New York’s mayor Michael Bloomburg has declared that today (May 29) be ‘Burberry Day’.
There will [of course] be a gigantic party to christen the new Americas HQ, and $500k has been donated by Burberry to the Robin Hood Foundation to fight poverty in NYC.
The New York Burberry building, image via the New York Times
This was one piece of news I certainly wasn’t expecting this morning; one of the world’s most revered couturier houses, Christian Lacroix, has filed for bankruptcy protection.
Apparently CL’s doom was being written as early as 1990, when its failed fragrance ‘C’est La Vie’ was launched. Bad business decisions coupled with a focus on elite couture seems to catapult the brand to its demise.
I wonder whom (if any) will snatch up the Lacroix brand when it comes upon the auction block?
This will undoubtedly affect the type of design seen from the house. One can expect that Lacroix will take practical wardrobe to the lengths that he took his collections of fantasy, though I’m unsure of how a designer rooted in such impractical pieces can successfully make this transition.
I realize most of you couldn’t give less of a sh*t about this one, but I’m pretty stoked…
American Apparel has finally caved and released a ‘v’ Helvetica shirt! YES!
Yes, you read correctly; Burberry has collaborated with UK Urban Outfitters. It’s not just a bikini that the Thomas Burberry label has provided UO – they have a limited variety of clothing available for an affordable price point. It’s not the most design forward range out there, but for those wanting very plain pieces it will certainly be of interest.
Pistol Panties has provided UO with a more visually stimulating, yet quite limited collection. I’m onboard with the floral skivvies (Miss Junes, £8), though I’m not sure about these grandma bum covers.
Either way, it’s worth a peek to see if anything catches your eye. You’ll have to get creative with shipping if you’re in North America, though, since UO UK doesn’t ship outside Europe.
Thomas Burberry design to left (£48), Pistol Panties designs on center and right (£69)
If you don’t live under a rock in Vancouver, chances are you’ve seen and read some Ion Mag. If you love ‘em, come show your face at their 6th Anniversary party this Saturday night.
I can personally vouch for Crooks & Gunn; especially Zia – he’s one sassy bastard.
Where, when: 180 East 2nd, 10PM – 2AM
Pick up tickets (they’re $12) online or at the Ion office at 505 Hamilton, #303
RSVP on the Facebook page
In light of the shameful news that the California Supreme Court has upheld Prop8 [info here, I would suggest you all wear (or make your own) ‘legalize gay’ shirts from American Apparel.
Wear your opinion proudly and make sure everyone knows you won’t stand for inequality.
From Saturday June 3rd-gth, swing by Wink in Gastown for their Sweet Life event. The festivities will be held from 3-7PM every day.
Some sale tidbits:
Roden Gray is celebrating their new collective of labels; including Gitman Bros, Tannis Hegan, Common Projects, Porter, (Malin+Goetz) and Monocle.
The launch party (which translates to food and bevies) begins at 7pm on Friday, May 29th.
All oxford shirts and duffle bags will be on sale.
This is an odd combination indeed - floral leggings completely covered in a layer of clear sequins! It’s so bizarre, but yet I can imagine these leggings being carried on well with careful styling.
The sequins give such a plastic effect on the leg, I’m wondering how these will be worn buy prospective buyers. One wouldn’t be able to wear something totally plain – I’m thinking a bit of complimentary pattern on pattern is in order.
If these particular ones are a little too daring, there is a silver on silver version available for $80. For all fans of the Alexander McQueen’s $2,300 FW08 leggings, these are going to be a hot item for sure.
Would you consider entering the land of sequin topped florals?
If 20-60% off Hayden-Harnett appeals to you, then hop on down to the HH sale list page.
Favorites on sale include the Mercury wedge sandal ($155), Staci crossbody in platinum ($206) and the Zelda boot ($125).
If you’re around one of the three L.A. AMAP locations listed below, you’re in luck.
American Apparel is running rummage sales to get rid of what I assume is overstock – prices begin at $5. Rummage sales are Saturdays and Sundays at the mentioned locations and take cash only.
Any time I hear shoppers going on about finding boyfriend blazers in boutiques, I cringe. Not because I don’t love the trend (I’m a testament to the opposite – I’m wearing one today myself), but I loathe seeing outrageous sums being spent unnecessarily.
Here’s the thing – the trending of ‘boyfriend’ blazers is just a fancy way of saying boxy and masculine. The utmost reason to buy boutique clothing is for tailoring quality – this piece won’t have that, so why spend the money? Instead, go venturing into thrifting waters.
I was exploring my local Value Village and found a double breasted little boy’s blazer which [once sleeves were cuffed] was a beautiful specimen and perfectly bang on-trend. This blazer, like all the $300+ incarnations, has a crop sleeve, a cuff, is just boxy enough to play by the trend and is a relaxed fit. The cost? Five dollars.
Next time, try vintage shops before going for a splurge – it’s worth the time.
Overt modesty is not really my game, but I stumbled upon a piece on The Guardian that was highlighting a young Muslim streetwear designer’s line release that caught my interest.
The range itself is called Elenany, and is designed as a stylish option for Muslim women seeking a modern touch to their dressing. This line is not exclusive; Elenany is also being marketed towards Western women.
One particular item that caught my eye was the ‘Throw Yo Hands’ raincoat (£135; approx. $240 CA); it’s a lovely asymmetric funnel neck piece whose neck transforms into a hood with a panel over your mouth. Another piece of note is the ‘Testify’ dress (£70; approx. $125 CA); a plain design with a long, tailored sleeve.
If you’re not familiar with the dressing requirements for observing Muslim women, read more here.
I subsequently stumbled upon Hijab Style; a fashion blog dedicated to observant Muslim women who still wish to be on trend. The content is quite unique in the way that the author [Jana Kossaibati] discusses current runway trends and how to convert them to Muslim appropriate styles.
Even if hijabs aren’t your thing, explore and expand your mind with some alternate world style.
Photo via Elenany.co.uk
Love 21 is by far the most pathetic line launch I’ve seen this year, unless their market is style loathing the mall crowd. If that was the case, mission accomplished.
There were no defining pieces to this line; everything looked as if it would have fallen off a Wal-Mart truck. The one item that was on trend – the batwing shirt – was colorless, plain, and ended up being silenced by the noise of hideous patterns from the rest of the collection.
Whomever was set in charge of designing this range needs a talking to. I mean, come on, weren’t laced camis worn out by 2005?
It appears that Kate Moss’ latest summer holiday range with Topshop has us seeing double. Their leather ‘circle dress’ is a dead ringer for Henry Holland’s petal dress from his ‘Sex , Lies and Volleyball‘ collection.
The Moss dress ($170 US) has already sold out within hours of its release, so it’s likely only a matter of time before spin off designs appear within Topshop’s regular ranges.
The Fluevog sample sale is occurring this weekend – and it’s only in Vancouver at the Granville Street location (837 Granville Street, across the way from Urban Outfitters).
All boots are $179 and all shoes are $129.
I’m pretty sure it will be pure mania, so dress appropriately and get your shoving elbows at the ready.
New York’s Jeremy Scott has collaborated with Adidas to create an eclectic collection of sneakers and casual streetwear. Other than the bow tie sneakers pictured below [side view], Scott has created angel wing sneakers and a handful of other colorful choices.
My only criticism to these is the shoes seem extremely bulky (especially the angels). If I’m going to have a wing flapping off each shoe, I would want a more streamlined shoe body shape, rather than something so puffy looking it appears that I’m covering up anvil damage.
Regardless, they’re worth checking out. If you’re near Granville Street in Vancouver, the Adidas Heritage store does carry most of these designs. Prices range from $45-450.
It seems that there is a new trend emerging – oversized bow ties. Some are so large that they run the risk of looking comical; or is this a sign of a daring style leader?
I realize that most do not consider Kanye West to be anything close to a fashion icon, but I can appreciate the image risks the man takes to let his personal style shine. He recently wore a rather large bow tie to a Flaunt Magazine party with a Louis Vuitton monogrammed fur and cummerbund… I thought it was excellent, if not slightly too low key.
The bow tie on the right is from British online clothing superstore ASOS, which was priced as a measly £4 (approx. $7 CA). They’ve recently sold out, but ASOS is like Topshop; they constantly replenish their stock and designs.
I’m going to be making myself a few of these babies for summer experimentation – will you be trying them out?
We are told to expect outfits for every occasion; from the beach to cocktail hour afterwards.
From the preview photo, this is a very boho/hippie – not really something that gets me stoked. The last Moss collection surprised me with its wearability; perhaps this range will do the same.
Check out the image below for a fabric swatch sneak peek:
Atony Price is back for a second round of Topman goodness with his ‘Priceless’ range.
Price has created 8 suits specifically for Topman including two colored options; purple and green. The pick of the litter is a tie between the double breasted grey suit (shown below) and its iridescent black sibling; both are $400 each.
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