We were all disappointed when Manolo Blahnik confirmed that his diffusion line with J. Crew would not go ahead but we need not worry because the brand is already onto the next thing. This morning it was confirmed that the brand has secured another big stockist in London in partnership with Kurt Geiger, who manage the footwear concessions for Liberty and Harrods.
After successfully opening a concession at Liberty's recently, the brand will also be available in Harrods come July in time for the Fall collection drop. The space will be in the Boudoir section on the first floor and according to Marigay McKee, Harrods' chief merchant, it will be a 'decadent shrine to feet.' 'I am very excited that my shoes will reach an even broader audience through Kurt Geiger in Liberty and Harrods,' the designer told Footwear News. 'The Liberty opening has been very successful, and with Harrods being a store full of incredible heritage, seeing my shoes there in the next couple of months will be a special moment.'
Hermès isn't new to the pop-up store trend, since the brand recently opened one in Liberty, but next month will see them launch their first independent stand alone store.
To celebrate the brand's classic scarf, the scarf will be the only thing on sale in the Shoreditch and West London locations. According to Vogue UK, experts will be on hand to teach customers different ways to tie the scarf and incorporate them into their everyday wardrobe. The decision to launch the pop-up dedicated to the scarf coincides with Matt Irwin's collaboration with the brand, which will see him travel to four fashion capitals talking to women about how they wear their Hermès scarves.
Acne, the denim turned lifestyle brand, has recently made an announcement that came as music to our ears: The Swedish brand will soon be launching its first London boutique. At present, London-based fans of the label can only pick up Acne pieces at Liberty, Matches, Browns and online; even though our American, Parisian and Australian counterparts have been lucky enough to already have the free-standing boutiques on their shores. The wait is almost over, as trendy Dover Street will soon become home to Acne's debut London concept store, which will be stocking Acne's Pop, Denim and Miniature collections, amongst others, as of this summer when Acne's boutique will open. Let the countdown begin...
The British Fashion Council has announced the names of the recipients of its designer support initiative under its NEWGEN MEN scheme. Launched earlier this year, the initiative aides designers by providing funding to enable them to showcase their work at London Fashion Week, as well as access to use of the BFC Catwalk Show Space at Somerset House. Like its sister scheme, NEWGEN, which is sponsored by Topshop, NEWGEN MEN is sponsored by Topman and follows on from the MAN show, which offers designers similar sponsorship and business assistance.
This shortlist for the coming autumn/winter 2010 NEWGEN MEN includes Carolyn Massey, whose designs have been described as "quintessentially English", Christopher Shannon, known for his "luxe sportswear inspired collection and wearable collaborations with Eastpak and Topman, as well as LFW credentials having shown as part of the MAN initiative'", James Long, for "his ability to push the boundaries whilst creating truly wearable pieces", and J.W. Anderson, whose "intriguing silhouettes and romantic detailing have affirmed his stature as one of the most promising emerging menswear designers in London."
Ever wandered what it would be like to see what was on offer on the high street at Christmas time without having to fight your way through hoards of people all with the same idea as yours? Well you needn't wander anymore as this Christmas you will be able to peruse the festive offerings on the high-street from the comfort of your sofa before deciding whether or not it is worth the mission.
Thanks to the Near West End Company, who have come up with a virtual high-street which will show the wares of shops all over the West End including Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street and Leicester Square. You'll be able to shop around for pricing before venturing out. With stores such as Liberty, M&S,John Lewis and American Apparel confirmed to have signed up to the project it looks like this could be the first stress free Christmas.
