Maison Martin Margiela with H&M launch party

Last night saw the launch of the much-anticipated H&M with Maison Martin Margiela collection. I headed down to Regent Street to suss it out, thanks to an invitation from British Vogue. I was prepared to get my elbows ready!
It turned out to be a surprisingly sophisticated affair, with beautiful waiters passing around endless champagne, white chocolate and raspberry sorbet lollipops, as well as stock replenishments. The most popular items seemed to be the Perspex-heeled shoes, shiny pink sweet-wrapper clutch bags and tailored jackets. The super cosy cream duvet coat stood stoically on the rack, many shoppers deterred by the steep price. For myself, it was a classic black tailored jacket that made its way into my shopping basket.

 

B Store Loves Liberty Pop Up Shop and Launch Night

Last night the first floor of Liberty London played host to the launch party of their Spring/Summer 2012 collaboration with British label b Store. The designs combine the b Store garments with two of Liberty's classic prints- Lagos Laurel, a paisley, and Coney, a multi-floral. The collection has been inspired by Little House on the Prairie and Americana, resulting in Western style shirts with tassel detailing and matching accessories such as leather panelled bags and belts. As beautiful as the new collection was, however, featuring womenswear for the first time, one of the highlights for me was the temporary installation space. The wooden structure injected with echoes of the collection's pattern was designed and built by Tom Finch and Coville-Walker studio, who have also been involved in b Store's Kingly Street and Savile Row stores. 

Images: My Own, Top: Liberty, Bottom: Village Press

In addition, the b Store Loves Liberty pop-up shop will showcase a selection of Casio's Baby-G watches, as seen on Matt and Chloe above. I remember the light blue Baby-G of my teens, and the 90s phenomenon surrounding them. Fast forward to today, and they have had a bit of a revamp, with feminine and elegant pieces, that still have the element of toughness and shock resistance the brand is well-known for. The watches perfectly match the pretty florals of the Liberty prints, and the energetic shapes of the b Store clothing, with bracelets that are alternated with resin and metal straps in rose, white and metallic black. 

Shop the collection. Prices start at £105 for a crop top to £250 for a quilted jacket.

Images

Palmer//Harding

Let me introduce fashion duo Palmer//Harding, consisting of Central St Martins fashion graduates Matthew Harding and Levi Palmer. Coming out of St Martins in 2010, amidst one of Britain's worst known recessions, the pair decided that pretty dresses didn't quite suit the occasion. Instead they decided to focus their entire line on a simple wardrobe basic; the classic white shirt. This is not purely a piece which is added to bolder accessories and statement accompaniments, but can be the star of an outfit in it's own right. 

Images: Palmer//Harding

Capsule hat collection by Shingai Shoniwa for Katherine Elizabeth London.

Images: Jeremy Rice see: Sophie Piper PR

On Thursday night, the decadent Parlour room in the eclectic Sketch bar and restaurant on W1's Conduit Street, played host to the debut launch of the collaboration between Noisette's front-woman Shingai Shoniwa and milliner Katherine Elizabeth. Guests were treated to fragrant G & Teas by Rare Tea Company- a White Silver Tip Tea infused gin, served over ice with sugar syrup, soda and lime.  Entertainment came from the vintage-inspired singers Tootsie Rollers, who set the scene for glamour and style for the evening. 

Shingai, well known for her outlandish style and originality on stage with the Noisettes, paired up with Katherine Elizabeth to create the sculptural headpieces 'off the top of her head' as 'a reflection of her personality'. The hatboxes shown in the images below were designed by Pinky Tesfay, who recently designed the last Levi campaign. The capsule collection campaign also features T4 presenter Jameela Jamil and Immodesty Blaize. Check out the gorgeous selection of hats on Katherine Elizabeth's website and get adventurous with your headwear!

Images of the night...

Images: (My Own)