Alexander Wang – Stylitz

The ultimate black leather biker jacket

Published on September 7, 2015February 5, 2016 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

For her recent birthday my little sister asked for a black leather jacket. My mum immediately declared that she had an authentic biker jacket in the attic (from her succinct motorbike/Hell’s Angels phase) but I advised that whilst perfect for actual riding, this would be far too cumbersome to wear on a day-to-day basis. So instead I offered to do some online research for the ultimate black leather jacket. Most people dream of the perfect wear-with-anything biker jacket and once you have this piece in your wardrobe I am assured that you will wear little else. Whether thrown over a pretty dress, or added to skinny jeans and a tee, a classic biker adds a dash of Kate Moss magic to a look. I would like to add that I do not say this from personal experience. I myself have never been able to pull off a leather jacket, particularly a black one, and look far more bad Brando than rock chick Chrissy Hynde whenever I have attempted the look.

Kate Moss is famous for topping her outfits with a black biker (Top image by: Dave Bennett)

Whilst we all dream of having the funds to buy a buttersoft piece from Balmain, Alexander Wang or Isabel Marant, my budget on this occasion was set at around £100. Starting out, my only real criteria was that it was 100% leather (no plastic PV or pleather) and that it had interesting detailing and a good silhouette. Whilst my search is by no means exhaustive, I think it may be very helpful for anyone also looking for a well-priced leather jacket this autumn. Also, unless you object for ethical reasons, do ensure that it is 100% real leather. Although this means the price is higher, the fabric will wear well and last far longer than any cheaper imitation. All the below are 100% leather versions. I have also included some with a higher price point in case your budget is bigger. Here we go…

Biker # 1 – Zara £89.99 (Sizes XS – L)

Biker # 2 – Zara £99.99 (Sizes XS – XL)

Biker # 3 – ASOS £100 (Sizes 4-18)

Biker # 4 – Mango £119.99 (Sizes XS – XL)

Biker # 5 – Mango £119.99 (Sizes XS – XL)

Biker # 6 – Oasis £158 (Sizes XS – L)

Biker # 7 – Warehouse Alexa £180 (Sizes 6-18)

Biker # 8 – Whistles cropped Cara £295 (Sizes 4-16)

Biker # 9 – All Saints Dare with removable collar £358 (Sizes 2-14)

Biker # 10 – A curveball in pale pink suede from Dorothy Perkins £120 (Sizes 6-20)

And in case you wanted to know which jacket was eventually chosen and subsequently bought it was the ASOS Ultimate Biker Jacket at £100. I have been informed that the present was ‘a definite hit with the birthday girl, particularly the detailing on the arms’. These words come straight from the horse’s mouth. It also smelt amazing. Happy shopping!

Alexander Wang x H&M preview event

Published on November 6, 2014February 5, 2016 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

So it’s finally here! The hotly anticipated and much awaited Alexander Wang x H&M collection hits stores and online today. I had the privilege of being invited to last night’s pre-shopping event at the London Regent Street store and man was it crazy. Imagine a Louboutin sample sale with 90% discounts, then multiply that by 1000 fashionistas and you may be somewhere in the region of what I experienced. The collection was conveniently located in a central cage, which we were corralled through at an alarming rate by those desperate to grab a piece of the Wang action.

The London pre-shopping event complete with DJ and copious crowds

Bodycon dresses were like gold-dust and the already ubiquitous Wang emblazoned sweaters barely stayed on the rails. Luckily the blessed H&M staff were on hand to replenish stock as quickly as they could. Sizes come up quite snug (with the fitted pieces) so bear that in mind when bidding today. My stand out items were the blue trimmed bodycon dress, the oversize hooded parka and, if your abs can take it, the fab crop tops. And don’t forget to check out the accessories including the gorgeous leather backpack. Was it worth it you ask? Well I may have come away a little battered and bruised but the brilliant man-sized shopping bag and free ‘Team Wang’ airtex vest more than made up for it.

Crop tops, £29.98 each

Hooded parka, £149.99

Figure-fit dress, £59.99

Crop top, £29.98

Leather backpack, £129.99

Overknee socks, £12.99

Stylish black on black branding

Me with my shopping bag

Ellie Goulding also attended the event. Here she is sporting the parka (Image: Ellie Goulding Instagram)

Alexander Wang x H&M launches today (Thursday 6th November) http://www.hm.com/gb/wangxhm

Who’s army? Alexander Wang x H&M

Published on October 17, 2014October 17, 2014 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

So looks like H&M have gone and done it again. Last night saw the launch of yet another cracking collaboration, this time between the high street giant and the uber-cool US designer Alexander Wang. Not only is Wang a firm favourite with the fashion crowd, his blend of street-meets-catwalk has the hottest faces in music and film clamoring for his designs.

The collection debuted at a spectacular event in New York, opening with free runners putting on an energetic parkour performance around the urban boxy set.

Free runners wow with a parkour performance

This was followed by a catwalk show, where an army of black and grey clad models wearing helmets and carrying boxing gloves and basketballs enforced the sports-luxe theme. On conclusion, Wang appeared to take his bow amidst a shower of cannon-launched glitter. Just your average Thursday night then. After the models took their final turn it was on to round three – some 90s inspired music with hip-hop artist Sharaya J opening for a set of classics by Missy Elliot. Get Ya Freak On indeed!

Images from yesterday’s Alexander Wang x H&M catwalk show

Adding a touch of A-list glamour to the front row were the likes of Mary J. Blige, Jessica Chastain, Kate Mara and Dakota Fanning, who all came dressed in garments from the new collection.

Front row: Kate Mara and Mary J. Blige

Karlie Kloss stocks up on her faves from the range

Jessica Chastain works a white striped number

Dakota Fanning, Eddie Redmayne and Kate Mara enjoying the show

Due online and in-store worldwide on 6th November 2014, this sporty collection will certainly cause the round-the-block queues that have become the norm for H&M’s amazing designer collaborations. If you do manage to get inside, I say opt for the bodycon dress, grey striped leggings or the ‘Wang’ emblazoned sweatshirt. Whether you’re planning to wear these in the street or to the gym, they’re bound to create an envy inducing outfit. And an Instagram sure fire hit.

Alexander Wang x H&M lookbook

The Alexander Wang x H&M collection launches worldwide on 6th November 2014, in-store and online at http://www.hm.com Images courtesy of H&M

Put your back into it

Published on February 8, 2014March 1, 2015 by Alicja Jasnikowska4 Comments

It’s official, the backpack is definitely BACK! Having bubbled as a trend on catwalks and in streetstyle snaps for a few seasons, the Hoxton hipsters carryall of choice for has now hit the mainstream. Whilst perusing yesterdays hot-off-the-press New York Fashion Week AW14 pics, I spotted too many backpacks to count. Forget nylon rucksacks full of gym kit and leave the kitsch cartoony versions for the kids, the modern backpack is chic, clean and comes in luxurious leather.

New York Fashion Week AW14 (Image: Phil Oh for http://www.vogue.co.uk)

New York Fashion Week AW14 (Image: Tommy Ton for http://www.style.com)

Rag & Bone AW14 catwalk show (Image: http://www.style.com)

Here is a selection of my favourites available now – I particularly love the Grafea ones, which come in a wide selection of colours. I predict we’ll see many more of these across the coming fashion weeks and this trend will run and run (as will you with your new hands-free bag). Invest early and team with miminal oversized tailoring to avoid being mistaken for a schoolgirl.