JAC//STYLE

Springtime for Stripes - My Looks for Spring

If my look for Pre-Spring was ‘Ice’, then my look for Spring has to be called ‘Ice Cream’. I’m pairing pastels and classic, light- and acid-washed denims with signature brogues and round-toe shoes, creating quite a romantic, seaside look. I’m not really excited for the next few months (mainly because of exams, argh!), so hopefully brightening things up will help! I always seem to go two ways with my style- one minute, I’ll be reasonably conservative in my choices, and the next I’ll be more edgy with minimal or statement designs.

A Vision in White, by Jil Sander MENS SS10

For my more understated days, I’ll be thinking darker colours or, perhaps more excitingly,  Brideshead Revisited in Venice- I’ve got my hands on an excellent single-breasted, blue and white seersucker jacket from H&M that looks great with a light-blue button-up and a simple green, blue or yellow pullover. The outfit I’ve got in my mind goes well with grey skinny jeans and grey brogues- or dark blue denim with neutral lace-ups, giving the overall impression of a cool, grown-up style that’s both unpretentious and sophisticated. I should really get my hands on a camel-coloured trench coat, as well: 2010 is my clothing investment year, after all.

Shoe by Hermés MENS SS10

On the other hand, when I’m feeling a little more brave, I’ll be going for all-one-colour outfits, or pretty Parisian slash-neck Breton vests (again, they’ll go really well with the H&M jacket- a gem at only £50!) and super-skinny, really tight dark denim. This will look very nautical, especially with boat shoes. Other days, I’ll be doubling up denim- jeans and a shirt, one light denim, the other dark. Last Summer, I managed to find a great vintage Ralph Lauren denim shirt from a shop in Glasgow, so that‘ll be perfect. For these ensembles, I’ll be wearing brown brogues or, weather permitting, gladiator sandals- perhaps by Alexander McQueen if I can muster the cash?

All street-style from The Sartorialist. I’ll post some photos of me wearing my purchases as soon as I can! 

Who’s your favourite fashion designer?

People constantly ask me who my favourite fashion designer is, and it’s a very difficult question to answer. I love lots and lots of designers and fashion houses, and picking out just one is impossible. As I’ve said before, I have a paramount level of respect for designers and admire their commitment and dedication to their art: as I’ve also said, I couldn’t do it, so they’ve surely got to be applauded.

I like a lot of different styles, too: my taste ranges from the cleanest, minimalist pieces, particularly those of Asian influences, to feminine, ladylike designs, with French and traditional English roots and finally to striking, visually stunning pieces, which are inspired by the complex and constantly changing world we live in. So, let’s take these three different ideas and discuss who my favourite designers would be for each: surely this is a far more representative and in-depth answer than simply ‘Rodarte’ or ‘Valentino’- which, by the way, aren’t my favourites.

Victoria Beckham RTW AW10

First of all, the wonderful simplicity of soft-cut designs: I’m not kidding, I was extremely impressed with Victoria Beckham’s Fall 2010 collection, shown last month at New York Fashion Week. It was probably a bit mean of me to be expecting utter rubbish, but I was so, so pleased to see a fantastic collection from Beckham and I can say its been one of my favourites from AW10 so far. However, I’d be a cruel, bias blogger not to mention Yohji Yamamoto, whose Spring 2010 collection reinforced his place amongst the masters of minimalism.

Yohji Yamamoto RTW SS10

However, my ultimate favourite? The artiste of simple himself, Philip Lim. His Spring 2010 and Fall 2010 collections, although not entirely minimal, contained so many strong, uncomplicated pieces in quiet colours.

3.1 Philip Lim RTW SS10

Moving on, let me talk about the designers which produce elegant, refined feminine clothes that make my heart skip a beat. I love the idea of a vibrant Paris, as you may have read, but the old faithfuls come up amazingly when we talk about this pretty, classic trend. The first thing that comes to mind is Chloé, and, oh boy, do I love what Hannah MacGibbon has done for the label: making some masculine shapes into truly girlish delights. Chloé has turned into one of my all-time favourite brands, and I’m sure you can see why.

Chloé RTW PF10

Chloé RTW RST10

But, for me- Chanel will always take the crown. Karl Lagerfeld knows the Chanel girl oh so well and his designs for the brand are always perfect. Deep at the heart of each collection is femininity: whether it be striking, understated or traditional. The instantly recognisable Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear was the highlight of Paris Fashion Week and Lagerfeld’s seemingly endless golden touch with the company has carried on once more. Pretty pastels, deep metallics and diamonds was the theme at the Spring 2010 Couture show.

Chanel CTR SS10

Finally, the most interesting bit. My favourite designer in this ‘sector’ changes every season, because there is always at least one fresh, innovative collection. This is of course the shocking, career-making collections of excitement and high-drama: the perfomances of Fashion Week. There were fabulous prints at Proenza Schouler’s Spring 2010 show, for sure. The boys at Proenza Schouler have, in my opinion, consistently delivered.

Proenza Schouler RTW SS10

But, for me, it’s got to be the late, the great Alexander McQueen. His later collections comprised designs that were truly remarkable in their shapes, sizes and visual designs. His Spring 2010 show, his last, gained him a huge amount of respectability and attention. McQueen demonstrated artistic genius, with the flamboyant shoes of SS10 being either loved or hated, but always respected.

Alexander McQueen RTW SS10

So, there you have it. My favourite designers. Sorry for going on so much, but there was obviously loads to cover. Philip Lim for 3.1 Philip Lim; Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel RTW and Chanel Couture; Alexander McQueen for his eponymous label. True masters, each of them.