Rani Zakhem Couture, Autumn Winter 2018-2019: A warrior goddess

Because women of today need to assert herself in the face of challenges.  While the British Prime Minister Theresa May’s position is under threat due to  discord in her cabinet against her Brexit plan, the #MeToo campaign drives focus on the perils of abused women.

Now the Rani Zakhem Couture Autumn Winter 2018-2019 collection presented earlier this month in Paris is a vibrant and sparkling tribute to the combating and combative woman, entitled  Amazone of all jungles and  terribly ”Glamazonian”, she is portrayed like a warrior goddess: a strong silhouette for an empowered woman.

A large part of this collection features gowns in an explosion of white, a value rather than a colour, considered fragile but luminous, bold, a symbol of renewal and resilience, with military reference and camouflage-inspired detailing and motifs.  The recurring military insignia adorn the sleeves of a jacket or coat as giant gold glittering embroidered chevrons.  The new Amazone puts on a appearance of strength and invulnerability, as if ready for combats on all front.  

The collection includes glamorous gowns and dresses in silver, red, black and gold, decorated ornate motifs; glittering emerald, bronze and gold on a pencil skirt; red, black and gold crystals in clusters on an incendiary sheath or on sleeves, or in a single element, gold, iridescent crystal and silver, wrapping the waist of a white silk crepe cocktail dress vertiginously slit on the bias.   Elsewhere, we find the motif in an almost crude state, treated in a falsely literal way, as a serigraph in shades of khaki on a precious silk crepe sablé, for an ultra-feminine  “V” neck spencer jacket with structured shoulders, and sharp cigarette pants.

 

Rani Zakhem’s  "glamazone" is also marked with the seal of the forests translated, here in diaphanous sheaths where intertwined cascades of lianas drawn by the designer and hand embroidered with sequins and white, bronze, silver and gold braided threads. On the skirt of a tulle dress with crinoline all the poetry of an imaginary jungle unfolds, a fairy where fauna and flora blend in a palette of sky blue, pale pink, gold and copper, punctuated here and there by a flight of black birds.

The strapless corset draped in nude tulle, joins the skirt by a movement of ruffled tulle. In this celebration of nature there is also a spectacular crinoline creation, fluttering black tulle, with scattering of crystals, evoking a spider in its precious cobweb. Dragonflies flutter over pastel hues of aquatic vegetation on an exquisite revealing ballgown . as well as an adorable sheath in tulle cascades, nuanced from orange to pink, like a poisonous flower or panoply of native warriors.

Subtle references from Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan and Azzedine Alaïa punctuate the couture vocabulary of Rani Zakhem.

Vegan brand: ENDA - ethical high fashion

 After showcasing her work during New York Fashion Week, fashion designer, Ran Enda, expands to Los Angeles to raise awareness in the industry with her highly conscious collection.
Here are her latest creations shown in L.A. on July 3rd 2018.
Images from ENDA.

Ran Enda is a Japanese fashion designer based in New York. Born and raised in southern Japan, she graduated from FIT in Manhattan. She designed for Top brands such as Ralph Lauren and DVF. After a 12-year journey in the fast fashion realm, Ran decided to fulfill her vision for a cruelty-free fashion movement and launched ENDA in 2015.

“There is no doubt the current fashion business activity is creating negative impact on the environment. Enda is committed to offer 100% vegan and ethical clothing and accessories,” says the designer.
"Why vegan and ethical? Because these are two independent efforts. Just how vegan food is not necessarily always healthy, it is one approach to create products that are vegan (free from animal and its by-product) and another to produce them in an ethical way. It is an extremely challenging process but it represents the core values of the brand."

The ENDA luxury collection has a strong social and environmental activism woven into its fabric, according to Ran.

Each piece is produced with respect for the animals, the planet and humankind. Every purchase contributes in keeping animals away from violence and exploitation, in recycling natural resources and creating less landfill and in providing healthy and safe labour condition.

Ran Enda is committed to offering long-lasting designs that allows conscious individuals to wear their values.

The brand takes a “break from routine” approach found in Japanese art by freeing itself from trends, expressing simplicity, sophistication, spontaneity and originality.

Colours and prints are some of the key elements used to express ENDA’s brand aesthetics, highlighting its unique designs.

When faux skin and fur pieces are used, they are carefully selected and designed to match the luxuriousness of real ones, providing better choices without compromising the animals and the planet, says the designer.

Warm weather boosts above average seasonal sales for retailers - CBI

While a heat wave is taking hold of the UK, the higher-than-average temperatures seem to have had a positive impact on shoppers, according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) with retailers benefitting from above-average seasonal sales and improved order volumes growth.

In the year to June since September 2017, the UK’s retail sales demonstrated growth at the fastest pace, based on the CBI’s latest monthly Distributive Trades Survey (DTS).  

Online fashion retailers boohoo and boohooMAN have created an exclusive capsule collection set – the "Love is Love" collection is is a capsule designed to empower, embrace, support and celebrate love in all of its forms. Featuring a total of 30 pieces spanning ready-to-wear and accessories, the collection is subtle in design yet vocal in its message. Gender neutrality is at the forefront of this collaboration with each design available in various colourways, tones, fits and sizes. Purple, pink, blue and grey form the base of the range while an edit of the collection celebrates Pride through the use of the rainbow flag. Slogan prints play a huge part in the messaging behind the collection.

In particular, internet sales grew at a faster rate than the long-run average for the first time since January 2018 (although retailers expect growth to ease slightly in the year to July).

The survey conducted between 29 May and 13 June 2018, consisting of 106 firms (of which 45 retailers), also revealed that sales volumes were well above average for the time of year, following three months when they were below seasonal averages.   Additionally, the survey reported a jump in growth in the volume of orders placed on suppliers.

Retail sales growth was fairly broad-based across retail sub-sectors, with the pick-up in June driven particularly by a rise in non-store sales, department stores, durable household goods, and “other” normal goods. Grocers and hardware & DIY stores also fared well, reporting robust sales. Meanwhile, carpet & furniture stores and clothing retailers saw a drop in sales volumes in the year to June.

Anna Leach, CBI Head of Economic Intelligence, said:“Higher-than-average temperatures seem to have had a positive impact on shoppers, with retailers benefitting from above-average seasonal sales and improved order volumes growth. While today’s findings will bring some summer cheer to retailers, underlying conditions for the sector remain challenging – household spending remains under pressure from the slow recovery in real wage growth and the sector is still grappling with key structural changes like digital transformation.”   

Looking ahead, retailers expect growth in sales volumes and orders placed on suppliers to ease in the year to July. 

Elsewhere in the distribution sector, wholesalers reported flat sales volumes in the year to June (breaking 22 months of uninterrupted growth) – although firms expect growth to pick-up again in July. Motor traders continued to report modest sales volume growth, and they expect growth to accelerate sharply in July.

boohoo.com exclusive launch of new co-designed collection with Paris Hilton

Photo by Marc Piasecki/Getty Images for boohoo

Trendy fashion e-tailer boohoo.com hosted an exclusive launch event on 26th June 2018, to celebrate the launch of their new co-designed collection with Paris Hilton, including a DJ set by Paris herself and a live performance by Ja Rule!

The party held at Le Marois, in Paris, served as the ultimate Paris Hilton-themed party, inspired by a few of the icon’s favorite things and cultural moments that defined the turn of the century.

The famous heiress has created a capsule collection of 70 pieces inspired from the 2000’s trends.
The boohoo x Paris Hilton collection references a range of iconic trends the pioneer started back in the early 2000s.

Photo by Marc Piasecki/Getty Images for boohoo

Taking note from the product aesthetic, the event saw Paris Hilton arriving in a pink convertible and hit the turntables for a DJ set to get the party in full swing. Immediately following, American rapper Ja Rule performed live. Additional notable attendees included Norman Thavaud, Malika Menard, Slimane, Rayane Bensetti Tony Saint Laurent, Brahim Zaibat, Singuila and more.  Guests enjoyed custom pink cocktails, a pink room, and a candy bar !

Paris Hilton co-designed a 70 piece collection, including a range of ready-to-wear and swim that recreate her favorite trends and fashion moments since the turn of the new millennium, including animal prints, slinky metallics, palm prints inspired by her home town of Beverly Hills, all pink everything, and cheeky slogan pieces that boast her famous mottos like “That’s Hot”. The product retails for under £35.

Earlier in the year, the British fashion fashion e-tailer unveiled stellar full-year results - pre-tax profits jumped 40% to £43m in the year to February 28, while sales rocketed 97% to £580m, driven by an “exceptional performance” at PrettyLittleThing, which boohoo acquired just over a year ago, that generated revenues of £181m – up 228% year-on-year.   Its active customer base more than doubled to three million in its début year as high profile celebrity associations drove traffic to the site and the company expanded internationally.

Lamborghini previews Spring-Summer 2019 at Milan Men's Fashion Week

What could form a better team – fast, stylish cars and stylish clothing for the fashionable man of status.

Collezione Automobili Lamborghini presentation of its Spring-Summer 2019 menswear collection during Milan Men's Fashion Week 2018 on June 16, 2018 in Milan, Italy.
(All Photos by Stefania M. D'Alessandro/Getty Images for Lamborghini)

On the occasion of Milano Moda Uomo fashion week held in the Italian historical city last week (15 – 18 June) the luxury sports car brand Lamborghini previewed their 2019 Spring Summer Menswear collection in the historic Palazzo Gavazzi at 23 Via Montenapoleone.

In the unique setting of the courtyard a Huracán Performante and a Huracán RWD Coupé formed the perfect setting for the clothing collection.

The 2019 Spring Summer Collection features the sartorial expertise of the Sant’Agata Bolognese brand combined with the technological know-how as well as the passion for detail of the Lamborghini team responsible for the creation of every single item.

The result is a contemporary top-quality menswear collection delivering a total look that encapsulates the brand’s unique concepts: informal luxury, futuristic approach and designer of experiences.

Design and brand identity are the essence of the Collezione Automobili Lamborghini 2019 Spring Summer Collection, whose must-have items share the same style codes of the Lamborghini super sports cars.

Note the SuperLight Trench in breathable windproof and waterproof blue technical fabric, featuring hexagonal-pattern lining, under-collar, and quilted sleeves echoing the Urus seat stitching motif.

Another is the Techno Camo Blouson in jacquard nylon with exclusive Lamborghini camouflage graphics a mat-glossy finish fabric, and a bold 3D motif delivering a highly dynamic effect.

There’s the iconic Supercar Jacket in supple back leather with hexagonal stitching on the elbows is a must-have essential for fast driving enthusiasts to enjoy a Lamborghini super sports car or, why not, a newly restored Miura out of the Lamborghini Polo Storico inaugurated last year.

Collezione Automobili Lamborghini continues its special partnerships with Enzo Bonafè for handcrafted shoes, Hettabretz for leather jackets, Intertrade Group for fragrance creations, with Mizuno for lifestyle and running shoes, with Swiss Prestige Cosmetics for cosmetics, and with TecknoMonster for high-end carbon fibre luggage brand.

Also worth noting is the Khaki Cotton Jacket with visible stitching and sartorial details evocative of super sports car design and hexagonal-pattern lining. Also complementing the total look are sweaters and polos with the URUS #sincewemadeitpossible claim embroidered on the left shoulder or under the collar; jacquard Mako cotton t-shirts and polos with hexagonal pattern;  aluminum colour cotton chinos and five-pocket khaki trousers in cotton with inlay stitching creating a triple Y motif forming the iconic Lamborghini hexagon.

Also on display was the limited edition P5X triathlon bike co-branded with Cervélo along with Lamborghini's Authentic Living furniture line created in collaboration with Riva 1920, a company specializing in the production of solid wood design furniture,  and designed by star-architect Karim Rashid.  

The new furniture range includes the Klip desk, the Finesse bookcase, the Klutch chair, the Speed table, the Dynamik divan and the latest Inkline and Rivar sideboards; all characterized by sinuous elegant design boasting superior craftsmanship and the finest natural and authentic materials, such as solid walnut wood and black leather.

All Photos by Stefania M. D'Alessandro/Getty Images for Lamborghini.

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 Sustainable / Organic Tee shirts from London Denim.

Japan House opens in London's Kensington

Japan House is officially open, confirming London remains a top choice for cultural and creativity exchange between different nations. 

Japan House London, which opened on June 22, is set in an Art Deco building on Kensington High Street, London, as part of a global initiative led by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  This unique set-up aims to bring focus to the beautiful ancient country of Japan, the next destination for the Rugby World Cup 2019 and the Summer Olympics 2020.

"We shall be asking visitors to discover and reflect on what they might not yet know about Japan."

The new Japan House London is Europe’s destination for appreciating and understanding Japanese art, design, gastronomy, innovation and technology under one roof.  Accordingly, the two other Japan Houses in the world are located in Los Angeles and São Paulo.

It provides authentic and surprising encounters with the very best in art, design, gastronomy, innovation and technology, allowing visitors a deeper appreciation of Japanese culture, according to HARA Kenya, Chief Creative Director of the global Japan House project.

He said:  “It is not easy to introduce Japan simply. In Japan House, we shall not be showing stereotypes, but importantly we shall be asking visitors to discover and reflect on what they might not yet know about Japan.  For people who have not thought about Japan, for those who think they do, and for Japanese people themselves, I hope that at each encounter with Japan House there will be fresh discovery.”

Through a wide-ranging programme, Japan House London shines a spotlight on the artisans, craftsmen, designers, performers, musicians and other creatives who are making waves in Japan and around the world – from internationally renowned individuals to emerging artists who are excelling in their field.

Some of the best creative minds in Japan are working on the project and almost every aspect of Japan House London is derived “from source” in Japan; from its interior design features, to the exhibitions and events, and authentic retail products sourced from across Japan.

KATAYAMA Masamichi, Principal of Wonderwall and prominent Japanese interior designer said: "This project gave me great pleasure and an opportunity to relearn, revisit and revaluate Japan's aesthetics and the mindset of our people. I wanted to create a purposeful and meaningful space which can be a stage and provide a spotlight to the very broad and creative programme on offer at Japan House London."

Michael HOULIHAN, Director General of Japan House London, added: “London has long been a crossroads for our world’s cultures, ideas, and trade. From tomorrow (June 22), Japan will have a special place where its voice can be heard and its stories can enrich this exceptional fabric of openness and understanding.”

Cllr Gerard Hargreaves, Kensington and Chelsea Council’s Lead Member for Communities and Culture, said:  “Our borough is an international borough home to many nationalities and world famous for its cultural and retail attractions. I’m delighted that it is now home to Japan House. Our connections with Japan are evident already, we have the beautiful Kyoto Gardens nearby in Holland Park, we are looking forward to the opportunities this creates to further develop close business, cultural and educational links.”