Philip Turner of Smart Turnout Brings British Heritage Alive

Twice a year the Pitti Uomo fair in Florence is the go-to place for menswear brands and buyers to meet and network, and to keep up-to-date on all the latest developments in the fashion field.

Apart from a place to work in, Florence and its attractive environ are a favourite destination for enjoying the good life too.

For example Lucca, which lies in a green valley just north west of Florence and known for its silk trade is a living jewel of medieval architecture that provides much inspiration, according to Philip Turner, founder of British menswear brand – Smart Turnout – a brand that “brings British heritage alive, right down to the details of the stripes and precision of the colour.”

Here Philip Turner, who describes his own style as “classic but with a twist by wearing the different watches and accessories,” talks to My Fashion Connect about inspirational destinations and why he started Smart Turnout, which has its roots in the traditions of the British military and old school style.

Smart Turnout's Military Watch Made in
Switzerland, with
Royal Artillery watch strap.

“ I can think of worse places to have to attend a show!  A little further down the road between Florence and Pisa is the city of Lucca famed for its walled city and narrow streets.   If you go up the Clock Tower you have an amazing view of the City and surrounding area.  Although fun to visit during the summer months it is equally good in the Autumn and (to admire) the amazing colours,“ says Philip, whose autumn/winter 2014 collection was inspired by the golden age of Aviation and 1930s elegance.

Smart Turnout's Watch Set and interchangeable
watch straps.

“What inspired me to create the brand was the time I spent in the British Army,”  Philip continues. “The brand’s origins lie in the regimental and sporting tradition of the British Army.  In British horse racing, each rider wears a unique set of racing colours,” he continued. 

These rules were no different for Philip who,  when racing at Sandown as an officer had to find a jumper in the colours of his regiment - the Scots Guards.  Each piece tells the unique story of the highly-regarded institutions it is connected to by its colours, be it schools, universities or regiments.

Here, Philip lists for us what he brings on a holiday.

“Never a good start to the holiday when you miss the flight or train so the trusted Swiss made Town watch with the Royal Observer Corps watchstrap.  “

Smart Turnout's leather trimmed cotton canvas backpack.  Made in England.    

“For cabin luggage I always take the Princess of Wales’s back pack, based on the design of the old school satchel, made even more special as it is produced in the town I was born!  

“A few good books which are easy to pick up and put down! The Kill List by Frederick Forsyth and Operation Mayhem by Steve Heaney. 

Smart Turnout's Commando Royal Artillery Wallet

“Not far away will be the Royal Navy leather wallet, which will no doubt come back lighter than when it went out

“The old pair of Oakleys had to be consigned to the history books, so a new pair of sunglasses will be acquired at one of the Duty free shops.

Smart Turnout's Cotton canvas briefcase with genuine leather.  Made in England.

“Having so many great accessories means there is so much to select from the Smart Turnout collection but you can’t go far wrong with some of the belts.  The Household Division webbing belt is one of my favourites and was one of the first belts that we ever made. The fabric Yale belt for the more casual look is also another firm favourite as well as being made in Italy!

Smart Turnout's Ipad sleeve with
Argyll Highlanders Stripes.

Smart Turnout's hold-all bag.

“It is always good to check out other brands so some good polo shirts and trousers from MMX are a must for the evening when it cools down.”

Click HERE for more menswear inspiration from the SMARTTURNOUT website.

Photos of Florence by Lucia Carpio for My Fashion Connect.

Made in Italy CenCe Tak shoes introduced at SCOOP London

CenCe Tak which literally means “without heels” in Italian is a footwear brand that was recently introduced at the SCOOP International London fashion trade show held earlier this month concurrently at two venues - the Saatchi Gallery and Phillips.

On hand to explain the brand’s ethos were Nicoletta Dileno, Simona Dellutri & Tiziano Picogna (himself an haute couture tailor and designer).

What CenCe Tak does have is a unique story about its origin which is based on an ecological upcycling concept and hand-made tradition that produce these comfy unique and timeless footwear.

The shoes – for men, women and children – are 100% Made in Italy. They are made out of natural fabrics, and assembled only by sewing the pieces together without using glue, thanks to the 19^th century tradition of the Friulani craftsmen and craftswomen who still loyally preserve the technique and tradition. 

CenCeTak is offered a variety of “friulane” styles, in velvet, leather, silks, brocade, and recycled materials (such as canvas coffee sacks), and the designs can be customized with brooches or decorative feathers.

Traditionally the “Friulane” were hand-made using left over fabrics, old dresses or cut outs - referred to as “blecs” – and then the shoes were moulded into a design that has never changed throughout the years and is as modern today as it was in the 1800s.

OSPREY LONDON’S new handmade limited edition sunglasses

It’s sunny outside.  Time to try out my new OSPREY LONDON sunglasses.

Sunglasses - The Hipster - by Osprey London Regent Street, London.  Grey T-shirt in 100% Tencel by TobyShop.
Location: Photographer's own garden.

I’m sporting The Hipster from OSPREY London’s new sunglasses range.  In a bold shape, these are made with sturdy tortoiseshell frames, handmade from cellulose acetate and have been polished for up to 72 hours to create a superior smooth finish.   Mine have been custom-fitted to make them snug and comfy to wear.

Love also the golden lenses which have maximum UVA/UVB protection (with Filter category 3: dark tint that reduces glare.) complies with European standard BS EN 1836:2005 and A1:2007.

The sunglasses are supplied with an OSPREY LONDON Saddle leather case and microfibre cloth to keep them in tip top condition.

The Hipster is available on-line and more styles are found exclusively in the Regent Street flagship store.

All photos by Lucia Carpio for My Fashion Connect.

London will be raining… Roses!

This photo shoot by photographer Ana Gely A.  and make up by Valentina Syed features four models against a backdrop of pretty pink English roses, and wearing lingerie by Dentelle Etc..., Raine & Bea, 

Betty Blues Loungerie and Emma Harris.

These alluring lingerie in a pretty dusty palette are all made in Britain.

Dentelle etc is home of beautiful lingerie & loungewear, with fashion led deigns that aim to cater for the lingerie loving woman.

Raine & Bea lingerie use the finest silks and laces, corsetry and unique designs  from the creator of Cabaret Couture.  

Betty Blues Loungerie specilises in sleepwear, loungewear, lingerie and corsetry. 

Emma Harris Lingerie is a UK design studio with a team of highly skilled designers, pattern technicians and machinists. to produce lingerie for the modern woman.

Speaking of roses, luxury florist OnlyRoses™ will be ‘showering’ Londoners with their exquisite roses during the first week of August.  From Monday 4th Aug until Friday the 8th OnlyRoses will be giving away 100 roses each day from some of London’s key tube stations.

Says owner Sabine Schmitt, “We wanted to give everyone who was staying behind to work, something to smile about. And if it’s sunny, then that’s a bonus obviously!” The luxury roses are grown in Ecuador, home of the world's finest roses, under strict social, labour and environmental standards.  

OnlyRoses has released details of which tube stations in London they will be giving out roses and make sure you’ll be there to catch them.

Mon, 4th August - Piccadilly, outside Green Park tube station at 8:30am

Tue, 5th August - outside Bank Station at 8:30am

Wed, 6th August - outside St. Paul’s at 8:30am

Thurs, 7th August - outside Liverpool Street station at 8:30am

Fri 8th August - outside Canary Wharf Station at 8:30am

OnlyRoses™ is a rose specialist retailer in the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. With its headquarters in London, the company operates an e-commerce store, as well as a franchise system with retail locations in London, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.  The company delivers their ClassicRoses and InfiniteRoses throughout the UK and the United Arab Emirates. There are plans to open two further retail stores in the autumn of 2014, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Doha, Qatar, as well as further launches in capitals around the world in 2015.

REW launches new luxury "Scarves"

REW's luxury Concise "scarf" modeled by
fashion designer Amanda Jones. 

Since its launch in 2011, British brand REW (founded by Rachel Emma Wright) has made its mark on the fashion scene with creative scarves and stylish neck-wrap.  In cotton knits, wool and linen, REW's unique scarves are great statement accessories.

Now the brand has just launched a new range of "neck-wear" for autumn/winter 2014/15 that oozes luxury.

Founder Rachel said her signature style of extraordinary scarves are still very popular, but the new collection - which she refers to as "neck couture" takes the decorative neck-wrap to a new level.

REW's luxury "scarf" modeled by
jewellery designer Sarah-Jane Smyth.

REW's new Concise collection (as modeled above and at left here at the SCOOP International London trade fair July 13-15) features distinctively-designed geometric patterns on fine silk twill in coral and blue diamond, chevron or wavy designs, and teaming them with fine soft lamb nappa in light grey, baby blue and black. The palette is soft and alluring.

"By combining these textures with engineered geometric pattern placement, it gives structure and form to the scarves, and the wearer can create a unique personal style by adjusting and fitting the scarves as she likes around her neck," said Rachel.  "The emphasis is on bringing simplicity to the wearer."  

All REW products are designed and hand-made in the UK.

Photos by Lucia Carpio for My Fashion Connect.

Sandals for the Hot Summer

Thank goodness for the hot weather we are having in London this week. As the temperature continues to climb, it's time to show off our favourite summer footwear. And what better way to cool off our feet than flat sandals and cool slides.

Just recently launched are these new light-weight single strap sandals from Birkenstock available in white and black, in keeping with the current Monocrhome trend.  

Classic Birkenstock's Madrid EVA sandals come in Black and White in keeping with the Monocrhome trend.

Made in an ultra light vinyl acetate material and are 100% waterproof, these are great for going to the seaside or lounging by the pool.  Weighing only 130 grams they are ideal for taking on holiday.   With adjustable straps and shock absorbing EVA soles, they are very comfortable to wear.

Both "Madrid EVA" colours are available on Birkenstock website.

Meanwhile at British shoe brand Clarks are these lovely "Tres Chic" sandals for their new take on classic styling for a truly British summer.

Clarks' Romantic Moon 

Clarks' Sharna Balcony

Clarks' Studio Punch decorated with jewel stones.

All styles available on the Clarks website.

Photos of CLARKS shoes by Lucia Carpio for My Fashion Connect.

Hashtag Collective launches ‘Essence of London’ Collection

New British fashion label - the Hashtag Collective - has launched its debut SS14 collection of men's T-shirt designs entitled "Essence of London".

Dedicated to providing stylish clothing while supporting and promoting young creatives, the Hashtag Collective  was founded in 2012, by Paul and Lorraine White.  The aim of the brand is to offer quality garments and packaging and a seamless customer experience.  Each Hashtag Collective garment is carefully hand-selected and packaged in signature bespoke Hashtag Collective boxes.

Hashtag Collective’s T-shirts use only natural fibers in scoop or crew-neck shapes. The T-shirts are made from 70% bamboo and 30% cotton, which makes them soft, smooth, comfortable and highly breathable.  There is also a range of plain men’s T-shirts in a fitted shape.

This debut collection features artwork by the celebrated graphic designer Olly Howe and is currently available on both the HashtagCollective website as well as ASOS Marketplace. New artists, photographers and designers are joining their roster of creatives to expand the Hashtag Collective brand further into menswear.

The brand believes passionately in giving back and donates a generous proportion of their profits to charity through their own Hashtag Foundation. Recently, the brand has been accepted into the highly acclaimed Camden Collective, a pioneering project to support the best of the UK’s creative community.

Paul's Boutique launches AW14 collection in Westfield Pop-up.

With prints and patterns continuing to be key trends, these fashionable bags should bring a smile on your face.  They are from the new AW14 collection of Paul’s Boutique, featuring pops of colour to brighten up the autumnal palette.

Molly, above, in a bowler bag shape sports a dynamic geometric pattern.  Note also the contrast piping to give the shape added definition.

Mellisa here is in a modern structured design featuring a multi-colour abstract print.

These and many other trendy styles in a range of shapes are featured in Paul's Boutique’s newly launched pop-up space at the Westfield (Europe’s largest independent shopping centre) in White City, London.

During the first three weeks, as part of the “Paul Makes You Happy” campaign, founder Paul Slade will spontaneously select customers in Westfield to receive surprise gifts in the name of making them happy.

Always designing with the London girl in mind, Paul said, “The line is inspired by strength and femininity; presenting more simplistic, structured designs suitable for day to night wear.” Remaining true to its roots with bold and daring designs, Paul is continually inspired by the diversity of styles, music, cultural influences and attitudes that typify the exiting vibrancy of the capital.

After 12 years of designing, Paul Slade has successfully expanded Paul’s Boutique from a stall in Portobello Market to 500 stores across 25 countries worldwide, across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and South Africa. Today the brand has gained a substantial following of celebrities including singer Rita Ora, Pippa Middleton (sister of the Duchess) and actress Jaime Winston.

Thrilling sportive three days in the UK. Germany's Marcel Kittel sprints to victory in Tour de France’s London leg

The iconic Buckingham Palace along with thousands of enthusiastic spectators were among the memorable sights of London that greeted some 190 international cyclists as the final third stage of the formidable Tour de France's UK leg came to a thrilling finish today, July 7th.

The Tour's England leg ended with an exciting sprint finish by Germany's Marcel Kittel - a thrilling victory for the Giant-Shimano rider.  Such was the success of the Tour in England that Christian Prudhomme, general director of Tour de France, has hailed the event's three days in Britain as "the grandest Grand Depart ever."   The cycling race has now moved on to France.

On Sunday Serbia's Novak Djokovic won Wimbledon Men's Single Championship, beating Roger Federer in nail-biting five sets.

Sunday also saw England's Lewis Hamilton winning a crucial victory in the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

UK Consumer Spending for attending live sport to beat Olympic record by 2016

What a summer it’s already been for sports fans in the UK, reaching the ultimate climax this weekend with Wimbledon women’s and men’s final matches, Formula I Grand Prix in Silverstone and the Grand Depart of the Tour de France kicking off in Yorkshire for its first three-day cycling race from Leeds to London before crossing the channel to France.

Petra Kvitova (right) of Czech Republic is 2014 Wimbledon Women's Singles Champion, beating Canada's Euginie Bouchard in a stunning victory of 6-3 6-0 to win her second Wimbledon title.
This year, Wimbledon officials enforced its all-white rule on players' apparel by banning coloured undergarments.

According to new market research by Mintel, Britain’s support for live sport is growing, although Britain’s sports fans may be hanging their heads after the defeats in the World Cup, Wimbledon and the Cricket’s Test Series against Sri Lanka this summer.

With the culmination of the World Cup, the Tour de France and Wimbledon, this weekend should be sports heaven for the UK’s sports fans with over half of Brits (55%) having watched live football matches and 42% live tennis matches via any method in the past year.   Indeed, with more than a third (35%) of Brits classified as current cyclists, the Tour de France too should receive high levels of spectatorship.  In addition, it seems Brits are beginning to be bowled over by cricket. Whilst one in five (21%) Brits said they watched a live cricket match via any method in 2013, this figure rose to almost a quarter (24%) in 2014.

For the first time since the peak of the London Olympics in 2011, consumer expenditure on attending live sport is rising, with sales forecast to reach £1.4 billion in 2014, an impressive 7% ahead of 2013 and set to reach £1.5 billion by 2016, topping the Olympic ticket sales of 2012.

Paul Davies, Senior Leisure and Technology Analyst at Mintel, said:"The London Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012 took the value of the spectator sports market to a level never seen before, as spectators made every effort to attend the first Olympic Games held in the UK since 1948. A year later, a seat on Centre Court to witness Andy Murray’s first Wimbledon title proved to be one of the ‘golden tickets’ to have in 2013, alongside England’s home series victory in the Ashes test series against Australia." Paul said."In recent years, the pull of potentially witnessing British success has boosted sports such as tennis and cricket, something which is likely to drive crowds to the Commonwealth Games in 2014, the Rugby World Cup in 2015 and the return of the home Ashes test series the same year. As a result, the value of the spectator sports market is now expected to return to and even exceed the level seen in 2011 (when the majority of Olympic tickets were sold)." Paul added.

It seems that for Brits, watching sport live at the game is enjoyed for the atmosphere of the crowd – with a third (31%) of event spectators saying it is generally worth paying to attend live sport events purely for the atmosphere.

As to where in the country are the sports fans gathering?  It seems that London holds the most sports fans with nine in 10 (90%) Londoners watching live sport in the past year.Yorkshire, Humberside are second with four in five (82%), and the North and Scotland at 78%. The smallest number of enthusiasts however, are in the South East and East Anglia where three in four (75%) have enjoyed live sport in the past year, the South East and East Anglia as well as East and West Midlands stand at 76%.

Bags "Made of Carpet " set my imagination flying.

On seeing this bag from the British brand “Made of Carpet” immediately conjures up images from one of my favourite childhood films – Mary Poppins.  The  recent release of the Disney movie - Saving Mr Banks - set me on a nostalgic journey filled with fantasized thoughts of flying.  

Designer Irina Bragin's selection of bags are designed for modern day travelers, she said, those who appreciate Victorian English Heritage that had inspired her.  Bragin describes her target audience as bohemian students and those who have an appreciation for classic luxury designs.

Bragin’s British handbag company began in September of 2010, and as the name suggests, “Made of Carpet” handbags are” made from pieces of carpet to bring a fresh new look to the classic styles of weekend bags and purses. “ 

The Made of Carpet bags come in a variety of sizes and colours, including the Weekend Bag, the Gladstone models, sport/unisex models as shown above, and also purses.  

Luxury dog bedding company Charley Chau named Fusion 2014 Entrepreneurs of the Year

Raised wooden dog bed by Charley Chau.

Luxury dog bedding company Charley Chau's co-founders - sister duo Christine and Jenny Chau - have been named as the Fusion 2014 Entrepreneurs of the Year.

The sisters founded Charley Chau in 2010 after endless frustrating searches for good quality and stylish dog beds. The pair took matters into their own hands one Saturday afternoon and designed and made their own on their sitting room floor. After posting photos on Facebook of what has become Charley Chau’s signature “Snuggle Bed” the sisters were inundated with requests and Charley Chau was born.

According to a new report published by AMA Research with a comprehensive analysis of the pet accessories market and forecasts of future prospects up to 2017, pet accessories are part of the overall UK pet market which was valued at £4.8 billion in 2012. The pet accessories market accounts for an estimated 16% of this overall market, valued at an estimated £779 million in 2012.
Dogs and cats are key to the performance of the pet accessories market, each accounting for an estimated 30-35% share of the market respectively. Fish & reptiles continue to gain share,  accounting for an estimated 12-16% share.  Leading sectors of the pet accessories market are toys (accounting for around 30-35% of the market) and care product at over 40%.   Housing, bedding & feeding are also a significant sector  and are often part of a ‘starter kit’ for many new pets.

Faux-fur dog blanket by Charley Chau.

Sisters Christine and Jenny Chau are self-confessed “crazy dog ladies” who founded their luxury dog bedding business as a quirky side-line hobby  in 2010, and two years later the business had taken on a life of its own and they had to make a decision: shut Charley Chau down or leave their day jobs. Charley Chau won and they haven’t looked back since. 

Christine said, “When we started Charley Chau we both had full time jobs [Christine previously worked in the  marketing communications at one point running Marketing and Events for the Mayor of London, and Jenny is from an investment banking background] so we had to do everything in the evenings and at weekends.

The sisters share their home with four Italian Greyhounds (Charley Chau is named after their first dog) and they put a large part of their success down to being “dog people” and understanding the problems that dog people face when it comes to choosing bedding for their dogs.

Rattan dog bed by Charley Chau.

“We design dog beds and blankets that are super-comfy, stylish and practical. Comfort of the dogs has to come first but styling and performance are hot on its heels. Just because someone loves their dog it doesn’t mean that they’ve had a style malfunction! As well as wanting their dogs to be as cosy as possible, most dog people also want the inside of their homes to look great.”

Now in its fourth year Charley Chau has happy customers in over twenty-five countries around the world with devotees from all walks of life including a host of television and radio personalities.

The company has experienced exponential growth since launch in 2010 and 2014 looks set to be another strong year helped by major deals including a contract signed with big-brand retailer Ocado earlier this year.