Fresh From The Production Line:Le Coq Sportif

It's come to my attention that le coq sportif has teamed up with the powers that be at one of my favourite sporting events of the summer calendar, The Tour de France. From next summer, around the same time as the London Olympics, le coq sportif will become the official suppliers of the highly coveted jerseys; green, yellow, polka-dot and white.

Coinciding with the French brand’s 130th birthday, this renewed partnership will mark a historial moment, as from 1951 the production workshop of le coq sportif was the official supplier of the jerseys for the Tour de France. For forty years the most famous riders, from Jacques Anquetil to Bernard Hinault and Eddy Merckx, pulled on jerseys bearing the le coq sportif logo.

Personally, I’m looking forward to seeing Brit Mark Cavendish and Lance Armstrong wearing the new shirts, provided the latter and seven-time tour winner doesn’t mean business with his most recent retirement announcement. Watch this space!

Fresh From The Production Line: Le Coq Sportif

Image courtesy of Tea + Cake PR

Not really a sneaker freaker and as a fan of keeping things simple, I’ve spent my life in either Converse or shoes. However as I’m getting older, I’m starting to discover that there are several other great footwear brands out there, creating equally iconic and versatile styles, with one such brand being French sportswear brand Le Coq Sportif. Having recently launched the patriotically named Provencale style to the UK market, the chic and slim-line design features minimal branding and a cute metal button logo detail on the side of the shoe – inspired by the metal balls used in Pétanque, the popular game of boules which originated in Southern France back in the early 1900s.

Available in a variety of styles, the hi-top versions comes in black or grey leather, whilst low-rise versions come in navy leather and white canvas – perfect if you’re looking to rock an authentic nautical look this summer. Prices of the Provencale range from £54.99-74.99 and are available from selected Size? stores and Size? online.

Fresh From The Production Line: Kipling Monkey Mash-Up

Design by Susie Lau. Images throughout courtesy of Surgery PR/ Kipling

Mid-range leather accessories specialists Kipling have recently launched an initiative to invite their customers to create their own design for the brand’s iconic monkey mascot which adorns each product. Updating the monkey charm each season, this is your chance to give it an iconic make-over.

Design by Jessica Penfold

To ensure the project goes off with a bang, Kipling have teamed up with renowned style publication Dazed and Confused and have recruited three, young talented London ‘trendies’, challenging them to turn their creative hands to giving the brands iconic monkey an image overhaul. Susie Lau of international renowned blog Style Bubble, Alex Brownsell of colour salon Bleach and comic book artist and illustrator Jessica Penfold were all sent their own monkey to design however they wished, resulting in three highly unique and innovative monkeys, reflecting their individuals creative flair and talent.

Design by Alex Brownsell

To join the monkey madness and get creative visit http://www.kiplingmonkeymashup.co.uk/, where you can download the monkey template, create your own unique design and submit it to the sites’ gallery, where the designs with the most ‘likes’ will be put forward to the judging panel, resulting in one design being proclaimed the winner. The lucky designer will have their vision brought to life on one of Kipling’s 85cm monkeys and showcased on Dazed Digital as well as being displayed in Kipling’s Regent Street store window. If that wasn’t enough the overall winner will receive £500 worth of Kipling product, while four runners up will also receive a Kipling bag of their choice and their own mini Kipling monkey.

Design by Margot Bowman

Kipling will also be auctioning the three unique creations from Susie Lau, Alex Brownsell and Jessica Penfold along with mashed up monkeys from illustrator/ artist Margot Bowman, the Silver Spoon Attire designers, Paula Goldstein and Valentine Fillol - Cordier of Purple Magazine online from 14th June with all proceeds going to The Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity devoted to improving the lives of young people with cancer. Get creative and get behind this great cause.

Fresh From The Production Line: LCF teams up with New Look

A few weeks back I was invited to view a very exciting collaboration between London College of Fashion students and high street retailer New Look. Aptly called the Master’s Collection, this unique and highly creative capsule range of footwear is set to launch in stores both nationwide and online from the middle of May, making it accessible to all.

Whilst providing a highly covetable platform for four students studying MA Fashion Footwear, Master’s Collection is also a competition which has seen the overall winner, Chang (Ralf) Seok Ko gain the opportunity to travel overseas to see his designs produced by one of New Look’s suppliers.

Over a year ago in March 2010, New Look set London College of Fashion students on the internationally renowned Cordwainers MA Fashion Footwear course the task of designing a range of shoes with a view to one or more of the styles being selected to comprise the highly exclusive six style Master’s Collection.

Judged by a select panel - which reads like a who’s who of British fashion - New Look’s Barbara Horspool (Group Design Director), Malcolm Collins, (Director for Footwear and Accessories) Fiona McGuire, (Senior Footwear Designer)and Helen Bleazard (Head of Buying – Footwear and Accessories) were joined by LCF Professor Roy Peach (Dean of the School of Graduate Studies). Also sitting on the panel and providing a critical designer eye were famed British footwear designer Jonathan Kelsey and everyone’s favourite womenswear designer Giles Deacon, who has direct experience in working with New Look himself designing the Gold by Giles capsule collection for the past three years.

Overall winner Chang (Ralf) Seok Ko surpassed himself producing three of the winning designs (a flat sandal, a high open toe mule and a mid heel strappy sandal), with runners up Ruth Jones, Adriana Iurascu and Kim Kwang producing one exquisite design each.

Fresh From The Production Line: Meadham Kirchoff for Topshop

Image © Meadham Kirchoff, courtesy of Goodley PR

Last Friday super stylish design duo Edward Meadham and Benjamin Kirchoff launched their second Topshop capsule collection with eye-watering results. Having completely sold out of their first collection last season Meadham Kirchoff are hoping to repeat their success with a collection that they themselves love.

Fantastical and rebellious in equal measures, the newest offering includes tinsel strip skirts (think the Christmas version of a Hawaiian grass skirt), Breton stripes, leopard print leggings and basic tops and distressed silk-printed tees and dresses in mesmerising hues of fuchsia pink, canary yellow and azure blue. Get it before it’s going, going, gone!

Fresh From The Production Line: Collective collaborate with Bob Carlos

Coinciding with last week’s opening of Peep Show, a retrospective look at the work of legendary photographer, the late Bob Carlos Clarke at The Little Black Gallery, premium organic clothing company Collective have announced a collaboration with the late artist, resulting in a cool and iconic capsule collection of limited edition T- Shirts.

Images courtesy of The Clear Agency

Since his death in 2006, Bob Carlos Clarke Clarke’s work has become highly collectable and he is now recognized as one of the greatest British photographers; an opinion solidified by this most recent exhibition. Comprising the first range of T-shirts ever released bearing Bob Carlos Clarke’s images, all garments have the hallmark of sustainability, made to fair trade standards in Africa.

This unique collaboration will be available in both menswear and womenswear styles from high-end designer boutiques such as 202 London, The Library, Autograph and Harvey Nichols.
Peep Show is showing at the Little Black Gallery until 14 May.

Fresh From The Production Line: Louis Vuitton, Double Exposure

Having long been a fan of the enigmatic and inspirational Sam Taylor-Wood, I was thrilled to learn about a month ago that she is the first in an exciting series of artists to team up with Louis Vuitton, collaborating on the high fashion label’s latest film and photography project entitled, Double Exposure. Aiming to juxtapose old-fashioned photography and the fast-paced world of social communication, also working on Double Exposure were esteemed stylist and contributing editor to Vogue UK; Bay Garnett, and revered fashion photographer Tom Craig.

In the film just over five minutes long, Taylor-Wood creates somewhat of a video montage, splicing together footage of her discussing her favourite objects and memories, a micro film and ultimately posing for a unique series of photographs – captured using one of the oldest techniques in photography - mercurial collodion - whereby the sitter has to pose for 12 seconds while each photo is taken to produce a slightly blurred, silver tone effect.

Fresh From The Production Line: Oliver Goldsmith

P. Oliver Goldsmith (pictured centre)

“I don’t believe in those theories about certain styles suiting certain shaped faces. Life is too short. If you find a shape you like, have it and never mind what anyone else thinks.” – Oliver Goldsmith, 1965.

Clippings of iconic coverage

A few weeks ago I was invited to the launch of the brand new sunglasses collection by Claire Goldsmith. Not knowing too much about the brand beforehand I was blown away by the West London store and showroom, charting the eponymous brand’s heritage and great legacy in high fashion. Worn by all of the supers, actresses and most popular rock stars alike, Goldsmith designs often graced the pages of Vogue making him synonymous with the world of celebrity and an arbiter of style.

Some of my favourite heritage styles (above and below)

Founded in 1926, P. Oliver Goldsmith was the first designer to view sunglasses as accessories in addition to being a tool to protect eyes from the sun – creating a series of innovative styles in the late ‘50s which were to make a bold fashion statement. Worn by the royalty and celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn (think big white oval frames), Michael Caine, Grace Kelly and Peter Sellers, Goldsmith pioneered an altogether new concept in eyewear being the first to create a range of winter sunglasses, and spearheading collaborations with high fashion houses such as Givenchy and Dior.

The polaroid wall of celebrities

Looking through the back catalogue of samples and trying on all of the iconic styles was a somewhat special experience, especially when I could see Polaroids of present day celebrities snapped in their favourite styles – making the whole shopping experience a glamorous affair for customers.

Some examples of classic styles (above)

Examples of the production process and a choice of acetates for custom-made pairs

What I love most about the brand is that it is - to this day - a family business with grand-daughter Claire at the helm since 2005, when she reintroduced some of Goldsmith’s most iconic frames taken from the private family archive. Since 2010, Claire has put her own stamp on the brand, creating seasonal capsule collections that play on the brand’s unique heritage, whilst establishing a fresh design aesthetic targeted towards a new generation.

Claire Goldsmith's newest collection

Of her collections Claire says: “I decided it was time to put my own mark on eyewear designs to see if I had what it took to create timeless, classic eyewear too... I hope CG (Claire Goldsmith) will be the vintage of the future.”

Fresh From The Production Line: Fairtrade Collective

Fairtrade Collective stand at Estethica

As always visiting the British Fashion Council’s Estethica exhibition during LFW is an eye-opening experience, guaranteed to uncover the newest brands and initiatives promoting fair-trade as a global multi-faceted concept, and in this case, sustainable fashion. This season proved to be no different with the Fairtrade Foundation introducing the Fairtrade Collective; uniting the Fairtrade Foundation with producers, designers and ASOS to make a big impact on fashion as we know it.

Design by Julie Verhoeven

Teaming up with 14 designers including - one of my favourites - Julie Verhoeven, Holly Fulton, Ada Zanditon, London Undercover, Tim Soar and Marios Schwab to name but a few, Fairtrade Collective has created a bespoke range of highly exquisite and desirable scarves - for both men and women - made from fair-trade certified cotton, sold exclusively by influential fashion e-tailer and market leader, ASOS.

Design by London Undercover

Using only the finest in digital printing techniques, each scarf bears the handwriting of its designer, acting like a signed piece of art – which will hopefully exude the same ‘priceless’ qualities. Choosing a combination of the established old guard and a staple of new generation talent, each designer has created a unique scarf that is on-trend for the forthcoming season and screams luxury.

Design by Tim Soar

Available from ASOS since the end of February to mark Fairtrade Fortnight (28 February - 13 March), each scarf purchased will come packaged in a beautiful draw-string bag made from fair-trade certified cotton repeating the same fabric choice and design of the scarf itself, cleverly maximising its longevity.

Design by Holly Fulton

On her involvement with the Fairtrade Foundation, Holly Fulton says: “It’s vital to utilize cotton in a modern fashion through strong design. Hopefully projects such as this will encourage that; I certainly look at fair-trade in a different light now.”

Fresh From The Production Line: Holly Fulton SS11

After spotting these amazing printed bags for the umpteenth time at LFW, I figured it only right that I highlight them for SS11. Designed by the amazing Holly Fulton, these graphic and kitsch clutch bags are going to be everywhere this season. If you're a big fan of colour and print, why not team with one of Holly's signature perspex necklaces to make a lasting impression!

Fresh From The Production Line: Mirabelle

Image courtesy of Portrait Communications

It came to my attention a little while ago and now that spring is here, I'm totally in love with this funky 'Domino Perspex' bracelet by Mirabelle which is priced at a very chic £75. In a way it reminds me of Bassett's liquorice allsorts and looks good enough to eat!

Fresh From The Production Line: YSL

Imagery courtesy of YSL

As a lover of fine footwear, there is nothing I would love more than to own a line-up of YSL pumps such as these, although perhaps rainy London wouldn't be the best location to debut such fine suede craftsmanship. There's nothing more to say except 'I want!!'

Fresh From The Production Line: Kartell and Moschino

Image courtesy of Moschino

Available from the end of last month, cutesy Italian fashion house supreme, Moschino have teamed up with Italian furniture design connoisseurs Kartell to bring the world at large, the Bow Wow ballet flat. Reminiscent of old-school jelly sandals, the aptly named and brightly coloured, Bow Wow is made using a 100% recyclable and non-toxic thermoplastic, meaning you can have a clean sartorial conscience – and carbon footprint - this spring. Adorned with the trademark Moschino bow and available in a plethora of colours, there is a woven plastic delight for every eventuality. Priced around £70, never has Moschino been so accessible!

Fresh From The Production Line: Get in the mood for Valentines with Goldie’s undie art at Selfridges

Image courtesy of Surgery PR

A man who has always had his proverbial finger in all the pies, Goldie has teamed up with lingerie brand Dirty Pretty Things on a limited edition set for Valentine’s Day, exclusive to Selfridges. With each piece numbered in the same way as a work of art, collectors of Goldie and/or Metalheadz products will have a field day and will even receive a hand-crafted certificate for their trouble.

Happy Valentines, from the lady who hates Clinton’s Day, sorry Valentine’s Day.

Fresh From The Production Line: Onitsuka Tiger and Reality Studio

Image courtesy of Onitsuka Tiger

On sale since last Saturday, niche Japanese fashion brand Onitsuka Tiger and Berlin based fashion label Reality Studio joined forces to create the iconic Fabre Light RS. Sold exclusively in the UK via Author Shoes, this premium high-top trainer is extremely limited edition and is available in two retro-inspired colourways; grey/nude and nude/red, retailing at £120.

Having previously collaborated with high-street giants Topshop in the UK, Reality Studio designer and founder, Svenja Specht’s inspiration for the Fabre Light RS is North American Indians, their lives, art and culture – juxtaposed with a well-travelled androgynous elegance. Finished with unique fringing, laser-cut stripes and golden rivet detailing these are some very cool luxe trainers indeed.