IN VOGUE
Keep up to date with the latest trends and news from the world of fashion
H&M goes double Dutch
Swedish fashion outlet H&M’s recent collaborations with iconic designers such as Stella McCartney and Karl Lagerfeld have had style-conscious shoppers fighting the queues to snap up these limited-edition collections before they sell out. Next in line is the Dutch design duo Viktor & Rolf. Renowned for highly conceptual fashion shows, inventive tailoring and creatively structured garments, Viktor & Rolf opened their first upside-down signature store in Milan in 2005. Now they’re set to conquer the global mass market. For H&M, they have designed a collection inspired, they say, by love. No discerning fashionista will be able to do without their cocktail dresses, tuxedos, pullovers or jeans www.hm.com
Leg it
Not since the 1960s have tights enjoyed this much attention. Nowadays anything goes, from neutral tones to classic silk nylons. For ardent fashion followers, footless tights, leggings and layers are a must.
Or think plaid and lace (as above for Wolford) for added texture. Alternatively, go stark with opaque black tights under a feminine shift dress.
EYES ON…
Christian Wijnants is definitely one to watch. The Belgian designer’s exquisite dresses and tops are winning high-powered admirers throughout the industry. In 2005 he beat Giles Deacon and Charles Anastase to a €100,000 grant from the annual Swiss Textiles Award. His dresses – soft, flowing materials adorned with wickerwork, tribal motifs and complex layering – proved irresistible to the jury. www.christianwijnants.be
agnès b. in Belgium
The fashion and art scenes in Brussels have been boosted by the opening of a funky new store by iconic French designer agnès b. (27 boulevard de Waterloo, agnesb.com). Situated in the former stables of a townhouse, the minimalist store will offer agnès b.’s ultra-chic women’s, men’s and travel collections over two floors. It will also house furniture from young designers, including Quinze & Milan, and offer local artists the chance to make their mark.
Mix and match
Belgian fashion godfather Walter Van Beirendonck is collaborating with luxury lifestyle label Scapa Sports. The classic sportswear brand is renowned for the high-end attire it sells throughout Belgium, France, The Netherlands and Japan. Van Beirendonck, meanwhile, was part of the so-called Antwerp six, a loose collective of Belgian designers (including Dries Van Noten and Marina Yee) famous for pushing the boundaries of casualwear. His work utilises bold colours, provocative graphics and S&M aesthetics.
The first fruits of this unlikely pairing will be on the market for winter 2007. www.scapasports.com; www.waltervanbeirendonck.com
Splurge
A Rolex is a must-have for those who have the cash to splash this winter – €7,920 to be exact. This Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II practically screams: “I‘ve got money but I haven’t lost my sense of style.” 
www.rolex.com
versus
Save
Those who don’t have quite such deep wallets can always stick to a more sensible budget of €82 with a Capri watch. Despite its clear plastic strap, the design is remarkably similar to a Rolex – and it’s waterproof. www.bamfordandsons.com
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