What's new: Roksanda, Edwin, Hamnett x YMC
One of the current moods is menswear is a type of functional simplicity. Japanese denim brand Edwin SS16 pays homage to it by concentrating on elevated basics that reference skate, work, street and sportswear. Amidst a palette of neutrals, graphic prints convey a quirkier, more global aspect, with naive artwork from artist Jordy van den Nieuwendijk sitting alongside harder-edged designs. Premium Japanese twisted chambray, candy stripe and plain seersucker fabrics, together with all over printed spot and stripe poplin in preppy-inspired soft tailoring silhouettes mix to create a modern look. https://edwin-europe.com/
In the 1980s, Katharine Hamnett was almost as well known for her strong spare design as for slogan t-shirts and tireless campaigning. The T-shirts and campaigning go on but, now, classic Hamnett archive pieces have been bought to 2016-life, thanks to a refreshing collab with Brit brand YMC. Three slogan tees are joined by slouchy utility pants, oversized shirting and a brilliant silk boiler suit. And of course, ethical credentials are impeccable. Plus it's a delicious prelude, announced just after the launch of the collab, to the re-launch of Hamnett's own brand, out November. Exciting news. www.youmustcreate.com, www.goodhoodstore.com
East London-born and based Byrogue, specialises in rocks for those with urban (as opposed to country house) sensibilities. Now, the accessories brand whose jewellery is worn by Cara Delevingne and Suki Waterhouse branches into shades. Bold, clever, cute, frames come rimmed in leather, with wire rims or rose gold temples. Foxes and Femme are already fans. Plus, in sync with the brand's ethos of passion and kindness, £10 from every pair sold goes to Sightsavers, who help protect the sight of people in developing countries. Pictured: Bolo, £130. http://byrogue.co.uk/
Serbian-born designer Roksanda Ilincic translates her bold, intensely romantic vision onto handbags - and where better to launch the range than during her AW16 show, alongside her 1000th dress? Models in peplum-frilled dresses, ruffled collars and pussybow blouses carried clutches and satchels in warm ochres and deep burgundy velvets. Prettiest of all: the gladstone doctor’s bag (pictured). Coin purses will retail from £255 and the bags from £695 when they launch late summer.
John Lewis becomes the first high street retailer to stock Selfish Mother tops by blogger Molly Gunn, designed to show solidarity for global sisterhood. Gunn’s #GoodTees campaign has so far helped raise over £80,000 for the charities they support with celebs including Fearne Cotton, Holly Willoughby, Leah and Jo Wood posting selfies in the shirts. £15 from every £45 sweatshirt, £10 from the sale of every tee sold, will be donated to the charities that Selfish Mother support including Women for Women International, Refugee Council, Help Refugees UK, Mothers 2 Mothers and Kids Charity UK. Pictured: sweat, £45. www.johnlewis.com #GoodTees
Small but perfectly formed Edamame London is the latest label to take up the challenge of keeping cashmere fresh and contemporary, with limited edition knitwear designed in London and crafted in three mills in Hawick, Scotland, using only the best fibres and yarns. Between them, the mills offer literally centuries of knitwear know-how, ensuring beautiful quality. And the designs? Classic with delicious details including panels at front and back in contrasting colours and textures. www.edamamelondon.com
