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This is one for the boys (and I’m a little jealous)…
Yes, there’s yet another addition to the non-stop series of amazing collaborations Liberty have recently done (Merci, Hermès, Target to name a few), this time with British heritage sportswear brand Fred Perry. Two great British institutions joining forces can only lead to good things, and so it did. Behold the Blank Canvas Collection.
The classic Fred Perry poloshirts have been transformed into a summery flowery or paisley affair for those who dare, or a little hint of flower in the lining for those who prefer things a little more… subtle. The shirts, sportsjackets and shoes were given the same treatment. Limited edition, on sale as of today, so hurry on up. Online at Fred Perry, Liberty or in-store.
In my opinion, having a great collection is just half the work. It’s also how you present it, how you present yourself and your brand. Sometimes normal or ordinary just doesn’t work. That’s where an original presentation can really help you out, like it did with Louise Gray’s AW10 collection during LFW.
Or sometimes it’s a great lookbook. That’s the case with Tina Kalivas‘ AW10 collection. The Australian designer used B&W photography, highlighting only the coloured bits – of which there are plenty. On the other side of the page is a coloured graphic which represents a shape or pattern she used in the clothing. The whole thing just works.
Tina is a trained costume designer who has worked for the likes of Alexander McQueen and Clements Ribeiro and this really shows in her work. There’s a lot of construction and draping going on in her pieces and always some tribal, traditional or cultural element. The result is this magnificent “Totem” collection, which I saw in person last week. From up close, the detailing is even more magnificent! I couldn’t post the entire lookbook unfortunately, but here’s a little taster…
The Tina Kalivas label is sold at Liberty (London), Loveless (Tokyo) and Harvey Nichols (Hong Kong and Dubai). Recently the label was also selected as part of the ‘Selby Pop up Store’ in Colette Paris.
I am notoriously camera-shy. Just ask Marian Kihogo, the poor girl has been waiting for me to take some picture of myself for weeks (I promise I will soon!). I’ve often wanted to post something I was wearing or tried on, but I just hated the idea of putting myself out there even more than I already do. I’ve always admired other bloggers who do so, but it’s not really for me. Not yet.
Then yesterday, I fell in love. Again. This time, it was with sunglasses. For the past 3 years, I’ve had some kind of Wayfarer on my face. I’ve gone through so many pairs I should be made an honorary member of the Ray Ban fanclub. Small, large, coloured, tortoise, opticals – I’ve had them all. Recently, I’ve had an itch. I still love my Wayfarers, but I wanted a change. Round sunglasses have been popping up everywhere, and I wanted some. I’ve been trying them on here and there, but I didn’t feel quite ready to make the jump.
Back to yesterday. I happened to stroll by David Clulow at Harrod’s (as you do), and my eye wandered over the Ray Ban section. And there they were. My dream sunglasses. Ray Ban does them round too. The RB4141′s. As light and comfortable on the face as my trusty Wayfarers, at £100 not too expensive, and in 4 great colours. (Black, Tortoise, Red and Resin) So I bought them and I’m obsessed and for once I’m breaking my no-pictures rule so I can share them with you. They’re really nice, my pictures aren’t.
Ray Ban RB4141, £100 at David Clulow
Some other great ones:
Cheap Monday, $30!!!!, at Shopbop
Reiss, £69, at Reiss
Norma Kamali, $250.00, at Norma Kamali
