PUMA Central Saint Martins Dinner at the Design Museum
With Louise Wilson and Hussein Chalayan doing the inviting you know that dinner is going to be interesting. Held at the Design Museum – the location for the current exhibition of some of Hussein’s work over the last 15 years, 100 people were treated to an evening of Ducati Motorbikes customized by St Martins MA students; a close up view of the Puma Bursary winners from yesterdays catwalk and a delicious meal from Urban Caprice.
Margaret Howell AW09 Men’s Presentation
On Sunday, Menswear editors were treated to a sneak preview of the first Margaret Howell store in Paris located in Place de la Madeleine.
The new store will be offering both men’s and women’s wear and is set to open on 7th February. The AW09 collection featured signature Margaret Howell of English fabrics combined with classic modern tailoring referencing heritage Margaret Howell throughout the mainline and MHL collections.
AW09 saw a strong military theme throughout with a colour palette of charcoal, slate blue and earthy tones. Shirting saw contrasting yokes and a move away from previous season’s stripes to checks and pea coats and duffel coats were key in outerwear.
Brand events, Fashion and Paris
Hussein Chalayan - From Fashion and Back
Stars of fashion and design came together and queued round the block on Wednesday to celebrate the opening of the PUMA sponsored event, Hussein Chalayan’s exhibition – From fashion and back.
Nicolas Anelka, Ron Arad, Tom Dixon, Terence Conran, Erin O’Connor, Saffron Aldridge all attended and Roisin Murphy dazzled in a combination of Hussein Chalayan designs from his last SS09 collection and her own pieces, whilst Christian Slater arrived with Jochen Zeitz, CEO of PUMA and later mingled with the good and the great from the design and fashion world.
Veuve Clicquot created the perfect party atmosphere by supplying their renowned yellow champagne and party guests were treated to a selection of Turkish Cypriot delicacies from grilled haloumi and zucchini balls to cigar bureh, feta cheese, chopped onions & mint.
Brand events and Fashion
PUMA in Milan - AW09 Collections from Sergio Rossi and Alexander McQueen
Having landed in a cold Milano on Sunday for the PUMA presentations there was a real buzz in the air for the men’s shows!
PUMA chose the fashion capital to launch the new AW09 men’ collections from Sergio Rossi PUMA and the eagerly awaited Alexander McQueen PUMA apparel collection to the international fashion circuit!
On Monday Sergio Rossi teamed up with iconic sport fashion brand PUMA in their quest to blend contemporary style through two iconic PUMA shoes; ‘Clyde’ originally made for all – star basket ball legend Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier and high top trainer ‘First Round’. Both were sleek, masculine and understated and the cool suede / patent leather and napa variations were a huge hit.
Alexander McQueen apparel launch followed on Tuesday and rain did not deter press form viewing the new collection. Having extended the collaboration from footwear, the concept of power was the main focus for the range and a constant reference to boxing was seen throughout the sports fashion pieces.
Press and visitors also had a cinema treat –the exclusive and chilling premiere of the art movie entitled ‘Ghost’ directed by Alexander McQueen and Saam Faramand, shown on a vast screen within the space. The art movie was created to interpret the vision of Alexander McQueen PUMA and I have to say was captivating!
2009 is going to be a very exciting year for PUMA…
Brand events, Fashion and Milan
Etro AW09 Men’s Runway Show
A cheese and wine banquet greeted editors as they entered the Etro AW09 show, a welcome distraction after a long morning traipsing around a very wet Milan.
Kean Etro did not disappoint, he presented a collection that breathed optimism in what had so far been a week of very somber collections based very much on black.
In Vino Veritas, The Man in Red took to the catwalk in a jaunty show that included immaculate suiting in bright vermillion silks, luxury burgundy furs and multi coloured full length coats.
Tonal harlequin prints on immaculate suiting and 40’s inspired brogues brought a very wearable edge to the collection. Kean also played with the editors sending female models Anna Orso and Nadege down the runway.
Embrace Red, it is the colour of life, ardour, beauty, of power and of good fortune; this is the message from the house of Etro for a prosperous season.
Brand events, Fashion, Milan and Runway Shows
Bally AW09 Men’s Presentation
It’s a rather cold Monday morning as we travel to the centre of Milan, the first time Bally’s menswear collection is presented here.
The space is clean and stark, a perfect backdrop to showcase the rich tones of Brian Atwood’s third menswear collection. Inspired by a shot of Steve McQueen on his bike; Brian captured his iconic yet effortlessly cool look. The sounds of The Smiths & The Clash set the mood for the day.
Perfectly groomed models wearing sharp tailored suiting – a first for Bally, styled with rockabilly shoes in shades of cherry, green and grey.
We love the ultra chic, functional travel collection which included 24 and 48 hour weekend bags, laptop cases and shoe carrier as well as small leather pieces ranging from portfolio to tie cases in retro shades of green.
Yet again, Brian did not disappoint; we can’t wait to see the women’s collection next month!
Brand events, Fashion and Milan
Canali AW09 Presentation
Canali came back to its roots for its AW09 presentation that took place today in its home city of Milan. 2009 heralds the 75th anniversary of the Italian suiting brand renowned for its luxurious fabrics and exquisite tailoring techniques that were perfectly complemented by the very grand Triennale where the presentation was held.
Editors wound their way through a static presentation of the exclusive collection to a soundtrack of piano music being composed. The showpiece of the collection was a limited edition blue and grey stripe suit, tailored in an exclusive cashmere-sillk vicuna mix fabric to celebrate Canali’s 75 years.
A Modern dance performance was incorporated to express the precision and dexterity that is essential in the sewing of Canali’s skilled tailors. Whilst models sat contemplating the classics and showing off the collections sillouettes as only a model can.
Brand events, Fashion and Milan
Ferragamo Men’s AW09 Runway Show
On a freezing cold day in Milan and the Salvatore Ferragamo Mens A/W 09 show kicked off with a classic collection of sharp tailoring in winter colours of black, navy, bronze and grey.
The photographers went crazy when a candy grey striped suit came down the catwalk. Chunky knits in cream and white and a cape coat were key features.
Massimiliano Giornetti created a contemporary collection with a modern commercial edge… Perfect for today’s climate…
Brand events, Fashion, Milan and Runway Shows
It’s Cold Outside…
So what better to keep you warm in arctic conditions than Napapijri’s new FLAG Project, presented during Pitti in Florence next week at the famous LUISAVIAROMA store.
With Flag Project, Napapijri aims to regain authenticity and diversity by studying its archives, materials and applications and re-fashioning them in a modern key using natural materials and new processes reflecting Italy’s manufacturing culture, in collaboration with their traditional textile partners.
Brand events and Fashion
Etro SS09 Press Day
Amidst the twinkling Christmas lights of Old Bond Street, Etro brought an early Spring sparkle in the form of sequined sari’s and jewel embellished silk kimono’s using a softer Eastern paisley palette in the finest metallic silks.
Combined alongside pastel pinstripes in baby blue and salmon hues, slouchy tailoring in the form of luxury pajamas were a real hit with the press who enjoyed an Italian inspired brunch of pistachio biscotti, parmesan cheese soufflé’s, polenta and rosemary cake.
The Indonesian influenced menswear collection combined luxury silk geometric printed robes with silk scarf belts, linen frilled shirts and oversized leather bags topped off with a bright straw panama, bring on the Summer!