With the news today that Gucci is launching its UK Music Fund (for the discovery and nurture new British music talent) coming on top of Burberry’s announcement that it is to host its own large-scale public music gig, starring the Kaiser Chiefs, later this month it seems that music and fashion are creeping ever closer together.
Of course we are all used to music and fashion travelling hand in hand. You only need to look at this or this, but surely this top level involvement heralds a new age this long partnership. Christopher Bailey’s Burberry is famously zeitgeist savvy. I felt at the time of their Jake Bugg gig at Sketch’s Buddha Bar in February, that is was the start of something bigger (just call me Mystic Meg) in terms of brand building for them.
Gucci I have to admit to being a little more surprised about but since Tom Ford’s days the label has embraced its own a rock led aesthetic; continued in her own vein by Frida G, but for some reason it just sits less comfortably with me. But we will see. Oh and there is a watch you can buy too “a limited-edition timepiece, bearing the engraving, Gucci Music Fund”.
I remember going to a Diesel launch at The Box a couple of years ago where Katie B played a set. Maybe Diesel will be next to come out in official supporter of British music. Especially now Mr F is at the helm – whatever you think of his design credentials, there is not doubting his music ones.
Thoughts? Anybody, anybody…?
This week I couldn’t help but be drawn to all the buttery, supple leather pieces we have hanging from our rails.
The transition from summer to autumn can sometime be tough but leather trim jackets are a trend I love, so I’m bringing you this stunning Isabel Marant leather lapel blazer – it has strong shoulders and super flattering silhouette. Or if a hybrid of shades is more your thing, go for this Alexander Wang grey jersey and black leather sleeve jacket – perfect either dressed up or down. If you are feeling a little risque take a look at the softest leather trousers around from Joseph; or for a bit of colour go for this Lisa Ho petrol leather A- line skirt. Serious fashion investment comes in the shape of an ultra sexy and rare Tom Ford for Gucci leather boned corset. If the catwalk was anything to go this is a truly show stopping piece.
Nothing completes an outfit better than a killer pair of shoes and a statement bag. We have a pair of Burberry runway taupe leather knotted sandals (wear with ribbed ankle socks for a serious fashion edge) and a slick Comme Des Garcons black leather shopper – perfect laid back luxury.
This baby really needs very little introduction – it very much speaks for itself.
From the fabulous Tom Ford’s uber sexy SS01 collection for Gucci. Ford described the collection’s muse as ” you know, very strong, very tough (with) a….strong feminine silhouette”. And no piece shows that better than this. One of the closing pieces of the collection – and we know you save the best until last – it is a true work of construction art. The soft leather strips mould perfectly to the body, creating an almost armour like second skin whilst the nude mesh under layer holds you softly in place with boning and perfectly shaped padded cups. An absolute fashion collectible – you can wear it as per the catwalk with satin trousers and killer heels or with boyfriend jeans and a blazer for an off duty vamp look
An absolute classic and one that looks as fresh today as it did 10 years ago – truly great design never dates, especially when it comes from the brain of such a master.
This week you don’t have to choose between classic black and striking red; we have stunning statement pieces in both colours.
Parisian does not come much more chic than this classic, yet modern pea coat from cult French label A.P.C. and this brilliantly crafted ‘fashion insider’ fold over bag from Helmut Lang is a worthy and practical fashion investment.
If you crave some colour snap up this beautifully vibrant, saturated red blouse from Pheobe’s Philo’s much lauded Celine Pre Fall 2010 collection. Or grab a piece of fashion history with this fabulous two piece (sold separately) from Tom Ford’s time at Gucci.
To buy these and more of our fabulous pieces go to our What’s New page.
Tom Ford’s SS01 collection for Gucci oozed with his signature sex appeal. Ford himself said of the collection “I really wanted a curvy, voluptuous woman…a modern version of Marilyn (Monroe). This girl is, you know, very strong, very tough (with) a much curvier, sexier, strong feminine silhouette”. Ford’s catwalk was rife with rubberised coats, flowing silk shirts and trousers in jewel shades of red, purple and blue. However the show was truly stolen by Ford’s super slinky, curve enhancing dresses and the delicately pleated silk dresses were amongst most wearable.
This stunning piece with its dusty, softly muted khaki colour, ultra forgiving micro ruched texture and form enhancing internal structure is an absolute fashion collectable. You can wear it as per the catwalk with sleek side swept hair and spiked heels or wear it under AW11’s essential luxe parka and team with some chunky boots for a more relaxed, off duty feel.
An absolute classic and one that looks as fresh today as it did 10 years ago – truly great design never dates, especially when it comes from the hands of such a master. Don’t miss it