Introducing Reem Juan

Launching her eponymous label in November 2010, Reem Juan is a relatively new designer creating a stir with a unique take on opulent luxury. Flirty, feminine, subtle and sexy, ‘50s hourglass silhouettes are a mainstay of signature pieces, with Reem referencing the exquisite beauty of classic Hollywood actresses such as Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly.

Fusing a melting pot of influences, fairytales are a starting point: white peacocks, unicorns and secret gardens are deftly mixed with bohemian lace and embroidered shawls of traditional gypsies. Further still, the Ballet Russe informs this love affair of decadent fabrics and glamorous nostalgia.

Born and raised in Abu Dhabi, and educated in London, Juan cites her design aesthetic as a fusion between east and western cultures, symbolising high end luxury at its finest. Seductive garments are the perfect combination of classic and timeless silhouettes with superior cuts and detailing.

*Images throughout courtesy of Goodley PR.

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.”

SS11 Press Days: Hobbs

A brand I cannot gush about enough is Hobbs, whose NW3 range I am particularly obsessed with and have been for the past three seasons. A couple of Wednesdays ago I was running really late so only had about ten minutes to look at the new collection before work, which thankfully proved to be just enough time. Once again Hobbs have triumphed on all counts creating three stunning ranges, solidifying them as one of my favourite high-street brands of 2010. From the mainline collection (above) I love the late '60s/ early '70s Jackie O vibe coming through in the hourglass silhouettes, oversized sunglasses and monochrome chic (which also slightly reminds me of Grace Kelly). Simple elegance at its best. In terms of accessories wedge heels and structured handbags are de rigueur, with more playful illustrations and colours than I've seen previously.

As always, Hobbs Limited Edition for SS11 is beautifully tailored, with an array of rich colours and textures. I particularly like the orange military-style silk dress (below, centre, right) and the monochrome ruffle detail shift (pictured below, far right).

For NW3 -named after the north London postcode - it was business as usual. I am in love with the busy patterns and rich pastel shades and really like the geometric print dress (below, right). I also like how the collection has been presented, with key outfits displayed separately in front of backdrops of the corresponding print. It was a really nice touch, but served to get me thinking about the endless pattern clash possibilities.

Love the cute navy blouse with ribbon waist tie detail (below, left) and can't wait to try on the autumnal looking printed silk maxi (below, right).

Whilst I love the dresses in the images below, even more do I love the yellow velvet futon. I need to track one down...

Lots of mid-low heels were teamed with the immaculately styled mannequins. I particularly like the suede ballet pumps (below, left) and I love the structured lime mock-croc handbag (pictured centre).