Tag: store launch

The perfect summer shoe

Published on by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

Anyone who knows me will say that I am a total print fanatic. Whether it be a tropical floral, a monochrome check or an African waxed cotton design, my wardrobe is overspilling with bold patterned pieces. So much so that I have to remind myself to buy basics to balance all the crazy colour. Although who doesn’t love a print clash, right?

So imagine my delight when I was introduced to the gorgeous Saira shoes, whose footwear is an eclectic mix of quality Indian woven fabrics and modern London styling. The brainchild of St Martin’s College educated Aditi, the company is named after her daughter Saira (which also means happy). And one can’t fail to be happy when wearing these shoes. Handcrafted from exclusive limited-edition Indian fabrics and cushioned with leather insoles these are both a treat for the feet and the eyes.

Creative Director Aditi (right) with her daughter Saira

Images: © Hannah Young

The shoes come in a range of different styles, from the holiday-friendly slide to my personal favourite, the city-loving bow-toe mule. All are available in a variety of bold hued fabrics, with prices ranging from £80 – £110.

A selection of the stunning styles available at Saira

This week saw the launch of their first UK pop-up shop in Shoreditch, London. The opening was marked with an in-store event, complete with delicious sugary treats by Cutter & Squidge, bubbles by Skinny Prosecco and tunes mixed by DJ Pips Tayor. Oh and a multi-coloured giant balloon wall, the ideal backdrop for that obligatory selfie.

Photography by Hannah Young

Pips Taylor on the decks (Image: © Hannah Young)

Pretty cakes by Cutter & Squidge

Bubbles by Skinny Prosecco

Fellows guests included The Saturdays singer Vanessa White, Made in Chelsea star Rosie Fortescue and chef Gizzi Erskine (seen here in a pair of the bowed mules).

Photography by Hannah Young

Photography by Hannah Young

From top: Vanessa White, Rosie Fortescue and Gizzi Erskine attend the launch

Images: © Hannah Young

So if you’re looking for a fabulous statement shoe to see you through the remainder of the summer, I would highly recommend you head to Saira. The only problem you face is deciding which of the gorgeous patterned styles to opt for. Trust me, the struggle is real 😉

Saira pop-up store, 189 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6HU. 

Open daily 10-6pm, Sundays 11-5pm until 30th September 2017.

http://www.saira.co.uk/

British tailoring, French antiques and a bonkers launch party

Published on by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

This week I attended the launch party of brand new menswear retail concept Labassa Woolfe, and it turned out to be one of the most bonkers store launches I have ever been to. Yes, there was stunning tailoring and gorgeous vintage furniture, endless champagne and delicious foie gras. But there was also a dwarf, two goats and a lady dressed as a French farmer’s wife! And live music. And egg throwing. Oh and Benedict Cumberbatch also made an appearance…

Owners Joe Woolfe and Johan Labassa with Benedict Cumberbatch

Oliver Cheshire and Jack Guinness

Carl Barat and Edie Langley pose with the goats

The brainchild of British stylist Joe Woolfe and French antique specialist Johan Labassa, this beautiful store is a treasure trove of meticulously cut men’s tailoring, handmade accessories and unique French collectibles. Combining Joe’s long standing connection with Savile Row and years of dressing A-listers such as Benedict Cumberbatch and David Gandy, with Johan’s family history of French fine dining and antiques, the creative interior commands as much attention as the suiting. And with it’s ever changing display of painstakingly sourced period pieces, every visit looks set to be a new experience.

Shots of the stores opulent and carefully curated interior

A selection of ready to wear and custom-made tailoring is on offer alongside handmade shoes and gorgeous accessories

A feast for all the senses, this wonderful party was an eclectic mix of intriguing dapper gentlemen and fabulously surreal entertainment. Which really is an extension of the store concept itself. So if you are looking for somewhere beautifully brilliant to buy your tailoring or something extraordinary for your home, then head to Labassa Woolfe. I hear Goutte et Canard is served daily at 3pm and is not to be missed. Just keep an eye out for the rogue goats…

Labassa Woolfe, 6 Percy Street, London W1T 1DQ. Open Monday – Saturday (10-6pm) www.labassawoolfe.com

TK Maxx it up

Published on by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

Today’s post is for those that love to bag a bargain, as last night saw the launch of a brand new TK Maxx store right in the centre of Covent Garden.  Store openings are usually quite a dry affair, but this was one hell of a party.  Attended by Eliza Doolittle, Westlife’s Kian Egan and Peaches Geldof, who, judging by her bulging shopping bag is a fan of their designer goods at discount prices. Eliza even took a turn on the decks playing her favourite tunes as shoppers partied in the aisles.

 TKMaxx Eliza Doolittle 2

TKMaxx Eliza Doolittle 1

Eliza Doolittle takes to the decks in an unusual micro mini and padded gilet combo

TKMaxx Kian Egan

Westlife’s Kian Egan with his wife and former Hollyoaks star, Jodi Albert

A selection of beverages and chic canapés ensured that guests were well looked after, whilst the circular, central bar saw waiters entertaining the crowds with their cocktail-making skills. Whilst there, I also had a browse and loved how organised, colour co-ordinated and beautiful the store looked (check out the purses on display below).

 TK Maxx store - Stylitz

In-store – purses are sorted by colour

Based on Long Acre, and flanked by brands such as Reiss and Gap, the new 3-floor store houses mens and womenswear, and a whole ground floor dedicated to accessories.  The fifth TKMaxx to open in London’s Zones 1 & 2, this is the one that will appeal most to central London shoppers due to the prime location in tourist hub Covent Garden.  The store opens to the public today, so why not pop in and pick up a bargain in your lunch hour or peruse the aisles before attending a West End show.  Good labels at prices you’ll love… who can argue with that?

TK Maxx, 15-17 Long Acre, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9LH www.tkmaxx.com