Style Addict – Fashion News & Views 13th January 2006
13-01-2006
MAN at LFW
There was a time when London had its very own Menswear Fashion Week. Alas, lack of funding, press coverage and buyers soon saw a stop to that. Now the destinations are Paris or Milan for the likes of Alexander McQueen and Paul Smith Menswear, although some cunning foxes use their womenswear shows in order to introduce their menswear lines. And why not? Bringing menswear to the fore at London Fashion Week last season was MAN, a platform for new menswear talent initiated by Fashion East and TopMan. September’s launch event introduced the likes of Benjamin Kirchhoff, Patrik Soderstam and Siv Stoldal, along with a movie interval provided by Kim Jones and a preview of next seasons TopMan collection.
Lulu Kennedy, Founder of Fashion East and Co-Chair of MAN said: MAN’s launch was beyond our expectations. Each designer coming down the runway overwhelmed even those who had voted them to show. They were all so different but the sub-plot was the same talent.
For those of you thinking ‘sounds like a great one off’ think again. TopMan and Fashion East have just announced that MAN will be hitting the Fashion Week schedule once again next month with plans to make it a regular fixture. Designers on show at MAN A/W 06/07 will be announced in due course.
Bye Bye G-Strings
Fashion is a funny beast, it not only wants a say in what we wear but how we wear it. Take something you are pretty much stuck with ‘your own body’ – even that’s going in and out of fashion as we speak. One minute it’s showing off a toned tum the next it’s a curvy J-Lo bum. Of course it would be ridiculous to take such matters seriously but for the record this Spring/Summer is ready for that ‘less is more’ approach. Put that killer cleavage away it’s time for a bit of grown-up chic and with it comes a range of underwear fit for a lady. Over the last year G-String sales have steadily decreased giving way to the new hipster shorts pants that cover your butt but are laser cut to ensure a VPL-free experience. From lacy feminine versions to boy short styles there’s a pair out there for everyone. Oh, and for those who can’t bear not to flash flesh this summer, legs apparently are the asset to flaunt.
Now On
Still Life – Photographs by Helena Christensen
If you are venturing over to Paris this month then perhaps you could indulge in a wee visit to Colette – the French boutique that’s one chic step ahead. Along with some rather tempting merchandise the store is a regular on the exhibition circuit. On show right now is a personal collection of imagery by top model Helena Christensen. Helena has had her eye behind the lens for the last twelve years and has multi-tasked modelling with snapping glossy fashion spreads and campaigns. After all, what better way to learn about the craft than by working with some of the world’s top photographers? While she already has the attention of the fashion media she is beginning to crossover into arts territory. This exhibition features landscapes, nature and portraits all in Helena’s distinctive and particular style.
Still Life – Photographs by Helena Christensen
When: Until January 28th Open Monday – Saturday from 11am to 7pm
Where: Colette 1st Floor Gallery, 213 rue Saint-Honore 75001 Paris Metro: Tuileries or Pyramides
RCA – Fashion and Textiles Interim Show
Closer to home, meanwhile, there’s the chance to see what our highly creative students are up to with the Royal College of Art Fashion and Textiles Interim Show. The exhibition includes work in progress by students studying a broad range of fashion related disciplines from millinery to mixed media textiles. There will also be a competition display set by the Laura Ashley Foundation. Teams of students were asked to create contemporary designs inspired by 1970s Laura Ashley designs. The Interim Show provides a great opportunity for new design students to see the evolvement of the design process as well as keeping fellow fashion addicts occupied.
RCA Fashion and Textiles Interim Show
When: Until 25th January Open daily from 10am to 6pm
Where: Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore, London
Coming Soon: Anna Piaggi: Fashion-ology
I am a huge fan of fashion eccentrics, people who throw away the rule book and embrace their own unique style. Great British fashion eccentrics include Isabella Blow and Zandra Rhodes, while over in Italy the title has to go to Anna Piaggi from Italian Vogue. So I’m very much looking forward to a new V&A exhibition devoted to her style, influence and skill for identifying the very latest catwalk trends. Anna Piaggi: Fashion-ology will be on show at the V&A from 2nd February – just in time for neighbouring Fashion Week.
PR Training Days by Preo
Good PR is essential for any new label to succeed in a highly competitive market place but finding the right PR for you while keeping your bank balance intact is another major concern. Step forward Preo PR Training Days. Preo has been promoting fashion brands since 2001 and knows how to play the PR game with rewarding results. The agenda covers many aspects of maintaining a PR campaign from simple modules, such as keeping a record of samples and press communications, to in depth info on product placement and securing press appointments. Held at a venue of the designer’s choice Preo’s affordable Training Days offers a one to one insight into the core elements of Fashion PR.
To find out more e-mail: fashion@pr-eo.co.uk
Photo Credits:
MAN – Design by Patrik Soderstam S/S 06
Rosette Shorts from the Truly You range at Marks & Spencer
Photograph by Helena Christensen showing at Colette Paris
RCA Laura Ashley competition design by Tim Andrews and Emamoke Ukeleghe
Anna Piaggi by David Bailey for Another Magazine
By JoJo Iles www.fashionpr.co.uk
