Style Addict August 09

Time to Get Low Down on High Heels

While the fashion pack gear up for their biannual style fest, heels, apparently are going down. Who would Adam and Eve it? Fashionista’s of the highest order in flat shoes, now this has to be seen to be believed. Style bibles far and wide have been spreading the word: flats are back! And with the high priestess of fashion Anna Wintour donning the look, who are we to argue?

 

However, you can forget dusting off your old ballet pumps from the back of the cupboard, the new flat heeled look is androgynous and edgy. Think tomboy loafers, brogues and desert boots, while Dr Martens and biker boots provide a tougher vibe reminiscent of the late 80s, early 90s.

 

At the Autumn/Winter collections androgyny played a key role at Calvin Klein, Yves Saint Laurent and Alexander Wang, meanwhile the likes of Alexa Chung and Agyness Deyn have been endorsing the boyish look since spring.

 

 

After season upon season of models wobbling down catwalks in sky-high heels the sudden drop to flats may come as a bit of a surprise. No doubt the move will be linked to the economic downturn but as last season can testify – heels couldn’t physically get any higher.

 

Recently the Trades Union Congress announced that high heels are demeaning to women and should not be endorsed as part of the office uniform. How amusing to think that the TUC is currently in tune with fashions front line. 

 

There’s no escaping it; flats are emerging as a strong autumn trend and it will be interesting to see if the fash pack can bear to part with their Louboutin’s and Manolos come show season.

 

 

Fashion Week Mania

 

 

On the topic of show season London Fashion Week is just around the corner and the international event is stepping up its game for its 25th anniversary. Big names lured back to London include Jonathan Saunders, Matthew Williamson, Sass & Bide, Burberry and Pringle.

 

Taking place at the British Fashion Council’s new home, Somerset House, the move has enticed tandem events to follow; On|Off, the independent fashion showcase, will be located at nearby 180, The Strand. Alongside launching a pop-up shop selling exclusive collections from On|Off designers that have showcased over the past twelve seasons. The temporary doors will open from the 16 – 22 September at 8 Newburgh Street, W1.

 

Meanwhile, off-schedule showcase the Vauxhall Fashion Scout will present designer collections at the near-by Freemasons’ Hall in Covent Garden. One’s to watch on the off-schedule circuit include sustainable designs by Ada Zanditon and sci-fi inspired looks by Dean Quinn. Not forgetting to mention a unique collaboration between cult couturier Ziad Ghanem and streetwear brand Firetrap.

 

 

Birthday Brand Jaeger

 

British fashion house Jaeger are also in the midst of an anniversary celebration. Notching up a whopping 125 years, the brand honours its heritage with Jaeger 125 – the first official book devoted to the label, past and present – written by fashion curators Amy de la Haye and Judith Clark from London College of Fashion.

 

 

To find out more and purchase the book go to: http://www.jaeger.co.uk/

 

 

Fashions Night Out

 

 

 

Firmly sticking two fingers up to the recession various international editions of Vogue have partnered with designers, department stores, high street chains and boutiques to create ‘Fashion’s Night Out’, an evening fashion and shopping extravaganza. To be held on Thursday 10th September London will join 12 participating cities around the globe for a night of original in-store activities, personal appearances, makeovers, workshops and a whole lot more.

 

 

For more information go to:  http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashionsnightout/

 

 

The September Issue

 

 

Why bother with The Devil Wears Prada when you can get the real deal with The September Issue directed by R. J. Cutler. The 2007 September issue of Vogue magazine apparently weighed almost five pounds and Cutler’s fast-paced documentary provides a fascinating insight of editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and co creating this mighty tome. Fash pack anticipation runs high and thus far reviews have been good – The September Issue goes on nationwide release from 11th September.

 

 

 

More from Style Addict next month. x

 

 

JoJo Iles