20 years of Hugo

Ah! Hugo by Hugo Boss. If, like me, you have fond memories of the ever-popular fruity fragrance you may be interested in finding out more about the brand behind the bottle. Today sees the retail reveal of the Hugo 20th Anniversary Collection, featuring 20 key pieces with a striking red, black and white palette.

The collection has been unveiled to coincide with the anniversary of the Hugo line, launched in 1993 as a range with a more unconventional, experimental edge. With clean lines and minimal detailing, this understated collection includes patent ankle boots, a scarlet two-piece suit and a graphic monochrome blouse. Stunningly simple and easy to wear this is the ultimate capsule wardrobe. I’ll take one of each please.

In store today at http://www.store-uk.hugoboss.com and http://www.selfridges.com

NB. Furthermore, to coincide with this year’s anniversary, on 31st July London’s Saatchi Gallery will be hosting an exhibition entitled Hugo: Red Never Follows. Featuring the work of 20 urban creatives, the exhibition will comprise of video installations, murals and light features all inspired by the spirit of Hugo. The perfect avenue to champion your new graphic garments.

Hugo: Red Never Follows will open to the public for free from 31st July until 1st September.

Eudon Choi for River Island

Exciting news alert! High street brand River Island will be utilising the skills of fashion pack favourite Eudon Choi for its latest Design Forum collaboration. Launching in September 2013, the 16 piece collection will include leathers, streamlined garments and biker influences, and is inspired by a 90s Peter Linderberg shoot with original supers Naomi, Cindy and Claudia.

I attended the Eudon Choi AW13 catwalk show in Feb & adored the Russian folk references, buttersoft wide leather pants and fab colour combinations. Accompanied by a string quartet – which included a kooky triangular balalaika – the feel was quirky, serene & romantic. With fans including Jessie J, Rita Ora and Ellie Goulding, as well as almost every fashion editor of note, Choi is well on his way to success. & if he brings his meticulous tailoring and attention to detail to the high street favourite then we’re all in for a treat.

Cara bags Mulberry campaign

British brand Mulberry has just unveiled its a/w 2013 campaign, fronted by the face to feature this season, model Cara Delevingne. A hit both on & off the catwalks, Cara is renowned for her Instagram gurning, beanie hats, inimitable style & partying with bezzies Rita Ora & Rihanna.

Shot by the supremely talented Mulberry favourite Tim Walker – purveyor of abstract magical scenes – the campaign features Cara in an Oxfordshire manor surrounded by nocturnal owls. British, beautiful and quirky, with a delicious dark side, this is a perfect pairing for Mulberry. Surely a namesake bag is on the horizon…

http://www.mulberry.com/#/thisseason/campaign/

One for the boys

The last three days saw London play host to a bevy of beautiful men & supreme fashion talent in the biannual London Collections Men. The sister (or brother) of London Fashion Week, this menswear only special showcased a wealth of British talent, from emerging designers to established Savile Row heavyweights. The three day event presented the collections for Spring Summer 2014 (a whopping 12 months ahead!) so all you eagle-eyed gents know what to keep an eye out for in the coming year.

With Savile Row tailors Hardy Amies & Richard James, & big name brands Burberry Prorsum & Tom Ford, the shows attracted the cream of male British style – the boldly colourful Tinie Tempah, the handsome & groomed David Gandy, & housewife & teen favourite Harry Styles. The featured image is from Burberry Prorsum SS14, as designed by the fantastic Christopher Bailey, who has declared that next year you will mainly be wearing contrasting pastels, polka dots & stripes. Together. That should divide the men from the boys…

http://www.londoncollections.co.uk/men

Get Your Rocks On

We all know that ladies are partial to a gem or two.  And if like me the offer of a unique accessory has you pulling on your favourite shopping-friendly flats before you can say Tiffany’s, then pop along to Somerset House for this weekend’s jewellery show, the aptly named Treasure.

Featuring more than 100 contemporary jewellery designers, this is where to spot the new Stephen Webster or Solange Azagury-Partridge, & better still commission your own perfect piece. With inspirational talks from jewellery experts & on-hand fashion stylists to help make sure you don’t make a jewel faux-pas (heaven forbid) this is the ultimate weekend venue for all you magpies.  Why not drag along your fella & drop some not-so-subtle hints around your favourite stands. Or if he’s a fan of some man-bling there is a special dedicated men’s section to coincide with Father’s Day.  Gold sovereign ring wearers need not apply…

http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/visual-arts/treasure-2013