Bring Back London!

Fashion houses like Burberry and Ted Baker make me proud to be a Londoner with their steadfast image and effortless chic. Their take on menswear gives a true sense of London's edge and eternal youth. I can't help but feel that the fashion industry has been dominated by too many cities around the world for too long. We've seen everything from New York Grunge to California Cool right the way to Harajuku trends from Tokyo and as fantastic and fabulous as these may have been, London's time on the map has not been significant enough.

"New York Grunge"

"California Cool"

"Harajuku"

There have been many beautiful decades in fashion in our city from the bourgeois chic of the 1920's to the Mods & Rockers scene of the 60's into the 70's, London has produced top trends, top designers and high-grade fashion! The beauty does not lie in the trends alone but in the execution of them - the immaculate tailoring and clean lines created by British fashion houses remain unrivalled and therefore should be showcased by all people - not just the six-figure-salary cats. Gentlemen (because that's what we are, not boys) it's time to throw out the polo shirts and oversized sweaters. New Balance sneakers belong in the gym or out on runs through Hyde Park, not everyday wear. Let's bring back that London look - the business look.

Clean lines, sleek tailoring and splashes of colour characterise Burberry's London look

There is nothing worse than feeling under-dressed, however it seems we men have lapsed into thinking that being grossly so for an event is better than turning up well-dressed. Note I wrote well-dressed and not over-dressed. There is no such thing as being over-dressed so long as you are confident enough to pull it off. This year, let's snap out of that bad habit and make more of an effort! There is an abundance of suits out there and more so, a million different sources of inspiration for mens outfits. Look to brands like Hackett, Paul Smith, Burberry and Ted Baker for the true gentleman's apparel and dont be afraid to be daring! The beauty of the look of the Londoner is the ease with which the look is pulled off but also the added edge in colour and accessories. Let's not follow any longer! After all, we do live in a fashion capital!

Live Beautiful, Stay Vogue

Ciao Belissimi!
Mr. Darkwah
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Tribal Chic

A refreshing motif on the catwalks of the last few years, the Tribal trend has done nothing but gain momentum this upcoming season. The trend survives on print – it’s the alchemy, and this year it is more animated and eclectic than ever.

The trend weaved itself into many collections, such as Michael Kors, Sass & Bide, Donna Karan and Thakoon. Missoni’s Ready-to-Wear Collection 2012 is laidback, taking a more sensual approach on the trend by blending a contrast of bold and soft shades of cocoa, yellows, corals and greens with the freeness of fringing and ruffles, paired with gypsy jewels. For the braver hearts, breathe Hawaiian air with Suno Resort 2012, where flamboyant jungle motives were juxtaposed against more versatile dresses with ethnic details. Donna Karan’s feminity was not lost through the tribal motifs of her Spring Collection inspired by her travels of Haiti. Combining brash whites and warm pops of colour with a spectrum of blacks, browns and stone, her collection is fierce yet sophisticated.  Subtle tribal vibes were present at Sass & Bide, where bead encrusted tank tops and chic shorts stood out, and at Duro Olowu (a favourite of Mrs. Obama) through his use of mixed prints.

From left: Missoni, Suno, Donna Karan, Sass & Bide and Duro Olowu

The traditional vibrant graphic prints, fusion of warm hues and textural features has transformed; the greatest change this season being the presence of Ankara (wax prints from West Africa.) Christopher Bailey’s Burberry Prorsum Collection features a range of outerwear, dresses and skirts in a kaleidoscope of colour, some of which has already been sported by the likes of Anna Wintour, Kate Bosworth and Solange Knowles. I love the meticulous attention to detail – even the shoes are entwined with Ankara and beads.  Simonetta Ravizza gave the trend a 60’s edge for her Ready-to-Wear 2012 Collection: Ankara wedges, mini dresses, skirts, trousers and harem pants were all styled with flirty tousled hair. Nevertheless, we shouldn’t forget African designers such as Asibelua and Jewel by Lisa, where graphic Ankara was given a saturated look.

For those looking to style their little girls, ‘Native Belle Boutique’, a fusion childrenswear line is gorgeous for  all those ‘mini-me’s. All of the items are handmade in ethical, breathable fabrics such as linens, cottons and organdy’s. The Aurora Collection blends the Ankara subtly with the colour palette of this upcoming season – oranges, fuchsias, yellows, blues, rich reds and pastille hues.  They even have cute patchwork Ankara Teddy Bears, sure to be a Christmas favourite. www.nativebelleboutique.com

There it is, fashionistas! The tribal trend in all its glory. Be sure to look out for it in stores, on runways and in magazines - you saw it here first (and no doubt, will be seeing more of it)!

Remain en-vogue, 

Miss Croxford

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