Style Addict – News & Views from the Capital – 8th April 2005

 

One to Check Out… 

 

{mosimage}Beyond The Valley is a creative community boutique set up by 3 Central Saint Martin’s graduates. Jo Jackson, Kate Harwood and Kristjana Williams sell their own designs alongside a wider mix of young up-and-coming designers. The trio decided to set up their own shop after opening a temporary store that showcased graduates designs in the summer of 2003. They instantly saw a demand for products by new designers and established Beyond The Valley. The conceptual store is a non-profit organisation where creatives starting out can sell their work in a central London location without being exploited. Reliant on funding Beyond The Valley launched its temporary store on Ganton Street, just off Carnaby Street, last October 2004. The lease ran until January 2005, but due to an overwhelming response it has been extended to June 2005, with negotiations currently underway to remain permanently.

 

Beyond The Valley, 26, Ganton Street, just off Carnaby Street, London W1. www.beyondthevalley.com 

 

 

 

Miss Selfridge Struts its Stuff {mosimage}

 

This week saw the very first catwalk show from High Street chain Miss Selfridge. Putting its own stamp on the UK fashion scene the brand was out to impress bringing in Isabella Blow, top stylist Molly Grad and the art director of Sketch, Mark Lawson-Bell to style the show. Giving a taste of what’s to come, models sauntered in baby-doll dresses, velvet capes, waist-cinching corsets and vertiginous platform heels. It looks like the UK High Street is bringing in devotees from far and wide. With the likes of Leah Wood, the Geldof girls and Pearl Lowe in the audience Miss Selfridge could well match the pulling power of Top Shop. Last month the new H&M flagship store opening in Knightsbridge attracted a London-It crowd including Erin O’Connor, Liberty Ross, Lisa Butcher and Poppy de Villeneuve. High Street fashion it seems is where it’s at.

 

 

 

{mosimage}Marcus Lupfer 4 TopMan

 

Marcus Lupfer fans need not despair; in store now for your buying pleasure is his Spring/Summer TopMan capsule range. Based on Marcus’ ideal of his ‘Favourite Jumper’ you’ll find worn-in vintage feel designs that feature plenty of subtle details – such as hand-stitched effects, patch pockets and unlinked hems. Colours include khaki, stone, aubergine, aqua blue and powder pink and prices range from £35 – £50. 

 

 

 

Trend of the Moment…{mosimage}

 

The cropped jacket has been with us for quite some time now but for this season it has laid back chic appeal. Cut for fluid movement, fashion led stores have stocked-up on the new looser shape which is already proving to be a big springtime hit with the girls about town.

 

 

 

Website of the Week…

 

http://www.hiddenart.co.uk/designer-makers/fashion-and-accessories

 

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Hidden Art is a showcase directory covering a broad spectrum of designers. From ceramics to product design and of course fashion and accessories there are lots of unique pieces to check out. In the fashion and accessories listing you’ll find the likes of Profile 1 winner’s I-Saw, Deepa Panchamia, milliner Tracy Chaplin, Lizzie Houghton and many more. The site presents pieces that are available to buy, along with the designers contact details and web addresses.

 

 

 

 

 

By JoJo Iles