SS11 Press Days: Fred Perry

Another press day I attended last week was that of British heritage label, Fred Perry. Having utilised his skills on the men's knitwear in previous season's, SS11 sees the legend that is Richard Nicoll take the helm for the Laurel Wreath collection entitled, Ready Teddy Girl. Inspired by Ken Russell's iconic portraits of 1950's teddy girls, nods to boot laces, drainpipes, pompadour haircuts, cigarettes and a broody attitude were at the forefront of the collection. My favourite garment is the coral knitted top below and I absolutely loved all of the pearl details present throughout the knits, complimented by mother of pearl laurel wreaths.  

"I like the idea that something as conservative and traditional as a cameo brooch could become subversive in the right hands. From here... we added old-fashioned elements like pointelle cardigans and mother of pearl for branding. I also mixed sports jersey with lurex pique and brocade cottons to create a clash of sport and 50's couture elements." - Richard Nicoll

Entitled Seaside Cool, the authentic women's SS11 collection takes its inspiration from the 1950's English seaside, creating a clean, contemporary tomboy feel which made me feel as though I'd just stepped into one of Enid Blyton's famed Famous Five books.

Continuing where she left off last season, I loved the new capsule collection from Amy Winehouse, taking classic 50's shapes that she would wear herself, slashing skirt lengths and necklines, to create an amalgamation of the Winehouse and Perry aesthetic. I loved the signature print woven throughout the collection, which depicts a bee-hived Winehouse as a Hawaiian dancer - fantastic and most definitely on the money.

AW10 Press Days: Part Ten

A great press day I attended a couple of weeks back was that of the mighty Fred Perry. I loved the classic British brand's signature style which shone through thick argyle knits. I also liked the subtle branding introduced for AW10 which - for the ladies - saw brooches of their signature laurel logo which - as the name would suggest - were detachable, and rather lovely!

Also on display was Fred Perry's ongoing collaboration with Raf Simons, whose collection always focuses on knitwear, paying particular attention to traditional Fred Perry fabrics and techniques.

I really appreciated the punk inspired themes prevalent in the women's line - especially visible in the footwear and accessories.

In addition to the forthcoming collaboration with Amy Winehouse (news of which to come nearer the time), I also spotted first hand the collab with Liberty, where Fred Perry have sampled some of the historic store's legendary prints.

I loved the chandelier present in the Regent Street Tommy Hilfiger store - very decadent.The collection too was really impressive, not at all what I was expecting due to its high wearability. I also really liked the way that the mannequins were displayed and loved the styling and merchandising, which sincerely sold the collection to its highest potential.

Spot the on-trend country inspired tweeds and camel shades, and also the season's biggest story: the paperbag waist!

In the menswear section (which was rather impressive, I must say) I caught wind of an ongoing collaboration with the Keith Haring estate across ladies, mens and kids footwear.

I also really loved these NY themed 'Five Borough' T-shirts that come in pizza-style boxes... very cool indeed.

On display I spied a beautifully crafted table made from random bits of skirting board and varnished wood scraps. I absolutely loved the simplicity of it, the uneven surfaces and the general whimy. I really want to make myself one so 'll keep you posted on how that goes!