Style Addict – News & Views from the Capital – 13th May 2005

 

Stella Goes Street

 

{mosimage}Stella McCartney is following in Karl Lagerfeld’s footsteps with a range for High Street giant H&M. Due out this autumn the womenswear collection will comprise of 40 items that will be available in selected H&M stores across Europe and North America.

 

‘We are thrilled to collaborate with Stella McCartney,’ comments H&M Head of Design, Margareta van den Bosch. ‘Her designs are modern and cool yet classic and wearable. We have long admired her sense of tailoring and femininity. Consumer research further confirmed the strong appeal of her brand. We are looking forward to bringing our customers this unique collaboration this autumn.’

 

It’s no wonder that H&M are more than happy to work with a top designer again – Karl Lagerfeld’s limited edition collection for the store was a runaway success last year.

 

 

Out & About -Trends: Metallica & More…

 

{mosimage}Spotted, well you can’t miss them – metallic bags are slung over the shoulder of many a London female right now. From roomy silver totes, as seen at Gap, to crescent shaped designer numbers.

 

Elsewhere:

 

–          The city short is making a strong appearance in High Street stores. Buyers are hoping that the flattering knee-length varieties will appeal to a broad range of women.

–          The cropped jacket continues to be a firm S/S favourite.

–          The Victorian blouse is on the up – worn under cropped jackets and with jeans for a relaxed, modern look.

–          Nautical style continues to sell, in particular jackets that feature nautical details.

–          In stores – bold African prints are making way for more feminine floral and lace styles.

–          The popularity of denim continues in skinny and straight-leg styles.

 

 

Coming Soon…Pistol Panties – the Shop

 

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Pistol Panties is setting up shop in Westbourne Grove. Opening early next month Deborah Fleming will house her flirty, retro inspired swimwear that’s stocked all over the globe. Expect the full Pistol Panties eclectic experience with beach huts for changing rooms and decorative seashell chandeliers. Besides the swimwear the store will also stock kaftans and cover-ups – plus accessories and lingerie. www.pistolpanties.com

 

 

 

 

 

Anna Wintour’s Solution for LFW

 

{mosimage}In a recent Colin McDowell interview for the Sunday Times Style Magazine – editor-in-chief of US Vogue, Anna Wintour, discussed how she would inject some much needed energy into London Fashion Week. “If I were Stuart Rose,” she told McDowell, referring to the chairman of the British Fashion Council, “I would go down on bended knee to Rose Marie Bravo (CEO of Burberry) to get Burberry back to London. After all, it is a British firm and its designer, Christopher Bailey, is British. That would help to bring back the right buyers and press.” Speaking highly of Britain’s creative talent she added, “I think what spoils it (LFW) is lack of organisation. If only the British Fashion Council could squeeze it in, as it used to, between the Milan and Paris shows. If we could go to London for just two days — which, actually, I normally do — it would be a huge boost, not only for British fashion, but for all of us.” Last week Wintour met with Rose to discuss the rescheduling of LFW – whether he will take her advice on the matter we’ll just have to wait and see. 

 

 

Insa at the Best Shop Ever

 

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Opening today graffiti artist – Insa www.insaland.com will be holding his second solo exhibition at the ‘Best Shop Ever’ in London, EC1. Those of you wandering around the Eastend will have no doubt clocked some of Insa’s art, his sprawling legs and high-heels combo being the most recognizable. Until 6^th June you can check out his extensive range of works as well as purchase some Insa goods. Prices range from £6 for a box of postcards up to £550 for an Insa covered canvas.

 

Insa’s Graffiti at Best Shop Ever, 5 Back Hill, London EC1 from 13^th May until 6^th June 2005. www.bestshopever.com

 

 

 

It’s Show Time

 

{mosimage}It’s a stressful old time for all those final year students out there. Graduate Fashion Week is just around the corner along with all the various on-site college shows and exhibitions. One of the hottest tickets of the season is for the MA Fashion Show from this year’s Royal College of Art graduates. Open to the public on Wednesday 8th June – you can check out the men’s and womenswear catwalk presentations, as well as static displays of Accessory and Footwear designs. The winning creation from the Miss Selfridge first-year competition will also be showcased at the catwalk gala. Tickets cost £10 for the 4pm show, or £25 for the 6.15pm champagne reception. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling the Fashion Hotline on 020 7590 4566.

 

 

By JoJo Iles