Category: Designer Brands
Slides for a Reason x
Slides/sandals with socks were objects of such disdain in my youth: Only worn by tourists from lands that fashion forgot. But now they’re the sheep-shoe of the moment…and why not? They’re the model of languid self-possession with sleepy, knowing eyes. 
It’s that edgy, loose type of cool..a button casually left undone rather than a mini skirt and teetering heels…Birks are the reigning royalty. The ones with white soles have particular appeal..shame my feet don’t like them, but there’re plenty of other options.. 
(From here)
Some with that extra element of something to elevate them from the ordinary..
(From here)
I like the way they mix with tailored suits – poise, power, grace. And the ability to run..
(The Adidas originals JS Wing slides in black and white – from 2011, but you might find on Ebay..)
It’s what makes fashion so fascinating: That visceral force and ever changing skyline where something can be so rejected one decade makes a complete turn around the next..
But comfort and style needs embracing: I dare someone to sit next to me and tell me it isn’t true….
Laters, Kate x
Simply Made x
Made was born from a desire to create beautiful products using traditional time-honoured skills and fashion led design: Made believe that people really matter, that if you look after the employees it translates through into what they make. It’s a meeting of beautiful thinking and beautiful doing where object and intention come together to create something truly special and unique whilst embracing cultures, personalities and genuine gorgeousness..
They are also dedicated to using the most environmentally friendly products possible: Their signature style comes from an extensive use of reclaimed brass which has a warmth and a softness unlike any other metal. 
But what makes them standout is the balance between tradition/friend of the earth and cutting edge fashion: Their sharp design skills come from a willingness to collaborate with some of the best the fashion and design world has to offer – Edun, Lois Vuitton, Whistles, Asos, TopShop to name just a few, all adding to a sense of continual growth and exploration of ideas. 
I particularly love these pieces by Imogen Belfield, already touted by Vogue as an up and coming designer, her designs have a sense of presence and tactileness that make them exceptionally appealing: They’re a little bit of sunshine… 
Mi piace..
Time to stand outside the circle.
Laters, Kate x
Shoe Fantasies..
Balmain SS12: A whole new level of voyeur porn..
Just add a bit of boho..
Kristen Stewart style cornrows..
(all pictures from Tumblr)
And you’re good to hit…the street.
Laters, Kate x
Delightfully Different..
There’s so much to love in Antonio Marras’s 2015 Resort Collection..
Embracing vintage concepts without the slightest hint of a costume: A-line cuts, boxy shapes, explosive prints with pop art polka dots and bubble gum pink all mashed together with culottes, cropped tops and ugly shoes.
It’s like eating the perfect four-course French meal with your fingers in an American Diner whilst wearing a bikini and a smile.
The creepers are a joy.
A touchingly aware cosmopolitan cocktail of ideas beautifully edged in black.
There’s a sense it will fit any body type: skimming, flaring and flattering, moving with giggles and grace.
A homogenous slickness of wearability.
It’s the clothes you’ve always wanted to shop for with that magic touch of satisfaction: you’ll look different…and you’ll look good.
Laters, Kate x
Design Hero’s x
Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli’s Valentino are serenely working a rich thread of inspiration which carries through to their Resort 2015 Collection.
I look at their work and wonder what it is that always makes my heart beat so. And every time the answer is the same: The workmanship.
When you read descriptions of dresses from centuries past: delicate silks caught in a web of tulle with stitches made with fairy hands…you think it’s a quality of work that’s been lost forever…until you see Valentino.
It’s also fascinating that these exquisite clothes are not based on the clothes from the Ball room or Drawing room, but are drawn from bohemian and peasant designs. Every-day-wear now elevated to the heavenly.
The incredible embroideries and textiles have a soul of their own, harking back to that time when only the very best would do, when skill named the price and craftsmanship mattered.
And like sorcerers, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli have conjured up and captured that magic.
There’s no pretence..it’s hours and hours of layers of care and dedication.
With a little bit of cool thrown in.
But the truth is, for reasons beyond the concept of modern day sheep-street Brand these clothes are the representation of true luxury…they are literally works of walking Art. And they blow my mind.
Laters, Kate x
Champagne For Rosie x
Rosie Assoulin and her Resort 2015 Collection is a bridge between the fast fashion of the street and the up in the clouds pedestal of high couture: An addict who willingly embraces everything around her, it does seem incredible she’s only been around for a year.
Rather than designing for a particular person in mind, you get the feeling her Collections reflect who she is (boarder shorts included) which we then want to buy into.
She has a magic touch with volume: How it happens is not the same as saying why it works, but ease of movement plays an important part, as does beautiful fabrication.
The cut of the sleeve..beguiling temptation…
Utterly wearable humour.
Rafia made posh, even with a baseball cap.
She’s a woman: Bra strap not a problem.
Her recognisable signature – sculptural elements, pleats, stripes and colour are all worked through.
Oh to see this at the oscars..
If I had to choose one time it would be this cape – The perfect addition to an evening out, covering that moment when you look at your array of coats and realise goosebumps are the only way to go…or to just to throw over a stripy top and a pair of jeans for a thrilling trip to the playground..
Effortless cool-girl-grace.
Laters, Kate x
Eddie Borgo x
There’s nothing better than a flowing boho dress with strong, studded jewellery..
The sort of jewellery that designer Eddie Borgo revels in.
It has my heart…
Solid, timeless statement pieces..
But he can do elegant too..
Is it too early to start a Christmas list??
Laters, Kate x
Stunning Shibori..
(From Fausto Puglisi Resort 2015)
There’s a quiet revolution happening which originally had it’s routes in Japanese culture but for me will always sing of the seventies: Shibori tie dying.. 
(From Fausto Puglisi Resort 2015)
But now it’s far removed from flower garlands and hippy communes and is steadily seeping it’s way onto the catwalk..
(From Fausto Puglisi Resort 2015)
Even Michael Kors Resort 2015 can’t resist..
From MiH jeans who have a particularly fine range this season all in glorious indigos.
But the joy is this is something that anyone can do – especially with inspiration and advice available all over the web:
I love this video..I want to be there and play!
One of the best written tutorials I’ve found is this one from Honestlywtf, making all sorts of shapes and techniques look utterly effortless and astonishingly beautiful..imagine these as individual napkins on a summer table… 
Or doing these techniques on a dark denim shirt with bleach instead of dye?? And I’ve just looked….and Honesltywtf have a tutorial for that as well!
Suddenly I really, really want to get my hands dirty….
Laters, Kate x
A Cut Above x
How to describe the Lanvin 2015 Resort Collection?…An incredibly seductive grace without a hint of bodycon or skin…
Bows in clever, contrasted black and white that call out and tempt.
Lines that flow and suggest.
Little hints at the past – like this outfit looking as if it has stepped out of Renoir painting dated 2015.
Red, white and black..who would’ve thought they could look so colour-blocked chic..
Now with a flash of dusky pink, like a slice of lemon in the perfect cocktail.
(Those shoes!)
Oh to look like this, striding down the street, ready to take on the world..
(The jacket! And quilted!)
It’s a Collection that strikes a powerful note with a myriad of stories – elegant, super-chic silky illusions..but still always up for a sneaky gauloise behind the bike sheds with smudged bright red lippy and dancing eyes…
Laters, Kate x
How Very, Very..
Rachel Comey Resort 2015: She is her own brand. I never thought short sleeve jackets would crawl back into trend, but this is kiss worthy.
Set in an unfinished apartment, this shoot says these clothes work any place, any where.
Managing to combine artisan cool with subtle lyricism, ankle boots with a jumpsuit..a stand-out silhouette with uber-appeal.
Historical references resonate – I recognise these jeans. It’s fresh yet it feels familiar and satisfying, like it’s the next part of an ongoing conversation.
Each out fit is complete with a lust factor in every item right down to the shoes – it would be all to easy to underestimate the power of this.
You want to touch it and see how it moves.
Ultimately, you want to wear it.
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 