Alexa Chung for Madewell

Alex Chung has teamed up with Madewell to create her first collection collaboration which launches in stores in August this year. The launch on Monday at The Bowery Hotel Terrace in New York was filled with her friends, and looks like a big success judging by feedback. Longlength cardigans, peter pan collars, onseys, clogs, desert boots, brogues and cute shorts, all of which look very Alexa inspired, and are very afforable too.

http://www.madewell1937.com/2010/madewell_chung.html

Acne comes to London

Exciting news! Acne is coming to Dover Street in Mayfair, so London will soon see its very own store (its currently only in concessions such as Liberty, Browns etc.).  Formed in 1996 in Stockholm by four creatives, they quickly developed strong attention for their unique denim range, which also featured a unisex jean, but they also include design, film, advertising and production amongst their assignments.

“Fashion is the best form of self-expression. We like to design pieces that together form the coolest wardrobe, but is ultimately wearable. It becomes one way of thinking as individual pieces, but together creates a strong, modern and considered statement.” explains Jonny Johansson, Acne’s Creative Director.

http://www.acnestudios.com/

Percival Menswear

I attended the launch of new menswear label Percival last Thursday. 16 garments, all of which received much positive praise at the event. And what's more, it is all produced in the Uk, which makes it even more appealing.  The beautiful coloured waxed macs, with carefully chosen lining and trims were my favourite , along with the chunky red knitwear and cardigan with key branding, which is emulated throughout there designs and labelling.  An impressive first launch considering the creative team behind this are not trained fashion designers, and it was all created from scratch in 6 months.  A focus on  fabric, quality and fit are clear from viewing these items, and im sure this will be a very sought after collection. Heres a few examples to show you.

Casely-Hayford for John Lewis

 

John Lewis has launched a new designer collaboration teaming  up with Joe Casely-Hayford.  Joe Casely-Hayford has been a designer since the mid 1980's , producing both men and women's shows in Paris, London and Tokyo.

Aswell as being a creative Director in Italy, and selling his ranges in prestigious stores world wide,  since 2005 he has also been the creative director of Gieves and Hawkes (the 200 year old Saville Row house).  He also launched a new brand called Casely-Hayford , a collaboration with his son Charlie Caesly-Hayford in Spring/Summer 2009. The brand philosophy reflects the Casely-Hayford spirit which spans from 'English Heritage to British Anarchy', with an emphasis on 'Slow Fashion' and 'Innovation Through Tradition'.

The exclusive John Lewis  range consisting of thirty pieces, and demonstrates unique British style to its best. Launching in March, this is set to become a huge success, with alot of press coverage on this already. Trench coats, blazers, knitwear  shirts and sateen trousers ranging from £60-£400, all of which are beautiful cut and design.  The Brogues have only 30 being produced, and are numbered, so i predict these will be a sought after purchase.

with new exciting new designer collaborations like this, John Lewis demonstrates that it is  a major player in high street fashion.  A key destination for quality beautiful designs, and im sure theres more to come...

 

“The creative process behind this collection was both novel and challenging. John Lewis has perhaps the broadest customer base I have ever dressed, and so I relished the opportunity to create original, yet wearable clothes with cross generational appeal.” Joe Casely-Hayford


http://www.johnlewis.com/

Alexander McQueen

Lee McQueen died aged 40 years old on Thursday 11th feb morning just a week after his mother passed away. I remember looking at pictures from his fashion shows when i was at school doing an art project, and being amazed at his spectacular performances, his shows were like a dramatic theatre experience.  I also liked that he didn't take the 'fashion bubble' too seriously , but always maintained who he was, and had strong opinions, and a sense of self, his interviews were always really interesting. Heres just a couple of his fashion images.

"Alexander McQueen was a true maverick, a revolutionary who had an extraordinary eye for tailoring."

 

OUTFIT OF THE DAY;

Aubin and Wills Cape £249

Rebecca Taylor Knit jacket £250

Truly Madly Deeply  'addidcted to love' tee £28

Balenciaga skinny navy Jeans £189

Urban outfitters ankle socks £7

Aubin and Wills Boots £349

My friend directed to me a new website Aubin and Wills which is the sister company of Jack Wills.  Preppy casual shops like this are not my usual shopping destination.  However looking at this website, i definitely could be persuaded. I have fallen in love with the chocolate check cape and Brogue boots. There styling shots are the best attempt on the high street in a long time, and should definitely rival Gap in the casual wear front. Have a look at;

http://www.aubinandwills.com/Outfits.aspx