An extremely luxurious shopping list of new and exciting clothes and accessories
Christopher Kane’s More Joy Summer Store
A memorable A/W18 collection saw Christopher Kane take inspiration – and slogans – from 70s sex manual, The Joy of Sex (‘More Joy’ was printed on marabou-trimmed dresses, alongside original illustrations from the book). Now, in celebration of the summer months, the designer returns once again to the erotic tome, opening the ‘More Joy Summer Store’ at his Mount Street flagship, with fans, T-shirts, phone cases and towels imprinted with ‘More Joy’ and ‘Sex’. In the designer’s words, it is a reminder “to be open to the ‘joy’ that we all deserve this summer”.
Louis Vuitton’s Autumn/Winter Shoe Collection
Louis Vuitton’s latest shoe collection has arrived in stores worldwide, promising to revisit “the great classics of the male and female wardrobe”. Expect derby shoes, biker-style ankle boots and ballet flats, reimagined in Nicolas Ghesquière’s typically retro-futuristic style. Alongside all-new accessories, Vuitton’s now-cult Archlight sneakers has made their return, this time in fresh colourways inspired by the primary-hued exterior of Centre Pompidou, a recreation of which was a backdrop for Ghesquière’s Autumn/Winter runway show earlier this year.
Aesop Skin Care+
The summer months can prove particularly challenging on the skin – whether it’s UV rays, pollution, or simply long journeys on sweaty tube carriages, now is the time to up your regimen. Aesop’s latest additions – the Skin Care+ range – are well qualified for the task: adding potent doses of vitamin C, E, B3 and B5 to their signature botanical formulas, these new products are made to rehydrate and replenish the skin of vitamins after sun exposure this summer (though several formulas work equally well in cool environs, too). Try the Damascan Rose Facial Treatment if in need of intense hydration, or the B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel for a lighter touch.
Dior’s Britain-Themed Pop-Up at Harrods
An homage to Monsieur Dior’s love of Britain opens at Harrods this month, coinciding with the launch of Maria Grazia Chiuri’s A/W19 collection for the Parisian house, which also drew inspiration from the UK (Chiuri referenced the Teddy Girl movement of the 1950s, made famous by the photographs of Ken Russell). The pop-up is suitably Anglophile, encompassing red phone boxes, black cabs and Union Jack-themed handbags, alongside other exclusive pieces, while an ‘ABCDior customisation service’ will allow customers to personalise their purchases.
Bottega Veneta’s New Collection at Dover Street Market
An alumnus of Phoebe Philo’s Celine, Daniel Lee’s much-anticipated first runway show for Bottega Veneta was shown in Milan earlier this year, imbuing the storied Italian house with a tough, sensual new energy – and plenty of desirable clothing for men and women. Now, that collection arrives in stores, including Dover Street Market London, where a permanent new area is dedicated to Lee’s distinct vision. Our eyes lie firmly on the nappa leather totes, a supersized take on the house’s signature intrecciato weave.
Venczel’s Sustainable Handbags
Several entirely new brands also arrive at Dover Street Market London this month, among them Venczel, an accessories label known for vegetable-tanned handbags in various satisfying geometric shapes. Founded in Copenhagen by Matilda Venczel, the label is a favourite with the city’s in-the-know – and fashionably astute – crowd, and comes with the benefit of a sustainable business model: much of the leather she uses is a byproduct from the meat industry.
The Row’s Workwear Capsule at Net-a-Porter
What might the Olsen sisters wear to work? Wonder no longer: a capsule collection from their joint label The Row, arriving on Net-a-Porter this month, provides the answer. A proposition for “summer workwear”, the brief but perfectly formed collection reimagines several of The Row’s signature pieces – gathered blouses, pleated skirts, cashmere sweaters – in blue chambray cotton. The result is a series of easy pieces well suited to the summer months, whether in or out of office, making morning-time wardrobe dilemmas a thing of the past.
Celebrate Chinese Valentine’s Day with Fendi
Today, it’s China’s equivalent of Valentine’s Day, the Qixi Festival: 24 hours of romantic declarations, cards and gifts. To celebrate, Fendi has created a special collection to coincide, in suitably pink and saccharine tones – encompassing pyjama sets, embellished T-shirts and pretty scallop shorts, as well as their signature Baguette bag in blossom confetto pink. And, though the collection might be made for lovers, these pieces will be just as well enjoyed – perhaps even more so – when purchased solo.