"Looks like REISS will be making its way into my wardrobe!" - Mr. Darkwah

For those of you who read La Clique regularly, you will know that I am not one to write about press days. I find that recently, in order to get a freebie, anyone will attend and write about any press day and that is not how I work. You will also know that I never write to slate therefore keeping my blog squeaky clean and positive - how I like my life. In this case, however, I find myself writing about a press day because I absolutely adored everything I saw!

REISS, established by David Reiss in 1971 started out providing businesswear for men in and around London. In its expansion, it took on womenswear and became an international brand. I must say, though the styling was always impeccable and the clothes of good quality, I could never really see myself donning an outfit from there. Maybe the odd sweater or pair of trousers but nothing beyond that. I saw REISS as a 'staple' for my wardrobe and thus was indifferent to them.

Their most recent press day changed my mind completely! Never have I walked into a room and wanted everything (well, barring Lanvin's A/W 09/10 and Gucci's S/S 11 collections)! You could have likened my amazement, "ooh-ing" and "aah-ing" to that of a Herbal Essences advert. All of a sudden, REISS had life! Bags were bolder and looked like they belonged in the clutches of the meanest fashionistas around from New York to Tokyo! (Not to mention in my wardrobe!)

The women's collection was bold in accessories and shoes. The new accessories designer managed to breathe an edgy life force into the brand whilst maintaing the lady-like REISS woman. (Lady-like being used loosely as now she was more of a Glamazon than a lady who lunched!) Evening-wear was bursting with life with sequin detailing and gowns that could make the clumsiest of women look as though she was floating into the room!

Having started as a menswear brand that dealt mainly in businesswear, I expected a relatively boring collection from men, and thus an anticlimax. I was wrong (thank God!) What I walked into was the perfect fusion of masculine style with softer feminine undertones. With a pastel colour palette contrasted with structured tailoring and brought together with the most beautifully printed pocket squares, the menswear collection blew me away!

"See what I mean about the pocket squares?"

"Give me a soft turtleneck and I'm SOLD!"

If you don't know what you're doing and who you're wearing for Autumn/Winter this year, I strongly recommend you make REISS a part of your wardrobe! Just giving you the heads-up!

Live Beautiful, Stay Vogue!
Ciao Bellissimi!

Mr. Darkwah
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"Thank you Kirk Originals!" - Mr. Darkwah

"I got them!" 

Isaac StJames, myself and Charles Ampadu in our Kirk Originals lenses!

As I'm sure you've noticed, that with the lack of posts to do with them, I have been out of the events circuit for a while but let me assure you, I'm back and loving it! Last Thursday saw me making my return to being (somewhat) a social butterfly at Kirk Originals' Award Win Party at their Conduit Street store. The event saw singer, Sophie Hiller perform a few of her own singles and covers of popular hits both past and present.

Simple and yet so stylish!

Kirk Originals never fails when it comes to style!

Songstress Sophie Hiller in action

Typical of an event overseen by TASK PR, I felt completely at home and enjoyed myself thoroughly! I even had my first cider (being known as a man who drinks only water or vodka)! The atmosphere was homely and light - the best type to welcome me back from my 'reclusive' nature of last season. I loved it!

The whole place was buzzing with bloggers, stylists and all-round fashionistas!

Looking at the style of Kirk Originals' new range, I realised why they are so loved amongst all age-groups. The brand, despite being around for 20 years still manages to produce innovative, exciting and yet wearable designs that suit all kinds of people! Upon walking into the store, I set my sights on one pair of glasses - the white Chip glasses from the kinetics range. This may sound like Dutch to you but I've been obsessed with those glasses since the "Gentleman's Day Off" post in which they were featured!

Hats off to Kirk Originals for winning Fashion Frame Practice of The Year and hats off to Task PR for another well-put-together event! I hope to attend many more!

Live Beautiful, Stay Vogue!
Ciao Bellissimi!
Mr. Darkwah
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"You needn't be unstylish when looking for comfort!" - Mr. Darkwah

If you remember, a while ago I wrote about taking a day off to see the sites and relax - break the monotony of a the London rat race. I've been having a lot of those days recently and with the Easter break and bank holiday, I may as well have been going backwards!

J. Shoes was one of the brands featured in the accompanying shoot for their unrivalled comfort and beauty. I've just received some information on their new A/W collection and feel I must share it! The shoes and the shoot are everything you want from your shoes. You needn't be unstylish when looking for comfort and you needn't be impractical or completely avant-garde when looking for style!

Here's a little behind the scenes footage from J. Shoes! Enjoy!

I hope you all had a great Easter!

Ciao Bellissimi!
Mr. Darkwah
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News Update!

La Clique is changing!


Thanks for all the support from all of our readers and the different brands, PR companies and great people that we have met along the way. We are truly glad to have met, partied with and worked with all of you! 


There is an air of change in the air though... Much like that electricity in the air as we move into Spring from Winter, La Clique's roots are being set and we want to grow to do bigger and better things. Don't worry, we will still be here and operating this page BUT we are moving to more of a magazine format so you now can expect when to hear from us and know for sure that all your fashion news arrives in one, glamorous package!


There will be a new site as well but in due course. For now, enjoy La Clique!




Ciao Bellissimi!
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93'94

"Clean, Edgy and Chic - it's MATH!" - Mr. Darkwah

So there was only one show I really and truly loved this season - MATH Collective showcased beautiful British materials and an understanding of the modern woman to look good but effortlessly.

"Thanks dude! I really wanted it to just be simple and something that any woman could wear!" says designer Shahzad Mohayudin as I congratulate him on a beautiful collection. It was so very refreshing speaking to someone who I could tell was completely in love with what they did and aimed to keep learning and improving as they went on in their work. 

Looking at the collection, I could see all different types of woman in the garments. From the high-power Pigalle-wearing business woman to the teacher donning her sneakers in the peak time rush to get to school and change into something more fitting. It was a breath of fresh air to have seen a collection that embraced every type of woman in both the look of the clothing but also the styling. (I didn't mention sneakers for kicks - some models were actually in sneakers!) That too spoke to me. A designer who is willing to put his or her works which are beautiful and have clearly had a lot of work go into them with a pair of sneakers is not on an ego trip at all - they just want to get the work out there and get a response. 

Shaz - as he is known more commonly - made me feel as though I had known him for years and had it not been for the fact that there was a crowd of people waiting to congratulate him on his work, I can assure you, I would have stayed and spoken to him for much longer!

There have been too many seasons of try-hard extravagance, over-the-top 'innovation' and desperate attention-seeking styling so a show this pristine and clothes this beautiful were a welcome breath of fresh air, I just wish that they had been shown in London Fashion Week's runway space. It needed that clinical feel and Freemason's hall, as beautiful a venue as it was, could not do any justice to this collection - yes, that's how strongly I feel about MATH Collective's' show!

Once more, congratulations Shaz! I look forward to seeing more of your beautiful creations!


Live Beautiful, Stay Vogue!


Ciao Bellissimi!


Mr. Darkwah
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TIL NEXT SEASON

There is only one place you need to be this Saturday! Mr. Darkwah is hosting the ultimate send-off party for London Fashion Week so don't miss it!

The night will feature giveaways from clothing lines yet to be revealed and so much more! 

Add yourself to the list here: Til Next Season

Dress Code: Smart and Sexy - we're going VOGUE!

See you there, beauties!

Live Beautiful, Stay Vogue!

La Clique

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Last Year's "Too Much" Is This Year's "Not Enough"!

Decadence and luxury that screams bourgeois glamour

We've made it into 2012 with no problems (aside from the economic downturn that is) and have put those "scientists" who said that this year would see the end of the world to shame. See - we already have reason to celebrate and be as outlandish as possible! Let's go GaGa and do it up right! We haven't seen this as a trend but who says we need signalling? We are leaders in fashion, not followers.

It's okay to act a little "nouveau riches" once in a while and when it comes in the form of Butler&Wilson jewellery, you'll find yourself asking why you didn't do it sooner! In times of darkness, it's nice to have even the slightest bit of light to help you see the way and in these bleak conditions, Butler&Wilson provide the equivalent of a supernova!

True artistry in the form of a purse! Bravo Butler&Wilson

With pieces featuring Swarovski Crystals in intricate designs which can only be described as something out of a fantasy world, Butler&Wilson are set for massive exposure in 2012! Your outfit is incomplete without a Butler&Wilson piece! Beautifully crafted and proudly British, their pieces will make you look and feel like you're worth millions (especially when your bracelet slips out from under your cuff and dazzles all in the room!).

True Brit Edge and all the glamour one can ask for!

Walking into the South Kensington store, you forget you are in England and are transported to the treasure chest of royalty past and present. You gain a true sense of British style in their jewellery. Skulls, Union Jacks and old Route Master buses adorn the menswear pieces and you gain a sense of the playful edge of Brit style in the use of ducks, puppies and lips in the womenswear range. I can honestly say that I am truly happy to have stumbled upon Butler&Wilson and will pledge a part of my monthly expenditure to them!

Beautifully crafted, proudly British - only Butler&Wilson

This is not merely a seasonal must-have. It's a year's! Indulge yourself, you know you want to.

Live Beautiful, Stay Vogue

Ciao Belissimi!
Mr. Darkwah
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News Update!

After founding La Clique, Mr. Darkwah seems to be embarking on new ventures with new-found friends! If you like what's on here, you'll love his take on dressing for a night out on the ModeParties Blog! 


Yes, Mr. Darkwah has taken up fashion writer for ModeParties as well now! Read his first post - "Even clubbing has an etiquette" and let us know what you think at bienvenuealaclique@gmail.com.


http://www.modeparties.com/even-clubbing-has-an-etiquette-follow-it/


Ciao Belissimi!
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"Missouri is not just some mid-western state, it's got a lot to offer!" - Mr. Darkwah

The Missouri State Flag

A lot of people get confused when I say I'm going to Missouri for a holiday. I meet questions such as "What are you going to do there?!" and "Where is that?!" Well let me answer those questions for you. I am going to relax and get away from the busy nature of London and for those who don't know where it is, Missouri is a mid-western state bordered by eight states - Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska.

So now you know where it is, I'm sure you've assumed that I've gone there because it's out in the middle of  nowhere with absolutely nothing to do but sleep, eat and work out. If this reflects your thought pattern on the subject, you are very wrong. As a stylist, I seek out inspiration everywhere I go and the beautiful open fields as I drive from the airport home are just the beginning of it! Springfield, Missouri is home to many thrift stores - any hipster's dream for vintage clothing from letterman jackets to snapbacks that are old enough to be your grandfather! Excited yet?

If not, there are many seamstresses and tailoring businesses that will happily take your vintage buys and customise them for you at very reasonable prices - I've taken my mink to one and am excited to see the final result. So aside from seeing your drawings come to life, vintage stores and open fields, what else does Missouri have to offer? How about a shopping city of discounts and great finds? Is that good enough for you?

Branson City, Missouri is home to Tanger - similar to Bicester of the UK - where you will find Ralph Lauren gilets and coats that originally retailed at hundreds of dollars for a fraction of the price ($50 dollars, people!) You will also find a Nike store that you'd probably have to stay overnight in to see everything and a Bass store for your loafers at a price low enough to make you buy four pairs without thinking! We've covered the fashion end a lot and I'm sure you're ready to leave now for Missouri but there's more.

For the thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies, there is everything from Archery in St. Louis to Ziplining in Branson so there will not be a dull moment on your trip. For relaxation after your activities, you can drive down to The Lake Of The Ozarks and picnic whilst the kids jet ski over the lake! I bet you never thought you could do all of this in Missouri...

Next time you're planning a holiday, be sure to think of Missouri (that is, if you havent booked a flight there for next summer already!)

Ciao Belissimi!

Mr. Darkwah
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"It's not what you wear but how you wear it" - Rianna Croxford

It seems that more and more, the high street is being shied away from. This is perfectly understandable as economics teaches that as incomes rise, consumers will move away from the inferior goods that they consumed due to their income to the more superior goods. I feel that although this is one of the fundamental laws in economics that relates to all consumers everywhere, it should not have to be the case in fashion. Of course there will be the move up from New Look to Topshop and from Topshop to AllSaints but when one moves up so high that they feel all they should be wearing is Dolce&Gabbana, Gucci and Prada, it's a little odd - no?

Whenever I tell people I'm a stylist they seem to think that I only work with the large high-end fashion houses and refuse to touch high street. What they forget is that I am a stylist - not a brand promoter. I will go where I need to go to get the job done and this means that the high street option is never closed to me. It has come to my attention that as one walks down Oxford Street (and swiftly finds their way to New Bond Street - excuse the snobbery) there are too many "Gucci" belts and hats around as well as "Ralph Lauren" polos with the ponies on the wrong side or the wrong colour. Dead giveaways of fake merchandise. I used to like to believe that these people, donning the fakes were duped into thinking that they were real. What I didn't realise, however, was that I thought this because access to the brands that they had purchased fakes for was open to me all my life and still is now. It led me to think that there was a problem with wealth distribution (which undoubtedly there is - but I'll leave that to the politicians to sort out, back to fashion.)

I finally settled at the conclusion that they wanted these brands to impress. By wearing Gucci and Ralph Lauren, they were impressing their contemporaries and elevating themselves, I suppose. This, in my opinion, is the problem with people and fashion. One cannot allow the wearing of a brand to speak for oneself. What I mean is that my wearing Gucci or Prada does not make me look better or worse (well, depending on how the outfit is put together it could make you look worse) it is the way I put my outfit together. I have seen people wear clothes bought in a thrift store, taken home and altered by themselves and look better than me and it caused me to think about where I was going wrong in my style. Note that I asked where I was going wrong in my style and not in the brands I was wearing.

Skakespeare wrote that "the apparel oft proclaimeth the man" and this too, is true but remember, it is how you wear it, not just what you wear.

Ciao Belissimi!

Mr. Darkwah
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"It seems innovation has taken a back seat this year" - Mr. Darkwah

"Style is an individual affair. Nothing to do with trends and what's going on in the fashion world. When a person wakes up and decides to wear something that is completely them - something that comes from their very essence and doesn't care what anyone thinks. THAT is style.

When it is recognised, publicised and capitalised by others - that is when it becomes fashion. Be stylish - NOT fashionable." - Mr. Darkwah

I recall a time when I used to look forward to my birthday and Christmas more than anything in the world, when all the excitement would ball up in my throat and on the day, would fly out of my mouth in what would be a tremendous scream of joy! That excitement ended when I was 17 and my new "Christmas" and "Birthday" London Fashion Weeks S/S and A/W took place of those. This year, though, I seem to be turning 17 again and my excitement is dwindling. 

I understand that fashion is cyclical but style - the thing that precedes fashion, the thing that creates the trend that becomes fashion is everlasting so why do I feel that style and innovation has gone amiss? You all know that I love Gucci's A/W collections what with the sleek lines and perfect fusion of energies both masculine and feminine but as much as I love it, I cannot convince myself that there was any innovation whatsoever in the collection. Look at TV programmes of the 80's such as 'Dynasty', 'Dallas' and even at costumes of Blanche in 'Golden Girls' and you'll see where Gucci got their inspiration for their womenswear. 

Gucci looks to the 80's for inspiration for their A/W collection

I look at Prada's A/W collection for women and I see hints of the 60's in the loud colours and short dresses yet the loose shape of the dress which allows it to fall over the body of the woman harks back to the 20's and the flapper movement in fashion. I cannot say that I am surprised at this. I suppose fashion, like the economy has adopted a boom and bust cycle. With trends flying out of every corner of the industry and the need to make everything over-the-top and (some things, in my opinion) unwearable, it's no wonder that this has happened. 

Prada seems to mix the 20's and 60's for their A/W collection

I can only hope London Fashion Week rekindles my child-like joy and revives me. Until then, I suppose we will flounder in the vacuum between personal style and trend.

Ciao Belissimi!

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