Style Addict – News & Views from the Capital – 12th August 2005

 

Coming Soon…Paul Smith & Triumph – Temperley & Penhaligon’s

 

{mosimage}Designers love to spread their own personal brand of creativity beyond the realms of fashion. It’s all about style don’t you know – from Armani nightclubs to Diane von Furstenberg mobile phones. Coming soon is Triumph by Paul Smith – this collaboration will see PS hand painted motorbikes with some stylish gear to match. Also in the pipeline at Paul Smith is a new range of bags for the ladies and ‘Floral’ – a brand new women’s fragrance. Alice Temperley, meanwhile, has joined forces with Penhaligon’s to produce a brand spanking new Luxury Travel Collection. The limited-edition range includes key-rings, overnight bags and a range of travel cases. In keeping with Penhaligon’s timeless style Temperley has injected the range with her distinctive blend of pretty femininity.

 

 

Going Down…Thongs {mosimage}

 

 

 

 

Is it really time to hang up your thong and reach for a pair of boy shorts instead? The press has been widely reporting that the thong has had its moment and that fuller boy shorts and French knicker styles are on the up. Thong sales now account for 23% of the women’s underwear market, a decline from 31% at the end of 2003. The Sun reported that young girls find thongs dated, while the Sunday Times stated that women in general are choosing to “move away from overtly sexual clothing.”

 

 

 

 

What’s In Store – Retail Trends

 

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In preparation for the colder months ahead, a depressing thought I know, the shops are enticing customers with luxurious, cosy pieces. Directional boutiques have stocked up on touchy-feely cashmere wraps and thick sheepskin coats. On the High Street the likes of H&M & Zara have brought in fitted velvet jackets in popular shades of dusty grey and berry, along with corduroy trousers and textured shrugs. Black is also making an impact with lean cut trousers and antique look frocks.

 

 

 

 

Bangkok Fashion Week

 

{mosimage}For years the big four have dominated the fashion circuit, and while New York, London, Milan and Paris maintain their top fashion status, others are following very closely behind. Every week there seems to be some city somewhere holding a fashion week. In fact, if you went to every single fashion week around the globe I’m sure you’d have very little time to do much else. Right now it’s time for Bangkok Fashion Week, and while that might sound like a good excuse for press and buyers to take a bit of a Thai holiday the organizers are investing a great deal of time and money into the venture. The plan is for Bangkok to rival the likes of Hong Kong, Singapore and Sydney with long term projects and investment. This season Bangkok will be showcasing collections from 30 top Thai designers along with various schemes to assist the country’s young talent. “The purpose is to plant seeds for the future, we are building people, the facilities and the atmosphere for Thailand to become a fashion hub,” commented Tienchai Mahasiri, president of the Thai Garment Manufactures Association.

 

Bangkok Fashion Week is on from 17^th – 21^st August 2005

 

 

Pure is Back

 

Pure is back with its Spring/Summer 2006 installment. Held at Olympia, London, doors open on the 14^th, 15^th & 16^th August. This season Pure has over 800 contemporary and young creative brands and over 200 accessory labels to check out. Along with Spring/Summer collections there will also be the chance for some Autumn/Winter short orders. Not forgetting to mention inspirational daily catwalk shows and exclusive trend presentations from Drapers Record.

 

Pure Womenswear 14/15/16 August at the Grand Hall at Olympia, London

 

Opening times:

Sunday 14 August 9.30am – 6pm

Monday 15 August 9.30am – 6pm

Tuesday 16 August 9.30am – 5pm

 

 

Website of the Week – www.day-lab.com

 

{mosimage}Day-Lab features unusual handmade gems, such as bags, jewellery, housewares, art and independent magazines. Perfect for stress free present shopping. I’ve been told by several sale assistants that stockrooms across the land have been filling up with Christmas goods. What a scary thought. Never mind, check out www.day-lab.com for presents with lots of personal appeal.

 

 

By JoJo Iles