Wonderful wedges
Wedges are this season’s must-have footwear, and top designers are delivering some beauties.
The craze was kicked off by Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint Laurent in 2005, but it shows no sign of diminishing in 2007 as wedges are the only shoes that offer added height without killing your feet. The look is fresh and fun, and the selection of designs to choose from is mind-blowing, in every sort of material, from bright-coloured plastics, to warm-toned wood like the pair pictured by Chloé.
Marlies Dekker lingerie
Dutch designer Marlies Dekker is launching her lingerie collection in London with a brand-new boutique. Bold and not for the bashful, her designs play on straps and cut-outs. There are openings to follow in Berlin and Paris early next year, to add to stores in Amsterdam and Antwerp. www.marliesdekker.nl
RETURN OF THE NAIL POLISH: BACK IN BLACK
Black nail polish is so hip right now.Cool actors like Lindsay Lohan have been spotted wearing it, and even guys are getting in on the look. Rock or goth types like David Bowie and Marilyn Manson are long-time nail polish fans, but now football star David Beckham has had his nails done in black for the sake of fashion. Flying off the shelf is Le Vernis Black Satin 219 from Chanel (€14, chanel.com). This long-lasting, chip-resistant polish is an absolute must for those who love their nails. Select from an intense palette that includes the popular dark range as well as all the rainbow colours and classic shades.
Luxury luggage
Following in the footsteps of Matthew Williamson, Alexander McQueen will design a limited-edition collection of luggage and accessories for the Samsonite Black Label. From crocodile to rib patterns, his potent designs are sure to refresh weary travellers. McQueen’s collection, along with work by industrial designer Marc Newson, will be available in Samsonite Black Label stores, Alexander McQueen boutiques, and high-end department stores from spring 2007. www.samsoniteblacklabel.co
Fashionably fit
New Year resolution number one: get fit in style. Can’t decide between Bikram yoga (a hot workout with 26 poses over 90 minutes in a room set at 40°C) or classic Kundalini favoured by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Sting and Madonna? Don’t despair – at least you can go out and buy the gear. A good place to get your workout wardrobe is from Nuala ex-supermodel-cum-entrepreneur Christy Turlington’s charming yoga attire empire. Christy started off with Kundalini yoga in the early 1980s, and launched her company under the PUMA umbrella in 2000. This autumn/winter collection, inspired by the fluidity of dance, is exquisite. Some of her favourite pieces are the ‘Christy’ yoga bag in soft cotton canvas (€220) and the ‘Nartan’ ballet flats in supple black leather (€180). Getting fit has never looked so fashionable. www.nuala.puma.com
Gieves and Hawkes
The appointment of Joe Casely-Hayford as master tailor at Gieves and Hawkes is yet another example of attention-grabbing creative directors collaborating on a diffusion line. Stately Savile Row tailors Gieves & Hawkes have been dressing the contemporary man in made-to-measure suits for over 200 years. With clients such as George Michael and Robbie Williams in his address book, Joe Casely-Hayford, a British fashion gem, is confident that he can hit the right balance between the sartorial requirements of modern men and the garment tradition in which Gieves is steeped. Since his debut show in Paris in 1986, his signature collections have been both creative and classic. The current collection, titled ‘The Art Dealer’, is quaint and referential, perfect for the Gieves man who is, according to Joe, “a sophisticated, confident, creative individual; a confirmed non-conformist, a bitter-sweet romantic with a rebellious edge”. www.gievesandhawkes.com
Post-natal passion
Maternity wear and post-natal underwear just got sexy, as Agent Provocateur seeks to diversify its brand. Started in 1994 by Serena Rees and Joseph Corre, Agent Provocateur pulled out all the stops with provocative lingerie that was ultra-feminine and sexy without being garish. Having recently given birth to their daughter, Rees and Corre realised that there was a need to add their signature sass to the generic maternity wear on the market. The sexy, low-rise underbelly briefs are just right, and are supported by ergonomically designed wireless soft-cup bras with front fastenings, as well as post-natal underwear with detachable garters. The stylish collection is available in a range of colours from leopard print to fuschia and can be purchased in the company’s 17 stores worldwide and online. The Cupid set (pictured) costs €96 for the bra and €72 for the briefs. www.agentprovocateur.com
Splurge
Add a little sparkle to your winter wardrobe with Sergio Rossi’s golden clutch bag. Crafted from soft gold crocodile with delicate enamel detailing, at €2,720 it’s perfect for those who’ve got plenty of lolly to lavish on accessories. www.sergiorossi.com
versus
But if Christmas has cleaned you out, don’t worry – you can still get the Midas touch. Miss Selfridge’s shapely gilded minaudière will seamlessly take your outfit from day to evening, for the slightly less princely sum of €22. www.missselfridge.co.uk
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