer created a 100-piece capsule collection aiming to merge her streamlined aesthetic with UNIQLO’s skill in creating affordable basics. London was first to see in the launch globally, with queues outside the flagship store snaking down Oxford Street from as early as 8am (including eager shoppers coming all the way from Scotland waiting patiently!). With fashion glossies hot under the collar in anticipation and countdown posters adorning the stores, expectations were high, and Sander did not disappoint.
The collection included men’s and women’s pieces, ranging from sharply tailored jackets to Sander’s signature monochrome accessories. With the rare opportunity to get their hands on high-end style without the price tag, visitors to the store snatched up must-have pieces as soon as they hit the shop floor.
And the +J collaboration doesn’t end here. With the news that designs are already complete for Spring Summer 2010, we can be sure that the covetable items from this collection won’t be the last. But get in line now, I predict a sell-out…
Laura Corrigan
Margaret Howell SS10 Men’s Paris Presentation
In the sweltering Paris heat, iconic British brand Margaret Howell showcased her spring summer 2010 menswear collection in the newly opened Paris store.
Renowned for clothes based on classic British traditions with a modern contemporary feel, this season didn’t disappoint with silhouettes of oversized shirts and fine sea island cotton knits styled with rolled up trousers in fabrications of cotton silk and Fox flannel giving an overall relaxed feel to the collection.
The colour palette offered shades of blue from indigo and chambray to softer shades of pistachio and cream. In addition to the SS10 collection an exhibition of Margaret Howell’s personal selection of campaign photographs from the 1980’s to current day was on display. Working with photographers such as Bruce Weber, Koto Bolofo and Venetia Scott the images clearly highlighted how the brand maintains its heritage and references archive pieces in its current collections.
Brand events and Fashion
PUMA Present Future
As the final footwear wall went up, the clock struck 7.30pm and the doors opened to some 100 thirsty, sneaker revellers.
Goldierocks, resident DJ at the ‘PUMA Present Future’ showcase, played the best of old skool rave music which spilled into Carnaby Street. With cocktails flowing like it wasn’t a week night, the usually cool and collected fashion pack rapidly changed with a giant marker being held hostage for the night.
Sounds of M.I.A ironically welcomed the arrival of Amy Sacco – founder of the famous Bungalow 8!
Brand events and Fashion
Ferragamo Comes to Westfield
On Tuesday 19th May guests were invited to the official opening of the new Salvatore Ferragamo boutique at Westfield’s shopping centre and photography exhibition by young British photographer Harry Watt.
The event showcased work from his ‘Studio Series’ collection. A few lucky guests had their portrait taken in a studio booth at the back of the store where upon they were asked to leave an object in the spot where they stood which was then photographed for his new series of work.
The event brought culture to the shopping centre as guests inquisitively viewed the artwork and filled the store with excitement and energetic conversation.
Fashion and Brand events
Ferragamo Recipe Book Launch
On Thursday 14th May, Salvatore Ferragamo unveiled ‘‘Le ricette per cucina raccolte dal Principe Don Paolo Borghese,” A unique recipe book collating the best of historical Italian cookery from the writings of Prince Don Paolo Borghese.
The Old Bond Street Boutique was transformed into a haven of culinary delights as a selection of Italian breads and cheeses were served alongside wine tasting from the Ferragamo vineyards Il Borro and Castiglion del Bosco.
Tom Aikins and his wife Amber Nutall, Daisy de Villeneuve, Virginia Bates, the Italian ambassador, His Excellency Giancarlo Aragona and his wife Donna Sandra Aragona joined the family members Vivia Ferragamo, Angelica Visconti and Lorenza Gentile at this unique event.
The launch of these exquisite recipes culminated in an exclusive dinner at The Albermarle restaurant at Brown’s Hotel on the Friday night, where renowned chef Lee Streeton cooked up a menu of the original 19th Century recipes. Eva Herzigova was among the 110 very special guests who also included Sir Rocco Forte, Principe & Principessa della Torre e Tasso and the Duchess of Somerset.
Fashion and Brand events
Uniqlo UT 2009 Collection Launch
Uniqlo can always be relied upon to throw a good party and the launch of the 2009 UT (unique t-shirt) collection didn’t disappoint.
Teaming up with renowned party guru’s Ponystep, Uniqlo celebrated the launch of over 300 unique t-shirt designs with some fun and fabulous guests.
With some fantastic; sometimes bizarre dancefloor moves, guests partied away to sets by resident Ponystep DJ’s and guest DJ Mutya Buena. London’s achingly trendy fashion crowd rubbed shoulders with celebrity guests who included Jodie Harsh, Peaches Geldof, Miquita Oliver and Florence and the Machine in the impressive Embankment Hall at Somerset House.
Giant Uniqlo images projected onto the ceiling, nostalgic arcade games provided hours of competitive entertainment and lively songs from celeb DJ’s helped create the perfect night to kick start the spring - Uniqlo style
Put it this way - we had some fun!!
Katherine Ellis
Fashion and Brand events
Etro AW09 Press Day
Although the weather was grey and gloomy on this Tuesday morning, Etro’s Autumn Winter 09 Press day couldn’t have been more spring-like if it tried. With its signature bright colors, the Etro store on Old Bond Street captured the essence of cheer and made everyone who walked in the door smile.
With notions of re-cycling and re-use on everyone’s minds, Etro has sourced fabrics, patterns and techniques from its archives. The collection features a fresh Byzantine influence, combining richly worked textures, fabrics and furs. Simplified shapes allow for a fluid movement, with prominent colours being rich saffron yellows, burnt orange, peacock blue and tobacco. This provides a pleasant contrast to the staple greys and blacks. There is also a metallic theme incorporated in the metal and stone embroideries, giving the effects of stylized armor.
Clothes and accessories weren’t the only thing being displayed at this press day. A new fragrance line also made an appearance. The packaging re-launch and a citrus-y scent made Pegaso a big hit. The macaroons helped a bit, too.
RC Duarte
Fashion and Brand events
Akris AW09 Press Day
Press came to view the Akris AW09 collection at their Old Bond Street store on Tuesday 7th April. Editors were talked through the beautiful architectural pieces that references trapezoids, broken linerarity and 3D by Akris head of marketing and PR Corinne Kunz.
Fashion and Brand events
Fabris Lane & .Cent Magazine “Triptych” Party
Fabris Lane and .Cent Magazine presented their ‘Triptych’ party at The Wapping Project on the 2nd April to celebrate the launch of the new issue ‘The Spaces In between’, guest edited by Andrew Shoben and greyworld, and the exclusive ‘Illumine’ supplement by Fabris Lane.
Glamorous partygoers including Jamie Winstone, Tim Noble and Roland Mouret partied late into the night to the sounds of Broken Hearts and Jimmy Jeans whilst indulging in an array of cocktails created especially for the event courtesy of Hendricks Gin and Monkey Shoulder whiskey. Icelandic Glacial Water was also to hand to quench the revellers’ thirst.
Capturing the night in their very own ‘flikr’ album, guests played dress up with an array of Fabris Lane sunglasses and vintage clothing, teamed with interesting props before posing the might away in the Rado photo booth with friends.
Guests were also treated to a private view of ‘Dress’, an exhibition recently arrived from the Antwerp Museum of Fashion featuring the outstanding work of first year fashion students.
Fashion and Brand events
Bally AW09 Women’s Presentation
Bally’s AW09 collection is all out glamour!
Perfectly combining sumptuous elegance of the 30s with the soft and sexy tailoring of the 80s. Rich fabrics and textures - velvet, hand-painted silk prints, lace and marabou dominated. Shoes and peep toe boots (ankle and thigh-high) had either a unique gilded lattice heel or gilded lattice detailing.
I’m already saving up for a fabulous slinky marabou and chain coat and the most incredible lace-effect jacket that was made from patent leather and chain.
It will sure be as close to couture as I’ll ever get and will go just perfectly with the chic set of Bally luggage with printed-lace silk lining – all I need now is to book a trip on the Orient Express to show off my wares!
Brand events, Fashion and Milan